USA > Illinois > Macoupin County > History of Macoupin County, Illinois : biographical and pictorial, Volume II > Part 13
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Mr. Hall was married, on the 21st of November, 1877, to Miss Abiah S. Dews, a daughter of John and Sylvia (Morris) Dews, both natives of England. Her father came to America at a very early day and for about three years resided in Cincinnati, Ohio. He arrived in Macoupin county in 1834, locating on government land in Western Mound township, and throughout his lifetime engaged in agricultural pursuits. Something of the success which came to him is indicated by the fact that at the time of his death he was the owner of fifteen hundred acres of land which stood as the visible evidence of his excellent business ability ard industrious habits. In his family were nine children, which number included William Henry Dews, a brother of Mrs. Hall, who is mentioned at length on another page of this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hall has been born one son, Clarence R., who resides in Chesterfield. He married Miss Grace Childs, and they have one son, Daniel Mortimer.
The religious faith of Mr. Hall is that of the Methodist church. He gives his support to the republican party, and although he is without political aspira- tions, he has been called upon to serve on the school board of Chesterfield town- ship and was also elected township supervisor, which office he held for two years. Quiet and unassuming in manner, he is earnest and sincere in his motives and possesses those qualities of character which make for honorable manhood and desirable citizenship, and in the community in which his entire life has been spent he has a large circle of friends who entertain for him unqualified respect and esteem.
CLEMENT J. LUMPKIN.
For twenty-five years Clement J. Lumpkin has been identified with the Ma- coupin County Enquirer and has strived to make the paper a leading democratic organ in this part of the state. He was born in Bird township, August 24, 1864, a son of James W. and Elzina (Bates) Lumpkin, both of whom were natives of this county. The father was reared in Bird township and followed farming until 1880, when he moved to Carlinville and engaged in the agricultural implement business, also serving as deputy sheriff. In 1886 he and his son, Clement J., assumed control of the Macoupin County Enquirer and associated as editors and publishers of the paper. Mr. Lumpkin, Sr., died in July, 1903, at the age of sixty-seven years, his wife passing away one year later at the age of sixty-five. Both held membership in the Baptist church. Mr. Lumpkin was well known in political circles and was active in the councils of the democratic party, being a stanch upholder of its principles. He was energetic and capable in business, Vol. II-7
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thoroughly honorable in his dealings, and left a record of which his friends may always be proud.
The grandfather of our subject on the paternal side was John Lumpkin, who was born on a farm near Owensboro, Kentucky. He came to Macoupin county, Illinois, in 1835, and took up government land in Bird township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died at the age of seventy-two years. The maiden name of his wife was Emily Ann Rafferty. She was the mother of one son who grew to maturity. The grandfather on the maternal side was James Bates, a native of Tennessee and also a pioneer of Macoupin county. He married Martha Witt and they had two children, Elzina and John.
Clement J. Lumpkin was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools. Later he matriculated at Blackburn University, from which he was graduated in 1885. After leaving the university he taught school for one year, at the end of which time he and his father purchased the Macoupin County En- quirer. He succeeded his father in carrying forward the publication of the paper and its success speaks for itself. He still owns his share of the old home farm of four hundred and thirty acres, and has other landed interests.
On the 27th of June, 1899, Mr. Lumpkin was married to Miss Mary Eliza- beth Pegram, a daughter of Alvin and Almeda (De Kalb) Pegram. She was born in Carrollton, Greene county, Illinois, her father being a native of the same county and her mother of the state of Alabama. The father died at the age of sixty-two years, but the mother is still living and is now sixty-four years old. They had four children: Mary Elizabeth, now Mrs. Clement J. Lumpkin ; Nathaniel J., a resident of White Hall, Illinois ; Almeda, who is the wife of Nor- mal L. Jones, of Carrollton ; and Abbie, who married L. J. Titus, of Springfield.
A lifelong democrat, Mr. Lumpkin is well informed concerning the history and principles of the party and is one of its most earnest and uncompromising supporters. He tries to make his paper a potent influence in promulgating the advantages of Macoupin county and upholding the interests of this section. He is not connected with any religious denomination, but his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order. He is a member of Mount Nebo Lodge No. 76, A. F. & A. M .; Macoupin Chap- ter, No. 187, R. A. M .; Elwood Commandery, No. 6, K. T .; and Moolah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of St. Louis.
