USA > Illinois > Pike County > History of Pike County, Illinois : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons and biographies of representative citizens > Part 62
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679
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
C. H. Doss, physician, was born in Franklin, Simpson Co., Ky., Feb. 19, 1834, and began the study of medicine with his father, a resident physician at Hopkinsville, Ky. Two years afterward he came to Illinois, and completed his studies in the office of Dr. A. Bowman, at Carrollton, Ill. He first began practice at Fayette- ville, Greene Co., Ill., where he was successfully engaged for 5} years, when he moved to Manchester, Scott Co., and followed his profession until he came to this county in 1876, where he has since made his home. In September, 1856, he married Margaret A. Thrasher, a native of Griggsville, and they have 9 children, the eld- est a graduate of Bennett Medical College, Chicago. The Doctor was made a charter member of the Illinois State Eclectic Associ- ation in 1868; also served as Treasurer in 1871 and 1872, and filled the office of President in 1873; was also a charter member of the Eclectic Medical Association, organized in Chicago in 1870, and 3 times represented this State to the National Eclectic Association. He has given much attention to farming and stock-raising, and owns 180 acres of land 33 miles from Pittsfield, where he has estab- lished a breeding farm for horses; he has some fine blooded stock. Prominent among them are 2 Hambletonian colts (stallions), "Rich- ard " and " Radiator ;" the former a chestnut sorrel, white hind feet, 16 hands high, and weighs 1,200 pounds; foaled June 24, 1874; bred by S. W. Wheelock, Moline, Ill. "Radiator"-color, bright bay, 16 hands high, star in forehead, weighs 1,300 pounds, foaled May 31, 1874, and bred by same person. The pedigree of the above named stallions descends from the great trotting families of Kentucky. They have a natural gait, and show a flattering rec- ord of speed, etc .; are high-mettled and full of life, yet kind and safe to handle.
Augustus Dow, miller, was born Oct. 9, 1841. He began active life as clerk in a dry-goods store, which business he continued to follow until 1863, when he enlisted in the army, serving in the Paymaster's Department 3 years. In 1872 he came to Pittsfield and embarked in the milling business in company with C. P. Chapman, and they now condnet one of the largest mills in the State. Mr. D. was married in this county in 1865 to Jennie S. Weinand. She was born in New Jersey in 1841 and died in 1870. Mr. D. was then married, in 1872, in St. Louis, to Judith W. Mor- ton, who was born in Massachusetts in 1840. Harry A., born in April, 1877, is their only child.
E. P. Dow, dealer in coal, wood and lime, is a native of Tol- land county, Conn., where he was born in 1848; came to this county in 1865, and engaged in the mercantile business: was mar- ried in 1874 to Miss Florine Hicks, and is the father of 2 children. In 1878 he established himself in his present business, where he is enjoying a fair trade.
John Duran, a retired farmer, was born in Hamilton county, Maine, Jan. 16, 1800. His parents were John and Jane (Davis) Duran. He came to this county Nov. 18, 1831, and settled in
680
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Newburg tp .; was married in 1825 to Miss Rhoda Ann Riggs, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and they have had 12 children, 6 boys and 6 girls, 10 of whom are living. Mr. D. was Road Commissioner for 25 years in Newburg tp. : is a member of the M. E. church, also of the Masonie Lodge. P. O., Pittsfield.
