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 79
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Capt. M. D. Massie, of New Canton, was born in Pittsfield, this county. Jan. 21, 1838, and is the son of John G. and Mary (Shaw) Massie, the former a native of Kentucky, the latter of New York; parents were married in Derry tp., in 1837. Mr. M.'s boy- hood was passed in Pike county, Mo., and Pike county. III .; received a common-school education, and was engaged as clerk and book-keeper until 1862, when he enlisted as a private in the Pike county regiment, 99th Ill. Inf., and served 3 years; was promoted Captain, and also acted as Adjutant; was in all the battles of the Regiment save one. After the war he engaged in mercantile bus- iness at New Canton, dealing in a general assortment of goods, and also running a mill; has been in the business now for 15 years, with success. In 1866 he married Mary E. Morey, and they have had 3 children-all now living. In 1872 he was elected a mem- ber of the 28th General Assembly, and at the close of his term was offered a re-election, but refused on account of declining health. We give Mr. Massie's portrait in this volume.
Joseph McFarland, deceased, was born in Ireland in 1840; lived in this county about 20 years, when he died, aged 39 years
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and 7 months. In 1872 he married Mary Kelly, daughter of Na- than Kelly, and they had 2 daughters and 1 son. Mr. Mc. F. held responsible public positions, followed clerking awhile, and farming for a portion of his life. At the time of his death he owned 347} acres of land, besides property in town. He was successful in whatever he undertook. Mrs. Mc. F. resides on sec. 27; P. O., New Canton.
William. H. Odiorne, merchant, Cincinnati, was born in Pike county, Ill., in 1845, and is the son of Eben and Ann (Wingert) Odiorne, father a native of Massachusetts and mother of Ohio ; received his education at Rockport, Ill., and at Jones Commercial College at St. Louis, Mo., at which latter place he graduated in 1864. In 1876 he married Addie C. Hendricks, and their only child, Elmer, died when one year old. Mr. O. has been in mer- cantile business the most of his life, and been successful. He came to Cincinnati in 1876, where he is Postmaster and ticket agent, and has been School Treasurer several terms. In politics he is a Republican.
Samuel Pfrimmer, New Canton, was born in Harrison county, Ind., Jan. 16, 1837, and is the son of John George and Sarah (Friedly) Pfrimmer, father a native of Pennsylvania and of Ger- man and French descent, and mother a native of Indiana and of English descent. Has attended school but three inonths in his life. March 15, 1868, he married Kate Mosier, and they have had 2 sons, George, born Jan. 15, 1869, and Charles, born March 9, 1870. Mr. P. came to this county in 1844, settling on sec. 23, 5 s., 7 w., this tp. Has been a farmer most of his life, and has followed flat-boating some. He now owns 158 acres of land. He is a Democrat, and has been School Director 3 years; has had charge of the light-house one mile above the landing at Cincinnati, this tp. In 1861 he enlisted in Company I, 28th Ill. Inf., under Capt. Hurt, and was discharged in 1864; was in all the battles of the Regiment.
Alexander K. Ross, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., New Canton; was born in Pennsylvania in 1838, and is the son of John and Eliza- beth (McDaniel) Ross, natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch an- cestry; obtained his education in the public schools of his native State; emigrated to this county in 1860; in 1862 he enlisted in Co. E, 78th Ill. Inf., and was discharged in July, 1865, having been in all the battles of the Regiment but one; was 3d Sergeant. In 1878 he married Malvina Brewster. He owns 100 acres o land. In politics is a Republican.
Nathaniel Shearer, farmer, sec. 10; P. O., New Canton; was born in this county Dec. 26, 1839, and is the son of Andrew and Harriet (Parker) Shearer, the former of Irish descent and born in 1800, and the latter of German descent and born in 1806; they came to this county in 1822, settling on the present homestead. Mr. S. died May 13, 1853, and Mrs S. resides with her son. Na- thaniel was educated in the asylum for the deaf and dumb at Jack-
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sonville, Ill. He is a farmer, now owning five shares in 80 acres of land, which property he has earned by his own exertions. Sept. 23, 1868, he was married at Brighton, Ill., to Miss Rebecca Berry, by whom he has had 3 children, Luther, Ellen and Eddie B. Mr. and Mrs. S. are deaf and dumb. Her father is a carpenter at Brighton, and she has one brother and two sisters who are also deaf and dumb. One sister married James W. Walker and resides in Dakota, Stephenson county, Ill., and one sister is matron of the State Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb at Jacksonville. Her brother is a tobacco dealer at Brighton.
