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 32

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 32

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HISTORY OF, MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

former husband, William Prentiss, was a physician, and her only child living, is William Prentiss, of Macomb, a distin- guished lawyer and a popular gentle- man. Mr. Manly has been in public life to a considerable extent, having been on the board of supervisors in Fulton county, and in this county. His effi- ciency as a public servant, and popu- larity as a citizen, was well attested in his election to the state legislature in 1870, where he remained two years, and served with honor to himself and satis- faction to his constituency. Politically he may be called a greenbacker, with radical temperance ideas. Mr. and Mrs. Manly are both active christian people, and she is an indefatigable worker in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union.

The 28th general assembly convened at Springfield, January 8, 1873; ad- journed May 6, 1873, until January 4, 1874; and met in adjourned session on the latter date and continued until March 31, 1874, when it adjourned sine die. The senatorial districts had been changed according to the act of March 1, 1872, previous to the meeting of this assembly, and Warren and McDonough counties were associated together as the 23d senatorial district and was repre- sented by B. R. Hampton, of Macomb. In the house, the 23d district, composed of the counties of Warren and McDon- ough, was represented by William A. Grant, of Monmouth, Warren county; John E. Jackson, of Colchester, and E. K. Westfall, of Bushnell, in this county.

J. E. Jackson was for many years one of the enterprising agriculturalists of this county, but having a strong bias toward the profession of law, practiced

some in Colchester, where he resided, and where he died.

E. K. Westfall, M. D., the pres- ent postmaster of Bushnell, is a native of Thornton, Boone county, Indiana, having been born there on the 8th of January, 1839. He is a son of Cornelius and Sarah (Davis) Westfall, the former of whom was a native of Randolph county, Virginia, and the latter of Tren- ton, New Jersey. Cornelius Westfall was born in a fort, where the town of Beverly, Virginia now stands. When 21 years of age, he went to Elizabeth- town, Hardin county, Kentucky. Later he went to Ohio, where he taught the first school opened in Dayton. From there he removed to Troy, Ohio, which town he surveyed, and at one time held all of the county offices, and was circuit clerk for 24 years. In 1835 he removed to Indiana, and, in the spring of 1864, to McDonough county, Illinois, locating at Macomb for a few months, then moving onto a farm about five miles northeast of that city, where he died in 1855. Dr. Westfall followed farming and school- teaching until April, 1861, where he en- listed in company B, 16th Illinois vol- unteers, and was mustered into the ser- vice of the United States as orderly ser- geant, on the 24th of May. October 1, 1861, he was promoted second lieuten- ant, and April 7, 1862, commissioned first lieutenant, which position he held until the fall of that year, when he was discharged on account of disability, which disabled him for some eighteen months after his discharge. He had commenced the study of medicine under his brother, Dr. B. R. Westfall, of Ma- comb, in 1859, and resumed the same af-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

ter his term of service. In 1865-66 he attended the Hahneman medical college of Chicago, and in the spring of 1867, opened an office in Bushnell, where he has since continued to reside. He has built up a large and lucrative practice, and as a physician is possessed of much skill and good judgement in the discern- ment and 'treatment of diseases. The doctor is a public spirited gentleman, and takes especial pride in whatever tends to promote the interests of his city and county. He has served Bush- nell as a supervisor and as a member of the city council. In 1872 and 1876, he represented McDonough county in the house of representatives, and was an acknowledged "working member," doing much good in the committee rooms. He was lieutenant colonel of the 7th regi- ment, which he took an active part in or- ganizing, but has since resigned. Dr. E. K. Westfall and Emma Curl were married in December, 1871, and her death occurred in October, 1872. The doctor was again married in 1878, to Irene Wann, a native of Pennsylvania. Their union has been blessed with two children-Mary H. and Clara E. The doctor is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Honor, and the Grand Army of the Republic. He is the representative of Bushnell post, G. A. R., to the grand encampment, and is also the commander of the uniformed rank of the Knights of Pythias.

The 29th general assembly was con- vened at Springfield, January 6, 1875, and adjourned April 15, the same year. John T. Morgan, of Monmouth, Warren county, was the senator from this dis- trict. In the house, the interests of this

and the adjoining county of Warren, constituting the 23d district, was in the hands of Isaac L. Christie and C. W. Boydston, of Warren county, and A. W. King, of Macomb, McDonough county.

