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 79

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 79

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A curious feature is seen on section 30, being a group of so-called Indian mounds, which were evidently used for

burial purposes by the aboriginal pos- sessors of this section. They consist of an irregular row of hillocks, from three to six feet in height, from 15 to 25 feet across at their base. They will number probably, about 20, and are located in the east portion of the section. They are so ancient that many of them are covered with large timber of such' slow growing varieties as oak and hickory. From several of the depositaries of the dead, there has been, at different times, exhumed different implements of de- fence, in the shape of stone hatchets, spear and arrow heads. Sometimes the spade will turn up the bones of the dead brave, and occasionally some trifl- ing ornament. They are a curious peo- ple who are fast fading into oblivion. For the above facts we are indebted to Charles E. Holton. A large amount of fine lime stone is found on the place of Charles Holton, on section 30, extend- ing over the entire section.

EARLY SETTLERS.

The first to make a settlement in this township was John Gibson, a native of the state of North Carolina, who came to this locality in 1829, and settled upon section two. He built the first house within the limits of the present township near the present village of Middletown.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Prominent among the pioneers of Mc- Donough county, was Benjamin Mat- thews, who settled in Bethel township, in 1829, where he reared a family of 12 children. He was born in the state of Tennessee, in 1792. In 1813, he re- moved to Cass county, Illinois, where he remained until he came to this township. He was united in marriage, in Tennes- see, in 1811, to Polly Shoopman. Mr. Matthews served the war of 1812, and also the Black Hawk war. His death occurred in 1878.

Among the first settlers of Bethel township, was James H. Dunsworth, who settled on section 8, in 1830, where he lived until his death, which occurred August 5, 1860. He was born in Ten- nessee, June 20, 1808, where he was married to Jane Baker, also a native of that state. He remained in Tennessee until he came to this county. The death of Mrs. Dunsworth occurred February 13,1860. Both bodies are interred in the Archer cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Dunsworth were the parents of the fol- lowing children-Mary A., William M,, John A., Andrew J., James N., Abbie J., Jefferson W., and Dimmon B.

James Edmonston, who was promi- nently identified with the early history of the county was also a settler of this same year, probably, although- there seems some doubt whether he came in 1829 or 1830.

John Venard,in 1830, came to this town- ship, and located upon the southeast quarter of section 14 which he fully im- proved. Here he lived until his death. William Venard, his only son by his last marriage, bought out the interests of the other heirs, at his death and resided here

until his death when it was purchased by George G. Venard the present owner. John Venard was a native of Harrison county, Kentucky, and came to· Illinois in 1829, making a temporary stop in Mor- gan county, and came here as above stated.

William Venard came to the county in 1831, selecting Bethel township for his future home. His son, George, still re- . sides in the township, of whom a sketch is appended.

George Venard has always been a resident of Bethel township. His par- ents, William and Sarah Jane (McClure) Venard were natives of Kentucky, who removed to Illinois in 1830 and located in Morgan county. One year later they came to McDonough county and settled in Bethel township. George Venard was born here, March 19, 1841. October 13, 1864 he was married to M. A. Morton. By this union there were nine children, seven of whom are now living-Edward E., Alberta L., Alice B., Myrtle M.,Leona, Margaret J., and William L. Stewart and Adda A., are deceased. Mr. Venard resides on section 14, where he owns 200 acres of land, which consists mostly of prairie and is nearly all under cultiva- tion. This is the homestead farm form- erly owned by his father. Mr. Venard is an enterprising and prosperous farmer. As a citizen he is held in much esteem. He has held different offices in the town- ship, having been school treasurer nine years, supervisor five years, and chair- man for the last year. He enlisted early in the late war, in the 16th Illinois In- fantry, and continued in the service about a year. He was then discharged on account of an accident, which occur-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

red while cleaning a revolver. He after- wards re-enlisted in company H, of the 2d Illinois Cavalry and participated in three battles and several skirmishes. For many years he voted with the re- publican party, but at present, votes the independent ticket.

Charles Dunsworth came in the fall of 1832, living with his son James until the following spring, when he settled upon the northeast quarter of section 17, where he resided until his death, in 1842. He was a native of East Tennes- see.

