USA > Illinois > Macoupin County > History of Macoupin County, Illinois : biographical and pictorial, Volume II > Part 71
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John Wilson Williams was only an infant when his parents settled in Macoupin county, where he grew to manhood, obtaining his education in the district schools. In common with other lads of the pioneer period he was early compelled to assist with the work of the farm, to which his energies were entirely devoted from the time he laid aside his text-books until he was twenty-one. Desiring to set out for himself, he then rented forty acres of land from his father, the cultivation of which proving so lucrative that in 1859 he purchased eighty acres of him. He im- mediately settled upon this land and there he has ever since resided, having made all of the improvements upon the place during the period of his occupancy. Suc- cess having attended his efforts, he has added to his holdings at divers times untll he now owns one hundred and thirty acres of land, which he devotes to general farming. Mr. Williams went to the front in 1862 as a member of the One Hun- dred and Twenty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Rinaker, being discharged at the close of hostilities in 1865. He participated in all of the battles in which his regiment engaged, and while at Trenton, Tennessee, was taken pris- oner. After being held for thirteen days he was paroled and sent to Columbus, Kentucky, thence to Benton Barracks at St. Louis. He was unfortunate enough to contract a very severe case of rheumatism at this time from which he suffered for a long period thereafter.
On Christmas day, 1857, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Williams and Miss Martha Jane Wilson. Mrs. Williams, who was a daughter of John Wilson, passed away in 1905. To them were born five children : Christiana, the widow of Samuel Rafferty, of Macoupin county ; Malinda, who is at home; Mary S., the wife of Thomas Evans, of Kansas; Elizabeth Belle, the wife of Jesse Berry, of Macoupin county ; and John W., the youngest son, who is also a resident of this county.
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Mr. Williams affiliates with the Methodist Episcopal church of which his wife was also a member, while his political allegiance he gives to the republican party. He keeps up the ties he formed during his three years of service on the southern battlefields by means of his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, to whose interests he has ever been faithful. In all of his relations of life, both pub- lic and private, Mr. Williams has ever shown the same spirit of loyalty that char- acterized him as a soldier.
WILLIAM WILLSHIRE BRISTOW.
During a period of thirty-six years William Willshire Bristow has been iden- tified with various business activities of Girard. His birth occurred in Scott- ville, Macoupin county, on the 14th of March, 1848, his parents being William T. and Sarah (Sharp) Bristow, the father a native of Tennessee, and the mother of Kentucky, while he is a grandson of James P. Bristow of Virginia and Peter Sharp.
In 1855 William Willshire Bristow removed with his parents to Girard, in whose public schools he completed his education. He remained here, a member of the paternal household, for ten years, then went to Missouri where he followed agricultural pursuits until 1869. Returning to Macoupin county he obtained employment in the mill of Cain & Roach, where he worked for two years. In 1871 he went to St. Louis, obtaining a position with J. M. Johnson Company on the Merchants Exchange. After four years' resi- dence in the city, he again returned to this county, engaging in the milling busi- ness in Nilwood. Two years later he began dealing in hay in connection with his mill products, and in 1878 he became associated with J. W. Woodroof, under the firm name of Woodroof & Bristow, in the grain business. This partnership continued for two years, when Mr. Bristow and William Ross bought Mr. Wood- roof's interest, operating until 1881 under the name of Bristow & Ross, grain merchants. In the latter year Mr. Bristow purchased Mr. Ross' interest and be- came sole proprietor. He had the misfortune to be burned out later but rebuilt, continuing the business until 1893. . Bristow & Switzer engaged in the grain and hay business in Atwater also, the former continuing this enterprise after the dis- solution of partnership until 1899. Disposing of his interests here he went to Lit- tle Rock, Arkansas, where he bought grain for the Little Rock Mill & Elevator for a year. In 1900 he once more took up his residence in Girard, again engaging in the grain business. A year later he became a member of the Flood & Lowe Lumber Company, with which he continues to be identified. In addition to this he is senior member of the firm of Bristow & Huff, which company installed the telephone lines here. Mr. Bristow has been very successful in his business enter- prises and besides his various interests here owns some farming land in Arkansas.
