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 39
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Before reaching his majority, Mr. Huston led to the marriage altar Miss Ann Melvin, with whom he happily lived until separ- ated by death. They were married in his native county, on the second day of October, 1828, and twelve days thereafter the young couple, with all their worldly goods, departed for the great West, intending to make Illinois, with its beautiful prairies and grand groves, their home for the future. On the eleventh day of No- vember, 1828, they arrived in Morgan county, where they remained some sixteen months, when they came to this county, arriving here on the fourteenth day of March, 1830. When they arrived in the county, all they possessed of worldly property was one horse, an old-fashioned one-horse cart, a few household goods and fifty cents in money. Selecting their claim, a log house was erected, into which the family moved. There being no door cut, a log was removed, and all crawled in. This was the beginning of their life in MeDonough county, and dreary enough must it have been. Well might they sigh for the comforts of the old home. But in the hearts of each there were no feelings of despondency, but a resolute determination, with the aid of the Great Ruler of the universe, to succeed in life, to secure homes for themselves and children. In time their labors were blessed, and their most san- guine anticipations realized.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
When Mr. Huston arrived in the county it was unorganized, and in the work of organization which occurred some months after, he bore an honorable part, and was elected the first Treas- urer of the county, which office he held but a few months, the du- ties requiring his presence in Macomb, and therefore could not be attended to by him, without the loss of more time than he could spare from his private affairs. It must be borne iu mind the pay attached to the office then was not what it is at present, therefore the work performed was purely one of love and not for any pe- cuniary considerations. Other offices of minor importance were thrust upon him, offices filled to the satisfaction of those by whom he was elected. As previously remarked, he never sought office at any time in his life, his personal feelings requiring to be sacrificed in accepting public position, but in 1847, he received the nomination of his party for member of the Constitutional Con- vention called for the purpose of amending the Constitution of the State, and was triumphantly elected. His services in that body were such as to secure his nomination in 1850, for the office of Representative in the General Assembly. Being elected thereto he served his time and again was re-nominated in 1852, but was defeated on local grounds. No member from this county ever served more acceptably than he, and the services of none have ever been more highly appreciated. He was no orator, never hav- ing given any special attention to public speaking, the labors of life being in tilling the soil, and whatever talent he may have had for oratory was never cultivated. Ile was a man of but few words, but all that were said were direct to the point, the meaning be- ing plain and manifest to all. Common sense was characteristic of the man in all that he said or done. In politics he was a Demo- crat of the Jackson school, but his polities never interfered with the discharge of his duties as a public officer, and other qualities of the man of which mention is made further on in this sketch endeared him to many outside of his own party, securing him many votes belonging to the opposition.
When Mr. Huston settled on section 3 there were only about six or eight families in the neighborhood, and probably not more than twenty-five in the whole county. The first winter passed in his new home was the one in which occurred the ever memorable and never to be forgotten big snow, of which mention is frequently made in this work. The hardships endured by the family were
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such as were common of all, serving to strengthen them for the trials that should come after.
Shortly after his removal to the county, Mr. HIuston became a disciple of Christ, uniting with and forming one of the original members in the organization of the old Liberty Christian Church, near the present town of Blandinsville. It is the unanimous ver- dict of all who were intimate with his daily walk and conversa- tion that no man ever lived nearer the foot of the cross than he, none more closely followed the example and teachings of "Him who went about doing good." " Pure religion and undefiled be- fore God, the Father," he practiced daily in his life. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thy self," was exemplified in all that he said and done, and the memory of no man is held in more grateful re- membrance by the thousands of persons throughout McDonough and surrounding counties who were recipients of and cognizant of the favors bestowed. Pure benevolence was a part of his nature, and all the good deeds performed by him are known only to the great I Am and the recording angel who makes record of the ac- tions of all. Many instances can we recall to mind of the good deeds performed by him that the recipients speak of with grateful hearts, but which otherwise have never been known. It is said that to accommodate another poor in this world's goods, often has he taken from the plow a horse that he was using and give to him, going out and purchasing another for himself. In the settle- ment of his estate, after death, his executor has remarked that day after day parties would come in acknowledging indebtedness to him of which no account had been made, it being presumable that he had sold them the property which they had acknowledged their indebtedness with the thought, if paid, all right, if not, it was all right any how. He never sued a party in his life, nor ever was sued by another. He would rather suffer wrong than do aught that would directly or indirectly injure another. Such was the man John Huston.
