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 74

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 74

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On the first day of April, 1834, John H. Smith and his brother, Byrd, settled on section 31, where they erected a cabin. Byrd died in 1880, at Plymouth, Hancock county, from the effects of a cancer John still lives in the township and is now a resident of section 20.

Among the prominent citizens and early settlers of this township, may be mentioned John H. Smith, who appears as the subject of this sketch. Mr. Smith was born on the 26th of July, 1819, in Hopkins county, Kentucky. His father, John Smith, who was a native of Virginia, died in 1825, and his mother was also a native of Virginia. John H., was the seventh child of a family of eight child- ren, and when five years of age he re- moved with his mother to Virginia, where they resided until 1829. They then came to Sangamon county, Illinois, and in September, 1832, he removed to McDon- ough county, and located in Industry township. He there made a home with his brother until November, the same year, when he went back to Springfield, and went to school a year. In April, 1834, he settled on Round Prairie and farmed on section 30. He there remained until the spring of 1854, when he sold his place and located on his present location in Lamoine township, on section 20, where

he now owns 150 acres of good land and a fine house, with every convenience necessary to farm life. Since living in this township, Mr. Smith has been in- trusted with several township offices. He has been school director, trustee and now holds the position of road commis- sioner, which office he has held a number of years. Mr. Smith was married on March 28, 1839, to Emeline Deven- port, a native of New York. They have been blessed with ten children, eight of whom are now living. Their names are-Harriet, Morris C., Caroline, Henry, Paris, Leroy, deceased; Isaac G., deceased; Romine, Albert M., and John W. Mr. Smith has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for over forty years, and is said to be a good worker in that cause, and has been class leader for over 25 years.

Isaac G. Smith came to the county in 1834, entering the east half of section 31, of this township, where he lived un- til his death, which was caused by a white swelling, in 1853. He was born in Virginia, about the year 1806, and was a son of John and Nancy ( Garret ) Smith. When six or eight years old, he removed with his parents, to the state of Ken- tucky, where they remained about five years, when they returned to Virginia. In 1829, he came west to, Springfield, Illinois, and in 1834, to this township, as above. During the winter of 1834, he was married to Jane Garret. Three children were born to them, all of whom are residents of Kansas at present. His wife died in 1866. Mr. Smith was elected county commissioner in 1842, serving three years. He was justice of the peace of this township many years.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Beverly Whittington came in the spring of 1835-6 from Hancock county, but was a native of Tennessee. He set- tled on the southwest quarter of section 28, where he lived until his death, which occurred seven or eight years ago. While attempting to draw a nail from some hard material, it came out suddenly causing him to fall backward, breaking his thigh. The farm is now owned by his son, Pinckney W.

Hugh E. Wear, a native of Washing- ton county, Tennessee, came with his family to Lamoine township, in May, 1835. He was born in 1789, and in 1825 removed to Monroe county, Tennessee, where he remained about seven years, when he went to Franklin county, Illi- nois, after which he came to this town- ship. His death occurred in 1873, and he was interred at Scott's church. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Duncomb, died in 1858. Mr. Wear was justice of the peace in Lamoine for a number of years.

Andrew Wear came at the same time with his father, Hugh, and is still a res- ident of the township.

In 1835, William Hoton came from Vermont, traveling the entire distance overland in a lumber wagon, and settled on section 30, Bethel township, but shortly afterward removed to the eastern part of this township, where he remained until 1868, when he removed to Round Prai- rie, on a farm owned by Josiah Ralston. He was born in Vermont, October 31, 1801, and was three times married. He died November 12, 1877, and his third wife and children survive him.

Jonas Myers, a son-in-law of Thomas Twidwell entered the northwest quarter

of section 33, in 1836. He came from North Carolina, and lived here until his death, which occurred in 1866. His family now reside in Kansas.

W. H. Hooten, was a settler of 1836, and was a native of Ohio. His death occurred in March, 1867.

Samuel F. Morris entered land in La- moine in the fall of 1836, and erected a small shanty, with a ground floor, in which his pioneer life in McDonough county was for a while spent. He still retains the hand mill with which he ground his corn for bread in that early day. He was born in North Carolina, September 15, 1816, where he resided until his removal to this county. Mr. Morris was one of the volunteers of the Mormon war, in Hancock county, and was there at the time Smith was riddled with bullets. His father was also an early settler of Lamoine, coming about the same time as did Samuel.