Alonzo Shewe, New Canton, was born in Washington county, O., in 1848, and is the son of Solomon and Ellen (Willis) Shewe; his father was born in Pennsylvania and of German descent, and his mother was born in Virginia and of Irish descent; he was edu- cated in the public schools in this county. In 1866 he married Miss E. Gillan, and they have 3 children. Mr. S. has run a thresh- ing-machine ever since he was 19 years of age; at present he uses a steam thresher and a steam wood. saw; can saw 10 to 12 cords of wood in 10 hours. He also ran the first patent band-cutter ever used in this State. In politics he is a Democrat.
. S. P. Shewe, sec. 17; P. O., New Canton; was born in Ohio in 1820 and is the son of Martin and Leona (Dunbar) Shewe, the former a native of Ohio and of German descent, and the latter of Virginia ; was educated in the public schools of his native State. His first marriage was to Caroline Atkinson, by whom he had 4 children, only 1 now living; his second marriage was to Sarah Baughman. Mr. Shewe came to Pike county in 1844, and has lived in the county ever since. When he first came here he had but 75 cents, but is now worth at least $2,000 ; has made all he owns by honest labor; politically he is a Democrat.
John W. Smith, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Hannibal, Mo .; was born in Pennsylvania in 1844, being the son of Henry and Mary (Clair) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent ; was edu- cated in the public schools of Adams county, Ill. In 1866 he married Hattie Breslar, and they have had 4 children. He came to Pike county in 1868, and now is on a farm of 120 acres. He is a Democrat.
J. W. Stephenson, Cincinnati, was born in Kentucky May 20, 1816, the son of James and Margaret (Clinton) Stephenson, natives of the sunny South and of Irish descent; was brought to this State by his parents in 1819; June 6, 1841, he married Mary Eliza Allen, and 6 of their 9 children are living. In 1861 Mr. S. en- listed in Co. E, 27th Ill. Inf., and was wagon master of the Regi- ment. Mr. S. seems to like frontier life, as he has followed close after the Indians in three States; but he is a quiet, unassuming man. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion he is a Pres- byterian. His wife, who was also a Presbyterian, died March 6, 1880.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Amos Stout, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Hannibal, Mo .; was born in Butler county, O., in 1834, and is the son of Ijel and Julia (Briant) Stout, natives of Ohio, and of German descent; received his educa- tion in the public schools of Ohio; came to Pike county in 1951; was married in 1856 to Miss Kate Hall, and they have 4 children living. Mr. Stout is a farmer, occupying 500 acres of land, and has great promise of success; he had nothing to start with. Politi- cally he is a Republican.
Nicholas Stump, farmer; P. O., Cincinnati; was born in Ohio, in 1839, the son of George and Mary (Risher) Stump, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent; received his education in the public schools of Iowa, principally in Independence. In 1860 he married Ann J. Smith, and they have had 4 children. In Iowa Mr. S. was in the mercantile business 3 years. He came to Pike county in 1875, since which time he has been farming and keeping the warehouse at Cincinnati Landing; has been successful in his business. Has been School Director, and politically he is a Democrat. Mr. S. is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Isaac Tamsett, shoemaker and cutter, New Canton, was born in England in 1815, and is the son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Goodman) Tamsett; father was commander of revenue in England. The subject of this notice obtained his education in the mother land. In 1836 he married Sarah Smith, and they have had two sons, both mar- ried, one living in this county and the other in Missouri. Mr. T. came to America in 1846, landing at New Orleans, in 1849 to Pitts- field, and in 1861 to New Canton. He has traveled a great deal, and has worked at his trade in England, France, Belgium and this country, besides visiting Ireland, Wales and the West Indies; once suffered shipwreck. Mr. T. is an interesting converser, having seen a great deal of this world. Politically he is a Democrat, and his wife is a member of the Baptist Church.
George Tipler, farmer; P. O., Barry; was born in England, at Eckington, Lincolnshire; he is a son of George and Sarah Ann (Baten) Tipler; although he never attended school he can read and write, and he has a very retentive memory; in the old country he was a sliepherd boy, but since he has been in this country he has followed farming, and is a horse and cattle doctor. He came to America in 1853, settling the same year at New Canton. At first he worked by the month at $18 per month, and his wife taught school. Her maiden name was Ann Bunning, and they were mar- ried in 1846, June 11. Mr. T. now owns 207 acres of good land. In religion he is a Latter-Day Saint, and in politics he votes for the best man.