FRANCIS M. ADAMS.
Francis M. Adams, who has borne the title of general ever since his boyhood, is an honored citizen of Macoupin county and can claim descent from worthy pioneer stock. He was born on section 20, Gillespie township, July 1, 1833, and is a son of Giles M. and Elizabeth (Taylor) Adams; the former was born in Virginia and the latter in South Carolina. On the paternal side the family is of Welsh, Irish and French origin. Daniel Adams, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Virginia and was one of the early settlers of Illinois, dying in this state at the age of seventy-four years. There were eight children in his family.
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Giles M. Adams migrated with his parents to Kentucky and later to Tennessee. He married Elizabeth Taylor, who was born April 19, 1809, and with his wife and two children came to Illinois, arriving at Edwardsville, Madison county, in 1829. Like a majority of the pioneer settlers of this state he was not heavily supplied with this world's goods and his total cash resources when taking up his residence in Macoupin county were seventy-five cents. Beginning at the bottom of the financial ladder he bravely met every obstacle and through undaunted energy and perseverance acquired three hundred acres of good land and also gained a reputation as one of the reliable and substantial men of the county. He died at the age of sixty-eight years ; his wife passed away eight or nine years later. Politically he was in sympathy with the democratic party and he served for a number of years as justice of the peace, being at all times a stanch friend of stable government and an advocate of recognized principles of law and order. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Adams were five children: Daniel, who was born July 27, 1827, and is now deceased ; Mrs. Nancy Ann Dillard, who was born April 14, 1829, and lives in Gillespie township; Francis M., of this review; William W., who was born September 28, 1836, and took up his residence in Montgomery county ; and James, born November 10, 1841, deceased.
In the early district schools of Gillespie township Francis M. Adams gained his preliminary education. He received a thorough knowledge of agriculture and stock-raising under his father and at the age of thirty-one was married, later becoming the owner of the old homestead as his share of the family estate. He has engaged in farming since boyhood and for twenty-six years ran a thresh- ing machine. He was also for sixteen years interested in a sawmill. A man of unusual enterprise and business ability, he has made excel- lent use of the opportunities in a growing country and has been remarkably successful in his work. His principal attention has been concentrated upon farm- ing and stock-raising, and it is acknowledged that he has few superiors in those lines in this section of the state. He and his wife own two thousand six hundred and sixty acres of farm land in Macoupin and Christian counties, one thousand acres of which represents her share in her father's estate. Notwithstanding his. advanced age, Mr. Adams recently purchased an automobile and one of his- favorite recreations is riding through beautiful scenes which have been familiar to him since his earliest recollection.
On February 16, 1864, Mr. Adams was married to Miss Elizabeth K. Grimes,. who was born at Carlinville, February 27, 1841, a daughter of William and' Nancy (Wagner) Grimes. The grandfather, Peter Wagner, came to Illinois. from Tennessee about 1820. William Grimes, the father, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, January 13, 1811. He was married to Nancy Wagner, July 20, 1837, and died in Christian county, Illinois, February 24, 1897. He followed the black- smith's trade for a number of years and then turned his attention to farming, in which he attained a large measure of success. His father was Nicholas Grimes, who was born March 7, 1783, and died April 1, 1848. The mother of Mrs. Adams was born April 22, 1820, in Madison county, Illinois, and died May 28, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Grimes were the parents of three children: Elizabeth K., now Mrs. Francis M. Adams; Mrs. Mary A. Beggan, who was born February 22, 1844, and died September 1, 1899; and Stephen N., who was born September 2, 1848,
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and died February 24, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are the parents of six chil- dren. William M., the eldest, was born November 24, 1866, and died February I, 1870. Mary was born June 25, 1868, and is the wife of Philip S. Teter, of Macoupin county. They have three children : Clarence L., William E. and Ken- neth L. James L. was born December 14, 1872, and died December 27, 1874. Stephen N. was born October 26, 1875; and died September 18, 1878. Oscar N. was born November 15, 1877, and died March 18, 1878. Nancy Virginia was born January 10, 1884, and is the wife of Samuel Spencer, of Gillespie.
