History of Macoupin County, Illinois, Part 71

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co.
Publication date: 1879
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 440

USA > Illinois > Macoupin County > History of Macoupin County, Illinois > Part 71

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In March, 1857, Mr. Miller determined to leave his native state, and seek his fortune for himself and youug wife in the West, and emigrated to Illi- nois. His intention was to go further north than Shipman, but his money giving out he was from necessity compelled to stop, in order to recruit his impoverished exchequer. He soon found work on Mr. Justison's farm, where he remained for six months, and in the fall of the same year he rented a piece of land on the shares. This may be regarded as his first venture in business life for himself; henceforth he was to be the architect of his own fortune, without the guidance or under the control of others. He continued two years as a renter, but his health failing he was compelled to abandon farming and engage in something more suitable to his health. He accord-

ingly went to huckstering, buying produce from the farmers and hauling it to St. Louis, where he disposed of it ; he carried goods back, and delivered them to merchants and dealers in the small towns in the northern and west- ern parts of the county. His health, however, did not improve, and after two years spent in the above-named business he went to Minnesota, in hope of regaining his lost health. After one year spent there, he found himself so much improved that he returned to Shipman, and commenced dealing and trading in live stock, buying and shipping to St. Louis and other mar- kets. This business he has continued without interruption up to the pre- sent. As soon as he made sufficient money, so as to be able to spare some of it from his business, he invested it in land, and thus he added acre by acre, until at the present he is not only one of the principal shippers and stock men of the county, but also one of the leading agriculturists. Mr. Miller, in his business, is endowed with those traits characteristic of the western business men, namely, industry, enterprise, and activity in what- ever he undertakes. In his family he has been blessed with a numerous progeny ; thirteen children have been born to them, eight of whom are living. He is not a member of any particular church organization.

In politics he is an unswerving democrat, and as such cast his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas in 1860, and has voted steadily with that party ever since.

In the business of life he has been more than ordinarily successful, which may be attributed to his industry and superior judgment. In fact, he started in life unaided and thrown upon his own resources while yet almost in his infancy, with nothing to help him except a sound body, a strong pair of arms, and an abundance of energy. Among his neighbors and friends, with whom he has lived for nearly a quarter of a century, he is universally respected for his integrity and sterling worth as a man and citizen.

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E. L. HUPP.

MRS. MINERVA J. HUPP.

E. L. HUPP,

WAS born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on the 6th of October, 1826. Philip Hupp, his father, was a native of the same state. He married Phoebe Johnson, who was of Welsh extraction, and a native of Pennsylvania. She died in 1843, and Philip Hupp died in 1865. There were five boys and one girl born to them, four of whom have survived the parents. At the age of fifteen Eli com- menced learning the trade of harness making. In the spring of 1845 he came west, and stopped in Jersey county, Illinois, and worked at his trade in Otterville for four years, and then went upon a farm, where he remained until 1855, when he came to Macoupin county, and opened up the farm upon which he now resides, and which land he had entered some years prior to his re-

moval here. He was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Jane Piggott, who is a native of Illinois. She comes from an old family, and is a niece of Judge Piggott of St. Louis. Eight children have been born to them, seven of whom are living-five boys and two girls; two of the boys and one girl are married. Philip and Newton are in Marshall, Kansas, where they are engaged in farming. In politics Mr. Hupp is a republican. He cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor for President, in 1848. In life he has been very successful, as his broad acres of well-tilled fields and herds of fine stock will testify ;- the accumula- tion of years of honest toil, and the practice of rigid economy, aided by sound judgment and business tact. He is regarded as one of the leading agriculturists of the county.

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FARM RESIDENCE OF E. B. CLARK , SEC. 29, OF SHIPMAN TP, MACOUPIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS

"WALNUT ROW FARM". THE PROPERTY OF E. L. HUPP, SECTION 34, OF SHIPMAN TP. MACOUPIN CO, ILL.

