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 37
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When but an infant, the waters of baptism was placed upon his brow by Rev. Peter Cartwright, of blessed memory.
This old disciple was in attendance at a camp meeting in a grove in the vicinity of his parent's residence, when they present- ed him for baptism. When but sixteen years of age he was .)-
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ceived into full fellowship in the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which body he yet retains his membership. He has always been active in the Lord's cause, making a diligent use of the tal- ents committed to him. In 1859 he was elected Recording Stew- ard, of the Colchester circuit, which office he has ever since held, and during the entire time has never missed but one quarterly meeting. Few officers, we opine, can show as good a record. In the Sabbath School work he has always labored with zeal, begot- ten of knowledge. From a youth up he has been a constant at- tendant upon the Sabbath School, and whether as a scholar, a teacher or superintendent, he has ever attended faithfully to his duties. At present heis the efficient teacher of the Bible class in the Hillsgrove Sunday School.
Like hundreds of others raised in this county, Mr. Fulkerson passed through many trials. In the early day the first duty de- volving upon the young boy was to go to mill. He was first taught- the way, and when even too young, or with insufficient strength to hold the sack of grain upon the horse, it was tied on, and he then placed upon the horse's back, was sent on his way. This duty was given the youngest, for the reason they were often compelled to wait many hours to have their grain ground, the capacity of the mills being so small the millers would make a rule "first come, first served." The time of the older ones upon a farm was thus saved, and their labor obtained. The destructive prairie fires in the spring were such as to create apprehension in the minds of all, and among the earliest recollections of him of whom we write was of fighting fire to prevent its approach to their cabin and grain.
The moral training received by Thomas Fulkerson was excel- lent in the extreme. His father being a consistent and zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and having a deep reverence for the word of God, inculcated in the young mind of his son the fact that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and also that excellent motto "honesty is the best pol- icy." The instruction received in youth, and its application to his daily life, he has ever since retained. Now, while in the prime of life, we find him honored by all who know him, his word at all times being considered as good as his bond, and it being the uni- versal verdict of his neighbors that no more honest man exists than Thomas Fulkerson. Everybody respects the man for his sterling worth. For some years he has administered more estates than any man in the western portion of the county, if not in its
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whole length and breadth. In his hands it is well known that every penny will be accounted for and no one will ever be wronged out of a cent,
As a politician Mr. Fulkerson makes no pretensions, but, like the true man that he is, has his views and is not afraid to main- tain them. Ilis political views coincide with those of the Repub- licans, and the principles of that party have ever been dear to him. During the war, while he did not enter the field, he exer- cised a wholesome influence at home, and no more loyal man could be found than he.
When the "Grange" movement was organized he went into the movement, and in the Grange with which he is connected is an active worker and has been its secretary during the entire period of its existence. He is also the purchasing agent of that body, and during the past year has transacted a business amounting to a total sum of $30,000. Few mercantile houses in the county transact a larger volume of trade. Having the confidence of the entire community the people are not afraid to trust him with their orders.
JOIIN D. HAINLINE.
Few men are better known in Emmet township than the sub- ject of our sketch-John Dunford Hainline, who for a period of thirty-eight years has made his home on section six. His parents were George and Flora (Cockerel) Hainline, the former a Ken- tuckian by birth, being born in Fayette county of that State, while the latter was a Tennessean, but raised in the same county in Kentucky as her husband. John D., their son, was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, on the seventh day of Septem- ber, 1817. His mother for years made all the clothing used by the entire family, while his father endeavored in his way to pro- vide for their wants in tilling the soil. The implements that he used for this purpose would make the young farmer of this coun- try stare in wonder and amazement. Just think of using a plow made entirely of wood, drawn by a horse wearing a collar made of bark, stuffed with husks of corn ! But such was the way the work was performed, and yet all managed to live. John was a great lover of amusements, and would go to as great length to gratify his desires in this line as any in the land. Coon and pos- sum hunting were among the chief means of diversion, occasion- ally varied by visiting the pretty girls of the neighborhood. The
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only educational advantages he received were in attending a school two months each winter for about seven years, in an old log school house, where, on an old slab seat, he was compelled to sit from morning until night. For a window a log was removed, and greased paper was placed over the hole made by its removal. The branches taught in this school were "reading, 'riting and 'rithma- tic." Not a grammar or geography was ever seen it in. Not- withstanding the love of fun which predominated in young Hainline, he was in youth quite steady, the result of the training received from his parents, who were quite striet in their govern- ment.