Politically Mr. Adams is an earnest supporter of the democratic party and as a patriotic citizen has accepted the responsibilities of public office. He has served with great acceptance to the people as supervisor, justice of the peace and road commissioner, and for twenty-three years past has filled the office of chairman of the board of school directors. The local schoolhouse is situated on his farm. He possesses unusual public spirit and is foremost in all movements which seek to promote the material or moral welfare of the community. He has shown his friendly interest in others in many ways. In his business dealings he has always been prompt, reliable and trustworthy, and he is regarded with the highest re- spect and esteem by old and young throughout the wide region where his name is known.
BALTISAR REGLI.
The little republic of Switzerland has contributed many of its sons to America, who have carved out fortunes for themselves under the favoring conditions of the United States and are now living at ease in homes which they provided through their thrift and perseverance. Baltisar Regli belongs to this class. He was born June 3, 1834, a son of Michael and Lena Regli. The parents were both natives of Switzerland and spent their entire lives in that country, the father being a farmer. In their family were three sons and two daughters. Two of the sons are now living in California and the daughter still makes her home in the old country.
Mr. Regli of this sketch was educated in the schools of his native land and under his father was made acquainted with the duties pertaining to farming. He remained at home until twenty-three years of age and then, in 1857, went aboard a ship at Havre and crossed the ocean to New Orleans, the voyage requiring many weeks. He came up the Mississippi river to St. Louis in a steamboat and for about four years was employed on a large dairy farm near that city. At the be- ginning of the Civil war he enlisted in the Union army at Jefferson Barracks in Company D, First Missouri Cavalry, and served faithfully for over three years. He participated in many battles and skirmishes and passed through the war with- out serious personal injury. He continued in St. Louis for one year after leaving the army and then came to Macoupin county, Illinois, and purchased land upon which he has since made his home. As opportunity offered he acquired addi- tional property and became the owner of one of the valuable places in Polk township, where he owns one hundred acres. He occupies a comfortable and
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well furnished residence and has made many improvements on his place, every- thing about the farm indicating the application of energy and good management. He is now seventy-seven years of age, but retains in a large measure his physical and mental strength and superintends the operation of the farm.
On the 18th of August, 1867, Mr. Regli was married, at St. Louis, to Miss Magdalene Shaffer, who was born at St. Louis. Her parents were both born in Germany and came to this country, settling at St. Louis, where the mother died from cholera. Mr. and Mrs. Regli became the parents of four children, all of whom are now living. Dena, the eldest, is the wife of Joseph Rhodes, of North Dakota, and they have six children, Charles, Clara, Theresa, Marie, Julia, and William. Mary married Charles Kaup, of Jerseyville, Illinois. They have two children, Anna and Lena. Francisco is the wife of William Edwards, of Polk township, and they have one child, Lena M. Philip was married to Miss Anna Ebel, of Macoupin county, and they have one child, Alberta Marie. Mr. Regli was deprived by death of his wife October 31, 1910, after they had traveled life's journey for more than forty years.
He proved his allegiance to his adopted country by offering his life for the Union at the time of the great Rebellion. It is men of this character who uphold free institutions and reflect credit upon the race. His record is one to which descendants may always point with pride. He was reared in the Catholic faith and is a valued member of St. Joseph's church of Carlinville. In politics he is an earnest adherent of the republican party.
WILLIAM THEODORE EDDY.
William Theodore Eddy, city editor and superintendent of the Carlinville Enquirer, is a native of Quincy, Illinois, and is essentially a western man, hav- ing spent his entire life in the Mississippi valley. He was born January 19, 1874, a son of Edward D. and Nora (Le Fevre) Eddy, the former of whom was born in Kentucky and the latter in Virginia. They were the parents of four children : William Theodore, of this review : Edna I., who is the wife of Charles Hooper, of Omaha, Nebraska ; Louis T., of St. Louis, Missouri ; and Martha J., who mar- ried Bernice D. Moss, of St. Louis.
