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 81

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 81

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Theophilus G. Walker, a prominent citizen of this county, is a son of Allen H. Walker, a native of Adair county, Kentucky. The latter came to McDon- ough county in 1835, and lived for one year, upon Cyrus Walker's farm. In the spring of 1836 he settled on the farm, where his son now resides, on section 35, Scotland township. He died here Aug- ust 30, 1858. He was an earnest chris- tian, and one of the original members of Camp creek Presbyterian church. Theo- philus G. Walker was the ninth, of a

714

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

family of ten children, and was born on the farm which is now his home, May 5, 1843. He was educated in the district school, and at Abingdon college; where he attended for a time. On completing his education he engaged in farming, which occupation he has always followed. He owns 247 acres of well improved land, and is a thorough going and suc- cessful farmer. He served as county supervisor in 1882, and has held other offices of trust in the township. He was married, December 11, 1873, to Emma C. Thomson, a daughter of Rev. P. W. Thomson, of this county. They have three children-Wallace A., Bertha and Alta. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are mem- bers of Camp creek Presbyterian church.

Rev. Preston W. Thomson, was born in Nicholas county, Kentucky, January 17, 1816, and is a son of James H. Thom- son, a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. In 1828 his parents moved to Decatur county, Indiana, where Preston W., grew to manhood. In 1844 he entered the theological seminary at New Albany, Indiana, where he took a full course and graduated. He was licensed to preach in 1846, and ordained in 1848. In the summer of that year he assumed charge of a church at Mt. Carmel, Illinois, where he continued five years. He then preached 16 months at Vermont, Illinois, then went to Ipava. In 1857, moved to Prairie City, and was then pastor of a church until 1868. Two years later he became pastor of the Camp creek church, continuing in charge four and one half years. He now resides with his son-in-law, T. G. Walker. He was married December 14, 1848, to Mary A. Ashmore, a native of Indiana. They

have one child, Emma C., now the wife of Theophilus G. Walker, as heretofore stated.

John Clark came to McDonough county in the fall of 1835, and located on section 27, Scotland township, where his son Samuel now lives.

James Clark, a prominent farmer of Scotland township, is a son of John Clark, who came to this county and lo- cated in Scotland township in the fall of 1835. John Clark was born in Scotland, November 19, 1794. He grew to man- hood in his native country and in 1817, emigrated to America, and settled in Washington county, Virginia, where he lived, with the exception of a short time spent in Indiana, until the fall of 1834. He then moved to Morgan county Illi- nois, and spent one year, coming from thence to this county. He lived on sec- tion 27, until 1863. In that year he moved to Macomb, where he died June 21, 1876. John Clark was married in 1817, to Nancy Clark, a native of Scot- land. They were the parents of six children, five of whom are now living. Mrs. Clark died April 29, 1861. James Clark, the subject of this sketch, and the eldest son of the family, was born in Washington county Virginia, August 14, 1825. He followed the fortunes of the family, coming with them to this county in 1835, and remaining with them until 1850. He then began improving the farm where he now lives, which is a well improved and highly desirable place, containing 221 acres, located on section 28. He was married April 7, 1853, to Margaret A. Watson, a daughter of David Watson, one of the early settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have

715

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

had three children born to them-Belle, now Mrs. Patrick; William H. and Janie N. Mr. Clark is a member of the Eben- ezer Presbyterian church, an enterpris- ing and prosperous farmer and a good citizen.

John Allison came to Scotland town- ship from Industry, in December, 1835, and located on section 31. He died there in 1859. His son John still resides upon the place. The latter was born in Wash- ington county, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1819. He was married December 30, 1847, to Manah J. Provine. They were the parents of nine children-James A., John A., Zachary T., Matilda J., William B., Louisa, deceased; Virgil E., George W. and Annie F.

William I. Pace removed to Scotland township from Bethel, in 1835, and lo- cated on section 31, where his son An- drew J. now resides.

Andrew J. Pace is a son of William I. Pace, a native of Cumberland county, Kentucky, born in May, 1809. William I. was reared in his native state, and there married to Sarah E. Vawters. In 1833, he removed to Illinois, and located on section 2, Bethel township, where he resided until 1835. In that year he moved to the farm now owned by his son, on section 31, Scotland township. In the fall of 1854, he removed to Macomb, where he died in May, 1855. He had a family of nine children, eight of whom are now living. Andrew J. Pace was born November 5, 1842, on the farm where he was reared, and which has al- ways been his home. He was married February 29, 1872, to Mary J. Walker, a daughter of James Walker. He has an excellent and well improved farm which

contains 242 acres. He is a public spir- ited and useful citizen, and has been an office-holder. He was commissioner of highways four years, and township col- lector and assessor, in 1883 and 1884. He was in the service during the late war, enlisting August 12, 1862, in com- pany H, of the 2d Illinois cavalry, and serving three years. He is a member of the G. A. R.

