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 114

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 114

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Charles W. Dallam, the subject of this sketch, was born in Maryland, February 16, 1817. When he was 20 years of age, he returned to Ohio, and in 1840, was married. He remained in Ohio until after the death of his wife. The fruits of this marriage were born-Samuel W., Mathias W., Margaret J., Jos. S., John W. and William W. January 25, 1855, he was married to Mary Plotts. By this marriage he has had four children. For some time he resided in Macomb, where he was engaged in manufacturing thresh- ing machines. He aided in building the North mill, and run it until he sold out and moved to the farm where he now re- . sides. He owns a beautiful farm, well improved, and devotes much time to stock. He has filled the office of town clerk, in which position he displayed considerable ability. He is a Master Ma- son, and stands high in the fraternity. Mr. Dallam is a member of the Cumber- land Presbyterian church, and in poli- tics, wishes to be known as a republican.

John Wiley, our subject, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, November 2,

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1810. In 1851, he came to Macomb, where he worked at his trade, carpenter- ing, building principally chaff pilers, known as Rolston's patent. In 1849, he with others, visited California, the land of gold and disappointed hopes. Dur- ing his stay in that region, he visited several localities and was very success- ful. In 1851, he returned home. He has driven an ox-team across the plains, starting March 2, and reaching his des- tination, August 18, a romantic story for these days of steam. After his return to Illinois, he lived in Macomb for about three years, after which he purchased and improved the fine farm on which he now resides, and on which he has erected a fine residence, costing $3,000, He is a stock-raiser, and devotes considerable attention to that branch of business. In 1882, he was elected township supervi- sor, which office he held for two years, and for 14 years, has served the commu- nity as school director.

Adam Douglas was born in Scotland, December 31, 1833. He left his native country in 1852, and finally settled in Eldorado township. His parents, John and Janet Douglas, also came to this county and resided here until their death. For some years the family rented land, but by thrift and industry, were enabled" to purchase a fine farm, which is the joint property of Adam and his brother, George. March 18, 1864, Adam Doug- las was married to Kate Kelly, and the fruit of that union is five children-John T., James K., Bessie, George C. and Charles A. The career of Mr. Douglas is a fine example of what may be accom- plished by a determined will, united with proper business tact. He started with

nothing, and now, comparatively a young man, finds himself surrounded by plenty, the result of his own labor. His resi- dence is a model, and cost about $3,000 In politics, Mr. Douglas is a republican.

Abram A. Adair, is a native of Sum- mit county, Ohio, and was born March 25, 1842. His parents, Alfred and Patty Adair, were natives of Connecticut, and trace their descent from the Plymouth pilgrims. Abram worked on the farm in Ohio, until 1868, when he moved to Missouri. He remained seven years in the above named state, and then settled in' Emmet township, in McDonough county. He was married in Missouri, August 31, to Sarah E. McCord. He enlisted in June, 1862, in the 104th Ohio volunteers, and served with credit, participating in several pitched battles, and a number of skirmishes. Mr. Adaır was wounded but not permanently dis- abled, and at the close of his term of service was mustered out at Cincinnati. He has filled the office of supervisor, and is an earnest republican.

D. R. Ferster, was born June 22, 1822. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and in 1865, removed from that state to McDon- ough county, settling in Chalmers town- ship, where he owned 80 acres of land. In the fall of 1870, he removed to Ma- comb township, where he now owns 100 acres of fine land. He also owns a house and three lots in the city of Ma- comb. He was married, January 15, 1843, in Pennsylvania, and one son, Henry M., has grown to manhood. The ‘ son named above married Elizabeth Wayland, and owns 76 acres of land. He has six living children-Ada M., Ef- fie C., - William R., Clements, Luther,

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

and Samuel C. James, the second son, died February 4, 1869, and his remains are interred in the Camp Creek ceme- etery. The family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church, Macomb. Stephen V. R. Gloyd, the subject of this sketch, was born in Hampshire county, Massachusetts, February 22, 1826. His parents, Stephen and Hulda Gloyd, were- of English descent, and most worthy people. Mr. Gloyd's father died some years since, but his mother is still living, at the advanced age of 84 years. Our subject served two years as a member of the assembly, and has been a member of the board of supervisors for 14 years. Our subject improved a fine farm in New York state, literally hewing it out of the timber. He now. owns a good farm in this county, which he has greatly improved since taking possession, and may be considered an active and prosperous farmer. Previous to his removal to this county, in 1868, he had lived for one year in Knox county. He devotes much attention to stock-raising, and in this branch, has been very successful. He was married in October, 1850, to Louisa Smith, a na- tive of New York. . She died May 11, 1874, and is interred in Oakwood ceme- tery. Four children were the result of this marriage, and three are living. The family are members of the Methodist church, and when it comes to voting, Mr. Gloyd always drops a republican ticket into the box.

