USA > Illinois > Piatt County > History of Piatt County; together with a brief history of Illinois from the discovery of the upper Mississippi to the present time > Part 29
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
.
306
IIISTORY OF PIATT COUNTY.
that he soon felt it his duty to make known to him all his knowledge . of the West and its people. Mr. Mallory was provost marshal of this county during the war. . It is conceded by all that he performed his duty faithfully and well. This county had the credit of some 300 men more than was called for.
MR. C. D. MOORE, county surveyor, Monticello, is a native of Ohio. "Not from Pickaway," as he replied when interrogated, but claim's Muskingum county as his birthplace. He moved from Ohio to Illinois in 1856, and came to Piatt county in 1858, locating in Bement, taught school one term, and then began surveying, which occupation he still pursues. He has laid out ten additions to Bement. seven to Monticello, and has laid out or assisted in laying out every town in the county, Mr. Moore was married in 1858, to Louisa B. McMillen, of Ohio, who died in 1865, leaving two children, Otis and Mary Louisa, both graduates of Monticello High School. He was mar- ried again in 1867, to Emily Hubbell, a native of New York, who came to Illinois abont 1864. They had one daughter, Una Cornelia, who died. Mr. Moore moved to Monticello in 1874. He has been town collector, commissioner of highway, and was the first supervisor from Bement township. He held the position of township treasurer of schools for fourteen years, and was county surveyor and drainage commissioner. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Bement. Mr. Moore attended Martinsburg Academy, Knox county, Ohio, and had charge of this school at a later time.
MR. WILLIAM MCREYNOLDS (deceased) was born February 13, 1842. and was his father's second child. His father, Allen McReynolds, was born in Washington county, Virginia, in 1807. He moved to Tennes- · see, and from there to Missouri, soon after the state was admitted to the Union, and settled in Saline county. He was married January 15. 1840, to Miss M. A. Cooper, and they had thirteen children. The subject of our sketch was reared on the farm, and attended the public school of the neighborhood, until in his sixteenth year he was sent to college at Miami, where he remained two years. Upon returning home he was constable for a time in Saline county, and then, when the war broke out, came to Illinois to attend to the settlement of the estate of James McReynolds. He lived in Monticello a number of years, and then married. His wife was born in Tazewell county, Illinois. Her maiden name was Jennie Pendergast, and she was married in 1859, to Andrew Beard. who died June 17, 1861, and left one child, Frankie, who died in 1862. Mrs. Beard was married October 18.
RESIDENCE OF JOHN DICKSON.
LITERARY THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.
309
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
1866, to Mr. William McReynolds, and moved to Monticello, wliere they lived until 1876, when they moved onto the farm one mile east of Monticello. Mr. McReynolds died May 13, 1879, leaving four children, Willie, John 'A., Logan Mary and Myra. Their twin girls, Bettie and Mattie, died. Mr. Beard, at the time of his death, was in the law office with Charles Watts, and had been for some time. Mr. McReynolds first worked in the county for William Piatt, and held the office of county surveyor, and was county judge for the second term at the time of his death.
MR. MARTIN MCINTOSH is of Scotcli descent, and was born in Ohio. He moved from Ohio to Illinois in 1861, and to Piatt county in 1867. His father was a native of Ohio, and his mother of New Jersey. He was married in 1855, to Catharine J. Wilson, a native of Virginia. She is of German and of Irish descent, and her parents were natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. McIntosh have had four children, three of whom are living. Their eldest son, William J .; was married in 1881, to Mary Herrington. He lives at his father's, and is in partner- ship with him in the milling business. John W. and Martin I. are both at home. The original mill, whichi stood on the site where Mr. McIntosh's mill now stands, was the first mill built in the county, and was owned by a stock company. The company sold it to Mr. Zorger, wlio sold out to Mr. William Collins. Mr. Collins put up the main part of the mill now standing, and sold out to Mr. Emanuel Rhoades. Mr. McIntosh bought the mill of Mr. Rhoades. Mr. McIntosh grinds some 10,000 or 15,000 bushels a year. He is making preparations for more extensive work. A saw-mill has been connected with the flour mill for many years. During the last three years some 200,000 logs have been sawed. Probably more walnut logs have been used than any other kind. A new boiler lias just (1881) been put into the mill. It is from the Decatur Novelty Works, and is twelve feet long, with a diameter of fifty-five inches, and has fifty-eight flues. Mr. McIntosh was township trustee for two terms. His father was in both the Black Hawk war and war of 1812. For his services he received two land warrants.
