USA > Illinois > Massac County > History of Massac County, Illinois with life sketches and portraits > Part 17
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In that year he moved to Metropolis, Massac county, his
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permanent residence, where he enjoyed a wide practice until his death, Aug. 13, 1896. His first wife was Miss Martha Mc- Mahan, who died in 1870. He afterwards married Miss Celia Handley of Carmi, who died in 1881. In 1882 he married Miss Anna Lukins, Metropolis, Ill. Three children, Miscal, Peter Hoche and Lillian, widow of P. J. Carson, survive; Mrs. Belle Jacobs, Metropolis, is a daughter of the second marriage; and John H., Jr., is the only child of the last marriage.
Doctor Norris was a valuable member of society. He was an Odd Fellow, Knight of Pythias, and Grand Army member. He died a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his chosen profession he excelled. Always abreast of the times, he was a member and secretary of the Massac County Medical Society; Vice-President of the Southern Medical Society, and a member of the South western Medical Society. His big heart led him to do much practice for the poor, and a number of young physicians, now active practitioners, remember well his noble qualities.
Politically, the Doctor was an ardent Republican, and presided over a number of important conventions, as he was an exceptional presiding officer. He was Mayor of Metropolis four times. His goodness of heart made him many friends. His death was a public calamity and the immense throng at- tendant at his funeral proved the place he held in the people's affections.
ROBERT C. BARHAM.
Charles Barham, grandfather of Robert C., was a pioneer Virginian. Nathan Barham, the father, with three brothers, James, Daniel and Charles, were born in Virginia. When Nathan was small his parents moved to Guilford county, North Carolina; was there reared, inherited the homestead, married, and died there, Dec. 30, 1855, aged 76 years.
His'maternal grandfather was Captain Joel Harris, born in Virginia, a farmer, and captain of a company of Revolution- ary soldiers, who fought at Guilford Court House. Captain
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Harris married Margary Kenedy, born in Virginia, and died on the old homestead, Guilford county, North Carolina, 1864, leaving seven children. Captain Harris' daughter, Elizabeth, married Nathan Barham.
Robert C. Barham, their son, was born August 8, 1837, in Guilford county, North Carolina, attended subscription schools, and took a course in the Oak Ridge Institute. At nineteen he went to Tennessee, taught school in McNairy and Weakly counties, for two years, and in 1862 entered the Union service as a scout, and continued under Generals Ashbeck, Smith, Meredith, Hicks and Payne until 1864, serving in Ken- tucky, Tennessee and Missouri.
In 1863 he married Miss Mary M., daughter of Thomas A. and Jane McMichael, who was born in Guilford county, North Carolina. He brought his wife to Massac county in 1863, and joined her after the war closed. They have two daughters, Josephine, wife of George M. Clark, and Lydia, wife of Judge George Sawyers.
Mr. Barham first taught school upon his arrival in Massae county. In 1867 he opened a carriage and wagon factory at New Columbia, Illinois, and engaged as a carpenter until 1876, when he sold his interests and came to Metropolis. He was county commisisoner, and was instrumental in raising county orders from 40 cents to par value. In 1890 he was elected sheriff of Massac county, making an efficient officer. Relig- iously he and his wife are Baptists; politically he is intensely Republican, and fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, Mason and Knight of Pythias.
TILLMAN ROBY.
Tillman Roby, the oldest citizen of Massac county, was born in Kentucky, near Lexington, June 21, 1809. When one year old his parents took him to Clark county, Ind., where they stayed until he was nine years old, when he was taken back to Mead county, Ky., and remained about two years. They then moved to Harrison county, Indiana.
ROBERT C. BARHAM.
MRS. ROBERT C. BARHAM.Y
ROBY CROUP.
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MASSAC COUNTY
His father died soon after the battle of Tippecanoe, in which he fought, and Dec. 31, 1848, Mr. Roby came to Metropo- lis, Ill. There were three brothers, every one born on the 21st day of the month. Curtis and Townsley are both dead. Mr. Roby married into a family of eleven children, and they are all dead. The wives of the three brothers were born on the 28th day of the month.
In 1832 he married Miss Mary Ann Manck, of Harrison county, Ind., formerly of Virginia. Nine children were born to them. Six are living; three boys, Townsley, now in Wash- ington; W. H. Harrison, and A. F., both of Metropolis; three daughters, Mrs. Rebecca, widow of Daniel Bowker; Mrs. Eliza- beth, widow of Daniel Boicourt, both of Metropolis, and Mrs. Margaret A. Snyder, Marionville, Mo.
