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 71

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 71

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Nathaniel Hays was one of the pioneer settlers of Hire. A. son, John W., re- sides in Macomb, and in the history of that place occurs a sketch of Nathaniel, in connection with John W., his son.

Elder John Logan purchased the place on section 3, on which his widow now resides, in 1834, removing to it Oc- tober 13, 1835, coming from Industry township, where the family had settled in 1828. A sketch of this noted man occurs in the Ecclesiastical chapter of this volume, as he was largely connect- ed with the churches of the country at an early day, and, in fact, until his death.

Samuel Logan, the oldest son of Elder John Logan, was born in Kentucky, in Simpson county, October 24, 1822. His early life was spent in Schuyler county, and the advantages of school

were not as they are at this age of the world, however, young Logan obtained a fair education. In his marriage rela- tions, he was very fortunate in forming a union with Paulina Girton, the date of which was November 9, 1850. She 'was the daughter of Dickenson and Clara (Green) Girton, the date and place of whose settlement will be found else- where. Mrs. Logan lives on the farm, which her husband improved, and is in good circumstances, having a consider- able amount of land, besides property in Blandinsville, and attends to the bus- iness herself. Four children were given to this happy pair-Viola, wife of Mor- timer Cover, who lives in Chalmers township this county; Leona, wife of Wm. Mackey, of Hire township. Sel- win, who owns a farm in Hire township, but resides in Ellis county, Kansas; and Ella, wife of Hebron Kline, living in Chalmers. The following was taken from the Macomb Journal in regard to Mr. Logan at the time of his death, which occurred June 7th, 1878. "He needs no man's testimony to prove his devotion to God, and to the welfare of the race, hav- ing spent forty-six years of his pilgrim- age here as a christian, being converted at ten years of age. Shall we miss him ? We know of none, no, not one to fill his place. He always performed his ser- vices honestly and uprightly. His equal might be, but his superior never was. His last words were "Jesus is with me in this, my hour of death." The funeral services were conducted at the home of the family by Rev. Saunders, of Blan- dinsville. His text was "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." And in another place it says "Another pioneer

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gone" and pronounces a splendid eulogy on this man who seemed the friend of every one who ever knew him.

In 1835 William Ruddell and family came to Hire township, entering land on 'section 6. About the year 1838, his wife died and in 1840 he removed to VanBuren county, Iowa, where he was among the early settlers of that county. He died there in 1871. Mr. Ruddell was a native of Virginia, emigrating to Kentucky at an early day. He afterwards lived in Sangamon county, from which place he came to McDonough county, as above stated.

Vandever Banks was among the early settlers of Hire township, locating there in 1836. He entered the south-west quar- ter of section 30, and immediately erected a house thereon, and soon afterward pur- chased other land. He was successful in all his undertakings, and at the time of his death had acquired considerable property. Mr. Banks was born in Adair county, Kentucky, April 16, 1804, and during his early life worked at the car- penter trade. He was a son of Vandever and Elizabeth (Walford) Banks, the former a native of Maryland, while the latter was a Virginian by birth. He was married August 31, 1826, to Loraner A. Sharpe. Eleven children have been born to them, five of whom are living -Elizabeth W., wife of Thomas Massie, of Hancock county; Sarah M., wife of John M. Lyon, deceased, now residing on section 30, Hire township; James C., Mil- lard T. and Job V., all residents of Hire. The death of Vandever Banks occurred June 26, 1876, after an illness of some six months duration, and was caused by a cancerous affection of the stomach. The

deceased was well known throughout the county, being highly respected by all with whom he formed an acquaintance, and was a resident and influential citizen of McDonough for over forty years and always bore a prominent part in the affairs of the county. When the Mor- mon troubles were exciting McDonough, Hancock and other adjacent counties, and the citizens 'volunteered to drive their enemies from Nauvoo, Mr. Banks was elected captain of one of the companies and as such served through the contin- uance of the armed disturbance. In 1856, he was the whig candidate for member of the legislature, and although the county was democratic, so popular was the deceased that he received a majority of the votes cast in the county, but through some informality regarding the judges' signature to the Prairie City roll books Mr. Banks opponent secured a seat in the legislature through contest. During the war of the Rebellion, Mr. Banks' was an uncompromising and earnest union man, and although too old to enlist, showed his devotion by lavish expenditure of his time and money, when- ever called upon, in behalf of the union. He was a true type of that class of pioneers who have hewed civilization out of the, then, unsettled west, and in his demise we can truly say, "another land mark of early days is gone."