In 1836, when but twenty years of age he led to the hymenial altar Miss Margaret Ann Douthit, and two years thereafter em- igrated to MeDonough county, settling in Emmet township. By her he had eleven children, eight of whom yet live, one son George L. being killed at Bentonville, N. C., during the late war. This son was a member of the 16th regiment and was among the first to enlist in the defense of his country. James Lewis Hainline, a nephew, but who was raised by Mr. II. enlisted at the same time, was wounded at Bentonville, and died in Missouri some time in 1866. Mrs. Hainline died Nov. 3, 1869. About one year after, Mr. Hainline was again married, this time to Miss Amanda J. Purdy, with whom he yet lives.
One hundred acres of the farm of Mr. Hainline, was purchased by him on his arrival in the county for the sum of $700. The land was improved, and the price paid was considered very high at that time. Other land adjoining was afterwards pur- chased for ten dollars per acre. The farm is now one of the most valuable in Emmet township. In his day Mr. Hainline has been a very stout and robust man, and has never, during his entire life, been confined to his bed by sickness but two weeks. The cares of the world never seem to trouble him in the least ; he never worries or complains. Having, by his own industry, laid up for himself a sufficient amount of worldly goods to enable him to live comfort- ably, he passes along through life in a contented manner. On his land are found veins of excellent coal, which have but recently been discovered, and from which, during the past year (1876), about 15,000 bushels of coal were taken. This being the only coal mine in that section of country, will eventually make the land very valuable.
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In politics Mr. Hainline was originally an old line Whig, but when the old party disbanded he affiliated for a time with the American party. In 1858, when Lincoln made his celebrated cam- paign with Douglas for the Senate, a campaign of national import- ance, he voted the Republican ticket, and ever since has been an earnest supporter of its men and measures. On the accession of Lincoln to the Presidency in 1861, when war was proclaimed, his whole influence was exerted in the cause of freedom and union, and two of his sons (all that were old enough) hesent forth to bat- tle for their country, one of whom, as previously stated, laid down his life in its defense, the other returning at the close of the war to receive honors from his fellow-citizens. He is one of the edi- tors of the well known Macomb Journal.
Mr. Hainline has never made a profession of religion, but has endeavored to live a strictly moral life, although we believe no man would resent an insult quicker than he. In his neighbor- hood, and among those with whom he is acquainted, he is highly respected.
W. H. HAINLINE.
Wm. HI. Hainline was born in Emmet township, McDonough county, July 29, 1841, and has been a continuous resident of the county from that date, and therefore may be classed as an old settler. His parents were John D. and Margaret A. Hainline, who immigrated from the State of Kentucky at an early day, the father yet residing upon the old homestead in Emmet township. The subject of this sketch spent his childhood and youth upon the farm, his life being varied by work in the summer and attendance upon the district school in the winter. With the exception of three months his entire schooling was received in one district. Until eighteen years of age he continued to work for his father. At that time the country was excited by the discovery of gold in Pike's Peak, when he persuaded his father to let him seek his for- tune in that new Eldorado. Going to the Peak, he labored about three weeks in the mines, when not being satisfied with the pros- pects, he returned home, thoroughly cured of the "gold fever," and willing enough to take his place behind the plow, and turn gold out of the black soil of Illinois. In farm work he continued until the boom of the cannon was heard reverberating from Fort Sumpter, when, hastening to Macomb, on the nineteenth day of April, 1861, he enlisted in Capt. Ralston's company of "Union
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Guards," under the first call of the President for 75,000 men, but on account of the lack of transportation the company could not leave Macomb in time, and therefore failed to be numbered with the first quota. A call of the State had in the meantime been made for ten regiments, and this company was sworn in for thirty days, and afterward, on the twenty-fourth day of May, 1861, mustered into the United States service for three years, or during the war, becoming Co. A, 16th Regiment Illinois Volunteers. "During the war" was taken literally by Mr. Hainline, and five months be- fore the expiration of his three years' service, he re-enlisted as a veteran, and continued with his regiment until the proclamation of peace was issued and the regiment mustered out on the eighth day of July, 1865. In every campaign in which the regi- ment participated he bore his part, and in the battle of Peach Tree Creek, in front of Atlanta, on the twentieth of July, 1864, he was taken prisoner by the rebels, and five days thereafter was placed in the dread prison pen of Andersonville. For two months he was confined at that place, where the prisoners were dying at the rate of one hundred each day, dying of starvation and expos- ure, the rebels refusing to take any measures to better their con- dition. The horrors of that prison will ever be impressed upon his mind, and it is therefore little to be wondered that he scarcely forgives the authors of that misery.
