USA > Illinois > Macoupin County > History of Macoupin County, Illinois : biographical and pictorial, Volume II > Part 67
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The shadow of gloom cast by the hand of death that had despoiled his home never again lifted for Mr. Hettick, notwithstanding the kind ministrations of his daughter and only surviving child, Dela. On September 18, 1911, he departed this life at his home, "Evergreen Farm," near Scottville, after an illness of several days, being a victim of typhoid fever and other complications. Although he had never formally united with a church he was a man who believed and trusted in God, and in his fraternal relations with Scottville Lodge, No. 426, A. F. & A. M., and Scottville chapter, No. 511, Order of the Eastern Star, was
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inspired by the Christian teachings and the beneficent principles of these organi- zations, and he incorporated them into the practice of his daily life. His busi- ness sagacity and excellent discrimination in the matters in which his experience had made him proficient was evident at every stage of his progress and such unwavering confidence did his associates have in his judgment that he was fre- quently consulted for advice and counsel by those who knew him well enough to assume this privilege. He was a lover of nature and took great pride in his beautiful country home. He gave his political support to the republican party but was too much occupied with his business affairs to devote much of his time to politics. Mr. Hettick's recent death was a deep sorrow to his many friends who will ever cherish his memory for his upright character, his genial disposi- tion and his pleasant companionship.
JOHN J. STOWE.
There is no doubt that Illinois presents one of the most promising fields in the United States for the exercise of business talents and the opportunities are probably as favorable today as at any time in the past, at least such is the opinion of many successful business men who advise their sons to remain at home rather than seek their fortune among strangers. John J. Stowe, who is serving as post- mater of Girard and is also connected with various business enterprises, may be designated as one whose life record is well worthy of imitation. He has won his way to his present responsible position by a laudable ambition backed by per- sistent energy and sound business judgment. A native of Meigs county, Ohio, he was born December 9, 1861, a son of Erastus and Lucretia (Whaley) Stowe, both of whom were born in the Buckeye state. The father was a true lover of his country and served faithfully for four long years in behalf of the stars and stripes in the war of the Rebellion.
John J. Stowe attended the country schools and grew to maturity in a peaceful home. Being ambitious to prepare himself thoroughly for his life work, he went to Poughkeepsie, New York, and took a course at the Eastman Business College, for many years one of the most noted institutions of the kind in America. In 1883 he came to Virden township, Macoupin county, Illinois, and applied him- self successfully to farming. Six years later he moved to Girard township where he has ever since been actively identified with agricultural interests. He also engaged in the grocery business at Girard from 1898 to 1906, and in addition to the pursuits heretofore named, ran a threshing machine and for twenty-five years past has found an outlet for his energies in buying and selling hay. He is also interested in the Mississippi Valley Railroad and is president of the Pana, Girard & Jackonville Railroad. In 1906 he was appointed by President Roosevelt post- master of Girard, was reappointed by President Taft in 1910, and has filled the position in such a manner as to give general satisfaction to the patrons of the office and the officials at Washington.
On March 7, 1889, Mr. Stowe was married to Miss Lizzie E. Gibson, of Girard, a daughter of Cullen C. and Nancy J. (Daugherty) Gibson, the former of whom
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was born in Tennessee and the latter in Kentucky. She is a granddaughter of James Gibson, of Tennessee, and John Daugherty, of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Stowe have had no children of their own but reared two children taken from an orphan home, to whom they gave every desirable opportunity of education and training that they might become useful and progressive members of society.
Politically Mr. Stowe is in sympathy with the republican party, believing that its principles are better adapted than those of any other party for the maintenance of the Union. He served as supervisor from 1902 to 1906. He is a member of the Church of the Brethren and in his daily life has attempted to put into practical effect the teachings of the Great Master. He and his wife are greatly esteemed for their generous social qualities and the spirit of helpfulness by which they are ac- tuated. He is a man of good common sense and it is entirely within the bounds of truth to say that no citizen of Girard township stands higher in the confidence of the people.
JOHN F. SNELL.