In the fall of 1832, Malachi Monk came to McDonough county, settling in Bethel township, where he entered the west half of the southwest quarter of section 7. He lived here until his death, which occurred in April, 1840. His remains are interred on the old home- stead. Mr. Monk was born in the south, and travelled through Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and lived some time in the state of Ken- tucky. In 1812, he went to Indiana, where he engaged in farming until he came to this county. His wife, Jemima (Jones) Monk, died in February, 1859, and is buried in the Scott cemetery.

John Monk came with his parents to this township in the fall of 1832, enter- ing the east half of the southwest quar- ter of section 7, adjoining that of his father, Malachi. He has resided here ever since, with the exception of a resi- dence of nine years in Plymouth, Han- cock county. He was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, January 6, 1808, and four years later went with his parents to Indiana, where he remained until com- ing to this county. He was married

January 28, 1829, to Mahala Stroud, daughter of Thomas and Jane ( Moore) Stroud. They were parents of the fol- lowing children-Hester A., Thomas W., Samuel, Emily J., William, Simon and Mary, twins, and Henry F.

Martin Fugate came to McDonough county in 1832, settling in Bethel town- ship, where he engaged in farming. He raised a large family of children. He was a native of Virginia, but spent two years Indiana, previous to his settle- ment here. Isaac, a son who was also born in Virginia, is still a resident of the township, owning a farm on section 21. He was married to Elizabeth Mat- thews, January 10, 1849. Another son of Martin's, John W., also resides in this township, on section 29.

John W. Fugate, a well-known and prosperous farmer of Bethel township, came here with his parents in 1832. The latter were Martin and Nancy B. (Hobbs) Fugate, natives of Virginia. They re- moved to Monroe county, Indiana, in 1832, thence to McDonough county, where they purchased 160 acres of land on section 30, Bethel township. John W. obtained a limited education, and remained with his parents until 22 years of age. He was born in Russell county, Virginia, April 13, 1817. September 19, 1839, he was united in marriage with Ophelia C. Monk. Three children bless this union-Samuel N., Martin V. and Mary R. The two sons enlisted August 22, 1862, in company A, of the 78th Illi- nois infantry, and both died in battle. Mrs. Fugate died March 4, 1847. Mr. Fugate remained a widower, until De- cember 28, 1865, when he was married to Nancy A. Toland, a native of Ohio.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Mr. Fugate's first purchase of land was in 1840, consisting of 40 acres. He owns at present 200 acres, located on section 29, a highly improved and valu- able farm. Mr. Fugate is a member of the Baptist church, and politically favors the democratic party. He is one of the leading citizens of Bethel township.

James C. Archer came in 1832. He was a native of Cass county, Kentucky, and was born there December 25, 1812.

Thomas F. Shoopman settled in Bethel township, in the spring of 1833, entering 200 acres of government land on section 29, where he still resides. Thomas F. Shoopman was a native of East Tennes- see, born January 15, 1811. His parents, Jacob and Polly (Owens) Shoopman, natives of Virginia. His parents came to Hopkinsville, Kentucky, in 1829. His father died there December 30, 1829. The rest of the family came to Morgan county, Illinois, and lived there until 1833. Then came to McDonough county, where his mother died in 1840. Thomas left home at the age of 21. He was mar- ried to Patience Smedly, a native of Tennessee, and by this union had ten children-Elizabeth, Nancy J., Jacob, John S., Mary, Susan, Sarah, Catherine, Martha and Hannah. Mrs. Shoopman died in 1864, leaving a large family to mourn her death. In 1865, Mr. Shoop- man was married to Mrs. Jerusha Ann Burress, who was born in Illinois. By this marriage there are two children- Nettie D. and Albert T. Mr. Shoopman casts his vote with the democratic party. The present Mrs. Shoopman had by her former marriage, five children-Edna J., Elmira A., William F., Toliver D. and Joseph T. Joseph died on his birthday,

March 19, 1885, at the age of 23 years. Thomas F., has lived at this place 52 years, and while in McDonough county, has had but two deaths in his family.

William I. Pace came to Bethel town- ship from Cumberland county, Kentucky, in 1833. He resided there until 1835, when he removed to Scotland township. He died in Macomb, in May, 1855.

Bowen Webb came to McDonough county, in 1833. His first settlement was in Scotland township, five miles south of Macomb. He took up a claim there, but sold his relinquishment before entering it. He then came to Bethel, where he lived about three years. He was born in North Carolina, and prior to the year 1818, located in Tennessee. He never remained long in a place, but was con- stantly on the move. He was a resident of Franklin county, Illinois, before com- ing to this county, and afterward lived in Iowa and Kansas. His death occur- red in the latter state, in 1871. Mr. Webb was in the war of 1812. He was married in 1808, to Susan O'Neil, a native of Vir- ginia, who also died in Kansas.

