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 108

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 108

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Thomas R. Wright, a prominent and respected citizen of Sciota township, is a native of Perry county, Ohio, and was born July 18, 1842. He is a son of Isaac Wright, now a resident of Bland- insville township. When Thomas was five years old, his parents removed to Muskingum county, Ohio, where they resided until 1858. In October, of that year, they came to McDonough county, and settled in Blandinsville township, where Thomas began farming in 1864. He continued in that township until the spring of 1868. He then located on his present farm, which, at that time, he rented, purchasing the same, three years later. He had 160 acres, to which he has added, until he now owns 622 acres, all improved, and is the largest land

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

owner in Sciota township. He deals quite extensively in stock, and has some fine thoroughbred short horn cattle, also Clydesdale horses. He has held a num- ber of local offices in this township. February 4, 1869, he was married to Frances A. Conwell, a native of Ohio. They have four children living-Willis P., Carl E., Angie R. and Sadie B. Their eldest son, Charles O., is deceased.

Henry S. Baldwin was born in Rich- land county, Ohio, April 8, 1833. He is a son of Charles Baldwin, formerly a resident of this county, but now de- ceased. The latter came here in 1854, and located two miles south of Macomb, where he died in 1856. Henry S., the subject of this sketch, resided with his parents, coming with them to this county in 1854. In 1857, he located on section 16, Sciota township, where he followed farming eight years, then moved to the edge of. Warren county, there remain- ing till 1867. In that year he settled on section 3, Sciota township, his present home. He owns 720 acres of land, lying in McDonough and Warren coun- ties, all in a high state of cultivation and well improved. It is worked by ten- ants, Mr. Baldwin not being, himself, engaged in farming. He was married in August, 1857, to Margaret Long, a daughter of William Long, an early settler of Fulton county. They have seven children-Callista A., Matie I., Ulysses G., Emma M., Willis D., Min- nie E. and an infant. One son, John S., is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin are members of the Baptist church.

James M. Wallin, an old and promi- nent citizen of Sciota township, was born in Lee county, Virginia, March 27,

1813. Much of his early life was spent in Tennessee, where he was for several years a merchant, in the city of Cal- houn. He left that state in 1852, coming then to this county, where he has since been a resident. He lived three years on a farm in Macomb township, then located on section 25, of Sciota, where he now lives. He has held many offices in this township, having been justice of the peace for 23 years, also assessor and supervisor, several terms. He has been school treasurer of this township for the past 10 years. He is a member of the Masonic order, also of the Bap- tist church, with which he united in 1843. He was married in 1837, to Sarah B. Rose, by whom he had two sons-James H. and Isaac S. His wife died October 1, 1869, and on September 15, 1870, he was again married, to Mrs. Sarah B. Forrest, a native of the state of Tennessee.

EDUCATIONAL.

Sciota township, according to the an- nual report of the county superintend- ent, for the school year, ending June 30, 1884, has 452 children of school age, 420 of whom are enrolled in the schools. There are 11 frame buildings in the township, in which an average of eight and four-elevenths months of school are taught. The highest monthly wages paid any male teacher is $50, and the lowest is $21.50, while the highest wages paid female teachers is $45, and the low- est $25 per month. The estimated value of school property amounts to $7,525 and the tax levy for the support of the schools is $3,850. There is no bonded indebtedness.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

An early school in the history of the township, was taught by James M. Yap- ple, at the house of Zachariah Rickets, on section 25.

Previous to the organization of dis- trict No. 1, school was held in a build- ing located about one mile south of the present school-house site of this district, and was then known as district No. 5. In 1871, district No. 5, was divided, forming the present districts of 1 and 6. The present building of district No. 1, is located on the northeast corner of section 11.

School district No. 2, has a house situ- ated on the southeast corner of section 4, which was erected in 1868, the same · year the district was organized. The size of the building is 20x28, and was erected at a cost of $450.

In 1868, school district No. 2, was di- vided, forming the present districts of 3 and 4. The house was removed to the northwest corner of section 8, this dis- trict (No. 3,) during the same year. It was 22x26 feet in size, and was valued at $150.

District No. 4, was organized in 1867, and a school house, 18x24 feet in size, erected during the same year, at a cost of $450. The district is also familiarly known as Muddy Lane.

