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 105

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 105

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township. Of these, William H. and Alexander are deceased; the former died February 8, 1873, and is buried in Bar- ker's cemetery, Fulton county, and the latter died May 29, 1871, and is buried in the Catholic cemetery at Macomb. Angeline C., the only one married, is the wife of Robert . F. Parks. They have two children, Mary and Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Carlin were zealous Catholics. and reared their family in that faith. Politically, he was a staunch democrat. His charities were equalled only by those of his wife. From the peculiar location of their residence, giving for charity was almost an every day occur- rence, and of the many who asked, none ever left their door hungry. They left this earth without an enemy, their rule of action having always been, "do unto others as ye would that others should do unto you."

John F. Miner is a native of Indiana, and was born in Jefferson county, Sep- tember 22, 1820. His home was with his parents until he was 17 years old, when he lived for three years with his brother William. He was married, De- cember 23, 1841, to Susannah Ward, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Butler county, August 7, 1819. By that marriage there were 11 children, all of whom are living-Eliza J., born May 13, 1843, and married to Wilford Boyer, now living in this county; George G., born February 6, 1845, and married to Susan Bossart, now living in this county; Martha A., born September 19, 1846, now the wife of Hiram Ritter and living in Fulton county; John F., Jr., born January 25, 1849, and married to Elizabeth Ritter, now living in this

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. HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

county; Charles H., born November 28, 1850, married to Florence A. Cadwalla- der, and now living in this county; James E., born December 19, 1852, and married to Ancieville A. Meredith, who died August 28, 1883; Mary G., born Novem- ber 19, 1854, now the wife of Smith Barker, and living in this county; Su- sannah N., born December 16, 1856, now the wife of Charles Mullen, and residing in this county; Parkhurst W., born De- cember 5, 1858, married to Florence L. Randolph, and living in Fulton county; Anna E., born November 27, 1860, now the wife of William R. Swango, living in this county; and William A., born April 8, 1863, now living with his par- ents. Mr. Miner's parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and those of Mrs. Miner came from New Jersey. Mr. Miner bought the farm he now occupies, in 1847. It is located on section 13, New Salem township. His place is well im- proved, and is adorned with a handsome brick residence, 37x30, two stories high, erected at a cost of $10,000; the other buildings on the premises are also in good condition. A glance at this farm shows that its owner must be a man of thrift and enterprise. Mr. and Mrs. Miner are members of the Baptist church. Politically, Mr. Miner is a democrat.

Christopher Wetsel settled on the farm where he now resides, in 1859. It is located on the southeast quarter of section 28, New Salem township, and contains 80 acres. He has continued to reside here since that time, with the ex- ception of three years spent in the army. Mr. Wetsel owns also 40 acres on section 27, this township. His land is in a high

state of cultivation, and his improve- ments of a good description, including a large and comfortable dwelling, built in 1883, stables, sheds, corn cribs, etc. He has upon his place a good orchard, con- taining various kinds of fruit trees. He has also a large amount of Osage hedge in fine condition. His time is devoted wholly to the care and cultivation of his farm. Christopher Wetsel was born in Augusta county, Virginia, April 14, 1831. He remained there with his parents, George and Sally (Nebergall) Wetsel, until he reached the age of 14, then, with them, emigrated to Fulton county, Illinois, and lived 18 months on a farm rented of W. B. Wright; then removed to another farm in the same county, owned by Hiram Harris. They remained on the latter place six years, and during that time Christopher attained his ma- jority and went to work for himself. He 'began by breaking prairie with an ox team, which he followed two seasons, working during the winter at any em- ployment that would bring him an hon- est dollar. On October 20, 1853, he was married to Mary E. Ellwell, and the fol- lowing spring, rented a farm in Fulton county of J. McFadden, raised one crop, then rented, of John Chambers, another farm in the same township. One year later he rented and moved to the farm of John Harris, in McDonough county, where he remained until his removal to his present home, in 1859. August 7, 1862, Mr. Wetsel enlisted in company F, of the 84th Illinois infantry, and served 2 years and 10 months. He was mus- tered out and discharged at Camp Harker, Nashville, Tennessee. He participated in all of the engagements of his regi-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

ment, except those at Perryville, Ken- tucky and Stone river, Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Wetsel have had five children, only two of whom are now living- Martha F., born May 2, 1856, now mar- ried to George Leighty, of this township, and Hettie F., born January 10, 1867. Those deceased are-Eliza J., born Octo- ber 28, 1854; Mary E., born January 8, 1861; and Nora E., born December 25, 1869. Mr. Wetsel has been a consistent member of the United Brethren church for nearly 35 years, and has been par- sonage trustee and class steward since 1865. Mrs. Wetsel joined that church in 1858, and still holds a membership. Mr. and Mrs. Wetsel, at the time of com- ing to this county, were in very limited circumstances, but are now, owing to their own energy and industry, in pro- session of a competency. Mr. Wetsel belongs to a long-lived family. He is one of a family of 10 children, 7 sons and 3 daughters, all of whom are living. Both of his parents are still enjoying life. His father was born in 1808, and his mother in 18.10.