MR. DAVID MOWILLIAMS, lawyer, Monticello, is a native of Ohio. His parents moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio at an early day, and on horseback, leading two pack-horses loaded with their housekeeping utensils. His father died in Ohio, but his mother followed her children to Illinois in 1853, where she died in 1879. The family settled in DeWitt and McLean counties. The subject of our sketch
20
310
HISTORY OF PIATT COUNTY.
studied law in Springfield, where he was admitted to the bar on February 13, 1857. After practicing law in Taylorville, he went, in 1860, to Waynesville, from which place he came to Monticello. He was married in Clinton to Mrs. Vienna Roberts, and has had two children, one of whom, Vinnie B., is living.
MR. MARTIN MCCUNE, farmer, is a native of Ohio. He inoved from Wisconsin to Illinois in 1856, and from there to Piatt county in 1880. Mr. McCune was married in 1845, to Miss Mary E. Carl. They have had twelve children, all of whom are living. Sarah married Mr. John Richie, and is living in Macon county ; John married Miss Haffman, and is living in Decatur; Jane married Mr. Bannon, and is living in Mason county ; James, who married Sirena Dean, is living near Bement; Martin married Belle Whitnie, in Bement; Warren inarried Esther Boyer ; George is unmarried ; Mary is the wife of Henry Bassette, lives in Marion county, and is twin to Eliza, who is at home; Alice married Will Boyer, and lives near Bement. Frank and Samuel are at home. Mr. McCune was in the late war, enlisting from Macon county.
CAPT. MELVILLE H. MUSSER was born April 23, 1822, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and came to Monticello in 1857. Upon the breaking out of the war Mr. Musser went into Co. F of the 2d Ill. reg., served through the entire war with distinction, and was promoted several times. His death occurred February 22, 1868, after an illness of but thirty-six hours. His wife and three sons are still living. Charles is in Decatur, and Melville resides with his mother in Monticello. The following resolutions show the feeling that some of Mr. Musser's friends had upon his death :
WHEREAS, It has pleased an All-wise Ruler of the Universe to remove from among us Capt. M. H. Musser, our late comrade in arms ; as a token of our regard and esteem for the deceased, be it
Resolved, That the soldiers who participated in the funeral cere- monies of Capt. M. H. Musser, of Co. F, 2d Ill. V. C., extend our sympathies to his bereaved family.
Resolved, That in the person of Capt. Musser we have always found a friend in whom we could confide, a gentleman for whom we have always had the greatest regards, and a soldier who served the country in time of need. G. F. MILLER, Pres. C. P. DAVIS, Sec.
MR. H. V. MOORE, a prominent banker of Piatt county, is a native of Fulton county. From that place he went to Champaign, and thence came to Piatt county in November, 1870, and has since resided in 1
311
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Monticello. He owns two farms, 480 acres, in the county, and his residence in the northi part of Monticello is one of the most com- modious in the city. Mr. Moore was married in 1866, to Alzina W. Freeman, and has five children, Mary H., Allen F., Arthur F., Dwight L. and George M.
DR. JAMES MOFFITT, Monticello, was born in Ohio, in June, 1840, and came to Piatt county October 18, 1862. His youth was spent on a farm in Ohio, and his education was obtained in the public schools of Ohio and Illinois. He has been a farmer, a teacher, and for a number of years has been practicing medicine in Monticello, having obtained his medical education at the Rush Medical College, Chicago. He was united in marriage October 21, 1872, to Eleanor Piatt, a college graduate. They have three daughters, Jennie B., Marietta D. and Frances Willard. Mrs. Moffitt has for several years been connected with the temperance work in this vicinity, and has done excellent work.
MR. A. F. MORRISON, Monticello, is a native of Pike county, Illinois, from which place he moved to De Witt county in 1856, thence to Piatt county March 22, 1869, and has lived in the county most of the time since. He owns a residence and lot in Monticello. On October 1, 1865, Mr. Morrison and Margaret Shurtleff were united in marriage. Four of their six children are living, Emily E., Blanch, Sylvanus S. and Mabel F.
MR. JAMES H. MURPHY, of Monticello, Illinois, was born near Morgantown, county-seat of Burkes county, North Carolina, November 8, 1817. His father, Silas Murphy, was of Scottish descent, a master mechanic, and belonged to the Quaker church. His mother, Nancy (Greene) Murphy, was of English descent. James H. attended com- mon school until. fifteen years of age, when his parents moved to Indiana, in the year 1834; but they, not being satisfied with the climate, only remained two years, then moved to Canton, Illinois, in 1836. The subject of this sketch then attended school for a short time, after which he taught school two or three years, then served an apprenticeship for master mechanic, which, in connection with his occupation also, of lumber merchant and mill-owner, he followed for twenty-five years or more. In the year 1872, March 11, he concluded to change ·location, and came to Monticello, going into the lumber business, and also contracted for and built some of the finest buildings in the place. His family followed in May, 1872. He was married in September, 1846, to Elizabeth Scott, daugliter of Dr. John Scott, a
312
IHISTORY OF PIATT COUNTY.
