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 47
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In the spring of 1853, wishing to better his fortunes, he deter- mined on emigrating to the land of gold, and, in company with his brother, George W. Neece, and family, he crossed the plains with an ox team, arriving in Portland, Oregon, the September following. Here he only remained one month, when he proceeded to California, where, after making an unsuccessful attempt at mining, he engaged as a cook in a hotel operated on the European plan, in the city of Sacramento. This business he followed until the spring of 1854, when he again engaged in mining in company with his brother George, in the vicinity of Grass Valley, continuing the same in Nevada county until the fifteenth of May, 1855, when both returned to old MeDonough.
In the fall of 1856 Mr. Neece engaged as purchasing agent for the real estate firm of J. HI. Baker & Co., in the city of Macomb,
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which business he followed for one year. In this business he traveled over many States, meeting with great success.
On the third day of May, 1857, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennette Ingles, with whom he lives a happy and contented life. Three children, all of whom are yet living, have blessed their union. The family reside in a pleasant and comfortable home in the western part of the city of Macomb.
In searching for incidents in the life of Mr. Neece for this sketch we ran across the following article, published in the Ma- comb Journal August 14, 1873 :
"About 3 o'clock A. M. Monday last William H. Neece, Esq., of this- city, was awakened by a noise in his sleeping room. On opening his eyes he was somewhat startled to see, by the light of a full shining moon, a stalwart fellow in the act of appropriating his pocket-book. Fully convinced that the man was a burglar, without awaiting an intro- duction, Mr. Neece gave a backhanded blow, at the same time jumping out of bed, and in solid battle line charged the enemy. The burglar was about as thoroughly startled by the sudden onslaught of the plucky lawyer as the lawyer was at first sighting the thief, but he soon showed that he didn't mean to stand and see himself whipped and cap- tured, and the result was one of the most sharply contested fights that ever came off in Macomb. 'Brother Neece' handed the thief the hospitalities of his house in the shape of chairs, etc., in a lively manner. and the fellow responded with his fists and chairs which he wrested from his antagonist in the best style he knew how. Two or three times around the room did the men fight, and the thief made an effort to escape and ran into another room. Mr. Neece pursued, and here the combat was renewed. After a time they emerged into the open air, and in the yard the fight was kept up until both were utterly exhausted, The thief was the largest and strongest of the two, and Mr. Neece was unable to hold or wrest his pocket-book from him. The house is quite remote from others, and it was not until after the robber had decamped that assistance, for which Mrs. Neece ran in the be- ginning of the affair. came. When it did come Mr. N. was lying in the yard where he had fainted from pure exhaustion."
This shows that he is a man not to be trifled with, and even if small in stature he can stand up for his rights.
William H. Neece is of slender but well knit proportions, light hair and beard, the latter worn only upon the chin. As a hus- band and father he is kind and pleasant, as a friend and neighbor sympathetic and benevolent, as a citizen is alive to every public interest, and not as a politician but as a representative of the whole body does he work for the public good. From what has been written it can easily be inferred he is a man of the people. He has experienced the hardships and perils of a pioneer life, and can sympathize with that class in all they are called upon to endure. By the "sweat of his face" he has toiled day after day . for the necessaries of life and therefore knows the sorrows of the poor. IIis personal popularity is almost unbounded, especially
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among the class last mentioned, whose friend he has always been, and when a candidate for public office these facts are taken into consideration, the consequence being that he receives the votes of very many of the opposition. Such, in brief, is William HI. Neece. A bright future is doubtless yet before him.
ABRAHAM NEWLAND, JR.
The subject of this sketch is a native of England, having been born in the town of Evenwood, county of Durham, on the third day of February, 1838. His parents were Abraham and Sarah (Porter) Newland, also of the same country, people in very mod- erate circumstances-so poor, in fact, that their son was only per- mitted to attend the common schools of his native town from the time he was five years of age until he was eight, at which time he was placed in the coal mines of that country. During the first three years he was only compelled to work from three to four days each week, but after that time six days was he required to labor. For several years he never saw daylight but once each week, going to his work each morning before day, and never returning until night. In the mine where he first worked, and during the whole time in which he remained, there was used for pumping water the first engine constructed for use on a locomotive. This engine is now kept in a glass case in the town of Darlington, Durham county, England, and was seen by Mr. Newland when on a visit to his native country a few years ago.