OTHER SETTLERS.

Besides the pioneers mentioned above, the following citizens are all worthy of due notice in connection with their town- ship history.

Alexander Watson, a prominent citi- zen of Scotland township, is a native of Scotland, born January 19, 1826, and a son of Hugh Watson, who lived and died in Scotland. Alexander was brought up upon a farm in his native county, where he remained till May, 1851, then with the family, emigrated to America and settled on Camp creek, in McDonough county, Illinois. Two years later, he removed to Farmer's township, Fulton county, lived there three years, after which he located upon his present farm on section 12, Scotland township. Mr. Watson was married September 4, 1849, to Isabella Galbraith, a native of Scotland; they have five children living-Hugh, Dugal A., John W., Anna B., Katie J., and Thomas D., who died December 23, 1881, in the 24th year of his age. Mr. Wat- son is the owner of a finely improved farm, comprising 268 acres. He is a member of the Camp creek Presbyterian church.

John Watson, oldest son of Hugh Wat- son, (who lived and died in Scotland),

716

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

was born March 9, 1824, in Campbell- town, Argyleshire, Scotland, where he was raised and educated. At the age of 11 years, he was apprenticed seven years to the shoemakers trade, at Glas- gow, Scotland, after which he followed that occupation till 1851. In that year he emigrated with his brothers and sis- ter to America, and located on Camp creek where he worked at his trade two years. In 1854, he removed to a farm in Fulton county and followed farming with his brothers till 1857, then returned to this county and purchased his pres- ent home. He now has a valuable and well improved farm containing 186 acres. Mr. Watson has held the office of county supervisor and commissioner of high- ways of Scotland township. He is a member of Camp creek Presbyterian church. In January 1857; he was united in marriage to Jennet Douglas, of New Salem township. Seven children have blessed their union, four of whom still live-Jennetta, Margaret J., John H., and Sarah A.

Thomas Watson, brother of Alexander, was born January 6, 1836, in Scotland. He came to America in the spring of 1851, and lived with his brothers two years on Camp creek, and three years in Fulton county, after which he removed to his present farm on section 12, Scot- land township. He has a finely im- proved and highly desirable place, con- taining 225 acres. June 6, 1867, he was married to Margaret Barclay, a daughter of James Barclay, formerly a resident of Scotland township. Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Watson are the parents of six children- Agnes J., Ella E., Mary B.,. Annie L., Harvey W. and Nettie M. Mr. Watson

is, like his brothers, a member of the Camp creek Presbyterian church.

Archibald Watson, deceased, was born near Campbelltown, Argyleshire, Scot- land, in July, 1830, and came to America with his brothers in 1851. After resid- ing on Camp creek, in Scotland township, for about two years, he with his brothers removed to Fulton county, near Table Grove, and followed farming for three years. He came back to Scotland town- ship in the spring of 1858, when he pur- chased the east half of the northeast quarter of section 12. Mr. Watson was united in marriage to Agnes Barclay, June 6, 1861. They were the parents of six children-Mary J., Hugh W., James A., Isabel, Albert T. and Mattie L. He was the owner of a valuable farm, con- sisting of 225 acres, on which he resided at the time of his death which occurred March 11, 1879. He was a member of the Camp creek Presbyterian church.

Hugh Watson, member of the present board of county supervisors, and one of the leading citizens of Scotland town- ship, is a son of Alexander Watson, and was born March 26, 1851, in Scotland. He was about two months old when the family emigrated to this country. He has spent the greater part of his life in McDonough county, coming here in 1851, his only absence from it being three years which the family spent in Fulton county. His education was obtained in the public schools of the county, includ- ing the Normal at Macomb, which he attended for a time. He made his home upon the farm with his parents till 1882. He purchased his present farm in 1880, and worked upon it two years previous to his removal to it, April 8, 1882. He

717

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

owns 100 acres of well improved and highly cultivated land, and has a desira- ble home. He is a member of the Camp creek Presbyterian church. He was elected township clerk in 1876, which office he held three years. He was county supervisor during 1879 and 1880; in 1881, was appointed township clerk, to fill a vacancy, and elected to the same office the following year. In 1883, he was again elected county supervisor, and in 1884-85 re-elected to the same office. He is a director of the "Mutual Insur- ance company," of Industry, Illinois. Mr. Watson was married March 29, 1882, to Jennie S. Blazer, daughter of David Blazer, a former resident of this county. They have two children-Alza C. and Florence M. Mrs. Watson was a teacher in this county for eight years, teaching one year of that time in the Macomb public school. Mr. Watson also taught school three terms in district No. 1, Scotland township.

