History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 101

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Illinois > McDonough County > History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens > Part 101

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

practical experience, and of genial cour- tesy.

The grocery and queensware interest is represented by H. C. Griffith, who has been engaged in this line since 1876. He owns the building property, and usually carries a stock valued at $1,000, with an- nual sales amounting to about $6,000.

The hardware business was first rep- resented in Blandinsville, by John Hud- son. He first opened a tin shop, and af- terwards added a stock of hardware, and later sold out and removed to Marysville, Missouri. The present representatives in this line are Nathaniel Thompson and John E. Grigsby.

John E. Grigsby, is a hardware mer- chant in the village of Blandinsville, where he was born in 1848. He is a son of William H. and Elizabeth (Seybold) Grigsby, who were early settlers here, and natives of Kentucky. John E., was married to Salina Dunham. By this union there were nine children, six of whom are now living-Alice M., Charles C., James C., Ralph A., Clarence, and Elizabeth P. The deceased are-Wil- liam J., Charlie and Lemira. The sub- ject of this sketch was educated in the public schools, and was brought up on a farm. In October, 1873, he concluded to change his business, and bought a stock of hardware from H. Sappington He has since continued in that trade, and is a genial, accommodating gentleman.

Nathaniel Thompson, hardware dealer, first purchased an interest in the firm of Sappington & Pedrick, as third part- ner. The firm did business under this management about six years, when Mr. Sappington retired. Pedrick & Thomp- son continued the business as partners

for about four years, when Mr. Pedrick disposed of his interest to the latter named gentleman, since which time Mr. Thompson has operated the business for about 12 years. He carries a stock of $3,000 or $4,000.

Frank Ferman, is engaged in the sale of drugs, on Main street. He com- menced business February 3, 1873, hav- ing purchased the same from Hardesty & Emery. He has a stock valued at $2,000.

The firm of McCord & Coffman, have been doing business about five years. They carry a stock of dry goods, boots and shoes, which invoices from $5,000 to $7,000, their annual sales ranging from $12,000 to $15,000. The building was formerly occupied by J. Creel, from whom Mr. McCord purchased. Later, the present firm was established.

Hon. William McCord, one of the present representatives from this dis- trict in the general assembly, first saw the light in Pike county, Ohio, on the 20th of September, 1839, and is the son of Enoch and Anna (Cluff) McCord. His father was a native of Virginia, his mother of Pike county, Ohio. Mr. Mc- Cord came to McDonough county, in 1857, locating at first, at Bardolph. Here he resided until in September, 1861, when, in response to the call of his country, he enlisted in company I, of the 57th Illinois infantry, under the com- mand of Captain Chadsworth. He took part with his regiment, in the fierce and bloody battles of Fort Donelson, and Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing, and in the siege of Corinth. In the fall of 1862, he was wounded at the last battle at the latter place, in consequence of

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

which he was discharged from the ser- vice, at that time having the rank of sec- ond sergeant. He returned to Bardolph, but soon removed to Colchester, where he was employed as a clerk in a store, and also in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad company. In the year 1867, he moved to the town of Blandinsville, and entered a store there as clerk, but in 1871, engaged in the general merchandise business on his own account, and has followed that line ever since. He has, by industry, en- ergy, and strict probity, conquered for- tune, and has attained quite a fine prop- erty, in Blandinsville, and owns a large tract of land in Nebraska. He was el- ected to the office of member of the 34th general assembly, in the fall of 1884, and is acting in that capacity at present. He was united in marriage, on the 20th of December, 1860, with Me- linda Creel, a daughter of James Creel of Blandinsville. She is a native of McDonough county, born near Bar- dolph. They have no children of their own, but one by. adoption-Jessie, wife of W. A. Grigsby, of Blandinsville.

M. Coffman, of the firm of McCord & Coffman, dry goods dealers, in Blandins- ville is a native of Missouri, and was born January 10, 1849, his parents be- ing Alfred and Sarah E. (Pemberton) Coffman. He was brought up on a farm, and obtained his education in the common schools of the county. With his parents, he came to Blandinsville township, in 1850, and settled on a farm on section 18. He thus was engaged in agricultural pursuits a number of years, and remained on the home farm, assist- ing his father in the various occupations

incident to farm life, until 27 years old. Having a desire for mercantile life, he then moved to the village of Blandins- ville and engaged in the clothing busi- ness with M. A. Terry, and continued 18 months. He then bought out a gro- cery store from J. H. Grigsby, and re- mained in that trade until 1878, when he sold out to W. H. McCord, and clerked for Dines Bros., for 16 months. He then preferring a business of his own, engaged in his present trade, where he has since continued, and being a genial accomodating gentleman, has many friends, and a good patronage. He was married November 15, 1876, to M. J. Taylor, a daughter of Campbell Taylor, a native of Indiana. They have one child-Minnie.

