USA > Illinois > McHenry County > History of McHenry County, Illinois : together with sketches of its cities, villages and towns : educational, religious, civil, military, and political history : portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, also a condensed History of Illinois > Part 79
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Cameron Soff
Lydia Goff
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. HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
one of the first mail agents on the Illinois Central Railroad, hold- ing the position till obliged to resign on account of ill health. He died in 1863, aged seventy years. His wife died in 1880, aged seventy-three years.
George Ford was born in Buffalo, N. Y., Feb. 13, 1846, a son of Thomas and Emeline Ford. Thomas Ford was a native of Eng- land. He came to America in 1839, stopping in New York City for a time; thence to Buffalo, and in 1847 to Crystal Lake, Ill., where he died in 1872, aged fifty-two years. He was by trade a black- smith. His wife was a native of Buffalo, N. Y. They had a family of nine children; seven are living-George; Harrison, of Crystal Lake; Susan H., wife of J. M. Clow; J. Park, of Nunda; Thomas E., of Crystal Lake; Carrie L. and James B. Frances E. and Emeline are deceased. George remained with his parents till sixteen years of age, attending school the greater part of the time. He then worked by the month three years, and Jan. 31, 1865, en- listed in Company K, One Hundred and Fifty-third Illinois In- fantry, and served till September, 1865. After his return home he engaged in different branches of business seven years, and then began farming. He now owns 189 acres of fine land, all well im- proved. Mr. Ford was married Sept. 2, 1868, to Lucia D., daugh- ter of Stephen and Charlotte Burton, of Crystal Lake. They have had five children; but three are living-Stephen B., Char- lotte A. and Edwin B. Hattie E. and an infant are deceased. Politically Mr. Ford is a Republican.
Cameron Goff .- We have the pleasure of presenting to the peo- ple of McHenry County not only a biographical sketch of him- self, but also his portrait and that of his wife, now deceased. To those familiar with the history of the pioncers of this county this sketch will not be new, but for the benefit of future generations who will take an interest in knowing something of those who were first in the development of this beautiful land, we take pleasure in announcing that Cameron Goff is the oldest living and the first pioneer of Nunda Township. Inured to toil and hardships from his boyhood, he developed a robust constitution which was an all- important factor to those who first came to this new country and were subjected to all the inconveniences which were consequent when scarcely the bare necessities, and none of the luxuries of life could be obtained. He had worked upon his father's farm during his boyhood and thus acquired a love for agricultural pur- suits. March 1, 1831, he was married to Miss Lydia, daughter of
854 HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
David and Hannah (Childs) Morse, a cousin of Prof. S. F. B. Morse, the inventor of telegraphy. Prior to their removal to McHenry County two daughters were born-Henrietta, June 18, 1832, and Helen, June 28, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Goff came to McHenry County in 1837 and settled upon the virgin prairie, and his plow turned enough of the rich loam the first season to ena- ble him to plant quite a good acreage the following spring. The howl of wolves was oftener heard than sermons from the sacred desk. Game and fish were plenty, and as people came into the new country they were warmly welcomed, and he assistance necessary to enable them to build a cabin was cheerfully given. On Dec. 24, 1838, a son, W. W., was born, and April 18, 1841, another son, Earl, came to gladden their home. Hannah, another daughter, was born May 14, 1846, but died in infancy. The death of Helen occurred May 30, 1849, and that of Earl, the second son, June 3, 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Goff were indefatigable workers, and by their united exertions accumulated a large tract of valna- ble land. They built the first brick house in the county, upon their farm, and all other improvements were carefully planned and well executed. With a love for the beautiful, their fine taste was displayed in the careful arrangement of their entire farm, which is one of the finest and most productive in the township. The death of Mrs. Goff occurred Feb. 23, 1878. She was a remarkably in- telligent lady, a faithful wife and loving mother. Mr. Goff is still hale and hearty for one of his advanced age, and as his ancestry were of patrician blood and lived to a good old age, his chances for living several years yet are excellent. He was born in Steu- ben Co., N. Y., June 8, 1813, a son of William and Harriet (Hamilton) Goff, natives of Rhode Island. Both his paternal and maternal grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. The first claim taken by Mr. Goff was 200 acres to which was added other tracts. His homestead contains 200 acres, which is of itself sufficient to bring him a fine income, and his son is owner of an excellent farm contiguous to it. When the claim was taken, Mr. Goff had barcly money enough to purchase a cook stove and a half barrel of flour. From this humble beginning he has risen solely through his own exertions, and he is to-day reckoned among our most wealthy men.
