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 104

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 104

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and split rails through the day and hauled them in the night. Mrs. Ham- mer has often related how, while en- gaged herself at the spinning wheel in the middle of the night, she has heard him throwing off rails along the fence line. Thus it appears how they toiled to make a start, yet by these very sacri- fices they can now the more fully appre- ciate comfortable surroundings, and have the satisfaction of a home honestly won, a competence fairly gained. Many in- cidents of interest might be related, in connection with the settlement in those days. Mr. Hammer was a fine shot with the rifle, and one of the best deer hunt- ers known to the settlement, and un- lucky it was for the deer that came within range of his rifle. On one occa- sion during the winter of 1837-38 he had business in Macomb, and on his way there, arriving at "Kill Jordan," he forded the stream. About two hours afterward John Greenup, who was hauling pork for him, attempted to cross the same stream with a team, on the ice. This was a sudden turn from rainy weather to extreme . cold, and Mr. Greenup actually crossed on the ice, where so recently Mr. Hammer had forded the stream. But the wagon and load broke through and froze fast, and had to be abandoned.

Josiah Yancey Hammer was born No- vember 14, 1843, in Scotland township. He was brought up and received his schooling within half a mile of where he now resides. In 1862, he enlisted in the United States army in company C, of the 84th Illinois volunteer infantry and. served until the close of the war. He participated in all the battles of the

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

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army of the Cumberland, except Stone river. He was discharged at Springfield, June 22, 1865, returning home. He was . here married October 23, 1866, to Mary C. Hall, daughter of Randolph and Al- meda Hall. They have one child, Della · A. He has 85 acres of land all under cultivation. He is a member of the Grand Army post, at Macomb, and has been township collector one year.

Alvah Clark is a native of Massachu- setts, born in Franklin county, October 29, 1804. When he was 12 years old, his father emigrated to Chautauqua county, New York, where Alvah assisted him in clearing a farm which was heavily tim- bered. In 1840, Alvah Clark came to McDonough county and purchased the south half of section 3, New Salem town- ship, where he has ever since resided. He was married in 1842, to Sarah Woods, a native of Chautauqua county, New York, born June 23, 1823. Their first home wa's a log cabin, in which they lived for a number of years. In 1876, Mr. Clark built the house which is their present residence. It is a commodious and comfortable structure and was erect- ed at a cost of $1,500. His barn was built in 1867, and cost $1,200. His other improvements, including buildings and fences, are substantial and in good re- pair. He has nearly 800 rods of Osage hedge upon his farm, which is in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Clark has been an enterprising and industrious farmer, and is now in prosperous circumstances and reaping the reward of his past labors. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have had a family of eight children, six of whom are now liv- ing-Antoinette,born November 30, 1843, now the wife of Evan Brown, of Prairie

City township; Anderson A., married to Martha Moore and living in Mound town- ship; Ambrose, married to America J. Watson, and living in Marshall county, Iowa; Hiram, living with his father; Al- vah J., married to E. R. McKinzey, and living in Mound township, and Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Biggs, of this township. Marion and Jonathan died in infancy. All of their children were born in the log cabin which is still standing and in a good state of preservation. Mr. Clark, is a democrat, politically, and has held the offices of road commissioner and school director several terms. He has always been held in high esteem in the community where he has been so long a resident, and is justly deserving of the respect in which he is held by all. He has taken an active interest in public af- fairs and is still an influential citizen. He was one of the judges of the first election ever held in New Salem town- ship.

Joseph M. Leighty came from Penn- sylvania, to McDonough county in 1856, settling then in Eldorado township, where he resided till 1865. In that year here- moved to the northeast quarter of sec- tion 20, New Salem township. Two years later he moved to section 17 of the same township, where he lived one year; then returned to the northeast quarter of section 20, which he purchased, and has since that time continued to reside upon. He owns 160 acres, all in a high state of cultivation. He has a new, two- story frame dwelling house, erected in 1884, at a cost of $1,400; also a tenant house, which cost $330. Mr. Leighty spends all of his time in the cultivation and improvement of his farm. He was

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, February 18, 1824. His early life was spent in his native state, and he was there married, in 1846, to Rebecca Harsh- man. Ten children have blest their union, six of whom are living-Daniel, William, Samuel, Leroy, George and Mary. Those deceased are Isaac, Lyman, and twins, who died in infancy. Mr. Leighty is an enterprising and worthy citizen. In politics is a republican.