In St. Louis, Missouri, on the 12th of March, 1874, was solemnized the mar- riage of Mr. Bristow and Miss Fanny R. Dunklin of that city, and a daughter of John P. and Harriet (Jones) Dunklin, both natives of Missouri. Mrs. Bris- tow belongs to one of the pioneer families of St. Louis county, and is a grand-
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daughter of Stephen Dunklin and General Augustus Jones, also of Missouri. Her maternal grandfather served as a drummer boy in the war of 1812, and as a gen- eral in both the Mexican and Civil wars. Mr. and Mrs. Bristow have six chil- dren : William R., of Mattoon, Illinois, who married Miss Pearl Cassel and has three children; John L., a resident of Macoupin county, who married Miss Ella Gillman and has one child; Harriet, the wife of Guy S. Barlow, of Darlington, Wisconsin, who has two children; James W., of Springfield, who married Miss Georgia Metcalf; Thomas R. and Sarah D.
Fraternally Mr. Bristow is affiliated with the Masonic order, being a mem- ber of Girard Lodge, No. 171, A. F. & A. M., in which he has filled all of the chairs, and he also belongs to Elmwood Commandery, No. 6, K. T., of Spring- field, Illinois, and Girard Lodge, No. 131, I. O. O. F., having been treasurer of the latter organization for sixteen years. In addition to these he is identified with the Mutual Protective League. In politics Mr. Bristow is a republican. He takes an active interest in all municipal affairs and has been called to serve both his city and township in various public capacities. For two years he was as- sessor, and he has also been trustee of the village, alderman from the third ward, city treasurer, school director and clerk of the school board. In his official capa- cities Mr. Bristow has always evidenced the same ability and trustworthiness that has ever characterized his business relations and won for him the respect and esteem of those with whom he has had dealings.
WILLIAM A. DRIVER.
The cultivation of a farm of one hundred and sixty-one acres located on section 20, North Otter township, engages the attention of William A. Driver, who is a native of Greene county, Illinois. His birth occurred in the vicinity of Carrollton on the 13th of May, 1838, his parents being Green and Margaret Grace (Hazel- wood) Driver, both natives of Tennessee. Their family numbered six : Angeline, who is deceased; William A., our subject; Pleasant, who is living in Carrollton ; Robert Perry, also of Carrollton; and Green, who is living in Greenfield. The second in order of birth dies in infancy.
William A. Driver remained with his parents until he had attained his majority, obtaining a very good common school education. His boyhood and youth were spent in a manner very similar to those of other lads reared on a farm, his atten- tion early being engaged with the tilling of the fields and the care of the stock. Following his marriage he began his career as an agriculturist, coming to Macou- pin county in 1864, where he bought forty acres of land. He improved and culti- vated his property, later extending its boundaries until his present holdings aggre- gate one hundred and sixty-one acres. Here he devotes his energies to general farming and stock-raising to good financial ends. All of the improvements upon his place have been erected since he settled here ; they are substantially constructed and well kept, the general appearance of his farm being most attractive.
On the Ist of April, 1863, Mr. Driver was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Delia Edwards, a daughter of William and Rachel (Walker) Edwards, who were
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the parents of six children : Robert; Mary Jane; Delia ; who became Mrs. Driver ; William; Elizabeth; and Sylvester. To Mr. and Mrs. Driver were born four children : Alvin, who is at home; Alice, also at home; William, who is deceased; and Emma, who died in infancy. Mrs. Driver passed away on the 12th of June, 1884.
In matters of religion the views of the family coincide with those of the Meth- odist Episcopal denomination, with which church the mother also affiliated. Mr. Driver is a republican in politics, and has held the office of school director. Both he and his family are well regarded in the community where they reside and among whose citizens they number many friends.
WILLIAM H. McMAHAN
Among the citizens of South Otter township none is more deserving of con- fidence and respect than William H. McMahan. His life is a practical demonstra- tion of the possibilities in Illinois awaiting ambitious young men who have the courage and persistence to apply themselves with the expectation as the years pass, of substantial returns. He was born in Greene county, Illinois, October 5, 1847, a son of Henry and Louisa (Ballard) McMahan, the former of whom was born in Illinois and the latter in Tennessee. He was also a grandson of Robert Mc- Mahan, one of the pioneers of this state. The McMahan family was killed by Indians in Madison county, this event being one of the tragic occurrences in the early history of Illinois.
