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 38
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On the twenty-fourth day of December, 1854, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Bolles, by whom he has had nine chil- dren, seven girls and two boys, all of whom are now living, save the oldest daughter, who passed to her long home in the fall of 1874, where she awaits the coming of other loved ones, who, upon this side the river, toil on, until in the grand reunion in the "sweet by-and-bye."
Dr. Hammond is a man rather below the medium height, light. hair, full, flowing beard, high forehead, and of a kind and benev-
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olent disposition. For a number of years he has been connected with the Congregational Church at Macomb, with which body he yet holds membership, there being no church of that denomina- tion in Blandinsville. Every one regards him with respect as a man, and in the community in which he resides he wields consid- erable influence.
DR. JOHN HARDESTY.
Few men that have lived in our county were more widely known or more universally esteemed than the subject of this sketch. John Hardesty was of Irish descent, his grandfather on his father's side immigrating to this country prior to the revolu- tionary war. His father, Charles Hardesty, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and likewise in the war of 1812, and bore an honorable part in each of these great struggles. The patriotic principles of the father were imbibed by the son, and have de- scended to the present generation.
John Hardesty was born in Virginia May 13, 1793. His moth- er's maiden name was Nancy Fowler, her family being one of the oldest in this State and having a number of representatives now living in this county. During the early life of John he lived and worked with his parents on a farm and in the common or sub- scription schools of his time laid the foundation of an education secured in after years by self-application.
When war with Great Britain was proclaimed in 1812, the patriotic feeling inherited from his sire caused him to enroll his name among his country's defenders, and, although young in years, he went forth, and during the entire campaign bore himself as become a hero and the son of one who, when the nation sought its independence, was ready to do and to die for the accomplish- ment of that end.
In May, 1811, Mr. Hardesty was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Hungate, daughter of Col. John Hungate, of Ken- tucky, by whom he had nine sons and three daughters, five of the sons and two of the daughters yet living, and filling honorable positions in society.
In 1818 Mr. Hardesty, with his family, left his Kentucky home for Illinois, and for six years resided in Hamilton county, re- moving from thence to Adams county, where he remained four years, when he came to MeDonough county, arriving here on the
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third day of April, 1830, and securing for a home the southwest quarter section 9, 7 north and 4 west, now Blandinsville town- slip, in the neighborhood of the well-known "Job's settlement." With the exception of some three years spent in Missouri, he lived in this neighborhood until death called him away.
Mr. Hardesty came to this county before it was organized, and at the first election was one of three elected to fill the office of County Commissioner, to which office he was several times re- elected. In the work of organization he showed good executive abilities, and much credit is due him for the good work performed in placing McDonough in the front rank of the counties of the State. As one of the County Commissioners, he assisted in laying off the town of Macomb.
While a citizen of Missouri, Mr. Hardesty studied medicine with Dr. Johnson, of Savannah, in that State, and during his res- idence there built up a large practice. On returning to MeDon- ough county he continued to practice for some years. In this field of usefulness he achieved some success, bringing to bear upon the discharge of the duties of his profession rare common sense in the discernment of disease.
Dr. Hardesty was a heavy built man, full six feet in height, fair complexion, and of a generous disposition. As a friend and neigh- bor he was greatly esteemed, his willingness to accomodate being proverbial. In the family circle, he was very strict, his word at all times, being law, but his government was inspired by the law of love, which in time begot love for himself in the hearts of his children, and his memory is now held dear by every member of the family remaining.
Dr. Hardesty was for many years a consistent member of the Baptist Church, and in it held the office of deacon. His Christ- ian duties he never neglected, and in the support of the gospel was ever ready to do his part. The two great commandments of love to God and love to man he held sacred, endeavoring to dis- charge the obligations resting upon him arising from each.
Dr. Hardesty was called to his long home on the third day of September, 1875, and was buried near Hillsborough Church, of which body he had long been a member. Elder J. H. Delano, of Blandinsville, delivered the funeral sermon, and his body was laid away to await the summons on the resurrection morn. He died as he had lived, in the full assurance of hope, at the ripe age of
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eighty-two years. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, yea and from henceforth they shall rest from their labors and their works do follow them." Dr. Hardesty was buried by the members of the Masonic order in this county, having been a member of that order since 1812, a period of sixty-three years. May he rest in peace, and may we emulate his good deeds.