G. T. Edwards, proprietor of the Pittsfield House, was born in Tennessee, March 25, 1814; lie emigrated with his parents to Ill- inois in 1828, and settled in Sangamon county, where he resided until 1835, when he came to this connty and settled in Pittsfield, where he engaged in teaming. Two years afterward he was elected Constable, and appointed Deputy Sheriff under Col. Seeley, in which capacity he served for several years. In July, 1839, he married Miss Eliza M. Allred, a native of Tennessee, where she was born Oct. 29, 1822. They had 1 son and 1 daughter. Mrs. E. died
July 30, 1842. The following year he married Miss Angeline Davis, a native of Kentucky, where she was born in 1821, and they had 3 children. She died Sept. 28, 1853. His present wife, Delilah (Goodwin) is a native of this State. Mr. E. was elected Sheriff of Pike county in 1854 and served 2 years, when he purchased a farm in Newburg tp., and followed farming a short time, then en- gaged in hotel-keeping in Pittsfield, and was proprietor of stages and mail contractor. In 1862 he organized Co. A, 99th Ill. Inf., and participated in many of the principal battles of the war. After a year of service he was compelled to resign on account of poor health, and he was honorably discharged. Returning to his family he became proprietor of a hotel at Naples, Scott Co., and at Griggs- ville, Pike Co. In 1869 he, with other enterprising citizens, formed a stock company and erected the Pittsfield House, which has since been under his supervision. It is one of the largest and best kept hotels in the West.
Charles A. Elliott, of the firm of Gano, Shriver & Elliott, dry- goods dealers, Pittsfield, is a son of Abner and Ruth (Wells) Elliott, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. Charles A. is a native of the Buckeye State, where he was born in 1854; he came to this county in 1872, and embarked in the mercantile business in Pittsfield in 1879.
George Ellis, farmer, sec. 32; P. O., New Hartford; owns 80 acres of land worth $50 per acre; he was born in this county, April 5, 1850, and was married in this county in 1871, to Amanda Me- Clintock, also a native of this county, born in 1852; they have 2 children, Orville and Ethel. Mr. E. has been School Director, and is a Republican.
Aaron Enderby, farmer, sec. 3; P. O., Pittsfield; was born in Pike county in 1855, is a son of Conrad and Jane (Moore) Enderby, natives of North Carolina and early settlers of this county, and grandson of Joel Moore, the first settler in Pittsfield tp., where he passed a life of usefulness. Mr. Enderby resides on the homestead with his parents, and owns a farm of 120 acres worth $35 per acre. The family are members of the Christian Church. Mr. E. is un-
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
married and lends his industry to the care of the homestead and his aged parents.
Gano, Shriver & Elliott, dealers in dry-goods and clothing. This is the largest house of the kind in Pittsfield, and is a consolida- tion of the firms of Gano and Shriver Brothers. The firm has had an experience of 26 years in New York city, and Felicity, Ohio, and at present carries a stock of $40,00C, with an average sale of $85,- 000 per year. The store is 100 feet in length by 25 in width, and two stories high, all occupied. A custom tailoring department is con- nected with it on the upper floor, well stocked with goods. This firm has been identified with the mercantile interests of the city for many years, and possesses the energy, enterprise and reliability of business men.
D. H. Gilmer, deceased, was born in Kentucky, Sept. 10, 1814; came to this county at an early day, and was the partner of Milton Hay in the practice of law at Pittsfield. In 1861 he enlisted as private in the 38th Reg. I. V. I., and received promotion to the position of Colonel of that Regiment. He was killed at the battle of Chicamauga, Sept. 10, 1863. He was at one time Prosecuting Attorney in this county. In 1844 he married Miss Louisa M. Quinby. Six years after his death she was appointed Postmistress of this city, and executed the important duties of the office until her death, in 1869. She was succeeded by her daughter, Lizzie Gilmer, the present incumbent, who fills the position satisfactorily.
George Gooud, farmer, sec. 33, owns 80 acres of land, worth $50 per acre. He is a native of England, came to America in 1836, settling in New York, and came to Pike county in 1862; was mar- ried in this county in 1864 to Charlotte Cressnol, also a native of England, and born about the year 1843, and died in 1875; they had 2 children,-one living, Philip R. He then married Amanda E. Pringle, born in New York city in 1854; they have one child, named Elizabeth. Mr. G. is a Democrat.