John W. Swango owns and occupies a farm of 120 acres, on the northeast quar- ter of section 21, New Salem township. The land is in a good state of cultiva- tion and his improvements valuable. He has a neat and comfortable residence, 24x28 feet, erected at a cost of $1,100. His stabling, sheds, etc., are ample and. convenient for the accommodation of stock. He makes a business of general farming. Mr. Swango was born Octo- ber 25, 1860, in New Salem township, McDonough county, Illinois. January 14, 1883, he was united in marriage with Ella Hodgen, also a native of New Salem

township, born January 14, 1863. They have one child-Clyde Ray, born Janu- ary 7, 1884.

Eli Ellwell, deceased, was a native of Ohio, born February 13, 1827. He emi- grated to Illinois in 1845, and March 1, 1849, was married to Mary A. McKee. She was born June 29, 1828, in Sanga- mon county, Illinois. They had seven children, four of whom are living, namely -Jonathan D. born May 16, 1850, and now married to Adelia Silvernail, and lives on the farm with his mother; James M., born February 1, 1852, now married to Virge Williams, and living in this county; Julia E., born February 10,1854, now the wife of John Dickey, and living in Kansas; Malissa G., born December 11, 1861, now the wife of Willis Wetsel, and living in Beardstown, Illinois. The three deceased were-Mary E., born June 16, 1856, died August 7, 1856; Frances E., born September 7, 1859, died Janu- ary 15, 1861; and Thomas, born July 23, 1857, died October 10, 1878. Mrs. Ell- well's father is James McKee, who was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, in 1803, and is now living in Missouri. Her mother was Elizabeth ( Plastens ) McKee and was born in Ohio in 1805, and is still living. The subject of this sketch en- listed in the army of the United States August 7, 1862, in company F, 84th Illi- nois volunteer infantry, and was killed on the 30th day of December, 1862. He was buried in the Foster burying ground, of Eldorado township. The farm, located on section 35, consists of 80 acres of well improved land and is now owned by Mrs. Ellwell.

David Nebergall, a prominent farmer of New Salem township, is a native of

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Augusta county, Virginia, born Septem- ber 12, 1805. His father was a farmer, and David was reared to that occupation, obtaining his education in the common schools. He lived with his parents until 23 years old, then, April 19, 1827, was married to Mary A. Switzer, daughter of John and Catherine ( Fateley ) Switzer. She was born March 4, 1804, and died April 1, 1879. Mr. Nebergall emigrated to Illinois, about the year 1846, coming with teams, and for five years lived upon a farm rented of Rev. George Rutledge. In March, 1851, he purchased and moved to the farm on which he now lives, com- prising the southeast quarter of section 12, New Salem township. It is now a highly desirable place, well improved and in a good state of cultivation. He owns, also, 42 acres of timber land in Fulton county, 30 acres on section 27, Harris township, and 12 acres in Farm- ers' township, also in that county. Mr. Nebergall is a member of the United Brethren church, at Pilot Grove, of which he has acted as steward for a number of years. His wife was also a member of that church, and a consistent christian woman. He is in politics, a republican. Mr. and Mrs. Nebergall, had 13 children born to them, nine of whom are still liv- ing-Philip, born January 9, 1828, was married May 10, 1849, to Mary A. Hall, and living in Fulton county; Amy E., born March 20, 1830, married to Jacob Switzer, April 12, 1849, also living in Fulton county; Margaret F., born Au- gust 6, 1831, married to Andrew Pon- tious, April 15, 1851,living in Iowa; Mary J., born January 2, 1834, married to John Switzer, April 6, 1853; the latter was a member of company G, of the 103d Ill-