In 1836, John Twidwell, in company with his parents, came to McDonough county, settling on section 33, Lamoine township. He at present resides on sec- tion 28.

· John Twidwell, is a native of David- son county, North Carolina, having been born there on the 20th of January, 1818. He is the elder son of Thomas Twidwell, who was born in Virginia, on the 13th of February, 1791. He was there reared until 18 years of age when he moved to North Carolina, where he was married to Polly Wamon, whose death occurred in the spring of 1849. In 1834, Thomas came to Morgan county, Illinois,and was a resident of that county until 1836, when he removed to McDonough county and settled on section 33, Lamoine township.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

He improved the land and there lived until 1877, when his son John, purchased the farm, and the father made his home with John Twidwell for nearly eight years, and then removed to his grand- son's, T. B. Twidwell, of this township, where he lived until his death, which oc- curred February 16, 1885. John Twid- well worked at home until 1840, when he began farming for himself. He now owns 597 acres of good land in Lamoine township, where he is now building up a good farm, and has for many years been laboring for the purpose of having one of the finest homes in McDonough county, in which plan he has greatly suc- ceeded. Mr. Twidwell was married on the 10th of October, 1840, to Henrietta E. Sheldon, of Kentucky. They had eight children-John M., Nancy J., Sarah E., dead; David, General Francis M., George A., William F., and Solomon P. Mrs. Twidwell died on May 25, 1872, and on August 29, of the same year, Mr. Twidwell was united in mar- riage with Barbara Kizer, a widow, whose maiden name was Jarvis. She has one child-Martha. Mr. Twidwell has been very popular in the official matters of the county. He was township constable in 1845 and 1846, and at the end of his term he was elected justice of the peace, which office he has held ever since. In 1849 he was elected township supervisor, and, holding that position one term, he was made treasurer and clerk, these lat- ter offices he still holds.

Joseph D. Wear, a son of Hugh, came with his parents to Lamoine township, in 1836. He was born in -Washington county, Tennessee, February 25, 1815, and married January 16, 1838, to Mary

B. Downs, who were the parents of 10 children. They are still residents of the township.

Avery Huff, a native of Connecticut, came in 1838. He entered the northeast quarter of section 32, where he lived a number of years, when he removed to the northwest quarter of the same sec- tion; and was an influential and promi- nent man of the township. He after- ward returned to his native state, where he died.

David Bayles and family came to the township at an early day, when it was thinly settled. A sketch of the family is appended.

Joseph H. Bayles, was born in Cham- paign county, Ohio, on February 2, 1829. He is the son of David and Jane ( Victor) Bayles. David Bayles, was a native of Virginia. He came through this country in 1812, during the Indian war, and picked out some land, intending when emigration turned this way to make this his home. He was with the party who named Rapid Ford, where afterward he was drowned while fishing in a pond near Troublesome creek. He was in the ser- vice of the United States for about 15 years, and during the war of 1812. At the time of his death he was captain of three light-horse companies, where he was training for United States service. One of these companies was at Middletown, one at St. Mary's, Hancock county, and one at Fountain Green. Mr. Bayles' wife died at the home of her daughter, on November 6, 1854. They were the parents of 16 children, 11 of whom grew to man and womanhood-Philip V., died in Hancock county; Minerva E., living now in Hancock county; Jesse E., served

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

through the war in company B, 3d Iowa cavalry, and now residing in Memphis, Missouri; Joseph H., served through the war in the 9th Missouri and 59th Illi- nois infantry; David P., died in the ser- vice at Memphis, Tennessee, in August, 1863; Isaiah O., served through the war in company B., 118th Illinois infantry, and is now living near Jericho, Missouri; Marion C., died in the service at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at close of war; Silas R., served in the 118th Illinois infantry, and is still living in Missouri. A son and daughter were drowned while mak- ing a trip to Springfield, Ohio; James R., enlisted in company K, 8th Missouri infantry, and served through the war, and now resides at Topeka, Kansas; Harrison L., served through the war, and is now a resident of Carthage, Missouri; Mortimer O., killed in the service at Yazoo Bayou, in September, 1863. Joseph H., the subject of this sketch, came with his parents to McDonough county in 1839, and,located in Lamoine township, where he still resides on section 2. He was married in Hancock county, to Julia Parker, in 1858. She died in October, 1862. Mr. Bayles was united in mar- riage again to Josephine Smith, in June 1868, in Tennessee township, this county. She is a native of McDonough county, and a daughter of Samuel B. and Sarah Smith. By this marriage there has been one child-Dora B., who has been of much comfort to her father, in the days his affliction of blindness, the result of Andersonville prison life. Mr. Bayles enlisted on the 22d of April, 1861, in company B, 16th Illinois infantry. He veteranized on the 10th of July, 1861, in the 9th Missouri infantry, but was after-

