History of Morgan county, Illinois : its past and present, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; a biographical directory of its volunteers in the late rebellion; portraits of its early settlers and prominent men [etc., etc.], Part 70

Author:
Publication date: c1878
Publisher: Chicago : Donnelley, Loyd & co.
Number of Pages: 792


USA > Illinois > Morgan County > History of Morgan county, Illinois : its past and present, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; a biographical directory of its volunteers in the late rebellion; portraits of its early settlers and prominent men [etc., etc.] > Part 70


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Cox William, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 7, P.O. Youngblood


Culberson George, blacksmith, P.O. Waverly Culverson Jas. farmer, P.O. Franklin


CULVERSON WILLIAM, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 24, P.O. Franklin. Mr. C. was born in the State of Pennsylva- nia, and there followed the occupation of a farmer. Removing to Illinois as early as 1840, and settled on the Mauvaisterre, in the vicinity of Judge Wood's residence. For a number of years Mr. Culverson was a resident of Greene Co .; of late years a resident of Morgan Co., his time has been devoted to agriculture. Since his settle- ment Mr. C. has had a varied experience, and has lived to see the county grow from a wilderness of prairie to its present pros- perity


D ALTON BAXTER, farmer, Sec. 22, P.O. Franklin


DALTON CLAYBURN, a farmer in the bounds of Morgan Co. for nearly a quarter of a century ; was born in Rock- ingham Co., North Carolina, July 17, 1807 ; in early infancy his parents removed to Kentucky, and there engaged in farming. In his 2Ist year Clayburn Dalton married Miss Pamelia Haynes, daughter of William Haynes, and a sister of Green Haynes, Esq. In 1829, in company with William Haynes, he traversed the broad prairies for Illinois, and on arrival settled in Cass Co., where he rented land, and the following year he removed to Morgan Co., where he set-


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TOWN 13 NORTH RANGE 9 WEST.


tled on the estate now owned by John Dalton; he built a log cabin on this prop- erty, and formed the acquaintance of such men as Martin Read and others. His land heavily timbered, he toiled indefatigably for many a year; at the age of 60 he died. To John, with whom the latter years of his life were passed, he willed his property; his wife still survives, living on the farm, where she has been a living witness of many vast changes tending to the general improve- ment of the county. John was born in Mor- gan Co. March 27, 1835. Growing to man- hood, he obtained a liberal education for the times. Owning 200 acres of land well im- proved, part of the homestead property, he lives in very comfortable circumstances


Dalton Green, farmer, Sec. 20, P.O Young- blood


Dalton James, farmer, Sec. 20, P.O. Franklin Dalton Parmelia, Sec. 22, P.O. Franklin


Dannell Reason, farm hand, P.O. Franklin


Davis Monterey, farm hand, P.O. Young- blood


DEAR TWYDELL, farmer and stock- raiser, Sec. 5, P.O. Franklin. He was the youngest of a family of five children ; his father was a native of England, who there married Miss Mary Dudhop. In merry England he followed farming. In 1845, accompanied by his wife, he crossed the At- lantic for America ; from New York city he came direct to Morgan Co., settling four miles from the present city of Jacksonville, purchasing 210 acres, he became a suc- cessful farmer ; in 1858 he departed this life, leaving to the care of his wife five children : Marie, Anna, Mary, Euphemia, and Twydell, who heads this sketch, who was born in Morgan Co. Sept. 27, 1852 ; at 21 he married Miss Mary Sey- mour, a daughter of Robert Seymour; by this marriage three children: Ida, born April, 1873; Hattie E., born Feb. 17, 1875; Docia, born Feb. 17, 1877


Deatherage Phillip M. farmer, Sec. 13, P.O. Franklin


Deatherage William, farmer and school teacher, Sec. 25, P.O. Waverly


Dennis John H. farm hand, P.O. Franklin Dennis Levi, farmer, P.O. Franklin


Dennis William, farm hand, P.O. Waverly


DENNIS WILLIAM P. farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 13, P.O. Franklin. Mr.


