USA > Illinois > Macoupin County > History of Macoupin County, Illinois : biographical and pictorial, Volume II > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73
96
HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
ville for practice in 1904. In that year he was elected county surveyor on the republican ticket by a majority of over eight hundred. He is now a member of the Morse-Warren Engineering Company of this city with an office in the county court house and is the most widely known drainage specialist in this part of the state, having a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the scientific prin- ciples which underlie his work, with all the practical phases of the business.
CALEB CAPPS.
Caleb Capps, who was born in Winchester, Clarke county, Kentucky, a son of John and Sally (Gilmer) Capps, is a representative, on both the paternal and maternal side, of families which have been established in America since early colonial days, the lines of descent including men who have been prominent in the early history of the United States. The Gilmer family dates its existence in America since 1700, in which year George Gilmer landed in Virginia and there established his home. The grandfather of Mrs. Sally (Gilmer) Capps came to this country from Scotland. Dr. John Gilmer was one of the eminent ancestors, and many representatives of the name were governors and high offi- cials in early days. The Capps came from England to this country prior to the Revolutionary war and several of the name participated in the fight for inde- pendence. Caleb Capps, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a farmer of North Carolina, passing away when his son John was two years of age. The parents of our subject were natives of North Carolina and Kentucky respec- tively. The father, a carpenter by trade, came to Illinois in 1832, remaining in this state for seven years, after which he removed to Kentucky and there passed away in 1844. Prior to his marriage he had entered land from the govern- ment in Macoupin and Greene counties, the deeds for which, signed by Presi- dent Van Buren, are now in possession of our subject.
Caleb Capps, whose name introduces this review, was but four years of age when he came to Illinois, the family home being established in Adams county. near Quincy, and in 1848 he arrived in Macoupin county. In the common schools of this state he acquired his preliminary training and later he attended the preparatory school at Jacksonville. After laying aside his text-books he began working at the machinist's trade, which he followed until twenty-one years of age. He then became identified with agricultural work and for almost fifty years was connected with farming interests in Macoupin county, his efforts being attended with gratifying results. He engaged extensively in stock-rais- ing. making a specialty of Shorthorn cattle, and fed a large number of sheep and hogs for the market. This line of activity also proved a paying proposi- tion, and when he withdrew from agricultural pursuits he was able to retire with a most satisfactory competency. He now makes his home in Palmyra where, being comfortably situated in life, he is enjoying well earned rest which has been secured through his intelligently directed activity in former years. He still retains possession of his farming property, amounting to two hundred and
97
HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
eighty acres of valuable land in Macoupin county, and is also the owner of good city property.
The only interruption which came to break the routine of an active and busy farm life occurred at the time of the Civil war when, responding to the coun- try's call for volunteers, Mr. Capps enlisted as a private of Company A, Thirty- second Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He served with that command in its va- rious engagements, participating in Sherman's campaign through Georgia, and was also present at the surrender of General Johnson.
Mr. Capps was married, on the 3d of January, 1872, to Miss Elizabeth Max- field, a daughter of Robert and Sarah (Petefish) Maxfield, natives of Ken- tucky and Virginia respectively. They were farming people who located at an early day in Macoupin county, where both passed away. Mr. Capps' fraternal relations are with the Masonic order, he being a member of Palmyra Lodge, No. 463, A. F. & A. M. He was the first master of the lodge and for many years the youngest in the state of Illinois. He has already passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, and spends his declining years in comfort amid the regard of friends who recognize his worth and justly ac- count him one of the representative citizens of the county within whose borders he has so long lived and labored.
JOHN E. CAMP.
