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 83

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 83

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Walter Janes came in 1834, with his wife and family, and located on section 7.

John Janes, son of Walter and Ardra (Crook) Janes, was born in Kentucky, in the year 1828, and came with his par- ents to McDonough county in 1834. His father, Walter Janes, bought 80 acres of land on section 7, Industry township. John remained on this place till the death of his father, in 1853, then sold out and purchased 90 acres on section 9, upon which he lived 15 years. He then again sold out and bought of Simon Smith, the valuable farm which he now owns and resides upon, comprising 127 acres, located on section 16, Industry township. Mr. Janes was married in January, 1854, to Nancy Vanter, the Reverend Mr. Borin officiating on that occasion. Mr. and Mrs. Janes are the parents of seven children- Paris J., Amny B. Addie E., George W., Edgar, Paulina and Eliza A. Mr. Janes be- came a member of the Masonic frater- nity in 1868, when he joined Industry lodge, No. 237. He has served as a steward of that organization one year. He has held the office of school director three terms. In consequence of the meager advantages which this county afforded during his youth his education is limited. He has however a high ap- preciation of the value of such advan- tages, and takes much interest in the cause of education. The Janes broth- ers are enterprising and prosperous far- mers, and much respected in the com- munity where they reside.

Jesse Janes, of Industry township, re- sides upon section 20, where he owns an excellent farm, comprising 362 acres. A portion of this land lies in section 21

and 7, but is adjoining that upon which he lives. He is engaged in general farm- ing. Mr. Janes was born in the year 1820, in Kentucky, and is a son of Walter and Ardra (Crook) Janes, who also were natives of Kentucky. They removed from that state to McDonough county, Illinois, in 1834, locating then in Industry township. Walter Janes died here in 1853, and his wife in 1881. Jesse came to this county with his par- ents, with whom he lived until 21 years old. December 31, 1846, he was married to Perlina Vanter, who died April 15, 1860, leaving him five children-Wil- liam D., Sarah E., Harriet J., Mary M. and Thomas C. May 21, 1861, Mr. Janes was married to Elizabeth Vail, daughter of Thomas Vail. By this union there are two children-Walter V. and Luella. Mr. and Mrs. Janes are members of the Christian church at In- dustry. Politically, he adheres to the republican party.

William C. McKamy came in June, 1834, and located on section 5. He was born in East Tennessee in 1810, and made his home with his parents until coming to McDonough county. He was the son of John and Jane P. (Walker) McKamy. In 1855 he removed from his first location to the west half of sec- tion 4, which he owns and cultivates. In the year 1837 he commenced preach- ing. He was ordained at Foster's Point, and licensed in the old brick court house at Macomb. Since that time he has oc- cupied many Cumberland Presbyterian pulpits, and exhorted many andiences in open air, private houses and school buildings. He was married on the 1st day of November, 1842, to Miss O. H.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Robertson. They were the parents of seven children -Julia, John, J. R., George, Lucy, Cooper and Elizabeth, all of whom are living.

In the fall of 1834, Gilmer Wal- ker located on the banks of Grind- stone creek, in Industry township. He remained but a short time, and then re- moved on to Camp creek. From there he removed to Walnut Grove township, where he was an early settler.

Among those who settled in Industry township during the year 1834, was Joseph Sullivan, Sr., who came in the spring of that year. He resided here but one year, when he removed to Scot- land township, locating about three miles south of Macomb, where he lived until his death.

Nelson M. Campbell located on sec- tion 4, Industry township, in the spring of 1835. He now resides on section 28, Scotland township. He was born in Cocke county, Tennessee, on the 11th of October, 1844, but was reared in Ken- tucky.

In May, 1835, John Allison, Jr., came to Industry township, where he remained till December of the same year, when he removed to section 31, Scotland township, where his son John now resides. He lived there until his death, which occurred on December 29 1852. He was born in Maryland, in 1871, and was a son of James Allison, a native of Scotland ... James came to Pennsylvania, and was a judge in Washington county, in that state, for 20 years.

