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 84

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 84

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Joseph Brown came to this county first in June, 1838, and located in Indus- try township, but soon after purchased, and removed to a farm in Fulton county, where he lived two years. He then sold out and went to Schuyler county, remain- ing there until 1843, In that year he moved to Iowa, and resided near Bur- lington until 1851, then returned to the home of his parents in Ohio. Six months later he came back to Industry town- ship, and bought 80 acres of land on sec-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

tion 2, within two miles of Industry, which has been his home since that time. Mr. Brown is a son of Christopher and Mary (Cormany ) Brown, natives of West Virginia. Christopher Brown was born in Virginia, January 13, 1784, and died in March, 1863, in Ohio. His wife Mary, was born in May, 1783, and died in May, 1854. Joseph was born Janu- ary 13, 1812, in Wythe county, Virginia. At the age of three years he removed with his parents to Warren county, Ohio. Four years later they removed to Butler county in the same state, where Joseph remained until 24 years old. He was married September 15, 1835, to Elenor Wickoff, who died April 27, 1838. They had an infant son who died March 30, 1838. He then came to this county in June, 1838. He was again married, June 9, of the following year, to Eliza J. De- lapp. She died March 9, 1854, leaving five children-Mary, born April 2, 1840; Thomas, born July 22, 1841; Christopher, born February 13, 1843; Francis M., born March 10, 1845; and Sarah M., born February 8, 1847. Mr. Brown was mar- ried the third time, to Vashta Baty, who was born March 2, 1828. Their mar- riage took place September 7, 1854. By this union there were two children-Ed- ward T., born March 15, 1866; and Del- lie I., born October 9, 1866. Mr. Brown has a finely improved farm and a pleas- ant home, which he is enjoying in his old age, surrounded by many relatives and warm friends. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the Christian church. Politically, he is a democrat.

William H. Smith is a son of Joseph O. and Marian H. ( Vail) Smith, natives

of New York state, who, in 1856, emi- grated to Fulton county, Illinois, and located at Canton. From thence he re- moved, in the year 1860, to Jerseyville, Jersey county, Illinois, where Joseph O. died, in the year 1864. His widow sur- vived until in the year 1883. William H. Smith was born October 6, 1837, in Orleans county, New York. When 13 years of age, he was "bound out" for a period of five years to James Dean, of Dodge county, Wisconsin. He remained there but four year, however, then re- turned to his parents, for whom he worked six years. He then engaged in farming. For the past 25 years he has been a resident of McDonough county, living in Eldorado and Industry town- ships. He now resides in the village of Industry, where he owns considerable real estate, including a good dwelling house and five lots. He is the proprietor of a steam thresher, which he operates. Mr. Smith was married in 1860. to Frances Way, a daughter of Uriah B. Way, of Eldorado township. They have had two children, only one of whom is now. living-Mary V. Florence May, the first born, is deceased. Mr. Smith is a member of the Christian church. He also belongs to the A. F. & A. M., Industry lodge, No. 327, and is a member of the democratic party.

James H. Carnahan, a farmer of In- dustry township, is a son of Aaron and Elvira (Mitchell) Carnahan, who were from Ohio. The former was a native of Tennessee, and the latter was born in Kentucky. They are both deceased. . The subject of this sketch was born in Clinton county, Ohio, January 3, 1814. He was brought up on a farm, and re-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

mained on the old homestead until 22 years old. He was married August 25, 1836, to Cynthia A. Murphy. In 1852 he came to Illinois, and located in Scot- land township, of this county, on section 21. He there remained for three years, and then removed to Mason county and lived about six months, when he returned and bought a farm in Industry township, on section 11, where he has since lived: He now owns 200 acres of land and and about 25 acres of timber. His farm is in good condition. Mr. and Mrs. Car- nahan have had seven children, six of whom are still living-Ann M., Charles J., Safronious, Sarah A., Benjamin, Lafayette K. and Mary I.

John W. Miller owns 280 acres of good land on section 13, Industry town- ship. Upon this land are good improve- ments, and the appearance of the place denotes thrift and enterprise. He was born August 23, 1837, in Industry town- ship. His parents were Lernie B. and Amy (Bridges) Miller, native Tennes- seeans. His mother is still living, but his father died when John was quite young, and he was bound out to an uncle by the name of James Vance, who took him when only two and one-half years old, and brought him up on a farm. The uncle died September 27, 1872. On April 7, 1859, John Miller was married to Louisa A. Russell, and she died July 6, 1879, leaving four children-James M., Mary E., Lewis R., Genaria M., and there was one child deceased, named Amy L. He was again married March 3, 1881, to Dilsey C. Fulton, of Macomb township. By that union there was one child-William P. Mr. Miller is a member of the Christian church, and is,

politically, connected with the demo- cratic party.

