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 44

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 44

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

a seeming slight chance of regaining his health, he removed to Mankato, Blue Earth county, Minnesota. He pur- chased some wild land in Cottonwood county, and opened a farm, and during the winters taught school. While there he was county school superintendent some three years. He also, commenced the study of law, without a teacher or advisor. He continued his labors upon the farm until late in the fall of 1875, and the following winter taught school and the next spring, liaving recovered his healtlı, he returned to McDonough county. He now entered the office of J. S. Bailey, of Macomb, with whom he read law, and was admitted to the bar as above stated. Mr. Prentiss is by nature, studious and ambitious, and men of that character are bound to succeed in life, if healtlı will hold out under the strain brought to bear upon it. He has been already honored by his fellow citizens with several offices which from the way in which he has filled them, gives prom- ise of much better things in the future. In November, 1878, he was elected state's attorney to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of C. F. Wheat, and was re-elected in 1880. In May, 1881, he was elected mayor of the city of Ma- comb, under circumstances that reflect great credit upon him. The By-Stan- der, of May, 4, 1881, in speaking of it says: "William Prentiss, who has been elected mayor of this city, is a young lawyer of excellent ability, and at pres- ent, state's attorney for the county. He is a man of much personal popularity, and of the most steady habits, and one who has the capacity to make a good mayor. He made a splendid race in

which he won contrary to the expecta- tions of nearly, if not quite all voters of the city. When Mr. Prentiss takes the office of chief magistrate of this city, he will be the first democratic mayor Macomb has had for the past 21 years, and the second it ever had." December 24, 1872, Mr. Prentiss and Elizabeth Helen McCaughey, of Fulton county, were united in the bonds of matrimony and the result of this union has been three sons, James Manly, Jackson Mc- Caughey and William. Mr. Prentiss is a Mason, a member of the Blue Lodge and the Royal Arch Chapter, and a member of the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a democrat, and was a presidential elector upon that ticket in the campaign of 1884. Mr. Prentiss was a candidate before the judicial con- vention of the sixth judicial circuit as a candidate for judge, carrying with him the entire delegation of McDonough county, failed in getting the nomination by but five votes, although the real choice of the people of the district.

James H. Bacon, late of the law firm of Tunnicliff & Bacon, is a son of Larkin C. Bacon, and was born in Tennessee township, McDonough county, Illinois, on the 12th of August, 1856. He re- ceived his education in the McDonough county public schools, and also took a commercial course at Eastman's College, Poughkeepsie, New York. It being his intention to engage in mercantile busi- ness, he accepted the position of clerk with George Bailey, at Macomb, but his health failing him for a time, he was obliged to give up the business. James' brother-in-law, Mr. Tunnicliff, suggested that he come into his office and read

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law. He acted on this suggestion and was so well pleased with the study that he continued to a finish, and was admit- ted to the bar in 1879, ever since which time he has given his attention to that profession, as a member of the late firm. On the 17th of November, 1881, he was united in marriage with Louise M. Holland, a daughter of Leonard Hol- land, formerly a banker in the city of Macomb. Politically, Mr. Bacon is a republican, and has served as city attor- ney of Macomb for two terms. He is a genial, obliging gentleman, and has the reputation of being one of the foremost members of the McDonough county bar. As city attorney he gave entire satisfaction to the law-abiding people of the community. He is a member of the Knight of Pythias lodge of Macomb.

H. M. Shannon, one of Macomb's prominent legal lights, is a son of Wil- liam and Mary (Miller ) Shannon. He is a native of Illinois, having been born on the 6th of March, 1848, in Industry township, McDonough county, where he was reared on a farm. He received a good common school education and sub- sequently followed the profession of a school teacher. For sixteen consecutive winters he taught school, and during the summer season was engaged in agricul- tural pursuits. He commenced the study of law in 1876, and continued the same at intervals until the year 1880, at which time he was admitted to the bar, and has ever since been engaged in the practice of his profession. Being a faithful and conscientious worker, he has succeeded in gaining a large prac- tice, which is constantly on the increase. In 1869 H. M. Shannon and Sarah

Brown, a daughter of Joseph Brown, of Industry, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. Politically, Mr. Shan- non is a democrat, always working with that party, but having no wish for polit- ical preferment. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is he also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows' lodge of Macomb.

