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 85

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 85

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Thomas D. Sullivan, of the firm of Sullivan Bros., hardware merchants, was born in 1859. - He is a son of William and Sarah ( Adkinson ) Sullivan. Thomas D. resided with his parents until 1884. January 13, of that year, he was united

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in marriage with Mary Anstine. Mr. Sullivan is a tinner by trade and has been engaged in his present business, five years. Politically, he is a supporter of the prohibition party.

W. S. Hiatt, druggist, is located on the corner of Main and Downing streets. The building occupied by this gentleman is a frame, and 20x35 feet in ground area and two stories in height. Besides drugs, he carries a stock of cutlery, jew- elry, glassware, paints and oils, books, stationery and cigars.

W. S. Hiatt, is a son of Isaac and Sarah ( Manlove) Hiatt, natives of North Carolina, where they were married in 1827. In the year 1838, they emigrated to Schuyler county, Illinois. There, Isaac Hiatt died in 1847. Twenty years later, his widow, Mrs. Sarah Hiatt, re- moved to Industry where she has since resided. Williamson S. Hiatt was born March 4, 1845, in Schuyler county, Illi- nois. He came to McDonough county, in 1867, and made his home with his brothers, who were engaged in farming, until 1871, when he established his pres- ent business. Mr. Hiatt was married December 12, 1871, to Celestia E. Hess. Four children have blessed their union, two of whom are living-Bessie B. and Sarah J. Enos E. and Arthur H. are deceased. Mrs. Hiatt is a member of the Christian church.

Dr. George G. Shannon has carried on the drug business in Industry since July 19, 1879. He is located in a building on the corner of Main and Downing streets. He carries a line of drugs, paints and oils, cigars, school books and stationery. A sketch of Dr. Shannon is to be found in the Medical chapter.

The building occupied by J. F. Mos- ser, general merchandise dealer, was erected by him in 1882, at a cost of $1,500. In size it is 21x70 feet, with a wareroom, 21x36 feet in dimensions, in the rear of the main building. He car- ries a full line of such goods as are usually kept in stock in such a store. His place is on the south side of Main street, between Sullivan and Downing.

Jacob F. Mosser, one of the leading merchants of the village of Industry, is a son of John and Susan (Frankhouser) Mosser, natives of Virginia, who spent their lives in that state. Jacob F. was born December 2, 1833, in Preston county, West Virginia. He began learn- ing the blacksmith trade at the age of 18, and served three years. October 29, 1855, he came to Industry, which has been his residence since that time. He was united in marriage in this town, on March 6, 1861, with Mary Cordell. By this union there have been two children -Charles W. and Eva Leona. In 1868 Mr. Mosser engaged in general mer- chandising, which business he has con- tinued until the present time. His store building was erected by himself. He is a live, energetic business man, and is prospering financially.

J. W. Leach has a large building, 23x110 feet in area, on the corner of Sul- livan and Hickory streets, in which he carries on the agricultural implement business. This is used as a display and salesroom. Besides this, he has a ware- house, 24x75 feet in dimensions, which is used for the storage of goods. The business was established in 1871.

Mrs. E. B. Kemper, dressmaker and milliner, has her place of business on

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

the south side of Main street. She has a liberal patronage among the ladies.

J. M. Kemper, Jr., & Son have an es- tablishment on the south side of Main street, in which they sell boots and shoes. They also carry on the restaurant business there.

-Benjamin F. Botchlett, shoe maker, is located on the south side of Main street, between Downing and Sullivan, and his place of business is 16x34 feet in dimensions. It is a frame structure, built in 1867, by Morris Merrick.

William H. Sullivan and Wm. Goble, commenced the blacksmith business in 1878, at their shop on the south side of Main street, between Downing and Sul- livan. They do plow and wagon work, carriage repairing, horseshoeing, and carry on a general job business in their line.

The shop of J. M. Kemper, wagon maker, is located on Downing street, be- Main and Hickory streets.

J. Mckinney, shoe maker, commenced business in Industry in 1856. His build- ing is one story in height, 14x20 feet in dimensions, and is located on Downing street, north of Main.

In 1883, B. F. Botchlett established himself in the restaurant business in In- dustry. His place of business is on the north side of Main street.

HOTELS.

