USA > Illinois > McDonough County > History of McDonough county, Illinois, its cities, towns and villages with early reminiscences, personal incidents and anecdotes and a complete business directory of the county > Part 34
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Dr. Bolles is a tall, athletic looking man, full six feet, black hair and eyes, solidly built, usually in the enjoyment of perfect health. His powers of endurance are very great, especially fit- ting him for the life of a physician. As a man, the doctor enjoys the respect of all who are acquainted with him; his social quali- ties commend him to all alike. In the home circle he is kind and gentle in the extreme. We believe a bright future is yet before him.
ALONZO BARNES.
Alonzo Barnes, son of Truman and Laura (Neale) Barnes, was born in New Hartford, Conn., on the tenth day of May, 1825. When but a mere child his parents removed to New Haven, in the same State, where they remained until the year 1838, when they came West, their son accompanying them, and settled in Canton, Illinois. From the time he attained the right age, until the removal of his parents from New Haven, he attended the Lan- casterian school in that city, obtaining a fair common school edu- cation, since which time he had the advantage of but one winter's term of school. The desire for a thorough education was very great with him, but his parents were unable to gratify his long- ing. This, however, did not deter him from the effort to acquire knowledge, and we find him at home, after the labors of the day were ended, studying to advance himself in the knowledge of the science and literature of the day. On his removal to Canton, as every youth in the land should do, he learned a trade, choosing that of cooper, becoming quite proficient in the business.
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IHISTORY OF M'DONOUGHI COUNTY.
When seventeen years of age, by permission of his parents, he left home to care for himself, with a determination to succeed in life if it were possible. He commenced work in the timber, cutting and splitting rails at fifty cents per hundred, and cutting saw logs at twelve and a half cents per log, securing in this way the small amount of cash which served as a basis for all his future opera- tions. One thing may here be remarked of him, and that is, he has always obeyed the scriptural injunction, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might." In thus doing suc- cess hath crowned his efforts.
In boyhood and youth he enjoyed the confidence and respect of his elders, keeping aloof from the degrading and demoralizing habits in which the young are liable to be led. It is said of him, 10 oath ever passed his lips, and that he was never known to speak a wilful falsehood. At fifteen years of age he united with the Baptist Church, in Canton, and was baptised by Elder Newell in that city. During all the intervening years he has ever been a consistent member of that denomination of Evangelical Chris- tians, ever taking an active part in the practical duties devolving upon the members of the body of Christ. He was one of the first deacons of the Baptist Church in Prairie City, and has held the office up to the present time.
In June, 1849, he was united in marriage to Miss Maria L. Parker, of Canton, Ill., by whom he has had . eight children, five of whom are now living, three having passed " over the river," and, upon the other side, are " watching and waiting " for those who yet remain.
In 1852, with his father-in-law, he engaged in the mercantile trade in Canton, under the firm name of Parker & Barnes, which relation was continued until his removal to Prairie City, in 1854. When he removed to the latter place none of the signs of thrift were there which are now discernable. The prairie in all direc- tions was in its wild state, but few farms having been brought un- der cultivation. How different now. Not an acre, not a rod, but what is enclosed. Mr. Barnes, on his removal here, engaged again in the mercantile trade, he having the honor of bringing to the town the first general stock of goods. We believe he has, without intermission, continued in a like business up to the pres- ent time. He also entered at once upon the work of building up and adding to the industries and business interests of the place. With Major Parker, he laid out the first southern addition to the
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town of Prairie City, and alone has expended more money in buildings than any other person in the town. His own private residence and its surroundings is one of the finest in the town- ship, and probably not surpassed by any in the county. He was the first postmaster in the town, and held the office for ten years, attending faithfully to its duties when it was more annoyance than profit. In 1855 he was elected justice of the peace, and also re- ceived the appointment of Notary Public, one or both of which he has held continuously ever since. He has also held the office of township treasurer for about ten years. As before remarked, Mr. Barnes is a man of great determination, and who will allow no obstacle to stand in the way of success. He is a genuine Yan- kee, showing the habits of thrift belonging to that class. Starting in life at the age of seventeen, without a dollar, his only capital being two strong arms, he has succeeded beyond that of hundreds possessed of far greater advantages. Young men should profit by his example as a citizen. None stand higher in the community than Alonzo Barnes, and none more than he deserves the good will of all. As a husband and father, he is kind, pleasant and for- bearing, providing for the necessary wants of all with a liberal hand.