WILLIAM C. HAINLINE.
There are many persons bearing the name of Hainline in this county, all universally respected and none more so than the sub- jeet of this sketch. Mr. Hainline came to this county in 1838 in company with his parents, George and Flora (Cockrell) Hainline. The elder Hainline was well known as a man of strong character, a zealous member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and strict in the observance of such duties as he regarded right and proper. He was born in Clark county, Kentucky, on the fourth of June, 1791. His father, the grandfather of William, was one of the pioneers of that State, having emigrated thereto with Daniel Boone. Mrs. Hainline comes of a family somewhat noted in the affairs of that State and in Missouri. Senator Cockrell of the latter State being a relative. Mr. and Mrs. Hainline were united in marriage in 1812, the latter being at the time only six- teen years of age. Eleven children were born unto them, seven boys and four girls, all of whom lived to have families of their own, and all immigrating with their parents to this State and county. Four have since died. Mr. Hainline departed this life in March, 1868, and was followed in October, 1870, by his loved companion. Both died as they had lived, in the full assurance of hope of a glorious life beyond the grave.
William C. Hainline was born in Montgomery county, Ken- tucky, on the thirtieth day of May, 1823. His early life was passed upon the farm in his native State and in this county, where he arrived on the twenty-eighth day of October, 1838, and settled with his parents on section 6, Emmett township. It may be well to remark that the elder Hainline, the father of William, while still a resident of Kentucky, was in good circumstances financially, and would have never left his native State, had it not been for the curse of slavery. IIe was a strong anti-slavery man, and we believe there are none of his descendants but what viewed the question in the same light that he did. William remained at home with his parents some ten years after his arrival in Me-
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Donough county, when he purchased for himself a farm on section 15, Hire township, where he removed, and where he has since continued to reside. For this farm he paid three dollars per aere. It is now worth $60 per acre, and is one of the best in the county, but when he moved upon it, it was wild prairie land and at some distance from the dwelling of any one. Fears were entertained by his friends that he would cut himself off from all social influ- ence, and would never have any neighbors.
Without a dollar's aid from any one, he has by his own indus- try and good management acquired considerable property, and is to-day the possessor of five hundred acres of as fine land as we have in the county. Mr. HI. has followed no other business than that of farming, having a taste for that alone. ITis health has always been remarkably good, and for forty-four consecutive years he has labored in the harvest field, beginning that work when only ten years of age. He has never had to keep his bed twenty-four hours at one time in his life from sickness that he can remember. Such good health is unusual.
In 1849 Mr. Hainline was married to Miss Elizabeth Logan, daughter of the well known pioneer Baptist preacher, Elder John Logan. She was the second white female child born in the county. Ten children have been born unto them, and all living, save two. Each of their children were born in the house in which they now reside. The oldest son is a physician, who now lives in Missouri.
During the days of the old Whig party Mr. Hainline was a strong supporter of its men and measures, but since the organiza- tion of the Republican party, he has been one of its most earnest and zealous advocates. The strong anti-slavery views of his father found a response in his breast, and the principles of that party were such as to command his sympathy and support. Al- though he takes no very active part in the work of the party, yet no man in the county feels a greater interest in its success. The annual elections always find him at the polls, and itis his boast that he has never seratehed a ticket. He has never held office of any kind, nor has ever desired one.
For thirty years he has resided in the same neighborhood, and in that time has never had a quarrel, a law suit or trouble of any kind with any one. He attends strictly to his own affairs and al-
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lows others the same privilege. No one possesses a kinder heart and none are more accommodating; he is always willing and ready to render a favor, even at a sacrifice to himself.
William C. Hainline is in height about five feet ten inches, and weighs about one hundred and seventy pounds; his complexion is rather dark than otherwise.
WESLEY HARLAN.