J. Goodwin was born in Pittston, Pa., July 2, 1825, a son of David and Sarah (Chapin) Goodwin. He was born in the first frame house built in the county, located on the banks of the Sus-
0
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quehanna River, near where the Wyoming massacre took place. It was the old Jenkins homestead, John Jenkins being his father's stepfather. His father died in 1852, and his mother in 1826. He received but limited educational advantages, the greater part of his time being spent on the farm. He came West in 1853, and located at Crystal Lake, McHenry Co., Ill., where he lived till 1881. He owns a fine farm of 232 acres. He has been an in- dustrious, energetic inan, and has been prominent in advancing the public interests. He was one of the originators of the canning and pickle factory at Nunda. He was married Feb. 10, 1852, to Sabra Chase, a native of Auburn, N. Y., born July 2, 1831, a daughter of Wilcox and Julia (Mott) Chase, natives of Massa- chusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin have four children-V. C., born April 30, 1853, now of Nebraska; W. A., born Ang. 9, 1856; Fred C., born May 5, 1860, and Hattie J., born Jnne 30, 1862. Politically Mr. Goodwin is a Republican.
Osman M. Hale was born in Underhill, Vt., Feb. 22, 1842, a son of Orin and Melissa (Wait) Hale. His grandfather, David Wait, was a native of Vermont, and in 1836 came West and lo- cated in Wauconda, where he died in 1852. He reared a family of eight children-John; Fanny, wife of Daniel Kinsley; Lewis; Me- lissa, wife of Orin Hale; Mary, wife of Curtis Smedley; Jason; Amity, wife of Solomon Smith and Loraine, wife of Daniel Oakes. His paternal grandparents, Daniel and Clarinda Hale, had four children-Daniel, Walter, Orin and Clarinda, ali de- ceased. Orin Hale was married Nov. 12, 1839, to Melissa Wait. They had two children-Helen, wife of Lebbens, Beach, and Os- man M. The father died Nov. 11, 1875, and the mother Feb. 8, 1877. Osman M. came West with his parents in 1846, and was reared and educated in McHenry County. He has been one of the most prosperous men of the county, and now owns 800 acres of land and runs a dairy of 100 cows. He was married Dec. 28, 1865, to Lurelia, dangliter of Jason G. and Anda Web- ster. They have one child-Alvaro H., born Oct. 22, 1869. Polit- ically Mr. Hale is liberal in his views.
Andrew Henderson was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, Dec. 20, 1817, a son of George and Mary (Hall) Henderson, and a grand- son of James Henderson and Andrew Hall. His mother died in 1820, and his father in 1859. He learned the calico-printer's trade in his native country, serving an apprenticeship of four years. He then contracted seven years, and in 1839 came to the United States,
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landing in New York, thence to Providence, R. I., where he re- mained two years, and in the spring of 1841 came to Illinois and settled in Du Page County. Two years later he removed to Mc- Henry County, and entered land in Nunda Township. Mr. Hen- derson was married Oct. 15, 1840, to Anne, daughter of James and Jane Young, natives of Scotland, where the mother died in 1836, aged forty-five years, and the father in 1858, aged seventy-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson have had ten children; six are living-B -; George, married Ida Magoon; William; Mary, wife of William Huffman; Andrew H. and Agnes. John A. died Nov. 4, 1882, aged thirty-nine years; left one child-Alethea. James died May 13, 1881, aged thirty-three years; left one son- Andrew Hall. Jane died in 1867, aged fifteen years. Mary Jane died in 1845, aged seventeen months. In 1862 Mr. Henderson enlisted in Company D, Ninety-fifth Indiana Infantry, and was detailed to the Orderly's Department. He accompanied Sherman to the sea. He was discharged June 20, 1865, and came home un- harmed, although at one time his horse's legs were blown off by a shell. Politically Mr. Henderson is a Republican. He is a mem- ber of Nunda Post, No. 226, G. A. R.