The father of Abraham Newland was a God-fearing man and an earnest Christian, one who endeavored to bring up his children in the "fear and admonition of the Lord," and when his son was still an infant, he carried him in his arms to the Sabbath school. Here and at the family altar was sown the "good seed of the word," which in after years bore fruit, and we trust will continue to bear fruit an hundred fold.
The opportunity for obtaining a competency in the old world is poor indeed to those born in poverty, so in 1853 the father of Abraham sailed for the United States, and two years thereafter sent for his family. On the twenty-ninth day of July 1855, Abra- ham, with his mother and the rest of the family, left their native shores, sailing for New York, at which place they arrived in due time, and from thence coming west to LaSalle, in this State, where the husband and father had obtained employment in the coal mines of that county. For two years they remained there,
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when they proceeded further west, settling in the town of Col- chester, this county, in the year 1857, at which place they yet re- main. Employment was at once obtained in the coal mines by father and son, and until the year 1862 Abraham continued to work faithfully and to the satisfaction of his employers and his own conscience. Although but a young man, he was recognized as a leader among his fellow miners, and in all cases where a spokesman was required to make known their wants and desires to their employers, he was put forward as their representative. As before remarked, he continued to work in the mines until the year 1862, at which time he enlisted as a private in Capt. Brink's company, 124th Regiment Illinois Volunteers, to serve three years or during the war. The men at this time desired him to accept the office of lieutenant, but this he refused for one older in years. He was appointed by the captain fourth sergeant, but at the re- quest of the men he was made orderly sergeant of the company. In this capacity he went out, serving as such until promoted. As probably well known by our readers, the 124th did excellent ser- vice in the war, and no man in the entire regiment showed more bravery or discharged his duty more faithfully than the coal dig- ger, Abraham Newland, Jr. At the battle of Raymond, Miss., while an orderly sergeant, he commanded the company, there be- ing no commissioned officer present, and for bravery upon the battle field he was commended by the colonel, who promised him promotion.
At the battle of Champion Hills, a few days thereafter, he was shot through the jaw, and falling upon the field, was reported as killed. Life being discovered in him, he was taken up and re- moved to the hospital, and word was given out that he was mor- tally wounded. At the hospital the surgeon of his regiment discovered him, and took him in charge. A cot was provided, and he was placed thereon, when the surgeon ordered some brandy and water to be given him. Not being able to speak, he motioned the mixture away with his hand; he was still urged to partake, but still refused, when the doctor, losing his patience, turned on his heel, saying, "D-n him, let him die." As soon as his passion had cooled the doctor returned and dressed his wounds, making him as comfortable as possible. For weeks he suffered, until finally the wound healed and he was again restored to active duty. One of the lientenants of his company resigning, an application
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was made to have him commissioned to fill the vacancy, but before the matter was completed Captain Brink resigned and he received the appointment and was duly commissioned as Captain and the command of the company given him. This position he retained during the remainder of the war, receiving the respect of his men and duly honored by his brother officers. On the fif- teenth day of August, 1865, the regiment was discharged and Captain Newland returned home to meet his wife and little ones and take his position in civil life once more.
The life of a miner was never agreeable to Captain Newland, and he had determined long before this to change it should the opportunity offer. We therefore find him within two weeks from the time of his return home opening out a stock of dry goods and groceries, investing in the business all the money he brought with him from the army, amounting to the sum of eleven hundred dol- lars. Nearly twelve years has since elapsed, and we find the little stock increased to an extent requiring a large room for storing the goods and the trade of the house increased in proportion; we find he has continually added to his capital; that investments made by him have increased wonderfully, and to-day he is in pos- session of a sum that would enable him to retire from active life and live at ease. All this as a legitimate growth of business en- terprise and sagacity.