John W. Watson, another son of Alexander Watson, is a native of Ful- ton county, Illinois, born on March 21, 1855. He removed to this county with the family, in 1857. Here he grew to manhood receiving his education in the district school and at Macomb. He be- gan farming on his present farm in 1880. His residence was erected two years later. He has 100 acres of land, all under cul- tivation. He was united in marriage December 13, 1882, with Lizzie N. Alli- son, a daughter of A. H. Allison, of Scotland township. Mr. and Mrs. Wat- son have one child, named-Edna G. The brothers Watson, both elder and younger, rank prominently among the best class of Scotland township's citizens.

Thomas Watson is a son of Hugh Wat- son, who lived and died in Scotland. Thomas was born in that country, Janu- ary 6, 1836, and remained there until April, 1851, when he accompanied his three brothers and a sister, to America. They came directly to McDonough county, and settled on Camp creek, in Scotland township. Two years later they removed to Fulton county, where they resided three years, then returned to Scot- land township, and Thomas then located on his present farm, which is desirably located on section 12, and contains 200 acres of well improved land. Mr. Wat- son was married June 6, 1867, to Mar- garet Barclay, daughter of James Bar- clay, formerly of this township, but now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are the parents of six children-Agnes J., Ella E., Mary B., Annie L., Harvey W. and Mattie M. Mr. Watson is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and a leading citizen of Scotland township.

John M. Kelly, son of George and Nancy (Marshall) Kelly, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, Aug- ust 15, 1829. John was reared in his native county, and obtained his educa- tion in the common schools. He was en- gaged in farming there until 1851, when he went to Crawford county, Ohio, and remained three years, then returned to Pennsylvania. One year later, he re- moved to McDonough county, and located upon section 18, Scotland township, where he now resides. He has a fine farm, comprising 160 acres on section 18, and 160 in Chalmers township. March 11, 1856, he was united in marriage with Agnes Doran, who died January 14, 1873, leaving him three children-Alice Belle,

718

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

George B. and Johnny Blair. Mr. Kelly was married April 27, 1875, to Belle Mc- Alister, a native of Scotland. By this union there is one child-Annie Eliza- beth. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly are members of the Christian church at Macomb. He is an enterprising farmer and a worthy citizen.

Abraham Kline is the eldest son of Aaron Kline, who was born in Pennsyl- vania, about the year 1815. Aaron was reared in that state, and there married to Sarah Hughes, also a native of Penn- sylvania. In March, 1857, they emigrated to. Illinois, and located in Eldorado town- ship, where they lived until 1867, then removed to section 8, Scotland township, where they now reside. They have had nine children, eight of whom are now living-Abraham, Mary, Jane, John, William, Angie, Joseph and Elizabeth. Abraham, the subject of this sketch, was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1840. He was brought up on a farm, remaining with his parents until 1862. In that year he went to Eldorado township, and there followed farming one year, thence to New Salem, where he fol- lowed the same occupation two years, after which heremoved to Macomb town- ship, and resided 12 years. He located upon his present farm, on section 7, Scot- land township, in the spring of 1882. His place is well improved, and com- prises 120 acres. Mr. Kline was married September 1, 1867, to Mary E. Easton, a native of Vermont. They have six chil- dren living-Franklin, Wilmer, Leona, Fred, Nellie and Ollie.

John F. Miner, a farmer of Sootland township, is a son of John F. Miner, Sr., an early settler in New Salem township.

·The subject of this sketch was born Jan- uary 25, 1849, in Fulton county, Illinois. When he was six years old his parents removed to McDonough county, where he was brought up and educated. He worked upon his father's farm in New Salem township until he attained his majority, then, in 1871, located on sec- tion 24, of the same township, where he followed farming until March, 1884. He then moved to his present home on sec- tion 30, Scotland township. He owns a good farm comprising 160 acres of val- uable land on that section, also 20 acres of timber in Industry. Mr. Miner was married September 29, 1870, to Elizabeth Ritter, a native of Fulton county, who died Nov. 11, 1878, leaving him one child- Dolly B. He was again married Decem- ber 25, 1880, to Cassie Swango, a native of this county, and a daughter of Barnett Swango, of New Salem township. By this union there is one child-Claudie L. Mr. Miner ranks among the first class of Scotland township's citizens.