John E. Camp, editor and proprietor of The Star-Times of Staunton and also highly successful as a business man, was born in Fayette county, Illinois, Novem- ber 4, 1869. He is a son of W. E. and Mary E. (Shaffer) Camp, the former of whom was born in Staunton and the latter in Madison county, Illinois. The parents were married at Worden, Illinois, by Hampton Wall who was at that time serving as justice of the peace. . The young couple spent several years at East St. Louis and then took up their residence at Duquoin, Illinois, where Mr. Camp engaged in farming. The grandfather of our subject on the maternal side came to Illinois from Pennsylvania and for a number of years was in charge of an old tavern at Center Grove, Madison county, becoming well known as one of the successful innkeepers of that section. The mother of our subject was a daugh- ter of George and Mary (Jones) Shaffer and was a woman of many admirable characteristics. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Camp were four children : Hamp- ton, deceased ; John E., of this sketch; Isabelle, who is also deceased ; and Daisy, the wife of W. P. Wall, a prominent banker of Staunton. The father died in 1875 and Mrs. Camp was married later to Andrew Lovejoy, a farmer of Olive town- ship, Madison county. Subsequently they moved to Staunton and Mrs. Lovejoy ('ied in this city in 1899.
At six years of age John E. Camp was deprived of his father but grew to manhood under the kindly influence of a devoted mother. He attended the public schools of Staunton and the Hazel Dell school of Olive township, Madison county, thus securing the foundation of an education to which he has largely added by reading and by contact with men and affairs. At the age of nineteen he
98
HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
was married and for ten years thereafter applied himself as an agriculturist and stock-raiser at New Douglas. He then reopened a coal mine.at New Douglas, which he sold to a company and continued for two years as superintendent of the mine. In .1904 he entered the newspaper business with which he has ever since been prominently identified. He owned and edited the New Douglas World and the Worden Universe, and five years ago started The Star of Staunton. In 1910 he became the owner of the Staunton Times and combined the two papers under the title of The Star-Times. The paper is one of the leading publications of this section and its appearance and contents reflect great credit upon its proprietor. In connection with his newspaper business Mr. Camp maintains an up-to-date jobbing office which yields a handsome income upon the investment. He is a successful business man and owns an attractive home in which he lives at Staunton and also one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land near New Douglas.
In 1888 Mr. Camp was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Olive, a native of Olive township, Madison county, and they have had five children: Grace, who assists her father in the newspaper office; Verna, who is engaged in teaching school; Edward, who is also identified with his father in the newspaper office; Harold, who is at home; and Walton, who died in infancy.
In politics Mr. Camp is a supporter of the democratic party .and is an active worker in its behalf. He served as county supervisor of Madison county, filling the office of chairman of the board for several years, and also for four years dis- charged the duties of justice of the peace at New Douglas. His wife is a mem- ber of the Baptist church of New Douglas. Mrs. Camp and her two daughters are identified with the Order of the Eastern Star while the son Edward is a member of the lodge of Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Camp is prominent in fraternal circles and holds membership in the Masonic order, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of the Maccabees and the Order of the Eastern Star. He is active and efficient in all his undertakings and his efforts have met with financial reward. He is a man of kindly disposition and loyalty to his friends is one of his distinguishing characteristics. It may truly be said of him that he is ever ready to lend his aid to any movement benefiting the community and his influence is a potent element in the work of progress which is noticeable on every hand in Macoupin county.
.
WILLIAM E. WOODS.
The beneficial results of industry and the application of businesslike methods in affairs are illustrated in the life of William E. Woods, who is the owner of a productive farm in Bird township and is known as one of the reliable men of this section. He was born in the neighborhood where he now lives March 8, 1856, and for more than fifty years has been a witness of the development of Macoupin county. His parents were William and Janet (Hughes) Woods, the former of whom was born in Yorkshire, England, August 2, 1810. The father emigrated to America before his marriage and first located in Greene county, Illinois, where he lived until 1833. He then came to Bird township, Macoupin
99
HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
county, and selected a home in section 33, on a partially improved tract of land. He acquired some of the surrounding prairie and became the owner of a well- developed farm. Here he spent the remainder of his life, being called away in 1876. The mother of our subject was born in Ayreshire, Scotland. She came to America in her girlhood and was married in this country to Mr. Woods. They were the parents of nine children, namely: Abraham, who served for the Union in the Civil war and is now living at Carlinville; Peter, James and Edward, all of whom are deceased; Benjamin, a farmer of Polk township; Agnes, who mar- ried W. D. Goodell, of Corydon, Iowa; William E., of this review; George, de- ceased ; and Paul, who is engaged in farming in Bird township. The father of our subject was twice married and by his first marriage had four children: Olive, Isaac and John, all of whom are deceased ; and Mary, who is now living in Greene county, Illinois. The mother of William E. Woods died in 1894.