Center district No. 5, was organized as district No. 3, in 1858, and a building erected on section 22, during the same year. It was a frame structure, 20x24 feet in size, and was completed at a cost of $450. During the winter of 1884-5, Meredith Davis taught the school.

The school building in district No. 6, was erected on the northeast corner of section 14, in 1872. It is a good frame

structure, and was completed at a cost of $1,500.

HISTORICAL ITEMS.

The first marriage was that of V. M. Hardin and Nancy Purdy, on the 16th day of April, 1840. Rev. Jesse Chap -. man, a Baptist divine, performed the marriage ceremony. On June 20, 1841, Mary E. was born to them; hers was probably the second birth in the town- ship.

The pioneer school house was built in - 1846. It was 18x20, constructed of na- tive lumber. Louis Goddard taught the first term of school therein.

Rev. Cyrus Haines preached the first sermon, at the house of John Hainline, in the summer of 1837. Mr. Haines was of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

William Heath was the first super- visor, and James M. Wallin was the second.

The first death was that of Samuel Purdy, which occurred in September, 1841.

The first justice of the peace was V. M. Hardin, who was elected in August, 1839.

The first child born in the township was John H. Hainline, the date of whose birth was January 2, 1837. He lived on section 31 until his death, January 12, 1882.

The second death in the township was that of John Hainline, who died Octo- ber 15, 1840, at the age of five years. The remains were interred in Spring Grove cemetery.

A man by the name of Townsend, who entered land on section 31, in the spring of 1836, broke out the first land during

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

the following summer - some seven acres. He did not put in a crop, but left the township in the fall.

In the spring of 1837, John Hainline sowed the first wheat and planted the first corn.

ORGANIZATION.

The organization of the township dates back to 1856, when the division of the county into townships took place. The first township election occurred on the 7th day of April, in 1857, at which time J. M. Seamans was elected consta- ble; William Heath, supervisor; Simeon Clarke, clerk and collector; Stephen Gillihan, assessor; William B. Clarke and Mortimore Waterus, justices. The latter named gentleman failed to qualify, and at the next election, James M. Wal- lin was elected, serving in that capacity for 23 years. The present officers of the township are as follows: Supervisor, J. A. Allison; clerk, S. B. Norton; assessor, Lewis Breiner; collector, J. M. James; highway commissioner, H. Tut- tle; justices of the peace, J. L. Hardin and W. B. Clarke; constables, William Furgie and Henry Arbogast; school trustee, E. Dice.

GOOD HOPE VILLAGE.

Scarcely had the line of the T., P. & W. railroad been surveyed, before J. E. Morris had platted a town on the north- east quarter of section 31, in Walnut Grove township, to which was given the name of Sheridan. In July, 1867, W. F. Blandin laid off a few blocks a little west of the proposed town of Sheridan, on the southeast quarter of section 25, and the northeast quarter of section 36, Sciota township, and christened the same

Milan. Here there were two rival towns. A postoffice named Goood Hope had been in the neighborhood for some years, and the different names by which the town or towns were called were a little amusing. The railroad company issued its first tickets to Sheridan, and train men called out .Milan as the cars stopped, but all letters had to be addressed to Good Hope. This state of affairs continued for some time, until finally both names of the town were dropped, and the name of the postoffice chosen as the one by which it should be known. Since that time two or three additions have been made to the original surveys. The railroad runs due east and west through the town. The place grew quite rapidly for the first two years, after which no material improvement was made until the year 1875, when new life was infused into every department of industry, new business blocks, dwelling houses and other buildings were erected, and at present Good Hope is one of the neatest young towns in the Military Tract, with good churches, schools, etc., and a people that are generally enterprising, moral and religious. Probably no more pleas- ant and agreeable little place can be found, to make a home, than here. Sur- rounding the town is an excellent farm- ing community, with some of the best farms in the county.

The first building was erected on the town site in the fall of 1866, previous to the time the town was laid out, by David Jacobus. It was used for dwelling pur- poses, and at present is occupied as a residence by James Statler.

Robert Morrison, it is said, built the first store room, on the old Monmouth

5 6

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

road, and kept a small stock of confec- tioneries, etc.

The first business house was erected by Samuel Lock, in the fall of 1866, and was used as a store building and resi- dence combined. He put in a general stock of goods, between Christmas and New Years. The building was located just across the line, in Walnut Grove township. He did business there until the summer of 1868, when he removed the building, after the town was platted, one block north, still on the east side of tlie township line. He remained in business there until the fall of 1870, when the building was removed to the northeast corner of the square. In 1873, Mr. Lock disposed of the stock to David Campbell & Son. At present the build- ing is occupied as a wagon shop, and is situated on the south side of the square.