The 30th general assembly met in reg- ular session at Springfield, January 3, 1877, and adjourned May 24 following. John T. Morgan was still in the senate. In the house C. W.Boydston, of Warren county, E. K. Westfall, of Bushnell, and Charles H. Whitaker, of Macomb, McDonough county, represented this district. Mr. Westfall has been men- tioned previously, and a sketch in full detail in regard to Charles H. Whita- ker, will be found by the reader in the chapter in relation to the press of McDonough county.

The 31st general assembly convened at the state capital, January 8, 1879, and continued in session until May 31, fol- lowing, when it adjourned. William H. Neece, the present member of congress, represented the district in the senate, and Henry M. Lewis and Edwin W. Al- len, both of Warren county, and Henry Black, of McDonough county, were the members from this, the 23d district.

The 32d general assembly convened at Springfield in January, 1881, and the district was represented in the house by William C. McLeod and Simeon B. Davis, of this county, and Daniel D. Perry, of Warren county. Willliam H. Neece was still the senator.

William C. McLeod, while not an early settler of the county, has been called on to fill so many offices of profit and trust in this county since his residence here, that he may be properly classed among its foremost people. He was born near

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

New Town, Frederick county, Virginia, March 25, 1825, and is the the son of John B. and Ann S. (Carson) McLeod, both natives of that same county. The elder McLeod was a practicing physi- cian, who for 30 years followed his pro- fession in and around New Town. He was a man of considerable ability, and served his county in the legislature of his native state for two years. He died in McDonough county, in 1865, while on a visit to his son William. Dr. McLeod lived upon a farm adjoining the village of New Town, and here the subject of this sketch passed his early life. Until 18 years of age he passed his time in working upon the farm and in attending the select school of the village, where he made rapid progress in securing an edu- cation. When he reached the above mentioned age, he engaged with a firm in New Town to learn the trade of carpenter, choosing this rather than the profession that his parents desired him to study. At this trade he labored for eleven years, becoming quite proficient in all its branches. In 1850 Mr. McLeod left his native state, and for several years resided in Palmyra, Missouri. Here he continued to follow his trade, and for a time, in company with a Mr. Phelps, under the firm name of Phelps & McLeod, carried on the business of lumber dealers in addition to contracting and building. Many of the public and private buildings of Palmyra were erected under his supervision. In 1858 Mr. McLeod received the appointment from the governor to superintend the enlarge- ment of the state penitentiary at Jeffer- son City, Missouri, and while attending to the work, he received word of the

sudden and dangerous illness of his wife, who was then on a visit to relatives in this county. Leaving the work in charge of another, he hastened to the bedside of his wife, expecting to return as soon as possible to finish his contract, but circumstances conspired to prevent this, and compelling him to resign the position. Some years previous to this, he had visited this county, and was im- pressed with the fertility of its soil and the natural advantages which it enjoyed. He now determined on locating here and making this his future home. That de- cision he has never since regretted. He came to McDonough county in October, 1858, and settled upon section 14, Em- met township, where he has since con- tinued to reside. Mr. McLeod has been twice married; first to Mary W. Miller, daughter of Robert F. Miller, one of the pioneers of old McDonough county; sec- ond to Martha E. Simpson, of Warren county, Virginia. Eight children were the result of the first union, five girls and three boys, four of whom yet live, the rest, with the mother, having crossed over the river. Mrs. McLeod died in May, 1865. The second marriage of Mr. McLeod occurred October 5, 1868. They have had two children, one living. While a citizen of Palmyra, Mr. McLeod held the offices of constable and city marshal some years. Since coming to McDon- ough county, he has held the offices of town clerk, collector and treasurer, and for 17 years was a member of the board of supervisors, a great part of the time chairman of the board. In the dis- charge of his official duties he brought to bear upon his labors a zeal which, united with a determined will, enabled

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

him to accomplish a great amount of work. No man that has ever lived in the county, took more interest in its affairs, or devoted more time to its im- provement. By the board of supervi- sors he was appointed to superintend the erection of the new jail building for the county, a work which he discharged to the satisfaction not only of that body, but the people at large. In 1885, Mr. McLeod removed from this county, going back to his native state, Virginia. In politics Mr. McLeod has always been a consistent democrat, the principles of that party being dear to his heart. As a democrat he has always been elected to office, and no man labors more zeal- ously for the success of the general and local tickets of the party.

