USA > Illinois > Macoupin County > History of Macoupin County, Illinois : biographical and pictorial, Volume II > Part 4
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Mr. Cooper's principal activities outside of his business and his home were in connection with the Masonic fraternity and the Baptist church. He held membership in Girard Lodge, No. 171, A. F. & A. M., which found in him an exemplary representative, true to the teachings of the craft concerning mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. He was ever ready to extend a helping hand to those who needed assistance or to speak a word of encouragement to a brother when the day seemed dark and the outlook unpromising. Back of all this was his Christian faith, which had its root in the doctrines of the Baptist church. He was sixteen years of age when he united with the church and he continued loyal to his professions all that time to the close of his life. Chris- tianity was with him not a matter merely of Sabbath observance but something which became a part of his very life. He endeavored always to practice the Christian virtues of temperance, forbearance and charity, and in many lines of the church work he was a most helpful factor. For several years he served as
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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
Sunday school superintendent and for many years was one of the deacons of the church, sparing neither labor nor expense in promoting the growth of the church and extending its influence. Death came to him after considerable suf- fering and was a welcome relief from the pain through which he had passed. He was called to the home beyond June 4, 1910, when he had reached the age of seventy-eight years, six months and nine days. The words of the poet might well be applied to him that "his were the blessed accompaniments of old age-riches, honor, troops of friends-" for success had rewarded his labors and investments in the business world, his well spent life had gained him the unqualified respect and confidence of his fellowmen and his genial, cordial man- ner had gained for him the friendship of the majority of those with whom he came in contact. His political allegiance was given the republican party and he ever kept well informed on the issues of the day but never sought nor held office. He preferred to concentrate his energies upon his private interests, his duties as a citizen and as a member of the church. He was ever most devoted to his family, his interest centering in his own household, where he was ever a devoted husband and father. He never sought to figure prominently before the public and yet his worth was acknowledged by all who knew him. In the review of such a life record as that of Edmond Mills Cooper we are reminded of the words of Abraham Lincoln: "There is something better than making a living-making a life."
ROBERT LEE JONES.
Among the public spirited and successful men of Macoupin county, who have gained the confidence of the entire community, is Robert Lee Jones. He has served in one of the most important offices in the county, and has shown an ability and fidelity to trust which are worthy of universal imitation. Born in Carlinville, August 23, 1873, he is a son of John D. and Sarah L. (Rule) Jones, the former of whom was born in Scioto county, Ohio, and the latter at Alton, Illinois. The grandfather on the paternal side came to Illinois with his family and began farming in Jersey county. Later he removed to Macoupin county in a covered wagon and purchased a farm upon which he established the family homestead. He contracted pneumonia from exposure while driving cattle and hogs through the country and died soon after locating in this county. John D. Jones, the father of our subject, was reared under pioneer conditions and con- tinued at home until the outbreak of the Civil war. In response to the call of President Lincoln, he offered his services to his country and became a member of Company C, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, serving faithfully with his regi- ment during the entire war. After the close of the great conflict, he received his honorable discharge and returned to Macoupin county, entering the butcher business at Carlinville, in which he continued successfully for many years. He is now living in honorable retirement at his home in Carlinville, and has reached the age of seventy-four, his wife being sixty-eight years of age. They are both well known and highly respected residents of the city.
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The public schools of Carlinville furnished opportunity for Robert Lee Jones to secure a good preliminary education and thus lay a useful foundation for an active life. After leaving school he secured employment on a stock farm in the county, and subsequently worked on various farms for five years. He then took up his residence in Carlinville and for three years was engaged in teaming. At the end of the time named, he was given employment as weighmaster for the Carlinville Coal Company, a position which he filled for one and one-half years. He then resigned and joined the Coal Miners Union, being employed as check weighman by that organization. He served in this capacity for eight years, and during four years of that time was regularly reelected to the position every three months. He became well known in the county and in 1906 was elected sheriff, a position which he filled most acceptably to voters of all political parties for four years. Since retiring from the office of sheriff he has served as deputy United States marshal, and also has had charge of the sheriff's office during the absence of the sheriff from the county.