ward transferred to the 59th Illinois infantry, company C. His first fighting was in Missouri; then in Arkansas. After the battle of Pea Ridge, he was sent to Corinth, Mississippi. The regiment soon after joined the army of the Ohio, and took part in the sanguinary battles of Perryville and Stone River. They were afterward sent to Sherman's army, and served in that command until the close of the war. He was in the famous "March to the sea," and participated in all the battles of that command. He was in the march through the Carolinas to Washington, his corps having the right of the column. In September, 1861, he was made orderly sergeant of company C, and while not a commissioned officer he served in the capacity of captain, and while acting as such he was captured by the enemy and taken to Libby prison, but there being no room there, he was transferred to Belle Isle, but after two days he was sent to Andersonville. He was put in a cotton gin-house because he would not take oath never again to fight against the confederacy, and was in the stone basement when the cotton seed took fire, and his eyes were so affected by the smoke, and subsequent inflamation as to nearly destroy his sight. But he made his escape in December, 1864, and made his way back to his regiment. He had almost completely lost his eye sight from the effects of prison life, but he re- mained with his regiment until the close of the war. He received 11 gun shots, two shell wounds, and was run over by a battery wagon, but he never gave up, and was always found at the head of his regiment when any fighting was to be done. No family in this part of the

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

country has a more patriotic war record than that of Mr. Bayles, nor is any enti- tled to more honor or credit than they. After the war Mr. Bayles traveled for four or five years, in trying to regain his eyesight and health. He spent a great deal of money in this way, without much effect. He is now living on a farm. His father was in the war of 1812, enlisting as private, and at battle of Tippecanoe, was promoted to rank of captain. The subject of this sketch was in the Mormon and Mexican wars, and has served in three wars, and was a brave, noble sol- dier, in all.

LEADING CITIZENS.

Besides the pioneers mentioned, there are a number of others who are worthy of note, either on account of early settle- ment or for their public spirit. Their sketches follow:

William D. Ralston, who is one of the prominent and influential men of La- moine township, was born in Plymouth, Hancock county, Illinois, on the 12th day of April, 1857. He is the son of Wesley and Charlotte ( Wade) Ralston, both na- tives of Illinois. William moved to Mc- Donough county, with his parents, when quite young, and made this his place of abode until 1869, when he removed to Jasper county, Missouri, and was there engaged in farming for ten years. He then returned to his old home in Mc- Donough county, in 1880, where he has since resided. He owns 80 acres of fine land, 60 acres under a good state of cul- tivation, and 20 acres good timber land. Mr. Ralston was married to Emily C. Holton, a daughter of Linus and Lucinda (Allen) Holton, on October 7, 1880.

They have one child-Inez. Mr. Ralston has always been a man of ability, and has taken great interest in the works of christianity. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Ply- mouth, for several years, and has always been an honest worker in that cause.

John W. Reans was born in Washing- ton county, East Tennessee, November 28, 1830. His father, William Reans, a native of North Carolina, died in Febru- ary, 1837. In the fall of that year the family removed to Greene county, Illi- nois, and while a resident of that county, John attended the Illinois Liberal insti- tute, one of the finest universities in the state. In 1855, he came to McDonough county, and on the 22d day of August, 1855, he was married to Martha Duns- worth, a native of Bethel township, and a daughter of Thomas Dunsworth, one of the early settlers of the county, hav- ing located here in 1831. Mrs. Reans was born and married at the old home- stead in Bethel township, and their only child, John H., who was recently mar- ried to Benella Cravens, was born at the same place. Mr. Reans made his home in McDonough county, until 1858, when he returned to Greene county, where he remained about three years. He searched for good land and a place to make a good home, and at last returned to this county, satisfied no place in this part of the country, would suit him any better. He now lives on the farm of L. G. Reid, which consists of finely cultivated land on section 28, where he has resided for the past 10 years, and where he is chiefly engaged in stock raising. For several years he has held the position of school director, representing district No. 4.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