In the fall of 1834 Wesley Harlan left Kentucky, his native State, and with his family settled in Schuyler county, this State. where he remained some eighteen months, when, desiring a bet- ter location, he came to MeDonough county aud upon section one, Industry township, erected his cabin, improved his quarter and reared a large and influential family. At that time this portion of the county was thinly settled, and Mr. Harlan, contrary to the advice of friends, settled upon the prairie about one mile from the timber. By this action he was supposed to be deranged in mind, for without timber how could one live, what would he do for fencing, fuel, etc. ? This question Mr. Harlan proposed should be answered in the future and we now know he was right in his calculations.
Wesley Harlan was born in Barren county, Kentucky, Februa- ry 3, 1805. His parents were Jacob and Sarah (Combs) Harlau, ua- tives of the State of Virginia, who had emigrated to Kentucky at an early day. The early life of Mr. Harlan was without any partic- ular incident, and in the way of education, the common schools af- forded all the knowledge received by him. In his youth he developed a taste for mechanical labor and in manhood this taste was exer- cised to a considerable degree. Though never being apprenticed, or taking a regular course to learn any trade, he acquired a knowl- edge of many by self-application. As will be readily understood by our older readers, the service of such a man in a newly settled country would be greatly in demand, and often has Mr. H. been required to leave his own work that he might assist a neighbor out of a difficulty, in which skill wasrequired. Whether in build- ing or repairing a wagon, erecting a cabin, or making a plow, he could turn his hand to either with equal facility. Shortly after his arrival in the county he erected a horse mill near his residence, which was extensively patronized by farmers thoughout MeDon- ough and adjoining counties. At that time there were no steam mills in the country, and when the streams were low, water mills
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would occasionally quit running, causing the horse mills to have quite an extensive run of custom. All persons having grain to grind were compelled to furnish their own horses to run the mill, each await his turn to be served. Although the mill had a good run, yet its receipts were not large, on an average not over fifty cents a day.
On the second day of November, 1826, Mr. Harlan was mar- ried to Miss Nancy Greenup in Monroe county, Kentucky, ten children resulting from the union-five sons and five daughters, all of whom are now living, save James W., who died in the service of his country during the late rebellion as a member of the 10th Missouri regiment.
The members of the family now living are George T., who re- sides on the south half of section 31, New Salem township, and of whom mention is made elsewhere in these sketches, Wm. M., Marcus L., Lorenzo D., Margaret, wife of S. F. Hammer, who owns and resides upon the old homestead; Rebecca, wife of Elihu Stockton of Eldorado township; Hulda, wife of Daniel Wooley, of Crawford county, Kansas; Eliza, wife of Samnel Kyle of Kan- sas, and Chloe, wife of Frank Hall, Mound township. Mrs. Har- lan died on the twenty-fourth of March, 1864, and on the fourth of December, 1867, Mr. Harlan was again married, this time to Mary Osborne, with whom he happily lived until parted by death. She resides with her step-daughter, Mrs. Hall.
Wesley Harlan for over forty years was a consistent member of the M. E. Church, and in the Master's work had great delight, especially in singing the songs of praise. He for many years con- ducted the musical part of the exercises of the Lord's house in his own congregation. In his death the church lost a valuable mem- ber and an efficient worker.
In politics Mr. Harlan was originally a Whig, and on the or- ganization of the Republican party gave adhesion to its principles, notwithstanding he was from a slave state and the principles of that party antagonistic to all his previous teachings. He was very firm in his views, and did not fear to express his sentiments upon all occasions. Wesley Harlan was fully six feet in height, slender built and of a robust constitution. He was naturally very spry and always walked with a quick motion. In the govern- ment of his family he was mild, but always exacted obedience. As a friend and neighbor, he was kind and obliging. His death occurred on the seventeenth day of January, 1874.
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IHISTORY OF MI'DONOUGHI COUNTY.
GEORGE TAYLOR HARLAN.
