USA > Illinois > Mercer County > History of Mercer and Henderson Counties : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc > Part 104
USA > Illinois > Henderson County > History of Mercer and Henderson Counties : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc > Part 104
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1083
GREENVILLE TOWNSHIP.
county, Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand and farmed for him- self. March 6, 1849, he was married to Susan M. Ewalt, daughter of John and Lucy Ewalt. They immediately moved to Henderson county, where he soon engaged in growing osage orange plants, which was the beginning of his prosperity. Mr. Musgove is the owner of several very fine farms, ninety acres of which is in apple orchard. He is also the senior member of the firm of Musgove & Mills, nurserymen and fruit growers. They have a splendid orchard of 110 acres of apple trees of all varieties, the fruit of which find a ready market all over the west. They are closing out their nursery, and will engage exclusively in fruit growing. Mr. Musgove was for several years associated with Mr. James Rice in the nursery business at Kirkwood, Illinois. He has engaged extensively in stock raising and stock dealing in times past, and yet does considerable at it. Mr. Musgove is the father of nine children, two boys and seven girls. The eldest, Aurora Annette, born February 24, 1850; Lucy Paralee, February 1, 1852 ; Charles Edward, October 11, 1854, died in infancy ; Susan Mary, August 19, 1856, died in childhood ; Martha Rebecca, March 14, 1858 ; Fannie Duke, September 11, 1861; Carrie, February 15, 1863; Spurgeon, August 31, 1864 ; Cora Maud, September 17, 1868. Mr. Musgove is now well-to-do, well informed, and can go down the shady side of life with all to commend, nothing to regret.
Hon. W. A. M. CRONCH, of Rozetta, Illinois, was born in Wash- ington county, Pennsylvania, September 19, 1841. He attended the common schools of the vicinity and finished his education at Jefferson College, Cannonsburg, in his native state. In April, 1860, he came to Henderson county and the following autumn took charge of the Aurora school in T. 11, R. 4, which he taught for two years, and has ever since resided in the district. He is now engaged in farming and stock raising. He represented his district in the twenty-seventh gen- eral assembly ; has since been county commissioner, and is now a member of the state board of equalization. He is a member of the masonic fraternity and is a Master Mason. He is a republican, and has been since the birth of the party. He married Sarah G. Leebrick, daughter of Samuel and Rachel Leebrick, of Burlington, Iowa. They are the parents of seven children.
ELY BEATY, son of William and Jane T. (Russell) Beaty, was born May 16, 1838, on the Beaty homestead in Greenville precinct. He grew up on the farm and received such an education as the schools of the vicinity afforded. He remained at home until he was twenty-four years old, when he began farming for himself on a part of the home place. Being physically unfit for service he cared for the old people
1084
IIISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
. and the farm while his brothers were away fighting for their country. He was married December 25, 1861, to Miss Emily A. Jackson. She was born in Indiana, and came with her father, Asa Jackson, to Illinois when ten or eleven years old. In 1864 he purchased sixty acres in Oquawka precinct, which he occupied in the following year, living there for eight years. In 1872 he crossed the plains to Cali- fornia, remaining one year, then returned and bought eighty acres near the old homestead, where he now lives. He has two children, Ella May and Clara B. Mr. B. is a republican in politics.