Franklin Tittsworth, farmer, sec. 15; was born Jan. 12, 1826, in Tennessee; was brought to this county in the spring of 1831; went to California in 1849 and returned in 1852; June 9, 1853, he married Miss Adeline Browning. Children: Thomas, Charles, Al- bert, Myram, Elmer, Franklin, Frederic, and two deceased, Jessie and an infant. Mr. T. owns 480 acres of land, worth $40 per acre,
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and he resides two miles west of Eldara, which is his P. O. address. Politically he is a Democrat.
Bradford Uppinghouse, miller, New Canton; was born in Jackson county. Ind., in 1820, and is the son of James and Me- linda (Helms) Uppinghouse, natives of Pennsylvania, father of Ger- man and mother of Scottish descent; obtained his education in the common schools of his native State. In 1847 he married Christi- na Clark, and their 6 children are all living. He arrived in Pike county June 8, 1865, and has been in New Canton most of the time since. Politically he is a Republican.
James Wallace, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., New Canton; was born in Ohio in 1816, and is the son of John and Catharine (Straira); father a native of Virginia and Scottish descent, mother born in Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. Nathaniel Wallace, a grandfather of James; was a Scotchman and a captain under Lord Cornwallis. James received his education in the common schools of Ohio; he married Sarah Ann Blacklidge in 1836; of their 12 children 5 are living, all married, and residing in this county. Mr. Wallace's early occupation was that of a stone-mason, but has been farming the most of his life, in which business he has well suc- ceeded, and now owns 240 acres of land; he first settled on sec. 24 in this tp., but is now on sec. 28. He has taken 10 degrees in Masonry. Politically he is a Democrat. He has been Supervisor 9 years, Road Commissioner 6 years, School Trustee 4 years, and is now School Director. Mrs. W. is a member of the M. E. Church.
James Wheelan, blacksmith, sec. 1; P. O., New Canton; was born in Ireland in 1836, and is the son of Richard and Mary (Scully) Wheelan; came to America in 1848; received his educa- tion in the public schools of St. Louis, Mo .; came to Pike county in 1855, settling in New Canton; in 1856 he married Isabella Brown, and they had 7 children; she died in 1873; in 1877 Mr. W. married Elizabeth Brown, a cousin of his first wife. He also carries on farming, owning 160 acres of land; his house on the farm cost $2,000. He has been successful in both businesses. In poli- tics he is a Democrat, and keeps well posted.
KINDERHOOK TOWNSHIP.
This township lies directly west of Barry and north of Pleasant Vale, and consists largely of Mississippi bottom land, which is the most fertile land in Illinois. Our description of the land as given in the sketch of Pleasant Vale township will apply as well to Kin- derhook. The first settlers of this township were David Cole, Bird Brewer, Mr. Lyle, Amasa Shinn, Mr. McCraney, James Hull, Charles Smith, Charles and James Stratton, C. Devoll, Thomas Orr and others. Mr. McCraney made improvements in the center of the township on the creek which has since borne his name.
Great credit is due these pioneers for their untiring efforts in settling and improving this country. Indians were numerous here then, and the wild animals roamed at will over this then wild country. The settlers had to go to Bear creek, above Quincy, to have their milling done. There was a corn-mill run by oxen on Hadley creek two miles above Kinderhook, owned by W. M. Blair, which proved a great convenience. These early pilgrims first lived in log cabins, with stick chimneys, puncheon floors, clapboard doors fastened together by wooden pins, and with only a single four-light window. Mr. Thomas Hull first lived in a house with no window at all. The family would build a large fire and leave the door open. On one occasion the Indians came to the house of Mr. Hull, when Mrs. Hull was alone, begging for something to eat. Mrs. H., however, could not understand them and would not let them into the house. They pointed to some pumpkins, signifying their desire to have some of them. Of these she willingly gave them as many as they could carry.
Mr. Orr tells us that he has killed many a deer and wolf in his neighborhood. He saw at one time as many as seven deer in one herd. The wolves were very troublesome and would frequently run the sheep to the house during the day-time; and at night, Mr. Orr states, they had to corral the sheep at one end of the house.