John Barclay, a prosperous farmer of Scotland township, is a son of James Barclay, a native of Scotland, who was born in 1805. In April, 1850, James Barclay removed with his family to America, and came directly to this coun- ty, locating upon section 26, Scotland township. The subject of this sketch, John Barclay, was born about.two miles from Linlithgow, Scotland, July 25, 1833. He came with his parents to this country in 1850, and remained with them, work- ing upon the farm until 1860. In that year he removed to section 3, of the same township, where he still resides. He purchased at first 80 acres, but now has 200 acres, all under cultivation and

719

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

well improved. Mr. Barclay was mar- ried June 6, 1861, to Nancy Kelly, ana- tive of Scotland, and by this union has five children-Margaret E., Nannie C., James L., Charles W. and John A. Mr. Barclay, has served as county supervisor two years, as township clerk two years, and as a commissioner of highways seven years. He is a member of Camp creek Presbyterian church.

James Barclay, another son of James Barclay, deceased, was born December 21, 1841, in Scotland, and came to this country with his father's family in 1850. He was brought up on the farm, and educated in the district school. In 1873 he settled on the farm where he now lives. It is located on section 9, Scotland township, and contains 160 acres of highly desirable land. In the spring of 1864, he enlisted in the 100 hundred days service, becoming a mem- ber of company I, of the 137th Illinois infantry. He served until the expira- tion of his time and was discharged at Springfield, Illinois. He was united in marriage, November 26, 1874, to Jane McCallister, a daughter of Ronald Mc- Callister ot this township. They have two children-John F. and James R. Mr. Barclay is a member of Camp creek Presbyterian church.

Andrew Barclay is a son of James Barclay, who was born in Scotland August 28, 1806, and came to America, and Scotland township, McDonough county, in June, 1850. Three months later he settled, where Andrew now lives, on section 26. He was married March 16, 1832, to Agnes Binnie, a sister of Andrew Binnie, of this township. She was born in Scotland March 22, 1808,

and is still living. James Barclay died while on a visit to Scotland, September 1, 1883. They raised a family of eight children- John, Robert, Agnes, James, Margaret, Andrew, William and Alexan- der. Andrew Barclay was born in Scot- land September 17, 1846, and came here with the family in 1850. He was brought up. on the farm where he and his brother Alexander now live. He was married April 4, 1878, to Catherine McAlister, and by this union has four children-Albert R., James I., Anna A. and George C. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the Camp creek Presbyterian church.

Alexander Barclay was born on the farm, where he has always resided, July 25, 1852. He owns, in partnership with his brother Andrew, 210 acres of land, and is in prosperous circumstances.

Robert Barclay is a son of James Barclay, and came to this country with his father's family in 1850. Robert was born in Scotland, June 1, 1835. He ob- tained his education in his native coun- try, where he was brought up on a farm. After coming to Scotland township, he lived with his parents, and worked upon the farm until the spring of 1864. At that date he located on his present farm which is now one of the best in the township. It comprises 122 acres on section 11. He owns also 80 acres. on section 14. He carries on general farm- ing, and buys and feeds considerable stock. He erected his commodious res- idence in 1873, at a cost of $2,000. His barn, which is large and convenient, was built in 1876, costing $1,775. Mr. Bar- clay was elected, in 1881, to the office of justice of the peace, which he still holds.

720

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

He is school director of district No. 1, and a prominent and worthy citizen. He is connected with the Presbyterian church of Camp creek. August 17, 1866, he was married to Jane Donald- son, a native of Scotland. They are the parents of five children-William, Rob- ert, John, Ellen and Jessie.

