History of Mercer and Henderson Counties : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc, Part 132

Author: Mercer County Historical Society (Ill.); Henderson County Historical Society (Ill.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : H.H. Hill and Co.
Number of Pages: 1424

USA > Illinois > Mercer County > History of Mercer and Henderson Counties : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc > Part 132
USA > Illinois > Henderson County > History of Mercer and Henderson Counties : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc > Part 132

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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a few others made his way on foot, where, after six years of patient labor, he was able to return to Illinois with $5,000 in gold as his reward. Ilis return was via the Isthmus and New York. Soon after his return to this county he made a trip to Pike's Peak with the first stage through on the line in six days and eleven hours. His stay there, however, was short and his return was to stay. His seven children's names, in the order of their ages, are : Dora A., Sidney A., Ida M., Louis P., Mary E., Ethel G. and Alice.' His father, Robert Mickey, was of Scotch-Irish parentage, while his mother was of German. They were natives of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and died near Mans- field, Ohio. In 1880 Mr. Mickey sold a part of his farm and purchased property in Biggsville, where he now lives.

DR. JAMES G. STEWART, son of James S. and Jane (Gibson) Stewart, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, May 3, 1831. Though his educa- tional advantages were not what might be wished for, yet they were sufficient and well improved. In the fall of 1850, having decided to take a medical course, he began reading with Dr. Josephus Walker, of St. Clairville, Ohio, attending lectures at the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, during the winters of 1852-3 and 1854, graduating from that institution during the latter year, and at once began the practice of his profession at Bridgeport, Ohio. The next year he went to Texas and after a year's practice on the frontier went to Keokuk, where he, in company with his eldest brother, opened and run a drug store about sixteen months. About this time Kansas was rife with red-handed crime, strife, treason and rebellion, known as "the Kansas war," and thither young Stewart went in the hope of being in some way able to do some good for the cause of humanity and civil liberty ; while there he formed one of the party of twelve men who rescued the noble Dr. John Doy from prison, where he had been incarcerated, convicted and condemned, and finally sentenced to state's prison, for the crime ot lending aid to slaves in their efforts to escape. On the day that Kansas was admitted as a state to the Union, Stewart came to HIender- son county (where his nearest friends then lived and where he had been in 1850 with a view to settling), and soon after went to Burlington, Iowa, where he offered his services to his country, but not being accepted, went to Oquawka and enlisted in Co. F, 16th Ill. Vol. Inf., · and was mustered into the United States service May 24, 1861, as second lieutenant. He followed the fortunes of war till after the battle of Mission Ridge, when disability from camp life and hardships prostrated him and he resigned with a first lieutenant's commission. November 9, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Maria L. Pogue, the daughter of John Pogue, Esq., of this county ; she was born

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February 20, 1842, in Walnut Grove township. In 1866 the doctor quit the practice of medicine and turned his attention to farming, which was more in taste with his feelings than the practice of his profession. In 1870 he bred and raised thoroughbred short-horns, principally of the Young Mary family. He is now residing on his comfortable farm on Sec. 22, T. 10, R. 4. He has five children, as follows : Henry W., Jane E., John P., Samuel F. and an infant.

ANDREW G. GRAHAM, Biggsville, postmaster, was born January 6, 1847, in Clinton county, Missouri. When he was about the age of three years his mother died, and when he was five years old his father went to California. His early education was of a necessity much neglected, though to some little extent he did attend a pioneer school in his native state. In 1858 Mr. Graham came to Henderson county, and in November, 1861, when a little less than fifteen years of age, enlisted in Co. H, 11th III. Cav., Col. R. G. Ingersoll. He partici- pated in the battles of Shiloh, second battle of Corinth, Grierson's raid, and the pursuit of Forrest; but the most desperate contest ever engaged in was at the battle of Lexington, Tennessee, where the brave Col. Ingersoll was captured. At the end of two years' service he came home on' veteran furlough, and after a short stay returned to do fur- ther service for his country if it was required. Under the gallant leader of the 11th Ill. Cav. our hero did much active service, which it is not possible here to note ; suffice it to say that he was honorably dis- charged on account of disability after faithfully serving his country nearly four years, and is now (1882) in confined constantly to his bed from the effects of ailments contracted while in the army. After his return home he (in a small way) engaged in farming, but in 1872, on account of his health entirely breaking down, he removed to Biggsville, and was, in March, 1876, commissioned postmaster. December 16, 1869, he was married to Miss Martha C. Francis, the daughter of Mr. Alexander Francis ; she was born in Ohio, March 16, 1849, and came to HIender- son county, Illinois, in 1850. They have two children, Frank M. and Charles I. They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