inois infantry, and died in 1863, while in the service at Vicksburg. His widow has since been married to Jacob Goff, and now lives in Fulton county. Wil- liam H., born September 5, 1836, mar- ried March 20, 1861, to Martha M. Hart- ford, living in this township; Reuben J., born August 6, 1833, married April 9, 1870, to Etta Carter, living in Fulton county; Martha C., born August 13, 1841, married April 5, 1881, to Henry Schroder, of Fulton county; Sarah M., born. No- vember 6, 1843, living at home with her father; Rebecca E., born March 4, 1849, married to John Wilson, March 6, 1871, living in New Salem township. Joseph White, an adopted son of Mr. Nebergall, was born October 8, 1855, and married February 5, 1876, to Mary Rutledge, and is now living in this county. The de- ceased children of Mr. and Mrs. Neber- gall, are-Sarah W., born February 20, 1829, and died July 13, 1830; John Switzer, born September. 6, 1832, and died August 13, 1834; and Jacob, born February 26, 1835, and died June 11, 1850.

C. P. McDonald moved to his present residence on the southwest quarter of section 11, New Salem township, in March, 1857. He owns 160 acres of ex- cellent land, in a good state of cultiva- tion. His residence is a fine one, erected in 1882, costing $2,100. His barn and other improvements are of the best class. He has upon his farm a small lake, which was made in 1880, and first stocked with catfish and suckers; these, in 1883, were seined out, and the lake was stocked with German carp, which are now in a flourish- ing condition, some of them weighing three and four pounds each. Mr. Mc-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Donald was born December 16, 1830, in the state of Ohio, where he remained, living with his parents, until 19 years of age. He then went to work by the month for a man named Blodgett Smith, witlı whom he continued one year, receiving for his services $8 per month. He emi- grated to Illinois in 1849, and worked for six months on the farm of Charles Ross, for $12 per month. In 1851 he rented, of Charles Ross and Jacob Ritter, 60 acres of land, but on account of a wet season, failed to raise a crop. The fol- lowing fall he rented a farm of Daniel Harris, and lived upon the same five years. He was married, February 12, 1852, to Lucy Ann Hollar, who was born January 19, 1835. Eleven children have blest their union, seven of whom are liv- ing-Alexander, born December 18, 1852, married February 20, 1879, to Mary Over- miller, and living in Kansas; William H., born June 21, 1855, married to Lida Morris, March 10, 1883, also living in Kansas; Uriah, born October 14, 1860, married October 4, 1882, to Emma Bur- rows, living in New Salem township; Perry A., born April 3, 1865, living in Clay county, Nebraska; Anna M., born October 12, 1867, living with her parents; Orion P., born April 24, 1870, and Isaac N., born November 24, 1872, also living with their parents. Those deceased are Abner, born February 15, 1858, and died March 4, of the same year; Lydia Ann, born in October, 1862, and died in 1863; two other children died in infancy. Mrs. McDonald died February 28, 1875. Mr. McDonald was again married to Mrs. Martha Switzer, widow of John Switzer. By this union three children were born -- James F., born October 26, 1876; John

Emmet, born March 22, 1880; and Man- ford, born August 13, 1882. Mrs. Mc- Donald has one child by her former marriage-Chauncey Switzer, born May 27, 1867, and now living in Fulton county. The present Mrs. McDonald is a daugh- ter of James and Jane (Livingston) Litchfield, and was born February 20, 1845. Mr. McDonald came to this county with $5, the sum total of his worldly wealth, but is now in possession of a comfortable fortune.

James Burchett was born in Surrey, England, February 12, 1813. He re- mained with his parents in his native country until 1833. In that year he at- tained his majority, and started, on a sailing vessel, for America. He landed in New York after a nine weeks' voyage, and from there went to Upper Canada, where he lived two years. He was mar- ried there, in 1834, to Martha Mansfield, and the following year removed to Fulton county, Illinois, and for seven years lived upon a rented farm. He then purchased 53 acres of land in Farmers' township of the same county, improved and lived upon it about two years, then sold out and moved to McDonough county. He purchased, then, 40 acres of land on sec- tion 3; also the place on which he now lives, comprising the southeast quarter of section 2, New Salem township. In addition to the above he now owns an- other quarter adjoining it on the south- east; also 80 acres on the northeast quar- ter of the same section, and 40 acres on section 11. He owns in Fulton county 80 acres, partly improved and. part tim- ber, located in Farmers' township, on section 6. He has fine improvements upon the farm where he resides, includ-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

ing his residence, barn and other build- ings. His other farms are also well im- proved. He has, altogether, about seven miles of Osage hedge and 700 rods of drain tile. He is an energetic and thor- ough-going farmer, everything about his place indicating thrift and comfort. Mrs. Burchett died in 1842, and the following year Mr. Burchett married Lucy Woods. He had, by his first marriage, four chil- dren, all of whom are deceased. By the latter union, five children were born, four of whom are now living.