James T. Broadhead, an old resident of McDonough county, was born in Mor- gan county, Illinois, on the 28th day of August, 1838. He is the son of William and Sarah (Grimsley) Broadhead, the former a native of England and the lat- ter of Kentucky. James spent a portion of his early life in attending a private school in Morgan county, and in 1846, he removed with his parents to McDonough county, where he has ever since made his home. His father died while in Morgan county, the year being 1844, but soon af- ter his widowed mother was married to John Waddle, with whom James lived until over 21 years of age. Mr. Broad- head was united in marriage with Susan A. Vaughn, in 1862. She is the daugh- ter of Henry and Jiet (Jones ) Vaughn, both of whom are natives of Culpepper county, Virginia, They have had 10 children, eight of whom are now living -Sarah J., Lucy E., Samuel, Louie K., Olive M., Jolın H., J. D. and James T. Musette died in 1881. Mr. Broadhead is a man of virtue and good character, and is highly esteemed by his many friends throughout the large tract known as McDonough county. He has a large and cultivated farm and abundance of good stock, which is principally due to the good management in which they are conducted. Mr. Broadhead is a good worker in christianity, and for many years has been a staunch member of the Baptist church.

Edward Jarvis came to McDonough county in 1841, and located on section 4, Lamoine township, where he now owns 1463 acres of land, all of which is culti- vated, and raises large numbers of cattle, hogs and horses. Mr. Jarvis was born

in Knox county, Indiana, on the 11th of July, 1825, and is the son of John and Martha (Bloid) Jarvis. Edward was married in this county, on the 5th of September, 1849, to Elizabeth Roice, a native of Jackson county, Indiana. She died in January, 1878, leaving seven children to mourn her loss. Their names are-Martha Jane, Minerva, John F., William A., Levi Jackson, Ida A. and Edward T. Mr. Jarvis was again mar- ried on the 3d of April, 1879, to Char- lotta Jane Dudley, who was reared in Adams county, this state. Her parents were Charles and Rebecca A. (Patty) Nichols. She was married in 1849 to John Dudley, and in 1851 moved to Schuyler county, where Mr. Dudley was drowned, on the 15th of April, 1865, and soon after this his widow was married to Mr. Jarvis. Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis have three children-Octavia, Uriah and Jon- athan O.

Johannis C. Decker came to McDon- ough county, Illinois, in 1839, and lo- cated on section 29, Lamoine township. He improved and cultivated his farm and now owns 320 acres of land, all in a state of good culture. 160 acres are sit- uated on section 21, and the remainder on section 29. Mr. Decker was born in Ulster county, New York, on the 8th of October, 1815, and is the son of Corne- lius J. and Gertrude (Bruyn) Decker, both natives of New York. Johannis re- ceived his education in the common schools of Ulster county, and there re- mained until 1831, when he moved to Genesee county, New York. He was there engaged in farming for about five years, when he came to Chicago, Illinois, and was there employed as one of the

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

teamsters that helped removed the stand- ing army from Fort Dearbon to Fort Howard, at the head of Green Bay. He there was engaged until the spring of 1836, when he went on horseback from Chicago to Augusta, and there located until 1839, when he came to his present location. Mr. Decker was united in mar- riage in June, 1839, with Eleanor Yatez, a daughter of Christopher E. and Cath- arine ( Van Horn) Yatez, both natives of Montgomery county, New York. They have had 12 children-Cornelius, Ann M., Cornelia E., John, Augustus G., Al- bert, Abraham, Van H., Georgia A. (dead), Edmond and Christopher E. Mr. Decker has held the office of justice of the peace for this township for about five years, during the early settlement of the county. He has also been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for a number of years.

Alfred Marvin is a native of Oxford county, Canada, having been born there on the 13th of February, 1836. He is the eldest son of William and Belinda (Clothier) Marvin, both natives of Ver- mont. Alfred received his early educa- tion and advantages in Canada, and was there engaged in the milling business with his father. In the fall of 1866, he removed his location to Winnebago coun- ty, Illinois, and there remained till the spring of 1867. He then made his home in McDonough county, and located in- Lamoine, where he has remained ever since. His farm contains fifty-six and one-half acres of good land, fifty acres of which are under cultivation, the rest being timber. Mr. Marvin was married on the 16th of April, 1869, to Anna Deck- er, a daughter of Johannis C. and Ele-

anor (Yaez) Decker, of this township. They have had five children, four of whom are living-William C., Frederick, Jeddie, dead; Mina and Myrta. Mr. Marvin is a member of the United Breth- ren church, and for a number of years, has been a member of the United Work- man.