The state of Ohio has contributed thousands of its sons to Illinois and here many of them have gained friends and fortune, being recognized as substantial citizens who have truly merited the confidence in which they are held in their re- spective communities. In this number is John F. Snell, of Virden township, who was born in Ohio, March 24, 1864, a son of Henry and Amanda (Mayer) Snell, the former of whom was also born in the Buckeye state. The father came to Illinois with his family in 1867 and engaged in farming in Macoupin county, be- coming the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of good land. He died Novem- ber 5, 1905, and his wife was called away in February, 1903. They were the parents of six children, namely : Anna Mary, deceased ; Emma, who married Frank Buckingham, of Girard; John F., of this review; Elizabeth, deceased; Charles, a resident of Virden; and Ollie, who is now living on the old homestead.
In the common schools John F. Snell gained his preliminary education which he has since greatly widened by contact with the world. He continued with his par- ents until reaching maturity and then rented three hundred acres which he culti- vated for nine years. He subsequently rented one hundred and sixty acres for five years, and having accumulated sufficient capital, purchased eighty acres in Virden township, one-half mile southwest of the town. He engaged in general farming and made a specialty of breeding full blooded Percheron horses. In his business affairs he has displayed clear discernment and his good management is evident in the ex- cellent results he has obtained. During recent years he has been greatly inter- ested in coal mining and is the principal stockholder of a valuable property at Far- mersville, which carries a vein nine to fourteen feet thick. This mine gives promise of becoming one of the large producers of the county.
On the 24th of December, 1885, Mr. Snell was married to Miss Catherine Bru- baker. They have four children, namely: Dorothy, who was born September 30, 1888, and is the wife of George Stutzman, of Mount Vernon ; Bertha, deceased ; Ernest, who was born September 1, 1896, and is living at home ; and Blanche, born
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June 12, 1901. Mr. Snell is a valued member of the Church of the Brethren. He is not interested in politics and has never voted but has applied himself closely to business and is accounted one of the energetic and successful men of this section. He is a man of pleasing nature and by his kindly spirit has gained the good will of his neighbors and of all with whom he has had business or social relations.
DALE ALVIN WOOLLEY.
One of the more recent acquisitions to the commercial enterprises of Girard is Dale Alvin Woolley, who is conducting a hardware and furniture store. Born in Macoupin county, in North Otter township, on the 14th of March, 1875, he is a son of Charles A. and Eunice (Langley) Woolley. The father, who was a son of David Woolley of Kentucky, was also a native of Illinois, where for many years he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He came to this county in the early '70s, locating on a farm which he cultivated until 1882, when he removed to Girard and engaged in the lumber business. He was identified with this line until 1884 when he sold his interest to the Philip Flood Lumber Company, with- drawing from business activities. From that time until his demise in 1910 he lived retired. The mother is the daughter of James Langley a representative of one of the old colonial families of Pennsylvania, some of whose ancestors par- ticipated in the Revolutionary war.
Dale Alvin Woolley was reared on the farm where he was born and in Girard, where his parents removed when he was a lad of seven years. He attended the the public schools of this village until after the completion of his high school course, when he entered the Western Normal College at Bushnell, Illinois, from which institution he was awarded the degree of LL. B. with the class of 1896. While at Bushnell he was proprietor of the college book store by which means he managed to pay for his education. For two years thereafter he continued to conduct this enterprise, disposing of it in April, 1898, when he en- listed in Company D, Sixth Illinois Volunteers, at Abingdon, Illinois. He was sent to Porto Rico, where he remained for several months, being mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, in October of the same year. Returning to Bushnell he resumed the practice of law, being the successful candidate for city attorney in 1899. In 1901 he went to Lawton, Oklahoma, where he homesteaded one hun- dred and sixty acres of land and engaged in the practice of law. Later he took a position in a hardware store, retaining this until he had proved up on his land. He went to St. Louis in 1903, obtaining a position with the Simmons Hardware Company, where he remained for two years, devoting his entire attention to acquiring a full knowledge of this business. At the expiration of two years, feeling he was fully competent to undertake the responsibility of a store of his own he established a store at Tupelo, Oklahoma. Returning to Girard in 1908 he engaged in the hardware business here, soon thereafter he had the misfortune to lose his stock by fire, but almost immediately resumed business. In 1908 he purchased the hardware and furniture stock of Bowersox & Finney, continuing the business under the name of D. A. Woolley.