Among the prominent members of the legal profession of McDonough county, we will mention William H.Twaddle, who has been engaged in the law practice at Macomb since 1876. A son of William and Hannah (Hooten) Twaddle, he was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, on the 2d day of June, 1833. His parents re- moved to Illinois in 1844, and settled in McDonough county. After reaching a suitable age, William helped his father till the soil, and received a good common school education. He resided with his parents until he had attained the age of 25 years, when he purchased a farm in Bethel township, which he improved and still owns. He continued the occupation of a farmer until the fall of 1869, at which time he removed to the city of Macomb, and commenced reading law. He continued his studies for several years, and was admitted to the bar in 1876, and has ever since given his atten- tion to the legal profession, now having a very extensive practice, which keeps constantly increasing. He is a very pleasant gentleman, and has many warm friends, both in Macomb and throughout the county. In politics he affiliates with the democratic party, and has been elected to local offices at various times.

Occupying a high position in the bar of McDonough county is Byron Pon-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

tious, of Macomb, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, on the 25th of May, 1851. In 1853 his parents removed to Illinois, first settling in Fulton county, where they resided for two years, thence re- moving on to a farm in New Salem town- ship, McDonough county, where they still reside. Byron assisted his parents on the farm, and attended the common schools until reaching his 20th year. He then attended Lombard university, at Galesburg, Illinois, one year, after which he engaged in the drug trade at Adair, which he carried on from 1873 to 1878. In 1876, however, he commenced the study of law, being admitted to the bar in 1880, and has since given his entire attention to the practice of his chosen profession, being located in Ma- comb. Although still a young man, he ranks high in the bar of the county, and enjoys a very lucrative practice. Byron Pontious and Ambrosia Woods, a daugh- ter of Morillo Woods, were united in marriage on the 2d day of April, 1873. Two children have been born to them, a daughter and a son. The daughter, Arah, died at the age of 15 months, and the son, Ralph, is still living. 'In poli- tics Mr. Pontious is a Democrat, but has had no political aspirations. He is a member in good standing of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

C. F. Wheat, the senior of the firm of Wheat & Imes, of Macomb, is one of the leading and most successful mem- bers of the bar of McDonough county, and, in regard to practice, is one of the oldest lawyers in the county. He is a native of the state of New York, having been born in Cayuga county, on the 11th day of April, 1835. His parents, Lu-

ther and Elmira (Marvin) Wheat, were both natives of the New England states. Luther Wheat followed agricultural pur- suits, and thus C. F., was reared as a farmer. But this occupation was not to his liking, and, in 1858, he came to Illi- nois, first stopping at Quincy, where he entered upon the study of law. He made rapid strides toward mastering the intricacies of his profession, and, in May, 1860, was admitted to the bar. In 1861, he removed to McDonough county, and located at Macomb, where, in 1862, he commenced, and has ever since con- tinued, practicing law, meeting with good success. On the 15th of October, 1882, he entered into his present part- nership, and the firm has a practice second to none other in the county. February 1, 1865, C. F. Wheat and Mary A. Chandler, a daughter of Thompson Chandler, were united in marriage. Their union has been blessed with three children-Lucy A., Mary E. and Thomp- son. In politics, Mr. Wheat affiliates with the republican party, and has served the people as state's attorney and city attorney. Besides these, he has filled various local offices, at different times, always with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. The Knight of Pythias lodge of Macomb, counts him among its honored members.

Charles I. Imes, of the law firm of Wheat & Imes, although a young man, is one of Macomb's leading attorneys. He is a native of Illinois, and was born in Macomb on the 4th day of May, 1853, his parents being William L. and Ann (Ferguson) Imes. He received his edu- cation in the public schools of Macomb, after which he followed the profession

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of a teacher for nine terms. He also served an apprenticeship in the black- smith shop conducted by his father. Charles afterwards attended school at the Chicago Union college of law, and graduated from that popular institution in June, 1882. October 15, 1882, he formed a law partnership with C. F. Wheat, and has since given his entire attention to his chosen profession. The firm of which he is a member, has been eminently successful, and now enjoys a lucrative practice. Mr. Imes is a mem- ber of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He is an active member of the republi- can party, and is at present serving his second term as a member of the county board of supervisors.