Mr. Jones has never married, preferring the freedom of bachelorhood. Poli- tically he is an earnest advocate of the republican party whose principles. appeal to him as essential to the perpetuity of the nation. He is in sympathy with the doctrines of the Methodist church but he has never affiliated with any religious denomination although friendly toward them all. He is a member of Lodge No. 107, I. O. O. F., and also of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and has found much in the teachings of those orders which meet his approval. A faithful public official and through life a lover of justice and truth, he is a worthy representative of the best type of American citizen and as such is highly popular wherever he is known.
GEORGE BAKER.
The enterprise and industry with which George Baker applied himself to business in former years now makes it possible for him to live retired from ac- tive life, these characteristics being the salient elements in the attainment of his present comfortable financial position. He is a native of England, his birth oc- curring in Dorchestershire on the 5th of July, 1831. His parents, John and Anne (Gauler) Baker, were both born in England and there spent their entire lives, the father being employed as footman. In their family were four children, namely Emily, deceased; George, of this review; Martha, the widow of Frank Dyke, of Bunker Hill; and Charles, a blacksmith of this town.
In the common schools of his native land George Baker acquired his educa- tion and at the age of fourteen years became an apprentice to the blacksmith's trade, thus serving for six years. At the expiration of that period he worked as a journeyman for a time and then a brother-in-law, Frank Dyke, who was then visiting in England, offered him passage money to the United States. Ac- cepting this opportunity to come to this country, he sailed from England in 1854 and five weeks had passed ere he arrived on American soil. Coming direct to Illinois, he worked at his trade for a few months, after which he entered into
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partnership with John Upton, this relation continuing for one year. He then purchased entire control of the business and continued its conduct until 1886, when the success which had attended his efforts made it possible to withdraw from active business life and with a most comfortable competence as the result of his well directed efforts and perseverance he has since lived retired. He owns a fine brick residence in Bunker Hill and also other dwellings and business houses in his home town as well as one hundred and forty acres of valuable farm land in Bunker Hill township.
In 1857 Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Jane Kitchell, who became the mother of six children, as follows: Ed, a farmer of Coulterville, Illinois; Anna, the wife of J. Y. Pierce, of Ballinger, Texas; Jane, deceased ; T. A., engaged in the real-estate business in Bunker Hill; and two who passed away in infancy. In 1882 Mrs. Baker was called to her final rest and in 1890 Mr. Baker was again married, his second union being with Miss Eliza Meyers, whose death occurred in 1907.
The religious faith of Mr. Baker is indicated by his membership in the Meth- odist Episcopal church while politically he gives his support to the republican party. He has served as a member of the town council and has been deeply . and actively interested in the public life of the community for a number of years, doing all in his power to further the general welfare and always advocat- ing those measures which have to do with progress and advancement in civic affairs. He has now reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey and, view- ing his life through the perspective of the years, his has been a most creditable career, its success being measured not only by the material prosperity which has crowned his labors but also by the high place which he has made for himself in the esteem and regard of his fellowmen, and by the large circle of warm friends which he has gathered around him.
CHARLES PURSEY.
Charles Pursey, who owns a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Polk township which he acquired by his energy and business ability, is justly regarded as one of the trustworthy and progressive men of Macoupin county. He was born in Somersetshire, England, April 28, 1858, and is a son of Thomas and Sarah Anne (Fields) Pursey. The father was born in Devonshire and continued with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he took up his permanent residence in Somersetshire. He devoted his attention to general farming and died about 1884. The mother of our subject was born in Somersetshire and passed her entire life in that section. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Pursey were seven children : Sarah Anne, who is the widow of Frank Wheeler, of England ; Eliza, the widow of George Tatner, of Kent, England; Thomas, who came to America and is now engaged in farming in Polk township, Macoupin county ; Emery, who was killed in a runaway accident; Charles; George, who is also living in Polk township; and Emily, deceased.