JEFFERSON H. JENNINGS was born at Oquawka, Illinois, January 30, 1843. His youth was spent in the town of his birth, where he attended the common school. At the proper age he was sent to Jubilee College at Peoria. From there he went to Jonathan Jones' commercial school at St. Louis, Missouri. He next went to Hardins- burg, Kentucky, where he entered the office of his uncle, Judge Jeffer- son Jennings, as a student. Soon after this the war broke out and he went into the seventh Kentucky militia, recruited for state service. September 17, 1861, he was mustered into the United States service as sergeant of Co. I, 17th Kentucky Inf., and by promotion soon after rose to the rank of lieutenant. He was wounded by a musket ball at Fort Donelson ; resigned his commission in February, 1864, and returned to Henderson county, Illinois. He was soon after appointed to a lieutenantcy in the regular service, which was not accepted. April 11, 1867, he went into the civil service of the general government as an examiner in the pension department, but resigned July 8, 1872. During his residence at Washington he had graduated at Columbia College in the law department. He returned to Oquawka, Illinois, and commenced the practice of his chosen profession ; was elected prosecutor at the November election in 1872, which office he held for eight years. He moved to Carman, Henderson county, some years ago, and is yet practicing. He was married September 30, 1872, to Miss Altona Forster, daughter of Thomas G. and Laura Forster, of New York city. They have two children, both of whom are boys.
ROBERT THOMPSON McMILLAN was born in Morgan county, Illinois, November 9, 1834. His parents, James and Mary McMillan, came to Henderson county in 1835, and settled three miles south of Oquawka, where he grew up much as other boys do on farms. He received a common school education. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. K, 84th Ill. Vols., went through the war and was mustered out with the regiment. May 20, 1870, he was married to Martha J., daughter of Andrew and Rachel Graham. They have five children : Mary, Jessie. Belle, Lanra, Edward and Guy Graham. Mr. M. owns a fine farm of 160 acres in Sec. 7, T. 10, R. 4.
1085
GREENVILLE TOWNSHIP.
JOHN SCHMITT is a Prussian by birth. He was born in the kingdom of Prussia, September 21, 1821. Herman and Anna Mary (Lisch) Schmitt were his parents. His parents were farmers and John received such an education as the public schools of his native country afforded. In November, 1852, he turned his face toward the land of liberty, landing at New Orleans in January of the next year, with a shilling in his pocket. He worked at such work as he could get in New Orleans and St. Louis until he came to Henderson county in 1856. June, 1858, he espoused Anna Gluta to wife, and by her became the father of eight children, as follows : Mary, John, Lena (who died in infancy), Nicholas, Katy, Lizzie, Frank and Peter. He now owns a fine farm of 200 aeres in Sec. 17, T. 11, R. 4.
JOSEPH HARTLEY was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, June 14, 1809. His parents were Joseph and Phoebe Hartley. On July 10, 1833, Mr. Hartley was married to Miss Mary K. Pickering, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Pickering. The same year he emi- grated to Wayne county, Indiana, and settled where Milton now is. Mr. Hartley learned and pursued a trade at mechanics, but for many years has followed farming. He came to Henderson county in 1852 and settled in T. 12, R. 4, on Sec. 26. They have five children : Will- iam B., born February 14, 1835, is a farmer and lives near his father ; Kirk P., born August 14, 1839, soldiered in Co. E, 10th Ill. Vols., is now in California ; Anna R., born August 9, 1843, is the wife of Mr. W. H. Russell and lives near Chariton, Iowa ; George R., born No- vember 20, 1845, died in infancy ; Walter S., born February 12, 1855, lives near his parents.
JACOB C., son of John and Catherine Filler, was born in London county, Virginia, October 2, 1813. His parents were German people and followed farming as a means of livelihood. In 1829 they moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, where Jacob was apprenticed to William Leslie, a blacksmith, for three years, which time was faithfully served. He worked for some years as a journeyman at Columbus, Zanesville, and other towns in Ohio, among them the village of Linville, where he became acquainted and infatuated with Catherine Baltzell, whom he married February 21, 1839. She was the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Baltzell. They have eight children, living and dead : Walter B., died in infancy ; Joseph W., who was a member of Co. F, 11th Ohio Vols., and lost his life in the service of his country ; Francis M., a soldier in the 19th Ohio Vols .; Mary E., Addison, Annie E., and Levina B., who died in infancy. Came to Henderson county in 1871, and now lives on Sec. 36, T. 12, R. 4.