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Grr. Gilson

WAS a native of Pennsylvania. He was of Scotch an- cestry on the paternal side, and on the maternal Scotch- Irish. He married Miss M. Merrewether. She was a native of Louisville, Ky., and was a resident of that state at the time of her marriage. Mr. Gilson emigrated to and settled in Brighton as early as 1836. During his life he was chiefly engaged in general merchandizing, speculating in real estate, and stock-raising. He was of an enterpris- ing turn of mind, and to him is due the credit of building up the town of Brighton. He was more than ordinarily successful in all of his business ventures, and at his death was possessed of considerable property, When he came west he was penniless and without friends, but by energy and economical habits and rare judgment he soon succeeded in placing himself in the front rank with the prosperous business men of his adopted county. His activity con- tinued until his death, which occurred the 29th of August, 1864. His wife died August, 1873. Seven children were born to them, four of whom have survived the parents. Mrs. M. S. Brown, who resides at the old homestead in Brighton, and Mrs. H. H. Herdman are the two daughters living ; E. P., the eldest son, after graduating at the Black- burn University, read law in the office of Hon. Lyman Trumbull, and is now a practising attorney in Carrollton, Greene county, Illinois, and Dr. George H. resides at Shipman. During his life, Mr. Gilson was an active and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and took a prominent part in that organization.

GEORGE HERBERT GILSON, M. D.,

Is a native of Illinois. He was born in the village of Brighton, Macoupin county, September 15th, 1853, and is the son of James W. Gilson. The subject of our sketch is the youngest of the family. He spent his boyhood days in Brighton, and attended the common schools until his seventeenth year, when he entered Blackburn University, at Carlinville, Illinois, and took the scientific course. He remained there for three years, after which time he com- menced reading medicine, and in August, 1874, entered the St. Louis Medical College, at St. Louis, and graduated from that institution in March, 1876, and immediately thereafter commenced the practice of his profession at Shipman, Illinois, where he at present resides, and where, by close attention to his profession, studious habits, and honorable conduct, he has succeeded in building up a lucrative and extensive practice. It is not necessary to state that Dr. Gilson belongs to the regular school of medi- cine, and notwithstanding the many departures from the well-beaten track, he has always remained true to his first teachings in medical science. The doctor is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a republican, and cast his first vote for Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876. He, however, is not a politician. Dr. Gilson is yet a young man, just entering upon the threshold of his pro- fessional life, and from the reputation he has already obtained as a successful practitioner of the healing art, it may not be regarded as an evidence of unusual foresight . to predict for him a successful and honorable career in his chosen calling. In his manners he is an affable and agree- able gentleman.

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JAMES W. CHRISTOPHER, (DECEASED,) WAS born in Ohio, November 16, 1835. He was the son of John and Margaret Christopher, who moved from Ohio to Jersey county, Illinois, about 1842. James was then about seven years of age. He received his education at the district schools, and remained at home assisting his father until he was about twenty-four years of age.

March 2, 1859, he was married to Miss C. C. Kuhn, who was the daughter of Christian and Jane Kuhn. Some time after their marriage they settled near Fidelity, in Jersey county, Illinois, and engaged in farming, as a renter for two years; then moved to Sangamon county, living on a farm they had purchased. After living there two years he thought he would better his condition by selling that farm and buying a farm more valuable in Shipman town- ship, Macoupin county, where he moved with his family in 1864, and continued farming and stock raising on an

extensive scale. He lived upon this farm until his death. After a short, but painful suffering, he died, December 1st, 1877, leaving a wife and eight children to mourn his loss.

Mr. Christopher was a liberal supporter of all moral and useful enterprises, an excellent citizen and kind neighbor. He was frequently called on by his friends to accept many of the minor offices of the township. He discharged his duty with credit to himself and honor to his neighbors. Of Mr. Christopher's death it can be said that the family lost an affectionate and kind husband, and in- dulgent father, and the community a good and useful citizen.

Mrs. Christopher and five children are remaining on the farm. She is entitled to much credit in the manner in which she has managed the farm, and the efforts she has made to raise her children.

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RESIDENCEAND SCENES ON THE FARM OF SAM! TRIBLE, PIASA, SHIPMAN TP., MACOUPIN CO., ILL.

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RESIDENCE OF FRANK FISK , SHIPMAN , MACOUPIN COUNTY. ILL.