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In the public schools of his native land Charles Pursey received his early edu- cation. He continued at home until fourteen years of age and then began learn- ing the butcher's trade, at which he continued for five years in Gloucestershire. He then went to Dartford, Kent, and was employed in the paper mills for one year, after which he spent a year at home. Having decided to seek his fortune in America, he went aboard the ship Parthia, of the Cunard line, at Liverpool, and crossed the ocean landing at Castle Garden, New York, March 12, 1881. He came direct to Macoupin county, Illinois, and soon afterwards bought eighty acres in Polk township, which he cultivated for eighteen months and then began working for wages, in order to secure more capital. After being employed for four years by farmers of the neighborhood he settled on his own place, which is located on sections 10 and II, and now comprises two hundred and forty acres. His land is in an excellent state of cultivation and as he keeps good grades of stock and understands marketing the same, his continued prosperity is assured.
In 1887 Mr. Pursey was married to Miss Emily Eddington, who was born in Somersetshire, England, and came to the United States in the year of her mar- riage. She died in 1888, and in 1889 Mr. Pursey was married to Mrs. Joseph Christian, who was born in Polk township on the farm where she now makes her home. There are nine children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Pursey, namely, Jacob Rudolph, Joseph Wesley, Carl Julius, Edward, Lilly, Theodore, Dorothy, Mildred, and Charles Earl, all of whom are at home.
Politically Mr. Pursey supports the republican party, and he has served for two terms as highway commissioner and for fourteen years as a member of the school board. He was christened in the Church of England, but his wife is a member of the German Evangelical church of Carlinville. Being a liberal-hearted man, he is a generous contributor to churches and all worthy causes. Fraternally he is identified with the Royal Americans, and he is also connected with the Federal Life Insurance Company of Chicago. Arriving in America thirty years ago, he set himself bravely to work among strangers, and has founded a home and established a reputation of which his family and friends may truly be proud. He has ever recognized his obligations to his family and to his adopted state and country, and no more loyal citizen is to be met with in Illinois than the one whose name introduces this sketch.
JAMES A. RING.
The son of a soldier who gave up his life for the Union, James A. Ring, of Shaws Point township, has shown many of the sturdy traits of character which were possessed by his honored father, and is justly entitled to the success he has attained as an agriculturist and stock-raiser. He was born in Coles county, Illi- nois, in November, 1856, a son of Henry and Eliza (Griffin) Ring, the former being a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana. The father came to Coles county in the pioneer days and engaged in farming. He was a sincere lover of the republic and in 1861, when the life of the Union was threatened, he enlisted in the federal army and was sent to the front in the army of the west. On ac-
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count of exposure and the hardships of fighting and campaigning he was taken sick at the close of six months and died in a hospital at Nashville, Tennessee, in 1862. After his death his widow returned with her children from Illinois to her old home in Indiana, continuing there until the close of the war, when she came to Macoupin county, Illinois.
Mr. Ring of this review attended the public schools of Indiana and Macoupin county. As soon as he became old enough he went out to work by the month and continued for fifteen years working for wages. He then began farming upon his own account and rented land for eight years. He afterward purchased one hundred and ten acres, partly improved, in Shaws Point township. He greatly increased the value of the place by good management and proper rotation of crops, also erecting buildings, making it one of the desirable farms of the locality. His son, James W., is now in charge of this property and the father is operating the Burke and McGready farm of two hundred and seventy-six acres, of which he has been in control for seven years. He usually keeps on hand about a carload of cattle and twenty-three head of horses and mules, also feeding two carloads of hogs each year. His efforts have met with merited recompense and each year witnesses an increase in his revenue.
In September, 1886, Mr. Ring was married to Miss Mary Ann Fishback, a daughter of John and Jennie Fishback, both of whom were born in Germany. The parents came to Macoupin county, Illinois, many years ago, and Mr. Fish- back cultivated a rented farm for several years. Subsequently he purchased and improved a small place, upon which he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1897. The mother is still living and makes her home with the subject of this review, having arrived at the age of seventy-eight years. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ring: Frank, who is now twenty-four years old ; James W., who is twenty-three years of age; John H., of the age of nine- teen years ; and Homer O., thirteen years old.
Mr. Ring takes an active interest in local affairs and is now serving as town- ship commissioner, an office which he has filled most acceptably for six years past. He also occupied the position of township treasurer for three years. So- cially he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a man of frank and straightforward address and by contact with the world has gained much practical knowledge, which he has been able to apply to good advantage. He belongs to the best type of citizenship and is recognized as a jnst and upright man, who may be depended upon to maintain the family name with dignity and honor.