WILLIAM B. GRAHAM, farmer and stock raiser, Biggsville, was born in Henderson county, Illinois, January 9, 1842. His father, Andrew Graham, was born in Kentucky, removed (when quite young) with his parents to Preble county, Ohio ; thence he emigrated to Hen- . derson county, Illinois, and settled on Sec. 7, T. 10, R. 4, with his brother-in-law (Samuel McDill) in August, 1835. In 1841 he was united in marriage with Miss Rachel A. Davis, a daughter of David W. Davis, who came to this county in 1833. He procured the first marriage license issued in Henderson county. He died in 1848, at the

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age of forty-one years. His wife (now Mrs. Daniel Gordon) and three children survive him. William B., the eldest son. is now on the old home successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. His educa- tion was mostly received in the common schools of this county's early history, though it was extended by a few terms at Monmouth and Oquawka. He has been twice married : first. on August 8. 1864. to Miss Martha McDill. daughter of Robert McDill. who died October 18. 1875 : and again on January 17, 1878. to Margaret Wallace, the daughter of David Wallace ; she was born in Ohio, May 23. 1839, and came to Henderson county in 1868. His children are: Mary F .. Robert A. and William W .. by his first wife, and Ross W .. by his second wife. They are members of the United Presbyterian church, and since 1870 he has been an elder in the same. On his farm he has erected a very substantial stone residence.

JAMES MONTGOMERY. grain dealer. Biggsville, was born in Noble county. Ohio. August 18, 1848. His parents were Joseph and Eliza- beth (McRoberts) Montgomery, the latter of whom died when James was scarcely three years old. At the age of thirteen he was left alone and an orphan by the death of his father. At the tender age of fourteen he packed his scanty wardrobe and alone started for Illinois, where he hoped to find a widowed sister. then residing in Mercer county, that state. On reaching Galesburg his money was all gone. and from there he continued his journey on foot, but was soon overtaken by night and hunger. Stopping at a farm house he was kindly taken in by the good farmer. who in the morning directed him on his way to Mercer county. where he found his sister. Soon after reaching Mercer county he found employment on a farm. making that his business summers and attending schools winters till the age of twenty. when he completed his education with a college course at Monmouth. After completing his education Mr. Montgomery devoted his time to teaching till the spring of 1882. when engaged in the buying and shipping of grain at Biggs- ville. October 5. 1875. he married Miss Celia B. Wallace. a native of Guernsey county. Ohio, born November. 1849. She came to Henderson county in 1870 with her parents. who settled on a farm two miles south of Biggsville ; she was also a student for two years at Monmouth Col- lege. They are the parents of three children : David W .. Emma E. and Fannie C .: a comfortable home is his reward for industry.

WILLIAM E. B. VAN TUYL. farmer. is the son of Isaac and Elizabetli A. (Davis) Van Tuyl. and was born in Henderson county. Illinois. September 5. 1858. Like his father he was reared a farmer. and during his early youth received a good common school education. to which he continues to add by reading and observation. January 9.

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1878, he married Miss Hannah M. Wilkins, daughter of Samuel Wilkins, whose sketch also appears in this chapter; she was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, February 5, 1855. To them is born one son, Chester W. Mr. Van Tuyl has recently purchased a farm in S. W. } of Sec. 11, T. 10, R. 4, where he is now engaged in farming. His parents, with their family of twelve children, removed from Dayton, Ohio, to Henderson county, Illinois, in the fall of 1855, and for many years engaged in farming, and became well known in this county as a man of true worth, honor and strict business principles. A few years ago he removed to near Kirkwood, in Warren county, where he died in October, 1880. His estimable wife still survives him and resides at the old home. As the name indicates, they are of German ancestry.

JOHN R. FOSTER, farmer and fruit grower, Biggsville, was born in Henderson county, Illinois, December 17, 1844, and is the son of William and Jane (McDill) Foster, early settlers of this county. His education was principally obtained in the common schools of his boy- hood day, finishing with a few terms at Monmouth College and one term at Bryant & Stratton's Business College, at Chicago. His first start in business was at merchandising, at Biggsville, as a partner with Mr. John McDill. Two years in this line was sufficient to convince him that farming was more to his taste and at the same time more cer- tain, and accordingly he sold out and turned his attention in that direc- tion. August 21, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Lorina Campbell, a daughter of William Campbell, D.D. She was born in Henry county, Iowa, August 31, 1842, and was left without a mother when three months old. They are the parents of three children, as follows : Mary A., William H. and Robert S. In 1875 he located on his farm, where he is building up for his family a pleasant and tasty home; and it is only a matter of time when Larch farm will be one of the most beautiful in that part of the township. Thanks for the care and advice of an intelligent wife.