Baptist minister, and granddaughter of "Grandfather" Parker, the celebrated Baptist minister of Washington, D. C., also granddaughter of Hosea Ballou, the widely-known Universalist minister, and is the father of five children, three boys and two girls. The two girls and one boy are still living. One daughter is married, the other is a successful music teacher, and the son, a No. 1 job printer, is foreman of the "Piatt County Herald." He joined the Methodist Episcopal church at Canton when he was about twenty years of age, and has been connected with the same denomination ever since. He has also been connected with several other societies, secret and otherwise. His wife also has been a member of the same denomination for many years. He has held numerous offices of public trust in Canton, Illinois, and in Monticello, Illinois.
MR. EBENEZER MCGUFFEY, a farmer in Monticello township, is of German and Irish descent, and was born in Indiana. He married Nancy A. Hanson, and in 1855 moved to Illinois. In 1861 they moved from the southern part of Illinois to Piatt county. They have had nine children, four of whom are living. John F. makes his home with his parents. Martha E. married Benjamin Duvall, and has one child, Henry. Sylvester and Mary are both living at home. Mr. McGuffey owns about 50 acres of land.
MR. SMITH MULFORD, blacksmith, Monticello, is a native of New Jersey, from which state he moved to Illinois and located in Piatt county in 1856. He began his trade in Monticello at that time, and has been following it ever since. He is a member of the Masonic lodge of said place. In - 1860 Mr. Mulford and Julia Hennion, of New Jersey, were united in marriage. They have had five children, Flora, Marcus, Almeda, Rodney and Jesse.
MRS. SAMUEL MINEAR, a native of Ohio, came to Piatt county about 1865. There are about 160 acres in the home place. Mr. Minear died in Ohio. Six of Mrs. Minear's children are living. Sarah and Penelope, the wives of Trenck and Will M. Piatt, respectively; Anzaletta, a teacher of the county, who graduated in 1880 at the Wesleyan University ; Samuel, who lives at home, and Sherman and John Clark.
MR. A. M. MCKINNEY, of Achilles, Rawlins county, Kansas, writes that he has never seen a county of richer lands or better adapted to agricultural pursuits than Piatt county. When he began house- keeping, in a small frame house, where the brick store building occupied by W. E. Smith now stands, Monticello was then a village of
313
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
300 or 400 inhabitants. Decatur was the nearest village, and of less enterprise than Monticello. Springfield was the nearest town where a cook stove and set of chairs or bedstead could be purchased. There were two stores of general merchandise in Monticello, Joseph Kee's and Daniel Stickel's. James Hollingsworth kept some groceries, J. C. Johnson and John Tenbrooke were hotel proprietors. Dr Ward had a practice extending some twenty five or thirty miles around. There was a church organization, but only occasional preaching. Daniel Stickel was superintendent of the Sunday-school, which was. lield in the court-house. The literary society was the chief entertain- ment, and prominent among its leaders were Jacob and Noah Piatt. That was a memorable winter in the history of Monticello and Piatt county. When the heavy winter snows began to melt, the river mills were so damaged by the surplus water that all milling had to be done at the Springfield steam mills. Mr. Mckinney also mentions thie suffering caused by a traveler who stopped at Tenbrooke's hotel, and brought small-pox into the county. The first death was that of Mrs. Bailey's little girl at the hotel, and there were but few families that entirely escaped the disease. Death and mourning were in almost every house, and there was much suffering from want of care. Two young men, the Crane boys, would surely have died for want of care, had not George Young, of Friends Creek, offered to nurse them without charge. It was a terrible winter, and will not soon be forgotten by those who lived there.