In the fall of 1834, Wesley Harlan left Kentucky, his native state, and with his family settled in Schuyler county, this

state, where he remained some 18 months, when, desiring a better location, he came to McDonough county, and upon section 1, Industry. township, erected his cabin, improved his quarter, and reared his family. Shortly after his arrival in the county, he erected a horse mill near his residence, which was ex- tensively patronized by farmers through- out McDonough and adjoining counties. At that time there were no steam mills in the country, and when the streams were low, water mills would occasionally quit running, causing the horse mills to have quite an extensive run of custom. All persons having grain to grind were compelled to furnish their own horses to run the mill; each await his turn to be served. Although the mill had a good run, yet its receipts were not large, on an average not over 50 cents a day. On November 2, 1826, Mr. Harlan was mar- ried to Nancy Greenup, in Monroe county, Kentucky. Ten children re- sulted from the union-five sons and five daughters, all of whom are now living, save James W., who died in the service of his country during the late rebellion, as a member of the 10th Missouri regi- ment. The members of the family now living are-George T., mentioned in New Salem township, William M., Marcus L., Lorenzo D., Margaret, wife of S. F. Ham- mer, who owns and resides upon the old homestead; Rebecca, wife of Elihu Stock- ton, of Eldorado township; Hulda, wife of Daniel Wooley, of Crawford county, Kansas; Eliza, wife of Samuel Kyle, of Kansas, and Chloe, wife of Frank Hall, Mound township. Mrs. Harlan died on the 24th of March, 1864, and on the 4th of December, 1867, Mr. Harlan was

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

again married, this time to Mary Os- borne, with whom he happily lived until parted by death. She resides with her step-daughter, Mrs. Hall. Wesley Har- lan for over 40 years was a consistent member of the M. E. church. His death occurred January 17, 1874.

Gideon Standard came to McDonough county in 1836, and located on section 24, Industry township. . Here he resided until 1851, when he removed to the northwest quarter of section 19, where he now resides. Gideon Standard is a native of this county, and was born in Eldorado township, September 5, 1860. His parents were Barnett and Jane ( Alli- son) Standard. The former is yet liv- ing, but his mother died in Eldorado township in 1876. Gideon was brought up on a farm, receiving his education in the common schools, and remained with his parents until he was of age. May 19, 1883, he was married to Leanta Goesuch, whose father was a native of old Virginia. They have had one child, Cora, born in December, 1883, Mr. Standard owns 120 acres of good land, and has at the present time seven head of horses and 13 head of cattle. He is engaged in general farming. Politically, he adheres to the doctrines and princi- ples of the republican party.

Thomas Ausbury located in Industry . township in the fall of 1836, and im- proved a farm of 60 acres. He now re- sides in Eldorado township.

OTHER PROMINENT PEOPLE.

Among those whose sketches follow, are many whose families were early set- tlers of the county, though not strictly pioneers of this township. The others

mentioned, are deserving of notice for their public spirit.

Ingram N. Ausbury, a farmer of In- dustry township, is a native of the town- -ship, where he now lives, and was born April 10, 1841. His early education was such as could be obtained, as he had opportunity, in attendance at the com- mon schools. He was brought up on a farm, and has mainly been engaged in that business the most of his life. He was married November 24, 1867, to Agnes Kennedy, of Eldorado township, and the union has been blessed with three children-Edward T., Nellie V., and John F. His farm consists of 116 acres, and is improved, making a good, comfortable home. Mr. Ausbury has served as school director four years, and takes a commendable interest in public affairs. Politically, he affilliates with the democratic party. Mrs. Ausbury is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

Michael Lawyer, one of the promi- nent residents of this township, is a native of Ohio, where he was born, September 22, 1832. He is a son of John and Massy (Cooper) Lawyer, and he was first married September 27, 1857, to Sarah E. Skee. By that union there were four children, two of whom died in infantcy and two are now living- William, born June 14, 1862, and Lou- ella, born December 1, 1864. Mr. Lawyer again entered upon the married state with Mrs. Manerva Downen, widow of David Downen, and by that marriage there have been four children-Martha E., born June 8, 1869, now deceased; Sarah M., born August 25, 1873, de- ceased; Johnny N., born May 12, 1874,

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

and Katie M., born October 12, 1875. Both the latter are living. Mr. Lawyer has followed farming all his life, and is prosperous, and financially one of the leading men of the county; a public spirited citizen, and a well-wisher of the moral and religious interests of the land and country.