JAMES 'M. CAMPBELL.
The subject of the present sketch is of Scottish descent, his grand parents on both sides having been born in Argyleshire, Scotland, from which place they emigrated in 1773, before the be- ginning of the revolutionary war, and settled in the State of Vir- ginia, where his father, John R. Campbell, was born. His mother's maiden name was Margaret F. Self, and she was likewise a Vir- ginian by birth. About the beginning of the present century his parents removed to Frankfort, Ky., where, on the twenty-second day of August, 1803, James Morrison Campbell was born. When about four years of age his parents removed to Muhlenberg county, Ky., where they remained for two years, going from thence to Shawneetown, Ill., in 1809. In the campaign against the Indians. in the war brought on through British instigation, our country at that time being engaged in the war of 1812, the father of Mr. Campbell went out as Lieutenant of Rangers, serving several years. In 1815, when peace was declared, Lieutenant Campbell failed to return home, when Mrs. Campbell, supposing him dead, returned at once to their old home in Frankfort. Here they had
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remained but a short time before the husband and father returned. At this time James M. was a lad of twelve years of age. Up to this time the opportunity had not been given him to attend school but a few months, and having a desire to obtain a greater knowl- edge of his mother tongue, he was sent to the Frankfort Seminary, then under the superintendency of Keene O'Hara, an eminent scholar and strict disciplinarian, whose reputation as an instructor of youth had extended throughout the State. Here he remained about four years, obtaining such education as was thought at that time to be necessary to enable one to make his way in the world.
In 1822, he received the appointment of Deputy Postmas- ter, under James W. Hawkins, Postmaster of the city of Frank- fort, and as noble a man as ever lived. With Mr. H. he re- mained five years and a half, when, thinking he could better his fortune, he resigned his position to go to Lexington, in the same State. A few days after he arrived at the latter place, he received a mail bag, which, on opening he discovered an entire suit of broad-cloth clothes, and a note informing him that they were a present from his friend Mr. Hawkins. Not succeeding in Lexing- ton as he desired, he returned to Frankfort where he remained an- other year, when in the spring of 1828 he went with his father to Shelby county, Ky., where he remained until the following win- ter, when he started for Galena, in this State, but went to Nash- ville, Tenn., where he spent the winter and spring following and in August, 1829, he arrived at the place of his destination. Here he entered the office of his unele, Wm. Campbell, who at that time was general agent of the government as receiver of rents for the use of the lead mines at that place. With his uncle he only remained a few months when he entered the office of Cir- cuit and County Clerk, under Col. Abner Field. Here he re- mained until the spring of 1831, when he received the appoint- ment of Clerk of the Circuit Court of MeDonough county, for which place he started, arriving at Macomb the county seat of the newly organized county, on the first day of April, 1831, and where he has ever since resided, enjoying the respect and esteem of the people of the whole county.
When Mr. Campbell arrived at Macomb, there was but one building in the town, that of John Baker, of which mention is made elsewhere. He at once erected a log house a short distance south of Baker's, and opened a stock of general merchandise, the first ever opened in the county.
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Strange as it may seem to us who now know the man, he was taken for a Yankee by the few people living in the vicinity, and who were principally, if not wholly from the State of Kentucky, and who hated a Yankee worse than a rattlesnake. At this time the office of clerk of the County Commissioner's Court was va- cant and it was found impossible to find a man who would dis- charge the duties and was capable of filling the office. The name of Mr. Campbell was suggested, when one of the commissioners swore no Yankee should ever hold the office with his consent. Assurance was given by Mr. Campbell that he did not belong to this much detested race, when he received the appointment and held the office for fifteen years.
In addition to the office of clerk of the Circuit and County Court, Mr. Campbell received the appointment from Governor Reynolds of County Recorder, Notary Public, and Judge of Pro- bate, the latter two of which he resigned after a short time.