Huston & Bailey are dealers in cloth- ing, boots and shoes, etc., and have been in this branch of trade since April, 1884. M. Huston, of this firm, has been in the business since January 10, 1882, at which time he succeeded the firm of Terry & Banks, the latter named gentleman hav- ing previously purchased an interest of M. A. Terry, the original proprietor. Messrs. Huston & Bailey have a stock of goods valued at $5,000, their annual sales amounting to $15,000. They are the only firm in the place who deal ex- clusively in this line.

Marion Huston, of the firm of Huston & Bailey, is a native of this county, born January 5, 1863, in Blandinsville town- ship. He is a son of Preston and El- mira Huston, and was brought up on a farm. His education was obtained in the district schools and supplemented by a course of instruction at Eureka college. He made his home with his parents un-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

til he engaged in his present business in 1882. He was united in marriage, March 16, 1884, with Ada Blandin, a daughter of C. A. Blandin. She is also a native of this township. The firm of Huston & Bailey are favorably located for the business in which they are engaged, and have already established a good trade. Mr. Huston is a young man of fine busi- ness qualifications, steady habits, and much energy. He is related to the fam- ily of Hustons, who have long been among the substantial men of the county. His wife is, also, from a family of old settlers, and they start out in life with bright prospects, being well and favor- ably known throughout the portion of the county where they live.

J. C. Bishop is engaged in the restau- rant business, having purchased the same in January, 1883.

John R. Evans was the pioneer fur- niture dealer. The store building was located on Main street, and is now oc- cupied as a dwelling in the second story, and paint shop below. He established the business about the year 1855. His successor in the business was Thomas Sorter, the present trustworthy and effi- cient county treasurer. This gentleman operated the business in the same build- ing for a short time, when John Hud- son, who was engaged in the hardware business, purchased the stock and added it to his trade. He afterward sold out and removed to Marysville, Missouri. In the meantime Goodwin Brothers es- tablished furniture and undertaking in the village, in 1858, being the first in the latter line. They continued busi- ness until 1863, when Anthony Thorn- ton took possession, and in 1865, Thorn-

ton Gruber entered the firm as a part- ner, a short time after which, Gruber & Son succeeded . this firm. In 1868, Andrew Wilson purchased the same and operated it for a number of years. In 1874, Spielman Brothers established fur- niture and undertaking, and in 1879, bought out Andrew Wilson, consolidat- ing the two, and at present are the only dealers in this line.

The lumber interest has one represen- tative firm at Blandinsville. Brooks & Roberts established the same about six years ago. They carry a stock of lum- ber valued at $6,000, with annual sales averaging $25,000. These gentlemen are also engaged in buying and shipping grain, operating the only elevator in the town. The firm is now Brooks & Davis.

F. W. Brooks, dealer in lumber and grain at Blandinsville, came to McDon- ough county and engaged in his present business in 1873. He was born October 1, 1848, in Henderson county, Illinois, where he resided with his parents, B. F. and Eliza (Curts) Brooks, until 15 years of age. He received a fair educa- tion. On leaving home he engaged with an uncle in the lumber business, contin- uing the same in his native county, un- til he came to Blandinsville. He was married in the month of September, 1878, to Elizabeth Gillihan. They have two children-Jessie and Florence. Mr. Brooks is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity; also of the A. O. U. W. As a business man he is possessed of superior qualifications, and by upright and hon- est dealing has secured a large share of public patronage.

The merchant-tailoring business is represented by H. M. Mason, at the cor-

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ner of Main and Harrison streets. He is also engaged in the sale of sewing machines.