Isaac F. and Andrew J. Cline, the subjects of this sketch, are the sons of William Cline. Thé latter was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, September 6, 1788, and was married to Nancy Fil-

son, February 9, 1809, and by this union was the parent of eight children-Pene- lope, John, William, Charles, Elizabeth, Caroline, James M., Samuel F. and Mary M., who have all passed away to the land of rest, except Samuel, who re- sides in Montgomery county, Kansas. After the death of his first wife, William Cline, was united in marriage with Mar- tha Fulton, born in Fleming county, Kentucky, Fovember 7, 1796. The date of this marriage was September 29, 1828. By this union there were five children- Isaac F., born February 27, 1830; An- drew J., born September 14, 1831; Eliza- beth F., born October 9, 1834; Martha Ann, born November 11, 1837. Wil- liam Cline died in his native county, June 7, 1847. After the death of their father, in the fall of 1850, his widow, with her family, moved to Vermont, Fulton county, and from thence to McDonough, where a farm of 140 acres was purchased -afterward increased to 290 acres be- sides this. Andrew J. owns 40 acres in Macomb township. This land the sons have improved until it ranks among the best farms in the county. They have built a dwelling house at a cost of $2,200, with neat and commodious stables, barns, and other farm buildings. They devote their time chiefly to raising grain and stock, in which they are very successful. Martha Cline, the mother, died Novem- ber 18, 1864, and her remains are inter- red in the cemetery near Vermont, Ful- ton county. I. F., A. J. and Elizabeth, are on this old homestead; Thomas F., resides in Neosho, Kansas, and Martha, wife of Joseph Patterson lives in Macomb township. Elizabeth Cline, a sister, is a member of the Christian church.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Robert E. Ellison is a native of Adams county, Ohio, born April 5, 1811. His parents came there with the first emi- grants, and settled at Three Islands, now Manchester, in 1791, and was in con- stant fear of the Indians, who made raids on them, and captured his father's brother, and held him one year, and others of the small colony at different times. Robert lost both his parents at an early age, and the care of a large family of younger sisters and brothers fell to his lot. In time the family dwindled down to but few, and in 1851, he married Ann Work, and as a result had eight children, four of whom are dead - Sarah R, William, Isabell and Thomas. Those yet alive-John, Eliza- beth, Oscar and Jennie. He came to Illinois in 1860, purchased a farm of 160 acres, upon which he resides.

George Upp, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Perry county, Ohio, and was born July 23, 1823, and was the son of John and Margaret Upp. Mr. Upp's mother died when he was quite young, and after several removals, and having reached the years of manhood, he de- cided to make his home farther west. He was married January 10, 1847, to Rachel Towers, and 1851 started for his future home, finally locating in McDon- ough county. He made the journey by wagon, bringing his family and house- hold goods. He rented land for one year, and then purchased 160 acres where he now resides. He continued to add to his farm until he now owns 815 acres, 790 of this in one tract. "He owns four dwelling houses situated on differ- ent parts of the farm, and rents the greater portion of his land. He owns a

large tract of fine timber land, and de- votes himself chiefly to the raising of fine stock. Of his three children two are living-Nelson and Daniel. In politics, Mr. Upp is a democrat.

Cass A. Morey was born in Knox county, Ohio, April 7, 1850, and is the son of Peter and Rebecca Morey. The family emigrated to Illinois in 1856, set- tling in Ogle connty, and in 1859 came to McDonough county. They resided here 17 years, and then removed to Prai- rie City, and in 1883, Cass removed to the farm on which he now lives. He was educated at the Branch college, Ma- comb, and commenced teaching school in 1880, his first school being that in district 2, Sciota township; he taught the Good Hope school in the winter of 1884-5. March 15, 1883, he was married to Mary A. Campbell, a daughter of John S. Campbell, who had been a resi- dent of Sciota township for 20 years, and who is now living in Iowa. Mr. Morey owns 75 acres of land, well im- proved, is a member of the Christian church, and I. O. O. F., and in politics, is a republican.