L. M. Williams came to McDonough county with his parents in 1855, since which time he has been a resident here. He was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 18, 1851, and resided with his parents until 25 years of age. October 25, 1876, he was united in marriage with Dora Adcock, daughter of Thomas and Ann (Hall) Adcock. After marriage, Mr. Williams rented the east half of the northwest quarter of section 9, New Salem township, and lived upon the same six years. He then purchased his father's farm, for which he paid $4,500, and which is still his residence. He has a valuable and well cultivated farm with good improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have had two children born to them-Walter, born January 24, 1878,. and died in infancy, and Clarence R., born October 14, 1883. Mr. Williams is a member and steward of the Methodist Episcopal church at Adair. Mrs. Wil- liams is a member of the Christian church. He is a man of good education and politically, a supporter of the re- publican party.

George W: Thomas is a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, and was born

May 25, 1834. He was married to Nancy E. (Mitchell) September 15, 1868. They have had six children, five of whom are living, and one is dead, as follows-Otis, born June 6, 1869, living at home with his parents; Lena L., born September 1, 1870; Howard and Truman, twins, born December 22, 1873; George W., born August 9, 1876, and Cora, born Decem- ber 20, 1879. Truman died January 22, 1884. Mr. Thomas remained at home with his parents until 21 years old. He came to Illinois in 1857, and hired out to Jus- tice Kinne, of Fulton county, to work on a farm by the month. In 1858, he went back to his native state,and brought thither his mother and her family. In June, 1861, he enlisted in the army of the United States, in company H, 28th Illinois volunteer infantry, and remained in the service four years and eight months. He was first corporal of the company for three years. He was always ready for duty, and participated in all the engagements of his regiment, and was not wounded, except at Spanish Fort, where he was hit by a piece of shell, but not seriously injured. He was at one time put in command of his company on detailed service, and made a successful raid, losing one man in a lively little skirmish, was out four days, and proved himself competent to fill the position to which he had been assigned. His father was a native of Maryland, and died in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1858. The parents of Mrs. Thomas were John and Phoebe A. (Britt) Mitchell. The former was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, January 27, 1799, and is still living. The latter was born in Virginia, May 7, 1800, and died in this

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

county, October 17, 1880. They emi- grated from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1835, thence to Illinois, in 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Adair, and he is the class leader of that organization. Politically, he is a repub- lican. He has held the office of collec- tor one term, in Scotland township, and is a christian gentleman.

George Bateson, a farmer of New Salem township, was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1849, came to this state in 1855, and here followed farming until 1864, when he enlisted in the United States army, in company A, 28th Illinois volunteer infantry. He served 18 months, and was mustered out at Brownsville, Texas. He then came back to this state and resumed farming, which business he has since continued. His father was a native of Maryland, born in 1796, and died June 20, 1878, in Fulton county. His mother was a native of Pennsyl- vania; was born in 1815, and died in Fulton county in 1878. Mr. Bateson has a good common school education, belongs to the republican party, and is a good citizen.

Lewis J. Bateson, a resident of New Salem township, is a native of Ohio, and was born in Perry county, January 28, 1838. He came to this state in the fall · of 1855, and has always made farming a business. He was married March 29, 1866, to Lucinda Ewing, who was born June 15, 1835, and died July 8, 1881. They were the parents of two children- Carrie E., born February 2, 1869, and Croton S., born August 19, 1871. Mr. Bateson enlisted in the army of the United States for the suppression of the

rebellion, March 22, 1862, in company F, 61st Illinois volunteer infantry. He was a corporal for 11 months, and then discharged on a surgeon's certificate of disability. Recovering somewhat from his ill-health, he re-enlisted in the 151st regiment, served one year, and was then, at the close of the war, mustered out at Columbus, Georgia. He then came back to Illinois, and has since followed farm- ing. He has been connected with the M. E. church since he was 19 years old. Politically, he belongs to the republican party.