George Bennett is a son of Aaron and Betsey (Tibergin) Bennett, natives of West Virginia. They were married in 1818-the former died in Virginia, and the latter in Ohio, in 1864. George was born June 15, 1820, in Warren county, Ohio, and remained with his parents until 14 years old, when he worked else- where on a farm by the month. He was married March 16, 1843, to Matilda Brown. She died, February 23, 1860, leaving one child-John R. He was again married April 27, 1862, to Maria Sanders. By that union there has been one child-Mary Belle. Mr. Bennett owns 272 acres of good land on sections 26, 25, and 35. His place is well im- proved, and in good condition. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are members of the M. E. church. Politically, he is a republican. John R. Bennett was married to Colum- bia Sanders July 4, 1866, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Evans, in In- dustry township. Mr. and Mrs. John R. Bennett have an adopted daughter, Cora, who was born August 13, 1868. Their child Edgar died April 7, 1868.

George C. Meador, a representative farmer of Industry township, is a son of Jesse and Nancy (Chuning) Meador, who were formerly from old Virginia. Jesse was born in 1807, and Nancy in 1810. The former died during the fall of 1858, and the latter December 18, 1865. George C., the subject of this sketch, was born August 5, 1824, in Nashville, Tennessee. In the spring of 1833, he came with his parents to Galla- tin county, Illinois, near Shawneetony, where they lived four years, when they

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

removed to Schuyler county, Illinois, and remained with them until he was 24 years old. He was married, February 15, 1849, to Mary A. Pitman, of McDon- ough county, the ceremony being per- formed by Rev. William Campbell. She who was born in Todd county, Kentucky, June 18, 1828, and the same year moved to Morgan county, Illinois, with her parents. In 1835, they moved to Mc- Donough county. They have had nine children, and all are now living but Elvira S., who died in 1863. Their names are as follows-Eugene B., born January 13, 1851; Emma T., born No- vember 15, 1852; Alice G., born March 19, 1860; William J., born September 20, 1856; Palestine, born May 26, 1858; Jennie L., born December 26, 1862; Ona E., born December 23, 1864; and Ina A., born November 19, 1866, Mr. Meador has 560 acres of good land in Industry township. He has improved this place by putting in 1,000 rods of drain tile. His buildings are good, and the place is quite desirable as a farm and home. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and politically, may be called a green- backer.

Jacob W. Flack is a native of this county, born November 1, 1849. His parents were Bartholomew and Elizabeth E. (Hertzel) Flack, natives of Germany. The former was born August 18, 1811, and the latter August 15, of the same year. They were married in April, 1833. Jacob remained with his parents until he was of age. He was married December 24, 1872, to May B. Cordell, by Rev. Charles Atherton. They have three children-Edward L., Oren E., and Rosa May. Mr. Flack received his

education in the district schools. Him- self and wife are members of the M. E. church, and politically he adheres to the . principles of government as enunciated by the republican party.

Mrs. Sarah Cordell is the daughter of John and Martha (Vance) Wilson, na- tives of the state of Tennessee. John Wilson was born November 2, 1806, and his wife May 16, 1804. The former is still living. The latter died April 26, 1882, in Industry township. The sub- ject of this sketch was born in Industry

township, October 7, 1833, and married March 9, 1862, to Collen Cordell, who was born January 4, 1834. He enlisted, August 2, 1862, in the 124th Illinois in- fantry, was wounded at the siege of Vicksburg, May 16, 1863, and died in the hospital at Memphis, Tennessee, June 6, 1863. He was buried in Memphis. They had one child-James W., who was married April 3, 1884, to Dora A. Justus. By this union there is one child-Eva- lina. Mrs. Sarah Cordell is the owner of a farm of 80 acres, located on section 21, Industry township, where she has a . a pleasant and comfortable home. She is drawing a pension from the `govern- ment, in consequence of the death of her husband. She is a Baptist in her relig- ious belief.