Aaron Bennett, the father of Dayton Bennett, was born December 1, 1800, in New London, Connecticut. He grew to manhood in Connecticut, and in 1823 went to Albany county, where he en- gaged in farming. He was married March 12, 1823, to Rosa Ella Burrows. One son-Jefferson-was born of this marriage, and died in Albany county at the age of 26. The family then moved to Brooklyn, where, for some time, Mr. Bennett worked in a fur factory, in which business he was not successful. He then moved to Staten county, where

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

for 17 years he lived on a farm. His wife died in Richmond county, 1838, and November 5, 1838, he was married to Rosella B. Fish. After this marriage Mr. Bennett purchased his father-in- law's farm, and resided there for 17 years, when he removed to Des Moines county, Iowa, where he remained until the fall of 1855, when he made a tour of inspection to McDonough county, and decided to locate there. He purchased a good farm, on which he erected a dwelling at a cost of $2,200. By the second marriage two sons were born- Albert C. and Dayton. Albert enlisted August, 1862, in company I, 78th Illi- nois infantry, and died at New Berlin, Kentucky, November 12, 1862. Dayton was born March 6, 1849, and for some years has had charge of his father's business. He has a good common school education, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge. The family are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church.

S. A. Merriam was born in Jefferson county, New York, March 11, 1839, and is the son of John and Sallie Merriam. His mother's ancestors were natives of England, and his grandfather was a sol- dier in the Revolutionary war. His mother died when he was quite young, and with his father and step-mother, our subject moved to Illinois, in 1853, locat- ing in Fulton county, where they farmed until 1869, when the family removed to Abingdon, Knox county. He was mar- ried August 29, 1869, to Mary A. Shields, whose mother was a sister of Judge Shields, of Bushnell. After his mar- riage he resided for some years in War- ren county, and then removed to the farm where he now resides. Mr. and

Mrs. Merriam have three children- Anna E., born May 26, 1875; Clarence L., born March 22, 1878, and William Shields, born December 19, 1883. S. A. was educated in the common schools and was a student of of Hedding college, Abingdon for 17 months, and has taught school one year. The family are mem- bers of the M. E. church.

Joseph Collins, deceased, was born in Preble county, Ohio, October 22, 1819, and when 25 years of age moved to Adams county, Illinois, near Quincy, where he was married February 19, 1853, to Cyn- thia Collings. In 1857, he removed with his family to McDonough county, where he began to improve a farm. He made slow progress, but eventually was re- warded for his labor by a good, well im- proved farm, comfortable buildings, etc. He was a member of the M. E. church, .of a social disposition, and it can be said of him, that none knew him but to love him. He never enjoyed good health, and died of pneumonia. His remains rest in the beautiful cemetery of Oak- wood. When Mr. Collins died he owned 100 acres of land, to which, his sons Al- bert L., Thomas and Fielding have made considerable additions at a cost of $8,000. The land is all under cultivation, and is one of the best farms in the county. Of Mr. Collin's 10 children, seven are liv- ing-Albert L., Alfred N., Thomas E., Fielding L., Mary I. and Vituala E. Al- fred W. married Josephine Alwell, and is a model citizen. The family are mem- bers of the M. E. church.

George W. Wetsel was born in Au- gusta county, Virginia, January 18, 1833. He was the son of George and Sarah Wetsel, who were married in 1828. In

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

1845, they removed from Virginia to Fulton county, Illinois, making the long journey by wagon, and settled near Ver- mont. Mr. Wetsel finally moved to Har- ris township, locating on the farm on which he now resides. Mr. Wetsel's fam- ily consisted of 10 children, seven sons and three daughters, all living, as are their parents-John N., Christopher and A. B., live at New Salem; George W., in Macomb; William H., in Kansas; Mrs. Mary C. Bryan, in Fulton county; Mrs. Sarah Lenett, Granville A. and Eliza A., Mound, and Daniel W., who resides on the homestead in Fulton county. George W. Wetsel was married July 16, 1857, to Elizabeth McKee, who was a native of Schuyler county. They have six chil- dren, all living-James G., Ezra J., Laura E., Thomas E., George W. and Flora O. Mr. and Mrs. Wetsel after their marriage, lived in New Salem and Mound, and in 1876, came to McDon- ough county, where he now owns 140 acres of land. He is a trustee and class leader of the United Brethren church, of which the family are members. He is also superintendent of the Sunday school and is a tireless worker in church affairs.

David Runkle was born in Champaign county, Ohio, August 15, 1815, and was one of the first of the Runkle family to emigrate to Illinois.