Henry C. Agnew, son of Samuel and Mary (Wilson) Agnew, was born Octo- ber 4, 1852, in Bethel township, McDon- ough county. He received his education in the common schools of McDonough and Warren counties. From 1870 to 1876 he engaged in teaching. In the fall of 1876 he entered the law depart- ment of the Iowa State university at Iowa City, where he graduated in June, 1877, and subsequently taught school, but since 1879 has followed his profes- sion at Macomb. He is a republican in politics. In the spring of 1882 he was elected city attorney of Macomb, which position he held one year. In the fall of 1884 he was elected state's attorney, which office he now holds. Mr. Agnew is a man of no small abil- ity, being a close student, logical rea- soner, and forcible speaker. Com- mencing life a poor boy, he has,

by industry and perseverance, acquired a good education and established a well- merited reputation as an upright, able and successful lawyer. Samuel Agnew, deceased, father of Henry C., was born near the city of Buffalo, New York, July 12, 1820. He came to the state of Illinois in 1847, locating in Rush- ville, Schuyler county. In 1852 he re- moved to Bethel township, McDonough county, and continued to reside in said county nearly all the time until the date of his death, which occurred at Macomb November 7, 1879. He was a stone mason by trade, at which employment he worked during the most of his life. At the time of the building of the Chi- cago, Burlington & Quincy railroad he was the master mason on the section be- tween Plymouth and Avon. Mr. Ag- new, the elder, was married at Industry, Illinois, December the 16th, 1849, to Mary Wilson, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio. The fruits of this union were eight children, four of whom, Mil- ton P., Henry C., George T., and Josie A., are living. Mrs. Agnew lives in Ma- comb, and is now 63 years of age.

Lyman B. Vose, of the law firm of Vose & Sherman, is the son of James and Julia ( Munger) Vose, and was born in McHenry county, Illinois, February 16, 1853. He came with the family to McDonough county in 1871, and settled at Prairie City, where he taught school. In 1878 he commenced reading law in the office, and under the instruction of Hon. William H. Neece, of Macomb, and was admitted to the bar in 1883, at Springfield. He has since followed his chosen profession as a member of the above firm, which was formed in 1882.

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In 1879 he was united in marriage with Nettie McCandless, daughter of T. H. McCandless, and they have one daugh- ter, Ione.

Lawrence Y. Sherman, the junior member of the firm, was born in Warren county, Ohio, on the 7th of November, , 1859. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Illinois, and settled in McDon- ough county, where he was reared until 1867, when they removed to Effingham county, Illinois, where he resided until 1878, when he entered the McKendree college, at Lebanon, in the law depart- ment, from which he graduated in June, 1882. He then came to Macomb, and the present firm was formed.

James M. Blazer, son of John and Mary (Montgomery) Blazer, was born March 1, 1852, in the town of Industry, Industry township, McDonough county, Illinois, where his father now resides. His early life was spent on his father's farm. He attended the district schools, afterward attended school at Macomb, and subsequently took a collegiate course at the Illinois Western university, at Bloomington, Illinois, where he gradu- ated in 1874. He remained with his parents for about two years, and assisted his father in tilling the soil. In No- vember, 1875, he commenced the study of law, with C. F. Wheat as preceptor, and was admitted to the bar, after pass- ing an examination of the supreme court, at Mt. Vernon, Illinois, in June, 1877, and has since practiced law at Macomb. Since January, 1883, he has been a member of the firm of Neece & Blazer. Mr. · Blazer was married November 20, 1878, to Allie Laughlin, of Bloom- ington, Illinois. They have one daugh-

ter, Mary. Mr. Blazer is a republican in politics, and served three years as city attorney.