ELBERT E. BEASLEY.
Elbert E. Beasley, the proprietor of a livery stable at Virden, conducts the most extensive business of this character in the north end of Macoupin county. His birth occurred in Sangamon county, Illinois, on the 30th of September, 1865, his parents being James H. and Elizabeth (Hollingsworth) Beasley, who were natives of North Carolina and Tennessee respectively. Coming to Illinois, they
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first took up their abode in Morgan county. James H. Beasley, a brick mason and contractor, came to Virden when his son Elbert was two or three years of age, here continuing to reside until called to his final rest. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, as follows: William, who is a resident of Montgomery county, Illinois ; Elisha, living in Kansas; Martha, the wife of William Staton, of Palmyra, Illinois ; Flora, the wife of John Steel, of Kansas ; John W., of Vir- den, Illinois ; Elbert E., of this review ; Edgar, who makes his home at Pasadena, California; Josie, who is the wife of Clay Boshlog, of Kansas; and Nettie, who died in infancy.
On attaining his majority Elbert E. Beasley went to Kansas and took up a quarter section of land. Disposing of the property, he returned to Virden and rented a farm of two hundred and forty acres, in the cultivation of which he was engaged for several years. Eventually he purchased land of his own, operating a tract of eighty acres for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold the farm and in 1905 took up his abode at Virden, here buying a livery stable. At the end of three years he sold out and went to California, there remaining for one year. On again returning to Virden he purchased two building lots and a fine barn and has since conducted a livery stable, having the largest business of this kind in the north end of Macoupin county.
On the 26th of January, 1887, Mr. Beasley was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Shutle, a daughter of Marion and Elvira (Lowdermilk) Shutle. Mrs. Beasley was one of seven children born to her parents and the only one who sur- vived infancy. She is now the mother of three children, as follows : Mina, whose natal day was May 30, 1888; Leola, whose birth occurred on the Ist of May, 1900; and Floyd, who was born July 8, 1902.
Mr. Beasley gives his political allegiance to the democracy and belongs to the Court of Honor. His life has been so honorable, his character development so admirable and his worth so pronounced that wherever known Elbert E. Beasley is respected and esteemed. He well merits the success which has come to him, for it has been gained through business methods which neither seek nor require disguise. His wife is a member of the Baptist church.
G. B. LOPER.
G. B. Loper has for many years been closely identified with agricultural and stock-raising interests of Macoupin county and is known as one of its most progressive and useful citizens. His home, in Western Mound township, is a center of hospitality where all are assured of a cordial greeting. He is of Scotch descent on the paternal side and was born in the township where he now lives June 5, 1842, a son of A. W. and Susan (Keller) Loper. The father was born in New Jersey in 1816 and came to Illinois with his parents when he was twelve years of age. The family first located in Greene county but a short time after- ward arrived in Macoupin county, where the name of Loper has ever since been well known. The grandfather of our subject, James Loper, was in his
G. B. LOPER
MRS. G. B. LOPER
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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
earlier years a sea captain. After giving up life on the ocean he devoted his attention to farming and died at Carlinville about 1839.
A. W. Loper grew to manhood in this county and was married in Greene county, at the home of James Reaves, to Miss Susan Keller, the ceremony being performed by Mr. Reaves. The young couple immediately went to housekeeping in a little log house which had been built by Mr. Loper on section 33, Western Mound township, but this simple structure was later superseded by a comfort- able frame house. In 1849 Mr. Loper associated with Josiah Whipple in the erection of a sawmill on Macoupin creek, just above Loper's ford. The site is known as "The Tank" and is on the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad. Being an unusually industrious and energetic man, Mr. Loper acquired four hundred acres of land which represented only a portion of his accumulations, as he loaned money extensively in this region. In 1867 he entered the brokerage business at Minneapolis, Minnesota, with which he was identified for four or five years. He then returned to his farm in Macoupin county and died here in 1890. He was an active supporter of the republican party and owing to his sound judgment and marked success in his chosen calling was very prominent for many years in this section. The mother of our subject was born in Ken- tucky and was of English descent. She was a daughter of John and Zella (Hedges) Keller, who were among the pioneers of Macoupin county. She died in 1896 and she and her husband are buried in the Keller cemetery on section 33, Western Mound township. They were the parents of eleven children, four of whom died in infancy, the others being: Loduskey, deceased; G. B., of this review ; Darlescia P., who is also deceased; C. V., a resident of Harrison, Arkan- sas; L. Leota, the widow of William Cresor, of Sedgwick, Kansas; Ophelia, who married H. C. Duckles and is now deceased; and Adriana, the wife of Charles Wright, of Valley Center, Kansas.