Dennis was born in the State of Tennessee, where the head of the family followed farm- ing. When William had attained the age of 16 years his parents, to better their own fortune and to give their children a better start in life, emigrated to Illinois in the Autumn of 1849, coming through in the homely rough wagon, and locating first in Morgan Co., in the edge of Waverly pre- cinct, where they have been permanent residents. Wm. P. was a hard worker in his youth - he remains so to-day-and therein lies the secret of his success in life ; obtain- ing his education in district schools. At 22 he married Miss Eliza Vannot, daughter of Jacob Vannot. The children are named Mary, Newton J., Thomas, Albert, Clenient, Ella, Myrtie, Roy, and Alma. Mr. D. owns 72 12 acres


Dugger Hewer, renter, P.O. Young blood


E DWARDS AUSTIN, farmer, P.O. Scott- ville, Macoupin Co.


Edwards Daniel, farmer, Sec. 6, P.O. Scott- ville, Macoupin Co.


Edwards Francis M. farmer, Sec. 31, P.O. Youngblood


Edwards Hardin, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 20, P.O. Franklin


Edwards Wm. B. farmer, Sec. 20, P.O. Scott- ville, Macoupin Co. Edwards Zacharia, farmer, Sec. 6, P.O. Scott- ville, Macoupin Co.


England E. renter, P.O. Waverly England Wm. H. farmer, P.O. Franklin Evans David, farm hand, P.O. Franklin


Evrett Z. B. renter, P.O. Youngblood


F `ANNING GEORGE, farm hand, P.O, Scottville, Macoupin Co.


Fanning Henry, farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Youngblood


FANNING JOHN B. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 31, P.O. Youngblood, oldest son of Robert and Mary Fanning, the grandfather of John, it may be well to state here, set out for the far west as early as 1825, making the trip in a two-wheeled cart, similar in construction to those now used in cities. Robert, father of the sub- ject of this sketch, in early youth left Ten- nessee, traveling the entire distance on foot ; he located/in Morgan Co. near Jack- sonville, stopping but a short time, he made


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MORGAN COUNTY DIRECTORY.


his way to Arkansas ; he did not remain long, however, until he again came to Mor- gan Co. where he purchased 150 acres of land ; he married Miss Mary McCurley. daughter of Joseph McCurley, a native of Alabama, in 1836. Eight children ; five are now living : Sarah J., William T., Mary E., Robert, and John B. He became the owner of 420 acres of land, working at first by the month for small wages, by en- ergy he succeeded well in life. He died in 1876. Mrs. F. still survives. John B. at- tended to the farm duties from the time he was old enough. He first attended school when they were taught by subscription ; when twenty years of age he married Miss Amelia Jane Tribble, daughter of William and Martha Tribble ; twelve children ; ten living : Robert T., Mary E., Andrew, Nan- cy C., Joseph S., Richard A., Sarah, Thos. J. and Laura A. (twins), and Harvey M. Mr. Fanning owns seventy-three acres ; for four years has held the position of consta- ble


Fanning Robert, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Murrayville


FANNING ROBERT D. farmer and stock raiser, Secs. 22 and 23, P.O. Frank- lin@ Mr. F. was born in what is now termed Youngblood Prairie, Morgan Co., His preliminary education was received in subscription schools, and afterward com- pieted in the district schools, when they began to play an important part in the ed- ucation of the youth. Shortly before at- taining his majority, Mr. Fanning came into possession of land-the estate of Jacob Fanning, his father, who died during his early childhood days. At twenty-two he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Elizabeth E. Nall, daughter of John and Elizabeth. By this marriage four chil- dren : Andrew J., born 1861 ; Cora, born 1863; Edgar, born 1868; Oliver, born 1873 ; Andrew died Sept. 4, 1862. Mr. Fanning owns sixty-three acres in the neighborhood of the old home property


FANNING W. T. fariner and stock raiser, Sec. 13, P.O. Youngblood. William was the fourth child of Robert and Mary Fanning, natives of Tennessee and Ala- bama. Robert F. who settled in this coun- ty prior to the deep snow, was born about the year 1816 ; of his early life but little is