H. N. Mason, the popular dealer in sewing machines, etc., came to Blandins- ville, McDonough county, in the spring of 1868, from Ohio, of which state he is a native, having been born there October 13, 1833. On his mother's side he is of English extraction. His mother's maiden name was Lucretia Strickland, she being a sister of William P. Strickland, the renowned Brooklyn, N. Y., divine. Ho- ratio Mason, the father of our subject, was a practicing physician, and had a very extensive practice. His death oc- curred in his 38th year, caused by over- work. After his father's death, H. N. Mason was the sole support of his mother and sister. He learned the trade of a tailor, after which he opened a clothing store and merchant-tailoring establishment at New Lexington, Perry county, Ohio, and soon was doing a good business. Upon President Lincoln is- suing his call for 75,000 volunteers, Ho- ratio enlisted, April 19, 1861, in com- pany C, 17th Ohio infantry, as a drum- mer, but was afterwards promoted drum major. After his term of enlistment had expired, he re-enlisted, this time for three years, in the 62d Ohio infantry, but only served two years, being then discharged on account of disability. In the spring of 1864, he re-enlisted in the Signal corps, and served until the 25th of September, 1865. While in the ser- vice he participated in the following en- gagements: Winchester, campaign in Shenandoah Valley, Cedar creek, Sharps- burg, Lynchburg, and the last two days of the seven days fight at Richmond. Be-

sides these he was engaged in a number of smaller engagements. He was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, and returned to his old home, where he remained until coming to Blandinsville, in the spring of 1868, and opening his present estab- lishment. He has been quite successful, and now has a large and increasing trade, being one of the leading mer- chants in his line in the county. In 1856, Louisa Gruber became his wife, and she departed this life July 2, 1872, leaving two children - William, and Lillian, the wife of James Grigsby, of Blandinsville. Mr. Mason was again married in the fall of 1876, to Hattie Hopper. By this union there were five children, three of whom are now living - Bertha, Louie and Mary. He is past grand of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and a member of the encampment. He is a se- lect knight of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is a member of the Iron Hall society, and of the Mystic Brotherhood of Justice.

David Shrier, merchant tailor of Blan- dinsville, came here, first, in June, 1841, from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he was born July 22, 1821, his parents being John and Catherine (Oldfield) Shrier. At the age of 15 years he left home and served an apprenticeship at the tailors' trade, and, during the time, worked with his master in many differ- ent places. In 1840 he engaged in work for himself, locating in Harrison county, Ohio, where he remained 13 months, then came to Astoria, Fulton county, Illinois, thence to St. Louis, then back to Fulton county. He was engaged in merchant tailoring at Astoria, where he

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was also post master for nine years. In 1860 he came again to McDonough county, and located, first, at Macomb and subsequently at Blandinsville, where he has since remained. Mr. Shrier was married May 12, 1843, to Jane Hopkins, a native of Ohio. Ten children have been born to them, of whom eight are living-Juliet, widow of John Holling- worth, who died in the army; she after- ward married Alexis Freeland, also de- ceased; she is now living at home with her father; Catherine, wife of Joseph H. Phelps, of Macomb; Elizabeth, wife of John Gordon, of Macomb; William, married to Charity Moss, and living in Blandinsville; Garrett, now living in Peoria; Lida, wife of Frank M. Gormer, of Blandinsville; George, living at home, and Sarah E., living in Macomb. Mr. Shrier is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, lodge No. 100, at Astoria.

In the spring of 1869, John W. Fow- ler established a harness and saddlery establishment. He erected the building and conducted the business until his death, which occurred June 11, 1881. His son, John H., has conducted the business since that time.

John W. Fowler, deceased, came to McDonough county, Illinois, in March, 1869, from New Lexington, Ohio, of which state he was a native. He ob- tained only a limited education, being enabled to attend school but three months in the year. Until reaching his eigh- teenth year, he worked on a farm. He then learned the trade of a harness maker, and followed that trade princi- pally up to the time of his coming to Blandinsville. While a resident of Ohio, he raised a company, and enlisted in

company D, 30th Ohio infantry, being commissioned captain of the company. He did gallant service for some four years, participating in a number of hard- fought battles, and received a wound at Antietam, being shot through the left arm. Upon receiving his discharge, he returned to Ohio, but soon afterwards started west by team, going to Fremont, Nebraska, and other western points, and returning to Ohio in the fall of 1868. In March, 1869, he removed to Blandins- ville, McDonough county, Illinois, and established a harness shop, and contin- ued that business until his death, which occurred June 11, 1881. He was a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen societies of this city. As a citizen, he was quite popular, and his death was mourned by a large number of warm friends. He left a family of seven children to mourn his loss - Charles, Luella, John H., Bert, Edward, William and Roy, all liv- ing at home, with the exception of Bert, now of Chicago, and Charles, who re- sides in the country. John H. Fowler, the successor of his father in the harness business, is keeping up the excellent reputation made by the father, and has quite an extensive trade, which keeps constantly increasing. He has the well- deserved reputation of turning out noth- ing but first-class work. He was united in marriage, on the 28th of May, 1884, with Carrie B. Dennis. Mr. Fowler is claimed as an honored member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Hankins & Son are also engaged in the sale and manufacture of harness, saddles, etc., having purchased the same