Heretofore McDonough county had been without a postoffice, the people of the entire county receiving their mail at Rushville, Schuyler county. Arrangements were at once made by Mr. C. to have the mail belonging to citizens of the county brought from Rushville to Macomb and delivered in his care, he assuming the payment of the postage, which at that time was seldom paid when a letter was posted and which was from six and a quarter to twen- ty-five cents on cach letter. On receiving the letters he deposited them in his hat, and when inquiry was made for them, all that he would have to do was to remove his beaver and examine the con- tents. In the spring of this year (1831) a petition was sent to the Postmaster General praying the establishment of a postoffice in Macomb and the appointment of Mr. Campbell as postmaster. On the first of December a commission was received by him and the office established, the first in the county.
This office he retained for fifteen years, save for about one quar- ter in 1841, when he was removed and Geo. W. Damron ap- pointed. On learning of his removal, Judge Young, who at this time was a member of the United States Senate, made inquiries, and learning the cause of it, notified Mr. C., when evidence was taken and sent on disproving the charge made against him, and the postmaster general re-instated him.
In 1832, Mr. Campbell entered the service of the State under the call made by the governor for volunteers in the Black Hawk
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war. He was in the battalion raised by Major Bogart in McDon- ough and Warren counties, and was out during its entire service, receiving as pay the munificent sum of eighty-six cents per day for self and horse. Again, in 1846, he received the appointment from the President as Commissary of the 3d regiment, Illinois Volunteers, for service in the Mexican war. He was only out about three months, when supposing the war virtually at an end, he resigned his position and came home, soon again to be honored with office by his fellow citizens, for in the following year we find him elected as a member of the Constitutional Convention which framed the Constitution adopted in 1848. He was a member of the committee on miscellaneous business in this convention along with Gen. Singleton and others. In 1852 he was elected to the State Senate and served in that office four years, during which time he was a member of the finance committee, the most impor- tant of the committees.
Mr. Campbell has always taken great interest in political affairs, and has ever been outspoken in the expression of his views. He was a strong Clay man previous to 1832, at which time Mr. Clay made his celebrated speech against the pre-emption of public lands by actual settlers. This he could not stand, and therefore arrayed himself with the opposition, who he thought favored more the rights of the common people. Since this time we find him an earnest and consistent Democrat, contending more for principle than for policy, which at any special time might seem of the most importance. Honoring the party, he has in turn been honored, having, in ad- dition to the offices mentioned above to which he was elected by the Democracy, been a member of the County Central Committee more years than any other man. He has been a member of every State Convention but two since 1836 ; he represented the Democ- racy of the State twice in National Convention ; at Cincinnati, in 1856, when James Buchanan was nominated for the Presidency, and in 1860, at Charleston and Baltimore, when Stephen A. Doug- las was nominated. He has served as member of the City Coun- cil and as a member of the Board of Supervisors several terms, and generally to the satisfaction of all his constituents.
Mr. Campbell has been twice married ; the first time in Angust, 1831, when he was married to Miss Clarissa Hempstead, in St. Charles, Mo., and with whom he lived eleven years, she departing this life in 1842. In 1843 he again married, this time to Mrs.
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Louisa F. Berry, a daughter of John Farwell, and a sister of Glad- den L. Farwell, of Macomb. The fruits of the first marriage were two sons and four daughters, and of the second, three sons and one daughter. Ilis first child was the first female child born in the town of Macomb.
As a husband and father, Mr. Campbell is kind and affectionate; as a citizen, public spirited; as a neighbor, he enjoys the confi- dence and respect of all ; to the poor he is ever considerate, and the worthy subject of charity never goes from his door empty- handed. No kinder hearted man ever lived than James Morrison Campbell, and although he has his faults, as others, we do not be- lieve he would do aught to the willful injury of any. He is a man of strong, positive character, and therefore has made many strong friends and equally strong enemies, the latter being, so far as known, only political; personally he enjoys the esteem of each party alike. He is a man that has ever had the good of the city in which he lives at heart, and has worked hard and sacrificed much for its prosperity. He built the first store building in the town, the first frame building, the first school house, and the first public hall. Now, in his old age, he is not engaged actively in any business, his entire means being invested in public buildings, from the rent of which he receives an income sufficient for the support of himself and family. We could say much in reference to this man, but as the history of this county, in a measure, is a history of his life, and as frequent mention is made in this volume of his public aets, and many anecdotes are given, we forbear say- ing more in this connection.