Jesse C. Webb came to Bethel town- ship with his parents in 1833. He lived here a number of years, and after con- siderable moving about, returned to Mc- Donough county, and later, settled in Lamoine township, where he still resides. He was born in Tennessee, June 26, 1818, and in 1826, went with his parents to Franklin county, Illinois, where he re- mained until he came to McDonough county. He was postmaster at Middle- town, from 1857 to 1860, and also con- ducted a grocery store at that place for a number of years. Mr. Webb responded to the governor's call for volunteers for

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

the Mormon war, and was commissioned captain of his company.

John Matthews came in 1833, from Cass county, Illinois. He was a native of Tennessee, born July 1, 1802, and was a brother of Benjamin, who settled here in 1829. He was twice married, the first time to Priscilla Handy, and again to Polly Davis, of Cass county, Illinois. Mr. Matthews died December 18, 1852, in Beardstown, Illinois, at which place he was buried. His last wife is still liv- ing, and has since been married to Peter Hudson.

Samuel T. Matthews, now a resident of Lamoine township, came with his par- ents to Bethel township, in 1833.

M. C. Foster came to the county from Pennsylvania, in 1834, and settled just south of Middletown, now known as Fandon.

Among the early settlers at Bethel, was William Holton, who came from the state of Vermont to this township in the fall of 1835, purchasing 80 acres of land on section 30. He lived here for a while when he removed to Lamoine township, where he died November 12, 1877.

Charles E. Holton, an early settler in the county was born September 7, 1830, in the town of Westminster, Vermont. His parents were William and Betsey (Mason ) Holton, the former a native of the same town, born in 1801; the latter, also a native of Vermont, was born in 1800. The family removed to this county from Vermont in 1835, and located there upon section 30, Bethel township. Chas. E., the subject of this sketch, was mar- ried November 12, 1867, to Ettie Mc- Kinley, a teacher of Schuyler county, who came with her parents to Macomb,

from the city of Pomeroy, Meigs county, Ohio, in 1857. Her father was formerly a merchant, and afterwards followed farming. She was born January 3, 1848. In the spring of 1853, Mr. Holton crossed the plains to California, where he re- mained 11 years in the pursuit of wealth, in which he was fairly successful. He returned to this state in 1864, and pur- chased of his father the homestead farm, for which he paid the sum of $5,000. In 1868, his father moved to Plymouth. Mr. Holton now owns 168 acres of valuable land in addition to the homestead farm, which contains 228 acres. He has fol- lowed stock raising, and has been pros- perous in that business. Mr. and Mrs. Holton have two children-Ida Blanche, born September 28, 1868, and Ada Ford, born August 5, 1872. Mr. Holton is a man of fair education and a worthy citi- zen.

George W. Provine came to this county from Clark county, Indiana, in the fall of 1835, and located on section 1, Bethel township. He is now a resident of Scot- land township.

In 1835, James L. Horrell made a set- tlement in the township. He was a na- tive of Kentucky, where he was married to Lee Cason, also a native of that state. In 1827, he removed to Illinois, settling in Morgan county, after which he came to this county, as above. Mr. Horrell died in 1841, and his wife in 1850. J. N. N. Horrell, a son of James, deceased, came with his parents to Bethel when about five years of age, and still resides here, owning a farm on section 3. He was born in Scott county, this state, Oc- tober 27, 1830, and was married on the 18th day of February, 1856, to Clarissa

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Kinkade. Five children were born to them-Julia A., Mary R., Ida M., Eliza L. and Martha J.

In 1835, John McCormack effected a settlement in the township. He was born in Maryland, on the 21st day of August, 1789.

John Patrick, who was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, January 1, 1810, emi- grated to McDonough county in 1835, settling in this township. He laid out the town of Fandon, formerly known as Middletown, and afterward removed to the city of Macomb.

John E. Riggs, a native of North Car- olina, came in March, 1836, entering land on the southeast quarter of section 2. He was born in 1814, and when one year of age his parents removed to Kentucky, and at the age of 14 they removed to Sangamon county, Illinois. John re- mained with his parents until he was 23 years of age, when he was married in Morgan county to Ailsey Cox, December 31, 1835, and the next spring came to this township.