Job V. Banks is a native of Mc- Donough county born where he now. lives, January 12, 1837, and is a son of Vandever and Loraner A. (Sharpe) Banks. His marriage occurred June. 22, 1865, to Mary A. Lyon, a native of Hancock county, Illinois. They lived a short time in Hire township and went to

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Hancock county, where they lived from 1866 to 1881. Selling his farm there, he came back at that time and took posses- sion of the old homestead. He owns 234 acres and makes stock raising a specialty. Four children have been born to them, -Tabitha S., the date of whose birth was January 7, 1868; Orville R., born November 18, 1878. Two of the little ones have been called from this world, - -Carrie, born May 3, 1867, died Sep- tember 28,1867; and Paulina, born March 16, 1871, and died April 16, 1872. Mr. Banks is the sixth child of a family of eleven children. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and with his wife a member of the Christian church. In politics he has always been a consistent republican.

John Mobley settled on the farm now owned by Jacob Hainline, in 1836. He came from the state of Kentucky to this county.

Major Hungate came about the year 1836, from Hamilton county, settling on the southwest quarter of section 13. He remained here three or four years, when he removed to Missouri.

Jacob Clarke came at the same time, with Major Hungate, settling on the same section, and left the state for Mis- souri with Mr. Hungate.

In the spring of 1838, Fitzgerald Woolley and family left the state of New York for the west, coming direct to this township, where they arrived on the 1st day of October, 1838, traveling the entire distance overland by wagon. They set- tled on the southeast quarter of section 32, where they lived until 1847. At that time the family, with the exception of one son, Pardon, who resides in Wal- nut Grove township at present, removed

to Webster, Hancock county, where Mr. Woolley died, in February, 1861. Mrs. Woolley died in 1876, in Hire township, at the advanced age of 89 years.

In 1838, Jacob Hainline, a native of Kentucky, came to this township, and entered a farm of 320 acres, on section 17, erecting a cabin on the northwest quarter, where he lived until his death, in 1865. The remains were interred in the cemetery, just south of the town of Blandinsville. Mr. Hainline was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, in 1789, where he resided until coming to this township. He was married to Celia Cockerel, a native of Kentucky. Eight children were born to them, five of whom still reside in this county, Mrs. Hainline making her home with the children here. Mr. Hainline was a great hunter, free-hearted and generous to a fault, and his death was greatly re- gretted by all who knew him.

In 1839, Jacob Keithley and family came to McDonough county, and in 1842, settled on, section 2, Hire township. They resided here until 1860, when he made an exchange for property in Blan- dinsville. In 1870, he removed to Cali- fornia, where he died five years later. Mr. Keithley was born in Bath county, Kentucky, in August, 1805, his ancestors being of German extraction. He lived in Kentucky until 12 years of age, when the family removed to Indiana, where he grew to manhood. It was in that state that he united lis destinies with Sarah Roberts, and to them were born 12 children-ten sons and two daugh- ters. Mr. Keithley was a peculiar man, reticient, but very stern, never joking even in the family circle. He

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

had a faculty for making money very easily, but after his death most of the property was squandered. His wife still lives in Blandinsville, at an ad- vanced age, and does her own work. Mr. Keithley was a good, conscientious, and strictly honest man, having been a member of the United Brethren church since 1841.

In 1842, E. N. Hicks came to this township, where he still lives.

Ebenezer Newton Hicks, one of the most successful men, financially, to be ·found in McDonough county, and a res- ident of Hire township at this time, is a native of the state of Ohio, Ross county, Union township, and was born March 10, 1816. His father, Willis Hicks, was born in Maryland, as was also his father, Ebenezer's grand-father, who was named Joseph Hicks, but whose birth-place is uncertain; however, the family were of German extraction, and originated in Holland. Willis Hicks served in the war of 1812 for some time. From Ross county the family removed to Madison county, the same state, and became wealthy. Willis Hicks was born March 25, 1792, and died August 26, 1867. His wife, Frances (White) Hicks, was a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Small) White, and was born November 17, 1792, and died April 6, 1869. She was born in Delaware. Ebenezer Hicks lived in Ross county until 1842, when he emi- grated to Illinois, and purchasing the southwest quarter of section 33, in Hire township, settled, where he is still a resident, making, at the present writing, 'a continuous residence of 43 years on one spot. When he purchased this place there was but 16 acres broken and