SAMUEL WILKINS, another of our country's noble dead. Mr. Wilkins was born in New Jersey, October 2, 1827. When but four years old his father died, and he was left entirely an orphan at the age of eight years by the death of his mother. He was then taken by a friend to the country and remained on a farm till eighteen years of age. He then learned the trade of mason and principally followed the busi- ness through life. January 9, 1849, he married Miss Harriett P. Wor- den, a native of New Jersey, born March 26, 1828. After his mar- riage Mr. Wilkins went to Philadelphia, where he resided till 1854, when he removed to New York, and in 1857 to Henderson county, Illinois. Here he turned his attention to farming till 1862, when he

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enlisted in Co. K, 84th Ill. Vol. Inf., where he faithfully served his country till he was killed, at the battle of Stone river, December 31, 1863. The May following his remains were brought home and in- terred at Salter's Grove. Besides his wife he left five children to mourn his early death. The children are: Worden J., now on a farm at Elliott, Iowa; Hannah M., now Mrs. William E. B. Van Tuyl; Mary E. and Susan E., at home, and Abram, now an operator at Minneapo- lis, Minnesota.

JOHN McKEE, druggist, Biggsville, was born in Hillsboro', County Down, Ireland, November 21, 1837. On April 26, 1857, he left his native home for America, where he hoped by hard work and industry to gain what he has already realized, a comfortable home. His pas- sage occupied one month and was made on the sailing vessel Neptune, commanded by Capt. Peabody. After landing in New York, on May 26, he came at once to Knoxville, Illinois, where he remained a few days with an uncle, John Sloan. He then came to Biggsville, Hen- derson county, Illinois, and engaged as farm laborer one year,-the next year farming for himself. By this time, having saved a little means, he built a small store in Biggsville, near the depot, and for a short time engaged in business there ; then sold out and built the building on lot 6, now owned and used as a hotel by Mr. J. M. Mich- ener. In 1878 he bought a tract of land and laid out what is known as McKee's addition to Biggsville, and the same year built the large store building now owned and occupied by Mr. G. W. Holmes, on lot 1, block 3. The next year he built another commodious store and in it engaged in the drug business. In 1882 he is enjoying a successful and prosperous trade, which is the sure reward of untiring energy and straightforward business principles. September 9, 1868, he was mar- ried to Miss Mary Sloan, the daughter of James Sloan and native of Canada, born March 19, 1850, on Amherst Island, and came with her parents to Illinois in 1862. They are the parents of six children, as follows : John W., Julia A., F. Frederick, Henrietta, Ralph and Jessie. His father, who was huntsman to Lord Downshire, died in 1865. His motlier came to the United States in 1874 and is now (1882) living in Biggsville, Henderson county, Illinois.

MR. ABNER SHORT, one of the early pioneers of Henderson county, and who has had a residence here for more than half a century, was born in Washington county, Kentucky, in 1808. In 1810 his father died, and in 1816 his mother married for her second husband Mr. Samuel Jamison. In 1819 the entire family emigrated to Perry county, Indi- ana, where they resided till 1830, late in October, when they again, impelled with a pioneering spirit, moved westward. After a month's

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journeying they landed in Henderson county, Illinois, where they at once set about preparing a rude home. Our subject, Abner Short, was among those who worked at building a fort for the protection of the few white settlers from the merciless savages, who in 1831-2 were threatening a war of extermination upon the palefaces. He was mar- ried April 25, 1833, to Miss Virona Ewing, and soon after settled in T. 11, R. 4, on Secs. 30 and 31, where he at one time owned 320 acres of land, earned by hard work and faithful industry. His wife died in 1863. His second marriage was on October 28, 1867, with Mrs. Sarah B. Jamison, a daughter of Mr. Michael Van Tuyl, a native of Ohio, born in Warren county, May 13, 1821. Mr. Short has but two children living: John E., now (1882) in New Mexico, and Mary E., wife of Dr. D. I. McMillen, of Sunbeam, in Mercer county, Illinois. He lost one son, William G., who was in his country's service during the late war. Mr. Short and his family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