P. M. Huffman was born March 5, 1821, in Cayuga County, near Auburn, N. Y., a son of Colonel and Lovilla (Sears) Huffman, and grandson of Mathias and Eve Huffman. In 1838 the family came with teams to Illinois and settled in Nunda Township. For twenty years he ran a threshing machine for the neighboring farmers in connection with attending to his own farm. He now owlIs 255 acres of fine land and runs a dairy of fourteen cows. He was married Dec. 25, 1844, to Aletha Turner, a native of Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich., born Dec. 18, 1825, daughter of J. P. and Catherine Turner, the father a native of New York and the mother of New Jersey. They have three children-Amelia M., wife of William Height; William, married Mary Henderson, and has one child-Phillip A .; Charles P., married Ida Cornwell, and has one child-Herbert M. Mr. Huffman is one of the Directors of the Nunda Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Politically he is a Re- publican. He has been Constable eight years, Collector one year, Trustee six years, and School Director. Mrs. Huffman's mother died in 1840, aged forty-five years, and her father in 1842, aged fifty years. He was a teamster in the Black Hawk war, and had been a Captain and Colonel in the State inilitia in the days of general muster.
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Lieutenant Wmn. H. Huffman .- There are numerous represent- atives of the Huffman family residing in McHenry County, and the name is a familiar and highly respected one. The Huffmans have ever been noted for their loyalty and devotion to the cause of right, truth and free government, and none are better fitted to repre- sent the family in the history of this county than our honored friend W. H. Huffman. His father, Wm. Huffman, was bornfin Cayuga County, N. Y., and his mother, whose maiden name was Lavilla Sears, in Connecticut, June 10, 1773. Their marriage oc- curred Ang. 20, 1814, in Cayuga County, N. Y. Their married life was commenced in that county, after which they moved to Allegany County, which was afterward resurveyed and is now Liv- ingston County. They resided twelve years in New York State before emigrating to the Western country was resolved upon. They ar- rived at Crystal Lake in the autumn of 1838, and located on a tract one-half mile south of that village. Remaining there one year and not feeling satisfied with the soil in that locality, he abandoned the claim and purchased another in Brooklyn (now Nnnda), of Dewitt Brady, paying for it $1,000. When this land came into market Mr. Huffman purchased it at Government price. This land he improved and held nntil his death, which occurred Dec. 15, 1857. William Huffman, Sr., was one of the pioneers in Cayuga County, N. Y., and was unanimously elected Colonel of the State militia at that early day. Being a man of soldierly attain- ments, and possessing the confidence of the people in every respect, he was promoted Brigadier-General in the year 1837, and served in that capacity as long as he remained in the State. There were four sons and eight danghters in his father's family; two sons died in infancy, and the third, Phillip, was a soldier in the war of 1812. From exposure during that campaign he contracted a disease which eventually caused his death. His sister, Elsie, married Nathaniel Lynch; both lived and died in Auburn, N. Y. Ann became the wife of Wm. Rathburn, a prominent dentist of Auburn. Both remained there until their deatlı. Elizabeth mar- ried David Stewart, a prosperous merchant residing at Auburn; here they lived and died. Abigail was the wife of Geo. C. Williams, a noted tanner of the State of New York. For many years he had control of the boot and shoe department of the State Penitentiary. In 1858 they came to Crystal Lake, and are now sleeping their last sleep beneath the sacred sod in the village cemetery. Polly married Z. L. Webb, a graduate in law. They remained at Auburn,