November 26, 1808, HUGH MCDONALD'S eyes first saw the light in
1086
IHISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES,
Hardin county, Kentucky. ITis parents were farmers and pioneers of Kentucky. His father's name was John and that of his mother Mary. In youth Mr. McDonald received such an education as the meager facilities of early days in Kentucky provided for. October 2, 1830, he married Miss Elizabeth Shehi, daughter of John and Rachel Shehi, of Hardin county, Kentucky, and in 1832 moved to Illinois, settling near Monmouth, came to Henderson county in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Donald have eleven children : John, Naney, Mary (deceased), Jacob, Hugh, James, Isaac (deceased), Melvina, Festus, William (deceased), Margaret, and Isaiah (deceased). Mr. McDonald now lives on Sec. 9, T. 11, R. 4.
MARTHA ARTHUR, daughter of George and Margaret Arthur, was born July 19, 1842. in Harrison county, Ohio. While she was yet a child her parents removed to Perry county, Ohio, where she grew to womanhood. April 22, 1862, she became the wife of David T. Hick- man, Esq., of Perry county. Soon after their marriage Mr. Hickman enlisted in Co. G, 114th Ohio Vols. During his term of service his health was seriously impaired and was never fully recovered. January 8, 1878, he passed to meet his comrades on the other shore, where there are no more wars, and was buried in the Monmouth cemetery. They have three children : John Arthur, born June 24, 1866 ; George Anson, born August 30, 1868 ; and Thomas Ellsworth. August 14, 1870.
PERRY BEAL, born July 3, 1834, in Guernsey county, Ohio, son of Isaac and Jane Beal. He was raised on a farm and received a com- mon school education. Married February 9, 1860, to Anna Adams, daughter of John and Jane Adams, of Guernsey county, Ohio. Mr. Beal came to Henderson in 1857 and settled on Sec. 26, T. 11, R. 4. Mr. and Mrs. Beal are members of the United Presbyterian church. They are the parents of nine children : William M., Luella J. died at the age of twelve years, Lawrence M., Elmer A. (deceased), Nancy L. (an infant), Mary Linda (deceased). Isaac R .. and Perry Lee. Mr. Beal owns a splendid farm of 150 acres, well improved.
ADAM B. HAMILL, the present county treasurer and assessor of Henderson county, is a native, having been born near Xenia in June 1826. His parents were Robert and Elizabeth Hamil. His parents were poor, but by his own perseverance he succeeded in getting an academic education, and with capital alone he came to Illinois in 1852 and located at Monmouth, were he taught school for two years. Came to Henderson county in 1854 and opened a farm on Sec. 23, T. 11, R. 4. Was a school director in his district for fourteen years, and is at this time treasurer of Greenville precinet. He was deputy county assessor
1087
GREENVILLE TOWNSHIP.
from 1874 to 1880. In the latter year he was elected county treasurer and assessor. Was married March 15, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth Turn- bull, daughter of Gilbert and Annie Turnbull. They have four chil- dren : Robert, Gilbert, Annie and Elizabeth.
BENJAMIN HUTCHISON, one of the early pioneers of Henderson county, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, November 10, 1821. His parents, James C. and Sarah Hutchison, tiring of their Ohio surround- ings, turned their faces toward the setting sun and landed at Oquawka, Illinois, at daybreak, June 2, 1833, when there were but four families in the place. After viewing the adjacent country, Mr. Hutchison selected as a homestead a part of Sec. 36, T. 11, R. 4, which was then unbroken, and with the aid of Benjamin and three other sons he soon turned it into a blooming farm. In the year 1850 Samuel, in company with his brother Thomas, crossed the plains into California and Ore- gon, returning by water the following year. August 29, 1854, he was married to Miss Anna Moore, of Johnson county, Iowa, by whom he had six children : John M., Jane G., Robert M., Sarah E., George W. (killed by accident May 27. 1881), and Thomas H. Mrs. H. died April 14, 1869. Married March 31, 1870, to Mrs. Anna E. Grant. They have two children : Ralph B. and Anna Mariah.