known ; he was raised a farmer boy, and received a common school education ; when thirteen years of age his parents emigrated to Illinois, nearly the entire distance being walked, as the slow-moving wagon must at times been monotonous. Remaining but a short time in Illinois after his arrival, Rob- ert Fanning removed to Arkansas ; a some- what noted shot, a great portion of his time was spent in pursuit of the deer, do- ing his first work by the month no doubt ; the little money thus received was a source of pride and gratifaction, for it was gener- ally of an unknown quality. He married in his eighteenth year, Miss Mary McCurley. To illustrate the thrifty habits of this youth- ful couple, it may be stated that as children grew up around them, the wife and mother wove and spun the garments for their wear; · the husband, after a hard day's work on the farm, fashioned boots and shoes for the children. Robert became a successful far- mer by energy and judgment ; he departed this life Sept. 18, 1877, and as an upright citizen this short sketch is of interest to the many western people who knew him in life. W. T. Fanning was born in Morgan Co., August, 1843 ; he received a liberal education, and at eighteen married Miss Rebecca Brown, a daughter of John and Sarah ; becoming heir to part of the old homestead property. Mr. F. is the owner of 105 acres ; born and bred to farm life, he understands every detail of the duties in- cumbent upon it. Eight children ; six liv- ing : George W., Charles E., Francis S., Thomas, Laura B., and Robert S.


Ferguson Wm. renter, P.O. Franklin


G ALLAHER PATRICK, farmer, Sec. 12, P.O. Franklin


GIBSON JOHN M. REV. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 3, P.O. Franklin, was born in Rutherford Co., Tenn., Feb. 3, 1821 ; attended subscription school in win- ter and worked on his father's farm in summer. In 1830, his father, James Gib- son, in company with others, left Tennes- see to try and better their fortunes in a new country, traveling in wagons drawn by ox- en ; after four weeks of hardships and bad weather, they landed in Morgan Co., where the elder Gibson entered 320 acres of land, in what is called Youngblood Prairie ; here


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TOWN 13 NORTH RANGE 9 WEST.


Mr. Gibson worked hard, and studied harder for a number of years, entering in the mean time, 155 acres of land, which he improved as much as possible, and on the 16th day of March, was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth Davidson. Ill 1860 Mr. Gibson was li- censed as a preacher, of the M. E. church ; in 1863, sold his farm in Youngblood, purchased 232 acres in Sec. 3, T. 13, R. 9, and has been engaged in raising stock and farming to the present day. Ten children, nine of whom are still living: Lizzie, who married John H. Van Winkle; George, who married Savinia Carlile ; Hannah, who married Dr. S. D. Carlile, and James, Al- bert, Delia, Mary E., Richard, and Julia, still living with their parents. Mr. Gib- son's mother, a lady eighty years of age, lives with him, and is as hale and hearty as most women of sixty


Gray James, farmer, P.O. Waverly


Gray Nathaniel, farmer, Sec. 35, P.O. Wa- verly


Grider J. M. farmer, P.O. Youngblood


Gunnels Maria Miss, Sec. 29, P.O. Franklin Gunnels Mary Mrs. farming, Sec. 29, P.O. Franklin


Gunnels Rufus, farm hand, Sec. 30, P.O. Wa- verly


H AM MONROE, farm hand, P.O. Wa- verly


Harrington Rose Mrs .. P.O. Waverly


Hart David, farmer, P.O. Scottville, Macou- pin Co.


Hart John, farmer, Sec. 34, P.O. Franklin Hart W. J. renter, P.O. Franklin


Helems John, farm hand, P.O. Youngblood HENRY DAVID, farmer and stock raiser, Secs. 8 and 17, P.O. Youngblood. The grandfather of the subject of our notice settled in the bounds of Morgan Co. as early as 1832; he married Miss Elizabeth Alexander, by this marriage ten children, of whom Greenup Henry, father of David, was the oldest ; he was born in Bourbon County, Ky., July 25, 1808. In Morgan Co. he entered a tract of land, shortly after his arrival ; he married, in his twenty-first year, Miss Elnora Prathea, in Kentucky ; by this marriage, ten children, five of whom are living now : John, Mary, Ann, David, and Robert. David was born X


in Morgan Co., Nov, 6, 1840 ; when twenty- one, he entered the service of Uncle Sam, enlisting in Co. F, 10Ist Ill. Infantry, at Jacksonville, for three years service ; with this regiment during a portion of the war; he was subsequently transferred to the Army of the Cumberland; in the battles of Peach Tree Creek, Dallas, and many others. He was honorably discharged at Springfield, Ill., and, returned to Morgan Co., where he has since resided. In his twenty-fifth year, he married Miss Marga- ret McCurley, a daughter of Ezekiel Mc- Curley. Five children : Everett, born Sept. 27, 1867, Thomas, Aug. 12, 1869, Paton, Nov. 15, 1872, Gussie, April 15, 1874, Car- rie, Oct. 2, 1877. Mr. Henry owns 177 acres of land, on which he has made ex- tensive improvements