Wm. J. Runkle, the subject of our sketch, was reared in Ohio, where, Sep- tember 8, 1836, he married Margaret Kizer, and came to Illinois in 1862. He was the father of 12 children, of whom three are dead, their names are-Emery who lives in Macomb; William, who re- sides on the homestead; married Emma Vogt, and they have one child, David V;

Francis M .; Lewis, died August 23, 1873; Darius, resides in Macomb township; Stephen, resides on the homestead, Mrs. Mary Lawson, lives in Hutchinson, Kan- sas, her husband was at one time ed- itor of the Hutchinson Interior, and served two terms in the Kansas legisla- ture; Phebe J., Margaret Ann, Laura A. died July 7, 1870; and Francis M. The last named, enlisted April 21, 1861, in company I, 14th regiment, Illinois vol- unteers, served three years, and was mustered out in July, 1864. He par- ticipated in several of the bloodiest bat- tles of the war-Shiloh, siege of Vicks- burgh, Black river, and Jackson, he was never wounded or in the hospital. The Runkle farm comprises 525 acres, all in one tract, besides 80 acres in Kansas, all in the name of Wm. J. Runkle. The principal business on the farm is stock raising, feeding every year from 80 to 120 head of cattle, and about 300 hogs. The business is very profitable and is well managed.

H. H. McElvain is a native of Ohio, and was born February 13, 1824, and when 10 years of age, with his parents ' moved to LaGrange county, Indiana. He was the son of George and Sarah McElvain, both natives of Pennsyl- vania. From Indiana the family moved to this state, 1846, settling near Blandins- ville, where they improved a farm of 270 acres. Mr. McElvain, Sr., died in Au- gust, 1881, in Walnut Grove township, aged 90 years. He was a man possessed of an iron constitution and admirably adapted to the privations of pioneer life. Our subject was married June 10, 1849, to Latitia A. Cox, who was a native of Breckenridge county, Kentucky. After

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

his marriage Mr. McElvain improved a small farm, and in the fall of 1855, moved to Macomb township and im- proved a large farm. He now owns a large farm well improved and valuable, to- gether with real estate and dwelling houses in Bushnell. Mr. McElvain's career is a fine illustration of what can be done by industry and perseverance. He was a poor boy, and by his own ef- forts has acquired a competence. His house cost over $4,000 and is the best in the township. He is principally engaged in stock raising. Mr. and Mrs. McElvain have had born to them three children, of which, one, Eugene, died in childhood. The remaining children-Oscar, born in 1852, was married December 20, 1882, to Miama H. Stickle, they have had one child, Bessie Maple; Junia Etta, born February 23, 1860, married October· 19, 1882, to R. S. Halladay, and died De- cember 20, 1883, leaving one child, Etta Glenn. Mr. McElvain has served as road commissioner for 15 years, and with his family, is a member of the M. E. church.

Levi H. Shriner was born in Frederick county, Maryland, October 19, 1838, and is the son of John and Martha Shriner, both natives of Maryland. The family, in 1847, moved to Fulton county, Illinois, and there our subject grew to manhood. His mother died in Maryland, but her place was supplied by his step-mother, who was before her marriage, Mrs. Margaret Rister. In 1859, Levi went to Kansas, and after a short sojourn, they returned to Fulton county, and in March, 1861, moved to McDonough county, where he purchased 120 acres of land. He now owns 160 acres on section 5, be-

side other farm lands. His home farm is well improved, the dwelling house be- ing erected at a cost of $3,500, with good barns and other farm buildings. He devotes considerable attention to raising the better grades of stock, and his fine pastures. Mr. Shriner was married De- cember 27, 1864, to Hattie Collins, a daughter of Alex. Collins of Adams county. They have three children- Junia, Pearl and Myrtle. The family are members of the M. E. church, of which Mr. Shriner is trustee. He has held the office of township collector, and in politics is a republican.

Andrew L. Bryan was born January 12, 1838. His father died in Virginia, in 1839, and his mother afterward mar- ried John Swisher, who in 1855, with his family, including Mr. Bryan, moved to this state and county. Our subject worked for some time by the month, and finally located on a farm near New Phil- adelphia. . On February 28, 1861,.he was married to Lizzie Rose. After sev- eral changes, Mr. Bryan finally located on section 10, Macomb township, and so well has he prospered that he now owns the entire southeast quarter of the sec- tion, besides 80 acres of choiee land in another locality. He may be classed among the progressive and successful farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Bryan are the parents of four living children-Dora A., Sarah E., Newton A. and Jessie. The family are consistent members of the United Brethren church, and take great interest in its welfare.