In the sketches of leading citizens of our county, we give prom- inent lawyers, prominent merchants, prominent mechanics, and prominent farmers, and in this latter class may well' be placed he one of whom we now write, who, though not born in the county, has spent almost his entire life here, and is well known to all our older citizens. His father, Wesley Harlan, was also well known to every one throughout the whole county, and in the early day the old horse mill, owned by him, received patronage from all parts of this and adjoining counties. His mother was Nancy (Greenup) Harlan, a sister of "Uncle Johnny Greenup," another of the old pioneers, and one well known to every citizen of the county. His parents were married in Kentucky, from whence they came to Schuyler county, in this State, where they remained a short time, coming from that county to MeDonough in the fall of 1834, set- tling on section 1, Industry township, where they remained until the day of their death.
George Taylor Harlan was born in Monroe county, Kentucky, on the twenty-ninth day of December, 1827, and when only seven years of age was brought to this county, where his entire life has since been spent. When old enough to attend to the duties, he was put in charge of the old horse mill, previously spoken of, and for years waited upon the customers, measuring out the toll received in payment for grinding. This old mill was a noted institution in its day, and when the water in the streams was low, and grinding could not be done by the mills situated thereon, it was taxed to its utmost capacity, and day and night was kept busy.
In youth George was a quiet, steady lad, always standing well with his neighbors. As the opportunity offered, he attended the common schools of the neighborhood, obtaining therein a fair English education.
On the twenty-fifth day of December, 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss Talitha C. Yoeum, daughter of the old pioneer and well-known citizen, Major Stephen Yoeum, by whom he has had eleven children, seven of whom are yet living. The family are yet living upon the farm to which the young couple removed when first married, but the number of acres have increased until they number more than a half section ; the little frame house " just big enough for two, you know," has given place to one of 1-21
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the neatest and best farm houses in New Salem township, with room enough to entertain a score of friends, whom they number by hundreds. The situation of their house could not be improved, and its entire surroundings betoken the good taste of the master and mistress of the mansion. The farm is also one of the best in the entire township, every rod of it under cultivation, and all well improved. The entire surroundings of the place show careful management, there being no plows, harrows or reapers laying around exposed to the rain and rust, but all carefully housed and cared for until time to be used. We herein see the secret of his success. Starting in life without capital, with only a pair of stout hands and a willing heart, we see him to-day one of the foremost farmers in his section of country, with a farm of some hundreds of acres of the finest land in the county or State-all the result of his own labor, aided by a true helpmeet in his wife.
Mr. Harlan has never held a public office, but it is not on ac- count of a lack of confidence shown in him by his friends, but for the reason that he has never aspired to any official station, being content to occupy an humble position in society, surrounded by his wife, children and friends. He is a man that enjoys the con- fidence and respect of all his acquaintances, and no one stands higher in the community than he. In the family circle he is kind and pleasant, having the love of the entire household. He has never, we believe, made a profession of religion, but is in every respect a strictly moral man, observing the golden rule, " Do unto others as you would others should do unto you." No man can truly charge him with obtaining any of his goods by deceit or through unfair dealings.
Mr. Harlan is about five feet ten inches in height, slimly built, but of considerably physical endurance, and will doubtless live to a ripe old age.
HON. HUMPHREY HORRABIN.
As an illustration of what young men can do for themselves even when opportunities for improvements are indeed meager, we would call attention to the following sketch of Hon. Humphrey Horrabin, of Blandinsville, township. Mr. Horrabin was born in Allerton, near Liverpool, England, on the fifteenth of December, 1846. His parents, James and Frances (Sharpless) Horrabin, were poor in this world's goods, and gave him the opportunity to at- tend the subscription school of his native country only a few
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months. But he was instructed well in the doctrines of the church, its discipline, etc. In 1820, when thirteen years of age, he was bound an apprentice to learn the trade of shoemaker, the time of his service to be seven years. Completing the required time as an apprentice, he continued at the trade as a journeyman until his removal to this country and for ten years thereafter.