858 HISTORY OF MC HENRY COUNTY.
and died in the State of New York. Submit was married in 1831 to S. G. Grover, a merchant of Nunda Valley, Livingston Co., N. Y. He continued in business until the completion of the Buffalo & New York Railroad, when he was assigned the position of depot master, which he hield until failing health compelled him to resign. He then came to this county, expecting to locate, but was stricken with malarial fever, and died at the home of Lieutenant Huffman's father. Phoebe married James Moore, a farmer of Hamburg, near Buffalo. Both lived and died in that county. Catharine was the only daughter who died unmarried. There were ten children in the family of Wm. Huffman, Sr., five sons and five daughters- Philip M., David S., John F. and Charles; the latter died when in infancy; Hulda, married P. Fitzsimmons; Catharine, died Aug. 20, 1838; Julia A., married J. B. Butler; Abbie M., married S. G. Hatch, a merchant of Decatur, Ill .; Laura, became the wife of H. E. Bryant, of this county. William H., our subject, resided with his father until fifteen years of age. He then hired out for a while, and his first month's wages was paid by taking an old plow. Having a part of the tools to commence farm work, he went part- ners with his brother, Philip M. He then traded his plow for an old silver watch, and again hired by the month. When twenty-one years of age he rented a farm of Charles Patterson; although hav- ing neither tools nor teams, he was sanguine of success for his credit was good for any reasonable amount. Mr. Patterson went security for his first purchase, which was promptly paid when due. His next venture was to purchase a half interest in a threshing machine and another span of horses. The yield of wheat was good and his threshing machine proved a bonanza. After two years hard work at this business the machine and team were sold and a tract of forty acres of land purchased. He commenced farming this with a yoke of three-year-old steers; being an industrious and economical lad, he earned and saved $100 on his land. After this was done and a little house erected, he borrowed some money, and started East to find a wife. During the weary days that he had spent in toil while getting a start in life, his heart liad re- mained true to the girl who had promised to become his wife whenever he felt ready to come for her. Together they had played when children, and it was no surprise to the residents in the land of his boyhood wlien William returned to claim his bride. Oct. 5, 1852, was an eventful day to them, as at that date was celebrated the nuptials of W. H. Huffman and Miss Mary Starkweather.
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They returned to Illinois, and Mr. Huffinan continued his farin work. Making money at that early day could not be done, labor hard as one might, and none worked harder than Mr. Huffman. Two years later his wife's father eame West and made her a present of $400. This was a god-send to them, as it relieved them of debt. Purchasing another forty-aere traet with the assistance of a friend, he borrowed a large erop of oats with which he paid for the land. The next season being fruitful the loan was repaid. He then purchased another threshing machine and eleared $1,200 the first season. From this date he prospered, and was up early and late. Every thing he touched made him money. This continued until 1862, when, fired by that patriotic zeal which permeated the breast of every loyal eitizen, he enlisted as a private soldier in the Ninety-fifth Regiment Illinois Infantry. He was elected Second Lieutenant, and was sworn into the United States service at Roekford, Sept. 4, 1862. Of this regiment, Colonel Church was commander. They were not assigned to duty until November, but after that date had plenty of hard work to do. This detachment was detailed as body-guard to General Hamilton, and served in some hotly contested engagements. Their first battle was at Champion Hill, and Lieutenant Huffman graphieally pictures yet the horrors of that gory field, as night eame on and the tired soldiers wrapped themselves in their blankets, and amid the groans and curses of the wounded and dying men snatched a few hours of needed sleep. His regiment was one of those lying closest to Vieksburg during the siege, and Mr. Huffman reports many escapes which seem almost miraculous. During that mem- orable siege, lasting seventy days, he was on duty every other day, and frequently two days in succession. The night Fort Ransom was established, he had command of the out-posts. He was present at the surrender July 4, 1863, and was detailed with 100 men, to whom were surrendered 100 rods of the works. We have it from those who were present, that Lieutenant Huffman was not only one of the bravest upon the battle-field, but when the smoke had cleared away he was one of the kindest and most considerate of officers. Forgetting for the time his rank, he dropped his eoat and aided in every way the wounded boys who were members of his eommand, and his kindly offices are, and ever will be, remem- bered by many of his brave comrades, who, wounded and helpless, were made comfortable at least through his kindness. In the hospital his cheering words were heard, and the hopes of many 54