JOHN C. DUNCAN, farmer, Biggsville, is a native of York county, Pennsylvania, and was born May 20, 1827. His early youth was spent on the farm. At the age of eighteen years he turned his atten- tion to learning the trade of carpenter. In 1856 he came to HIender- son county, Illinois, and for a number of years followed the business of his trade, building some of the best buildings in this and Warren counties, especially in Kirkwood. In 1863 he married Miss Margaret Duncan, who died in 1873. His second marriage was with Margaret M. Anderson, a native of York county, Pennsylvania. By this union he has two chileren : John W. and Jenrie M. In 1870 he permanently located on his present home, in Sec. 21, T. 10, R. 4. In addition to this farm of 80 acres, he owns 80 acres in Sec. 28 and 15 acres of timber in Sec. 27 of the same town. His father, John Duncan, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a son of John Duncan, a native of Ireland. The latter took part in the revolutionary war and the former in the war of 1812. Mr. Duncan and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, of Biggsville, where is also his postoffice.

SAMUEL MODILL (deceased) was born in Preble county, Ohio, August 18, 1807. His father and grandfather were American born and his great-grandfather McDill was born in County Antrim, Ire- land. Hle was reared on a farm in the tall timbers of his native state, and early in life acquired all the characteristics of the true pioneer. He was a natural genius and well fitted to fill the place of true neighbor in a new country. Of him his friends and acquaintances can truly say for truth and integrity his equals were few. His first marriage was on October 12, 1830, with Martha W. Graham, who died

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a few years after their emigration to Henderson county, Illinois, which was in Angust. 1835. His second marriage was with Miss Nancy Findley, on December 14, 1842; she is the daughter of Alexander Findley, and was born in Clark county, Indiana, December 27, 1816. Soon after his arrival in this county Mr. McDill bought land and permanently located on Sec. 7, T. 10, R. 4, where he lived till the time of his death, October 6, 1866. His widow and daughter, Lydia A., still reside on the old home and in the same house where the former has lived for over forty years. She was among the first settlers in this part of the county and was one of the first members of the Old Associate Reformed church, organized in South Henderson. Mr. McDill has five children still living : Rev. Andrew T., now pub- fishing a paper in Philadelphia, and Margaret E., a teacher in Mon- mouth, by his first wife, and John A., Lydia A. and Martha C .. by his last wife.

PAUL D. GIBB, son of John and Agnes (Robinson) Gibb, farmer and stock raiser, Biggsville; was born in Connty Antrim, Ireland, Janu- ary 25, 1829. He was reared principally to the business of gardening and enjoyed but a limited means of gaining an education. On March 17, 1850, he left the city of Belfast for America and reached his desti- mation (Biggsville) on May 25 of the same year. He at once, accord- ing to a previous contract, begun work in the mill for John Biggs for a term of one year ; after completing his first year he engaged for three years more, after which he began farming on wild unimproved land he bought in Sec. 28, T. 10, R. 4. This farm he sold and in 1870 bought the old Ery Marston farm in Sec. 29, T. 10, R. +, for which he paid $60 per acre, where he now resides, engaged in farming and stock raising. December 29, 1863, he married Miss Mary Stevenson, a native of Belfast, Ireland, born in 1845 and emigrated to America with her parents in December, 1863. They are the parents of six children, as follows : Agnes J .. Elizabeth, Mary, Rosa B., William J. and Ellen. Mr. Gibb is one of the prosperous farmers of Henderson county, and although he begun by working out at $14 per month, he is now the independent owner of 260 acres of excellent farming land besides a large amount of stock and other securities. Since his eighteenth year he has been a member of the United Presbyterian church. He is a man that is ever ready to aid in any enterprise that has in view the good of society.

JOHN R. BOYD (deceased) was born in Ireland in 1832. When he was but a small boy he emigrated to America and went to live with an uncle (James Redman), with whom he remained till he grew to manhood. His parents, Robert and Eliza (Redman) Boyd, were also natives of

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Ireland and lived there till the time of their death. April 2, 1857, he was united in marriage. with Miss Mary A., daughter of Joseph and Annies Johnson, who were natives of County Tyrone, Ireland ; she was born in York county, Pennsylvania, May 25, 1840. In March, 1865, they came to Henderson county, Illinois, and soon after bought a small farm in See. 34, T. 10, R. 4, and actively engaged in farming. He was successful and soon after bought more land, and at the time of his death, August 28, 1881, he owned 168 acres of good land ; a success 'only attained by faithful labor, industry and economy, in such a few short years. Besides his wife he leaves an interesting family of five children, whose names, in the order of their birth, are : Robert J., Joseph, Eliza A., John A. and Maggie L. His remains were interred in the Biggsville cemetery, and is mourned as a true friend, a kind, generous father and devoted husband.