Frank Duncan is a son of Colonel Jonathan and Agnes Leeper Duncan, natives of York and Washington counties, Pennsylvania, the former born November 14, 1791, the latter June 9, 1813. Colonel Duncan gained his title by gallant ser- vice in the war of 1812. He died Sep- tember 10, 1876. His widow, Mrs. Agnes . L. Duncan, is yet living. Frank Dun- can was born February 22, 1855, in Mer-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.'

cer county, Illinois. At the age of 15 his parents moved to Monmouth, Illinois, where he entered school, which he at- tended three years, the last year in the Union business college. He was mar- ried, March 10, 1875, to Clara Runkle, of Industry, daughter of Darius Runkle. Three children have been born to them -Bertha, Laura and Freddie, all of which are living. Mr. Duncan is a far- mer, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a republican in politics.

John Tuggle, a representative farmer of Industry township, is a native of Vir- ginia, and was born in 1817. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Genneny) Tuggle. He came to this state in 1836, first locating in Morgan county, where he remained for 19 years. He then came to this county and settled near Middletown, and there lived two years, then came to Industry township and selected a home on section 16, where he resided until 1882, then removed to sec- tion 29, where he now lives. He was married in 1838 to Martha Jane Kee, daughter of Peter Kee, a native of South Carolina. They are the parents of 13 children-Crawford, who enlisted in the United States army, in the war of the Union, in company A, 84th regi- ment of Illinois volunteer infantry, and served three years, and died in the ser- vice, leaving a widow; Maria Elizabeth, the wife of C. M. P. Snow, of Jersey county; Julia Ann, wife of G. W. Pat- terson, living in the state of Tennessee; Thomas Jefferson, of this township, who was married in 1881, to Hettie Avery, daughter of Horace Avery, of Bethel township; Andrew, living in Macomb; Ellen, wife of Pares Wheeler; Sarah J.,

wife of Samuel Allesson; Fannie, wife of John Gibson,of Industry township;Chas. B., at home; James C., of this township, and John M., of Bardolph, who is there engaged in the tile business. Mr. Tug- gle takes an interest in educational affairs, and is an enterprising citizen of the county. He has been school director for six years,and school trustee for three years. His farm consists of 80 acres of good land. He is a member of the Christian church, and of the I. O. O. F. Politically, he affiliates with the demo- cratic party.

Joseph Newton Adkisson, of Industry township, may properly be called a Mc- Donough county man, having been born here in 1832. He is a son of Thomas and Margaret (Gibson) Adkisson, who were pioneers of the county, and came here in 1831, settling in Industry township. The former died April 8, 1857, and was buried in Camp creek cemetery. The latter died August 8, 1834. The father was a member of the Cumberland Pres- byterian church, an honest, upright man, and one who was closely identified with the best interests of this section of the county in an early day. The subject of this sketch was married in 1856, to Cassa Ann Hardin, daughter of Aaron Hardin, of Kentucky. They have seven children-William F., who is farming in Nebraska; Clara C., wife of George Shirk, a resident of Macomb township; Mary Margaret, at home; John H., liv- ing on a farm near Macomb; George E., Thomas M., and Aaron Arthur. Mr. Adkisson has been school director 12 years, and road commissioner three years, and these positions he has filled credi- tably. Politically, he adheres to the

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

principles of the democratic party. He has a fine farm consisting of 240 acres, and is engaged mainly in raising and feeding stock.

EDUCATIONAL.

It is learned from an examination of the superintendent's annual report for the school year, ending June 30, 1884, that the estimated school property of Industry township amounts to about $5,900, and the amount of tax levy for the support of schools is $2,915, without any bonded indebtedness. The highest monthly wages paid any male teacher, is $60, and the lowest, $45, while the high- est wages paid to female teachers, is $38, and the lowest, $20. There are nine school buildings in all, in the township, all of which are good, substantial frame structures. The average number of months of school taught during the year, is seven, and there is one graded school in the district township. The total number of children of school age in the township, is 455, of whom 285 are enrolled in the different sub-divisions of the township.

The first school in Industry township was taught by George Dowell, in 1830, in a log cabin, which stood but a short distance from the present site of the village of Industry.

District No. 1 has its school building in the town of Industry, and is treated of there.

District No. 2 .- The building in this district is better known as the Blazer school. It was erected in 1858,at a cost, for the building proper, of $500. It is a frame structure, and is 24x30 feet in ground area. The grounds consist of

one acre of land, of which one-half acre was donated by John Blazer, and one- half by Daniel Munson. The first teacher in this house was William McClellan. Zoe Pennington, at present, holds that position. The first directors. of this district, were Daniel Miller, Daniel Munson and William Knowles. The average number of scholars, is 20. The school house is on the northwest quarter of section 8.