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a poor lad were brightened by his kindly words. On that mem- orable retreat after the battle of Guntown, his regiment was three days without rations. Pursued by an overwhelming force, tired and almost exhausted from continued fighting and loss of sleep, the boys were almost ready to give up in despair. None exerted a greater influence in encouraging and keeping up their enthusiasm than Lieu- tenant Huffman, and to him belongs great credit. After the defeat at Guntown had become complete and the men were flying in all directions, the Lieutenant came upon a soldier and a 'darky who were wrangling over the possession of a mule. The shoulder straps of the Lieutenant gave him prominence in settling the dispute and to "equalize their circulation" he said, "Boys, I'll take care of the mule." Hastily mounting the long eared,"Bncephalus" he gave order for them to " cast anchor." By this time the enemy were close upon them, and the balls were whistling in air entirely too familiar for comfort. Realizing that it was a time for the exe- cution of some rapid movements he drove his heels into the donkey's flanks and with a shout that would have done credit to a chief, dashed away upon what proved to be a " bncking expedi- tion." His ride was lively, but brief, as the form of a Lieutenant was seen flying through the air and alighting hurriedly about ten paces in advance of the mule. The scene was ridiculous even to the foe who were spectators of the catastrophe, and he was allowed to make his escape. When the campaign closed and his term of ser- vice had expired, Lieutenant Huffinan with the other members of his regiment was given an honorable discharge, which event oc- curred at Springfield, Ill., Aug. 16, 1865. He then returned to his home and again resumed the occupation of farming. During the year that he was gallantly fighting at the front, his wife was not idle. She was one of those active, energetic souls, who while cheering her husband on the field by letters of hope and best wishes for the success of our armies, was managing her husband's affairs at home with profit and skill. To her Mr. Huffman owes much of the prosperity which to-day attends liim. Such women de- serve far more praise than is accorded them, and we wish to place Mrs. Huffman among the first ladies on the list of McHenry Coun- ty's daughters who would have if they could gallantly shouldered a musket and gone out to protect the honor of their country's flag. In the autumn of 1865 Lieut. Huffinan was sent back to New Orleans and Vicksburg in search of regimental papers, his wife meanwhile assuming entire charge of the farm. Mr. Huffman has
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held nearly every official position in the township, and these duties were all performed in a highly satisfactory manner. In educa- tional matters he has been one of the prime movers, and in every- thing looking toward the advancement of the social, moral and intellectual growth of McHenry County we find him at the front. One of the most pleasant homes to be found anywhere is that pre- sided over by Mrs. Huffman. Surrounded by every comfort which wealth can procure, with ample means to live in comparative ease, she is yet one of the most earnest and enthusiastic women in the neighborhood. Her mother is still living in Livingston County, N. Y., with her daughter Lydia, the wife of E. O. Dickenson, a wealthy stock-dealer of Nunda County. Although frequently solicited by friends to accept further official honors, he respect- fully declines, preferring to remain aloof from all save his own business cares. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman have been parents of four children. The first, Lydia N., died in infancy. Ann E., the second daughter, is the wife of Geo. Bryant, an influential farmer of Nunda Township, and has two children. Jennie L. married Wm. Keller, a son of one of the wealthy and aristocratic farmers of this township, whose portrait will be found elsewhere. C. W. Tyler is the only son and is a young man of merit, and promises to do honor to the parents who have reared him so carefully. In 1881 Mr. Huffman rented his farm and moved to the pleasant vil- lage of Nunda, where he has erected a pleasant and commodious home. Its pleasant parlors are a favorite resort for the young peo- ple who here find a cordial welcome. The genial manner and hospitality extended to all make Mr. Huffman's home one of the most agreeable places in the village to visit. This brief sketch can not do justice to the popularity in which the Lieutenant and his amiable wife are held by the good people of McHenry County, but we point with pride to his record as a citizen, business man and soldier. His portrait which is given in this work is one which we take great pleasure in presenting to our readers.