Jacob L. Baily, of the law firm of Prentiss & Baily, of Macomb, is a son of Thomas and Nancy (Bottenburg) Baily, and was born in Vermont township, Fulton county, Illinois, on the 29th day of August, 1851. His parents removed to McDonough county in 1855, and set- tled in Eldorado township, where Jacob L. helped till the soil, and attended the common schools, until reaching his 19th year, when he taught school for one year. In 1871 he entered Oberlin col- lege, at Oberlin, Ohio, and one year later attended the Northwestern univer- sity, at Evanston. After one year's at- tendance at the university, he again re- sumed teaching, which profession he followed for two years, after which he attended a law school at Lincoln one year, and then read law under William H. Neece. In June, 1878, he was ad- mitted to the bar, and has ever since been associated in practice with William Prentiss, who was admitted to the bar at the same time, and they have been emi- nently successful in their chosen pro- fession. Mr. Baily affiliates with the Democratic party, but has had no aspir- ations for political preferment. In the month of August, 1876, Jacob L. Baily and Lois C. Foster, a daughter of J. N. Foster, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. As a result of this union they have had one daughter born to them, Jessie P., a bright, winsome lass. Mr. Baily is a Royal Arch Mason, and . is also a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge of Macomb, in each of which he takes an active interest.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Jesse T. Neece, a practising lawyer at Macomb, is the eldest son of Hon. Wil- liam H. Neece, and was born in this county, June 27, 1858. He graduated in 1874, at the high school in the city of Macomb, after which he spent two years in attending the Northwestern university at Evanston .. He then re- turned to Macomb, and in 1879 began the study of law, in the office of his father. He was admitted to the bar by the supreme court, at Springfield, Illi- nois, June 12, 1883, and commenced the practice of his profession in connection with Neece & Blazer, at Macomb. Mr. Neece is a promising young lawyer and undoubtedly has before him a successful career.

The leading characteristics in the career of Major Abner E. Barnes, a prominent member of the McDonough county bar, have been his untiring in- dustry and application in his legal studies and professional business, and his upright and honorable course in all his dealings. To these qualities he owes the success that has attended his profes- sional labors. He was born in Lewis- town, Fulton county, Illinois, on the 26th of March 1822. His father, Col. David W. Barnes, was one of the first settlers of Fulton county. He was born in Massachusetts in 1795, and came to Fort Clarke (now Peoria), Illinois, in June, 1820. He served his country in the war of 1812, and also during the Black Hawk war, being one of the party who drove that noted Indian chief into Iowa. After a busy and useful career, departed this life at his home, mourned by a large circle of friends. Major Barnes was the first white child born

in Fulton county, and was there reared and educated. In 1855, he began read- ing law under Judge Kellogg, at Can- ton Illinois, and was admitted to the bar in 1857. He then came to McDonough county and located near Bushnell, and has ever since been engaged in the prac- tice of his profession (with the excep- tion of his military life), and now en- joys a very lucrative practice, which keeps constantly increasing. Becoming imbued with patriotism, he enlisted in company I, 72d Illinois infantry, and was commissioned first lieutenant, but shortly afterwards was promoted to the captaincy, he having had command of the company almost from the first. He was connected with the army of the Mississippi, serving in the 14th army corps, and was under General John A. Logan. In April, 1863, he was appoint- ed major by President Lincoln, and after an unusually brilliant military career Major Barnes received his dis- charge in April, 1865. He then re- turned to McDonough county and lo- cated in Bushnell, now being one of the oldest attorneys, in point of practice, in that city. He has been a member of the city council of Bushnell almost contin- ually since the organization of that city, and served two terms in the county board of supervisors. At present he is acting as one of the building committee for the new alms-house, and has done much toward forwarding the completion of that charitable institution. On the 14th of August, 1850, Major Barnes was united in marriage with Mrs. Rebecca Pumyea, nee Davis, a native of Penn- sylvania, but who was reared in Fulton county, Illinois. She was a true wife, a

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loving mother, and a consistent member of the Baptist denomination, and her demise, which occurred on the 1st of April, 1884, was truly mourned by her family and a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes reared a family of three children-Mrs. Zerelda Doughty, Mrs. Serena Ward and Mrs. Kate Michaels. The major is a member of the Baptist church, as is he also of the Masonic fraternity and of the Grand Army of the Republic. He has a genial disposition and is well cal- culated to make friends. By close atten- tion to his profession and good manage- ment he has made a success of life. He has always sustained a reputation for integrity and morality, and it is to such men that the prosperity of our state is attributable.