William G. Wilkins is a native of this county, born in New Salem township, December 21, 1838. At the age of four years he went to live in Fulton county, with a man named William Ritter, with whom he remained until 24 years old. In February, 1863, he was married to Susannah Reedy, and the same year moved on the southeast quarter of sec- tion 15, New Salem township, where he has since resided. He also owns 30 acres on the northeast quarter of the same section. His farm is a valuable one and in a high state of cultivation. He has a large two-story frame house, built in 1872, at a cost of $3,000. His barn and other farm buildings are of the best class. Mr. Wilkins has upon his place a fish pond in which he takes espe- cial pride, having it stocked with Ger- man carp, which are in a flourishing condition from which he expects an abun- dant supply of fresh fish. He is engaged in general farming and is in a prosper- ous condition financially. The first car load of corn ever shipped from Adair over the then, Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis railroad, was shipped by Mr. Wilkins, also the first car load of rye. Mrs. Wilkins was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, and came with her parents

to Illinois in 1856. They have three children-Mary L., Orion R. and Uriah G. Mr. Wilkins is a member and trustee of the United Brethren church, also a trustee of Methodist Episcopal church at Adair. Politically, he supports the democratic party. Mr. Wilkins' parents were natives of England.

Lafayette Williams came to this county from Ohio, in 1854. He rented a farm in Eldorado township one year, then, in company with his brother, Washington Williams, purchased 212 acres of land in Bethel township. They improved the land and continued to reside in that township until the fall of 1862, when they sold out and dissolved partnership. The following spring, Lafayette Wil- liams bought the place on which he now lives, located on the southwest quarter of section 15, New Salem township. In 1870, he again entered into partnership with his brother, and purchased the east half of the northwest quarter of section 9, New Salem township. In 1874, La- fayette sold his interest in this land, to his brother, Washington, and the follow- ing fall, bought the west half of the northwest quarter of section 16, of the same township. The latter place is in a high state of cultivation, well improved and fenced. It is now occupied by Mr. Williams' son-in-law, James Elwell. His home farm is also a valuable one and splendidly improved. Lafayette Wil- liams was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 30, 1824. His wife, for- merly Emily S. Dailey, was born in the same county, November 24, 1833. They have had seven children, five of whom are now living-Virge, born September 23, 1857, now married to James Elwell;

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Lucy E., widow of George Pile, born May 1, 1861; Hattie J., born October 11, 1863; Mary, born August 10, 1868; and Lotta A., born March 1, 1871, Those deceased are-Washington, born March 20, 1853, and Ellsworth, born April 6, 1866. All of the children were born in McDonough county, except Washington who was born in Hocking county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee. He is a republican in politics, a successful farmer and a good citizen.

Thomas Seaburn is a son of Jacob and Mary (Megrady) Seaburn. Jacob Seaburn was born in Berkeley county, Virginia, October 22, 1791, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was married in February 1823, in Ross county, Ohio, and had a family of seven children, five of whom reached matur- ity. His wife was born in Northumber- land county, Pennsylvania, November 29, 1793, and now lives with her son, George Seaburn, in New Salem town- ship, McDonough county, Illinois. Ja- cob Seaburn, died January 29, 1878, near Table Grove, Fulton county. Thomas Seaburn was born August 24, 1830, in Ross county, Ohio. He re- moved with his parents, to Table Grove, Fulton county, in the fall of 1843. In 1851; he returned, in company with two others, to Ross county, Ohio, for a visit. They traveled on horseback the entire distance, and did not cross a railroad. In the spring of 1852, he was employed by a Mr. John Entrekin, an extensive cattle dealer of Pickaway county, Ohio, to drive a herd of 108 fat cattle, he hav- ing entire control of them, from that