a small shanty built. He improved this farm and subsequently built a good house and other buildings necessary. Mr. Hicks has been a man who always attended strictly to business, driving all before him. He had a very strong con- stitution, or would ere this be laid away with the fathers. In a short time he commenced buying more land, as he was able to pay for it, some costing $1.25 per acre, and later on even $50, and he now owns about 4,000 acres, scattered around in various townships, especially in Hire, Tennessee, Colchester and Scotland. The most of this is rented; only about 1,000 acres is retained for the manage- ment of his sons. Mr. Hicks oversees the whole thing, thereby causing him much hard labor, although not doing muscular work, the task of taking care of this amount of land and other prop- erty, is very laborious to him. Stock- raising is the especial feature, and large herds of cattle roam over his dominions. Much stock is bought for feeding and shipping also. Mr. Hicks was married to Jane C. Robinson, May 23, 1844. She was the daughter of John Robin- son, of Ross county, Ohio, but whose native place was Fayette county, Penn- sylvania. John's father, Joshua, was killed by the Indians in Ross county, Ohio. She was born May 22, 1816, and is at present as active as most younger women, doing her own work and taking an active part in her husband's business. Five children have been born to Mr.and Mrs. Hicks-John Willis, born July 5, 1845, and died September 25, 1864; Mary Frances, born August 31, 1847; Darius Hicks, born May 5, 1850; Frank- lin Pierce, born October 4, 1852; Eliza

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Jane, born January 26, 1855, died Feb- ruary 4, 1857.

Jesse Hire settled on section 32, in 1847, where he lived until 1859, when he disposed of his property and bought 80 acres on section 28, where he resided until his death. He subsequently pur- chased other land until he had a farm of 242 acres. At the time of his death, . January 22, 1877, the property passed into the hands of his heirs. Mr. Hire was born in Ross county, Ohio, March 9, 1817, where he resided until his re- moval to this county. He was married December 11, 1836, to. Elizabeth Skid- more, a native of West Virginia, by whom there were eight children born. He was a farmer and trader, speculating in stock to some extent, and was well-to-do at the time of his demise.

William Hire, the second son of Jesse Hire, was born in Ohio, February 6, 1841. He is at present living on the old homestead, and has almost exclusive con- trol of the farm his father left, having purchased the interests of the other heirs; and being a hard worker, and straightforward man, has succeeded well. He made his home with his parents until his father's death, when he assumed con- trol and provided for the family. The farm is under good state of cultivation, and, although he has no fine buildings, he enjoys life well, and like his father, engages considerably in trading in cattle, buying, feeding and selling. His mother and sisters keep his house, William having never married. In politics, Mr. Hire is a strong democrat.

Cyrus Hire, the fourth son of Jesse Hire, is a native of McDonough county, born July 21, 1856. He always made his

home with his parents until his marriage. On September 11, 1884, he took Cina White to be his wife. She is a native of Hancock county, Illinois, and is a daugh- ter of Thomas White, still living in Han- cock county. Mr. Hire owns 70 acres on the northwest quarter of section 28, be- side a small piece of timber in connec- tion with his brother William. He is in a fair way to accumulate a good prop- erty, being a man of sterling qualities. His education is very good, and is above the average of the farmers' sons. He is democratic in politics.

George Hire, after whom the township of Hire was named, settled in that sub- division of McDonough, in 1851. He ' was not a land owner in this county, but was quite well off, making his home with his children. He was a man of consid- erable ability and was quite popular, and somewhat of a leader in the democratic party of this county. In 1856 he was elected to the state legislature by that party, serving two years. Mr. Hire was born in West Virginia, but when quite young, removed to Ohio, and while a resident of that state, followed driving stock across the country to eastern mar- kets at Philadelphia and New York. His ancestors were of German extraction: He was united in marriage with Cathe- rine Bryant, a native of Virginia. They had five children-Jesse, Mary A., Jef- ferson, Margaret, in Kansas; and Eliza- beth, in Ohio. He saw Washington in Virginia, when a small boy.

OTHER REPRESENTATIVE MEN.