Politically, Mr. Roby is a Republican, was a member of the first city council, and one of the first to help organize a Lincoln Club. He was its first president. He was originally a Whig. He is a member of the local order of Odd Fellows.
During his early years in Metropolis he was a cooper. From 1863 to 1882 he lived on a farm in Jackson precinct, since which time he conducted a grocery store in Metropolis, but is now too old for active labor. He has nine great grand-chil- dren, one twenty-nine years of age. The picture shows him- self, his son William H. Harrison, his grandson Curtis, and great grandson, Roby Green, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Green, Herrin, Illinois.
SOLOMON J. RHOADS.
Solomon Rhoads, grandfather of the doctor, was born near Reading, Pa., of German extraction, before 1800 emi- grated to what is now Massac county, and resided here a short while, his wife dying here. The country was then a wil- derness. He went to Muhlenberg county, Kentucky, after the death of his wife, early enough to be a pioneer. Daniel Boone was his relative. Henry and David Rhoads, his brothers, also settled in the same county. Henry was the first representa-
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tive in the State Legislature from that county. Rachel Johu- son became his wife and she died in Muhlenberg county, 1860.
Henry Rhoads, the father, was born in Muhlenberg coun- ty, Ky., reared there, a natural mechanic; married in Ohio, and settled in his native county on a tract of land given him by his father, and built a puncheon house out of the material cut from one poplar tree which had grown upon the farm. He died on this farm, 1884. His wife was Elizabeth Morton, born in Ohio county, Ky., daughter of Thomas and Garner Morton. Their children are Solomon J., Merton G. and Cynthia.
Solomon J. Rhoads was born near Greenville, Muhlenberg county, Ky., July 23, 1834, received his early education at Greenville, his advanced education at Bethel College, Rus- selville, Ky., taught school two terms, studied medicine with Dr. William H. Yost of Greenville, began practice in 1860, and in 1861 graduated from the St. Louis Medical College. He remained in Kentucky until 1864, when he came to Metropo- lis and remained until the close of the war, returned to South Carrolton, Ky., and 1883, came to Metropolis, where he has practiced until this year (1900).
In 1866, the Doctor married Priscilla A. Jagoe, born in Muhlenberg county, Ky., the daughter of William and Miranda Jagoe. Four children have been born, Miriam, a teacher; Edwin G., William H., and Kittie Clyde. Doctor Rhoads is a Baptist, a Mason, and a Democrat. He has been president of the Massac County Medical Society, member of the Kentucky State Medical Society, and is a writer of considerable ability on scientific subjects. At present he lives in Kentucky.
CAPTAIN J. F. MCCARTNEY.
John and Jane (Brown) McCartney were native Scotch. who came to Trumbull county, Ohio, 1840. Father McCartney was a dissenting minister. John F. was born near Glasgow, April 22, 1835, and was brought over by his parents.
John F. McCartney was a poor boy. He bought his time of his father at $50 a year from the age of 14, paid his own schooling, working as a janitor, and at 18 took charge of a
CAPT. J. F. McCARTNEY.
DR. JAMES E. GOWAN. (See page 197).
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school in Western Pennsylvania. Afterward he attended Kingsville Academy, Ashtabula, Ohio, for special branches, re- sumed teaching in winter and farm labor in summer.
In 1855 he arrived at Pulaski station, Pulaski county, Illi- nois, with 31 cents and worked in a saw mill but soon taught the neighborhood school several terms, returned to Ohio, took an advanced course in Vermillion Collegiate Institute, Ash- land county, being given the chair of mathematics in said in- stitution.
He returned to Illinois, was elected principal of the Metropolis schools, enlisted in the 131st Illinois volunteer in- fantry at Metropolis and was made regimental quartermaster. During the winter of 1863-64 he personally recruited 150 men, was commissioned their captain as company D, 56th Illinois volunteer infantry, and assigned with Sherman on his march to the sea.He was in General Herron's division sent in pursuit of Kirby Smith in Texas, was honorably discharged at Little Rock, Ark., having made a good soldier record.
.Returning to Metropolis he began to publish the first re- publican newspaper, the Promulgator, practiced law and upon the death of G. W. Neeley, district attorney, he was appointed his successor in 1867 and elected to the same office in 1868. From 1872 to 1894 no more active attorney could be found any- where.
For seven years he published "The Times," conducted a large farm, built business blocks, led in the organization of the farmers' movement in politics, was instrumental in organ- izing the First National Bank 1882, served as its president for three years, and zealously labored to build up the Chris- tian church of which he has been a life long member. During the last few years he has been president of the Eighth District Missionary organization of his church. Was tendered the nom- ination of governor on the prohibition ticket in 1900 by the executive officers of that party to which he adheres, but re- fused, and devotes all his time to his business interests which includes the presidency of the National State Bank, a pros- perous growing institution which he organized in 1895.