On returning home, Mr. Hainline, the following fall, received from his party the nomination for the office of County Treasurer, and, notwithstanding the objection raised against him on account of his youth, and that he ran against the most popular man in the ranks of the opposition, he was triumphantly elected. The amount of his bond was $650,000, owing to the heavy bounty tax, but had been $2,000,000 it would have been given. In the discharge of his duties he gave perfect satisfaction to men of all parties, and in the two years of his service he handled more money than any Treasurer in the county has ever done in the same length of time.
Shortly after the expiration of his term of office he purchased an interest in the drug store of P. II. Delaney, continuing in that business until the fall of 1869.
On the twelfth day of June, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Victoria Shleich, of Fulton county. Three children were the result of this union, one of whom died in infancy. Mrs.
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Hainline departed this life February 24, 1874, her loss deeply felt not only by the sorrowing husband and motherless children, but by many friends. She was a woman of many excellent qualities of head and heart, and would attract friends wherever her lot was cast. In the sweet bye-and by she rests from her labors, while her works do follow her.
It is needless to say that in politics Mr. Hainline is a Republican "of the strictest sect." It ean well be said of him that the prin- ciples of that party are "bred in the bone," his parents and all bearing the name being of the same political persuasion. In June, 1870, he purchased a half interest in the Macomb Journal, the leading paper of the city, and became associate editor. As a local writer he ranks among the best in the State, and in the ad- vocacy of his political views he never fails to make himself un- derstood, and always takes advance ground upon all questions of the day.
In addition to the office of County Treasurer, Mr. Hainline has held the office of Alderman of the First Ward, Macomb, for two years, and represented the city as a member of the Board of Su- pervisors for three years. In the discharge of all his official duties he labors faithfully to advance the best interests of his con- stituents, being alive to all questions of public good. While he would practice strict economy in the management of public affairs, he would not be niggardly in expenditures, knowing that it is possible for public servants, as well as private individuals, to be "penny wise and pound foolish."
William II. Hainline is rather below medium height, quick in motion, and is generally in the enjoyment of reasonably good health. As a citizen he enjoys the respect and esteem of every one, and as a friend and neighbor he is kind and benevolent, with a heart open to hear the cries of the afflicted of earth. That he is public spirited is proven by his acts and votes upon questions that pertain to the general good of all.
WILLIAM HAMILTON.
Among the living pioneers of MeDonough, few are more wide- ly known than the one of whom we now write. William Hamil- ton was born in Rock bridge county, Virginia, seven miles from the great Natural Bridge, in May, 1813. At his birth his father was in comfortable circumstances, but shortly after lost all, when he removed to Connersville, Indiana, where he engaged in farm-
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ing, and where William was compelled to labor as early in life as he could be of assistance. A few months attendance in the com- mon schools in his native county, before removing to Indiana, was all the educational advantages enjoyed by him, until after he reached his majority, when he attended a country school for about three months ; therefore the success attending him in after life was not due to any knowledge acquired from books, but from contin- ual application to business and natural common sense.