The father of our subject was reared at Hannibal, Missouri, and for a num- ber of years served as foreman in plug tobacco factories of that city. He died in 1899, at the age of fifty-five years, but Mrs. Eddy still survives and makes her home with her son in this city. She is a consistent member of the Baptist church, her husband having been connected with the Southern Methodist church. The paternal grandfather was William Eddy. He was a native of Kentucky and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He was a carpenter by trade and settled at Hanni- bal, Missouri, where he spent the remainder of his life. The maiden name of his wife was Martha J. Tanner. She lived to be about sixty-five years old and was the mother of five children, George, Marvin, Theodore, Edward and Eunice. The grandfather on the maternal side was Jacob Le Fevre, who was a native of Virginia and was descended from French ancestry. He came west and estab-
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lished a home in Audrain county, near Elklick Springs, Missouri, where he con- tinued until his death, which occurred when he was over seventy years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Lucy Krenshaw Davis, lived to the advanced age of ninety-eight years. They had three children, Richard, Charles and Nora. Jacob Le Fevre was twice married and was the father of one son by his first marriage. His second wife outlived him and was again married.
Mr. Eddy, whose name introduces this sketch, passed the first eight years of his life at Quincy, Illinois, and then was taken by his parents to Hannibal, Mis- souri, where he grew to manhood. He received his preliminary education in the public schools and at the age of twelve years began learning the printer's trade. He has ever since that time been connected with the printing or newspaper busi- ness. In September, 1908, he came to Carlinville as linotype operator on the Carlinville Enquirer and a year later he was made city editor of the paper, a position which he has since filled.
On the 4th of September, 1896, Mr. Eddy was married to Miss Jessie L. Hynes, a daughter of James and Belle Hynes. Five children have been born to this union, Donald, Malcolm, Mildred, Frances and James. Mrs. Eddy was born at Kenton, Ohio, her father being a native of Canada and her mother of the Buckeye state. The parents are both now living at Hannibal, Missouri. In their family were two children, Jessie L. and Ethel. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Eddy was Michael Hynes, a native of Michigan and a farmer by occupa- tion, while the grandfather on the maternal side was a Presbyterian minister. Mrs. Eddy is a member of the Christian church, but her husband adheres to the Methodist church. He belongs to Ingleside Lodge, No. 195, I. O. O. F., of Paducah, Kentucky, and also to Jersey Camp, No. 10, W. O. W., of Paducah. Politically he gives his support to the democratic party. He is possessed of musi- cal talent and is a competent orchestra leader, being also an instructor. He is the owner of the comfortable home in which he and his family reside at 504 Johnson street.
GEORGE H. LUKER.
George H. Luker, who is now serving his fourth term as mayor of Staunton, may truly be designated as one of the leading men of the city. He is prominent in business circles and has shown a capacity in the management of public and private affairs which has produced highly gratifying results. A native of Al- hambra, Madison county, Illinois, he was born September 3, 1876, a son of Henry W. and Emma (Miller) Luker, both of whom were born in Westphalia, Germany. The father emigrated to the United States in his boyhood and first located in St. Louis, Missouri. Later he removed to Madison county, Illinois, and in 1876 took up his residence in Macoupin county, where he continued until his death, in 1893. He was a painter by trade and was a man of industrious habits who ever attempted to perform his duty to his family and his adopted country. The mother is still living and makes her home in Staunton. There were the following children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Luker, namely: Emma,
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who is the wife of T. E. Shumacher, of Staunton; George H., of this review ; Edward C., who is associated in business with his brother, George H .; Anna, de- ceased; Dora, at home; Paul and Charley, both of whom are deceased; and Robert, who is a cadet in the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Mary- land.
Mr. Luker whose name introduces this sketch has been a resident of Ma- coupin county since his infancy and in the public schools he acquired his pre- liminary education. He was identified with the wholesale beer business for a number of years in Staunton, and later associated with his brother Edward in the bottling business which, under their systematic management, has become highly successful. The works have a capacity of two hundred and fifty cases a day and by promptness in delivery and fair dealing with patrons the firm has acquired a position as one of the leading concerns of the kind in Macoupin county. Mr. Luker is also a stockholder in the ice plant of Staunton, owns a half interest in a new brick building on Main street, and has made other lucrative investments.