Adam Zirkel was born in Hesse-Cas- sel, Germany, September 17, 1825. His parents died in Germany, and our sub- ject, after attending school until he was

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

17 years of age, was bound apprentice to a blacksmith, and served three years, according to the German apprentice law. Becoming dissatisfied with life in the Fatherland, he emigrated to America, settling near New Brunswick, state of New Jersey, where he worked for vari- ous farmers, receiving the princely sal- ary of $4 per month. After working two years in New Jersey, he moved to Fulton county, Illinois, where he worked by the year for two years, getting good wages. He had saved $40 from work in New Jersey, which he loaned at 3 per cent. Soon after coming to Fulton county, he was married to Mahala Tow- ers, and rented a farm in Walnut Grove township. He was very successful as a farmer, and was, in a few years, able to purchase the farm on which he now re- sides, and erected a comfortable house, costing $1,800. Mr. and Mrs. Zirkel have no children of their own, but have an adopted child, who is known as Carrie Zirkel. He is a member of the Dutch Reformed church. Mr. Zirkel has a large sum of money at interest, and is a good type of the honest, thrifty farmer.

Eli Holler is a native of McDonough county. He was born November 27, 1851. He made his home in this county until he was 21 years of age, when he went to Page county, Iowa, and remained there two years. In 1874 he returned to McDonough county, and purchased the farm where he now resides, The land at that time was unimproved, and the build- ings of little value. Since that time he has built a house costing $1,600, erected comfortable barns and improved his farm. In 1872, he was married to Farn- zina Jackson. Six children have blessed

this union-Lucinda A., Rena B., Clara M., Gertrude T., Olive E. and Meda A. Mr. Holler is an enthusiastic fancier of fine horses, and prefers Clydesdales, which he makes a specialty. He has purchased the best stock that could be procured, and is famous for his fine horses, which have been a source of con- siderable profit.

John B. Ames was born in Hart county, Kentucky, October 8, 1824. His parents were Erasmus and Mary Ames. His father died when he was quite young, and he remained with his wid- owed mother. He was married, Febru- ary 5, 1847, to Martha E. Lord, a native of Kentucky. When they were married, Mr. Ames was very poor, and worked for a time in a plow factory. He purchased land in Indiana, then went home and worked for $8 per month to raise money to make his first payment. He was suc- cessful, and sold out for a good price, re- ceiving gold and silver in payment. He continued to speculate in land, and was very successful. He moved to Illinois in 1864, and settled near Macomb. He bought land for $20 an acre, which he afterward sold at $50 an acre, clearing a snug sum by the operation. He was one of the first to use drain tile in the county, laying 2-inch tiling. He now owns. 320 acres of good land, and has given farms to his children. He has raised a family of seven children-Samuel S., married Lucinda Patterson; Willis, married Panthea Riggs; Nancy, married James Cannon. Elizabeth, married Frank Pierce; Eliza, Jezekiah and John. Mr. Ames is a member of the Christian church. All his trading is in land, in which he has had phenomenal success.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Nathaniel Owens is a native of Bed- ford, Lawrence county, Indiana, where he was born, February 9, 1841. His father died in 1842, and his widow mar- ried John Low, with whom, in 1852, Nathaniel came to Illinois. He worked for various persons until August 9, 1862. when he enlisted in company A, 84th Illinois infantry, and served until June 8, 1865, when he was mustered out of the service at Nashville, Tennessee. He participated in the battles of Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, etc. He was wounded in the last engagement, and sent to Nashville, where he remained from June until October. He was then sent to Chatta- nooga, and in March, 1865, joined the regiment at Huntsville, Alabama. After his discharge, he returned to Illinois, and worked for John M. Crabb and others. He farmed in their vicinity until February 17, 1870, when he was married to Charity Hollenberg. He had an interest in the Tunnicliff farm, and remained there four years, when he moved to Chalmers township, where he purchased a farm of 120 acres. He has, in addition to his own farm, worked Mr. Tunnicliff's farm, and ships his surplus products to Chicago. He has four chil- dren living, and three deceased. His first wife died February 5, 1883. He was married, the second time, to Mar- garet J. Bennett, a native of Pennsyl- vania. Mr. Owens is a member of the Masonic order, and has reached the de- gree of Master Mason.

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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 114

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