Samuel Lock & Sons are engaged in the sale of general merchandise, enter- ing into their present business in Sep- tember, 1883, at the southeast corner of the square. They carry a full stock of dry goods, boots and shoes, hats, caps, etc.

Samuel Lock was born near Colum- bus, Indiana, November 10, 1821. He is one of a family of 10 children, all of whom are still living. When he was nine years old his parents moved to Adams county, Illinois. Here his father, March 22, 1877, died. His mother had died in May, 1863. Samuel was brought up on a farm and received a limited education. March 28, 1843, he was united in marriage with Susan Wal- lace, who was born in July, 1824. He then engaged in farming in Pike county, Illinois, where Mrs. Lock died in April,

1863, leaving five children-Mary E., Saralı E., James A., Lewis O. and Ira A. December 29, 1863, Mr. Lock was mar- ried to Annie Potter, a native of Adams county, born in 1836. By this union there were three sons-Arthur G., Ed- win P. and Clarence M. (deceased). The second Mrs. Lock died July 12,1874, and September 21, 1875, Mr. Lock was mar- ried to Mary N. Creel, who was born in McDonough county, March 20, 1840. In the year 1866, Mr. Lock removed to Good Hope and engaged in mercantile trade. He is still a resident of that place, and carries on the same business in company with his sons, Arthur G. and Edwin P. He is politically a democrat, and has held local office. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Although not possessed of a liberal education, he has much natural ability, and is one of the substantial business men of Good Hope.

The present merchandise business of Brown & Company was first estab- lished by J. E. Morris, of Bushnell, in 1868. He erected a frame building, 22x 54, two stories high, the second story of which is used as a hall by the Masonie fraternity. He continued business here until 1872, when he sold to Rowley & Company, who, in turn, were suc- ceeded a year later by Allison & Doughty. They operated the business until the spring of 1875, when J. H. Al- lison purchased the interest of Mr. Doughty, and the firm became Allison Brothers. In January, 1881, Frank L. Brown purchased an interest, and the firm was changed to Allison & Brown. They continued to do business until Au- gust, 1884. when Mr. Brown, in com- pany with John M. Monninger, pur-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

chased the business, which is now ope- rated under the firm name of Brown & Company. They do an annual business of about $20,000, and carry a complete stock of dry goods, notions, hats, caps, boots and shoes, etc.

Frank L. Brown was born in Missouri, October 19, 1860. The family moved to Macomb in the spring of 1862, and after residing there a few months moved on a farm in Walnut Grove township, where they still reside. The father of the sub- ject of this sketch is James A. Brown, Sr., a large and influential farmer, at one time one of the most extensive live stock dealers in the county. Frank re- sided on the farm with his parents until 13 years of age, when he went to Ma- comb, where he attended the public schools for two years, spending his vaca- tions at home on the farm. At the age of 15 he entered the Illinois Industrial university at Champaign; Illinois, where he remained two years. Returning from the university he. entered the law office of C. F. Wheat, in Macomb, where he remained one year, but on ac- count of failing health he was compelled to relinquish his studies and return home. In the fall of 1878 he went west and traveled through Iowa, Minnesota, Dakota and Nebraska, returning in the spring of 1879, much improved in health. Immediately on his return from the west he commenced teaching a very suc- cessful term of school at the Tank school house, one mile west of Good Hope, and boarded with his brother-in-law, J. H. Allison, who ran a general store at that place. Frank worked in the store morn- ings and evenings for his board. In the fall of 1879, Mr. A.'s business had so in-