E. H. Hunt, farmer, section 16, Nunda Township, was born in Ontario County, N. Y., Nov. 2, 1822, a son of E. H. and Mar- gery (Higby) Hunt, his father of Dutch and his mother of Scotch . descent. His father died in 1841, aged sixty-eight years, and his mother in 1873, aged ninety years. They had a family of eleven children-Gilbert, Betsey, Eldin, Vilata, Thomas, Elisha, Ransom, Georgianna, Robert, William and E. H. Mr. Hunt was reared and educated in his native county, and when twenty-two years of age
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HISTORY OF MO HENRY COUNTY.
went to Lorain County, Ohio, where he remained till the spring of 1858, when he came to Illinois and soon bought the farm where he now lives. He owns 120 acres of fine land, which is well improved, and has a pleasant residence and good farm buildings. He pays considerable attention to his dairy, having a good grade of cows. Mr. Hunt is one of the most influential and highly esteemed citi- zens of the township. In his political views he is a National Grcen- backer, but formerly was a Republican. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity and has passed all the chairs. He was married March 26, 1848, to Elnora Felt, who was born March 29, 1828, a daughter of Vonam and Julia Felt. They have four chil- dren -- Andrial, Riley, Plinn, and Alma, wife of Gustav Arps. Mrs. Hunt's ancestors were Scotch, three brothers John, Jehiel and James, coming to America, prior to the Revolution. James had a family of nine children; the eldest, Elam, was the first Methodist Episcopal elder in the United States. The second, Jehiel, reared a family of twelve children. Vonam, the third son, was born in 1800, and in 1831 moved to Ohio, and there died Nov. 4, 1876. He had a family of seven children-Elnora, Jehiel, Emeline, Ralph, Seth, Elam and Harriet.
James R. Jackman is a son of William and Julia (Ellis) Jack- man, the former of Englishi descent. In 1635 James Jackman came from Exeter, England, and settled in Newburyport, Mass. He was the father of six sons. The youngest, Richard, was born in Massachusetts, Feb. 6, 1659. Richard's youngest son, James, was born Sept. 5, 1686. To James were born four children; the third, Daniel, was born Jan. 9, 1725. Daniel had a family of seven children, of whom Moses was the fifth. He was born June 18, 1759, and to him were born five sons, the fourth being William, the father of our subject, who was born Jan. 23, 1795, and died June 23, 1871. He had a family of seven children-R. D., born June 10, 1821; Polly, born April 25, 1823; Lucinda, born Jan. 15, 1825; Tryphena, born Feb. 7, 1826; William, born Dec. 13, 1828; James R., born Oct. 1, 1839, and Susan, born July 30, 1841. In 1845 the family moved to Illinois and located in Crystal Lake, where the father was engaged in the mercantile business, and was Postmaster many years. He was a whole-souled, generous man, liberal toward all charitable institutions, and hospitable in his home. He was a veteran of the war of 1812. James R. Jackman received his rudimentary education in the log-cabin school-house. Subsequently, by study and experience as clerk in his father's store,
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