John Gooud, farmer, sec. 33, owns 80 acres of land, worth $50 per acre; is a native of England, and was born in 1830; came to America in 1836, and settled in New York, where he was married in 1856 to Alice Pringle, also a native of England, where she was born about the year 1843. They have had 6 children,-one liv- ing, namely, Susanna. Mrs. Goond had 2 children by a former husband; their names are Mary A. and Sarah J. Mr. G. is a Demo- crat.
Strother Grigsby, County Judge, born in Page county, Va., in 1819, came to Illinois in 1838, and settled in Adams county, where he engaged in teaching school for 4 years, then came to this county and followed the same calling for 10 years in Pleasant Vale tp. He subsequently settled in Pittsfield and soon after was called by the people to fill the office of County Treasurer. He also served 4 years as County Clerk, and is serving his present position the second term. He has also given time and attention to various other offices with which he has been identified. In 1845 he married Miss Amanda
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Parkis, a native of Missouri, who died, leaving 4 children. His present wife, Missouri E. Reel, is a native of Jacksonville.
Wm. B. Grimes, Deputy County Clerk, was born in White Co., Ill., Nov. 25, 1828; in 1834 his parents moved with him to this county; in 1850 he went to California and remained two years, meeting with good success; on his return to this county he located at Milton and built the first saw-mill in that place; was in the lumber business about one year and then followed the tinware trade until 1869, when he was elected County Clerk. Mr. G. is now Deputy County Clerk, has been Supervisor of Pittsfield tp., and Chairman of the Board one term. The past four years he has also been Grand Lecturer in the Masonic order, and is now Grand Examiner and ex-officio Grand Lecturer. Mr. Grimes has had a good ednea- tion, fine musical talent, and has held about all the local offices in his township. In 1853 he married Amanda A. Shock, who died in 1861, leaving three children ; in 1862 Mr. G. married Nancy J. Greathouse, and they have 3 children now living. The children are, Della, born in 1857, now the wife of Mark Hanes; Ira A., born in May, 1859, is clerk in Lindsey & Co.'s grocery; both the latter are in Pittsfield; Henry W., born, 1861, died at the age of about 5 months; Ida, born in 1863, Alice in 1865, and Laura in 1875.
Hon. Win. A. Grimshaw, attorney at law, is the son of William Grimshaw, who was an early and distinguished historian, hav- ing written and published the first History of the United States, a History of South America, of England, of France, a Life of Na- poleon and other works, besides compiling histories of Greece, Rome, etc. It is said that at one time he had an income from his works of about $4,000 a year. He died in 1851. Wm. A.'s mother was Harriet, a native of Charleston, S. C., and daughter of James Milli- gan, a Captain in the Pennsylvania line in the American Revolu- tion. Mr. Grimshaw was admitted to the bar at 19 years of age, in Philadelphia, and in May, 1833, he arrived in Pike county, Ill., and in November following he received license from the Supreme Court to practice law. This year he was also appointed Adjutant of the 17th Illinois Militia, and he often held with his Colonel, Benj. Barney, regimental and battalion trainings in this county. Mr. G. has probably held more commissions from State Governors than any other citizen of Pike county,-from Govs. Reynolds, Yates, Oglesby, Palmer and Cullom. Although a Whig in early day and Republican since, he has generally as a candidate for office run ahead of his ticket and sometimes been elected, even in a Democratic dis- trict. In 1847 he was elected delegate to the Constitutional Con vention, the only Whig along with the three Democrats, Messrs. Archer, Montgomery Blair and Harvey Dunn, and was the author of that provision in the Constitution against dueling. He also favored such measures in that body as cansed an advance in the State credit, the Illinois and Michigan canal bonds, for example, going up from 18 to 65 during the session of the Convention. Mr.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
G. was also a delegate to both conventions which nominated Lincoln for President, and to other conventions ; was also a personal friend of Douglas, praising him for his support of the Union cause. As an attorney Mr. Grimshaw has been eminent, defending suits for the Sny Levee Commissioners, the T., W. & W. and C. & A. R. R. Cos., and the Mississippi Bridge Company at Louisiana, Mo. For 14 years, ending in 1857, he was in partnership with his brother, the late Jackson Grimshaw. He owns fine farms, takes great in- terest in the welfare of the county, has been President of the Ag- ricultural Society, the Antiquarian Society, etc., etc. ; has been Trustee of the State Institution for the Blind, and is at present a member of the State Board of Charities.