Simeon B. Davis, one of McDonough county's most enterprising men, and at this time a resident of Hire township, was born in Ashland county, Ohio, De- cember 7, 1836, a son of Amos and Nancy (Crawford) Davis. The former was born in 1800 and died in 1848, the latter born August 25, 1807, and died August 14, 1884. While a boy in Ohio Mr. Davis learned the boot and shoe busi- ness, and when he came to McDonough county he settled in Macomb and pur- sued the same vocation for two years, when he located in Sciota township on a farm, where he followed farming and teaching school for about ten years. The year 1864 dates his first purchase of land, eighty acres on section 17, being the east half of the northeast quarter, on which he lived about three and a half years, when he removed to Blandinsville township, and remained for nearly two years, making the date of his removal to

his present home in 1869. The place consists of the northwest quarter of 12 and east one-half of northeast quarter of section 11. This farm has all been brought under a state of cultivation by Mr. Davis, and is one of the best farms in the township. His occupation has been farming, buying, feeding and ship- ping stock. At present he is endeavor- ing to improve somewhat on the Clydes- dale horses. Having a good line of brood mares, and some good three-quarter blood horses, this branch of industry will receive his attention more fully in the future. Mr. Davis was educated in Ohio, and was a very successful teacher for a long time: The advantages were few at that time, and he was compelled to study at home. Indeed, most of his education was obtained by his own exertions, studying out the most difficult problems, and mastering language in a great degree. He has been an extensive reader, and keeps his mind well stored with facts which are essential to a useful life. He has been twice honored with a seat in assembly, being elected in 1881 as a representative to the state legislature, which position he filled with credit to himself and constituents during the ses- sions of 1881 and 1882. He is a strong republican, and works earnestly in the cause, stumping the county for the last two elections for president, and doing effective work, and is one of the most popular speakers in the county, and be- ing in the prime of life, years of useful- ness await him. His work in the Sun- day schools of Hire township has been of great good, and under that head will be found a recapitulation of the work done. His marriage occurred September

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

27, 1860, when Artemisa Stambaugh, daughter of Rev. Adam Stambaugh, be- came his wife. She is a native of Fulton county, Illinois, but was reared in Schuy- ler county. Nine children were born to them, eight of whom are living; Emma and Eva, the first, were twins, the former the wife of John Delbridge, living in Kansas, the latter the wife of David Rush, of the same state; Margaret N., wife of E. T. Dunn, of Macomb, marble dealer; Elsy A., Stewart A., Alice D., Louie May, James E., and Stella, de- ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are mem- bers of the M. E. church.

The 33d general assembly convened January 3, 1883, at Springfield, and re- mained in session until June 18, follow- ing. This district was represented by I. N. Pearson, of McDonough, and I. L. Pratt and C. M. Rogers, of Warren coun- ties. Henry Tubbs was the senator.

Isaac N. Pearson was born in Center- ville, Butler county, Pennsylvania, on on the 27th of July, 1842. His parents were Isaac S. and Lydia (Painter) Pearson, both natives of Pennsylvania. His father was for many years engaged in the mercantile business and served in the legislature of his native state. In 1846, after bidding his family good- bye, he departed for Philadelphia to purchase goods. While there he was taken sick with the fever, from which he never recovered, and died in that city, far from home and kindred, none of the family being-permitted ever to see his face again. He was buried in that city by the society of Friends, or Quakers, as they are often called, he being con- nected with that congregation by birth. The widow, with her family, shortly

