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 132

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 132

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that city, which duties he performed for two years. Mr. McLean has been an earnest worker in this particular field, devoting much time and thought to it. He has done much to promote the inter- ests of the county Sunday school associ- ation, and has been one of its most zeal- ous members. He was chosen by that body as editor of the Sunday school col- umn of the Macomb Journal, which po- sition he has satisfactorily filled for a number of years. The Salem Baptist association, of which the Baptist church of Macomb forms a part, has again ap- pointed him moderator, this being his seventh term. He has also been chosen by the people, on several occasions, to fill public office, each time discharging his duties satisfactorily. The first office to which he was elected was that of al- derman in 1863, carrying his ward against one of the most popular men in the ruling party, the democratic, not- withstanding the fact that he was re- garded as a very radical republican. In 1873, he was elected mayor of the city of Macomb, which office he filled with honor and distinction for four successive years, and it is worthy of note that during his administration more public improvement was made than during any other previous four years in the history of that city. Mr. McLean is a thorough and consistent republican, firmly believing in the prin- ciples of that party, and as a campaign worker he is indefatigable, and, where success is possible, will help largely to secure it. In 1876, he was elected as one of the presidential electors of this state, and, as a mark of esteem, his col- leagues selected him as messenger to de- liver the returns to the vice-president of

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the United States, at Washington. Heis a most earnest supporter of the cause of education, in every branch, and will sac- rifice time and money for the good of either. Governor Cullom, in recognition of these qualities, appointed him as one of the trustees of the Illinois Industrial university, of Champaign, and time has proven that a more eminently fitted man for the position could not have been found. Alexander McLean is probably as well known throughout the state as any other man in it, both politically, and as an active member of nearly all of the secret organizations extant. He is a, member of the Masonic order, Blue lodge chapter,commandery and consistory; also of the I. O. O. F., both subordinate and encampment; as also of the Knights of Pythias. He is past grand master of the A. O. U. W., and for five years has been the receiver of the Grand lodge. He is . also president of the I. O. M. A., and for six years served as its grand secretary, in which capacity he served faithfully, and in a great measure is responsible for the present flourishing condition of that order. For several years he was grand commander of the Select Knights of the A. O. U. W., and at present is a director in the Clayton Mutual Masonic Insur- ance company. Alexander McLean and Martha J. Randolph, a daughter of Ben- jamin F. Randolph, a pioneer of Mc- Donough county, were united in mar- riage on the last day in December, 1856. As a result of this union 10 children were born unto them, nine sons and one daughter-William,deceased, Alexander, John, Frank, Edward, deceased, Edgar, Fred, William, Iva, deceased, and Wal- ter.

Colonel Charles Chandler, deceased, and one of the most enterprising and successful business men that has ever lived in Macomb, was a son of James and Abigail ( Vilas) Chandler, was born in Alstead, Cheshire county, New Hamp- shire, August 28, 1809. His father was also a native of New Hampshire, his mother of Massachusetts. Bothlived to a good old age; the mother died in 1854, aged 79 years, the father in 1857, aged 86 years. James Chandler was a farmer, and reared his son to habits of industry, giving him an opportunity to develop his muscle in tilling the hard soil of New England, and his mind to some ex- tent in a district school during the win- ter season. At the age of 19, by consent of his parents, he went to Boston, and spent two years in learning to sell mer- chandise; then returned home, and at the end of another year started for the west, halting two years in Cincinnati. In the spring of 1834, he made his appearance in Macomb, the future field of his enter- prise. His older brother, Thompson Chandler, reached here a few months earlier, and is still living in Macomb, where he has made a highly honorable record as a business man, county judge, member of the supervisors' court, etc. Our subject began business here as a clerk in a store, of which his brother was part owner, and in two years began to sell goods for himself. At the end of three years, seeing, as he rightly thought, a good opportunity to speculate in land, he changed his business to real estate, in which he was very successful. He bought land at very low figures; it rose gradually, sometimes rapidly, on his hands, and in a few years he was the