Mr. Huston was the father of eight children, seven boys and one girl, the latter being now the wife of Strawther Givens, Esq., of Abingdon, Ill. Of the boys, it can be said, all now living oc- cupy honorable positions in society, two having been called to their reward.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
John Huston departed this life on the eighth day of July, 1854, being forty-six years and two months old. His loss was deeply felt by friends throughout the whole State, and his memory is yet held in grateful remembrance, and will be while the life of those living who were intimate with him shall last.
CHARLES R. HUME.
Charles R. IFume was born in Delaware county, N. Y., on the first day of January, 1814, and is the third of a family of ten, five of whom were sons and five daughters. His parents were Robert and Catherine (Rose) Hume, the father being by birth Scotch, while his mother was born in Delaware county, N. Y., but of Scottish descent. His father was brought by his parents to this country when but seven years of age, and returned to Scotland on a visit when nineteen, remaining there some two years, when he again crossed the waters to America and settled in his former home, embarking in the mercantile trade. He died in 1858, leav- ing a fair amount of property to each of his children, and to his loved companion, who yet remains upon this side of the river. One son became an eminent clergyman, and was for a number of years missionary in India, and died while returning home. His remains lie sunk beneath the waters of the great ocean. Another occupied an honorable position at the bar in California.
Charles R., the subject of our present sketch, has had a varied experience in life, spending the first fourteen years with his par- ents upon the farm and in attendance upon the public schools of his native county. When he reached the age of fourteen he was sent to Jefferson Academy in Snachwine county, N. Y., where he remained between three and four years, going from thence to New York city, where he clerked in a wholesale dry goods store until the spring of 1837, when he came to this State, purchasing two quarters of land in Hire township, this county. While com- ing up the Mississippi river, the boat blew up, injuring quite a number on board, but he luckily escaped unhurt.
After purchasing the two-quarters in Hire township, he went to Indiana, where his parents were then residing, remaining there until the following spring, when, purchasing a large amount of supplies, he returned to this county and settled upon his land. His presence was regarded with suspicion by the settlers in that neigh- borhood, who were composed principally of emigrants from Ken-
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tucky and Tennessee, and who hated a Yankee with a righteous hatred, and looked upon all persons as Yankees who were born north of Mason's and Dixon's line. He was ordered to leave, but, with the perverseness of the Scotch and " easy-go-care" of the Yankee, " reckoned as how he wouldn't go." And he did not, but remained at his post and conquered the prejudices of all against the race, or at least with respect to himself.
The life of a farmer not proving attractive to him, he only re- mained upon the farm two years, and when the town of Blan- dinsville was laid off, in company with Joseph C. Blandin, he erected a store-building and opened the first store in the place. This he followed, in connection with milling, until the breaking out of the Mexican war, when he enlisted in Captain Stapp's Company of Illinois mounted men, but was never sent to the front, being placed on detached service as recruiting officer, with head- quarters at Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis. In this capacity he continued until the close of the war, being mustered out at St. Louis, July 3, 1848.
On his return from St. Louis he again embarked in the mer- cantile trade, continuing in it until the spring of 1852, when he went to California, remaining there some three years, during which time, in the town of Placerville, he read law with his brother John. Returning to Blandinsville in 1855, he continued to read until the following year, when he was admitted to the bar, having passed the examination required by law. Up to the present time he has continued to practice his profession, his principal business being confined to collections and criminal law. In collection, he is No. 1.