county to Philadelphia. He was on the road 52 days, riding the same horse on which he had started from his home in Table Grove, Illinois, and delivered the cattle safely at their destination. He returned to Table Grove, in the fall of the same year, and in 1853, bought the northwest quarter of section 22, New Salem township, paying for the same, money borrowed, at 10 per cent. In September, 1854, he had a severe at- tack of typhoid fever, in consequence of which he was confined to his bed the en- tire winter following. In April, 1855, he was recovered sufficiently to get about on crutches, and growing gradually stronger, was able during the summer to walk with the aid of a cane. He has never fully recovered, however, from the effects of that illness. On the 21st day of February, 1860, he was married to Annie E. Johnston, a daughter of David and Sarah (Day) Johnston, of Pike county, Illinois, of whom, the former was born July 13, 1798, in Wythe county, Virginia, and died in September, 1879; the latter, a native of Grayson county, Kentucky, was born in 1801, and died in September 1865, in Perry, Pike county, Illinois. David Johnston was surveyor of that county for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Seaburn went to house- keeping March 13, 1860, upon his farm in New Salem township, where they have ever since resided. Five children have been born to them, all of whom are now living-Mary Luella, born Septem- ber 22, 1861, now the wife of J. Bird Woods, of New Salem township; John- ston S., born June 3, 1864, was mar- ried to Sallie Baker, of Jacksonville, Illinois, and now living in Macomb;

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Frank T., born March 24, 1867, now at home with his parents, and Jessie May and Edwin J., twins, born August 20, 1875. Mr. Seaburn's residence is a handsome and commodious structure, erected in 1884, at a cost of $3,000. His barn and other improvements, are very good, and his farm is one of the best tiled farms in the township. He has upon his place, a large amount of Osage hedge, also a grove of cottonwood trees planted in 1868. He is engaged extensively in feeding stock, also carries on general farming, and is a thorough going farmer, everything about his place indicating thrift and comfort. Mr. and Mrs. Seaburn are members of the Christian church. Mr. Seaburn is a staunch supporter of the republican party, and a prohibitionist, and an earn- est advocate of woman's rights. He is one of the leading citizens of New Salem township.

Isaac Holley, of New Salem township, is a son of William and Elizabeth (Stock- well) Holley, natives of Virginia. Isaac was born March 29, 1839, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and was reared upon a farm where he remained until 18 years old. He then left home, still fol- lowing farming. January 17, 1864, he started west, coming to Ottawa, LaSalle county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming one year. In the spring of 1865, he came to McDonough county, and lived for one year on a farm in New Salem township, which he rented of T. F. Randolph. He then moved to Ful- ton county, and remained until the spring of 1867, working by the month on the farm of J. D. Powell. At that date he returned to this county and bought 80

acres of land in Bethel township, which he sold the following year, and purchased his present farm. The latter comprises the east half of the northeast quarter of section 17, New Salem township. He has a convenient and comfortable dwell- ing, also, good stables, sheds, and other farm buildings. The land is highly cul- tivated and well fenced, He has about 100 rods of Osage orange hedge, which is in good condition and well kept. Mr. Holley was married January 14, 1869, to Lorinda Brundage, and by this union has had eight children, five of whom are living-Ellsworth E., born November 10, 1869; Nicholas T., born November 10, 1872; Mary F., born October 14, 1876; Olive M., born October 7, 1878; and Ed- ward E., born October 11, 1883. Mrs. Holley was born November 30, 1846, and is the daughter of John and Lucy A. (McClure) Brundage, residents of this county. Mr. Holley devotes his time entirely to the cultivation and improve- ment of his farm. He is democratic in politics and has served six years as director of school district No. 4, New Salem township.

Lycurgus Merrell came to this county iu 1854, and went to live with Henry S. Leighty. He is a native of Ohio, and at the time of coming here, was 10 years old. He remained with Mr. Leighty un- til 1879. He was married February 15, of that year, to Vadie J. Walker. He lived, after marriage, in Eldorado town- ship seven months, then moved to H. S. Leighty's farm where he lived two years. He then, in 1881, purchased his present home which is located on the northwest quarter of section 9, New Salem township. He has a valuable

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

farm and good improvements. His bus- iness is general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Merrell have had two children born to them-Earl Preston, born January 8, 1882, and Edie, who was born January 8, 1880, and died February 22, 1881. Mr. Merrell is a republican in politics, and a good citizen.