At the age of fifteen Captain Newland experienced religion and united with the Primitive Methodist Church, with which body he retained membership until his removal to this country. There being no congregation of that order in the community in which he made his home, he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In the organization of that church in Colchester, in 1858, he formed one of the original members, and has since taken an active part in all its work. In 1860 he became a licensed ex- horter, receiving the appointment from Rev. Richard Haney, then presiding elder for this district. When he returned home from the army he received from the conference a license to. preach, since which time he has continued to labor in word and doctrine. IIe has never asked for a regular appointment as pastor, believing he could accomplish as much good in the local work as in the regu- lar field. Nearly every Sabbath he preaches for some of the neighboring churches, and on funeral occasions his services have specially been in demand. It is said he preaches more discourses
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of this nature than any regular minister in the county. In Sun- day school work he is especially pre-eminent, having from child- hood taken great interest in this part of the Lord's vineyard. In all the neighborhood Sunday school conventions he is called upon to take an active part, and in the county work he is behind none.
Captain Newland has been twice married, the first time to Miss Mary J. Musson, daughter of Richard Musson, Esq., the ceremony taking place on the third day of March, 1859. By her he had five children, two only of whom are now living, three of the chil- dren, with their mother, having passed over the river to the better land, where, in that beautiful city whose streets are paved with gold, they wait the coming of other loved ones. Mrs. Newland died on the fifteenth day of January, 1871, in the full assurance of hope. On the eighteenth day of June, 1872, he was again mar- ried, leading to the altar Miss Annie Musson, a sister of his de- ceased wife.
Abraham Newland is a man of medium height, light com- plexion, blue eyes, light hair and beard, a well developed head, and is every inch a man. No man stands higher in the commu- nity than he, and none deserves more from his fellow-citizens. He is a pleasant, agrecable gentleman, having a heart overflowing with love of humanity, a friend to the poor, and above all, a true Christian. In the home circle he is kind and affectionate ; in the church an earnest worker; as a citizen he has the good of all at heart and works to advance the interests of his adopted town and county as much as his own individual interests. Would we had more Abraham Newlands.
ASA K. OWEN.
The subject of our present sketch is now in the prime of life, having been born on the twenty-sixth day of March, 1838, in Philometh, Indiana. His parents were Asal and Elizabeth (Graf- ton) Owen, the former being a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Virginia. At the birth of Asa his father was in good circum- stances, but shortly after became unfortunate, losing his all, and like thousands of others, songht new fields of labor, coming to McDonough county in 1841, here living, with the exception of about five years spent in Adams county, this State, until the day of his death. The educational advantages of Asa were limited to the common schools of this county, and a few month's, at- tendance in the High School of Professors Barge and Cannon, in
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Macomb ; but notwithstanding, by constant application and study at home he has mastered nearly all the sciences usually taught in the academies and colleges of the West. About nine years of his life has been spent in teaching, choosing this as a profession, it being well suited to his taste and more lucrative than any other business requiring no capital but talents. He has occupied the position of teacher in several different States of the Union, hav- ing taught in the High School of St. Paris, Ohio, and in various schools of this State and Missouri. At the breaking out of the war in 1861, he was teaching in this latter State, and on account of his Free-soil and Union principles, was invited to leave. He at once returned home and began the work of raising recruits for the army, but on account of ill-health he was refused enrollment himself, which was a great disappointment, as it was his desire to do all he could in the defense of his country. Al- though his services were declined in the field, yet at home he could work for the cause, and no more loyal man could be found in the county than Asa K. Owen. As a "mite" he contributed to the songs of his country a battle hymn entitled "During the Bat- tle," which was published by H. M. Higgins, one of the leading music publishers of the country. For a number of years past Mr. Owen has contributed, over various nom de plumes, considerable to the press of the country, both prose and poetry. His articles are all well written, and, as will be observed elsewhere in this work, are very readable and of much interest. "The McDonough County Pio- neers," and " Autumn in MeDonough County, " will appeal to every one.