RESIDENCE OF HENRY LAW, SHIPMAN, MACOUPIN Co ILL.

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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

HENRY LAW.

AMONG the substantial farmers and stock-raisers of Macoupin county, none deserve better mention in a work of this character than he whose name heads this article. He was born in Yorkshire, England, on the 20th of February, 1820. The Law family on the paternal side were of Scotch descent, and are direct descendents from the family of that name in Edinburg, of which John Law, the famous banker, was a member. On the maternal side the family are of English ancestry. Robert Law, the father of Henry, married Jennie Kershaw. Five children were born to them, three of whom are at present living, viz .: Henry Robert, who is a prominent business man of Chicago, and Elizabeth, who is married to Dr. John W. Trabue, and now a resident of Shipman, Illinois. Robert Law, the father, died in England, on the 23d of October, 1839. He followed the occupation of farm- ing and stock-raising, in which he was successful. His wife, and mother of the present family, still survives him, and at present is living with her daughter, Mrs. Trabue, in Shipman, a hale, hearty woman of nearly four- score years and ten.

The subject of our sketch spent his boyhood days in the schools of his native land, and succeeded in getting a good average education, which he has since improved by extensive reading and travel. After his father's death, in 1839, he with his brother assumed control, and took upon them- selves the management of the farms belonging to his father, and attended to the duties thereto belonging until 1844, when he becarne seized with a desire to visit America, of which glowing accounts were given of the opportunities to purchase lands and otherwise improve the financial condition of those who possessed a strong constitution and had the necessary energy to brave the discomforts of western life. He accordingly, on the 4th of May, of the year above mentioned, in company with his mother and sister, set sail for America. Upon landing he went to Cecil county, Maryland, and stopped with his brother Robert, who had preceded him the year previous. He remained in Maryland engaged in farming until 1847, when he came west to look at the country and find a location where land was cheap, and which at the same time afforded advantages for stock raising and the growing of grain. He made the journey over the mountains to Pittsburg, and then came down the Ohio and up the Mississippi rivers and landed at Alton; where he purchased a horse and pursued his journey on horseback. After a thorough examina- tion of different parts of the state, he concluded that for all purposes the land in and about his present home was the best. He purchased four hundred and eighty acres, on part of which the town of Shipman now stands. He commenced its improvement at once by making rails and enclosing eighty acres for grazing purposes. The same year he returned to Maryland and sold out his interests there, and in the spring of the next year removed to Ship- man and settled permanently, where he has ever since remained. His brother Robert returned to England in 1848, and sold out the old homestead and farms there, and returned to this country. In 1850 Mr. Law purchased an additional one hundred and sixty acres of land, making in all one entire section. In 1852 he laid out the town of Lawton, since changed to the name of Shipman, the change occurring from the fact of sale being made of the property to Shipman, who was then civil engineer of the line of the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis railroad, and Gen. Robertson, of Alton, who had the privilege of rechristening and naming the place; in casting lots for the naming of it it fell to Shipman.

On the 23d of May, 1877, he was united in marriage to Virginia Shultz, who is a native of Pennsylvania. Her parents, at an early day, emigrated to Virginia, where they remained until 1865, when they removed to Illinois, and settled in Shipman township, where Mr. Shultz remained until his death, which event occurred on the 4th of October, 1871. Mrs. Shultz still resides at the same place, on section twenty-four of this township. Mr. Law is not a member of any church, yet he is exceedingly liberal in his donations to all religious enterprises, and for the erection of church edifices he has given freely and with unstinted hand whenever called upon. In politics he is a staunch democrat, but was formerly an old line whig, and cast his first vote for Gen. Zachary Taylor. In 1848 he joined the Douglas wing of the dem- ocratic party, and has remained a firm and consistent advocate of its princi- ples ever since. Mr. Law is not a politician in the strict sense of the word, only so far as to uphold his views upon the issues of the day or to advance the interests of a friend, but as for accepting office he prefers a quiet life, and rejoices more in well tilled fields and fine stock than he does to engage in the uncertain game of political chance. In the local affairs of his town he takes an active part, and has been more or less prominent, having been elected no

less than eight times as a member of the board of trustees of Shipman, and served as president of the board for three terms. During his connection with the board he was instrumental in causing the purchase of the cemetery by the town, and aided in beautifying this last resting place of the dead. And to his business tact and sagacity the town is indebted for the cemetery, and that, too, without the outlay of one cent. In 1864 Mr. Law paid a visit to the land of his birth, and spent two years in visiting all cities and places of note in England, Ireland, and Scotland.