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Miss Elizabeth McGee, sister of Hon. F. M. and Judge Mc- Gee, became his first wife in 1859. Their children were Liz- zie, now Mrs. B. F. Stroud, Seattle, Wash., and Professor M. N., of Vienna, whose sketch appears elsewhere. In 1864 Mrs. McCartney died and the captain married Miss Minnie D. Lukens of Metropolis March 1, 1866. Their children are Grace, wife of F. A. Trausdale, Spring Valley, Ill .; Anna, now Mrs. D. T. Slimpert; Hattie, wife of Attorney C. M. Fouts; Carrie, wife of J. N. Weaver, a teacher; Catherine, assistant cashier in her father's bank; Frank, Fred, Hope, all in Massac county.
WESLEY HENDERSON OWEN.
Wesley Henderson Owen was born in Graves county, Ky., the property of Alexander Willinghame. In 1861 his father. mother and ten children were taken to Arkansas to prevent their being freed. In 1864 they were brought back after the battle at Paducah. Their master was going to again send them away but his father took the family and ran away.
On August 10th they landed at Paducah and there seven children died. Wesley, John and Walton were all that re- mained. April 14, the day Abraham Lincoln was assassin- ated, they moved to Brooklyn and within a week were settled on the farm of Mr. Stockton, where they made a good crop. They rented the farm two years, then took a lease for four years, and then rented of Mr. Martin for three or four years.
In 1870 he and California Prior were married and they have had four children born to them. One girl, who died at 11, and three boys, Augustus, Frank and John. In 1880 he purchased a farm of J. H. Morris, and in 1881 his entire house and goods burned. Although in debt, he has struggled along and paid it off.
In 1876 his mother died and in 1896 his father died. In January, 1896, he joined the Baptist church, of which his wife had been a member since 1873. Mr. Owen is very intelligent, industrious and well read. He speaks fluently and writes quite well. No one ever questions his honor, honesty and voracity. He is an estimable citizen.
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MASSAC COUNTY.
REV. BENJAMIN C. SWAN, D. D.
The following sketch is taken from "The Presbyterian Ministerial Directory," a book published by the Rev. E. S. Robinson, Oxford, Ohio, 1898.
"Benjamin C. Swan, Metropolis, Illinois-Born in Preble county, Ohio; graduated at Miami University 1845; the degree of D. D. conferred 1888; attended the Western Theological Seminary 1847-48 and 1848-49, and the New Albany Seminary 1849-50; licensed June, 1850, and ordained April, 1851, by the Oxford Presbytery. His fields of labor have been, Salem and Winchester, June, 1850 to August, 1852; Carthage, Ill., Oct., 1852, to 1860; Shawneetown, 1860, to 1868; Carmi, 1868 to 1877; Enfield and Sharon, 1877 to 1883; Harrisburg, 1883 to 1888; and Metropolis, Nov., 1888, to March, 1894; stated clerk of the Presbytery of Cairo for 20 years." P. 500.
Doctor Swan is living at his home in Metropolis at this writing, rich in years and honor as a faithful consecrated ser- vant of the Lord. His dignified bearing, venerable hairs, and robust character are an inspiration to lovers of high ideals.
MAJOR L. W. COPELAND.
Joshua S. Copeland, the father, when four years old came with his parents from Tennessee to Johnson county in 1808. Indians and wild game abounded and white neighbors were scarce. With five dollars he early moved to what is now Mas- sac county, purchased a tract of unimproved land, cleared the same reared his family, and died thereon at a ripe old age.
He married Elizabeth Axley and she died in 1856, the mother of ten children, Robert Van Buren, James Franklin, Simon J., Melissa, Joshua and William Riley, are all dead. Samuel L. enlisted in company K, Twenty-ninth Illinois In- fantry, served through the war and was killed in the explosion of the steamboat "Cumberland," 1868; with him John S. en- listed also, was discharged after the battle of Corinth and
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died upon reaching home. Mary J., wife of Thomas Parker, Vienna, Ill., and L. W., our subject. His second wife was Car- oline E. Evers, of Graves county, Ky. To them were born David, deceased; Lizzie, wife of Thomas Starkes, Massac county; Mattie, wife of James Clark, Fresno, Cal .; Maggie, widow of James McNana; Charles M., Allie and Sallie, wife of Jesse Hawkins.
Lawrence W. Copeland was born in Massac county Feb. 18, 1847. Was reared on the farm, attended the rural schools, was a good observer, and after farming several years before and after the war he turned his attention to trading.