Mrs. Elizabeth Skiles is a daughter of Joel and Matilda (Bridge) Decamp. Joel Decamp was born in Pennsylvania. His wife was a native of Ohio. They were married in the latter state, and in the year 1839, removed to Fulton county, Illinois, where they lived eight years, engaged in farming. They then came to McDonough county, and bought 160 acres of land in Eldorado township. They resided there until Mr. Decamp died, in 1847. He was buried in the Vance burying ground, in Industry

township. His widow survived until 1873. Elizabeth was born April 16, 1839, in Fulton county, Illinois. She remained with her parents until her marriage to William Legere, March 25, 1858. He was a native of Kentucky. In 1862, he enlisted in the 119th Illi- nois infantry, and was shot and killed in a skirmish in Louisiana. Six years later, his widow was united in marriage with Charles F. Skiles, who was a farmer by occupation. He died April 18, 1876, and was buried in Schuyler county. Mrs. Skiles had, by her first marriage, three children-J. M., J. H. and Mattie E. She is the owner of a good farm, located on section 6, Industry township. In her religious views, she is a Free- Will Methodist.

Orra V. Beaver is a son of I. N. and Rana (Hess) Beaver, natives of Ohio,

who came to Illinois in 1864, and located then in Industry township, McDonough county. Orra V. was born in the state of Ohio, September 7, 1860, and came here with his parents. He grew to manhood in Industry, receiving his education in the public schools of the village, gradu- ating in the highest departments, then in charge of Thomas J. Dudman. Sep- tember 13, 1883, he was married to Lana Mosser, daughter of Jacob T. Mosser, Rev. J. L. Towner performing the cere- mony. Their union has been blessed by one child-Nellie R., born October 31, 1884. July 19, 1880, Orra V. Beaver and G. G. Shannon, M. D., formed a partnership and engaged in the drug business, in the village of Industry. This they continued until February 20, 1885, when Mr. Beaver moved to the northwest quarter of section 9, Industry township, where he now carries on farm- ing, having formed a partnership with J. F. Mosser, to whom the farm belongs, It contains 160 acres of valuable land. Mr. Beaver is an energetic and industri- ous young man, and will be undoubt- edly, a successful one. He is a supporter of the republican party.

James Lawyer is the son of John and Massey (Cooper) Lawyer, natives of Virginia, who emigrated to Ohio, in 1825, and to Illinois, in 1839, locating in Eldorado township, of this county. His father, John, died in that township in August, 1883, and his mother is yet living, making her home · with her son M. V. Lawyer. The subject of this sketch was born January 19, 1831, in Fayette county, and came west with his parents, with whom he made his home .until his marriage, March 27, 1859, to

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Mary Jane Comer, a daughter of Rob- ert Comer, deceased. After that im- portant event in his life, he bought 75 acres of land on section 31, Eldorado township, and there lived until 1873, then sold out, and purchased 126 acres in Industry township, on section 10, where he has made good substantial im- provements. He is engaged in general farming, having, and raising, good grades of stock of different kinds. His farm is a good one, and its fine condition is evidence of the thrift and enterprise of its owner. They have two children, both of whom are living-Martin A., and Nancy A., and one deceased, George W. Mr. Lawyer is politically a demo- crat, and is also, with his wife, a mem- ber of the United Brethren church.

John G. McGaughey is the son of James and Nancy (Grier) McGaughey. The former was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, August 16, 1772, and the latter was a native of the same state, Pennsylvania. James, the father of Jolin G., died April 4, 1848, in Pennsylvania, and Nancy, his mother, died in Industry township, of this county, in 1852. The subject of this sketch was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, December 9, 1808, on the same place his father first saw the light of day. The same farm is owned by some of the family, and has been since 30 years before the war of the Revolution. John G., at the age of 18, learned the trade of black- smith and emigrated to Illinois, in 1844, and located at Doddsville, and en- gaged in farming where he had secured 160 acres, and where he lived for 11 years, then sold out to Darius Runkle, for $30 per acre, in gold. He then

bought 160 acres on section 9, and 32 acres of timber land on section 16. He was married June 18, 1835, to Hester Walker. Ten children have been born to them-J. G., Mary A., Andrew W., Mary J., Nancy, Hugh, John, William, and an infant son and daughter, both deceased, were named Robert and C. W. He has 24 grand-children now living. His wife, Hester, died May 12, 1874. He was again married, October 2, 1875, to Mrs. Susan M. Ellis. They are both members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. McGaughey has been an industrious man, and now has a fine property, is comfortably situated, and in the enjoy- ment of a home fairly won, a compe- tence fairly gained.