Besides the' ones already mentioned, there are others to whom the township is indebted, in a large degree, for its

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

prosperity. Sketches of the more enter- prising of these are given:

· John H. Hayes is a native of McDon- ough county, and was born on section 2, Hire township, April 7, 1836. His father, Jefferson Hayes, was born in Kentucky, in Washington county, in the year 1808, and came to this county in 1832, settling on section 2, Hire township, where he owned and improved the northwest quar- ter. He lived on this place until he re- moved to Blandinsville a few years be- fore his death, which occurred October, 1857, and was buried near the old "Hayes school house." His widow, formerly Maria Jane Head, now lives in Sciota. She was a native of Washington county, Kentucky. There were six children in their family, five sons and one daughter, four of whom are now living. Mr. Hayes was one of the most liberal men, giving to any one who asked him, even beyond his means, and was also a religious man, and never known to swear. Two broth- ers, William, who died in Macomb, and Thomas, who died in Missouri, also came at the same time Jefferson did, and took land near by. John H. Hayes has been a man who has attended strictly to busi- ness, and has a good farm by his own exertions. He has a good home, although not luxurious, still an air of comfort pre- vades it, and with his wife and interest- ing family, he enjoys life exceedingly. In 1856 he went to the Wisconsin pinery, and in 1857 started to Pike's Peak, but only got to Fort Kearney, when he re- turned to Missouri and staid a few months, he returning to McDonough county. When the war broke out, he enlisted for three years, the date of enlistment being November 1, in company I, 11th Illi-

nois, and was in the battles at Shiloh, and other important engagements, but was principally on scouting expeditions. Mr. Hayes' settlement on his present place was in 1866, and at present he owns 161 acres. Martha J. Keithley became his wife in 1863, September 20. Five sons bless this union-Albert M., Ed- ward K., Oscar and Arthur, twins, and Robert. In politics he favors the repub- lican party.

Oliver P. Courtright, a native of Fair- field county, Ohio, was born November 8, 1814; came to McDonough county, in the spring of 1853; settled on section 16, in Hire township. He, with his grow- ing family, farmed there until the break- ing out of the war. His love of country became aroused. His eldest son, H.V. having enlisted in the first 75,000 call, he turned his energies to recruiting, and in the fall of the next year, did a large part in recruiting company C, 78th regiment, Illinois volunteers. He was first lieu- tenant of that company. The company was taken prisoners, Christmas day of that year and were held some months and then returned. He was married twice, the second time to Anna Maria McElroy in the year 1851. By this marriage nine children were born- James A., in Montana territory; Frank M., in Illinois; John D., in Colorado; Julietta Shepherd and Fannie M., now in Kansas; Robert A., Stephen B., and Oliver P., all dead. Mr. Courtright died August 25, 1868, and was buried in the South cemetery, near Blandinsville.

His son, Frank M., was born on section 16, Hire township, on the 9th of Novem- ber, 1853. He attended college at Onarga, Illinois, in the spring of 1873,

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

and graduated the next year. He bought a farm on section 18, Hire township, in September, 1884, where he has a nice home and can there enjoy life. He was married in November, 1881, to Maria Hobert, a native of Hancock county, Illinois. They have one child, Bessie Blaine, born March 26, 1883. Mr. Court- right is a republican and in 1880, ran for circuit clerk, but was defeated for the nomination by a small number.

Jacob George is a native of Hesse- Cassel, Germany; was born September 30, 1829, and is a son of Henry and Eliz- abeth (Shafer) George. The family re- moved to America and settled in Vir- ginia. Jacob left home and went to Ohio, whence in 1855, he came to Mc- Donough county, and purchased 40 acres on section 28. He bought 79 acres on 30, where he lived five years, and again moved to section 31, but on build- ing his house on section 32, he removed thither, and has a nice residence two stories in heighth, the main part 18x32 and an ell, 20x26. His farm consists of 320 acres, mostly improved. He makes stock-raising a specialty, having a good herd of cattle, and some fine horses, keeping the Clydesdale brood mares, and raising some as fine horses as are found in the township. Jacob George is one of the best farmers in the town- ship and compares favorably with any in the county, being neat in his work; and attending strictly to his business, he has amassed a good property. His mar- riage occurred October 18, 1849, to Cath- arine George, also a native of Hesse- Cassel. They have had a family of nine children-Mary E., wife of Joseph Mor- gan, living in Tennessee township; John

H., who married Ida Bloyd November 23, 1876. She died June 2, 1884, leav- ing three children-Florence A., Jacob B., and Clarence W. They make their home with their grandfather. The third child was Louisa, now deceased; William P .; the next two, Lewis and Milton C., died; Catharine F., Clara V., and Dora B. Mr. and Mrs. George are members of the M. E. church.