Caleb Hathaway, hotel keeper at In- dustry, is a son of Eleazer and Elizabeth (Flinn) Hathaway. Eleazer Hathaway was born in the state of New Jersey, and when quite small removed with his parents to Ohio. Elizabeth (Flinn) Hathaway, was born and brought up in

Ohio. They were married in Shelby county, of that state, in 1810, and there, Caleb, the subject of this sketch, was born in 1825. They removed to Indiana in 1843. About six years later, Mrs. Hath- away died and Eleazer, subsequently removed to Schuyler county, Illinois, where he died in 1864, aged 84 years. When 17 years old, Caleb left home and went to Fort Jefferson, Shelby county, Ohio, where he spent a year in learning the blacksmith trade of his brother, J. H. Hathaway. He then went to Butler county, Ohio, and there followed his trade two years, after which he accom- panied his father to Indiana. In 1848, he moved to Illinois, and engaged in farming in Rushville, Schuyler county. He was married there to Rhoda J. Veal, and remained three years, then moved to a farm in Stark county, where he lived four years. He then returned to Schuyler county, and seven years later, removed to the town of Industry. In November, 1871, Caleb Hathaway re- moved with his family to Butler, Bates county, Missouri, where he resided about 18 months, and then returned to Indus- try. Mr, and Mrs. Hathaway are the parents of three children-William C., born in 1851; Sarah E., born in 1855; and Edgar Lee, born in 1867. Mr. Hath- away is the supporter of the democratic party, and is, with his wife, a member of the Christian church.

OTHER PROMINENT CITIZENS.

Presley B. Cordell, formerly one of the board of county supervisors, is a native of Virginia, born February 1, 1820, in Loudon county. He is a son of Alexan- der and Diana (Wilson) Cordell, also

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

natives of Virginia, who were married in that state and remained there till Octo- ber, 1828. They then moved to Ohio and remained till 1847, when they removed to Schuyler county, Illinois, and settled in Littleton township. Presley B. resided with his parents until 21 years of age. In February 1841, he was married in Miami county, Ohio, to Elizabeth H. Panabaker. He came to Rushville in the fall of 1849, and for 10 years was a resident of that town, coming from there to Industry in 1859, since which, this has been his home. He is one of the repre- sentative men of the township, and takes an active interest in town and county af- fairs. He is now serving his fifth term as notary public, and has held the office of justice of the peace four terms; he has also filled other township offices. He is a democrat, always, in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Cordell have five children, all of whom are living-Mary E., Emma F., Sarah R., Lydia and Horace.

William Pointer is a son of Cornelius and Rebecca (Snow) Pointer, the former born in 1788, in Pulaski county, Ken- tucky, and the latter in 1789, in Mary- land. William was born in Cumberland county, Kentucky, November 30, 1810, and came with his parents to Illinois in 1829. They located in Morgan county and engaged in farming. William re- mained with them until their death. His father died in 1833, and his mother in 1835. He was married May 31, of the latter year to Elizabeth Morrison, and in 1855, removed to Hancock county, Illi- nois, where he followed farming until the spring of 1858. At that date he removed to McDonough county and purchased the hotel known as the Brown house, of Si-

las French. He run the house one year then sold it to James Brown, and moved to Scotland township. In 1873, he came to Industry, where he has since resided. He isnow engaged in farming, also keeps three fine imported stallions. Mr. and Mrs. Pointer have four children-Sarah R., Robert C., George D. and William A. Mr. Pointer was a soldier in the Black Hawk war in 1831 and 1832. He is an old and highly respected citizen. He was converted and joined the Methodist church in 1869, and was licensed to preach in 1871, and is still an ordained local elder in the Free Methodist church.

John W. Flack is a son of Bartholemew and Elizabeth (Hircel) Flack, both of whom were born in Germany in the month of August, 1811. They were mar- ried in America in 1833, and in 1839, set- tled in Schuyler county, Illinois, where they lived when the subject of this sketch was born, on the 30th day of December, 1840, and in 1849, moved to McDonough county, where they still reside. John W. was raised on a farm, living with his parents until he was 19 years old. He was then married to Louisa Osborn, in McDonough county, on the 18th day of March, 1860. In the spring of 1865, he moved to Fremont county, Iowa, and not being satisfied with the outlook, returned in September of the same year, and lo- cated at Industry, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Flack are the parents of six children-Elijah A., Alice B., Charles W., Willis E., Lucy E. and Louis E. The last named being twins, all of whom are living. Mr. Flack is a public spirited man, and a prominent citizen; has served as justice of the peace eight years, and was re-elected for another term; as, as-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

sessor five years, and re-elected for 1885; as a member of the town council three terms; as school trustee, two terms, and as school director one term. He is po- litically, a democrat. Religiously, "As ye would that men do to you, do ye even so to them."