Joseph E. Porter, one of the leading citizens of New Salem township, is of the seventh generation from John Por- ter, who was born in Dorsetshire, Eng- land, in the year 1596, and emigrated to America in 1635. The father of Joseph E. was Noah Porter, who was born in Wendell, Franklin county, Massachu- setts, September 26, 1792. He (Noah) was married in 1815, to Nabby Comins, of Wendell. They settled upon a farm in their native town, and eleven children were born to them, nine sons and two daughters. One son and one daughter died in childhood. The others lived to reach maturity. Noah Porter, in order to give his children advantages for ob- taining a good education, sold his farm in Wendell, and purchased another in New Salem, also in Franklin county. It was at the academy in that town that his eight sons and one daughter fitted themselves for teaching, in which occu- pation they all subsequently engaged. The eldest son, Elijah, has since held important offices in the town where he resided. Another son has been twice elected to the state senate of New Hamp- shire, and has occupied the position of cashier of the Cheshire National Bank, for more than 30 years. Joseph E. Porter, the subject of this sketch, was born in Wendell, Franklin county, Mas- sachusetts, July 9, 1821. He resided

with his parents until 21 years old, and in his youth was engaged in teaching during the winter, farming in the sum- mer, and attending school in the spring and fall seasons. September 14, 1842, he was married to Susan M. Cogswell, daughter of Jonathan and Lydia Cogs- well, of New Salem, Massachusetts, na- tives of Lunenburg, in the same state. Jonathan Cogswell was born May 13, 1792. His wife, formerly Lydia Boyn- ton, was born October 22, 1791. Their marriage took place October 19, 1816. In 1844 Mr. Porter moved to Framing- ham, twenty miles west of Boston, where he worked for $14 per month, continu- ing eight months, and during the winter cut cord wood for fifty cents per cord. In 1848 he returned to New Salem, and purchased a farm on which he lived till 1856. In that year he came to McDon- ough county, Illinois, and located in New Salem township, where he now re- sides, purchasing then his present place, of J. H. Baker. It comprises the south- west quarter of section 4. It was then wholly unimproved. He now has a finely improved and highly cultivated farm. His residence, barn and other buildings are substantial, commodious, and models of convenience, and his place is altogether one of the most de- sirable in the township. Mr. Porter was formerly a whig in politics, but since the organization of the republican party, has been identified with its interests. His eldest son was attending Abingdon college when President Lincoln called for 100-day volunteers. He responded by enlisting, and was killed while in the service, at Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. Porter has been a professing christian

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

since 1844, when he united with the Con- gregational church at Framingham, Massachusetts. On coming to this county, he became a member of the Presbyterian church at Bardolph. His present church connection is with the Congregational church at Macomb. He has, since his residence here, been much of the time in office, holding the position of county supervisor three times, justice of the peace six years, and school trustee 15 years. When McDon- ough county was divided into township organizations, Mr. Porter's brothers gave the name to New Salem township, in honor of the town where they were brought up-New Salem, Massachusetts. Noah Porter died October 8, 1855, in this township, while on a visit to his sons. His remains were taken back to Wendell, Massachusetts, and laid to rest in the cemetery where four generations of his ancestors are sleeping side by side. His widow, Nabby Porter, sur- vived till January 4, 1868.

· Robert G. Rutledge owns and resides upon a farm located on the northeast quarter of section 3, New Salem town- ship. He purchased the place and set- tled here in 1853, and now has an excel- lent farm with good and comfortable' improvements. Mr. Rutledge was born May 2, 1821, in Greenbrier county, West Virginia. He resided with his parents until 32 years of age. He was then married to Elizabeth A. Portlock, who was born January 30, 1833. This mar- riage took place November 18, 1852. Seven children have blessed their union, three of whom are living-Jasper, born July 31, 1858, living with his parents; Jane V., born January 13, 1863; married

to Charles C. Effland; and Amanda E., . born July 24, 1865, living with her parents. Those deceased are - Mary M., born July 30, 1854, and died October 2, 1855; Stephen A., born February 14, 1860, and died March 11, 1862; Lillian E., born January 20, 1869, and died September 25, 1870; and Maria F., born March 3, 1856, and died May 4, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Rutledge have, for years, been members of the United Brethren church at Pilot Grove. He has served as steward of that church for the past 10 years. In politics, he is a democrat.

Isaac Opp, an early settler of Mc- Donough county, was born in 1822, in Milton, Northumberland county, Penn- sylvania. In 1837, he emigrated with his mother and step-father, and eight brothers and sisters, to Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio. He obtained his educa- tion in the common schools of Milton and Wooster. In the spring of 1842, he removed with the family to Stephenson county, Illinois, and the same year vis- ited this county. Two years later, (1844) he went to Fulton county, where he re- mained, living with his brother-in-law, Jacob Ritter, until May 3, 1846, at which time he was married to Mary Ann Crow- ell, a daughter of Charles and Priscilla (Fowler) Crowell. Charles Crowell was a native of Connecticut, and his wife, of Virginia. They were married in 1825, and reared a family of seven children, five of whom are now living. They moved to Fulton county, in 1844, and there Mr. Crowell soon after died, at the age of 39 years. His widow, Priscilla, survived until 1876, when she died, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Opp,