Newton Eakle, lives on section 31, on 80 acres of his father's farm, which is nice rolling land, and engaged in stock. raising as a specialty, having some fine Durham stock, and good horses This farm is familiarly known as part of the old " Prentiss place," being one of the first settled upon in this part of the country. It is fenced in small fields, af- fording advantage for feed of great worth. Mr. Eakle was born in Ross county, Ohio, November 13, 1842, and is a son of John B., and Mary A. (Hire) Eakle. His home was with his parents until his marriage, which occurred Nov- ember 19, 1868, in Tennessee township to Lide E. Anderson, a daughter of Wil- liam Anderson, now in Macomb. Since their marriage they have always lived on the same farm, believing that " a rolling stone gathers no moss." Three children have blessed the union of these people- Nellie M., born November 12, 1869; Harry, born July 1, 1871; Myrtle Lou, born September 30, 1875.

R. F. Foster, one of those genial men one loves to meet, is a native of Michigan, born in St. Joseph county, July 31, 1835, and lived at home until his marriage, June 24, 1855. Lydia Watson, a native of Indiana, became his wife at that time, and two children-Mary J., wife of John

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Lockett, Knox county, Missouri, and Louisa, wife of Reuben Martin, were born to them. Her demise occurring, in due time he again was married to Maria Charter, a native of McDonough county, and nine children were born to them, six of whom are living-George J., Thomas L., Harrison A., Susan C., Theodore F., Florence, Charles, Alfred C. and Alice. This lady also died and Mr. Foster mar- ried Margaret E. Davis; this ceremony was performed in Missouri. She was a native of Indiana. Two children were given to this marriage-Ralph C. and Nellie. George Foster, father of R. T., was a native of Virginia, born in Bote- tourt county. His wife, Mary Shepherd, was a native of the same place, and their marriage occurred January 20, 1825. His death occurred January 26, 1868, and hers in 1855; they are buried at New Hope cemetery. R .. F. Foster owns a a nice farm on section 10, which with its great fertility and good location makes it a desirable home. He owns about 244 acres in all, after giving his children a piece of land as they left home. Com- ing here in 1856, he has continually lived in the same place since. The date of his coming to the county was in 1850.

Nathan W. Farris settled on section 16, Hire township, where he owned 40 acres of land. He made his settlement in the year 1844. His native home was -in Washington county, Kentucky, and the date of his birthi was April 1, 1818. His people were also from the same county. Elizabeth Hungate was his wife and her uncle, Harry Hungate came with Mr. Graham to the county and now lives in Blandinsville. While on a trip to the river Mr. Farris was thrown from

his wagon and killed July 7, 1855. His remains were interred in the cemetery at Good Hope, leaving his wife and family to mourn the great loss so sud- denly thrust upon them. The widow lived on the farm until her death which occurred June 27, 1873. Eight children blessed this union -- William J., Martha J., wife of Richard Bond, living in Hire; Milton R., in Knox county, Missouri, Mary A., wife of Thomas Fisher; John, deceased; Nancy E., deceased, who was the wife of Josiah Fasher; and Na- than, now living in Hire township.

John B. Murray was born September 20, 1813, in Green county, Kentucky. His grandfather, James Murray, came to Kentucky from near Guilford Court- House, North Carolina, in an early day. The latter was a soldier in the revolu- tion, but the date of his service is un- known. It was doubtless during its last days, as he was in only one engagement. J. B. Murray's grandfather, on the maternal side, was John Ray, who came to Kentucky from Maryland. William, the father of J. B., came with his parents to Kentucky at the age of six years. John B. Murray, at the age of 21, came to Springfield, Illinois. This was in the fall of 1834, and in the spring of the following year, he returned to Kentucky, where he remained several years longer. He was united in marriage on the 11th of April, 1839, with Susan Kirk, a daughter of Dixon Kirk, born June 6, 1817. Mr. Murray, wife, and four chil- dren, started from Marion county, Ken- tucky, March 17, 1848, and by way of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, came to Illinois, landing at Warsaw, March 27th. He immediately came to McDonough

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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 71

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