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

of O. P. Pennington, about two years ago, the latter named gentleman being a successor to the firm of Pennington & Snapp. The building in which Hankins & Son are doing business, is owned by Mrs. Myers.

In 1873, F. P. Kellogg engaged in the livery business at Blandinsville. In 1881, he purchased the livery interest of Charles Connell, and now conducts the only stable in the place. The stable now used by Mr. Kellogg, was originally erected for an agricultural house by Ed- mundson & Miner, of Bushnell. Eight horses are kept for livery use, and the barn commands a very good trade.

Epperson & Phillips engaged in the manufacture of wagons, carriages and general repairing, in 1881. Their build- ing is 40x45 feet in dimensions, and since starting, they have been doing a thriving business.

John C. Phillips carries on general blacksmithing in Blandinsville. He opened the shop he now occupies, in July, 1882. He is a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, born January 4, 1831. He remained in his native county till 1855. In August, 1856, he located in Hender- son county, Illinois, eight miles north of Blandinsville. The following March, he came to McDonough county, and lived in the township of Emmet until August 14, 1862, when he enlisted in the 124th Illinois infantry, under Captain Benjamin Griffith. He served three years, and returned to Emmet in the fall of 1865, and soon after moved to Blandinsville, and went to work in the blacksmith shop of Sorter & Saunders. He continued in their employ several months. In the spring of 1866, he be-

gan work for Wilford Keithley, with whom he remained till 1881. Mr. Phil- lips was married July 13, 1851, to Mary A. Collins, a native of Morgan county, Ohio, born February 26, 1834. Ten children have been born to them -- Louisiana, deceased; Cerenia C., born in 1855; William A., born in 1856; Vir- ginia A., born in 1858; John Franklin, born in 1861; Mary O., born in 1862; James B. M., born in 1866, and died in 1868; Eddie M., born in 1868; Lucy A., born in 1870, and Charles O., born in 1872. Mr. Phillips now resides in the oldest house in Blandinsville township. He is a worthy citizen, and highly re- spected.

Not only the early settlers are en- titled to representation in this volume. The young, enterprising men who have started out in life to battle for them- selves and make their name honorable in the community in which they live, are also worthy of mention in a work of this nature. Of this class is W. A. Phillips, wagon maker of Blandinsville. He was born in Henderson county, this state, on the 2d day of November, 1856, and is a son of J. C. and Mary ( Collins) Phillips. He was married on the 18th day of January, 1883, to Ann Jackson, daughter of Henry and Ellen Jackson, of Quincy. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are the parents of one child-Daniel Evert, who was born May 4, 1884. Mr. Phil- lips is a member of the M. B. of J.

C. J. Sanders has been engaged in the manufacture and general repairing of wagons, and other work in this line, for the past 20 years. The building and improvements are owned in partnership with H. K. Prather, who is engaged in

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general blacksmithing, horse shoeing, etc., and also attends to the iron work of the wagon manufactory. Mr. Prather commenced business here in October, 1877.

The notion trade has a representative in C. M. Duncan.

Causby M. Duncan was born in White county, Tennessee, October 6, 1824. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, attending the district school as he had opportunity. He resided with his parents till he reached the age of 23. March 21, 1847, he was married to Nancy Ann Cooper, and was living in Henderson county, Illinois. Soon after the young couple setting out for them- selves removed to a farm in that county, on which they lived for 25 years, and then sold out and moved to McDonough county, in 1874, and located at Blandins- ville, where he engaged in the mercan- tile business, which he continued about one year and a half. Since that time he has been engaged in various occupa- tions, having no regular trade. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan have had 11 children, nine of whom are now living-Samuel R., now living in Oregon; Matilda Jane, married to Thomas Metcalf, of Bland- insville; John C., living in this county; Charles D., in Missouri; Mary Eliza- beth, wife of William Markwell, also in Missouri; William B., living in this county; Thomas F., in Iowa; George W. and Joseph L., living with their parents. Those deceased are-James G. and Sar- dina Catherine. The former is buried at Portland, Oregon, and the latter in Indiana.