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Girard was the scene of the marriage of Mr. Woolley on the 16th of October, 1906, to Miss Elizabeth Pearl McElvain, a daughter of Jason N. and Nancy J. (Ballinger) McElvain, natives of Kentucky who for many years have been resi- dents of Nilwood township. Mrs. Woolley is a granddaughter of the Rev. John H. Ballinger and William McElvain, of Virginia. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Woolley, both of whom died in infancy.
They affiliate with the Presbyterian church, while fraternally Mr. Woolley is identified with the Knights of Pythias, being a member of Hiawatha Lodge, No. 131, K. of P., in which he has filled all of the chairs. He also belongs to Peach Tree Camp, No. 663, of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Girard Gun Club and the Illinois Hardware Dealers' Association. Mr. Woolley votes with the republican party, but since engaging in business has not prominently participated in political activities. He is one of the capable representatives of the commercial circles of Girard, whose methods of conducting his business are such as to win the patronage of the general population. During the three years he has been conducting his store he has met with good success, each year's receipts having shown a gratifying advance over those of the preceding year.
DANIEL DICK.
Among the pioneers of Macoupin county whose memory is worthy to be revered because of their service in subjugating the wilderness and clearing the way for present civilization was Daniel Dick, who for more than forty years resided in the county and was well known in Carlinville, where he made his home for much of that time. A native of Ash county, North Carolina, he was born September 25, 1800, and was of Swiss and English lineage. His parents, John and Ann Mary (Donner) Dick, were also natives of the same state. The family was represented in the Revolutionary war by the grandfather of our subject. The father, who was a minister of the Baptist church, removed from North Carolina to Virginia and thence to Kentucky, later becoming a pioneer of Sangamon county, Illinois, where he entered land before the city of Spring- field was founded. He died about 1838 at an advanced age and his grave was made at Thayer in Sangamon county. His widow survived him and was far advanced in years at the time of her demise, January 16, 1844. They had six children, Daniel, John, James, George, Mary and Elizabeth.
The grandfather of Daniel Dick was John Dick, Sr., of English descent. He married a Miss Hendricks, a relative of the Hon. Thomas A. Hendricks, of Indiana, vice president of the United States during the first administration of Grover Cleveland. The grandmother of Daniel Dick on the maternal side came to America from Switzerland and settled in Virginia. The capitol at Washington now stands on the spot that was occupied by the Huff orchard owned by the family.
Daniel Dick was three years of age when he left his native state with his parents, arriving in Simpson county, Kentucky, about 1809. About 1827 he made a trip to Illinois and later returned to Kentucky and was married in that
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state. A month later he and his bride started for Illinois, becoming residents of Sangamon county in 1830. He entered land about eighteen miles south of the present site of Springfield and the town of Thayer is now located on the old homestead. With characteristic energy he began to till the soil, breaking the sod and planting the crops and thus converting his undeveloped claim into a well improved and productive farm. In 1847 he removed to Macoupin county and bought, entered and located on land three and a half miles west of Girard, continuing to reside there until 1853. He then removed to Carlinville, where he engaged in mercantile business for a short time, and then retired from busi- ness, living upon the income of his investments. It was he who set aside the plat of ground that is now known as the Dick cemetery, to be used as a burial place for the dead, giving it to the district in which it is located.
On April 29, 1830, Mr. Dick was married to Miss Susan Gates, who was born in Kentucky, September 24, 1812, a daughter of George and Susan Gates. To this union four daughters were born: Mary A. J., who married Jacob L. Plain; Permelia, who is now the wife of Charles A. Walker, of Carlinville ; Susan, also of Carlinville; and Lucretia, who became the wife of Joseph B. Liston, of Carlinville.
Mr. Dick held various local offices while residing on his farm and was an, advocate of honest government administered in the interest of the people. He was a great reader, a student of books and nature and, as he possessed an analytical mind and a retentative memory, he became unusually well informed on all general subjects. He was a man of sterling character and of marked enterprise and was influential in forwarding many movements for the promo- tion of the interests of the community, at all times evincing a spirit of fellow- ship, generosity and kindness. He died January 4, 1878, at the age of seventy- seven years and four months, and his departure was the occasion of general regret wherever he was known. His wife died August 7, 1853, at the age of forty years and eleven months. She was a member of the Baptist church and possessed many admirable characteristics. A refined and cultured woman, a great lover of the beautiful in nature and art, her influence always being exerted1 in behalf of the comfort and happiness of those with whom she was associated. The family has long been actively identified with the upbuilding and develop- ment of this section of the state, taking special interest in educational affairs.