On the twenty-sixth day of March, 1865 (the anniversary of his birth), he led to the marriage altar Miss N. A. Edmundson. Three children hath the Lord given them, one of whom has passed over the river and dwells on the other side; two yet re- main to add joy and comfort to their parents' hearts.
Mr. Owen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, hav- ing united with that body in 1868, under the ministration of Elder Underwood, by whom he was baptized. Since becoming identi- fied with the body of Christ, he has endeavored to use such talents as the Lord has given him for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause. He has for some time held the office of steward in his own congregation, and also that of district steward. The steward is the financial officer of the M. E. Church, and corresponds to that
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of deacon in other churches. In the Sunday School work he also takes great interest, realizing its great importance and laboring zealously in the good cause.
In the western part of the county, where he is best known, Mr. Owen is quite popular, and as a member of the Republican party, he wields considerable influence. On several occasions he has been pressed by his friends to run for public office, but only once has his name been submitted to the people-in 1873, when he received the nomination for County Clerk at a very unfortun- ate time, as the farmers and laboring classes were then generally excited over the cry of monopoly uttered against the manufactur- ing and mercantile classes, and uniting under the name of Anti- Monopoly party, swept the country like a whirlwind. Que satis- faction was afforded Mr. Owen when the result of the canvass was made known : he ran ahead of his ticket considerably, notwith- standing there were on it other very popular men. He has been honored by his township and town on several occasions, and has served as Postmaster of Tennessee for some years. We yet believe his services will be called forth by his party and his fellow- citizens.
In 1865 he opened a stock of general merchandise in Tennessee, and has continued in the mercantile business ever since-a period of twelve years. He has also the greater portion of the time en- gaged in the grain trade, purchasing for shipment, the small grain brought to that market. Success has crowned his efforts, and to-day we find him in good comfortable circumstances, every dollar of his wealth gained by a life of toil in a straight forward legitimate way. Some three years ago he purchased a farm lying one mile west of town on which he resides with his family. The farm is well improved, with a good comfortable house in which to live, and where, surrounded by wife and children, he can enjoy lite.
Asa K. Owen is about five feet eight inches in height, good proportions, well developed head, black hair and eyes, full, flow- ing, black beard, and of good address. No man stands higher in the community than he, none deserves more from his fellow-cit- izens. As a friend and neighbor he is kind and benevolent, as a husband and father, he rules with love and receives the love of all in return.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGHI COUNTY.
ISAAC N. PEARSON.
McDonough county has been especially fortunate in the selec- tion of her county officers, never since its organization to the present time having lost a dollar by the betrayal of her trusts, and no man ever served more faithfully than Isaac N. Pearson, the present efficient Circuit Clerk, who was born in Centerville, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1842. His parents were Isaac S. and Lydia (Painter) Pearson, both natives of Pennsylvania. His father was for many years engaged in the mercantile business and served his county (Butler) in the Legislature of his native State. In 1846, after bidding his family good-bye, he departed for Philadelphia to purchase goods. While there he was taken sick with the fever, from which he never recovered, and died in that city far from home and kindred, none of the family ever being permitted to see his face again. He was buried by the Society of Friends in that city, being connected by birth with that body of faithful disciples of Christ. Mrs. Pearson, with the family, shortly after her hus- band's death, went to New Castle, Lawrence county, which place she made her home until the year 1849, when she removed to Hancock county this State, settling near the town of La Harpe, where she resided until her removal to Macomb in 1858. In this latter place she resided until her death, which occurred on the third day of March, 1872, being at the time sixty-six years of age, departing this life on the anniversary day of her birth. Mrs. Pearson, when but eighteen years of age, made a profession of re- ligion, uniting with the M. E. church, with which body she re- mained a consistent and faithful member until called to join the angelie throng above. She was a woman universally respected by all who knew her, and combined in her being many rare qualities which go to make the true woman and mother. Her funeral was largely attended. Rev. Henderson Ritchie, who had long been intimately acquainted with her, delivering the funeral discourse : "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; yea, and from hence forth they shall rest from their labors and their works do follow them."