When sixteen years of age, Mr. II. commenced to learn the trade of blacksmith, which he followed some eighteen months, when finding it did not agree with him, he went on a farm, which business he afterwards followed until his retirement a few years ago. It was not until he was twenty-two years of age that he was enabled to save anything from his labor. In the year 1835, he hired out at $12 per month, and in due time saved $100, which afterwards served as a basis for the accumulation of years. With this sum of money, a horse and saddle, he came to Macomb, in this county, arriving here on the sixteenth day of April, 1836 He at onced hired to Abner Walker, for $12 per month and board, continuing with him for some time, and in February, 1836, pur- chased the first piece of land he ever owned being the south west quarter, section 2, 6 north, 2 west, where he so long made his home.
On the twenty-ninth day of October, 1839, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Cannon, near Macomb, in whose society he has since spent thirty-eight years of his life. Six children has the Lord given them, five yet living, who ocenpy useful positions in society.
Mr. Hamilton has never held public office save that of school director and road commissioner. Often has he been requested to serve, but always refused. He cares nothing for the honors ob- tained, and is content to fill an humble position in life. He has always been a hard working man, and whatever of this world's goods he possesses has been made by his own industry and the practice of strict economy. When he first began life in this county, the people were suffering the effects of the hard times following the panic of 1837, and for years it was almost an impos- ibility to obtain sufficient money even to pay taxes. He informs us that many times has he harnessed his team before daylight, and driving to Macomb, a distance of nine miles, proceeded to
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Wigwam branch, some two or three miles west of town, hauling in three loads of wood and returning home, all for $1.50. He has killed his hogs, taken them to Nauvoo, spending three or four days on the journey, and sold them for $1.50 per hundred pounds.
Notwithstanding the difficulties with which he had to con- , tend, he labored on, determined to succeed. One quality about him is worthy of imitation by our young men-he never contract- ed a debt without knowing how and when it should be paid, and never in all his life has he been unable to meet the demands against him. For a number of years past he has made his motto, "Pay as you go." and has contracted no debts of any kind, or for any purpose. In 1864 he rented out his farm and removed to Bushnell where he has since continued to reside. During the first year of his stay in Bushnell he engaged in the grocery busi- ness, believing that in his early life he had done enough hard work to entitle him to have a little leisure as he passes along the latter part of the journey of life.
In 1838 he united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Walnut Grove, retaining his connection with that body until his removal to Bushnell, when he received a letter, but has never united with another congregation.
HION. B. R. HAMPTON.
Benjamin R. Hampton was born in Warren county, Ohio, on the twelfth day of April, 1821. His parents were Van C. and Elizabeth (Randolph) Hampton, the former being a native of New Jersey and the latter of Ohio. The elder Hampton was well known throughout MeDonough county, having established and for many years running the first woolen factory in the town of Macomb, if not in the county. The early life of young Hampton was spent in the country, and as soon as he arrived at an age in which he was capable of doing work, he was placed in his father's woolen factory. At this trade he labored for some years, or until his removal to MeDonough county, in 1840. In the public schools of Miami county, Ohio, where his parents removed when he was but a mere lad, he laid the foundation of a good practical educa- tion.
Soon after his arrival in Macomb he entered the office of Hon. Cyrus Walker, one of the leading attorneys of the State, where he read law for some two years, when he passed examination and
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was admitted to the bar. In this profession he continued seven- teen years, with some success, attaining a good reputation as a legal adviser.
On the second day of April, 1845, he was united in marriage with Miss Angeline E. Hail, daughter of D. Hail, Esq., Franklin, Kentucky. Six children have been born unto them, three of whom . are living.
Mr. Hampton has always taken considerable interest in the political affairs of the country, his first general experience being in the campaign of 1840, when Gen. Harrison was elected President of the United States. He espoused the principles of the old Whig party, and fought manfully for its success until it ceased to exist, when he was one of the very first in this county to give adhesion to the Republican party, with which he has since beel connected. In weakness or in strength, through evil or good reports, he has labored earnestly and zealously for the welfare of that party. In the fall of 1855 he became editor of the old Ma- comb Enterprise, and in the summer of 1856, when John C. Fremont received the nomination for President (the first candi- date of the Republican party for that office), he placed his name at the head of its columns ; and with great zeal advocated his election. Without detracting in the least from others, we can say that no man has done more or made greater sacrifices for the success of the party. For some years he published the paper at a loss, being compelled to draw from other resources means to keep it alive. At this time the party was greatly in the minority, but with faith that it would eventually succeed, he labored on, witnessing its final triumph. He has on several occasions served in public office, as Trustee of the town of Macomb, Justice of the Peace, Supervisor and State Senator. He was a member of the Board of Supervisors during the dark days of the rebellion, and labored without avail to secure assistance from the Board for the brave boys in blue and their suffering families left behind. For this act he deserves great credit from that class who imperilled their lives for the nation's safety. As a member of the State Sen- ate he served four years, discharging his duties faithfully and to the satisfaction of his constituents.