William E. Woods received his early education in the public schools and continued at home, assisting in farm work until he was twenty-four years of age. He then located on an adjacent farm where he has ever since resided. His place comprises one hundred and forty acres and is situated on sections 32 and 33, Bird township. He has applied himself with excellent judgment and the im- provements on his farm compare favorably with any in this part of the county. His methods have been practical and progressive and each year witnesses a gratifying increase in his prosperity.
In 1880 Mr. Woods was married to Miss Mary Rafferty. They have one child, Janet, who is the wife of Charles W. Arnett, a farmer of Bird township. Mrs. Woods died in 1885, and in 1889 Mr. Woods was married to Mrs. Mary E. Carr, widow of John Carr and a daughter of Samuel Comer. She has proved to him a constant encouragement and support.
Mr. Woods was reared as a member of a large family and in his youth gained lessons of industry and self-reliance that proved of inestimable value in shaping his character and determining his succes as a business man. He is now in a large measure financially independent and is respected as one of the wide-awake and substantial citizens of this region. In politics he is a republican. He has filled the office of tax collector in the township, discharging his duties in a way that indicated his trustworthiness and high sense of personal responsibility. Fraternally he is identified with the lodge of Modern Woodmen of America at Chesterfield. Although not connected with any religious denomination he is a liberal contributor to worthy causes and his wife is a valued member of the Baptist church.
FRANCIS M. TAYLOR.
The agricultural interests of Macoupin county find a worthy and successful representative in Francis M. Taylor, who makes his home on section 6, Chester- field township. His birth occurred in Greenfield, Illinois, on the 27th of Janu- ary, 1850, his parents being Isaac and Mahala (Odell) Taylor. The father was born in Greene county, Illinois, in 1828, while the mother was a native of Ken-
100
HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
tucky. John Taylor, the paternal grandfather of our subject, removed from South Carolina to Kentucky and subsequently brought his family to Greene county, Illinois, taking up government land. The maternal grandparents of Francis M. Taylor were Reuben and Mary (Davis) Odell. Reuben Odell, who was a native of South Carolina, removed to Kentucky after his marriage and there resided for two years, while in the '20s he took up his abode in Greene county, Illinois. He participated in the war of 1812 and his widow drew a land warrant. Their children were nine in number. Betsy, now deceased, gave her hand in marriage to Jackson Easting, of Greene county, Illinois. John, who has also passed away, was a resident of Nilwood, Macoupin county. William, who is now deceased, made his home at Girard, Macoupin county. Peggy, who has passed away, was the wife of Dillingham Wooldridge, of Greene county. Ma- hala, the next in order of birth, became the mother of our subject. Jacob, who is deceased, resided at Greene county, Illinois. Isaac, who makes his home at Litchfield, Illinois, participated in the Civil war with the Twelfth Illinois Cav- alry. Phillip, who is now deceased, likewise served as a soldier, being a member. of Company G, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Jackson, living at Chesterfield. Illinois, participated in the Civil war as a mem- ber of Company H, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
Isaac Taylor, the father of Mr. Taylor of this review, was identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, as follows: John, a widower residing in Macoupin county ; Francis M., of this review; Jacob J., who is deceased ; Mary, the wife of Fred Kaw, of Shipman, Illinois; Nancy, Charity and James Madison, all of whom have passed away; and Alex, who is married and makes his home at Chesterfield.
Francis M. Taylor obtained his education in the public schools and assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until twenty-eight years of age. At that time he purchased forty acres of land in Chesterfield township, Macoupin county, and after a few years bought another tract of similar size. The land was covered with heavy timber when it came into his possession and he cleared every foot of it. He also erected the necessary buildings and has brought his farm under a high state of cultivation and improvement. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and likewise has a fine orchard of five acres.