Mort. S. Hall, was born October 7, 1859, in Fairfield, Wayne county, Illi- nois. His father, Dr. J. H. Hall, was formerly from New York city. His mother, Louisa (Andrews) Hall, is a native of Ohio. They now reside in New Salem township, McDonough county. Mort. S., was sent to Hedding college, Abingdon, Illinois, for the pur- pose of completing his education, but on account of his health, he was unable to remain as long as he had intended. In 1879, he commenced teaching school, which occupation he has followed since that time. He is well fitted, both by nature and education, for the work in which he is engaged, and as a teacher, is popular and successful. He is now teaching in the village of Industry. His present term began in September, 1884, to continue eight months. He is also engaged for another term here, be- ginning September 1, 1885. Mr. Hall is a member of the Masonic fraternity, lodge No. 572, at Bardolph, in which he has served as junior deacon, two years. He is a charter member of the order of the Golden Rule, located at Industry.

Thomas Horton, a worthy citizen of the village of Industry, is of English birth. His parents, Joseph and Jane (Haddon) Horton, were natives of Northamptonshire, England. Joseph Horton was born October 4, 1793, and came to America in 1853, and died in

October 25, 1866. His wife, Jane Hor- ton, was born March 14, 1791, and died June 14, 1868. Both died in Littleton. Thomas came to America at the age of 18, and located in Littleton, Schuyler county, Illinois, in July, 1850. From that time, till 1855, he was engaged at the shoemaker's bench, and also in farm- ing. During the latter year, he was united in marriage with Elvira P. Mid- dleton, and removed to a farm of 40 acres, in Schuyler county. There he followed farming till 1862. In that year, he enlisted in company G, of the 73d Illinois infantry. He participated in a number of battles, and was taken prisoner by General Morgan, in Ken- tucky. After being detained by the rebels for nearly a year, he was ex- changed, and subsequently took part in the Knoxville campaign, and later in Sherman's march through Georgia. During Sherman's march to the sea, he was under command of General Thomas, and in the detachment which whipped at Nashville, and pursued, so closely, the rebel general, Hood. While in the army he received a wound in the hand. He now draws a pension of $12 per month, on account of rheumatism and heart disease, contracted during the Georgia campaign. In 1881, he moved to the village of Industry, but returned to his farm, two years later. He re- mained there but one year and six months, however, then again removed to Industry, where he has since resided. He owns land here upon which he pur- chased, a commodious and comfortable residence. In 1859, Mr. and Mrs. Hor- ton adopted Luther Mathias, to whom they gave a good education, and who

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made their roof his home, until of age. He now lives in Schuyler county. In 1880, they took another little boy to bring up-Albert Horton. Mr. and Mrs. Horton are christian people, and have been connected with the Baptist church, of Littleton, for 32 years.

Rev. John L. Towner was born in Steuben county, New York, August 20, 1820, and was the eldest of eight chil- dren, four of whom were boys, and four girls. His parents were John K. and Hannah (Loop) Towner, the father a native of New York and his mother of Pennsylvania. His father was a man of marked character, having occupied many positions of honor and trust, be- stowed upon him by his fellow citizens; he was likewise a true christian man, and for the advancement of the cause of Christ, he gave his time and means. His mother was a woman of remarkable mind, having an extensive knowledge of the scriptures, and her wise councils, and the purity of her life, had much to do in moulding the character and mind of her son. In 1835, the parents re- moved to this state, settling near the town of Belvidere, Boone county, of which county they have the honor of be- ing the first white settlers. Indians were then all around there, and were frequent visitors to their cabin. At this time, John L., was but a lad of 15 years of age. . After erecting his cabin the elder Towner sent John, with a team, to Chicago, to bring their household goods which had been shipped by lake there. The present mighty city was then but a small village of about 1500 inhabitants; to-day it numbers more than a half mil- lion. All the advantages in the way of