WM. NOECKER, M.D., the parents of Dr. Noecker, were of German descent and natives of Pennsylvania, and at the time of their deatlı were living in Northumberland county, of that state. His father enlisted in the war of 1812. Dr. Noecker was born in Northumber- land county, Pennsylvania, in 1825. In January, 1840, he went to Ohio, and afterward studied medicine at Circleville in that state, under the supervision of Dr. Hull, who was then residing in that place. After graduating at the Starling Medical College in Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Noecker came west, and in March, 1853, located at Monticello, Illinois. A great many people having already emigrated to Piatt county from Pickaway county, Ohio, the doctor found himself quite among friends. Soon after his arrival here he went into partnership with Dr. Ward, who for some little time had been the only physician in the place. Their partnership lasted one year, during which time they carried on a practice which extended not only throughout Piatt county, but also into portions of Champaign, Douglas and Macon
314
HISTORY OF PIATT COUNTY.
counties. After their dissolution of partnership Dr. Noecker began to practice alone, and soon built up an extensive and lucrative practice froin which he has amassed considerable wealth. In 1865 he went into the drug business, which from that time until now he has carried on in connection with his practice as a physician. Since 1868, when he built the corner brick building, a portion of which he now occupies, the doctor has turned his attention principally to the drug business. Dr. Noecker was married in December, 1861, to Miss Ella Britton. Little Willie, who died when but four years old, was their only child. In 1875 Dr. Noecker built one of the finest brick residences in Monti- cello. He and his wife, now in the prime of their life, are enjoying that greatest of all earthly blessings, a beautiful and happy home. Dr. Noecker has long belonged to the Masonic order in Monticello. For three years he held the office of high priest, and at the present time he is recognized as past high priest of the Markwell chapter. He is also a charter member of the Urbana commandery of Knights Templar, and attended the Knight Templar encampinent at New Orleans in 1874, and again at Cleveland in 1877. · Dr. Noecker is recognized by his friends of Monticello and vicinity as a shrewd and successful business man.
MR. SAMUEL NEAL (deceased), farmer, was born in Maryland. He moved to Ohio, and about 1846 came to Illinois, and lived in and about Monticello until his death. He built a brick house on the ridge, where in 1851 he died. Mr. Neal was married in Ohio, to Margaret Painter, who died in 1870. They had twelve children, three of whom are now living, and are in Piatt county. Sarah is the wife of L. B. Weaver. Rachel married Chas. Van Gundy, who died, leaving two children ; John, who married Susy Best, lives in Monticello township, and has three children ; and Mattie, who is the wife of Wm. Porter, lives in Monticello, and has two children, Lula M. and Rachael E. Catharine married Jesse Bush. They have had five children, three of whom are living. Sarah, who married Mr. Fry, has one son, Harry. Samuel married Miss Ella O'Neal, and has one child, Eddie. Mr. J. Dee Bush is the name of the other son. Samuel Neal married Miss Cox, and lives in Monticello.
MR. P. T. NICHOLS, merchant, Monticello, was born in Maryland. When he was small, went to eastern Ohio, and came from there to Illinois. He came to Piatt county in 1872, immediately taking charge of the Monticello schools, and in all held such position for five years. He graded the school, and the high school was established in 1877,
315
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
under his supervision. The first class to graduate, which consisted of five girls, went out during his principalship, and the north school building was erected while he held such position. In 1878 Mr. Nichols began merchandising, and is still in the same business. At the present time is a member of the school board. He was educated at Madison . College, eastern Ohio, and is a graduate of a mercantile college.
MR. TIMOTHY O'CONNOR, farmer, Monticello, is a native of Ireland, who came to America in 1853, locating in Piatt county in 1876, having come to the state, however, in 1857. He owns 100 acres of land upon which he has put all the improvements save $500 worth. He has a good house, and the barn was built in 1881. Mr. O'Connor was married about 1871, to Jane Loughlyn, and they have two children, Dennie P. and Joseph. The family attend the Ivesdale Catholic church.
MR. CHARLES OSBORNE, a native of Jersey county, Illinois, came to Bement, Piatt county, in August, 1880, and moved to Monticello in December of the same year. He was married in 1874, to E. A. Gilnan, and has one child, Louis M.
MR. A. T. PIPHER, Monticello, was born in Jefferson county, New York, in 1831, moved from New York in 1854, and came to this county in 1858. His parents were of French and English descent, were born in Rhode Island, and in 1854 moved from Jefferson county, New York, to Aurora, Kane county, Illinois, thence to Miama county, Kansas, in 1870. They both died in Kansas, his father in 1875 and mother in 1881. Immediately after Mr. Pipher came to this county, in 1858, he began practicing law and has been here ever since. He received his education in Black River Institute, Jefferson county, New York, and was a member of the class of 1854 in Hamilton College, Madison county, the same state. His health failed and he had to quit a few months before graduating. Mr. Pipher's license, issued January 6, 1858, admitting him to the bar, was signed by J. D. Caton and O. C. Skinner. Mr. Pipher. was married in 1860, to Sophia K. Skinner, in Bloomington, who died in Lincoln, Nebraska. He has five children, Ella L., Albertina S., Florence M., Alonzo S. and Sophia M. Ella graduated from the Monticello high school in 1879 and Bertie in 1881. Mr. Pipher was again united in marriage, May 5, 1880, to Mrs. C. H. Mentz. He has lived where he now does since 1861. He formerly lived where Mr. Patterson did, which property is now owned by A. M. Piatt. Mr. Pipher was appointed Master in Chancery in 1868 and held the office for six years, was police magistrate for nearly five years
316
HISTORY OF PIATT COUNTY.