This, in brief, is a sketch of one of Macoupin county's old and best citizens. In the community where he has lived for over thirty years, and where he is thoroughly known, none are more highly respected or esteemed for those qualities which characterize an honest, upright and honorable gentleman, than Henry Law. This is the universal verdict of his neighbors and life- long friends.

SAMUEL TRIBLE

WAS born in England, and resided in Devonshire. The Trible family is an old one, and from the original ancestors there has sprung a numerous progeny. The great-uncle of the subject of the present sketch was a blacksmith by trade, and a man of some genius and exceedingly well skilled as a worker in metals. He was also well-read in the science of medicine, and was frequently called upon by his neighbors to give relief when in bodily pain. Samuel Trible, the father, was united in marriage to Miss Susanah Trible. She was a woman of varied accomplishments, and was skilled in the management of everything that came within her province. She was a noble lady, a fond mother, whose virtues are remembered and enshrined in the hearts of her posterity. Three children, all boys, were born to Samuel and Susanah Trible. The only survivor is the subject of our sketch, who was the eldest of the family. John was the second son. He educated himself for the profession of law, and was for a time city at- torney of Alton, Illinois. During the war, he raised a company of soldiers and went into the service. He was wounded in the engagement at Arkansas · Post, and died from the effect a short time afterward. Abraham died while yet in his boyhood. He was a lad of unusual intelligence, and gave evidence of future usefulness, had his life been spared. Samuel Trible emigrated from England to America in 1836. He came direct to Illinois, and settled where his son now resides, and remained there until his death, which took place in 1844. The subject of our sketch received a fair education in his boyhood days, while yet in his native land. After his arrival here he spent one year in company with his brother John, in the school at Hillsboro', Montgomery county, Illinois. After the death of his parents he took charge of the farm, upon which he has ever since resided. In 1872 he was mar- ried to Mrs. Mattie Reynolds, who is a native of Shipman, Illinois. Three children have been born to them, but only one survives, viz .: Katie. Mrs. Trible had one daughter, named Mary, by a former marriage. She is an inmate of the family. Mr. Trible is a member of the M. E. Church. He contributed grounds for the erection of the church-building, and also for cemetery purposes. In politics he is a republican. In 1858 he went back to England, and visited the scenes of his childhood.

Mr. Trible has in his possession a stone known as the "Madstone," which is a specific and infallible cure for hydrophobia, when applied in season. He had it on exhibition at the Centennial in Philadelphia in 1876, and while there it attracted great attention, and was the subject of curious speculation among the learned physicians. With it Mr. Trible has performed some astonishing cures of hydrophobia, which settles the question as to its great medicinal properties. In taking leave of Mr. Trible, we say in conclusion, that he is a man highly respected in the community where he has resided for so many years.

M. W. SEAMAN, M. D.

WAS born at Glen's Falls, New York, on the 13th of January, 1830. On the paternal side the family were of English ancestry. Dr. Seaman's father was a native of New York city, and was a tailor by trade. He married Miss Maria Prouty, who was of German extraction. She was a native of Westchester county, New York. Three children were born to them, viz. : George W., Richard P., and the subject of our sketch. Both parents died in 1836. After the death of his parents Dr. Seaman was adopted by Jabez Briggs, with whom he remained until his twenty-second year. His boyhood days were spent in receiving an education in the common schools of his