District No. 3 .- This school is known as the Runkle school. The district was organized in 1866, and a school building erected the same year, at a cost of $700. It is a frame building, 18x28, and located on section 28. There are 20 scholars in the district, with an average attendance of 10. The district is two miles wide and three miles long. Alice Norton was the first teacher.

District No. 4 .- This district is also known as Pleasant Grove. A school building was 'erected in 1858, on the southwest quarter of section 22, 20x32 feet in size. . It was built at a cost of $610.

District No. 5 .- The building used for school purposes in this district was erected on section 17, in 1881. It is 26x36 feet in dimensions, and was erect- ed at a cost of $700. One acre consti- tutes the grounds of this school. The first teacher was N. Knowlton, and the first directors were-G. W. Coker, John Hushaw and G. F. Kugler. There is a membership of 52 in this school.

District No. 6 .- The school house of this district was erected in 1859, at a cost of $400. It is located on section 9. Martha Patrick was the first teacher, and William. McKamy, Orsamus Far-

Mederiese Briesen 1

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

rington and John G. McGaughey were the first directors. There is an enroll- ment.of 20 scholars in this district.

District No. 7 .- The building of this district is situated on the northwest cor- ner of section 12, and has one-quarter of an acre grounds. It is familliarly known as the "Brown" school house, though the land on which it stands was donated by J. M. Vail. The structure is 16x24 feet in dimensions, and cost $300. The first directors were. James Carna- han, Jesse Brown and William Beatty. The building was erected in 1856, and the first term of school was taught in that year, Robert Follett presiding as teacher. The attendance averages 35.

District No. 8 .- This district was or- ganized in 1864, and the school building erected on section 23, the same year. The size of the building is 24x30 feet.

Black, District No. 9 .- The school house of this district is located on the southeast corner of section 30, and was built in 1867 at a cost of $1,400; size 26x28 feet. The district is one and one- half miles wide by two and one-half miles long.

ORGANIC.

This township was organized April 7, 1857, and officers elected at first election as follows-R. L. Dark and William Shannon, justices; William B. Peak and John Carroll, constables.

The present officers of the township are as follows-supervisor, W: Kinkade; clerk, A. L. Kemper; assessor, J. W. Flack; collector, S. M. Pennington; highway commissioner, James Crabtree; school trustee, John B. Vail; justices of the peace, P. B. Cordell and J. W.

Flack; constables, J. C. Tuggle and J. Utley.

The first postoffice established in the township of Industry was at Doddsville.

FIRST ITEMS.

The first marriage in Industry, and also the first in the county, occurred October 30, 1828. The contracting par- ties were John Wilson and Martha R., daughter of James Vance. The cere- mony was performed by Elder John Logan, the pioneer Baptist minister, at the house of the bride's parents.

The first Sunday school in the county was organized in this township, at the old fort, near what is now called "the cross-roads," two miles south of the vil- lage of Industry. It was organized by Rev. John Logan, a Baptist minister.

The oldest Sabbath school in McDon- ough county was organized in 1833, at the house of John Rodgers, on Camp creek, in Industry township. It was a. union school, for all denominations, and was organized by Alexander Campbell, who was its first superintendent. The school was kept up for several years, and, until it was merged into a church organization, which succeeded in erect- ing a church building in the neighbor- hood. This organization still exists, in a healthy condition, and is known as the Camp creek Presbyterian church.

There is a saw mill on section 5, which was erected by Wells Norton, in the year 1860.

TOWN .OF INDUSTRY.

In 1846, Johnson Downen, living on southeast quarter of section 15, 5 north,

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

1 west, Industry township, made a propo- sition to John M. Price, a young black- smith, to give him an acre of ground, and the neighbors of Mr. Downen of- fered to erect for him a shop, if he would settle there and follow his trade. This offer Mr. Price accepted, and a shop was erected for him, which he occupied for many years. This was the beginning of the present yillage of Industry, but at the time no thought was experienced of a town being there located. A postoffice had been located in the neighborhood, for many years, in charge of Joel Pen- nington, Esq., an old pioneer of the county, who kept the office at his resi- dence. When Mr. Price settled here, the country around was in a wild and uncul- tivated state, save a farm here and there, the greater number of which were located east and southeast of the present town, around the old Carter settlement. He has stood in his door and shot wild tur- keys, and from his yard killed deer, squir- rels, and other wild game. He killed a wolf where the saw mill on Main street now stands; and again, when the mill was located about the center of the street opposite Vance's Hotel, upon one occa- sion, a half grown deer in its fright ran into the mill and was knocked in the head with an ax.