The barber business is carried on by Sylvester McFall.

Sylvester McFall was born in New York, in 1834. He is a son of Orrin and Lydia ( Marsh) McFall. His trade was that of carpenter and cabinet maker, and in 1857 he came to the place in which he now lives, and worked at his trade. In 1860 he was married to Matilda Harrison, daughter of Josiah Harrison, of North Carolina. By that union are three children-Walter, Effie and Lawrence. Mr. McFall enlisted in the army of the union for the suppres- sion of the rebellion, in the 78th regi- ment of Illinois volunteers, and partici- pated in many engagements. During the series of battles before Atlanta, he received a gun-shot wound in the right arm, which disabled him from further service and he was consequently dis- charged, after spending five months and five days in the hospital. He then re- turned to Blandinsville, but was not able, physically, to follow his former oc- cupation, and therefore learned the trade of barber, which has since been his business. He is an energetic, in- dustrious man, and has accumulated considerable property. He owns two business houses and lots on Main street, and a residence in the village. He is a member of A. O. U. W., and politically a republican.

BANK.

The banking interest was established at Blandinsville by T. A. Hardin & Co., who continued in the business a short time, when they were succeeded by Mc- Vey & Pancake. May 1, 1882, Grigsby Bros. & Co. purchased the business, including the building, and it is now operated as a private institution, being

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

the only bank in the place. They have a vault and a burglar-proof safe, and do a correspondence with the Mechanics' national bank, of New York, and the National bank of America, of Chicago. The building, which is a brick, is located on Main street. The bank does quite an extensive business

Redman Grisby, deceased, was born in the state of Virginia in 1801, and when seven years of age, removed with his par- ents, to Kentucky, where he was brought up and received a limited education. He was married in that state, when but 19 years old, to Nancy Keeler, who died in Kentucky, leaving him six children, five of whom afterward became residents of McDonough county-James, who died in 1852; William H., Silas J. and Nathan- iel, living in Blandinsville; and John, living in Nodaway county, Missouri. Mr. Grigsby was married the second time, to Rhoda Seybold, who died in this county. There were no children by this union. In 1850, he was married the third time, to Catherine Ray, who is still living in Blandinsville township. Mr. Grigsby had by his third marriage, two children -Hezekiah R., living on the home place and Emma, wife of Charles Conwell, of Blandinsville township. Mr. Grigsby came here in the fall of 1830, from Wash- ington county, Kentucky, and settled on the southeast quarter of section 17. Here he built a log cabin which they lived in one winter. with no floor except the ground. The nearest mill was 30 miles distant and that being the winter of the big snow, it was impossible to reach it, although he attempted to do so, in order to obtain supplies, consequently, they were obliged to live through the winter

by beating corn in an improvised mortar, made by sawing off a log and burning the center of one end until it was suffi- ciently hollowed out to hold about half a bushel of corn. The pestle was made by inserting the end of an iron wedge in a hickory stick. With this rudely con- structed apparatus the family milling was done, boys and girls, men and women, each taking a hand at furnishing the necessary power. Mr. Grigsby remained upon this place engaged in general farm- ing, until the time of his death, in June, 1874.

Silas J. Grigsby, third son of Redman Grigsby, was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, August 6, 1823. He came with his father to this county, remaining with him until the fall of 1844, being then 21 years old. His opportunities for obtaining an education were meagre. He attended the first school of this town- ship, taught by Enoch Cyrus and an- other, taught by James Cyrus, a brother of Enoch. He was married November 15, 1844, to Mary F. Epperson, a native of Kentucky. He then settled in this township, purchasing a farm of 160 acres of prairie and 60 acres of timber land. He improved this land and lived upon it three years, then rented out the place and removed to section 21, Blandinsville township. One year later he sold his farm in Hire township, to Hiram Ballou but subsequently, sold it again to Mr. James Welch. He remained on section 21, about three years, then moved to sec- tion 28, where he bought the southeast quarter, which was slightly improved. He further improved it and resided there until April, 1882, when he moved into the village of Blandinsville. His son

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History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 101

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co. Number of Pages: 1150

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150