In the pioneer days boys very frequently met with encounters before which the modern boy would quail. In a very early day Wm. J. Talbert, of this township, and his brother Basil were sent some distance from home on an errand. As usual, they took their dog and gun (for these were necessary companions in those days), and started on their journey through the wild country. When near the Sny, in the Mississippi valley, they encountered a huge buck, with immense antlers; and although a boy, William could not re-
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
sist the temptation of bringing down such fine game. Ile shot him, but succeeded only in breaking one of his legs. Lest the deer should hobble off beyond reach and be lost, he immediately rushed forward and caught him by the horns. His faithful dog soon came to his assistance and laid hold of one of the deer's ears. In this way all three tussled around and around for some time, neither being able to gain much advantage. At last William took out his old knife, which had no back spring, and attempted to cut the deer's throat, using his fingers as a spring to support the blade. In this attempt, however, he failed. He then opened the little blade, plunged it into the deer and it broke off. He again returned to the use of the big blade, using his fingers for 'a back.spring, as before. All this time the deer kept tussling and bleeding, while the faithful dog kept tugging away at his ear. Basil stood a few rods away, calling with all his might to his brother to come away, fearful that the deer would kill him. William soon got astride the deer's shoulders and faithfully jabbed away with his old, backless knife, and, with the assistance of the dog, he finally succeeded in killing the deer. But this was not all. If they left their game there the wolves would soon devour it, and it was too heavy for them to carry ; and so the ingenuity often manifested in pioneer times, and which would have been commendable in older heads, was manifested by these young brothers in order to save the deer. They bent a sapling, upon which they hung the deer, and when straightened it lifted the deer some distance from the ground. Then William hung his vest up by it, which had the desired effect of keeping all animals from it, and notifying the hunters that it was the game of another party.
KINDERHOOK.
The town of Kinderhook was founded in 1836 by Chester Churchill and Bridge Whitten. The first settler in the town was Peter Harper. The first store was kept by Mr. Churchill. The village now contains several stores, blacksmith shops, a flour mill, and other industries. It also has a graded school and two church edifices located here. Many of the early pioneers of Kinderhook have passed away, and it is with difficulty that its earlier history is obtained. We acknowledge our indebtedness to Samuel Clark and others for valuable information received from this neighborhood.
Kinderhook Exchange Mills .- This establishment was erected in 1871 by Blain & Steers, who operated it for about four years. It then fell into the hands of Elijah McAtee and Dr. Penick. This firm sold out in 1877 to E. B. Hyde and C. C. Colvin, who oper- ated it about two years. when they sold it to J. C. Colvin, who a few months later took Wm. Fantz as a partner. They run four sets of burrs, and do a large business. They make an excellent quality of flour, which meets with a ready sale in the New York markets.
Kinderhook Public Schools .- The high-school department of the Kinderhook schools is in an excellent running order under the
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
management of Prof. Elkanah Sellers, who conducts the school on the latest Normal plan. The recitations of the B. class in geogra- phy are given in writing by the entire class upon the blackboard. This work is examined the following morning and criticised, the pupils generally manifesting great interest in their studies. The school building is a large two-story brick structure, and contains three rooms.
CHURCHES.
Kinderhook Baptist Church .- This society was organized Jan. 28, 1859, at the house of David Devol, by Elder N. Kinne. Mr. Kinne was chosen Chairman, and Mr. Devol Clerk, of this meeting. He was then elected permanent Clerk, and shortly afterward S. Sprague and S. B. Gaines were chosen Deacons. Rev. Wm. Cleve- land was called as their first Pastor. The congregation erected a house of worship in 1864, which was dedicated in October, 1865, by Elder N. Kinne. The present membership is 200. The Church has sustained a Sunday-school ever since it was organized.
Akers M. E. Church .- This Church was organized over 40 years ago, and although we worked assiduously to obtain its history, as well as that of the other M. E. Church, we fail to receive very much satisfactory information. The present church edifice of the Akers Society, which was the second one erected, was built in 1868-9. It is constructed of brick, and cost about $5,500.
HULL'S.
This town is located on sec. 21, and at the junction of the Wabash and the Quincy, Alton & St. Louis Railroads. It was laid out in December, 1871, by David Hull, Rensellaer Sweet and William Bridge. It is situated in the midst of one of the finest agricultural districts in the county, and has promise of making a nice local town.
BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT.
In alphabetical order we speak of many of the leading citizens of Kinderhook.
James B. Allen, druggist, was born in South Carolina, March 18, 1824, and is a son of Josiah Allen, deceased. He came to Pike county in 1850, and pursued the mason's trade until 1874, when he engaged in his present business. He is engaged in general mer- chandising and carries a stock of $4,000, consisting of a full line of drugs, groceries, boots and shoes, queensware, and occupies a two- story brick block, which he erected in 1876 at a cost of about $4,000. Mr. Allen did the mason work on the Barry high-school building. In 1852 he married Sarah, daughter of the late Judge Alfred Grubb, of this connty. Mrs. Allen was born in Kentucky, April 2, 1828. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have 5 children,-Alfred, Mary E., Edward C., Bessie and Fannie.