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

in New Salem township, McDonough county. Mr. and Mrs. Opp have had five children born to them, four of whom are living-Charles Edwin, Mary Lo- vina, Clara Annetta and Austin Albinus. Their eldest child, a daughter, died in infancy. Mr. Opp settled where he now resides, one and a half miles southeast of Adair, on section 23, New Salem town- ship, about the year 1865. He has an excellent farm, containing 133 acres, but not all in a body, which is all culti- vated. In religious belief, he inclines strongly to the Christian faith, and in politics, is a staunch supporter of the democratic party.

James Harrisis a native of this county, and was born in Eldorado township, December 8, 1834. He lived with his parents until 21 years old, following the various occupations incident to farm life, handling stock, and also, meanwhile, teaching school a number of years. He was married January 21, 1864, to Ella E. Wall, in Missouri, where he taught school two years, then returned to Illi- nois, and engaged in farming in this county and New Salem township, until 1865, when he went south and raised cot- ton for two seasons. In 1868, he went to the state of Texas, and was there and in Kansas in the cattle business three years. He then came back to his farm in New Salem township, on section 12, and engaged in general farming and dealing.in stock for six years, then re- moved to the farm he now occupies, the west half of the northeast quarter of sec- tion 24. This place is well improved, and its condition marks the thrift and enterprise of its owner. In addition to his home farm, he owns the west half of

section 25, 94 acres on the northwest quarter of section 24, the northwest quar- ter of section 12, and 250 acres on section 30, of Farmers township, Fulton county. He also has considerable timber land in different localities. The father of Mr. Harris was born in Cayuga county, New York, May 5, 1806, and died January 10, 1868, on the place now owned by the sub- ject of this sketch. His mother was born in Madison county, New York, Septem- ber 27, 1806, and is still living with her son James. They were early settlers in the state, having emigrated from the east in 1832. His wife, Ella E. Wall, was born September 26, 1841, and died Jan- uary 11, 1868. They had one child born to them June 6, 1865, named Daniel O. Mr. Harris is a live, energetic farmer, and deals to a considerable extent in stock.

William Carlin, deceased, a former resident of New Salem township, was born May 12, 1807, in county Derry, Ireland, and was one of a family of eight children. At the early age of 12 years he learned the trade of linen weaver, which he followed during the winter seasons, working upon a farm in the summer, from that time until the spring of 1844. He then sailed for America, in the ship City of Berlin. After. an ocean voyage of nine weeks and three days, prolonged on account of rough weather, he landed in Phila- delphia, June 3d. He engaged at his trade in that city, with a brother, Thomas Carlin, who had preceded him to America. The trade of weaving was then a lucrative one, particularly the weaving of carpets and suspenders. November 2, 1847, William Carlin was

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

united in marriage with Eliza Dough- erty, and in October, of the following year, removed to Farmers township, Fulton county, Illinois, where he resided nine years. In March, 1857, he came to McDonough county, and located on the northwest quarter of section 25. New Salem township. Here, on account of an imperfect deed, he was compelled to pay twice for his land. He lived upon section 25, until his death, August 19, 1884. All of his children were with him during his last illness. For 20 years previous to his death, Mr. Carlin had not been engaged in laborious farm work, having given his sons entire charge of the business. He devoted his time to gardening and bee culture, making a successful business of the lat- ter, and always having from 60 to 100 colonies. Mrs. Eliza Carlin was born in Londonderry, Ireland, March 14, 1825. She was left an orphan, at an early age, and came to America in the fall of 1843, crossing the ocean in the ship Britannia, and landing at Philadelphia, where she resided until after her marriage. She died, after 37 years of wedded life, April 8, 1884, four months previous to the death of her husband. Both are buried in the Catholic cemetery at Macomb. They reared a family of nine children- James J., born August 12, 1848, in Phil- adelphia; William H., born March 25, 1850; Angeline C., born February 11, · 1852; Margaret J., born August 18, 1854; Alexander, born June 27, 1856, in Farmers township, Fulton county, Illi- nois; Amanda J., born June 24, 1858; John E., born February 2, 1860; Stephen M., born December 13, 1863, and Eliza R., born August 2, 1867, in New Salem

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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 104

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