RICHARD H. Woons was born near Shawneetown, Morgan county, Illinois, March, 8, 1837. His father, John Woods, and Mary Woods, his mother, were farmers, and as a natural sequence Richard grew up on a farm, and received his education in a district school. In 1840, thinking to better his fortunes, the paternal Woods, with his family, removed to Henderson county, settling in the southern part. In 1862. "Dick," as he was familiarly called, enlisted in Co. K, 84th Ill. Vols .. and served through to the end of the war. On account of his excellent marksmanship he was frequently employed as a sharpshooter, and many are the deeds of daring and hair-breadth escapes which he and his comrades relate. Returning from the field of battle scenes of car- nage, he laid aside his weapons of war for eupid's bow and arrows. He wooed and won Calista A., daughter of John and Charity Reed. They were made one September 19, 1867, and are the parents of four children : George W., born July 4, 1868; Ada L., September 7, 1872 : Ida Lenora, September 23, 1877; and Loyd, March 12, 1880.
SAMUEL H. SMITH, born in Preble county, Ohio, December 30. 1830, of Scotch-Irish parents, who were Samuel and Martha Smith, farmers. Young Samuel was sent to the district school until he had completed the curriculum of studies taught there, when he was sent to the Ohio Agricultural College, at College Hill, near Cincinnati, where he received a scientific training. In 1857 he concluded to try his hand
1088
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
at farming in Illinois, and pursuant to this conclusion he came to Hen- derson county and entered a farm on Sec. 25, T. 11, R. 4. August 18, 1867, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Nancy B., daughter of Francis and Jane Pace. They have six children : Ella, Cora, Mabel, Walter, Homer, Bertha, and Jennie Merle. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are both members of the United Presbyterian church.
JOHN CAMPBELL, a native of the Emerald Isle, came into this world November 27, 1845. His parents are James and Jane Campbell, who emigrated to America in 1850, and settled in Henderson county, Illinois, gladly exchanging the yoke of British tyranny for the freedom of the home of liberty. Young Campbell grew to manhood on a farm, and attended the district schools of the neighborhood. He became smitten with the charms of Miss Ellen Welch, and after the usual ex- change of vows they became man and wife, January 5, 1871. They have two children, Josephi Wesley and Flora Jane, and are consistent devotees at the altar of the Methodist church.
HUGH A. REYNOLDS was born in Jackson county, Indiana. October 5, 1832. His parents, John G. and Anne (MeClannahan) Reynolds, were natives of North Carolina. His grandfather, Alex. MeClannahan, was a soldier in the revolution. Mr. Reynolds? father came to Warren county, Illinois, October, 1835, when young Hugh helped to make a farm and attended such schools as were then in vogue. October 29. 1862, he and Miss Amelia 'Pollock, daughter of J. F. and Rebecca Pollock, joined hearts and hands in holy wedlock. They are the parents of seven children, five girls and two boys : Anne R., Lucy Belle, John F. (died in infancy), Lena O., Maggie E., and Hugh (died in infancy). Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are members of the United Presbyterian church.
WILLIAM, son of William and Jane Fair, first looked upon the light in county Fermanagh, Ireland, August 10, 1844. In 1850 his parents bid farewell to the "holy sod " and journeyed for the land of liberty, finding a home in Henderson county, Illinois, where young William went through all the hardships incident to pioneer life, working on farm in summer and attending the district school in winter. Miss Jane A., daughter of James and Jane Campbell, became his wife March 2, 1872, by whom he has six children : Cora (died in infancy), Harry, Andrew (died in childhood), Charley, Clara, and Ida (who left this world while yet a babe). Mr. and Mrs. Fair are members of the Methodist church.