We noticed some interesting old books in Mr. Grimshaw's library, as, Les Reports de Sr. Creswell Levinz, in three parts, printed in London in 1702; Law Commentaries or Reports of Edmund Plow- den, printed at London in 1779 ; Les Reports des Divers Special Cases argue & adjuge en le Court del Bank Leroy et Auxy en le Co. Ba. & l' Exchequer, etc., printed in London in 1714,-all these in the Norman or Law French language ; also a copy of the Jurisconsult Exercitationes in which is contained that noted senti- ment, "The air of England is too pure for slavery to breathe,"
William S. Grimshaw, druggist, original house of J. U. Grim- shaw, grandfather of the present proprietor, who established him- self here in 1835, his drug-store being the first in the city. He died in this city in 1848 and was succeeded by his son, T. C. Grim- shaw, who conducted the business until 1868, when he sold out to Thomas Williamson and removed to the homestead. Subsequently the store fell into the hands of Adolph Fisher, who disposed of the stock to Wm. S. Grimshaw in 1876. The house carries a stock of $5,000, with average sales of $15,000 per year. It controls a large trade, and is one of the prosperous firms of the city.
Patrick Hulpin, proprietor of marble yard, Pittsfield, came to this county in 1850, established his present. business in 1856, where he has a fair trade.
C. H. Harder, druggist, succeeded J. H. Crane in 1871. At present he carries a stock of $5,000. He came to this county in 1851, and here he has since made it his home. He was married in 1872 to Miss Susan Lorgby, by whom he has one child, Frank.
Henry Harder, carriage and wagon manufacturer, is a native of Columbia county, New York, where he was born in 1822. When of age, he settled in Berkshire county, Mass., where he married Miss Mary E. Griffin, a native of Rensellaer county, New York. He came to this county in 1851 and supervised the wood depart- ment of the Batesman factory until he erected his present building in 1869. The building is 2 stories high, with blacksmith and paint shops and store-room connected. He at present employs 6 men; has a large stock on hand, and contracts a fair trade. Mr. II. has 5 children.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Adam Harshman, farmer, sec. 8; P. O., Pittsfield; owns 20 acres, worth $60 per acre ; is a native of Ohio, born in 1832; came to this State in 1840 ; was married in 1857, in this county, to Lucy J. Mc- Onne, who was born in this State in 1836 and died in 1858, leaving 1 child, Hamer; was again married in 1860, to Esther Aarbaw, who was born in this State in 1840. They have 4 children, Chandler. Lawrence, Leonora and Eliza. Mr. II. has been Clerk of the School Board 15 years, and is a Republican.
Joseph Heck, grocer, baker and confectioner, was born in Durmers- heim, Grossherzogthum Baden, Oberamt Rastadt, in 1822; emi- grated in 1846 and settled in Quincy after a residence in Philadel- phia 2 years. His first home in this county was in Perry tp., where he resided until 1855, when he came to this city and opened his present establishment. Ile carries a stock of $15,000 to $18,000, and is one of the oldest houses in the city, occupying the old court- house.