On the 26th of February, 1879, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Ella McCall, who was born at Walkerville, Greene county, Illinois, in 1855. Her father, William McCall, whose birth occurred at London, England, in 1818, took up his abode in Greene county, this state, in the '50s and here turned his attention to farming. He married a Miss Walker of Kentucky, who accompa- nied her parents on their removal to Greene county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have no children of their own but reared the following: Lovie McCall, who is the wife of William Gracy, by whom she has two children; Albert Cum- mings, who was married and whose demise occurred in Missouri; and Alice Harris, at home. These three adopted children were relatives of Mrs. Taylor.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Taylor has sup- ported the men and measures of the democracy, believing firmly in the principles of that party. He has held the office of road commissioner of Chesterfield
101
HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
township, ably discharging the duties devolving upon him in this connection. He has spent his entire life in this part of the state and enjoys a wide and favor- able acquaintance here.
ROBERT E. ALFORD.
A lifelong resident of Macoupin county, Robert E. Alford, of North Otter township, can claim intimate acquaintance with the resources of this section, and a well kept farm of more than four hundred and sixty acres is evidence of his good judgment and sound business ability. He was born October 21, 1855. a son of M. T. and Rebecca (Edwards) Alford, both of whom were natives of Tennes- see. They arrived in Illinois in 1850. With nothing to depend upon but a good constitution and an indomitable will to make a creditable name for himself among his fellowmen, M. T. Alford lived to witness his early dreams realized. He be- came a leading farmer of Macoupin county and acquired three hundred and seventy-three acres, which yielded a generous annual harvest. The mother of our subject died in June, 1869, when he was thirteen years of age. In their family were nine children, namely: William, who is now living in southwestern Kan- sas ; Charles F., of Clay county, Nebraska ; George, who is deceased ; Robert E., of this review ; Benjamin F., who died in 1880; Martha, Samuel and Mary, all of whom have passed away; and Caleb C., who lives in Macoupin county. The father was again married, his second wife being Susan Mary Searsey, and by this union eight children were born: Sarah, the widow of William Vogel, who lived near Palmyra; Martha, who married John Angle, of Carlinville ; Rosa, who is the wife of H. A. Whithorn and lives near Mount Ayr, Iowa ; Joseph, of Nil- wood, Illinois; John and Bertha, both of whom are deceased; Oliver Pritchett, of Kentucky ; and Cleveland H., of Nilwood. The father of these children lived to an advanced age and died May 21, 1906.
Robert E. Alford attended the public schools and continued assisting his father upon the home farm until twenty-seven years of age. He then began rent- ing land on his own account, starting with one hundred and eighty acres, but he increased his operations and cultivated two hundred and twenty acres for a number of years. At the end of eleven years he purchased two hundred acres, which he later sold, and then bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 25, North Otter township, where he has made his home since 1895, and to which he has added three hundred acres. He is a general farmer and stock-raiser and through good business management has prospered financially so that he now enjoys ease and comfort as the result of many years of wisely directed effort.
On the 26th of March, 1884, Mr. Alford was married to Miss Mary E. Ballard, a daughter of Wiley and Elizabeth (Brodmarkle) Ballard. The father was a native of Illinois and the mother of Maryland. In their family were three children : John H., who is deceased; Mary, now Mrs. Robert E. Alford; and Charles W., who lives in Girard. One child, Alma B., has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Alford. She is the wife of Alvah O. England, of Macoupin county, and is
102
HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
now living at home with her parents, being the mother of one child, Maurine, who was born July 27, 1906.
Politically Mr. Alford gives his allegiance to the democratic party. He has taken the interest of an intelligent and wide-awake citizen in local affairs and for fourteen years has served as county supervisor, a position he has filled to the gen- eral satisfaction of taxpayers irrespective of their party affiliation. He has also held various other offices of responsibility, evincing a fidelty to trust that has gained for him many friends throughout the county. He is a stanch supporter of worthy causes and his religious belief is indicated by membership in the Metho- dist church.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS ARMSTRONG.