HON. THOMPSON CHANDLER.
The old pioneers of the county are fast passing away, but here aud there yet remains one who labored much to build up and beautify this noble country of ours. Few men have worked more earnestly and toiled longer, and whose efforts have been better re- warded, than Judge Chandler, of Macomb: but, then, the Judge comes of a hardy race, being born among the hills of New Hamp- shire, in the town of Alstead, October 25, 1805. His early life was not unlike thousands of others who passed through the com- mon schools, and with a few months in the academy completed their education. He remained with his parents on the old home- stead until after he reached his majority, thus showing a filial affection to be commended. In the spring of 1842 he left his
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native State and came west as far as Cincinnati, where he remained two years engaged in the mercantile trade with varying success. On the expiration of this time he thought to still better his con- dition by yet removing still further west, and in that new country, lately opened to immigration, he might attain that success in life to which he aspired. Accordingly, in the spring of 1834, he landed in Macomb, this county, where he has since continued to reside, an honored citizen and an esteemed friend, exhibiting in his life those traits of character which have rendered him so pop- ular among the people. For the first three years after his arrival in Macomb he engaged in the mercantile trade in company with the late William Richards, so well and favorably known among early settlers. His success in this business was as great as could be expected at that early day, when the settlers had little money and raised nearly all they ate or wore. Shortly after his arrival in Macomb he purchased the southeast quarter, section 36, Emmet township, and afterward the entire section, part of which he ob- tained for one dollar per acre and the balance for three dollars. The whole of the southeast quarter is now covered by dwelling- houses, from the humble cottage of the laboring man to the more palatial residence of the wealthier class, and is the finest part of the city of Macomb. From 1837 to the present time, a period of forty years, Mr. Chandler has been engaged in farming, save a period of one year while in California. In 1849, with many others, he took up his line of march to the new Eldorado, where he engaged for one year in mining and trading, having fair suc- cess in either operation, but experiencing enough of the hardships of the country in that time. On his return he again engaged in his regular calling, which, as remarked, he has followed to the present time. In addition to the regular work of the farm, he has for many years been engaged in raising stock, and was prob- ably the first in the county to take an interest in improving the breed. At every meeting of the MeDonough County Agricul- tural Association since its organization, his herd of cattle has attracted considerable attention and almost every year he has taken one or more premiums on his display.
In politics Mr. Chandler is now and always has been a democrat of the old school, in the years of his manhood voting with and working for the success of the democratic ticket. However oth- ers may have faltered in devotion to the principles of the old party he always remained firm, and through evil and good report he
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has labored for the success of the party. Honoring the party, he has in time been honored by it, in receiving the nomination and election to various offices of trust. He has filled in a satisfactory manner the offices of Trustee of the town, Alderman of the city, Justice of the Peace, member of the Board of Supervisors, and County Judge, in the latter office serving from 1853 to 1861, a period of eight years. No man that has ever occupied the office has discharged its duties in a more satisfactory manner. While in this office many cases of importance were tried before him, his decisions usually being accepted as final by contesting parties. As a member of the Board of Trustees, Alderman or Supervisors' Court, he brought in the discharge of the duties of each the same unswerving desire to do right in all his public acts, having the in- terests of all his constituents ever before him, and laboring earnest- ly and zealously to promote the good of all. His popularity on this account has ever been great, and we have more than once ot - served that when his party desired an unexceptionable strong man they always brought out Thompson Chandler, and seldom has he ever been defeated. Many times has the large majorities of the opposition been overcome or reduced to an insignificant amount through reason of his popularity. The cause of this will be men- tioned further on in this sketch.