Iu political life Mr. Hume has always been active, in the old Whig days being a member of that grand old party. When the Republican party was organized he identified himself with it, con- tinuing steadfast in its principles to the present time. Although living in a strong Democratic township he has been frequently honored by his friends and neighbors with public office. He was for nearly four years Associate Justice of the County Court of MeDonough county, resigning a few months before the expiration of his term to go to California. He has also been notary public for many years, and has never in a single instancee been beaten for office, save in 1858 for Representative in the Illinois Legisla- ture, before the Republican party had come into the ascendancy.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGHI COUNTY.
Ile was one of only three men to vote the Republican ticket in the town of Blandinsville in 1856. For nearly twenty years he has held the office of Justice of the Peace in that village.
Mr. Hume had a hand in settling the Mormon difficulties in this county and State, and was one of the number to escort the last remnant of the "Saints" across the Mississippi river.
When the war broke out in 1861, Mr. Hume embraced the cause of the Union with his whole soul, and while at Macomb, hearing the remark made that the citizens of his town were all rebels, he stated that he would prove the falsity of the charge by returning home at once and within one month reporting to Gov. Yates with as brave a company ot loyal soldiers as ever charged upon the enemy. The company was raised within the time specified, and its history (that of Co. C, 78th Ills. Vol.,) is written in blood upon history's page. On the first day of September, 1862, Mr. H. re- ceived his commission and was mustered into the service of the United States as captain of Co. C, serving as such until December 18, 1864, when he was mustered out on account of disability. In December, 1862, he was captured by the rebel General Morgan, and paroled upon the battle-field, but not exchanged until Septem- ber, 1863. While under parole he was stationed at Benton Bar- racks, near St. Louis, and placed in command of the Second Battalion Illinois Paroled men, and was also made judge advocate on general court-martials. The most important battle in which he was engaged was Mission Ridge ; after which battle he was in the forced march to East Tennessee to relieve Gen. Burnside. He participated in many skirmishes, and was on detailed service much of his time.
On the twenty-ninth day of May, 1839, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Harriet L. Blandin, daughter of Joseph L. Blan- din, the founder of the town of Blandinsville, by whom he had two children, one son and one daughter. The daughter is now the wife of Joseph Edel, Esq., proprietor of the Edel House, and a for- mer member of the 11th Illinois Cavalry, of which "Bob" Inger- soll was colonel. The son, R. W. Hume, was also a member of the 11th Illinois Cavalry, joining the , service when but seventeen years of age, and serving faithfully until the close of the war, be- ing mustered out as orderly sergeant. Since coming here he has held the office of postmaster, and for some years engaged in the drug and hardware business.
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IIISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
Captain Hume is of medium height, well built, and when young must have been quite stout and very active. He wears full beard, which is quite gray.
As a citizen and neighbor he has always stood well, enjoying the respect and confidence of all alike. Such is Captain Charles R. Hume.
JAMES IRWIN.
The subject of our present sketch is a native of the State of Ohio, having been born in Knox county, of that commonwealth, on the fifth day of September, 1814. His father, James Irwin, Sr., was a native of New Jersey, while his mother, Susan (Holt) Irwin, was born in Pennsylvania. They were in very moderate circun- stances at the time of the birth of James, who, when but five years of age, was sent to a common district school, remaining there until old enough to become useful on a farm, when he was given his daily task with the rest of the family. When sixteen years of age he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a carpenter, which business he afterward followed for twenty-five years, endeavoring, as a mechanic, to do his duty in a manner to receive the approval of those for whom he labored. When sent from home to learn his trade, his parents charged him to be careful not to drink too much liquor, as it might be injurious to him. At this time it was customary for nearly every one to drink, teetotalers being " like angel's visits, few and far between." James had an uncle, an old revolutionary soldier, who received a pension from the govern- ment, the amount being annually paid him. On receiving it, this uncle would invest a goodly share of it in whisky, enough to last him until the next pay day, storing the same away in his cellar, and frequently imbibing thereof. The habit had so grown on him that his friends became alarmed, and hence the anxiety of James' parents, and the advice given. Mind you, they did not advise him to abstain from drink, but not to drink too much. A little was often thought to be necessary for the bodily health of the in- dividual, and St. Paul, good man, advised Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach's sake, and surely we are not better than Paul. About a year after he left home, an opportunity was af- forded him of listening to a temperance lecture, and such an im- pression was made upon his mind that he determined to sign the pledge, which he did, faithfully keeping it to the present time, reasoning that if he did not drink at all he would never be in any
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
danger of violating the promise given his parents, " not to drink too much." This first pledge was only to abstain from the use of whisky, the milder drinks of wine, beer and cider were not then supposed to be injurious.