For nearly half a century Christopher Columbus Armstrong was identified with the mercantile business at Girard and became one of the best known men in this part of the state. Having accumulated a competency, he retired from active labor eight years ago and at the age of seventy-four is now enjoying the results of his well-directed efforts. He is a native of Illinois, born in Jersey ยท county, January 2, 1837, a son of Maurice and Elizabeth (Sims) Armstrong, both of whom were born in Kentucky. The grandfather of our subject on the paternal side was Joshua Armstrong, a native of Pennsylvania.
Christopher C. Armstrong attended the district schools of Jersey county and remained with his parents, assisting on the home farm until after he arrived at the age of seventeen. He then undertook farming on his own account in Montgomery county, but after an experience of one year gave up the pursuit of agriculture and secured a position as clerk in the grocery establishment of H. F. Bridges at Girard, occupying a similar position under N. F. Horn the following year. In 1857 he entered the grocery business on his own account under the title cf M. Armstrong & Son, the name of the firm becoming Armstrong & Bowsher in 1860, Russell Bowsher being the junior member. In 1861 Mr. Arm- strong acquired the interest of his partner and for a year conducted the business under the title of C. C. Armstrong. He then admitted his brother, Andrew S., as a partner, and for three years the firm was known as Amstrong Brothers. In 1865 Mr. Armstrong of this review disposed of his interest to E. M. Cooper and associated with O. H. Gobble in the organization of the firm of Armstrong, Gobble & Clark, clothiers and dry-goods merchants. Mr. Armstrong sold his interest in this business to Leonard J. Thompson and in 1867 he purchased the grocery of Armstrong & Cooper, the title of the firm again becoming C. C. Arm- strong. In 1871 he admitted John W. Ballinger as a partner, consolidating the drug and grocery business in one establishment, but in 1873 purchased Mr. Bal- linger's interest, and for thirty years the business was conducted by Mr. Arm- strong in his own name, proving one of the highly flourishing enterprises of the kind. Since 1903 Mr. Armstrong has lived retired.
On November 13, 1862, Mr. Armstrong was married in Sangamon county to Miss Fannie D. Weed, a native of Madison county, Illinois. She is a daugh-
103
HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
ter of Fred and Martha (Boone) Weed. The father was born in Connecticut and the mother in Kentucky, the latter being a direct descendant of Daniel Boone, the noted hunter and Indian fighter. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong. Herbert, the eldest, married Nellie Moore, and they now live in St. Louis. Paul married Jessie Shuff. He resides at Girard and has two children, Frank and Gladys. Byron, a resident of Jacksonville, married Nora Parent, and they have two children, Marceline and Beata. Irene married Dee Morrow and they are living at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. In their family are three children, James Lamont, Lum Armstrong and Dorothy Dee.
Politically Mr. Armstrong adheres to the democratic party. He has taken an active interest in public affairs and served as a member of the board of super- visors, trustee and treasurer of Girard, and also as school trustee under the old system. Fraternally he is connected with Lodge No. 171, A. F. & A. M., which he has served as treasurer for thirty years; Lodge No. 132, R. A. M., all the offices of which he has filled; and Hiawatha Lodge, K. P., of Girard, of which he was a charter member. He is of a genial, social temperament, and it is greatly to his credit that the friends whom he made many years ago still speak in un- qualified terms of his sterling characteristics. He early learned that "all things come to him who waits"-and works intelligently. He used discrimination in his business and at the very beginning of his active career learned to depend upon his own judgment, the dominant note of his life being self-reliance. It is men of this character who gain the prizes and are the rightful leaders in every com- munity.
PHILLIP GERBER.
Phillip Gerber, a well known and successful carpenter, contractor and builder of Carlinville, maintains his residence at No. 407 Orient street. His birth oc- curred in Waterloo, Illinois, on the 13th of April, 1884, his parents being Phillip and Mary (Rick) Gerber, both of whom were natives of this state. The paternal grandfather, who was born in Germany, was twice married, Phillip being the only child of his first union. The maternal grandfather of our subject was also a native of Germany and lived to the age of about ninety-five years. He and his wife, Mrs. Mary Rick, took up their abode among the early settlers in the vicinity of St. Louis, Missouri. They had a number of children, including Anton, Charles, Fred, Gottlieb, John and Mary.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.