Isaiah Odenweller is the son of Leon- ard and Elizabeth G. (Danley) Oden- weller-the former a native of Germany and who emigrated to America, in 1836, and to Macomb, in 1845, and engaged in work as a blacksmith; the latter is a na- tive of Ohio, and both are living at this date (1885), in Macomb, Illinois. Isaiah was born November 29, 1856, in Scotland township, and made his home with his parents until the time of his marriage to Elizabeth Ellie, of Industry township, October 2, 1879, He now owns 83 acres of good land on section 4, Industry township, and 17 acres on sec- tion 33, Scotland township. His place is well improved, and he is engaged in general farming. They have had one child born to them-Bertha M. Mr. Odenweller is the present school direc- tor for district No. 6. He is a mem- ber of the Christian church, and his wife belongs to the Presbyterian organ- ization. Politically, he is a republican.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Peter F. Smith, who resides upon sec- tion 20, Industry township, is a son of John and Elizabeth (Lenton) Smith. John Smith was a native of Kentucky and his wife, of Ohio. They were mar- ried in the year 1835. Peter F. was born February 16, 1838, in Kentucky. In 1850 he removed with his parents to McDon- ough county, remaining with them until he attained his majority. The following year, 1862, he enlisted in company F, of the 119th Illinois infantry, commanded by Captain Josiah Stack. He was mus- tered into the service at Quincy Illinois, and went immediately to the front. He participated in the engagements of Pleas- ant Hill, Marksville Prairie, Yellow Bayou, Tupelo, Nashville and Forts Blakely and Spanish. He was mustered out at Mobile, and discharged from the service at Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Smith purchased his present farm on section 20, in 1866, and now has a pleasant and com- fortable home. His business is general farming. He was united in marriage August 1, 1868, with Dica A. Ausbury.

J. Albert Butcher is located on section 7, of this township, where he is engaged in general farming. He has under cul- tivation, 180 acres, and raises a. large amount of .corn and wheat, also much stock. Mr. Butcher is a son of James and Lavina (Scillen) Butcher, natives of Ohio, who came to McDonough county in 1861, where they still live. The sub- ject of this sketch was born in 1859, in the state of Indiana. He grew to man- hood, upon a farm, obtaining his educa- tion in the district school, which he at- tended winters, spending the remainder of the year at work upon the farm. He lived with his parents until he attained

his majority, soon after which he was married to America Gorsuch, a resident of Schuyler county, where her parents still resides. They were married on the 30th, of September, 1880, by Rev. J. L. Towner. Three children have been born to them-Charles B., William and an in- . fant daughter. Mr. Butcher is politic- ally, a supporter of the republican party.

Daniel Munson, was born in the state of Vermont in 1815, and is a son of Theodore and Lydia (Filbroock) Mun- son, natives of Massachusetts, who were married about 1800. They had a family of five children, two daughters and three sons. In the year 1831, the family came west, locating at Rushville, Schuyler county, Illinois, where, in 1845, Theodore Munson died. His wife, Lydia, died in McDonough county in 1865. Daniel Munson was married in 1845,to Rosanna Costine, and by this union, four children were born-Charles, George, Anna and Udora, all of whom are living. Mr. Mun- son removed from Rushville to his pres- ent home, in the spring of 1851. He purchased then 160 acres on section 7, Industry township, paying for the same, $850. He has added to this until he owns at present 325 acres, located in sec- tions 5, 6 and 7. He has a large and comfortable dwelling, and a barn 36x40 feet. He has in his barnyard, a large tank which is kept constantly supplied with pure water from a spring 420 feet distant; he discovered this spring, while digging a well for the use of his stock. He is a thorough going and prosperous farmer.

Charles Munson, eldest son of Daniel and Rosanna (Costine) Munson, is a na- tive of Schuyler county, born in August,

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

1846. He was brought up on a farm, and obtained his education by attending the district school during the winter seasons, his summers being spent in working upon the farm. He was mar- ried by the Rev. Mr. Mullen, in 1872, to Annie Kirkpatrick. Two children have been born to them, only one of whom is now living-Daniel R. George is de- ceased. Mr. Munson is a republican in politics. His brother, George Munson, was born in Schuyler county, in 1848. His early life was spent upon his father's farm. He, like his brother, attended the district school during the winter and fol- lowed farming the remainder of the year. In December, 1882, he was united in marriage with Jennie Meadors, daugh- ter of George Meadors, of this township. Mr. and Mrs. Munson are parents of twin daughters, born December 1, 1884. He owns 195 acres of land, located on sections 7 and 18, Industry township, with 120 acres under cultivation. He is politically, a republican. The brothers Munson, are enterprising farmers and esteemed citizens.