HENRY GEORGE, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 31, P.O. Youngblood, second child of Richard and Elizabeth Henry. Parents of Richard, to better their for- tunes, came west when he was but two years of age, shortly before the deep fall of snow, through which the family suf- fered the following winter; in Morgan Co. their life was characterized by hard- ships for a number of years. During the winter of 1872 Mrs. H. departed this life; Mr. Henry still survives, living in Ma- coupin Co. George was born in Morgan Co., in Dec., 1852, and received a district school education. Growing to manhood, his time became employed on the farm; at 20 he married Miss Susan McCurley, daughter of Ezekiel McCurley, one of the early residents of this county. Owning 100 acres of land Mr. Henry follows the oc- cupation he has followed from boyhood


HENRY JAMES, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 18, P.O. Youngblood. Mr. Henry was the fourth child of a family of thirteen children; his father, Elijah Henry, one of the first settlers of this county, was born in Kentucky, near Flat Rock, about the year 1821; when nine years old his pa- rents moved to Illinois, on hearing many glowing accounts of its fertility, locating in the southern portion of Morgan Co .; with no capital to speak of he encountered many hardships; leaving a comfortable home in the South, the rough life in the West was not altogether pleasant; he raised


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MORGAN COUNTY DIRECTORY.


a family of nine children of whom the father of James was the fifth child; he re- ceived a district school education and fol- lowed in after years, successfully, the occu- pation of farmer, now comfortably situated in life, he resides with his wife in Murray- ville Precinct. James was born on the old homestead, Jan. I, 1847; at 19 he married Miss Melinda Fanning, daughter of Rob- ert and Mary Fanning, natives of Ala- · bama, and who became early residents of Illinois; four children, Albert, Elijah, Rob- ert and Julia


.


Henry Wm., farm hand, P.O. Youngblood Hester James, renter, Sec. 31, P.O. Young- blood


Hester Wm., renter, Sec. 31, P.O. Young- blood


HILL ISAAC, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 30, P.O. Youngblood. Tracing back the genealogy of this family we find that Richard Hill, the father of Isaac, was born April 12th, 1799, as near as can be ascer- tained, in Virginia. But little is known of his early life; when quite young he re- moved to Kentucky where he found em- ployment as a farmer and relieved the mo- notony of life by hunting the game that abounded in the forests of Kentucky. In 1815, when 14 years of age, his parents de- termined to explore the great Northwest Territory, and accordingly set out in a one- horse, two-wheeled cart. They settled in what is now known as Hamilton. Illinois. Few had arrived at this date, when the mighty buffalo roamed at will and the red man traversed the forests; in the then wilds of Illinois Mr. H. farmed it and acquired a proficiency in the use of the rifle that ex- tended over a considerable portion of the West; he married Miss Mary Ann Webb, a daughter of Lazarus and Nancy Webb; he was among the first in his neighborhood to enter land from the Government. By his first marriage three children, of whom Isaac is the only survivor; his second wife, Mrs. Frances Nichols, who was born in Tennessee; by this union five children, all living: James, Geo. W., Mary Ann, Robert · and Richard H. Mr. H. died in 1838, at a time when Illinois had begun to witness many improvements. His first wife had died ten years previously; his second wife still survives, living in Fayette Co., Ill.


Referring to the history of him who heads this sketch, he was born in Hamilton Co., Illinois; he became a resident of Morgan Co. in 1846. The war with Mexico coming on, he enlisted in Co. F, First Regt. Ill. Vol., for one year's service, under the com- mand of ('apt. W. J. Wyatt; on the field of the battle of Buena Vista, after one year's service, he was honorably discharged at Ca- margo, Mexico, and returned to Morgan Co., January, 1847. Two years later he married Miss Sarah Ann Daugherty; Mrs. H. was born in Morgan Co., April 20th, 183I. For twenty years Mr. Hill has been Jus- tice of the Peace discharging the duties appertaining to the office to the satisfac- tion of all. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hill was blest with the following children: John R., born Oct. 23, 1853; Nancy M., Oct. 26, 1855, died Sept. 22, 1858; William L., born Dec. 26, 1857, died Jan. 17, 1864; Sa- rah E., born May 15, 1860; Martha A., born June 23, 1862; George M., born Sept. 4, 1864; Isaac M., born Feb. 3, 1867, died March 13, 1868; Charles R., born Jan. 19, 1869; Minnie B., born June 28, 1871; Til- den C., Nov. 29, 1876. Mr. Hill owns 204 acres on which he erected, some ten years ago, a handsome dwelling. Two of his children, John R., and Margaret now reside in Christian Co., Ill.