education that could be enjoyed by those dwelling in this new country, were given the subject of this sketch. He had the benefit of the common schools in his na- tive county, and of the academy erected at Belvidere at an early day. In 1843, under the ministration of Elder Wil- liam Roberts, he made confession of his sins, and was baptized into Christ, by that man of God, some three years af- ter. Having given the subject much thought, he determined upon entering the work of the ministry, giving his time and whatever talents the Lord may have given him for the advancement of his cause. In order that he might spec- ially prepare himself for that purpose, he entered the Divinity school, Mead- ville, Pennsylvania; where he remained 18 months. In 1849, he entered upon the regular work, having been set apart for that purpose, since which time he has devoted his entire time to the proc- lamation of glad tidings. His work has been prosperous to a great degree, and his labors have extended over a large territory, having received calls and served as pastor of churches in the towns of Belvidere, Plano, and Indus- try, and the counties of Kendall and Stephenson, Illinois, Greene county, Wisconsin, Grant county, Indiana. In Industry, where he now resides, he la- bored faithfully for nine years, to the satisfaction of the members of his own church, and the community in general.

Simon Anstine, a resident of the vil- lage of Industry, is a son of John and Mary (Heindle) Anstine, natives of Pennsylvania, who, in 1840, emigrated to Ohio, and 16 years later, came to Mc- Donough county, Illinois, and located in

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Industry township. John Anstine died here in 1861, and his wife in 1874. Simon Anstine was born September 29, 1821, in York county, Pennsylvania. He was reared in his native state. He came west with his parents, with whom he remained until he attained his majority. March 4, 1861,he was married to Hannah Higby, a native of Ohio, where their marriage took place. In 1870, he pur- chased 32 acres of land on section 15, Industry township, which he still owns. He also has 80 acres on section 21, and a pleasant residence in the village of In- dustry. Mrs. Anstine died August 21, 1882. Ten children were born to them, nine of whom are living-Luella M., Mary M., Hannah A., Charles C., Sarah A., Emma L., Ruthie E., Lottie O., and Laura E. Frankie is deceased. Mr. Anstine is a democrat, politically.

Charles W. Greenup removed to In- "dustry from Scotland township, in 1880, purchasing there his present residence, which is located on the main street of this village, where he is pleasantly sit- uated, and has a desirable home. Mr. Greenup was born March 15, 1829, in Monroe county, Kentucky, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Harland) Greenup, also natives of Monroe county, the former born in 1797, and the latter 1800. They were married in 1820. John Greenup died in November, 1876, at Pennington's Point, McDonough county, Illinois. His wife's death occurred in 1844. Charles W. Greenup resided with his parents until he attained his major- ity. January 1, 1852, he was married to Frances L. Jones. He then purchased 80 acres of land in New Salem township, which he improved and lived upon until

1862. In that year he sold the place, and bought an improved farm of 80 acres in Scotland township. Two years later, he sold out, and bought another farm near Center Point school house, on which he remained two years, then again sold out and removed to another farm of 120 acres, which he purchased in the same township. There he resided until 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Greenup had four children born to them-Nelson B., Martha J., S. Eugene, and Eldora K., deceased. Mrs. Greenup died October 9, 1881, and Mr. Greenup was again married September 6, 1883, to Mattie Vance. Mr. Greenup is a member of the M. E. churchi, and politically a prohi- bitionist.

Christopher Vail is a native of this county, and of Industry township, born May 28, 1838. He has, therefore, wit- nessed the development of this section of country, having spent all his life here. He is a son of John B. and Sophia (Brown) Vail, who were natives of Ohio, and came to Illinois, in 1834, and still live in this township. Christopher re- mained on the farm with his parents attending school during the winter months, and in the summer assisting his father in the various employments inci- dent to farm life, until 24 years old. He was married April 27, 1862, to Eliza Hendrickson. She died June 19, 1866, leaving two children-Lenora L. and Emma E. He was again married Sep- tember 6, 1868, to Sarophene S. Dace. By the latter union were two children- Martha S. and Horace M. Mr. and Mrs. Vail are members of the Christian church. Politically, he belongs to the democratic party.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