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owner of extensive tracts, which the ad- vent of railroads and other causes, made very valuable. In making his pur- chases of real estate, he showed great foresight and judgment, and hence his grand success. In 1858, Mr. Chandler became a banker, and continued that business until his death, which occurred December 26, 1878. He was a private banker until 1865, when the First Na- tional bank of Macomb was organized, and he became its president. He man- aged it with great care and ability, plac- ing it on a solid basis, second to that of no other institution of the kind in this part of the state. Mr. Chandler aided in 1865, in establishing a private bank at Bushnell, which was changed to the Farmer's National bank, and he con- tinued one of its largest stockholders and directors until his death oc- curred. Mr. Chandler was a republican of whig antecedents, and always took great interest in politics, although he did not seek office for himself. He was, however, coroner for two years, a county school commissioner four years, a jus- tice of the peace for a long time, alder- man two or three years, and mayor one term. He was a true lover of his coun- try, and during the civil war gave both time and money to help the cause of the union. Too old to go into the service himself, he did much to encourage others to enlist, and was so active and efficient that Governor Yates commissioned him colonel of the state militia, authorizing him to raise a regiment for home ser- vice. For some years before his demise, Colonel Chandler was accustomed to spend his winter in a warmer climate- Florida, and other gulf states, Central

America, Mexico, South America, etc. He was a man of varied and extensive knowledge, and an interesting converser. He was married December 15, 1836, to Sarah K. Cheatham, of Macomb, and she died in 1855, leaving three children, four having preceded her to the spirit world. She was an excellent wife and mother, and an active christian till her death. The three children living are- Martha Abigail, married to Henry C. Twyman, merchant of Macomb; Charles Vilasco, president of the First National bank of Macomb, and James Edgar, late president of the Farmers' National bank of Bushnell. In personal appear- ance, he was a model of neatness, with a face smoothly shaven, and wearing ap- parel always in good taste. In the fam- ily circle, he was always kind and indul- gent to his children and grandchildren, treating them with the tenderness that begot love in their hearts. In public, he pursued the same course, treating all with kind consideration. The older residents of this city speak of our subject with the tenderness of a brother, they regarding him as a model business man and an unusually kind neighbor.

Nathaniel P. Tinsley, deceased, was among the prominent men of the county and of Macomb at an early day. He witnessed the development of this place, and was more closely identified with its interests than would appear to the casual observer. His deeds of kindness, and acts of benevolence, were without osten- tation or display, and the full measure of his strength and influence as a public benefactor, was imperfectly understood, and not fully appreciated. The histo- rian of the present day, and of after

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

years, when the results of his action are, and will be so apparent, can not find any personal record so full of deeds of actual and permanent benefit to Macomb. He was a native of Virginia, and was born in Amherst county, November 1, 1810. When but six years old, his parents moved to Kentucky, and there the sub- ject of. this sketch was brought up. At the age of 19, he entered a store in Col- umbia, of that state, as clerk. In 1836, he came to Macomb, and opened a store, which was among the first business houses of the place, and here continued in trade until the time of his death, which occurred July 20, 1882. He was married in 1838, to Telitha C. Walker, who died June 24, 1847. By that union were four children, only one of whom is now living, and she is the wife of Mr. A. Eads, cashier of the Union National bank. Mr. Tinsley commenced busi- ness here in a small building on the east side, and there continued until 1837, when he built a two story frame on the north side, moved in, and remained un- til 1857, then erected a brick block, which he occupied until the time of his death. In 1849, he built a mill on South Randolph street, which, in 1856, he sold to Clisby & Trull. In 1857, he built a mill in the north part of town, which he subsequently sold to David Scott. In addition to these improvements, he built a number of good residences. Among the many things directly traceable to his influence, is the location of the railroad depot at a point convenient and accessi- ble, and without doubt the location of the county seat would have been changed to some other point than Macomb, ex- cept for his timely action. His action

always seems to have been characterized, not by any selfish motive, but solely for the public good, and thus he is, and ever will be, held in grateful remem- brance.