Judge Chandler was married on the third day of February, 1831, to Miss Lucy B. Towne, of Stodard, New Hampshire. Four children have they been blessed with-three boys and one girl. All are yet hving save one, Albert B., the second son, who died on the fifteenth day of September, 1877, at the residence of his brother, G. C. Chandler, of Chicago. Albert B. had been sick for a long time with consumption, brought on, doubtless, by ex- posure. He was a hard-working, industrious young man, toiling early and late, with the laudable desire of adding to his posses- sions. His last sickness he bore with remarkable fortitude, and he passed peacefully away, surrounded by those who gladly would have relieved him of his sufferings. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, near Macomb, the funeral services being conducted by Elder G. W. Mapes. Of those yet living, Solon F., the oldest, is engaged in farming and stock-raising near Macomb; Gardner C. is engaged in the wholesale hardware trade in Chicago, and has been doing a thriving business; Mary Almeda is the wife of Crosby F. Wheat, Esq., a leading lawyer of Macomb, and for some years County Attorney of McDonough county.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGHI COUNTY.
Judge Chandler is rather below the medium height, and although in the seventy-third year of his age is quite active, and in his younger days must have been extremely so. As a husband and father he is kind and indulgent, as a citizen he is enterpris- Ing, as a friend and neighbor he is universally respected; few men have ever stood higher in the estimation of his fellow-citizens. We have stated that he has always been popular with the people, especially has this been the case with the poorer class, whose friend he has always been. Although having dealings with this class to a considerable extent, we have yet to hear of the first case in which he ever oppressed them in any way-many poor men owe their homes to his kindness and forbearance in not prosecuting his claims against them. It is therefore no wonder he is popular, and may he ever be so.
JAMES CLARKE.
The subject of our present sketch was among the earliest settlers of our county, and for years occupied official positions that brought him before the people as much as any other man within its border. IIe was born in Lincoln county, Kentucky, Septem- ber 26, 1797. His parents were John and Ann (Whitten) Clarke, the father being a soldier of the revolutionary war. They were in very moderate circumstances, and when James was but a babe removed to Washington county, in the same State, engaging in the occupation of farming, their son assisting them as soon as he arrived at an age when he could be of service, remaining at home until eighteen years of age, when he left to learn the trade of hat- ter, which trade he followed for some years. A few months at- tendance in the common schools was all the educational advantages that he ever enjoyed, but that little he made the best of in after life. The same general traits of character for which he was noted when more advanced in life was observable in youth. He was a quiet, steady and industrious boy, never engaging in any of the rude sports of the time, and of good moral habits.
On the twenty-first day of May, 1818, a few months before reach- ing his majority, he was married to Miss Mary Lewis, in Wash- ington county, Kentucky, with whom he lived happily a period of fifty-eight years, or until death called him away. Eleven children were born unto them, eight sons and three daughters, the latter, with one son, the eldest of the family, yet dwelling upon this side the river, the rest having passed over.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGHI COUNTY.
Realizing the almost utter impossibility of the poor ever becom- ing rich, or even obtaining a respectable living in the old states, especially the slave states, Mr. Clarke determined on emigrating to Illinois, and in the year 1829, with his family, removed to Mor- gan county, in this State, where they remained but one year, and in the spring of 1830 came to this county. When he arrived here he found but few families, and only scattered settlements here and there. In the neighborhood of the present city of Macomb, where he settled, there were but two families, Elias McFadden, then living on the Hunter farm, south of town, and John Baker, living near where the Fourth Ward school house now stands. The county was without organization, all local business being trans- acted in Schuyler county, and the nearest postoffice being in Rushville, of the same county. In the summer after his arrival steps were taken to organize the county, Mr. Clarke being very active in the matter. In the first election he was elected one of the three County Commissioners, and was re-elected several times, serving, we believe, about eight years. He also served several years as Probate Justice. When a change was made in the gov- ernment of counties, by the constitution of 1848, he was elected County Judge, which office he held for four years. He was also a member of the first city council of Macomb, and for years was a Justice of the Peace of the county. In the discharge of his official duties he endavored to render satisfaction to all, and was always popular with the people. As Mr. Clarke is frequently mentioned in this work in connection with his public work, it is needless to say more in this place.
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