her husband's death, went to . New Cas- tle, Lawrence county, which place she made her home until the year 1849, when she removed to Hancock county, this state, settling near the town of La Harpe, where she resided until her re- moval to Macomb in 1858. In this lat- ter place she resided until her death, which occurred on the 3d day of March, 1872, being at the time 66 years of age, departing this life on the anniversary of her birth. Isaac was the youngest of seven children and passed the first eight years of his life in a town and the next eight upon a farm. The only edu- cational advantages enjoyed by him were in the common schools and two years attendance in the select school of Prof. J. W. Mathews, in Macomb, in the years of 1856 and 1857. In 1861 he entered the office of J. B. Cummings, circuit clerk of the county, serving as recorder until he became of age, when he re- ceived the appointment from Mr. Cum- mings as deputy circuit clerk, which po- sition he filled acceptably until the ex- piration of Mr. Cumming's term of office. In the spring of 1865 he went to Bushnell to take a position in the bank- ing house of Chandler & Cummings, with whom he remained until the fall of 1868, when he again received the ap- pointment of deputy circuit clerk, this time from B. F. Pinkley, then elected to the office of circuit clerk of the county. This position he retained for the four years' term of Captain Pinkley, giving such satisfaction to the people that in 1872 he received the unanimous nomi- nation by his party for the same office. Notwithstanding some opposition to him on account of his being a young man,

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

he was triumphantly elected, receiving a greater majority than any man on the ticket. In 1876 he was renominated by acclamation, and again elected by a ma- jority greater than any other, having 300 votes ahead of his ticket, thus proving that the people believed it no crime to be a young man, and that faithful service. should be rewarded. The popularity of Mr. Pearson with the people is great in- deed, but easily accounted for. He is always pleasant and accommodating to all; every visitor to his office, whether on business or not, was treated in a gentle- manly manner; his own private business or the duties of the public office which he held, he never neglected. Mr. Pear- son is a thorough and consistent repub- lican, the principles of that party being "bred in the bone;" he never allowed his love of party to deter him from duty as a public officer. In June, 1880, he was elected cashier of the Union National bank, which position he held until Jan- uary, 1882, when he resigned to fill the place in the general assembly, to which he had been elected, and served one term in the house. On his resignation of the office of cashier in the bank, he was elected vice president, a position which he still honors. Mr. Pearson deals, somewhat, in real estate, and be- sides city property owns a most excel- lent farm of 135 acres of land. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Uni- ted Workmen, Knights of Pythias, An- cient Free and Accepted Masons, having reached the Knights Templar degree, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and having passed all the chairs in the lodge and encampment, has rep- resented the lodge in the grand lodge.

The 34th general assembly of the state of Illinois met at the state capitol, in Springfield, January 7, 1885, and are at this writing still in session. The rep- resentatives from this district in the lower house, are W. H. McCord and W. H. Weir, of McDonough, and C. M. Rogers, of Warren. The senator is the same as in the last assembly.

William H. Weir, M. D., one of the present members of the state legisla- ture, is a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, born February 13, 1825. His parents were also natives of that state. In the year 1850, William H. Weir entered Rush medical college, at Chicago, of which institution he is a graduate. He was united in marriage, January 29, 1857, with Ellen R. Purcell, a native of Knoxville, Knox county, Il- linois, whose parents were natives, re- spectively, of Kentucky and Ohio. Doctor and Mrs. Weir have had seven children born to them-Samuel G., who died June 19, 1858; Margaretta, who died December 18, 1859; Permelia E., wife of William H. Neece; Luella M., who is now engaged in teaching school; Mary C., Nina and Anna, living at home with their parents. Doctor Weir came to Colchester, McDonough county, in 1866, and since then has made this his home. He is engaged in the practice of his profession, and in con- nection carries on the drug business. He has gained the reputation of possess- ing much skill as a physician, and enjoys an extensive and remunerative practice. The position which he at present holds as representative from this district, is an evidence of the respect and esteem with which he is regarded in McDon-

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ough county, and his fitness for that re- sponsible office, amply proven by the entire satisfaction of his constituency. He is also a member of the county board of supervisors, in which office he · is now serving his fifth term.

A sketch of Mr. McCord is given in counection with the history of the town of Blandinsville, with which he is prom- inently identified.

COUNTY CLERK.

When McDonough county was organ- ized, in 1830, the office of county clerk, while an important one, was not quite as prominent as at present. At that time the incumbent of the office was appointed by the county commissioners, and held it during good behavior. As a compen- sation he was allowed the fees of his office, which were but a trifle, and a per diem allowance during the session of the commissioners' court.

The first to fill the office was Michael Stinson, who was appointed at the first meeting of the county court, on the 3d day of July, 1830. He acted in this ca- pacity until September, when he re- signed.