In his first trade for a flat boat and stock of goods he made $37.50. He made a trip down the Ohio and Mississippi on a merchant boat which sank at New Madrid, Mo. They refloated it, however, and sold it near the mouth of the St. Francis river. Before he returned he had owned fourteen dif- ferent boats. In 1872 he went to Kansas, liked the country, returned home for his family, but when he reached Cairo the river was frozen over and his father, who had overtaken him, persuaded him to return to the old homestead, where he lived until the spring of 1873.
At Joppa he opened a general store, employed as high as eleven clerks at a time, operated saw mills, threshers and shingle mills in connection with his business. He hought and made thousands of cypress shingles, shipping by boat loads. At one time he had 1,900,000 shingles and often bought 30,000 a day. He also secured the establishment of the Joppa post- office of which he was postmaster for years.
In 1888 he moved to Metropolis, engaged in business, pur- chased the brick block, now known as the Copeland Hotel block, a valuable property, and successfully operated it as a hotel. He is a director in the National State Bank, Metropo- lis.
In 1863, when only 16, he endeavored to enlist but was prevented by his father on account of his age. In 1864 he succeeded in joining company K, 137th Illinois Infantry, made a good soldier and saw considerable service. He has been
MAJOR L. W. COPELAND.
CAPT. BENJAMIN RANKIN.
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commander of Tom Smith post, Metropolis, Illinois; was in- strumental in raising a cavalry regiment, which was tendered to the governor during the Spanish-American war, for which he holds a commission as major.
Governor Tanner appointed him custodian of Memorial Hall, Springfield, Illinois, which office he has held for almost four years. This hall contains the flags, photos and sacred mementoes of the troops of Illinois. To this most precious collection Major Copeland has added more tattered war-flags, more relics of merit than any former custodian, and has trans- formed Memorial Hall into a popular school of patriotism, vis- ited by thousands from all over the world.
In 1867 he married Miss Laura Hitchcock, a native of Mas- sac county. They have eight children: Belle, wife of John Shipman; John L., Samuel, Estella, Ernest Augustus, Tony and Hilda. Politically Mr. Copeland has always been a zeal- ous republican, and fraternally a Mason, Odd Fellow and ( and Army member. --
BENJAMIN RANKIN.
Benjamin Rankin (deceased) was born in Fayette county, Ky., March 6th, 1822, being of Scotch ancestry.
His early education was directed by his parents aud after their death he had but little opportunity to secure knowledge, being compelled to work until he had attained manhood, but even with limited educational advantages he gained a great knowledge by experience, reading and observation.
He was married Nov. 12th, 1846, to Mary Mikesell, who was born in Clark county, Indiana.
After the marriage he and his wife came from Kentucky to Illinois, bought a tract of land in Massac county, and en- gaged in farming for several years. During this time he en- listed as a private soldier and rose to captain of his company. He participated in many hard fought battles and made a good record as a soldier.
After returning home from the war he sold his farm and
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removed to Metropolis with his family, of which there were four sons and one daughter, namely: James, Bart, Ernest, Sherman and Ella.
Following his location in the county seat he engaged in the business of manufacturing tobacco selecting as his partner George Corlis. They carried on quite an extensive trade.
Captain Rankin was considered by all to be very kind- hearted, never refusing to aid the poor, he possessed a strong will and was a man of superior business qualifications, per- haps accounting for his success.
Politically he was always a republican, filling various of- fices of honor and responsibility, being elected sheriff of Mas- sac county and holding the office of mayor twice.
Fraternally he was a Masou. His death occurred May 13th, 1888.
GEORGE W. WALBRIGHT, M. D.
ROUND KNOB.
Dr. George W. Walbright is the son of Frederick and Mary (Ervin) Walbright, natives of Lawrence county, Ohio, who moved to Massac county, Illinois, 1876, and settled near Brooklyn. The doctor was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, Jan. 13, 1865.
His youthful years were spent in agricultural pursuits, while his boyhood was spent in the village, enabling him to get an early and valuable educational training which he extended in the Metropolis high school and the National Normal Univer- sity, Lebanon, Ohio.
He began teaching when only 16 years of age and entered the office of Halliday & Gowan to begin the reading of medi- cine, which he assidiously prosecuted until he was clothed with the authority to practice the healing art. His prepara- tion was most painstaking, systematic and thorough, extend- ing over two years time, which the better prepared him to un- derstand the lecture course in the renowned Rush Medical col- lege, Chicago, one year. He graduated from the Louisville
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Medical College, Louisville, Ky., in 1890, locating at Round Knob, Massac county, where he has diligently, conscientiously and successfully applied himself and built up an enviable prac- tice.