creased as to require a clerk and book- keeper. Frank hired to him and worked in this capacity until January 1, 1881, when, with the assistance of friends,, he was enabled to buy an interest in the business. The new firm increased their stock and did a thriving business, under the firm name of J. H. Allison & Co., which on January 1, 1883, was changed to Allison & Brown, the latter becoming a full partner, and a year later, he bought Mr. Allison's interest in the busi- ness, which, in connection with Mr. J. M. Monninger, whom he took in part- nership in August, 1884, he still runs, under the firm name of Frank L. Brown & Co. Mr. Brown is an ardent repub- lican, has been a member of the village council, and is the present treasurer. He has received the nomination of his party for a township office, but although he ran ahead of his ticket he failed of elec- tion on account of the large majority of the opposition party. During the sum- mer of 1884, Mr. Brown, at the age of 24 years, was induced by friends to enter the field as a can- didate for the office of circuit clerk, subject to the decision of the republican county convention. There were five can- didates in the field, and the canvass for the nomination waxed hot, and the county convention, which met in August, will long be remembered as one of intense interest and excitement. After 10 bal- lots, Mr. Brown received the nomination but was defeated at the polls, in Novem- . ber, on account of the opposition of the friends of one of Mr. Brown's opponents for nomination in the convention. Other unavoidable circumstances, for which Frank was in no way responsible, worked

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

to his detriment in the canvass, but the above reason alone was sufficient to ac- complish his defeat. Mr. Brown is a member of Good Hope lodge, No. 670, I. O. O. F. He was married January 17, 1883, to Addie Clark, of Macomb.

John M. Monninger, a member of the firm of F. L. Brown & Co., is a na- tive of Fulton county, Illinois, where he was born August 6, 1860. He is a son of John Monninger, with whom he came to this county in 1869, having thus spent the greater portion of his life here. He received a good education, and in August, 1881, engaged as clerk with Al- lison & Brown, in whose employ he con- tinued until October 14, 1882, when he became a partner in the firm of Mon- ninger & Sapp. This partnership was dissolved, he selling his interest to Sapp in November, 1883. He then returned to the employ of F. L. Brown, and in the following July became a partner of that gentleman. Mr. Monninger is a young man of ability, and possessed of good business talent. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., of which he is at present P. G., and is a member of the encamp- ment.

In 1882, James Statler engaged in the general merchandise business. He car- ries a stock of about $4,000, and owns the building occupied by him. He is also engaged in the grain business, as noted elsewhere. His entire business represents an invested capital of about $20,000.

James Statler, one of the leading busi- ness men of Good Hope, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, August 28, 1830. His parents, Samuel and Mary (Harris) Statler, were natives of Virginia, who,

in an early day, emigrated to Ohio. James grew to manhood and acquired his education in his native county, where he followed agricultural persuits until 1853. He then settled in Knox county,. Illinois, and two years later came to this county and located in Scioto township, where he remained one year, after which he moved to section 1, Emmet town- ship, which was his residence until the fall of 1865. At that date he removed te Macomb and engaged in merchandising, which he continued three years, then re- turned to his farm. In 1877, he engaged in the grain trade at Good Hope, where he now carries on an extensive business, dealing also in groceries, hardware, agricultural implements and machinery, etc. Mr. Statler was one of the town- ship supervisors during 1884, and is at present, a member of the city council. He is a member of the Masonic order. He was married in 1851, to Huldah J. Murphy, a native of Ohio. They have five children living-Samuel, Maria A., Charles, Emma and William T. .

Allison & Heath entered into business at Good Hope, in the fall of 1883. They are retail dealers of groceries, provi- sions, etc., and are also shippers of live stock. They carry a stock of groceries, etc., averaging about $2,000.

H. Austin Allison, of the firm of Alli- son & Heath, is a native of Ross county, Ohio, born February 2, 1849. His father, William Allison, was an early settler and prominent citizen of this county, having settled in Tennessee township in 1852. William Allison was born in Virginia, July 25, 1805. When young, he went to Ohio, where he was married in 1829, to Margaret Eakle, a native of Virginia.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

She died in 1857. He survived until 1878. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in this county receiving a good education. In 1866, he engaged in the live stock business - in Tennessee township. Two years later, he located in Good Hope, and continued the same business. In 1871, he was a member of. the Allison Bro's. general merchants, which in 1880, sold out. He then en- gaged in the grain trade, and in 1883, became a member of the firm of Allison & Heath. Mr. Allison was married September 2, 1875, to Jennie Campbell, a native of Good Hope. They have two children-Alvah and Charlie M. He has been a member of the city council and one of the school board. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity of Good Hope, and is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He has been su- perintendent of that Sunday school for a number of years.

Newton B. Mitchell is engaged in the sale of groceries, crockery, boots and shoes, etc., succeeding the firm of Mitch- ell Bros., in June, 1884, who purchased the business of Skean Bros., February 1, 1882, Mr. Mitchell carries a stock of about $2,000 and owns the building occu- pied him.