George Seaburn, one of the farmers of New Salem township, is a native of Ohio, and was born March 14, 1828. He was brought up on a farm and lived on the old homestead with his parents, assist- ing in the various duties and employ- ments incident to farm life, until 22 years old. August 11, 1850, the import- ant event of his marriage occurred to Sarah M. Kerr. She is a native of Vir- ginia, born in Augusta county, March 17, 1833. They have had born to them seven children, four of whom are now living-Mary J., born July 3, 1851, was married to Peter Dougherty, October 3, 1872, living in this county; Florence E., born October 8, 1855, was married to Samuel Leighty, December 19, 1875, liv- ing in Adair ; Lizzie K., born October 15, 1865, living at home; Bessie B., born August 15, 1873, living at home; George A., born September 28, 1853, died De- cember 14, 1854; John H., born May 8, 1859, died July 5, 1861; Johnston, born May 3, 1863, died May 13, 1864. His first settlement in New Salem township, bears date in 1851, and he first located on section 25. On the 28th day of March,

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

1853, he started across the plains for California, with an ox-team, and arrived there August 26, of that year. He re- mained in California until June of the following year, then started for Illinois, and was found again at home June 30, 1854, making the trip by steamer. He there bought and removed to the farm he now occupies, which is the northeast quarter of section 26. This place is 'well improved, well fenced and under a good state of cultivation, making a good farm and a desirable home. Mr. Seaburn en- listed in the Union army, August 7, 1862, in company F,. 84th Illinois volunteer infantry, and served with that regiment until May 1, 1863, when he was run over by a mule team and crippled, in conse- quence of which he was taken to the field hospital. He yet suffers from the effects of the injury received at that time. On the 1st day of July, 1863, he was transferred to the veteran relief corps, and sent with a company to Louisville, Kentucky, as that place was threatened by John Morgan. They were successful in keeping him out of the city, and Mr. Seaburn was then sent to the state of New York, to assist in enforcing the draft; from there he was sent to Chicago, and thence December 3, 1863, to Rock Island, to guard prisoners. He remained at that place until June 30, 1864, when he was honorably discharged and re- turned home. Mrs. Seaburn came to this state in September, 1835. Her father, Amaziah Kerr, was born in Virginia, June 2, 1798, and died in this county, June 23, 1878. Her mother was likewise a native of Virginia, born February 28, 1808, and died in this state August 27, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Seaburn are both

members of the Christian church. Mr. Seaburn, politically, affiliates with the republican party, is a man of good sound judgment, and stands well among the citizens of this county.

George T. Harlan was born Decem- ber 29, 1827, in Monroe county Ken- tucky, and in 1834, removed with his parents, Wesley and Nancy (Greenup) Harlan, to McDonough county, Illinois. He assisted his father in improving the farm in Industry township, located on section 1. December 25, 1856, he was united in marriage with Talitha C. Yocum, who was born October 17, 1832, a daughter of Major Stephen and Mary (Dorris) Yocum, who settled near Pen- nington's Point in 1833. Mr. Harlan settled at the time of his marriage, upon a farm located on the south half of sec- tion 31, New Salem township, where he still resides. They are the parents of 11 children, seven of whom are now liv- ing, four having died in infancy-Leroy P., the eldest now living, was married March 31, 1881, to Emma Chadderdon, and has one child. They are living on the farm settled by his grandfather Har- lan. The children living at home are- Emma, James F .. Ambrose S., Inez, Julia and Alma.

Marcellus Herndon, a farmer of New Salem township, is a native of this county, having been born in Scotland township, November 1, 1858. He was brought up and received his education in his native township. His parents are residents of Adair, where his father is a prominent merchant. Marcellus was married Oc- tober 31, 1878, to Lizzie Rexroat, daugh- ter of Hasting and Patsy ( Riggins ) Rex- roat. Her father was a prominent

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

farmer of Scotland township. They are the parents of two children-Archie and Willie. Mr. Herndon has 120 acres of land, 35 of which is under cultivation. He is engaged in general farming, pay- ing some attention to stock raising.

EDUCATIONAL.

The following statistics relative to the schools of New Salem township, have been gleaned from the last annual report of the county superintendent, for the year ending June 30, 1884: New Salem has 10 schools, none ef which are graded. There are 359 children of school age within her boundaries, over 300 of whom are enrolled in the schools, 8} being the average number of months taught dur- ing the year. There are 10 school build- ings in New Salem, all of which are frame. The salaries paid teachers are very lib- eral, the highest monthly wages received by any male teacher being $53, while the lowest was $30 dollars per month. The largest monthly salary paid female teachers was $40, $18 being the lowest. The estimated value of school property was $6,400, with a district tax levy of $3,500. At the time of the last report there was a bonded indebtedness in the district township of $500. But one dis- trict in the township had a library, and it contained 40 volumes.

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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 105

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