In 1900 he was married to Miss Laura Dammann, of New York city. They occupy a beautiful residence and their home is a center, where friends are always assured of a cordial greeting. Mr. Luker is preeminently a man of affairs and exerts a wide influence in a community with which he has been identified from his boyhood. He has taken a lively interest in politics and ever since he reached maturity has supported the democratic party. He has served one term as tax collector, one term as county supervisor, and as mayor has administered that responsible office to the general satisfaction of the taxpayers and to the best interests of the city. He is prominent in fraternal orders, being a member of the lodges of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Red Men, of Staunton; the Elks, of Litchfield ; and the Eagles, of St. Louis. He can claim a host of friends in those orders and also in other walks of life, and is recognized as one of the most popular men in Staunton.
EDWARD J. FISHER.
For forty years Edward J. Fisher was a resident of Hilyard township. He was a successful farmer, an energetic and capable man of business, and a citizen who never hesitated in the discharge of any responsibility that gave evidence of assisting in the promotion of the general good. An advocate of progress, he illustrated in his daily life the stimulating effect of a worthy ambition and an untiring perseverance which encouraged others to renewed effort even in the face of grave obstacles.
A native of England, Mr. Fisher inherited some of the most worthy charac- teristics of the Anglo-Saxon race. He was born in May, 1822, a son of Edward Fisher, Jr., who was also born in England. The father was married in the old country and a number of years later came to America with his family, first set- tling in Jersey county, Illinois, near Delhi. Here he entered government land which he cultivated successfully. After a few years he moved to Madison county and finally located in Macoupin county. He died in Madison county, Illinois. In
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his family were five children, two sons and three daughters. One of the sons, William H., was killed in the Mexican war.
Edward J. Fisher whose name introduces this sketch received his early educa- tion in England and emigrated with his parents to Illinois, which became his adopted state. He early showed a special aptitude for farming, a pursuit to which he devoted the principal years of his life, and after settling in Hilyard township, Macoupin county, he steadily advanced to a position as one of its most substantial citizens. His farm presented a neat and thrifty appearance and each year added to his prosperity. He made many improvements on his place and did not hesitate to avail himself of modern appliances, thus securing the best results with the least expenditure of time and labor.
In 1848 Mr. Fisher was married in Jersey county by Squire Fuller to Adaline Beebe, who was born in New York state October 12, 1830, a daughter of David and Catherine (Power) Beebe. The family on the paternal side is of Irish descent. The first progenitor in America came from Waterford, Ireland, and established his home in Pennsylvania. The father of Mrs. Fisher was born in New York state and the mother in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He participated in the war of 1812 and was for many years a seafaring man, advancing to the posi- tion of captain. He also engaged in the tea business, but in 1837, having decided to take advantage of the opportunities offered in the west, he came to Jersey county, Illinois, and engaged in farming near Delhi. After a few years he re- turned to Phialdelphia and died in that city in 1847. In his family were ten children, six sons and four daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are the parents of five children, three of whom are now living, namely: Edward J .; Mrs. Delia Bogard, of St. Louis, Missouri, who was born at Woodburn, Macoupin county ; and Catherine, who is the wife of Russell Hill, of South Dakota. Edward J. was born in Alton, Illinois, September II, 1856, and in 1881 was married to Miss Julia M. Clarkson, a native of Manchester, Illinois. Mr. Fisher is success- fully engaged in farming on section 27 of Hilyard township.
Edward J. Fisher, whose name introduces this sketch, died in 1858, and the general expression of regret at his demise gave evidence of the deep respect in which he was held by the community. He was a sincere believer in the Bible and was for many years a consistent member of the Methodist church. In politics he was in full sympathy with the republican party, but was never an office-seeker. He gave close attention to his business and his life record is an illustration of the possibilities in America for men actuated by worthy aims, who make practical use of their energies.
TILDEN ROBERTSON.
Tilden Robertson, who is a valued factor in agricultural circles of Shaws Point township, was born at Moorhead, Minnesota, August 12, 1885, and is a son of William R. and Margaret (Guilder) Robertson. The father was born at Carlinville, Illinois, and the mother in Michigan. Dr. William A. Robertson, the grandfather of our subject, was a prominent resident of Carlinville in early
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