Among the prominent men of Lamoine township, we must not fail to mention George W. Collins, who was born in Floyd county, Indiana, on January 18, 1842. His father, Frank Collins, was born in North Carolina. During the early portion of his life he worked in a saw-mill, but in his latter years he gave that up, and began farming in Floyd county, Indiana, where he has since re- mained. His wife, Sarah (Mosier) Col- lins, was born in Harrison county, Indi- ana. George remained with his parents until the spring of 1865, when he came to McDonough county, and located on section 30, Lamoine township, where he still remains. He is the owner of 95 acres of land, and 20 acres of timber land in Schuyler county. He has culti- vated his farm, and has some of the fin- est products in the county. Mr. Collins was married on March 19, 1868, to San- nie Walker, daughter of Seldon S. and Eliza (Maxwell) Walker, who are now living in Schuyler county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have been blessed with three children-Lizzie, Frank, and Rosa. They have one child dead-Sarah.

Lamech D. Little, a son of Lamech and Elizabeth (Henderson) Little, was born in Maryland, on the 16th of Jan- uary, 1819. He remained in his native state until 1825, when he moved to Har- rison county, Ohio. He there received

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH. COUNTY.

his schooling and was afterwards en- gaged in farming, until 1839, when he came, by the aid of a team, to McDon- ough county, Illinois. He has remained a resident of this county ever since, with the exception of a few years resi- dence in Schuyler county. Since living in this county, he has cultivated a fine farm, and has in all, 160 acres of land, part being timber land. Mr. Little was united in marriage on the 30th of Dec- ember, 1843, to Francis Henderson. They have had seven children-Catha- rine J., James, Eliza, Ann, Silas, and David, all of whom are now dead. One son was in the service, in company I, 10th Missouri regiment. He was taken with diphtheria, and died. Mrs. Little died in 1851, and in December, 1852, Mr. Little was married to Margaret J. House, a daughter of Charles and Jane ( Wallace) House. They have two adop- ted children-Ellen and Lamech. Mr. Little was township assessor one year, and for a number of years has been school director. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

John W. Hendricks, resides on sec- tion 15, Lamoine township. He is a na- tive of Ohio, and was born there on the 14th of November, 1833. He is the son of Frederick and Nancy ( Underwood) Hendricks. Frederick was born in Pen- dleton county, Kentucky, August 17, 1797. When 17 years of age, he re- moved from Kentucky to Ohio, and made his permanent settlement in Cham- paign county, where he worked at the trade of a brickmason. In October, 1838, he came to McDonough county, Illinois, and in 1840, built the first brick house in Lamoine township, in which

Methodists held several of their revivals. His wife was Nancy Underwood, by whom he had 13 children-Jane, wife of William Erving, now dead; William, now living in Hancock county, Illinois; James B., now residing in Lamoine township; Joseph, dead; Sarah, wife of John Archer, a resident of Page county, Iowa; George, dead; Harriet, wife of N. Gibson, now deceased; John W., a resi- dent of this township; Rebecca, wife of T. P. Price, now living in Washington territory; Benjamin F., dead; Mary, wife of Hugh Wear, now living in La- moine township; Harvey, living at the present time in Lamoine township; and Charley, also a resident of this town- ship. Mr. Hendricks died in February, 1879. John W., came to McDonough county, in 1838, with his parents, and re- mained with his father until 1860, when he moved on section 15, where he has since made his home. He has always followed the occupation of a farmer, and is now possessor of 240 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation. He devotes some of his time to the raising of stock, but pays particular attention to the raising of clover, wheat and corn, for which cultivation he has one of the best farms in the township. Mr. Hend- ricks was married on the 19th day of January, 1860, to E. M. Horrell, a daugh- ter of Elijah H., and Lucy (Bragg) Hor- rell, both natives of Kentucky. They have had five children, whose names are -Isabella, wife of W. R. Payne, now liv- ing in Kansas; Emma, wife of D. M. Hatch, now a resident of Kansas; Cora, Frances, and John T. Mr. Hendricks is a member of Triumph lodge, No. 131, A. O. U. W., of Plymouth, Illinois, of

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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 74

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