On the thirteenth day of August, 1835, at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, he led to the marriage altar, Miss Elizabeth Smith, and for forty-two years they have traveled the journey of life together, having been blessed with three children, two of whom are now living, the other having passed on to that "home beyond the rolling river," where it awaits the grand re-union which shall take place in the "sweet bye-and-bye."
In 1842, he espoused the anti-slavery cause, and for thirty years, until the question ceased to be one of national importance, he was an earnest advocate of the principles pertaining to the abolition of slavery and the enfranchisement of the enslaved race. It must be remembered at the time he took his stand upon the side of freedom, the measure was not popular in this country, and even in the boasted free states of the nation, an abolitionist was re- garded as an unfit associate of decent people. No one could ad- vocate the measures of that party without doing so at the risk of his life ; he was liable to receive the attack of an angry mob, his property destroyed, and either to be driven from his home or suffer death. On more than one occasion was the home of Mr. Irwin attacked, the lights in the windows broken out, and the life of his dear wife and little ones endangered by those who professed to be over virtuous and the salt of the earth. In passing along the streets he has been pelted with rotten eggs and other missiles in the name of constitutional liberty. All this is hard for the pre- sent generation to realize.
In April, 1850, he came to this State, settling in Vermont, Ful- ton county, where he worked at his trade for about five years. He then engaged in the mercantile trade for about four years, changing the same for that of a miller, purchasing a half interest in the East mill, which business he followed for four years more, when he purchased a farm on section 16, Eldorado township, Mc- Donough county, where he has since continued to reside, except when attending to his official duties in Macomb.
In 1872 he was elected Supervisor for Eldorado township and re-elected in 1873. During this year the "farmer's movement" under the name of the "Anti-monopoly Party," had attained con-
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGHI COUNTY.
siderable prominence in this county, as elsewhere, and coinciding with the views of that party he was urged by his friends to per- mit the use of his name on the ticket, and consenting, he was nom- inated to the office of County Judge and elected by a handsome majority. He has now held the position for four years, discharg- ing the duties of the office to the satisfaction of all having busi- ness to transact with him. Although not having the advantage of a law education, he is possessed of a good degree of common sense, which enables him to render a just and true decision.
In 1840 Judge Irwin made a profession of religion, uniting with the Congregational Church, in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, remaining in connection therewith until his removal to Illinois in 1850, eight years of the time holding the office of deacon. When he arrived in Vermont he found no church of that persuasion, and therefore united with the Presbyterian Church in that village, as one hold- ing views nearly similar to the church of his choice. For eight years he served in the office of elder in that body. He is now a member of the Congregational Church in Macomb, having united with that body since his election to public office, the duties of which require his presence so much of his time in that city. So far as we are enabled to observe, he is a devoted Christian man, having the welfare of his Master's cause at heart, and one that never shirks labor in the Lord's vineyard. The Sunday school canse finds in him an earnest advocate, and few Sabbaths ever pass without finding him in his accustomed place in the school. If not at home, some school in the neighborhood of the place of his sojourn has the benefit of his presence. He was for several years Vice President of the County Association, and organized the first township convention in Eldorado. The present efficient schools of the township are in a great measure due to him, he having infused life into many of the lukewarm Christians of that neighborhood. Age does not seem to lessen his ardor or devotion to the cause.
Although not possessed of a large amount of wealth, he has amassed sufficient of this world's goods to enable him, with his family, to live in a comfortable manner, and every dollar was ob- tained in a straightforward, legitimate way, by honest toil and striet economy.
Judge Irwin is a tall, athletic-looking man, and in his younger days must have possessed considerable strength and endurance.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGHI COUNTY.