John McLean, deceased, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, September 12, 1835. In the year 1849, he emigrated with his parents, Hector and Catherine ( McMil- lan) McLean, to America, and settled in Scotland township. A few months later they removed to the city of Maconib, where John remained until 1861. In that year he was married to Martha F. Hunter, daughter of William Hunter, of Macomb, and again removed to Scotland township, and located upon a farm. He continued a resident there until October, 1875, when he returned to Macomb, where he resided until the time of his death, August 2, 1884. Mrs. McLean is a native of Cincinnati, and is still living. Mr. McLean owned at the time of his death, a farm of 260 acres in Scotland township, and a residence and one block of ground, in the city of Macomb. He started in life with a very small portion of this world's goods, but succeeded in accumulating a comfortable fortune, and died in prosperous circumstances. He served for eight years as clerk of Scot- land township, which office he resigned when he moved to Macomb. At the lat- ter place he held the office of alderman four years, and was, for the same length of time, one of the city school board. He was a consistent member of the Con- gregational church, and a highly re- spected citizen. He was very active in Sunday school work and also in the cause of temperance. Mr. and Mrs. McLean had eight children, three of

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

whom are living-Charles H., Edwin Y. and Nellie B. Three sons and two daughters died in childhood-Alexander H., William A., John M., Elizabeth C. and Mattie J., who with their father are buried in Oakwood cemetery, near the city of Macomb. John McLean was a brother of Alexander McLean, and also, of Judge Duncan McLean, now of Idaho territory.

Benjamin Randolph, deceased, came to this county in 1840, and for many years here enjoyed a popularity known to but few men. He was held in high esteem, and many acts of kindness are remembered as indicative of his charac- ter and benevolence. He was born in Kentucky November 7, 1797. The family moved to Ohio when he was quite young, and in that state he was brought up. His first wife was Ivy Sargeant, and by that union were eight children, two of whom are now living-Mrs. Jos Blount, and Mrs. Alexander McLean, of Macomb. He was again married Feb- ruary 29, 1852, to Juliet G. Weaver, and they lived on a farm in Macomb town- ship until the time of his death, which occurred May 3, 1864. Two children were born to them -- William B., de- ceased, and Alivia M., who lives with her mother, now Mrs. Webb. Mr. Ran- dolph was a consistent member of the Christian church, and died in the full assurance of a blissful immortality.

L. Holland, one of Macomb's promi- nent men, is a native of Belchertown, Massachusetts, and was born on the 26th of July, 1815. He resided in his native state until he attained his majority, when he started westward and located at Peoria, Illinois, in 1837. Here he was

engaged in mercantile business until 1864, with the exception of four years, when he resided at Lacon and carried on a like business. From Peoria, in 1864, he removed to Augusta, Hancock county, Illinois, and opened a private bank, which he continued to run till 1869. From Augusta, Mr. Holland re- moved to McDonough county, and set- tled at Macomb, where he succeeded Dr. T. M. Jordan in the banking busi- ness, M. T. Winslow being his partner, the style of the firm being Holland & Winslow. This firm continued the bus- iness until 1872, when, through their efforts, the Union National Bank was established, and Mr. Holland became a director and also its first cashier, whichi position he held until 1880, when he sold his interest in the institution and and withdrew from the company. He then went to Farmington, Iowa, and there established the City Bank, which he continued to run until 1884, at which time he closed out the business of that institution, and returned to Macomb (his family having resided there contin- ually) where he is now leading a retired life, his health not permitting him to be actively engaged in business. Mr. Hol- land has been twice married. In 1843, to Lucy A. Bartlett, a daughter of Dr. Peter Bartlett, of Peoria. She after- ward died, leaving two children, who liave since followed her. Later Louise M Cheesbro became his wife. She is a native of New York, being born near Utica. By this union five children have been born to them, one of whom died in infancy, and four are still living -- Louise, the wife of James H. Bacon; Frank L., William B. and Philo L. Mr. Holland

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

is a republican, and his religious con- nections are with the Baptist church.