ROBERT AYERS HANKINS, M. D.
A native of Carlinville, Dr. Robert Ayers Hankins has been known by the people of this community ever since his boyhood and it speaks in no uncertain terms as to his credit when it is stated that today he is one of the most respected men in the city. The son of a physician, he assisted his father efficiently in practice before securing a diploma, and an experience of thirty years has made him a recognized leader in the profession in this section. He was born June 20, 1848, his parents being John and Elizabeth (McKee) Hankins. The father was
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a native of New Jersey and the mother of Pennsylvania. In their family were seven children, Robert, John, Charles, William, Leon, Virginia and Mary.
The father of our subject engaged in farming in his younger days and later was apprenticed to learn shoemaking. He began reading medicine in New Jersey and in the spring of 1844 came to Illinois and located at Carlinville. Here he continued the study of medicine and subsequently matriculated at Rush Medical College, Chicago. He employed his knowledge to good advantage at the time of the cholera epidemic, in 1851, and in 1855 was graduated from the Eclectic Medical College of Philadelphia. He practiced in Carlinville until his death, and was known as one of the most successful physicians in Macoupin county. He served as mayor of Carlinville in 1885 and also as a member of the Consti- tutional Convention of Illinois. He was an ardent lover of peace and occupied a chair as a member of the Peace Convention at Philadelphia. In his early man- hood he paid considerable attention to military tactics and was a member of the State Militia of New Jersey. After the outbreak of the Civil war he drilled a number of companies in Illinois, proving very efficient in this capacity. He was not a member of any religious denomination but attended the Methodist church in which his wife held membership.
The grandfather of our subject on the paternal side was born in England and married Johanna Ayers. He emigrated to America and engaged in school teaching. In his family were three children : Davidson, Robert and John. The great-grandfather on the paternal side was a soldier in the British army. The maternal grandfather was James McKee, a native of Pennsylvania of Scotch ancestry. He gained a good reputation as a horticulturist. In his family were several children among whom were Elizabeth, James, William and Margaret.
Robert A. Hankins received his preliminary education in the public schools of Carlinville and later was graduated at the high school. He then pursued a course of four years at Blackburn University. He began the study of medicine under his father and after having prepared himself thoroughly, entered college at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1872 with the degree of M. D. Ever since leaving college he has practiced at Carlinville and among his patrons are the leading families of the city. He has kept thoroughly informed as to the great improvements and discoveries in medicine and surgery and is fully abreast of the times in a profession that calls for the clearest judgment of the most care- fully trained minds.
On the 3d of June, 1875, Dr. Hankins was married to Miss Jennie Bell, a daughter of Edwin Bell, and they have three children: John, of Carlinville, who is married and is the father of one daughter, Zella; Robert, who is a graduate of the Carlinville high school and is now studying medicine; and Clara, who married Claude Speer, foreman of the Springfield Record, and is the mother of three children. Mrs. Hankins was born in Alabama. Her father was a native of Virginia and her mother of Tennessee. The family came to Illinois and first settled at Duquoin where the father died, the mother passing her closing years at Carlinville. Mrs. Hankins has lived in this city since 1866. Of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Bell seven grew to maturity: Edwin G., who served in the Union army at the time of the Civil war; Mary Tennessee; Annie; Sarah; Jennie, the wife of our subject; Emma; and Archie, who was killed in the Confederate army.
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Dr. Hankins is an active and valued member of the Illinois State Eclectic Medical Society. He is not connected with any religious denominaton but his wife is a member of the Baptist church. Fraternally he belongs to Mount Nebo Lodge No. 76, A. F. & A. M., and the Carlinville Lodge of Odd Fellows. In politics he is an earnest adherent of the democratic party. He has not sought public office but served as mayor of Carlinville for one term and has also been a member of the city council and of the school board. Guided by wise teachings and worthy examples, he has gained a reputation for fidelity to his profession and the honorable discharge of his responsibilities. His upright character has never been questioned and he has attained what all might well aspire to possess- an unblemished reputation.