and notary public about sixteen years of the time he has been here. Among his important law cases was People's case against Dick Turpin, (assumed name), James Erwin and John Riley, indicted for the murder of Sylvester H. Buckley, of Bement, about 1873. He was appointed by Judge Gallagher to defend Erwin, Turpin and Riley. The trial resulted in the acquittal of Erwin and Riley and the conviction of Turpin and his imprisonment in the penitentiary for fourteen years. Mr. Piphier was principal of Monticello schools two years in succession about 1861 and 1862, then served as principal another year in 1866 or 1867.
MR. ALEXANDER PERKINS, deceased, moved from Ohio, his native state, to Piatt county in 1856. Enticed by relatives living in the county, he had visited the place the year before moving. Mrs. Perkins, née Elizabeth Blacker, was born in Virginia, in 1817. When sixteen years old she moved to Ohio, in which state she was married. Her father was in the war of 1812. In about a year after coming from Ohio and settling in Goose Creek township, Mr. Perkins died. There were nine children in all, six of whom are living. Mrs. Perkins still survives her husband, and at present makes her home witli her daughter, Mrs. White. The eldest son in Mr. Perkins' family, James L., was married in 1861, to Rebecca Bailey. He served three years in the late war. One child, Edward, survived his father's death, which occurred in 1870. Mrs. Perkins died in one
short year. after her husband. Mr. William H. Perkins married Elizabeth Dubson, in 1862, and lias lived in Goose Creek township ever since. He has been justice of the peace and road commissioner. They have six children, James, John, Amy May, Ebanina, Elizabeth and William H., or Harry. Mary Ann married Edward . Chase, in 1859. For a time their home was in Oregon. She died, leaving six children. Catharine C. married James Bailey, in 1861. Their home at present is in Harrison county, Iowa. Seven of their children are living. Diantha married Thomas White, in 1864. They have seven children, William, Mary E., Charles A., Henry L., John F., Earnest and Thomas A. Mr. White is a farmer, and is now living in Monti- cello township. For a time he has liad charge of the water-tank near Camp creek, on the Wabash railroad. He is a native of England, and came to America when four years old. He has lived in this county for twenty years. He was in the late war over a year, and was wounded at Telegraphı Point, Missouri, by an accidental discharge of a canon. The principal battles he was in were those at Liberty,
317
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Missouri, Lexington and Corinth, Mississippi. John Perkins married Mary Warner, in 1873. They have five children, Lulu Della, Bertha, William and Harry A., and live in Monticello township. George W. Perkins is unmarried, and makes his home with his brother, Alex- ander. Alexander Perkins married Sarah J. Stucky, a native of Pick- away county, Ohio, in 1879. They reside in Goose Creek township.
MR. HERBERT D. PETERS, editor, Monticello, is a native of Steuben county, Indiana. His youth was spent on a farm in Monroe county, Michigan. He graduated in Monroe high school in 1868, and took the degree of B. Ph. in the University of Michigan in 1873. He was con- nected with a daily paper in 1873 as assistant editor, and in the same year came to Illinois, and in 1874 began the publication of the "Piatt County Herald," in connection with George Scroggs, of Champaign. In 1875 he secured the whole interest, and in 1876 took the degree of M. Ph. in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. In 1880 lie was elected as a member of the thirty-second general assembly. On the 17th of June, 1879, Mr. Peters and Anna Huston were united in mar- riage, and they now have two children, Charlie and an infant.
MR. JAMES PRESTON, farmer, Bement, is a native of Canada, who moved from Ohio to Piatt county in 1874. He was married in 1861, to Caroline Barndhouse, and has three children, Eliza L., Emily F. and Chester H.
MR. ABRAHAM PING, carpenter, Monticello, was born in Indiana, and came to Piatt county in 1879, having previously lived in Moultrie county about eigliteen years. He was married in 1856, to Catherine Powell, of Ohio, and has had the following children : Thomas A., George A., Charles, Elmer, Claudie and Frank. He went to the army in Co. G of the 6th Ind. reg., and was in the battles of Shiloh, Pittsburg Landing, Stone River, and several others.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.