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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

native village. At the age of fifteen years he entered the Glen's Falls Aca- demy and took a classical course, preparatory to entering college. He re- mained there four years, after which he entered the office of Dr. Peck, and commenced the study of medicine. After remaining there for a short time he entered the office of Dr. Thomas Hun, Professor of Physiology in the Albany Medical College. He attended three courses of lectures in the above named institution, and graduated therefrom with the degree of M. D., in 1853. After his graduation he practiced his profession in Glen's Falls for one year and a half, and in the fall of 1854 emigrated west, and stopped in Lawrence, Kansas, where he remained but a short time. The country being new, and in an unsettled condition, he concluded to remove further east. He came to St. Louis, and in the latter part of November, 1854, came to Shipman, and taught school the following winter, and on the 1st of March, 1855, commenced the practice of his profession, at which he has continued until the present. During the late war he was appointed assistant-surgeon to the 122d regiment, Illinois volunteers, Col. Rinaker, commanding. He entered the service in 1862. In 1863 he was promoted to the position of surgeon of the regiment. During a portion of the time he was brigade surgeon, and in 1864 was post surgeon at Cairo, Illinois. He remained in the service until 1865, or until the close of the war, when he was honorably mustered out and returned to Shipman, where he resumed his practice. On the 5th of March, 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Shell- man, who is a native of Delaware county, New York, but was a resident of Shipman at the date of her marriage. One child, a boy, has been born to them. In politics Dr. Seaman is a pronounced republican. He was formerly a member of the old line whig party, and cast his first vote for General Winfield Scott for president, in 1852. On the formation of the re- publican party he joined its ranks and voted for Fremont in 1856, and ever since has been an ardent and staunch member of that political organization. He takes no active part in politics, except to vote his sentiments or exercise his influence for what he deems is for the best interests of his county or locality. This is notably so of his efforts and agitation upon the subject of township organization. He wrote the first petition and every subsequent one, and to him, perhaps, more than any other citizen of the county, is due the credit of securing the change from the old system of county court to that of a supervisors' court, or township organization.

In the practice of medicine Dr. Seaman stands in the foremost rank of his profession. He belongs to the progressive school of practitioners. He was the first president of the first medical society organized in the county. He is also a member of the state medical society, and takes an active part in its deliberations. As a man and a citizen he is respected by all who know him.

CHARLES B. WILSON

WAS born in Madison county, Illinois, near North Alton, on the 25th of March, 1835. T. H. Wilson, his father, was a native of Cumberland, England. He emigrated to America, in June, 1830, and settled in Madison county, Missouri, and eight months later returned to St. Louis, where he lived two years; then moved to Alton, Illinois, where he remained three years ; and then removed to Macoupin county, where he entered land and lived until his death, which occurred in June, 1869. On the 11th of Novem- ber, 1829, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Bowman, who was also a native of Westmorland, England. She at present resides in Brighton, in this county. The subject of our sketch spent his boyhood days in the com- mon schools, going a distance of four miles, morning and evening, to obtain this privilege. At the age of twenty-one years he entered Mckendree col- lege, at Lebanon, where he remained some time; after which he went to work upon the farm ; work proving too hard for him, he went to Litchfield and entered a store as a clerk ; and a year later the war broke out, when he enlisted in what was then known to be the Western Sharpshooters, or 14th regiment Missouri Volunteers ; this was in October, 1861. The regi- ment rendezvoused at Benton Barrack, at St. Louis, where they remained until the 12th of December of the same year; when the command was ordered to North Missouri. The regiment participated in the battles of Forts Henry, Donelson, and the siege of Corinth ; while laying at Corinth the command was changed from the 14th to the 66th Illinois regiment, Col. Birge commanding. The regiment was attached to the 16th Army Corps, under Gen. Dodge, and was for a great part of the time on detailed service. Mr. Wilson was sent home on recruiting service, in 1863, and joined the

regiment in the spring of 1864, and participated in the Atlanta campaign. His term of enlistment expired in August, 1864. On his return home he engaged in a store at Litchfield, Illinois, for some time ; after which he went to his farm, and remained nine years; and then came to Piasa and en- gaged in general merchandizing, and has so continued up to the present time. He was formerly a democrat in politics, but on the breaking out of the war he joined the republican party, and has remained a member of that political organization ever since. Mr. Wilson is an old citizen of Macoupin county, and is esteemed by all who know him for his true worth as a man.

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History of Macoupin County, Illinois, Part 71

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co. Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Number of Pages: 440

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co.
Publication date: 1879
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 440