John B. Vail, is a son of Thomas and Nancy (Bridge) Vail, who were natives of New Jersey. She removed from that state to Pennsylvania, thence to Ohio, where they were married in 1810. They came to McDonough county, Oc- tober 6, 1834. The father died Febru- ary 2, 1860. They were both buried in the family cemetery. John B., the sub- ject of this sketch, was born December 18, 1811, in Butler county Ohio, he had a twin sister who died in infancy. He remained at home on the farm until 22 years old. He received a limited edu- cation in the subscription school, which he was privileged to attend during the winter months. He was married May 11, 1834, to Sophia Brown, and with his father's family, they came to this state, starting on the 16th day of September, of that same year. He located in Schuy- ler county, where he rented a farm and remained two years, then came to this county and settled on section 14, of In- dustry township, which place has since been his home. They are the parents of nine children-Mary, Nancy, Chris- · topher, Thomas J., Adaline, Lavina, Eliza and William. Thomas J., died while in the army at Nashville, Tennes- see, July 3, 1863, aged 24 years. Mr. Vail has 400 acres of good land in In- dustry township, which is well improved. The condition of the place indicates the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He has put in 800 rods of drain tile, and ex- pects to put in as much more this season, thereby adding materially to the value of the place. Mr. Vail is a much re- spected citizen, and with his wife, be- longs to the Christian church. Mr. Vail has been here a long time, and witnessed

the development of this country, he has seen the transformation from unbroken stretches of natural wilderness, to com- fortable and pleasant homes, and in this change he has contributed his full share of labor and sacrifice.

Ebenezer Vail is a son of Thomas and Nancy Vail, who were originally from New Jersey, and are both now deceased. Ebenezer was born in Butler county, Ohio, December 14, 1821, and remained with his parents until 31 years of age. March 20, 1855, he was married to Amy Garrison. The ceremony was performed by Presley Cordell and occurred in Schuyler county. They have had six children, four of whom are now living- Alice A., Elmer I., Etna A., and Cora A. Sarah L., and Lewis H., are deceased. He owns 250 acres of good land, well improved, having 225 rods of drain tile, and good fences. The buildings are all good and the place is in fine condition. Politically Mr. Vail affiliates with the democratic party.

Henry W. Vail, a leading citizen of Industry, is a son of Henry, Sr., and Par- melia (Bridge) Vail, natives of the state of New Jersey. Henry W. Vail was born January 19, 1826, in Butler county, Ohio. When he was six years old, his father died, and he continued to reside with his mother until her death, which occurred in 1851. He came to Illinois in the fall of 1847, and located then near Rushville, Schuyler county, where he resided for 20 years. He owned a fine farm of 292 acres, in that county, and carried on gen- eral farming. In 1867, he purchased a farm in Industry township, containing 200 acres, and removed thither .. He re- sided upon the farm until 1883, when he

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moved into the village, where he erected a handsome and commodious brick resi- dence, in which he now lives. Mr. Vail was married in Ohio, September 20, 1849, to Rachel Cox. Their union has been blessed with six children-A. L., William T., George W., Orinda, James E. and May. Mr. and Mrs. Vail are members of the Christian church. He is a demo- crat, politically.

George W. Vail is a son of H. W. and Rachel (Cox) Vail, both natives of the ·state of Ohio, where H. W., was born in 1826, and his wife in 1829. They were married in their native state, and in 1847, emigrated to Illinois. They are now liv- ing in Industry township. George W., was born January 5, 1854, in Schuyler county, Illinois. He was brought up on a farm, obtaining his education in the district school, which he attended during the winter season's. In March, 1878, he was married to Sarah Butcher, and by this union, has three children-Della R., James O. and Nellie. Mrs. Vail is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Vail is engaged in farming, paying par- ticular attention to fine horses. He owns the following horses; One Clyde, four years old, one Norman, of the same age, two English shire cart horses, eight and five years old, and one Cleveland bay horse, four years old. He has a large barn conveniently arranged for the ac- comodation of his horses and other stock.

EDUCATIONAL.

On the north side of Main street, and between Downing and Sullivan, is sit- uated the only school building in the town of Industry. This edifice was erec- ted in 1866, and is 22x40 feet in ground

area, and two stories in height. The first teacher in this building was James B. Campbell. The directors were-E. Wright, J. W. Leach and Dr. Creel. The attendance at the school is about 75. The destinies of the scholars are presi- ded over by Mortimer Hall, principal, and Mrs. Scudder, assistant. The first school in the village was taught by John Claybaugh, in the first dwelling house erected on the site of the present town.

RELIGIOUS.

The Cumberland Presbyterian congre- gation was organized in November, 1843. (See Ecclesiastical chapter. )

The Methodist Episcopal church of Industry dates its organization back to 1855. (For particulars see Ecclesias- tical chapter.

GOVERNMENT.

The present town board of Industry is constituted as follows: H. W. Vail Sr., president; Simon Anstine, E. Fish, William Pointer, Jacob Sowers and D. M. Creel. Uream Begthol is street commissioner; W. H. Wyatt, village con- stable.

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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 85

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