In 1892 he operated a drug store but later discontinued it. He is postmaster of Round Knob at present. In July, 1890, he and Miss Annie Kraper were married. She is a native of Massac county and a model wife. Politically the doctor is a republican and fraternally a Mason. He is a member of the Massac County Medical Society and of the Southern Illinois Medical Association, and stands in the front rank of his pro- fession. He usually takes a course of lectures each summer in some noted school during his vacation and keeps abreast of the times.
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HISTORY OF
GOLCONDA CITIZENS.
HON. JAMES A. ROSE,
SECRETARY OF STATE.
The Hon. James A. Rose was born in Golconda, the coun- ty seat of Pope county, Illinois, Oct. 13, 1850. He attended the public schools of his native city and later the Northern Illinois normal at Normal, III. When only 18 years of age he was teaching a rural school and met with such success that he was elected principal of the Golconda public schools.
While serving in this capacity he was elected superinten- dent of schools for Pope county, re-elected and during his sec- ond term was admtited to the bar. He resigned the office of superintendent to be elected state's attorney of the county without opposition, and was re-elected.
Governor Fifer in 1889 appointed him trustee of the re- formatory at Pontiac and the following year made him com- missioner of the southern Illinois penitentiary at Chester, which office he ably held for three years, or until the begin- ning of the Altgeld administration. When the state ticket for 1896 was nominated Mr. Rose was selected as the standard bearer of the office of secretary of state. His eloquence, logic, broad information and zeal told on the platform for the suc- cess of the party. Since taking charge of the office he has made system out of chaos, indexed and arranged valuable papers previously lost, and it has been more economical- ly conducted. He prepared and secured the passage of a bill which compels foreign conporations to pay a fee before doing business in the state, and has thus brought thousands of dol- lars into our treasury. At the last session he secured the passage of a bill which provides for the letting of the state contract for printing all state reports, fixes their number and provides for their distribution. This measure saves an im- mense sum annually to the taxpayers of the state. He was
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re-nominated May 8, 1900, and elected. And of his record, this, the Fifty-first senatorial district, his home, feels justly proud.
He was married to Miss Elizabeth Michie Young of Gol- conda, 1874, and two daughters, the Misses Jessie Josephine and Helen Elizabeth, and one son, Charles Roscoe, have blessed their union. They have a pleasant home in Golconda.
JOHN GILBERT, JR.
Mr. Gilbert was born in Golconda, Pope county, Illinois, October 13, 1833, the son of John Gilbert, Sr., an emigrant from Pennsylvania. Mrs. Gilbert, the mother, was Miss Cornelia Bucklin, formerly of Rhode Island.
John Gilbert, Jr., attended the early common schools. In 1874 he entered the bank as a bookkeeper with W. P. Sloan & Co., bankers. In 1877 the firm became Sloan & Gilbert and in 1889 Mr. Gilbert purchased the interest of Mr. Sloan, the firm again changing to John Gilbert, Jr., & Co. In 1897 the firm of John Gilbert, Jr., & Co. and the Pope County State Bank were consolidated. Mr. Gilbert is today the president and manager.
Miss Edmonie Kidd became Mr. Gilbert's first wife and died in 1891. He later married Miss Lucy Morse, his present wife. The children are Raymond, Ethel and John.
Fraternally Mr. Gilbert is an Odd Fellow, Knight of Honor, Knight of Pythias and Modern Woodman. Politically he is intensely republican and is the present chairman of the county central committee, rolling up the largest majority for the whole ticket Nov. 6, 1900, ever given his party in the coun- ty. He served one term on the county board and has been mayor of Golconda for ten consecutive terms, an honor almost unprecedented. Socially Mr. Gilbert is highly esteemed, and in business he is a success.
WILLIAM HIRAM MOORE.
Andrew J. Moore, the father, was a former Kentuckian; his wife, the mother, was a Miss Nancy A. Castleman, of Nash- ville, Tenn. They early came to Pope county.
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William Hiram, their son, was born in Pope county April 14, 1862, and left home to make his own way in the world at the early age of 14 years. He attended the ungraded and graded schools and taught seven years. He read law in the office of Judge Crow and in 1886 attended the Wesleyan Uni- versity, Bloomington, Ill. In 1886 he was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court and located at Golconda, Ill., where he has built up a profitable practice. In 1888 he was appointed master in chancery for his county and held the office for eight years. In 1896 he was elected by the Republicans to the office of state's attorney, in which he has made a splendid record. He is also a fluent and forceful campaigner.
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