T. J. Pennington, deceased, was one of the early settlers of McDonough county, having located at Penningtons Point, in 1829. In 1847, he removed to section 17, Industry township, where he died September 27, 1875. His death was caused by dropsy of the heart. He was a native of Kentucky, born in 1810. He was married November 29, 1827, to Polly H. Vanters, who was born Decem- ber 14, 1807, and died August 3, 1840. April 15, of the following year, Mr. Pen- nington was married to Mrs. Mary J. (Smithers) Rogers. She came to this county in 1834 with her father, Thomas

Smithers, Sr. She was united in mar- ried in Macomb, January 28, 1835, with Mr. Rogers, who died in 1840, leaving her with one child-Catherine J. She has six children by her second marriage -Thomas F., S. M., S. Douglas, Alonzo, Nancy J., and Jemima H. The Pen- nington estate consists of a farm of 160 acres on section 17, Industry township. Mrs. Pennington has been a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church for 38 years.

David A. Pennington, son of. Joel and Elizabeth (Smith) Pennington, was born October 8, 1828, in Schuyler county, Illi- nois. His parents were natives of Ken- tucky, and were married March 14, 1822. Joel Pennington died May 7, 1865, and Elizabethı, his wife, February 14, 1861. David A., remained at home, working upon his father's farm until he was 24 years old. He improved such oppor- tunities as were to be had, for obtaining an education, attending the district school, winters, his time during the re- mainder of the year being spent in farm work. He was married in 1853, to Eliz- abeth Sharman, daughter of William Sharman, a very early settler of McDon- ough county. Seven children have been born to them, only two of whom are now living-Ruan B. and Arthur H. Those deceased are-Dona E., Minerva C., Ger- trude G., Mary E., and an infant daugh- ter. Mr. Pennington owns a fine farm of 198 acres, the greater part of which is located on section 10, and the remain- der upon section 22, Industry township. His residence is on section 10, and is commodious and comfortable. His barn is large and convenient and was built at a cost of $600. Mr. Pennington has always

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

followed his present business and is in prosperous circumstances. He is a dem- ocrat in politics, and, with his wife, a member of the Christian church.

William Hammack, of Industry town- ·ship, was born December 10, 1839, in Lawrence county, Ohio, and is one of the 11 children of John T. and Sarah (Bob- ins) Hammack, natives of Virginia. Their children were-Ann, Susan, Guilly, Mary, Marcia, Charlie, Jane, Elizabeth, William and two who died in infancy. John T. Hammack died in 1845, in Law- rence county, Ohio. William came to Eldorado township in 1863. He followed farming there until 1880, then moved to Industry township. Three years later he returned to Ohio, and remained six months, then came back and located in the village of Industry, where he lived two years. December 22, 1884, he re- moved to the farm where he now resides on section 3, of this township. May 25, 1850, Mr. Hammack was married to Ten- nessee Suiter, a native of Lawrence county, Ohio. They have no children of their own, but have one adopted daugh- ter-Florence V. Hammack. Mr. and Mrs. Hammack were formerly members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He belongs to the Blue lodge, Masonic fraternity, and his wife is a member of the Eastern Star, a degree of that order. He has always been in political matters, a democrat.

Alpha Teats, a farmer of Industry township, was born March 3, 1831, in Preston county, West Virginia. His parents were Adam and Elizabeth (Mos- ser) Teats, who were likewise natives of West Virginia. His father was born in 1790, and his mother July 13, 1793.

Their marriage occurred in 1813, and the former died in 1865, the latter in 1869. Alpha was brought up on a farm and received his education as opportu- nity offered in the common schools, work- ing hard during the summer months on the farm. He remained with his par- ents, engaged in the various duties inci- dent to farm life, until 22 years old, and then worked out by the month for about three years. He then came west, and first lived with Nathaniel Scott, in Chal- mers township, of this county, about two years, working by the month. Subse- quently he worked for other parties until 1860. Upon the 6th day of March, of that year, he was married to Mary Vail, daughter of John Vail, of Industry town- ship. By that union were five children -Lucinda, born August 1, 1861; Ada- line, born July 16, 1864; Nancy L., born September 24, 1865; John E., born Jan- uary 23, 1868, and died August 21, 1869, and Bertha. S., born January 18, 1877. Mr. Teats is now engaged in general farming, and owns a farm on section 8, Industry township, which is fairly well improved. Himself and wife are mem- bers of the Christian church. Politi- cally, he has always been a democrat.

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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 83

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