William and Letitia Darrahı lived in Belmont county, Ohio, where their son CHARLES BOSTON was born, March 8, 1838. They were Scotch-Irish people. Charley was educated in the common schools,
1089
NINETY-FIRST ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
and learned the trade of a butcher. April 3, 1863, he enlisted in Co. H, 49th Ohio Vols. Was honorably discharged October 28 of the following year. February 3, 1867, was married to Miss Menada A., daughter of W. W. and Nancy Palmer. They have six children : Charley B., Henry E., Wmn. Wilkinson, Harry Alexis, Sarah A., and Grace O.
WILLIAM COCHRAN was born in Abbeyville county, South Carolina, January 22, 1846. His parents were Matthew R. and Martha A. Cochran. Disliking slavery and disloyalty, in the spring of 1861 Mr. Cochran came to Illinois, where he might find associates who held more congenial opinions. Married October 20. 1870, to Miss Mary M. Boyd, daughter of Harrison Boyd, Esq. They have five children : Norman, Ollie May (died in infancy), Myrtle L., Virgil N., and Rosamond Araminta. Mr. Cochran is a farmer.
NINETY-FIRST ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
Col. Henry M. Day, of Morris, organized the 91st at Camp Butler, where it was sworn in September 8, 1862. Company B was raised in the south part of Henderson county, Dr. Joseph A. James and Alvah W. Paul receiving enlistments at Terre Haute, and Dr. William T. Day and - Harrow at Raritan, late in July and early in August. On the 4th there was a gathering of thirty-six of the company in Raritan, and the good people of the place got up for the occasion "a splendid free dinner." When the time for their departure had arrived, some of the men took the cars at Sagetown, while others went to Colchester. They rendezvoused at Camp Butler, where the company was organized August 14. The officers were : J. A. James, captain ; John M. Marrah, first lieutenant; Mathew Shaw, second lieutenant; Andrew Graham, Alvah W. Paul, Edward W. Davis, George W. Cox, and Charles S. Edwards, sergeants.
Company C was enlisted at Oquawka by Capt. John Mckinney. J. F. Powers, D. C. Hanna and about ten others came down from Pleasant Green, and Jonathan P. Long with a considerable squad from Olena; all uniting with Mckinney, formed a company of 90, rank and file. On Monday night, August 18, Capt. Mckinney embarked his company on board the Kate Caswell for Quincy. The "Spectator" said : "Our citizens turned out almost en masse to bid them good-bye. The boat arrived after dark, having on board a company from Louisa county, Iowa. Capt. Mckinney mustered his company in line by torchlight, and then, amidst the wildest hurrahs, preceded by the music,
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HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
marched on board, the boys shaking hands right and left as they went. The staging was hauled in, the line cast off, the torch extinguished, and, amid three tremendous cheers for the volunteers,' the boat proceeded on her way; and hundreds, with sad hearts and moist eyes, returned to their homes whence some loved one had departed." Next morning, at 11 o'clock, the company was on the public square in Quincy, and the captain reported to Col. Waters, of the 84th, commandant of the post, who at once assigned quarters in the city. The 84th was full, as was also Col. Benneson's, the 78th. These were the only regiments rendezvoused in the place ; and learning that the 91st, at Camp Butler, into which Capt. James' company had been received, yet lacked one of the required number, Capt. Mckinney started with his men Wednes- day evening for Springfield. At Quincy an election was held for captain, and no one offered himself as a candidate against Mckinney. After arriving at Camp Butler, Hanna was elected first lieutenant and Long second lieutenant. The sergeants were: James L. Smiley, Clement F. Briery, Thomas W. McDill, William P. Barnes, and Nathan Crutchfield.