On the third day of October, 1836, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Smalley, of England, by whom he had six children, only one of whom is now living. Mrs. Horrabin died at her home near Blandinsville, on the twenty-fifth of July, 1870, in the full assurance of faith, having been a servant of Christ for many years as a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church. After working at his trade in the old country for eighteen years, Mr. Horrabin was forced to the conclusion that no opportunity was offered there, even to the most industrious, for any very rapid advancement, and turning his eyes towards the new world he determined on emigrating and endeavoring to build up a name and home for himself and family. In the spring of 1847 he sailed for America, and in due time arrived in New Orleans, from which place he proceeded to Lewistown, Fulton county, Illi- nois. Here he engaged as a journeyman, and as such worked for some months. In coming to this country he had not the means to bring his family, therefore it was his first thought to ac- cumulate money enough to send for them. In order to do this,he thought best to only draw so much of his wages per week as would be necessary for his individual wants, and leave the balance until it should be sufficient for his purpose. When the sum had reached two hundred dollars he concluded to draw it, but on call- ing for it he was informed by the firm they could not pay as they were bankrupt. This was a sad blow to him. After working hard for months and stinting himself in the enjoyments of the many com- forts of this life, to be deprived of all his hard earnings and the privilege of again beholding his family for many months. He was now thrown out of employment, but right here, when all seemed dark to him, a ray of light appeared, and he thanked God he was now in a Christian land, and, though the ties of kindred bound them not together, a better principle than all prevailed-love to thy neighbor. Leading citizens of the place came to his assist- ance, purchasing for him a stock of leather, tools, etc., and giving him his own time to pay. Ile was thus enabled to go on, and
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soon had the satisfaction of gathering around him his loved fam- ily. These "Good Samaritans" of Lewistown will always hold a warm place in his heart.
Mr. Horrabin remained in Lewistown five years, when, think- ing to better himself, he purchased of Charles Chandler, Esq., of Macomb, the southeast quarter of section 14, Blandinsville town- ship, where he yet resides. He paid for the quarter $300, and has since repeatedly refused $10,000 for it. Without any previous ex- perience in farm life he began its improvement, and to-day has one of the best farms in the county. In 1859, becoming somewhat pressed financially by the failure of many of the banks of the country, and in order to relieve himself the more speedily, he rented his farm, and moving into Tennessee, this county, he again returned to his trade which he continued for five years, at the ex- piration of which time he returned to the farm. While in Ten- nessee the dark war clouds hovered over the country, and upon the side of the Union Mr. H. arrayed himself, and on account of the expression of his sentiments he was cordially hated by those opposed to the war. The firm stand taken by him during these trying times secured for him the warm and earnest support of his Republican friends and in the County Convention in 1868, he re- ceived the nomination for Representative to the General Assem- bly, to which position he was triumphantly elected, and where he served with honor to himself and constituents.
Mr. Horrabin, since his thirteenth year has been a member of the M. E. Church, and with that body of earnest Christian work- ers, he has labored for many years, taking an active part in all church and Sunday school work. He is likewise a strong temper- ance man.
In 1872, he concluded once more to visit his aged mother and the scenes of his childhood. The visit was a pleasant one, the memory of which will never be forgotten. While there he made the acquaintance of Miss Mary Ockleshaw, whom he prevailed to accompany him home as a bride. Their union has been blessed with one child.
HON. JOHN HUSTON.
An old pioneer, well beloved by all who were acquainted with him (and their names are legion), was John Huston, of Blandins- ville township-one who, in the early history of the county, took an active part in its organization, and who filled several important
-
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positions of trust, but of whom it can well be said, " the office sought the man and not the man the office."
John Huston was born near Sparta, White county, Tennessee, May 17, 1808. His parents were Walter and Nancy (Bradshaw) Huston, the former being a Virginian by birth and the latter a Kentuckian. Both were hard-working, industrious people, poor in this world's goods, and therefore the advantages afforded their children were but few to attain anything like a fair education. The subject of this sketch had only a limited knowledge of his mother tongue, together with the sciences taught in the schools of the day, having the opportunity of attending only such schools as gave in- struction in the simple rudiments of the language; but, as will be observed by readers of this sketch, the little knowledge obtained, combined with rare good sense and judgment, enabled him to make his way in the world with honor to himself and credit to those whom he represented in the councils of his adopted State and county.
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