Alexander Blackburn came to this county October 28th, 1853. He had previously been here and purchased a farm adjoining the town of Macomb, consisting of 160 acres of prairie land, with 80 acres of timber adjoining. He came from LaPorte county, Indiana, where he was a pioneer, having removed to that place from Sullivan county, In- diana, in 1832 He was born in Butler county, Ohio, May 31, 1805. His early life was spent upon a farm in his native state, and in Sullivan county, Indiana, where he was removed with his father's family, in 1816, at 11 years old, where he obtained a limited education in sub- scription schools. He remained on the old homestead assisting his parents in the various occupations incident to farm life, until the death of his father, in 1824, when, soon after, the sole manage- ment devolved upon him. He thus re- mained upon the place until 27 years old. He then left the old homestead, April 10, 1832, and went to LaPorte county, Indiana, travelling by the slow and tedious ox-team, and then after journeying 30 days, camping out with his family. About one half the route had never been travelled by wagon, His was the first wagon that crossed the Kankakee rapids, where Momence now is located. It was then Indian country, and he camped out on the ground until he had a cabin built. He then engaged in farming, in which he continued, on the same place, for over 21 years, when he sold out and came to McDonough county. This was in 1853. He was married January 28, 1828, to Delilah

Polke, a native of Kentucky, brought by parents to Indiana territory in infancy, about 1807. When he came to this county he continued his occupation of farming for 17 years, then moved to Macomb. He disposed of the farm so long occupied, but now owns 176 acres on section 29, Macomb township, which is occupied by a tenant. His wife died August 4, 1874. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom are now living and have families-William M., who is married, and now the president of the university of Northern Dakota; Charles P. died when eleven years old; John, now living in LaBette county Kansas; Margaret P., who was married to John L. Andrew, of LaPorte county, Indiana, died in January, 1868; Nancy J. died when nine years old; Edward P. died when three years of age; Ann Eliz- abeth, who was married to John M. Lownan, deceased; she is living with her father in Macomb, and has one child, Alexander B .; Alexander, a min- ister in the Baptist church, now living in Lafayette, Tippacanoe county, Indiana; and Charles E., living in Monmouth, en- gaged in the livery and undertaking business. Mr. Blackburn is a member of the Presbyterian church, a genial gentleman, and politically, a republican. He voted for John Q. Adams for presi- dent, 1828, was a whig and afterward, entered the ranks of the republican party, upon its organization. An ardent anti-slavery man, although not politi- cally an abolitionist; a pioneer in Sab- bath school and temperance work, and an elder in the Presbyterian church for over 50 years.

Charles S. Cottrell (deceased) was

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

born in Chautauqua county, New York, February 21, 1833, and was in his 44th year at the date of his death. He lived in his native state until 19 years old, learning meanwhile, the trade of tinner. In 1852, he came west with his father's family, settling in Aurora, this state. In 1856, in company with his brother, G. C. Cottrell, he came to Macomb and en- gaged in the hardware business. In 1866, they dissolved partnership, and Charles S. became sole proprietor. The business thus established continued to grow until it became one of the most extensive in this part of the state. Mr. Cottrell was a successful business man. He erected numerous good buildings, was an enterprising citizen, and contrib- uted largely in advancing the interests of the city of Macomb. He had the respect and confidence of the people, with whom he was quite popular, and his death cast a gloom over the entire community. He was first married in 1865, to Clara Anderson, who died in 1870. By that union were two children -George Robert, now a resident of Quincy, and Mary Alice, of the same place. He was again married in Sep- tember, 1873, to Amy A. Davis, a native of Tioga county, Pennsylvania. By this union were two children-Clara D. and Charles S., both living at home with the widow on the old homestead in Macomb. Mrs. Cottrell is a lady of refinement and intelligence, and a member of the Pres- byterian church.

D. M. Graves, a prominent citizen of Macomb, came to this county Septem- ber 1, 1862, from Hancock county, this state. He is a native of Wisconsin, born October 17, 1843, and remained in that

state until eight years old, when he went to Hancock county. He received a fair education in the public schools, and worked some on the farm. When he came to McDonough county he en- gaged with his father in buying and ship- ping grain, which business he followed about three years, or until the close of the war of the rebellion . He then for four years engaged with his father in merchandising. He also clerked a a number of years in the dry goods stores of Macomb. His father died in June, 1880. He then sold agricultural implements for a time, and was engaged in tlie dry goods trade until February 1, 1885, when he sold out to his part- ner, Charles Mapes. He now owns and manages a farm of 120 acres, located near the city of Macomb. He was mar- ried, January 29, 1867, to Tillie C. Smith, a native of Ohio. They have had four children, three of whom are still living and all at home-Mabel F., Frank M. and Florence E. Mr. Graves has been alderman and city clerk, and is now a member of the school board. He has been connected with the I. O. O. F. since 21 years old, and has filled all the offices in both encampment and subordi- nate lodge, and is also member of the Knights of Pythias lodge. Politically he is a staunch republican.