.


Hurst Anson, farm hand, P.O. Scottville Ma- coupin Co.


Hurst Newton, renter, P.O. Youngblood


JOHNSON HIRAM, farmer, Sec. 20, P.O. Franklin


JONES JAMES, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 13, P.O. Waverly. The above named gentleman is the third child of Reuben and Nancy Jones, whose maiden name was Armstrong. Reuben Jones was a native of Tennessee, his wife was born in Kentucky. James, who heads this sketch, from the early days of childhood to the ma- turer ears of manhood, has been a resident of this county and his occupation that of a farmer; on attending school the first teacher he remembers was James Trible who was among the first to settle in Morgan Co. In 1871 Mr. Jones was married to Miss Mi- nerva S. Cox, of Kentucky. By this mar- riage three children: John R., born in 1872, Callie W., 1874, Ida May, 1877


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Jones Davis, farm hand, P.O. Waverly


Jones John T., farm hand, Sec. 21, P.O. Franklin


K ANE ADELINE Mrs., farming, P.O. Waverly


Kelly Wm., farmer, Sec. 20, P.O. Young- blood


Kingley Wm., renter, Sec. 20, P.O. Young- blood


LANKFORD CHAMPLAIN, far-


6


mer and stock raiser, P.O. Franklin. Mr. Lankford was born in Tennessee, March, 1822, where his father was engaged in farming, and where Champlain grew to man's estate, acquiring an education in a subscription school; at twenty-five he mar- ried Miss Nancy Ann Jones, daughter of Edward Jones, a native of Virginia; pur- chasing a small farm, he worked very diligently for many years; in 1856, owing to the reports of the fertility of Illinois, he set his face toward the west; in due time he arrived in Morgan County, settling in what is commonly called Mud Prairie, where he first rented, until he became enabled to buy; in 1862, his wife departed this life, the remains being interred in the Jones cemetery; on the decease of his wife Mr. Lankford was left with a family of five children; owning a farm of 170 acres, per- haps no man in the county worked more than he to bring land to a proper state of cultivation; the success achieved is due to his individual efforts; five children: Wm. E., Amanda, Hillery C., Reuben, and Harriet Ann


Long Elias, farmer, Sec. 16. P.O. Franklin Long Jacob E. farmer, Sec. 16, P.O. Frank- lin


Luttrell John, renter, P.O. Waverly


LYNCH MICHAEL, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. II, P.O. Franklin; Michael was the youngest of a family of six children; his parents, Patrick and Mary, were natives of County Galway, Ireland, where the subject of this sketch was born, about the year 1822; when old enough he came in for his share of the duties apper- taining to the farm; in the year 1854, while still a young man, he left Erin's green isle for America; arriving in New York city, he made his way to Massachusetts, but re-


mained but six months; thence to Illinois settling in Morgan County, where, for the first few years, he worked by the month; in 1861, he married Mrs. Mary Stapleton, relict of John Stapleton; by first marriage of Mrs. L. two children: Margaret and Bridget; Mr. Lynch is the owner of 150 acres of well improved land; commencing life with no capital, he has made a success- ful farmer


M ANN A. H. farmer and stock raiser,


Sec. 21, P.O. Franklin; in the year 1820, when the attention of the people of the Southern and Eastern States was attracted to the fertile prairies of the West, John and Elsie, parents of the subject of this sketch, set out from Ohio to Indiana, their goods packed in an ox cart; the little party of emigrants made their way over the track- less waste of prairie, coming in contact with but few cabins on the way; they settled near Terre Haute. a small place, where but one white man resided; keeping a small store, he supplied the early settler with the necessaries of life. The cabin entered was built by the head of the family, a rude affair, constructed of poles; here he lived for many years, his companions the backwoodsman or daring adventurer; the wagon heowned was manufactured by him- self, the wheels being cut from a fallen' tree, holes being bored through the center, a reach attached to this, and the whole surmounted by a rude box. Various inter- esting items could be told of the early life of Mr. M. did space permit. His marriage was blessed with twelve children, five of whom are living; the oldest, whose name appears at the head of this sketch, was born in Sullivan County, Indiana, in 1819; when but a lad of sixteen, in company with a Mr. Harney, he set out for Illinois, where he settled in Franklin, Morgan County; it then contained but two frame buildings. At the end of eight years, during which time he worked at his trade of cooper, his parents also became residents of Illinois, where they passed the remainder of life. In 1846, A. H. Mann married Miss Nancy Covey, daughter of Robert and Ann Covey, natives of Tennessee, where Mrs. Mann was born, in 1826. Three children, two of whom are living: Mary married Green


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MORGAN COUNTY DIRECTORY.