John Helme was born in Barnacre, Lancashire, England, Dec. 13, 1822. His grandfather, John Helme, was a native of the same place, where he died; his father, Wm. Helme, came to America in 1842, via New Orleans and landed at St. Louis in 1843, accompanied by our subject, then 20 years of age. They arrived in Pike county in April of the same year; both were carpenters and builders by trade, and the first work they did in this county was to make rails, a work they were wholly unaccustomed to. After being in the connty about 3 years, John Helme married Amelia Wassell, a na- tive of England. The next year he settled on 40 acres of land, given to him by his father-in-law, located on the N. E. of sec. 24, Derry tp., built a frame honse 18x24 feet, cultivated 25 acres, and fenced the whole piece. Since that time he has been ex- tensively engaged in farming. He has held the plow and driven the team for breaking over 1.000 acres of new land, 600 acres of which he himself put under cultivation. Ile now owns 447 acres, having sold several hundred acres. His residence is on N. W. ¿ of sec. 30, Pittsfield tp., the home farm consisting of 420 acres in one body. He raises on an average 100 to 140 acres of wheat, and about the same of corn, and feeds from 100 to 200 head of cattle per year, also 150 sheep. Mr. Helme is the largest buyer and dealer in cattle and hogs for shipment there is in the county, shipping to the Chicago and Buffalo markets, on an average, 150 car loads per year, 40 of these being cattle, and 110, hogs.
He was formerly a Whig, but is now a Republican ; has been School Director 'over 20 years. He and wife are both members of the Christian Church of New Hartford. Ile is also a Mason. Mrs. II. died Dec. 24, 1857, leaving 5 children, -William, Eliza- beth, John A., Amelia and Susan. The latter died at the age of 20 years. Mr. II. married his present wife, Hannah Ann Shinn, daughter of James Shinn, of Salem county, N. J., March 10, 1859, and they have 6 children,-Charles E., Matthew E., Sarah E., James, Mary and Lena May.
Johan Helme
PITTSFIELD TP
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Mr. Helme has made all the improvements on his home farm; has built a commodious frame honse, 32 by 54, and a fine barn with a rock basement 8 feet high. The barn is 45 by 60 feet with 20 feet posts, and is one of the most convenient barns in the county. His father followed farming in this county many years, and died in 1865, in Derry tp.
In 1850 Mr. H. made a trip to California, worked in the mines 3 months, and returned with $2,500, which he invested in 200 acres of land. He was 4 months making his overland trip, and the same time returning by the Pacific via Nicaragua, Central America and New Orleans, being 10 weeks on the ocean. We give Mr. Helme's portrait in this book.
Col. D. D. Hicks, cashier of the First National Bank at Pitts- field, was born in Bennington Co., Vt., Ang. 12, 1812; while very young the family removed with him to New York State, where they remained till his mother died; they then resided in Vermont until 1830, then in New York State again until 1838, when they emigrated to Pittsfield, Ill., near which place the subject of this sketch taught school two years; after spending a few months in the East, he clerked in a store in Pittsfield till 1842, when he was appointed Deputy Sheriff by Ephraim Cannon ; after serving four years in this capacity he was Sheriff for four years ; subsequently he served four years as County Treasurer, and from 1850 to 1852 he followed merchandising; in 1865 he went into the First National Bank as clerk and teller, and in 1867 was elected cashier of the institution. His father, Truman V., was a celebrated phy- sician, a member of the New York Legislature two terms, and for a time was Judge of Warren county, N. Y. His mother's maiden name was Barbara Hayes, a native of Vermont. Oct., 1842, he married Mary Jane Burbridge, of Pike Co .; Helen M. was their only child, who died at the age of 18; Mrs. H. died in March, 1844; in May, 1845, he married Julia Ann Burbridge, cousin of his first wife; of their 7 children all are living in Pittsfield, namely, Frances, now the wife of George Barber; Barbara E., wife of Henry R. Mills; Robert Truman, assistant cashier in the First National Bank; Florine E., wife of E. P. Dow; Einma, wife of Harry Higbee, Esq., Laura M. and James W.