William H. McMahan possessed advantages of preliminary training in the dis- trict schools of Greene county and when not busy with his studies assisted in work upon the home farm. In 1863 he became a member of Captain Young's company of the state militia and in 1865, having arrived at the age of eighteen years, he enlisted in Company F, Sixty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, continuing with this regiment until the close of the war. After receiving his honorable dis- charge at Springfield, Illinois, he returned home and in 1866 began farming in Scott county. In 1871 he came to Macoupin county and engaged in farming in South Palmyra township, where he continued for ten years. He then moved to the place which he has since occupied, in South Otter township. He has through life been highly energetic and efficient in his business and, therefore, enjoys the rewards which are the result of wisely applied effort.
On October 23, 1866, Mr. McMahan was married in Scott county to Miss Addie Curtis, a native of the same county and a daughter of James F. and Nancy (Truesdale) Curtis, both of whom were born in Virginia. She is a granddaughter of Salathial Curtis and John Truesdale, both of whom were also born in Virginia. Mr. Truesdale was an early settler of Illinois and assisted against the Indians at the time of the Black Hawk war. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McMahan, namely : Ira Otis, born March 7, 1868, was married October 9, 1895, to Grace E. Thornburg, and died January 18, 1906, at the age of thirty-seven years, leaving a wife and one son, Burton, who since his death have made their home in California with Mrs. McMahon's parents ; Lena, who married W. L. Morgan, of
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South Otter township, and has three children; Anna, who is the wife of H. M. Groves, of Edwardsville, and the mother of two children; Nannie, who married Samuel Hayes, of North Otter township, and has two children; Henry A., who lives in St. Louis; Harvey Curtis, of Carlinville; Herman, who married Nellie Lancaster and resides at Nilwood; and Maud, who is the wife of Chester Ohmart, of Girard, and has one child.
Upon reaching the age of maturity Mr. McMahan gave his support to the re- publican party and has never seen any reason to change his political affiliation. He has served as school director but never in any other public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business. His religious views are indicated by membership in the Christian church of which he is a deacon. He was an active member of the Grange and is now identified with Peach Tree Lodge, No. 633, M. W. A., and is an earnest supporter of the principles of this order. As a soldier of the Civil war he is connected with Luke Mayfield Post, No. 516, G. A. R., and is very acceptably filling the office of junior commander of that organization. He is among the youngest of the survivors of the Civil war and his children and de- scendants may ever regard with pride the part he took in defending a cause which is regarded by all the world as one of the noblest recorded in human history.
GEORGE W. HELMBOLD.
Among the descendants of German ancestry in Mount Olive who should be named in a work relating to the best citizens of Macoupin county is George W. Helmbold, for many years town clerk of Mount Olive and also successfully en- gaged in mining. He was born in Bunker Hill, October 19, 1864, a son of John and Dorothy (Bornkamp) Helmbold. The parents were both natives of Han- over, Germany, and emigrated to America after growing to maturity in their na- tive land. The mother was twice married, her first husband being Diedrich Danklef, and there were several children born to this union. Mr. Helmbold was a laboring man at Bunker Hill. In 1879 he came to Mount Olive and as- sisted in sinking the shaft in No. 9 mine. He made his home in Mount Olive until his death, which occurred December 12, 1881.
George W. Helmbold was reared under the parental roof and in the common schools acquired the foundation of his education. Later he pursued a business course at Greer's Business College in St. Louis. Upon leaving college he re- turned to Mount Olive and began working in the butcher shop conducted by his stepbrothers John and Henry Danklef. After eight or ten years he transferred his allegiance to Richard Engelman, who was in the same line of business, and continued with him six years. He then entered the employ of John Lawson and was associated with him about six years, being connected with the butcher business for a total period of about twenty-one years. After leaving this line of work he engaged with Henry Danklef in railroad contracting but later resigned his position and has ever since been identified with mining in this region.
In 1885 Mr. Helmbold was married to Miss Marie Pfiffner, a native of Switzerland, who came to America with her mother in 1880, the father having
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died in the old country. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Helm- bold, six of whom survive, namely: Dorothy, who is the wife of William E. Schwing, of Mount Olive; Olga, the wife of Martin Bub, of Mount Olive; Frank, who makes his home in St. Louis, Missouri; and Anna, Amanda and Josephine, all of whom are at home.