Dalton, and John, who married Rebecca Dalton; Mr. M. owns 75 acres of land, well improved, owing to indefatigable energy


Malone John, renter, P.O. Franklin


Mansfield Milden, farmer. Sec. 26, P.O. Wa- verly


McCann Ancil, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 19, P.O. Waverly


McCURLEY EZEKIEL, farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 19, P.O. Youngblood. Mr. McCurley, who, for half a century, has been a living witness of the vast improve- ments that have taken place in Morgan County, was the second son of Joseph and Rebecca McCurley, who removed from Alabama to Morgan County, during the Autumn of 1828, and settled in what is now called Youngblood prairie; a hard worker, a true type of the western pioneer, he passed the remainder of his life in Morgan County, dying the winter of 1843; his wife, who had shared with her husband many years of prosperity and hardship, survived him some fifteen years. Ezekiel, whose name appears at the top of this sketch, was born in Kentucky, March, 1808; relating to the writer scenes of long ago, Mr. McC. states that four miles from where he lived in those days, when wheat bread was a rarity, was a horse mill, where he would patiently await his, turn to have his grist ground; in his twentieth year he married Miss Jane Criswell, a daughter of Samuel Criswell; some three years later Mr. McC. entered land from the govern- ment; having no capital, he was compelled to borrow money at 30 per cent. interest; corn then brought but 8 and 10 cents per bushel, wheat 30 cents, and other things in proportion; the crops worth so little, how- ever, grew abundantly, and with little effort compared with the present day; eleven children born of this marriage, seven living: Samuel, of whom mention is made elsewhere, and William, who married Miss Sabitha Davis, of Morgan County, in 1856, has always been a resident of this county; born April 17, 1838; he was edu- cated in subscription schools, and has raised ten children, seven living: Aman- da J., Alice, Lewella, John H., Ezekiel H., Mary E., and Ruby E. Mr. M. owns 920 acres of land. Beside Samuel and Wil-


liam, Julia Ann, who married John C. Speres; Emeline, who married Jarrett Seymour; Margaret, who married David Henry; Susan, who married Geo. Henry, and Elizabeth, unmarried


McCurley James P., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 19, P.O. Youngblood


McCURLEY SAMUEL, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 30, P.O. Youngblood, son of Ezekiel McCurley and Jane Criswell, natives of Tennessee, was born Sept. 3, 1829, in the Seymour settlement, this county. The McCurleys are contemporary settlers of 13-9, with the Seymours and Wyatts, their pioneer days dating back to 1827; at the age of nine little Sam first made his debut as a scholar in the "log school house; " not a free school, but a "pay school." The furniture of the school con- sisted of two slabs of wood, and to allow the light into its precincts, the door had to be left open; hence Sam's education has none of the classics, nor does he aspire to the prominence of a Virgil. Having endured the hardships incident to a boy born in the primitive days of our history, at the age of twenty-five years, married Miss Elizabeth Seymour, daughter of James P. Seymour; the ceremony was performed by Rev. William Evans, a minister of the M.E. Church; had by this union Susan, born Oct. 15, 1855; James B., born Nov. 22, 1856; in six days after the birth of the last named child, Mrs. McCurley passed from earth to heaven. Mr. McCurley was mar- ried again April 17, 1858; has had by this marriage Nancy J., born May 20, 1859; Lavinia A., Feb. 6, 1862; Mary E. born Dec. 16, 1863, and died Feb. 23, 1869; George, born Feb. 22, 1866, died Nov. 7, 1866; Julia A., Aug. 21, 1867; Mary C., Oct. 12, 1869; William E., Nov. 26, 1873; Agnes, Sept. 9, 1876. These good parents are devoted Christians, and are zealous members of the Baptist church; love their God and their fellow-man; own a fine farm of 130 acres of good land, and are universally respected




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