MILES GORDON, farmer, Biggsville, was born in North Carolina in 1813. In 1819 his parents George and Flora (McKaskill) Gordon, removed to the State of Georgia, where they resided till 1840, when they emigrated to Henderson county, Illinois. Their remains now rest in the cemetery at Little York, in Warren county, Illinois. He was born in the Highlands of Scotland, and she (of Scotch parents) in the State of North Carolina. They usually conversed in the Gaelic language. Miles was first married to Miss Martha E. MeLanahan, who died in 1850. His second marriage was with Mrs. Kerren H. (McDill) McCrarey, on February 16, 1854. Their children are : Flora J., John E., Miles O. and Robert R. On March 16, 1854, they moved on their present farm in See. 5, T. 10, R. 4, where he is now engaged in farm- ing. They are members of the United Presbyterian church at South Henderson. Mr. Gordon was early settled in this county and has lived to see its great growth and prosperity. Where once roamed the deer and wolf may now be seen fields of golden grain or herds of domestic animals, and in place of the howl of the wolf or screech of the panther is heard the toll of the church bell or shrill whistle of the locomotive.

JOHN R. McQUOWN (deceased) was born in Washington county, Virginia, March 16, 1828, and emigrated with his parents, Arthur O. and Nancy (Smith) McQuown, to Henderson county, Illinois, in 1836. April 15, 1858, he married Miss Eliza Best, a daughter of John and Ellen (McCollough) Best. She was born in Albany, New York, Sep- tember 7, 1834. Her parents were born, reared and married in County Londonderry, Ireland, and emigrated to America in 1832. He served as a soldier in the war of the late rebellion. as a member of the 91st reg. Ill .. Vol. Inf., and died of disease contracted in the

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army. He and wife are buried in East Olena cemetery. He had two sons, also in the late war : John, in Co. E, 10th Ill. Vol. Inf., and James in the 50th. Noble are they who give up their lives to the preservation of their adopted country. Mr. McQuown through life followed the humble but honorable vocation of farmer, and for many. years previous to his death resided on his farm in Sec. 1, T. 9, R. 5, where his bereaved widow and family still live. He died July 20, 1881, and was buried in South Henderson cemetery. His children are : Andrew G., Nancy E., Sarah F., Arthur O., Harry R. and Mary E. To them and his devoted wife he left a farm of 250 acres. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church and a consistent christian gentleman.

ADAM SLOAN (deceased), one of the early settlers of Biggsville, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, October 22, 1825. He was the fifth son of James and Mary (Beck) Sloan, who were also natives of Ireland. In 1847 he emigrated to the Province of Ontario, Canada, and while there was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Scott. In the spring of 1850 they removed to Biggsville, Henderson county, Illinois, and purchased a forty-acre farm, now within the corporate limits of the town. To this little home he kept adding till he owned 360 acres. In 1852 death claimed his wife and only child. His second marriage was on June 19, 1862, to Miss Jane Baggs, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, born near Belfast in 1831. This marriage was contracted while she was yet in her native land, whence she came in the spring of 1862, landing in Biggsville June S. Mr. Sloan bid fair to become wealthy, and was owing but a few deferred payments on his real estate in the winter of 1877, when he was taken with a severe cold, which brought on lung fever, resulting in death January 21, 1877. Besides his wife he left six children, as follows : Thomas W., James, Henderson, Adam, Nancy and Mary J. Mrs. Sloan's father (a poet of some considerable note) died at his home in Belfast. Her mother, who emigrated to Illinois, died in Biggsville in April, 1877.

ISAAC THOMAS, an industrious and successful farmer of T. 11, R. 4, was born in Nelson county, Kentucky, December 25, 1820. His parents were Eliezer and Ann (Garrett) Thomas. The latter died of Asiatic cholera in 1832, and the former died in 1837 froin the effects of poison at the hands of his physician. Mr. Thomas followed farm- ing and flat-boating in his native state till 1845, when he came to Illinois. After coming to this state Mr. Thomas for a number of years worked at anything that would make an honest dollar, some- times splitting rails for thirty cents per hundred, or worked for even $4 per month. So he worked and so he saved till he was able to

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History of Mercer and Henderson Counties : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc, Part 132

Author: Mercer County Historical Society (Ill.); Henderson County Historical Society (Ill.) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago : H.H. Hill and Co. Number of Pages: 1424

Author: Mercer County Historical Society (Ill.); Henderson County Historical Society (Ill.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : H.H. Hill and Co.
Number of Pages: 1424