That he has a mind and will of his own, his devotion to the cause of freedom, temperance and religion will testify. No coward can can be a consistent advocate of either of these great principles. As a husband and father, he is kind and gentle ; as a friend and neighbor, he is beloved ; as a citizen, he enjoys the respect of all who know him. May success crown all his efforts for good in the future as in the past.
REV. JOSEPH L. KIRKPATRICK.
In our county there are yet living many old pioneers worthy of the name, men and women who have toiled long and endured much suffering in the past, but who, in the providence of God, are permitted to witness and enjoy some of the fruits of their labor. Few men now living in the State have witnessed more changes, or had a more eventful life-history, than Joseph Lane Kirkpatrick, who was born three miles south of Edwardsville, Madison county, Illinois, on the twenty-second day of April, 1803, fifteen years before the admission of Illinois as a State, and even before its ter- ritorial organization. His parents were Thomas and Polly (Lane) Kirkpatrick, both natives of Georgia, who emigrated to the wilds of Illinois some two years previous, in order, if possible, to better their condition in life, the opportunities for acquiring wealth or honors in their native State being poor, indeed. The elder Kirk- patrick was a man of considerable note in his day. He was a member of the constitutional convention in 1817, and was instru- mental in the preparation of the first constitution of the State. In 1826 he was offered the position of circuit clerk of Madison county, but, on account of private duties, declined the honor. He was for some years county judge of Madison county.
The old log school-house, with its slab seats, puncheon floors, and window lights of greased paper, was the only institution of learning that Joseph ever attended ; but, poor as were the school facilities afforded, he there laid the foundation of an education which in after years served as a basis for more extensive reading and the application of the knowledge gained to the proclamation of the gospel of Christ.
The same general traits of character exhibited in manhood were shown while a mere boy and in youth. He was kind, pleasant and agreeable in his intercourse with his companions, and ever ready to do a good deed. In the care of brothers and sisters younger than himself, he was ever watchful. An incident happened when
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGHI COUNTY.
he was only eight years of age that is indelibly impressed upon his mind. While playing upon the bank of a stream with two brothers, one older and one younger than himself, the younger fell into the water, which at that place was very deep. The elder brother waded in, and was carried down the stream to the oppo- site side and drowned. The younger, by some means, floated upon the water, and was carried down the stream, which being observed by Joseph, he hurried down a few yards where the water was shallow, pulled him out upon the shore, and thus saved his life. This brother is yet living, and a citizen of Adams county, Illinois.
When only eleven years of age he made a profession of religion and united with the M. E. church, retaining his connection there- with until the present time ; and among this zealous and God-fear- ing people he has faithfully labored for many years, and, in the hands of God has been instrumental in the salvation of many souls. In 1832 he was licensed by the quarterly conference, at Jacksonville, as a local preacher, continuing this relation for six years, when he joined the traveling connection, being appointed to the Fort Madison, Iowa, circuit. A short time after entering upon this field of labor, he was ordained Deacon by Bishop Soule. As such he served for two years, when he was ordained Elder by Bishop Wah. Elder Kirkpatrick has done a great deal of itine- rant work, and his labors have been blessed of God. He was the first traveling preacher in Iowa City ; traveled seven years in the State of Iowa, and was then transferred to the Northern, now Cen- tral Illinois Conference, of which body he is yet a member. At present he is a superannuated minister, being too old for the regular work, but he is by no means idle. Frequently he is called upon by the Presiding Elder, and other ministers, to fill their ap- pointments, which is done to the satisfaction of those who are per- mitted to attend his services. In the evangelical field he has la- bored considerably, and in protracted efforts he has been eminent- ly successful. Being a plain, practical speaker, with a heart full of love to God and humanity, he presents the truths of the gospel in such a manner as to carry conviction to the hearts of his hear- ers. In the Sabbath School work he has likewise manifested in- terest, but the nature of his work has usually been such as to pre- vent him being so active in that department as in others. Realiz- ing now the magnitude of the Sunday School, his prayers ever go
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