Isaac N. Pearson, of whom we now write, was the youngest of seven children, all of whom grew to men and women's estate, five of whom yet dwell upon this side of the river of death. With his mother he made such removals from place to place as pre-
11-30
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viously mentioned, passing the first eight years of his life in a town, and the eight following upon a farm. The only education- al advantages enjoyed by him were in the common schools and two years attendance in the select school of Prof. J. W. Mathews, in Macomb, in the years of 1856-57. In 1861, he entered the of- fice of J. B. Cummings, Circuit Clerk of the county, serving as Recorder until he became of age, when he received the appoint- ment from Mr. Cummings as Deputy Circuit Clerk, which posi- tion he filled acceptably until the expiration of Mr. Cumming's term of office. In the spring of 1865, he went to Bushnell to take a position in the banking house of Messrs. Chandler & Cummings, with whom he remained until the fall of 1868, when he again re- ceived the appointment of Deputy Circuit Clerk, this time from B. F. Pinkley, then elected to the office of Circuit Clerk of the county. This position he retained for the four years' term of Captain Pinkley, giving such satisfaction to the people that in 1872, he received the unanimons nomination by his party for the same office. Notwithstanding some opposition to him on account of his being a young man, he was triumphantly elected, receiving a greater majority than any man on the ticket. Again in 1876 he was renominated by acclamation, and again elected by a majority greater than any other, being three hundred votes ahead of his ticket, thus proving that the people believe it no crime to be a young man and that faithful service should be rewarded. The popularity of Mr. Pearson with the people is great indeed, but easily accounted for. He is always pleasant and accommodating to all; every visitor to his office, whether on business or not, is treated in a gentlemanly manner; his own private business, or the duties of the public office which he holds, is never neglected. Having business that brings him into daily intercourse with men of all parties, they have a chance to learn the qualities of the man, and show their appreciation for him by giving him their votes for office. Many of the strongest men of the opposition party never think of voting for another when he is a candidate.
Mr. Pearson is a thorough and consistent Republican, the princi- ples of that party being "bred in the bone," but he never allows his love of party to deter him from duty as a public officer. As a citizen he is ever ready to engage in any good word or work sat- isfactory to his judgment, and in all enterprises as are of a public benefit and calculated to advance the best interests of the town or county. Benevolence with him is a ruling passion, and we find
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him connected with, and an active member of, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Masons, and Odd Fellows. In this lat- ter body he has passed all the chairs, both in the Subordinate Lodge and Encampment, having also represented the lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State.
Mr. Pearson is a man five feet eleven inches and a half in height, dark hair, brown eyes, and of good proportions physically. No man in the county has a larger circle of friends and acquaint- ances, and none are more greatly esteemed. Through his own exertion, without assistance from any, he has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods, which will doubtless be used for the good of the public as well as his own individual profit. A bright future is doubtless yet before him.
JOSEPHI E. PORTER.
Joseph E. Porter, son of Noah and Nabby (Comins) Porter, was born in Wendell, Franklin county, Mass., July 9, 1821. His parents were born at the same place in 1795. There were eleven children, including the subject of this sketch, nine of whom grew to man's estate. They received their education principally at New Salem Academy, New Salem, Massachusetts, whither their father had removed for the purpose of giving them this ad- vantage. One attended Harvard College. The father and broth- ers were all highly respected and esteemed where they resided and all were honored with public office, The oldest brother was for fifteen years a Selectman and Justice of the Peace, one brother was a member of the State Senate of New Hampshire, and another has held the position of cashier of the First National Bank of Keene, N. H., for a period of twenty-five years, and still another has been a practicing physician in Old Deerfield, Massa- chusetts, for a period of twenty-five years. Warren, the youngest of the family, was a citizen of this county for some years, and went into the army and for a time was Lieutenant of Company L, 7th Illinois Cavalry. He is now Superintendent of the graded schools at Bridgeport, Conn., which position he has filled for some years.
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