Solon Banfill, one of the prominent and leading attorneys of Bushnell, lo- cated in that city in 1868, and engaged as a teacher in the public schools. He followed that profession in Bushnell for two years, in Table Grove, Fulton county, for one year, in Eldorado township, in this county one year, and in New Salem township one year. Returning to Bush- nell in 1873, he commenced reading law in the office of J. B. McConnell, which he continued for three years. He was compelled to labor and teach at inter- val to procure the money necessary for him to continue his studies. He was admitted to the bar in September, 1876, and for one year practiced law with Mr. McConnell. The succeeding two years he practiced alone. From 1879 to 1881, he was a partner with E. E. Chesney. In 1881, he engaged in the insurance business in addition to the practice of

law. From June, 1883 to May, 1885, he was of the firm of Banfill & Morse, col- lection and insurance agents, in addition to his law practice. Mr. Banfill was born of American parents on the 4th of September, 1844, while they were tem- porarily residing in Canada East, now Quebec. The family afterward settled on the Canada side, a few miles north of the state of Vermont. Solon, having purchased his time of his father, left the parental roof at the age of 19 and came to the state of Vermont, where he resided for three years as a farm laborer in summer and attended school in win- ter. He taught school in New Hamp- shire in the winter of 1865,-6; came to DeKalb county, Illinois, in May, 1866 where he taught school for two years and then came to Bushnell as heretofore mentioned.

Among McDonough county's leading attorneys,is Joseph T. Sanders, of the firm of Sanders & Chalmers, of Bushnell. He was born in Chester county, Pennsyl- vania, on the 15th of February, 1812, his parents being Frederick and Margaret (Eubanks) Sanders, the former of whom was a native of England, and the latter of Wales. They reared a family of seven children, Joseph T., being the fifth child. In 1817, his father died and he was re- moved to Washington county, New York, where he was reared by his uncle to man- hood and received a good common school education. During the years 1833 to 1835, hé attended Lafayette college, at Easton, Pennsylvania, and in 1843 began reading law under George Miller, of Fulton county, Illinois, having removed to that county the previous year. He remained under Mr. Miller for two years,

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being then admitted to the bar, after which he practiced his profession in that county until 1846, in which year he re- moved to Nauvoo, Illinois. He remained there four years, meeting with good suc- cess, then located in Henderson county, Illinois, and six years later returned to Fulton county. In April, 1862, he came to this county and located at Bushnell, being the first attorney in that city. He has ever since remained there, and has built up a good practice in the county. July 4, 1835, Joseph T. Sanders and Isa- bella McCrackin were united in marriage in Easton, Pennsylvania. She was a native of Pennsylvania, and her death occurred in August, 1837. Mr. Sanders was again married, June 27, 1839, to Dinah H. Beck, a native of Ohio. Their union has been blessed with four child- ren. Mary H., Samuel F., Ruth I., and Joseph M. Mr. Sanders is a local dea- con of the Methodist Episcopal church, having been a member of that denomi- nation for over 50 years. During the years of 1872 and 1873, he served Bush- nell as its city attorney.

Thomas J. Sparks was born in Clinton county, Indiana, on the 16th of August, 1843. His father, Joseph Sparks, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in 1808. After Joseph had attained the age of 12 years, his parents removed to Ohio, where he learned the trade of a wheelwright. He then went to Indiana, remaining until 1845, and then removed to Fulton county, Illinois, where he died July 6, 1876. He was united in marriage in Ohio, with Sarah DeFord, a native of that state but of French descent, being a second cousin of Napoleon Bonaparte. She departed this life on the 21st of

January, 1864, in Fulton county. Thomas J. Sparks was reared in Fulton county, where he obtained his preliminary edu- cation. In 1866-7 he attended Lombard university, at Galesburg, and in 1867-8, attended Howe's academy, at Mt. Pleas- ant, Iowa. He began teaching school when a young man, and followed that profession for some years. He first be- gan study with a view of entering the legal profession, in 1864, having S. C. Judd, then of Lewistown, Illinois, now of Chicago, as his preceptor, and was admitted to the bar in 1872. He then went to Central City, Nebraska, where he followed his profession for four years, meeting with good success. He then came to McDonough county, and located in Bushnell, where, in 1878, he resumed practice, and has a large and increasing business. He has been city attorney continuously since 1881. On the 21st of March, 1871, Thomas J. Sparks and Aggie Patton, of Wheeling, West Vir- ginia, were united in marriage, and now have one daughter, Maud S. Mr. S. is a member of the Masonic order.

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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 44

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