Samuel Riggs came about the same time. His son Russell still lives in the township.

Russell Riggs is a son of Samuel and Nancy Riggs. Samuel Riggs was a na- tive of Maryland, and his wife of South Carolina. Russell was born in Greenup county, Kentucky, June 7, 1821. The family moved in 1828, to Sangamon county, Illinois. Seven years later they removed to McDonough county, and lo- cated on section 1, Bethel township, where they purchased 240 acres of land. Russell Riggs resided with his parents till 24 years old. He received a limited education, and in his youth worked at

farming. In 1845, he was married to Jane Venard, who died in 1870. Nine children were born to them, seven of whom are now living-Mary E., James L., John T., Samuel B., William D., Andrew N. and Anna B. Mr. Riggs was again married February 2, 1871, to Eliza Jane Lucas. By this union there is one child-George M. Mr. Riggs re- sides upon a part of the homestead farm purchased by his father in 1835. He is politically a democrat.

OTHER CITIZENS.

Following may be found sketches of other well-known citizens of Bethel township, which are necessary, as show- ing the part they have taken in building up the township:

George W. Twaddle is a native of McDonough county, and was born on the farm upon which he now resides. He was born on the 28th of August, 1845, and is the son of William and Hannah (Hooton) Twaddle. William was born in Ohio, and was one of a fam- ily of 15 children, five of whom were born blind, and Hannah in Ohio. Wil- liam was a farmer through life, and in 1844 came to McDonough county, Illi- nois, and located on the farm now occu- pied by his son George. He lived here until 1879, when he died and and passed beyond the river. He was much re- spected, and from 1847 until the day of his death, was justice of the peace. Mrs. Twaddle, who was formerly Hannah Hooton, died August, 1864, and was buried in the Scott cemetery. They had 11 children, five of whom are now dead -John W., living in Hancock county; William H., living in Macomb; Mar-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

sena A., now living in Bethel township; one girl died in infancy, in Ohio; James, dead; Mary Ann, wife of W. W. Huff, of Hancock county; Mahlon, dead; George, now living in this township; Mi- nerva E., wife of William Lawyer, of Tennessee township; David and Jacob, dead. George lived at home with his father, and assisted him in his work un. til 1879, and after his father's death he made some improvements on the farm, and now pays attention to stock raising as well as general farming. He owns 226 acres of land, 166 acres adapted to his use, and the remainder divided in- to pastures and timberland. Mr. Twad- dle was married on July 19, 1868, to Cynthia Hatch, a daughter of Alonzo and Minerva Hatch. She died on the 1st of January, 1869. Mr. T. was again married, on the 28th of September, 1872, to Miss Philena D. Stookey. They have had four children-Maber, Perry, Ottie P. and Otto B. Mr. Twaddle has been justice of the peace of Bethel township for five years, and is director in the Union school district No. 7.

Jacob S. Baymiller has been a resi- dent of McDonough county since 1857, when he settled in Industry township. In 1864, he purchased a farm of 126 acres in that township, upon which he lived 10 years, and then sold. In 1878 he bought a farm in Bethel township on which he now lives. It is located in section 12 and 13, and contains 120 acres. Mr. Baymiller was born August 8, 1826, in York county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of John and Mary (Smith) Baymiller, also natives of Pennsylvania. He received a common school education, and lived at home until 19 years of age.

He then served a three years appren- ticeship to learn the carpenter trade, af- ter which he followed car building for 20 years. When 27 years old he was married to Ann Tuttle, a native of Ohio, who died two years later, leaving one child-Arabell. In 1859 he was again married to Kate Rodges, a native of Illinois. Five children have been born to them-Edgar L., Harry S., Alonzo J., Mary J. and Nellie. Mr. Baymiller is a republican, and takes an active interest in political affairs. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has held various township offices, and is a popular citizen.