Newton B. Mitchell, a well known mer- chant of Good Hope, is a native of East Tennessee, born November 20, 1853. His parents, Lewis and Adelphia Mitchell, were also natives of Tennessee. Newton B., was reared and educated in his native state, and there followed the occupation of farming until 1882. In that year he removed to McDonough county, Illinois, and located at Good Hope, where he has since been engaged in his present busi-

ness. He is the present mayor of the city, and has been a member of the coun- cil. He was married April 5, 1883, to Mrs. Agnes Long, daughter of William Hastie, of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have one child-Carrie.

The first stock of drugs was brought to the town by Jesse McDowell, in the winter of 1867. He also carried a small stock of groceries. He continued busi- ness but a short time when he was suc- ceeded by B. Brewster, who afterward sold out to Hill and Wallin. Mr. Wal- lin afterward became sole proprietor and in May, 1884, disposed of the business to John E. James, the present proprietor.

John E. James is a native of Knox county, Illinois, born December 25, 1859. His father, A. J. James, a native of Virginia, was born in 1830, and grew to manhood in his native state. In 1853, he was married to Eliza Ash, who was born in Virginia in the year 1829. The following year, 1854, they emigrated to Illinois, and settled in Knox county. In 1860, they removed to Fulton county, where they lived five years, then came to McDonough county, and located in Sciota township. In the fall of 1870, they moved to Lucas county, Iowa; thence, in 1880, to Clarke county. In the fall of 1882, they returned to McDon- ough county, and settled at Good Hope, where they now live. Mr. A. J. James is by trade a carpenter and joiner, which occupation he has principally followed through life. . John E. James was edu- cated in the common schools. In 1876, he entered the drug store of Mr. Wallin, as a partner in the business. He con- tinued with him until May, 1884, when he purchased Mr. Wallin's interest, and

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

become sole proprietor of the business, which he still follows. Mr. James was married December 11, 1884, to Minnie E. Sapp, who was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, October 19, 1864. Mr. James is a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 670, of Good Hope.

G. W. Kenworthy, of Bushnell, estab- lished the first hardware store at Good Hope, in the fall of 1869, Charles Car- rier, a nephew of Mr. Kenworthy, taking charge of the business. It was disposed of a short time afterward to other parties.

In 1878, Collins & Hannaford opened a hardware establishment, and are still representatives in that line. They are also engaged in the sale of lumber, and have a capital of about $7,000 invested.

John Collins was born February 6, 1820, in Cumberland county, Maine. At the age of 15 years he went to Thomas- ton, Maine, where he learned the car- penter's trade. He remained there three years, then shipped on board a schooner named the Moscow, bound for Apalachicola, serving as cook. He re- turned in the fall of 1840, having been absent six months, and shipped as a sailor on another schooner, bound for Alexandria, Virginia. He continued to follow a seafaring life until the fall of 1845, and during that period, was two years on the lakes. He then abandoned a sailor's life, and went to Boston, living in that vicinity four years, after which he came to Peoria county, Illinois, and there followed carpentering one year, then returned to Boston. One year later he came back to Peoria, and in the spring of 1852, located at Galesburg, where he worked at his trade till 1860, then went to Tivoli, Illinois, where he

was engaged in wagon and plow making two years. He then returned to Gales- burg, and there remained until he came to Good Hope, in 1869, at which time he engaged in his present business, in part- nership with E. K. Hannaford. Mr. Collins was married May 13, 1851, to Sarah C. Cole, a native of Maine.

Edward K. Hannaford, of the firm of Collins & Hannaford, is a native of Peoria county, and was born November 22, 1839. His father, Levi A. Hannaford, was born in Maine, and came to Peoria county, in 1837. He was married to Caroline W. Collins, also a native of Maine. Edward K. was brought up and educated partially, in Peoria county. His education was supplemented by a few months' course at Westbrook seminary, near Portland, Maine, and also by at- tendance, during the seasons of 1860 and and '61, at Lombard college, Galesburg, Illinois. He then spent his time in farming upon his father's place until 1869, when he came to Good Hope, and engaged in his present business. He has been mayor of the city, and also a member of the council. Mr. Hannaford was married to Eva M. Billings, of Galesburg, Illinois, October 9; 1883.

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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 108

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