In 1860, Cleon and Desa Reddick came to the place and started a dry goods and grocery store, the first in the place. This business they continued for two years, when J. M. Price purchased the stock and continued the business. These gen- tlemen were the first to settle here after Mr. Price. Next came Dr. Duncan, so well and favorably known through the south part of the county. He was the

first physician in the place, and for some years the only one.

The first survey was in October, 1855, six blocks being laid off by William H. Rile, county surveyor. In 1858, four ad- ditions were made to the town, viz: East- ern, western, southern and northern; and again, in 1867, Downen's addition was surveyed. The place was given its name by J. M. Price and Cleon Reddick. A nickname had been given it some time previous by Springer, who had called it Pinhook, for what reason is not known by even the oldest inhabitant.

Notwithstanding the place was laid out in 1855, it was not incorporated until 1867, when it was organized under a special charter, the first meeting of the board of trustees of the town occurring the evening of May 16, 1867. The fol- lowing are the names of those compris- ing the first board: William Sullivan, president; Daniel Carroll, John Shan- non, D. M. Creel and B. F. Botchlet. This organization of the place was con- tinued until 1873, when it was re-organ- ized, on the 24th of January, under the general law, as a village, with the follow- ing named trustees: John McKinney, president; J. F. Mosser, John W. Flack, J. D. Goble and John D. Merrick.

Industry has no railroad, yet this fact is not much against it, as there is no town or railroad for quite a distance in any direction, which fact gives the town the benefit of all the trade within a ra- dius . of several miles. Consequently there is no more prosperous town in the county than Industry. There are a num- ber of good business men in Industry, a mention of whom is here given.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

U. Beghtol is located on the north side of Main street, in a building owned by George Garrison. This building was erected in 1871. It is a frame structure, 22x46 feet in dimensions. Mr. Beghtol carries a good stock of dry goods and groceries.

J. W. Cordell, dealer in hardware and groceries, is located on the north side of Main street between Downing and Sulli- van. His building is a frame structure, 20x62 feet in dimensions. In it he com- menced business in 1877. He has a stock valued at about $1,500, and enjoys a good patronage. The postoffice is also located in his building.

James W. Cordell, postmaster at In- dustry, is a son of James W., Sr., and Catherine (Cartwright) Cordell, natives of Ohio. James W. Jr., was born near Piqua, Miami county, in that state, in 1842. He was brought up by his grand- father, Alexander Cordell, with whom he lived till 19 years of age. He then, February 1, 1862, enlisted in company I, of the 62d Illinois infantry, under Capt. J. M. McLane. He took part in a num- ber of skirmishes, but escaped uninjured. He was mustered out, February 24, 1866. On returning home he engaged in the grocery business at Industry. In Sep- tember, 1873, he was appointed to his present office, which position he has held since that time, to the satisfaction of all. He still carries on the grocery trade in which he has been very successful, and is now in possession of a competency. Mr. Cordell was married June 24, 1866, to Annie Springer, and by this union has had nine children, only two of whom are living-Francis M. and James O. Mr. Cordell is a republican.

Sullivan Brothers, hardware dealers, commenced business in Industry in 1880. Their establishment consists of three buildings, on the south side of Main street, between Sullivan and Downing. The first of these is a brick structure, 23x60 feet, and one story in height, erected in 1883. Back of this is a frame structure, 18x34 feet, used for a tin shop. In the rear of this is their warehouse, which is also frame, 16x28 feet. Their lot is 99 feet square. Their stock con- sists mainly of hardware and groceries, and will average $4,000 in value. They enjoy a large country trade.

Henry C. Sullivan, son of William and Sarah A. (Adkinson) Sullivan, was born November 10, 1841, in Industry town- ship. His father is a native of Pennsyl- vania and his mother, of Kentucky. Their marriage took place in 1840, in this township. Henry C., resided with his parents until he attained his majority, at which time he was married to Catha- rine M. Vance. Eight children have blessed this union-Rosa C., Sarah E.,' Wm. A. and Eliza A., twins, Nellie, Forest H.,Florence C., and Lena. In 1880, Mr. Sullivan formed a partnership with his brother, Thomas D. Sullivan, and en- gaged in the hardware business, the firm name being Sullivan Bros. They carry a stock of about $4,000, and have a full line of hardware, groceries, glass, queens- ware and notions. They are an enter- prising firm and do a thriving business.

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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 84

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