JOHN TIVIS COLE.
Among the citizens of Macoupin county now living retired who should re- ceive mention in a work relating to the history and development of this section is John Tivis Cole. For practically sixty years he has been a resident of this county, being recognized for a large part of the time as one of its active and progressive men. Born in Tennessee August 25, 1820, he is a son of William and Susan (Brown) Cole, both of whom were also natives of Tennessee. It is evident that he has fighting blood in his veins as his grandfather, John Cole, a native of Virginia, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and his father carried a musket in the Black Hawk war.
John T. Cole received such education as the early district schools of Tennes- see afforded and continued with his parents on the home place until after reaching manhood. He engaged in agriculture and as the settlers made their own cloth- ing from material raised on their farms, he also assisted in spining flax and wool. In 1852, having decided to emigrate to the fertile lands north of the Ohio river, he built a flat boat and started with six families on toilsome journey of eleven weeks in search of a new home. The travelers stopped at Cairo and then pro- ceeded up the Mississippi river with Alton as their destination. Of the six families that left Tennessee only two had the courage to proceed to the end of the journey. These two families loaded their household goods into two wagons at Alton and the journey to Macoupin county was made overland. Mr. Cole walked the entire distance from Alton and thus had a good opportunity of ob- serving the country. He first located in Barr township where he continued until 1870, when he removed to South Otter township. He became the owner of four hundred acres of good land which he cultivated to excellent advantage until his retirement, in 1904. He assisted materially in advancing the permanent inter- ests of the community and became known as the leader in his section. Although now in his ninety-second year he retains his strength in a remarkable degree, physcially and mentally, and has the appearance of a man of sixty.
In 1846 Mr. Cole was married to. Miss Elizabeth Beard, of Tennessee, a daughter of Thomas and Jane (Hall) Beard, both of whom were also born in Tennessee. To Mr. and Mrs. Cole have been born nine children and they can
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also claim twenty-two grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great- great-grandchild. Their children are: Mary Jane, who married John Johnson, of Barr township, and has three children; Samuel S., who lives at Carlinville and is the father of two children; Thomas, of South Otter township, who is married and has ten children; Ruth, who is the wife of R. L. Woods, of South Otter township; J. Oscar, of South Otter township, who is also married and has two children; John Wesley, also a resident of South Otter township; Lulu E., who married R. C. Adams, of South Otter township, and is the mother of one child; Everett M., of South Otter township, who is married and has a family of four children; and Ida, now Mrs. F. B. Huber, of Nilwood.
Mr. Cole is an adherent of the democratic party, of which he has been a life long supporter. He has served as highway commissioner and as member of the school board but has never aspired to public office, preferring the duties of pri- vate life. He is a sincere believer in the Bible and has for many years been a member of the Southern Methodist church, of which he is serving as steward. He represents that class of men who come to the front in what they undertake and are fearless in the discharge of any responsibility that enlists their interest. These are the men among whom may be found the pioneers in all great move- ments and they justly deserve the confidence and respect of all who admire courage and nobility in human character.
F. E. WEISSENBORN.
The mining interests of Macoupin county are ably represented by F. E. Weissenborn, of Staunton, superintendent of the Consolidated Coal Company's Mines. For many years he has been prominently connected with the develop- ment of the industry in this region and ranks today as one of the best informed men in the county concerning its mineral resources. He was born at Belleville, August 29, 1860, a son of Emanuel and Louisa (Kleine) Weissenborn. The father was a native of Prussia, Germany, and came to America in 1832, when he was ten years of age. He crossed the ocean in a slow-going sailing vessel and landed at New Orleans, where he remained five years, at the end of which time he took up his residence at Belleville, Illinois. He was a shoemaker by trade and engaged in that business at Belleville until his death, which occurred when he was sixty-eight years of age. He was prominent in the Masonic order and was one of the highly respected men of the community. The mother of our subject was born in Westphalia, Germany, and came to the United States with her parents when she was eight years old. She was married to Mr. Weissen- born at Belleville and died in that place in 1889, after arriving at the age of sixty-two years. There were two children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Weissen- born: Martin, who died in 1901; and F. E., the subject of this review.
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