In politics Mr. Helmbold is a supporter of the democratic party and is now serving as town clerk of Mount Olive, a position he has held for sixteen years past with the exception of two years, discharging his duties in a manner to meet the hearty approval of taxpayers. Fraternally he is identified with Acme Lodge, No. 707, I. O. O. F., and has filled the office of secretary of this organization con- tinuously for sixteen years past. He is very favorably known in Mount Olive and throughout Macoupin county and socially is much esteemed. He is a pros- perous business man, whose efforts have been directed along strictly legitimate channels and have met with deserved recognition.
W. W. DUGAN.
W. W. Dugan, whose record is one of successful endeavor, is a farmer and dairyman of Polk township. Through many obstacles he has won his way to the position of practical independence he now holds and as he has never sought to advance his own interest to the injury of others, no one grudges him his good fortune. He is a native of Greene county, Illinois, born in what is now known as Woodville township, July 29, 1863. His parents were George and Lida Anne (Hofford) Dugan. The father was also born in Greene county and devoted his attention to farming and also to the grocery business. He was a lover of his country and in 1863 enlisted in the Union army, being killed in battle. The grand- father of our subject on the paternal side was a native of Ireland and the grand- mother was born in Ohio. The mother was born in Greene county, Illinois, but her parents were born in Kentucky. There were two children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Dugan: W. W. of this review; and Mattie, who is now de- ceased. Mrs. Dugan was a second time married, her husband being Noah Fry. He died in 1909 but she is still living and makes her home in Greene county. By her second marriage she became the mother of four children:' Eunice, who re- sides in Greene county ; Nora, who is married and also lives in Greene county ; and Ida and Emma, both of whom are at home.
In the public schools W. W. Dugan received his preliminary education and until the age of seventeen years he continued with his mother. He then went to Jersey county and engaged in farm work, attending school during the winter months. In 1883 he began renting land in his own name. In 1892 he came to Macoupin county and cultivated rented land for thirteen or fourteen years in Brushy Mound township and for two years in Hilyard township. Having acquired sufficient capital, he purchased two hundred and sixty acres in Polk township, which he has improved and developed into one of the attractive properties of this section. He has made a specialty of dairy farming and, as he understands this business thoroughly and devotes his best energies to his calling, he has gained a creditable measure of success.
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In 1884 Mr. Dugan was married to Miss Mary S. Carstens and they have nine children : Harry L. and Lloyd E., both of whom are living on the home farm; Ethel, who married Harlan Coburn, of Portsmouth, Ohio; George W., who married Edna Leggett and resides in Polk township; Charles, who makes his home in South Dakota ; and Mabel, Manning, Kate and Ida, all of whom are at home.
Ever since he arrived at voting age Mr. Dugan has supported the republican party. He has been an earnest advocate of its principles and for six years served as a member of the county central committee, also filling the office of school director. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist church and fra- ternally he is identified with the lodge of Modern Woodmen of America at Car- linville. A man of great determination of character, he early gave evidence of an energy and persistence which have enabled him to become one of the leaders in the community. Starting to work at ten dollars a month, he saved twenty-seven dollars in three months. As the years passed his capital increased and today he ranks as one of the substantial and representative men of Macoupin county.
HENRY KRUSE.
A native of Prussia, Henry Kruse who resides in Mount Olive township crossed the Atlantic ocean in his infancy and has ever since enjoyed the ad- vantages of the American republic, being one of its loyal and progressive sup- porters. He was born March 21, 1851, a son of Henry and Wilhelmina ( Prange) Kruse. The father came to America in 1853 or 1854, making the journey in a sailing vessel which reached New Orleans after a voyage of about ten weeks. The family came up the Mississippi river to St. Louis and from that point to Macoupin county, Illinois. Like many other early settlers in this section Mr. Kruse possessed little money, but he was an industrious and ambitious man and after renting land for several years purchased a small farm in Mount Olive township. He prospered in his business and acquired more land, being appar- ently on the road which leads to complete financial independence. His career, however, was cut short by death as he was called away in 1864, when only thirty- eight years of age. The widow survived her husband many years and died in 1893, at the age of seventy-four.