While in the Senate he was chairman of the committee which prepared the present liquor law of the State. During the second term he was chairman of the Republican caucus and chairman of
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the committees on Expenses of the General Assembly and Miscel- lany. He was also a member of the committees on Revision, Re- formatory Institutions, Judicial Department, Apportionment, Printing, Fees and Salaries, and Appropriations. He prepared and introduced the bill by which the Revised Statutes of the State were given to the people at a cost of only two dollars.
With the exception of a period between 1860-65 up to the year 1870, he had entire editorial control of the Macomb Journal. During the latter year W. H. Hainline became associated with him. It now ranks with the best papers in the State and with a circulation equal to any country paper published.
Shortly after the organization of the Christian Church in Ma- comb Mr. IIampton united and has since held connection with that body. In all the affairs of the congregation he has taken great interest, and contributes liberally of his means to advance the cause. As a friend and neighbor he is kind and benevolent, always willing to aid a worthy person in every way in his power. Aside from politics he is held in high esteem by every one, his only enemies being those of a political nature. As a citizen he is public spirited and advocates publicly and privately everything having a tendency to advance the interests of his adopted county and State.
RICHARD D. HAMMOND, M. D.
Among the prominent and successful physicians of this county none are better known and enjoy more of the respect of the peo- ple and the profession than Dr. R. D. Hammond, the son of Asa and Sarah A. (Wilson) Hammond, who was born in Claiborne, Monroe county, Alabama, on the twenty-fourth day of July, 1826. The father of Dr. Hammond was a native of Massachusetts, while the native state of his mother was North Carolina. The elder Hammond was an attorney of considerable note in his adopted State of Alabama, enjoying a very large and lucrative practice extending throughout its length and breadth.
The early life of Dr. Hammond was such as is common to every boy in the land, and was passed in his native village and in at- tendance upon the common schools of his native town. In 1840, his father took him to Ohio, and in the following year, when but fifteen years of age, he was entered as a student in the Marietta College, Marietta, Ohio, from whence he graduated when nineteen, receiving the degree of A. B.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
After graduating he came to Illinois and located in Monmouth, the county seat of Warren county, and some two years after en- tered the office of Dr. Young, one of the best physicians of the place, with whom he read medicine until the time arrived when he should attend lectures. Choosing the Medical Department of the University of Missouri, he entered the same, graduating with honors in 1852. Returning home, he opened an office in the old village of Greenbush, Warren county, where he remained one year. obtaining a fair practice and much valuable experience. In 1853 he removed to Blandinsville, MeDonough county, which place he made his home until November, 1862, when he removed to Macomb. In and around about Blandinsville he built up a large and lucrative practice, and made many warm and staunch friends, friends that felt grieved at his departure, and who were ready to extend a welcome on his return. In Macomb he also met with good success in his chosen profession, and for several years his practice was equal, if not greater, than any physician in the county. Failing health caused him to abandon his business for a short time, and in company with Charles Chandler, Esq., of Macomb, he spent a few months in traveling, principally in the South. On returning home, he was urged by many of his old patrons in Blandinsville and its vicinity to return to that place and resume his practice. This he consented to do, and, May, 1875, be again resumed his practice in that place. It required but a short time to regain the large practice previously enjoyed while a citizen of the town, and but for an unfortunate and serious accident, would have exerted him to the utmost to attend to calls. On the thirtieth day of April, 1876, he was thrown from his horse, receiv- ing injuries of the spine, which prevented him from attending to his duties a great part of his time. The doctor is now making a specialty of the treatment of diseases by electricity, meeting with uniformly good success.
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