Mr. Loper, whose name introduces this sketch, received his preliminary edu- cation in a log schoolhouse of the neighborhood, sixteen by eighteen feet in size, with a window and door as the only openings to the house except the chimney. Later he attended school at Chesterfield. The log schoolhouse was replaced by a more pretentious building and Mr. Loper was elected a member of the school board, upon which he was serving when a third schoolhouse of modern design was erected upon the same spot. He continued in office until the building was paid for and then resigned. All of his children were educated at this school. He assisted his father in farm work until 1867 and then rented a place, of which he had charge until 1893. In the year named he located on section 32, Western Mound township, which has since been his home. He has spent his entire life under three roofs and owns his birthplace and nine hundred and ninety-seven acres of land in Western Mound township, upon which he has erected six sets of buildings. He also owns five hundred acres of land in Kan- sas, and is interested in real estate at Carlinville and Medora, Illinois, and Valley Center and Wichita, Kansas. He has been a breeder of Percheron horses since 1864 and some of the finest stock of this kind in Illinois is to be found on his farm. He has also for many years been a large feeder of various kinds of stock for the market.
Vol. II-3
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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
In 1867 Mr. Loper was married to Miss Virginia Carr, a daughter of Mac- cabeus and Mary (Bates) Carr, who were pioneers of Macoupin county. By this union five children have been born: Ary O., who married Ella Brannon, of Western Mound township; Annette, who is the wife of C. Chism, of Bird township; Mattie, who married William H. Dams, of Chesterfield township; O. B., who married Mabel Moore, of Western Mound township; and Horace G., who married Ora Rigsby, and also lives in Western Mound township.
Politically Mr. Loper follows in the footsteps of his father and is an adherent of the republican party. Religiously he is affiliated with the Baptist church. He is a member of the Masonic order and he and his wife are also connected with the Order of the Eastern Star. He has been remarkably successful in his business and ranks as a leader in one of the most flourishing sections of the state. His life has been characterized by fidelity to principle and largely con- trolled by a desire to enhance the comfort and happiness of others; hence he is a valued member of the community and has greatly assisted in promoting the permanent interests of those with whom he has been associated.
JAMES HENRY DAVIS, M. D.
Dr. James Henry Davis, a successful and able representative of the medical fraternity in Macoupin county, has practiced his profession at Carlinville for the past six years. His birth occurred at Shaws Point, this county, on the IIth of November, 1872, his parents being James F. and Laura (Morrison) Davis, the former a native of Loami, Illinois, and the latter of Tiffin, Ohio. Elijah Davis, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Kentucky. Being opposed to slavery, he came to Illinois and took up his abode among the earliest settlers of Loami. A year later he came to Macoupin county, entering land from the government. More extended mention of him is made on another page of this work in connec- tion with the sketch of Alfred Mayfield. Unto him and his wife were born the following children, namely: Jonathan, John, Abraham, James, Elizabeth, Eliza, Louan, Verlena, Julia and Lourena. James Morrison, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania and devoted his attention principally to farming, but also conducted a hotel and followed general merchandising. His wife bore the maiden name of Rachel Evans. They removed from Tiffin, Ohio, to Montgomery county, Illinois, and Mr. Morrison spent his last years at Virden, where he passed away at the age of eighty-six. His wife also lived to attain a ripe old age, dying while on a visit to her daughter in Virden. They were the parents of the following children: Walter, Henry, Sidney, Theodore, Mary, Caroline, Kate, Melissa, Laura and several who died in early life.
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