Loven Garrett came to this county in 1834, in June, from Adair county, Ken- tucky, and therefore may be properly classed among the pioneers. He came here directly from his native state, where he was born, March 12, 1824, his parents being Robert and Catliarine (Yates) Garrett. They were both natives of Virginia, and died in this county. The

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

subject of this sketch came here with his parents, and settled in the village of Macomb, in the fall of 1834. They pur- chased a farm of 160 acres in Emmet township, about two miles from Macomb. The place had on it but little improve- ment, only a small log cabin, and about ten acres under cultivation. They moved on to that place, improved it, and there lived about eight years, then coming to Macomb, and the farm was still kept in the family, one-half of it having been given to a daughter. The subject of this sketch, as may be seen, was brought up on a farm; his education was necessarily limited, although enough was obtained for the ordinary business of life. In 1851, he engaged in the grocery trade, and had the first store selling that kind of goods exclusively, in Macomb. He continued in that business most of the time for 25 years, selling out and chang- ing locations a number of times. He also engaged to a considerable extent in shipping fruit. In 1880 he sold entirely out of the grocery trade, and since that time has been variously employed, but having no particular business. He was first married, May 24, 1844, to Nancy J. Dungen. By that union there was one child-Lillian, now the wife of Theo- dore Frank, and living in this county. His first wife died, June 18, 1856. He was again married, October 7, 1858, to Annie E. Gadd, a native of England. By this marriage there were nine chil- dren, eight of whom are now living- Arthur R., in Chicago; Edith A., at home; Charles Y., in Nebraska, who. was married to Minnie Farley, of Ma- comb; Elsie F., living at home; Luther D., in Chicago; Maurice M., at home;

Edwin L. and James R. Mr. Garrett has been identified with the public inter- ests to some extent, having been magis- trate four years, and city alderman one term. He now occupies a residence on West Jackson street, where he has been living for 26 years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and, politically, a democrat.

J. T. Hagerty, one of the pioneers of McDonough county, came here on the 20th day of February, 1835, from Brown county, this state, and first settled in what is now Blandinsville township. He is a native of Harrison county, Ken- tucky, born February 8, 1817. His mother died when he was but five years old, and at the age of nine years, his father brought him to the state of Mis- souri, where they remained one year. In 1830, they came to Beardstown, of this state, and thence to Brown county, where the father died, in 1857. The subject of this sketch remained in Brown county about five years, and then came to this county, as before stated, in 1835, and lived on the place where he first settled, for 17 years, engaged in general farm- ing. He yet owns the place, which, - from unimproved timber land, he trans- ferred into a good farm. It consists of 320 acres. In April, 1856, he came to Macomb, and having leased his farm, engaged in the livery business, in which he continued seven years, then sold out, and again gave his personal at- tention to the farm for three years, which had been, under the management of ten- ants, considerably "run down. After having renovated the place, and put it in good condition, he returned to his family in Macomb, and has since made

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

this his home. He was married, August 1, 1839, to Sarah Vance, daughter of John Vance, who came to this county in 1826, and was among its earliest settlers. Mrs. Hagerty is a native of Indiana, and came here when a little girl. She has witnessed the development of Mc- Donough county, and is quite familiar with its early growth and settlement. Her advent in this county bears date December 24, 1826, at which time her father brought the family here, having preceded them and made here a crop, in the spring and summer of 1826, in what is now Blandinsville township. Mr. and Mrs. Hagerty have had three children, two boys and one girl, all of whom are now living-John V .; married to Abigail Brewster (deceased), and now living on a farm in this county; William H., mar- ried to May Coley, and living in Oswego, Kansas; and Frances Ellen, wife of James Cochrane. She is living at home, with her father, and has with her a son 15 years old. Politically, Mr. Hagerty has always been affiliated with the re- publican party. He is now living a re- tired life in Macomb, where he is com- fortably situated, passing down the decline of life in peace and happiness.

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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 132

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