The regiment was armed with Harper's Ferry muskets, which were exchanged for Springfield rifles on arrival at St. Louis, en route to Louisville, to which city it was ordered October 1. It was attached to Gen. Gilbert's division, and put to guarding on the Louisville & Nash- ville railroad; and the companies being necessarily scattered, the command fell an easy prey to the partisan Gen. John H. Morgan. December 27 they were attacked, and after a stout defense were forced to surrender, eight companies being taken at Elizabethtown, Co. B at Bacon Creek, and Co. C at Nolin. The regiment was paroled and sent to Benton Barracks, remaining there until July 14, 1863, when, having been exchanged, it was sent to Vicksburg. It moved to Port Hudson the 26th, and marched to Carrollton, Louisiana, August 13. Early in September it embarked for Morganzia, and arriving on the 9th, moved toward the Atchafalaya river, and encountering the rebels under Gen. Green, defeated them in a sharp skirmish, losing six or seven wounded. The 91st belonged to the second brigade, Col. Day commanding ; second division, Gen. N. J. T. Dana commanding, of the thirteenth corps. October 10 the regiment returned to Morganzia and was transferred by boat to New Orleans, arriving the 12th. It was now transferred to the first brigade, and, with the rest of the division, on the 22d started across the Gulf and landed at Brazos, Santiago, Novem- ber 3. The command marched directly upon Brownsville, Texas, captured the fort and city, and drove the rebels under Gen. Bee from that part of the state. In July, 1864, the division was ordered away
1091
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
from Texas, and the 91st, with two regiments of colored troops, gar- risoned Brazos, Santiago. Col. Day commanded the post. Near the end of the year the regiment was relieved and ordered to New Orleans for provost duty, and was then transferred to the second brigade, third division. In February it was ordered to join the corps at Fort Morgan, preparatory to the attack on Mobile. Col. Day took command of the brigade. The regiment bore an active part in the capture of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, on which the defense of Mobile depended. The city surrendered, and then the division chased the enemy up the Tom- bigbee river some sixty miles, and overtaking his rear-guard at Eight- Mile Creek, the 91st in advance, drove it, after sharp fighting, at the point of the bayonet, losing a few wounded. This and the engagement of Gen. Wilson at Columbus, Georgia, both occurring about the same time, were the last conflicts east of the Mississippi. The regiment was mustered out at Mobile, July 12, 1865, and on the 22d reached Camp Butler, where it was paid off and discharged.
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
One-half of this regiment was from Hancock county, three com- panies were raised in Adams, one in Gallatin, and Co. G in Henderson. This was recruited at Terre Haute by Joseph Shaw and others, and was organized in that place August 14, 1862, with ninety-eight officers and men. About a dozen were from Hancock county. Shaw was chosen captain, James H. Butler first lieutenant, and Charles T. Painter second lieutenant. On September 1 the company was conveyed by four-horse teams to Colchester, and there it took second elass hog cars and flats for Camp Butler. It was at once put to guarding rebel prisoners of war, with the rest of the regiment, which was not mustered in until November 7. The command left December 1 for the field, and arrived at Memphis the 11th. It was incorporated with the first brigade, third division, right wing, thirteenth corps, and on the 20th moved with Sherman toward Vicksburg. Arriving at the Yazoo river, it was engaged from the 26th to the 30th, in action at Chickasaw Bluffs. It was employed next against Arkansas Post, and participated actively in the brilliant success there January 10 and 11, 1863. Returning to Young's Point, Louisiana, the regiment lay there in a foul and half- submerged camp, after having been for nearly forty days and forty nights cooped upon transports, part of the men crowded below with the horses and mules, and the remainder exposed on the hurricane decks and guards, without shelter, to the daily storms of that latitude.
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HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
The sufferings endured by the troops during that " middle passage," from the Yazoo to Arkansas Post and back again to Young's Point, are indescribable, and the fact that they were endured almost without com- plaint goes further than marches and battles to prove that their hearts were in the right place. Tents were lacking ; the men were crowded in the poor ones they had almost to suffocation ; it rained constantly, and often the soldiers had to get up at dead of night to move tents and couches. Small-pox broke out in the camp, and though fatal in the brigade, none of the 118th died. Finally, and we might say providen- tially, the rebels opened the levee and "drowned out " the troops, when they were all moved, March 9, twenty miles up to Milliken's Bend.
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