Henry Kruse possessed advantages of home training and acquired his educa- tion in the public schools and the parochial school of Mount Vernon. He con- tinued on the home place until twenty-five years of age and then located on a farm in Mount Olive township, which had previously been purchased by mem- bers of the family. This farm is two miles southeast of Mount Olive and com- prises two hundred and forty acres, and is one of the valuable and well improved properties of the township. Under good management it produces a handsome annual revenue and its appearance reflects great credit upon its owner. Mr. Kruse is a man of high standing in this region and is now serving as a member of the board of directors of the First National Bank of Mount Olive.
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In 1876 he was married to Miss Berdina Mindrup, a native of Madison county, Illinois, whose parents were born in Germany and were among the early settlers of Madison county. Mr. and Mrs. Kruse have five children: Henry R., who is employed in the postoffice at St. Louis; William E., assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Mount Olive; Sophia, the wife of John Heman, who is in charge of the home farm of Mr. Kruse; and Emma and Minnie, both of whom are at home.
Politically Mr. Kruse supports the republican party but has never aspired to public office although he has served with general acceptance as a member of the school board. He and his family are actively identified with the Evangelical Lutheran church. Having early concentrated his attention upon agriculture and stock-raising as an occupation, he made a favorable start and has steadily prog- ressed, taking advantage of the best and most approved methods so that he is now well established and assured of a liberal annual income. It is men of this class that reflect credit upon their calling and gain recognition as the most substantial and trustworthy members of their respective communities.
SIMON AUGUST DINGERSON.
Simon August Dingerson, for many years identified with the agricultural interests of Staunton township, was born in Germany on the 16th of May, 1839, being a son of Philip and Sophia (Sawyer) Dingerson. The father operated a water and windmill in Germany, whence he emigrated with his wife and family to the United States in 1844. Upon their arrival in this country the family first located in St. Louis. Later they removed to the southern part of Missouri, where they lived for a time, but later returned to St. Louis. In 1849 they came to Macoupin county, locating on a rented farm east of Staunton, but they subsequently removed to Mount Olive, where the father operated a feed mill. He next located north of Staunton where he lived for five years, then settled in Staunton itself where he again engaged in milling. In 1860 he purchased forty acres of land on section 19, Staunton township, where he located with his family, continuing to reside there until his demise in 1864. The mother had passed away previously. . To Mr. and Mrs. Dingerson were born the following children : Henry and Frederick, both of whom are deceased; August Simon, who was killed in the mill; Sophia, who is also deceased; Simon August, our subject ; William, who is deceased; and Margaret, the wife of Charles Schnur, of Staunton.
Simon August Dingerson acquired his education in the common schools of this country. He remained at home with his parents during their lifetime, as- sisting his father with the cultivation of the farm and work of the mill. His homestead, containing one hundred and thirty-two acres of land on section 19, includes the forty acres that formerly belonged to his father. During the period of his ownership he has wrought many improvements upon this place, which is one of the attractive properties of the township.
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In 1867 Mr. Dingerson established a home for himself by his marriage to Miss Amelia Crosier, who passed away in 1873. To them were born three children: One who died in infancy; Louise, the wife of Harmon Berkheart, who is living on his father-in-law's farm; and Gustana, who is a resident of Staunton. In 1876 Mr. Dingerson married Miss Johanna Miller, his present wife.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Dingerson affiliate with the Presbyterian church, and his political support he gives to the democratic party, whose policy he deems best adapted to protect the interests of the majority.
B. J. SCHOEN.
B. J. Schoen, who is recognized as one of the substantial farmers of Ma- coupin county, owes his success to an indomitable will and a practical knowl- edge of agriculture and stock-raising which have carried him through many difficulties. He can claim good Teutonic ancestry in both branches of the family and was born in Madison county, Illinois, May 8, 1854. His parents were John B. and Anna (Arkebauer) Schoen, both of whom were born in Hanover, Ger- many. They came to America after growing to maturity and were both in the employ of Samuel Dorsey, of Madison county, when they first became ac- quainted. After their marriage Mr. Schoen rented land of Mr. Dorsey until the spring of 1855, when he came with his family to Macoupin county and bought one hundred and twenty acres in Mount Olive township. He greatly improved his place and here established his home, gaining recognition as one of the substantial men of the township. He died at the age of eighty-one years and his wife was called away at the age of eighty. They were worthy repre- sentatives of the noble men and women who cheerfully endured many hard- ships and inconveniences in order to give to their children advantages that are now the heritage of tens of thousands in Illinois.
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