Patrick Higgins, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Pittsfield; born in County Down, Ireland, in 1827; came to America in 1848, and settled on his present estate the same year, which was then an unbroken wilderness. Here he erected a rude hut composed of poles and grass, in which he lived 6 months; he has a farm of 160 acres, well cultivated, and valued at $75 per acre. He was mar- ried in this tp. to Miss Margaret Reed, a native of Ireland, and who died in 1877, leaving 7 children, all now living. Mr. H. is one of the early settlers of this town and county, and well known and respected by all. He is a Democrat.
Henry Hoskins, farmer and stock-dealer, owns 140 acres of land worth $50 per acre. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Brown) Hoskins, natives of Ireland, and was born in this State, Dec. 18,
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
1842. In Oet., 1866, he married Bridget Carney, a native of Ire- land, born April 6, 1844. They are the parents of 6 children, viz .: John, Charley, Catharine, Elizabeth, Henry and Isaac. Mr. II. has been School Director 5 years, and belongs to the M. E. Church. His father's father was in the war of 1812. Mr. II. deals exten- sively in eattle, hogs and sheep.
John Hughes, farmer, sec. 27; P. O. Pittsfield; owns 120 aeres of land, worth $60 per acre; he is a native of Ireland, born in 1820, and came to America in 1840; settled in Pennsylvania, where he remained 3 years; then was in Missouri 2 years, then came to this county in 1845, where he has since resided. In 1850 he married Jane Donnelly, a native of Ireland, born in 1820. They are the parents of one child, born in 1855. They are both Catho- lics, and Mr. H. is a Democrat.
Joseph Hunter, boot and shoe maker; born in Edinburgh, Scot- land, in 1833, and emigrated to America in 1852. Same year was married to Miss Martha Hunter, by whom he has 9 children. Opened his first place of business in 1869, where he is condueting a good trade. Is a member of the School Board and City Council, taking an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the county.
F. W. Hurseman, boots and shoes. Associated himself in the business circles of this city in 1871, soon after his voyage from the fatherland, Germany, where he was born in 1855. Carries a stock of $3,000, with average sales of $5,000 per year. He is one of the active young merchants of the city, and made happy by a lucrative trade.
James S. Irwin, attorney, Pittsfield. The subject of this notice was born in Woodford county, Ky., March 23, 1820. He gradu- ated at Center College, Ky., with the elass of 1838, and in the winter of 1839 attended one course of medieal lectures at Lexing- ton. In March of the following year he moved to Jacksonville, Ill., where he commenced the study of law in the office of Brown & MeClure, and Jan. 1, 1842, he received license to practice law. He immediately removed to Mount Sterling, where he remained 17 years, with the exception of a short period, in the practice of his profession. In the year 1849, like many others, he caught the California gold fever, went to the golden shore and remained till the spring of 1852, when he returned to Mount Sterling. a wiser if not a richer man, and resumed the practice of his profession. In the year 1844 he was married to Miss M. P. Giberson, formerly of Pennsylvania, and to whom four children have been born, two boys and two girls. By a sad and unfortunate accident one of his sons was killed by a gunshot wound while hunting, and the other died while in the prime of life, and giving promise of a brilliant career. Mr. Irwin has confined himself steadily to his profession, taking no very active part in politics, and has no desire for office. In 1856 he was one of the Fillmore Electors, and was in the Electoral College in 1872, where he east his vote for Grant and Wilson.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Jan. 1, 1861, Mr. I. moved his family to Pittsfield, where he has since resided. By close attention to business, by trying to do his duty to his friends and patrons, he has acquiredl a fair and reputable practice, and a sufficiency of this world's goods to place him in comfortable circunstances. He was one of a family of 16 children, all of whom are dead except one sister and five brothers. Of the survivors, the sister is the wife of Col. G. M. Chambers, of Jack- sonville. The eldest brother, William, is 'a farmer in Brown county, Ill. ; the next older, Stephenson, is a farmer of Kansas ; and two brothers are physicians.
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