Granville R. Rexroat is a a son of Peter Rexroat, a native of the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, born May 2, 1802. When a child of eight years, Peter removed with his parents to Rus- sell· county, Kentucky, where he was reared, and married to Morning Hop- per, a native of Virginia. She died in October, 1874. He survived until April, 1877. They had a family of six chil- dren, of whom Granville is the fifth. In 1846, Peter Rexroat moved, with his family, to Morgan county, Illinois, where they lived 18 months, then removed to Des Moines county, Iowa. They came from thence to Scotland township, in the spring of 1853, locating on section 23, where Peter Rexroat died. Gran- ville was born October 11, 1839, in Ken- tucky. He resided with his parents un- til 1866, when he settled on his present farm on section 24, Scotland township, containing 300 acres of choice land. Mr. Rexroat was married September 17, 1865, to Mary A. Daldoch, a native of Kentucky. They are the parents of eight children - Adelia V., Alice M., Hettie B., Anna E., Minnie, Della, James W. and Granville E. Mr. Rex- roat was assessor of Scotland township in 1882. He is a member of the United Brethren church.

Lawson T. Rexroat, who resides upon section 24, Scotland township, is a son

of James Rexroat, and was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, July 5, 1851. In 1853 the family moved to McDonough county, Illinois, and settled in Scotland township, where Lawson was reared, and obtained his education in the common schools. He worked upon his father's farm from the time he attained a suita- ble age until 1876, when he located on his present place. He has 160 acres, all under cultivation, and well improved. He was married September 2, 1875, to Alice Rexroat of Morgan county, Illi- nois. They have three children-Sarah, Lela, Harvey Earl, who died May 18, 1880; and Alta J. In the fall of 1882, Mr. Rexroat removed with his family to Morgan county, Illinois, where they re- sided two years, then returned to Scot- land township. He is a member of the United Brethren church.

James M. Rexroat, importer of Nor- man, English and Clyde horses, began this business in 1870, under the firm name of Rexroat, Moore & Westfall. In 1873 he bought out his partners' inter- ests, and has since continued the busi- ness alone. Since 1873, he has made three trips to Europe after horses, and has imported in all, 24 head. Mr. Rex- roat is a native of Russell county, Ken- tucky, born January 22, 1828. He is a son of Peter Rexroat, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1802. In 1809 his parents removed to Kentucky, thence to this county, in 1853. James M. came here with his father's family, and settled in Scotland township, where he now owns one of the finest farms in the town- ship, which comprises 320 acres of finely improved land. Mr. Rexroat was mar- ried September 8, 1850, to Jane Moyers,

721

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

a native of Greene county, Illinois. They have ten children-Lawson T., Eliza, Winfield, Sarah, William H., Jourdan H., Teleus C., Robert H., Edgar L. and Frederick D. Mr. Rexroat is a man of sterling qualities, and held in high esteem throughout the community. He has held all of the local offices, and always creditably. He is a member of the Masonic lodge and chapter, and one of the trustees of the United Bretliren church.

Andrew Binnie, deceased, was a native of Falkirk, Scotland, born March 9, 1805. He was a son of Robert Binnie, also a native of Scotland. Andrew grew to manhood in Scotland, and was there married, to Agnes Waddill, who was born in that country, October 14, 1813. They had a family of seven children, five of whom are now living in this township-Robert and John, twins; An- drew, James, and Annie, wife of John F. Watson. In June, 1849, Mr. Binnie emigrated with his family to America, and settled at Astoria, Fulton county, Illinois. They remained there but three months, then removed to section 27, Scotland township, where Mr. Binnie died, March 2, 1855. His widow, Mrs. Agnes Binnie, survived until July 27, 1879, when she died, in this township.

John Binnie, son of Andrew Binnie, was born in Falkirk, Scotland, March 14, 1842. He was quite young when his parents settled in this county, where he was educated and grew to manhood's estate. He then engaged in farming with his brother Robert, until 1878. In April, of that year, he removed to his present home. He owns a fine farm of 320 acres, and is engaged in raising and

feeding stock. He was married March 28, 1880, to Effie B. Savage, daughter of James S. Savage. They have two children-Alena and Eunice D. Mr. Binnie is a member of the Camp creek Presbyterian church, and in 1874 held the office of assessor of Scotland town- slip.

James Binnie, son of Andrew Binnie, is located on section 5, Scotland town- ship, where he owns a well improved farm, comprising 200 acres. Mr. Binnie was born July 29, 1845, in Scotland, and came with his father's family to Mc- Donough county in 1849. He remained living with his parents till 1868. He then worked for himself, upon his fath- er's farm until 1881, at which time he settled upon his present farm. He was married March 4, 1874, to Maria L. Moore, a daughter of John C. Moore, of Scotland township. By this union there are three children-Agnes V., Alice M., and Raleigh H. Mr. Binnie is a prom- inent citizen of this township, and a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church. In May 1864, he enlisted in the three months service, in the 137th Illinois infantry, and served till October, 1864.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 81

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