On the retirement of Mr. Stinson, the county commissioners appointed John Baker to the vacant office. He was a member of the Baptist church, but gave very little time to his calling, engaging in regular secular pursuits. He came to the county in 1829, and built the first house on the site of the present town of Macomb. It is told of him that he held a membership in the New Hope Baptist church, in what was then called the "Job settlement," and he was expelled from it for unchristian conduct. In 1835

he left this part of the country, and re- moved to Missouri, and from there to Texas. While living in the latter state, he wished once more to enter the minis- try, but he was too conscientious to do this without rehabilation in the church from which he had been excluded, so in 1840, he returned the 800 miles that lay between his Texan home and this place, coming on horseback and was once more received into the bosom of the New Hope church, after due confession. He returned to Texas, where lie preached the gospel for some years. He held the office of county clerk of this county but a short time.

Early in the spring of 1831, Mr. Baker resigned the office, and the county com- missioners' court appointed James M. Campbell to this position. He had, in the December previous, received the ap- pointment of circuit clerk, and when the vacancy occurred in the office of the county clerk, some one mentioned Mr. Campbell's name in connection with it. Opposition was at once raised on the score of that gentleman's being a Yan- kee. On being questioned, Mr. Camp- bell's reply was characteristic: "Well, gentlemen, "said he, "if to be born in the city of Frankfort, Kentucky, living there until six years of age, coming to the state of Illinois and remaining six years, then returning to Kentucky and living there for twelve years, and then returning to Illinois, constitutes a Yan- kee, then I am one." This explanation being satisfactory, the appointment was made. He held this office by appoint- ment until 1838, when, the constitution having been changed, the office became elective, and Mr. Campbell was elected

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by the people to fill the same office, and in 1843 he was re-elected, and held the office until the fall of 1846. A sketch of Mr. Campbell appears in connection with the legislative representation, he having filled the office of state senator, as already related.

At the regular election of 1846, Isaac Grantham, the democratic nominee, was chosen by the majority of the people of the county to fill this responsible office. He was re-elected to the same position 1847, 1849, 1851, 1853, 1855 and 1857, serving in all nearly thirteen years, dy- ing while in office during the year 1859. He was a very affable gentleman, justly popular, and would have, doubtless, held the office longer but for the hand of death. Mr. Grantham came to Macomb from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Jonathan H. Baker was the successor of Mr. Grantham in the office of county clerk, having been elected to at the reg- ular election of 1859, and filled the po- sition for two years. A sketch of Mr. Baker -is found under the head of county judges, he being the present occupant of that office.

In 1861 James W. Mathews was called upon to fill the office of county clerk, and served the people in this capacity for one term of four years, the law hav- ing been changed, making the duration of the term four instead of two years, as heretofore. Mr. Mathews is believed to have been a Kentuckian by birth and came here early in 1853, as the professor of mathematics in the McDonough col- lege, and served in that position until 1855, when the institution closed its doors. Mr. Mathews, about a year after

the expiration of his term of office, went to St. Louis, where he died.

In 1865 William Ervin was elected to this office and filled it for four years.

Captain William Ervin, druggist of Macomb, is a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, where he was born on the 27th day of February, 1820. His parents were both Virginians by birth, and the father, James Ervin, followed agricultural pursuits. The captain re- sided in his native state until 1841, when accompanied by his mother, his father having died when William was four years of age, he came to Illinois and settled in McDonough county, where Hugh Ervin, a brother of the captain, hed settled some time previous. The mother died in Macomb in 1852. When the captain came to Macomb he imme- diately engaged in the general mercan- tile business. which he continued until 1862, at which time he enlisted in com- pany C, 84th Illinois infantry, and was mustered into the service as captain of that company, and served as such up to the close of the war, when he was brev- ited as major. While in the service he participated in all the engagements in which his company took a part. Upon his return home he was elected to the office of clerk of the court, which office he held for four years. He then en- gaged in farming, which he followed for a few years. In 1871 the captain en- gaged is the drug trade, which he still continues, under the firm name of Will- iam Ervin & Son. In politics he is a republican, and besides the office hereto- fore mentioned, he has been honored several times by local offices. Mr. Ervin is a Royal Arch Mason, and served as

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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 32

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