Sterling C. Simpson resides on sec- tion 7, Bethel township, where he owns 160 acres of cultivated land. He has paid particular attention to the raising of live stock, and has some fine graded horses-Clydesdales and English drafts. Mr. Simpson is a native of East Tennes- see, and was born on the 26th of May, 1811. He is the son of James and Leti- tia (Willett) Simpson. James was born in Tennessee, and Letitia in Mary- land. Sterling was engaged in farming with his father until September, 1834, when he went to clerking for his broth- er, in Kingsport, Tennessee. He there remained one year, when he came to McDonough county, Illinois, and located in Macomb, where he established a gen- eral store. He was so engaged until 1839, when he went to LaGrange, Illinois, and there was engaged in his former occu- pation for some time, when he erected a pork-packing establishment, and was so engaged one year. In 1840 he returned to Macomb, and in the spring of that year went to Knox county, where he was

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

engaged in farming, two miles and one- half from Knoxville, and there remained until 1859, when he moved to the said town and set up in the grocery business. In the spring of 1867 he came back to Macomb, and established his former business. in which he was engaged until 1868, when he moved to a farm one mile east of that city. In the spring of 1876 he removed to his present residence, which is known as one of the finest in the township. Mr. Simpson was mar- ried on the 28th of June, 1838, to Cath- erine Johnson, of Pennsylvania. She is the daughter of George Johnson of the same state. Mrs. Simpson died in Knoxville, in February, 1863, leaving four children -John J., John (both died in infancy); George W., living in White City, Kansas; and Francis W.,

living in Chalmers township. Mr. Simpson was again married on the 4th of October, 1864, to Sarah A. Smith, a daughter of John and Harriet (Gibbons) Smith. They have had two children- Sterling S. and John G. Mr. Simpson is a member of the Presbyterian church, and an earnest worker in that cause. He has been assessor for Macomb town- ship; also assessor for Knox township, in Knox county.

G. F. Raymond located in 1869 on section 21, Bethel township, and has, since that time been a resident of this county. He was born in Orange county, New York; August 11, 1834, and is a son of Uriah and Margaret (Decker) Ray- mond. The subject of this sketch re- ceived a common school education, and resided with his parents till 22 years of age. He was married February 19, 1853, to Sarah A. McMurtry, a native of

New York state. They have had five children, of whom four are living-Sarah A., Margaret A., John U., Gabriel J. and Mary C. Mr. Raymond has always followed farming. He came to Illinois in 1858, and settled in Birmingham town- ship, Schuyler county, where he owned forty acres of land and lived eleven years. This land he sold on coming to Bethel, and purchased 80 acres in the latter township which he still owns. In politics Mr. Raymond is an independent. At present he holds the office of justice of the peace. He is a member of the United Brethren church, and a christian gentleman.

Marvin Miller settled where he now resides on section 20, Bethel township, in 1860. He still owns forty acres of land which he purchased at that time. He was born in Summit county, Ohio, September 16, 1834, and is a son of Charles and Sarah (Bryant) Miller, of whom the former was a native of Con- necticut, and the latter of Ohio. Mar- vin received his education in the com- mon schools of his native county. He left the parental roof at the age of fifteen years, and has followed farming from that time until the present. To his original purchase of forty acres in this township, Mr. Miller has since added 160 acres, making altogether a large and valuable farm, in the management of which he has displayed much energy and good judgment, and as a result has been successful financially. He is a re- publican in politics, and takes a deep interest in state and national affairs. As a citizen he is highly respected, and is one of the leading men of Bethel town- ship. Mr. Miller was married May 21,

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

1863, to Sarah Shoopman. By this union there are four children,-Patience, John F., Thomas H., and Jesse M ..

Burrow Mason, one of the early set- tlers of McDonough county, was born in Cook county, East Tennessee, May 6, 1814. His parents were Adin and Mary (Warmact) Mason, natives of Virginia. The subject of this sketch received a limited education. He resided with his parents till 21 year old, and after leaving home, continued to contribute to their support until their death. He came to Bethel township, McDonough county, in 1836, and purchased there forty acres to which he has since added, and now has 120 acres. He has always followed farm- ing. December 8, 1846, he was married to Eveline Hendrickson, a native of Ohio. They are the parents of eleven children, of whom eight are now living -Adin P., Jesse H., Eliza J., George W., William E., Benjamin B., Samuel P., and Etta R. Mr. Mason is politi- cally a democrat, but his six sons are republicans.

Ishmael Hills, a farmer of Bethel township, and an old settler of Illinois, was born in North Carolina in 1808, and is a son of Ephraim and Nancy (Owensby) Hills, also natives of that state. Soon after the birth of Ishmael his parents removed to Tennessee, thence to Indiana, where he lived with them until eighteen years old. He then was mar- ried to Elizabeth Wright and started west, coming to Rushville Illinois, in 1828. There he bought a farm of 80 acres and made his home until 1878, then came to this county and located on the southwest quarter of section 1, Bethel township, where he now owns a good farm,

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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 79

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