Alexander Anderson was born in Reading, Berks county, Pa., and is a son of Edward Anderson, deceased, who came to this county in 1845. Alex. came with his father and engaged with him
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
in the mercantile business in Kinderhook until the death of the latter, which occurred in 1848. Mr. Anderson then engaged in farming until 1878; then formed a partnership with Frank Ester- gren, but in 1879 the firm dissolved, and Mr. A. went into business for himself. He now carries a general stock of hardware, furniture, etc., and also has a harness shop attached and does a good business. In 1847 he married Anice Hull, daughter of James Hull, deceased, an early pioneer of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have had 9 children, of whom 6 are living,-Elizabeth, Edward, Marks, James, Charles and Alexander.
Clement V. Aylesworth was born in New York in 1848, lived there until he was 5 years old, then moved with his parents to Pike county, Ill., and remained there until 1861; then moved to Wis- consin and remained there until 1870, then returned to this county. Jan. 26, 1871, he married Sarah Z. Dutton of this county. Their 2 children are Elbert and Myrtie; they are both members of the M. E. Church. He is engaged in butchering, also carries on the con- fectionery business. He owns a dwelling house and two lots in Kinderhook, and is an enterprising, industrions business man and a good citizen. In politics he is a Republican.
Susan Benson was born in Butler county, O., in 1823, and lived there until she was) 15 years of age, when she moved with her parents to this county. At the age of 21 she married Macom Col- man, and they had 4 children,-James Thomas, John Macom, George and Catharine. After the death of Mr. Colman Mrs. C. married Thomas Benson and they had 2 children, Lydia Margaret and Linosa Lee. Mrs. Benson is a member of the Baptist Church and politically is a Democrat. She owns 61 acres of land and fol- lows farming.
Edmund T. Bridge was born in Augusta county, Va., Dec. 15, 1837. His father left Augusta county and moved to Lewis county in 1847, and in 1853 moved to Fayette county, Ohio, and after living there one year, moved to Hancock county, Ill., and when there enlisted in the 119th Reg. of Ill. Vol., and remained until Aug., 1865, and since then has been living in this tp. Feb. 14, 1867, he married Mary A. Sweet, and their children are 2 boys and 1 girl. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. B. followed farming until 1872, and since then has been en- gaged in merchandising at Hull's Station, and is an enterprising business man, and in politics is a Republican. Heowns 50 acres of land, three houses and three lots, and a dry-goods store.
Mrs. Mary Chase, farmer, secs. 33 and 36; was born in Pennsyl- vania in 1821, and lived with her parents until she was 10 years old. They moved to Ohio and remained there until 1844, then to Indiana, and lived there 2 years, then came to this county, where she was married Nov. 20, 1841, to Alonzo Chase. Their chil- dren were, Daniel, William Lanson, Samantha, Sarah Frances, Alice Melvina and Isadora. She owns 134 acres of land, and is a Demo- crat,
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
A. S. Churchill came to this county in 1833, when but 19 years of age. He traveled the entire distance from Batavia in a one- horse buggy in one month and 15 days. Arrived in this tp. the 15th of Oct., and joined his father and brother, who had preceded him. In the spring of 1834 he returned to New York and, Oct. 20, 1835, married Mary A. Hunn, daughter of Samuel Hunn, de: ceased. Mrs. C. is a native of Hartford, Conn., and was born March 8, 1814. They have had 7 children, 4 of whom are living,-
James A., Wm. E., Hiram S. and Nancy M. They removed here in 1836, and Mr. C. kept hotel until the railroads were built. When he arrived in this tp. he had $250, a team, a wife and one child. Now he is comfortably situated and has given his children each a large farm. The first land he bought here he secured by giving a cloth coat for his claim on the land. He went to Whipple's mill for flour, a distance of 23 miles.
William E. Churchill was born May 2, 1847, in Barry tp., and is a son of the preceding; he resides on sec. 9, this tp., and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married March 26, 1868, to Mary Carr, daughter of Solomon Carr, deceased, and they have 4 children,-Charles E., Ora D., Roy S. and Edward C.
Samuel Clark is a native of Harrison county, Va., and was born Sept. 23, 1826, and is a son of Rev. Samuel Clark, deceased, who removed to this county with his family in 1829. Mr. Clark was raised on a farm and educated in a common school. In 1851 he was married to Emma Shinn, daughter of Isaiah Shinn, de- ceased, who came to this State in 1867. Mrs. Clark was born Sept. 8, 1831, in Harrison county, Va. They have had 7 children, of whom 6 are living,-Henrietta A., Frances V., Sabra E., Minnie, Cyrus and Florence N. Mr. Clark resides on sec. 3, this tp., and is engaged in farming and stock-raising.
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