History of Sangamon 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 125

Author: Interstate publishing co., Chicago. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing company
Number of Pages: 1084

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > History of Sangamon 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 125

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).

John W. Peterson, was born at Falling Water, Virginia. At the close of the war, he came to Pana, Illinois, then to Sangamon county, worked for different parties four or five years, when he learned the barber's trade under James Rayburn, where he remained six or seven months. He again worked for other parties five or six years. In 1874, he opened a barber shop corner of Ninth and Mason, where he still continues business. He was married to Miss Martha Smith, March 5, 1874. She was born in Campbellsville, Ken- tucky. The fruits of this marriage is three child- ren, viz: Laura, Stella and Charles. Mr. Peter- son is deacon of the Zion Baptist Church, of this city, a position he has held for thirteen years. He owns a fine house at 1422, East Monroe. In pol- itics, Republican, and cast his first vote for Grant in 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson, the parents of the subject of this sketch, were born in Virginia, and are both members of the Methodist Church.

Thomas K'illion was born at Charleston, Coles county, Illinois, June 17, 1830. When two years of age his parents took him to Carlyle, Clinton county, Illinois. When fourteen years of age he went to St. Louis, Missouri, and learned the barber trade, remained there two years, when he opened a shop of his own at 112 South Sixth street, Springfield, Illinois. Has been a barber in this city for the past thirty-six years. He is now located at 614 East Washington street, where he has a first-class shop. His father, Thomas Killion, was born in Lexington, Ken- tucky. He was a doctor. He went from Cali-

fornia to Europe, with other physicians, on a medieal tour, and was lost at sea. His wife, Amelia Curtis, was born in Virginia. She was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the mother of fourteen children, twelve living, viz: Obedia, Harvey and Henry Killion, Mary A. Beard, Mrs. Francis Scott, Elizabeth Williams, Emily Clems, Oliver, An- drew, John and Thomas, the subject of this sketch, who was married to Miss Margaret Fry, August 18, 1858. She was a daughter of Richard and Mary Fry, who were born in Kentucky. Mrs. Killion died in the fall of 1863. She was the mother of three children, two living, Frank Stephens and Laura Killion. Mr. Killion was married to Jane Smith, who was a daughter of Jacob Smith. The fruits of this marriage is five children, all living, viz: Allie, Georgia, John, Joseph and Bessie. Mrs. Killion had two children by her husband Smith, viz: James and Fred Smith. Mr. Killion owns a nice residence at 1818 East Adams street. He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President. Mr. Killion saw the first man hung in Sangamon county. It was a brnte named Wilson, who was hung on Vinegar Hill, near where the new State House now stands. He was hung for kicking his wife to death. He also shaved the last two men hung in Sangamon county, the morning they were hung. These men were Lemon and Vanarsdale, who were hung by Sheriff Crafton in the county for killing Saunders, at Pawnee, Illinois, while they were robbing his store.

Noah Thomas was born in Hinds county, Mississippi, July 14, 1842. When twenty-one years of age he then went as hostler for Frank- lyn Fisk, Captain, of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry. He remained with him until October 30, 1864, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, and worked at the blacksmiths' trade. He was married to Harriet E. McDanals, October, 1866. She was born on Wolf Creek, in Sangamon county. After his marriage he worked for Wm. Chamberlin, nearly three years, then worked for J. C. Melton & Troxell, nearly three years, when, in 1872, he opened a blacksmith-shop on Seventh street, near Everybody's Mill, in which he still continues business. Ile and wife have had eight children-five living, viz .: Emma L. Thomas, Lizzie A. Thomas, Mary E. Thomas, Nettie Thomas and Josie E. Thomas. Mrs. Thomas, wife of Noah Thomas, was a daughter of Mose. McDanals, born in Kentucky, and Nancy McDanals, born in Kentucky also. The father of Noah Thomas, Thomas J. Thomas, was born in Wayne county, Mississippi ; a

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

member of the Baptist Church, and died dur- ing the late war. He was in the Sixth Louisiana Infantry ; his wife, Harriet Thomas, is a member of the Baptist Church, and is still living in Hind county, Mississippi. She was the mother of eight children, four living. The subject of this sketch, Noah Thomas, has a nice house and lot, his residence, on East Carpenter street. He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.

William Holt was born on a plantation about seventeen miles north of Jacksonville, North Carolina, February 1, 1836. He lived there as a slave of Allen Jones until twenty-six years of age, when he was sold to a speculator, Stephen Page, who took him to Greensboro, North Caro- lina, where he was sold to Dr. B. F. Arington. One year after he went with the Doctor to Ral- eigh, North Carolina, where he remained until Sherman was expected, when he was sold to Henry Hazel; remained with him one week, when he was freed. He was then employed at Sherman's headquarters as cook for Major Day- ton until July 19, 1865, when he came to St. Louis, Missouri, and hired to a man named Douglas, and went with him to Arkansas; was at Pine Bluff and Litte Rock three months, then came to Cairo, Illinois, and was employed as janitor in the Judge Bross' building nearly three years, then worked in the old Richmond Hotel in Chicago, five months, and St. James one month, then came to Springfield, Illinois, since worked in the Leland Hotel six or seven months, then worked for Jake Strawn on a farm twelve miles east of Jacksonville, Illinois, and in Jacksonville some seven or eight months; then came back to Springfield and worked in the Le- land Hotel until four years ago. Since that time has done janitor work; is the present janitor of the Second Presbyterian Church. He was mar- ried to Mary J. Beatty, July 24, 1873; she was born in Indiana. She was a daughter of Isaac Beatty, born in Tennessee. He was a member of the A. M. E. Church. His wife, Julia Brown, was born in Maryland. The father of William Holt, John Holt, was born on Brice's creek, North Carolina. He was a member of the A. M. E. Church, and began preaching when he was eighteen. His wife, Susan Starkey, was born in North Carolina. She was also a member of the A. M. E. Church, and mother of sixteen children. Mr. and Mrs. William Ilolt are members of the A. M. E. Church, at Springfield, and have one child, Matilda E. Holt. Mr. Holt is steward of the Second A. M. E. Church. He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President. He owns a nice residence at No. 1522, East Capitol Avenue.

William Fry was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, November 27, 1846. When eighteen years of age, he came to Springfield and began to work as assistant miller and engineer in the Metropolitan Mills; remained there until 1865, when he began work in the Illinois Mills; remained in these mills four years and ten months, then went to Lincoln, Illinois, and worked in the Elliott Mills and Elevator four or five months, when he returned to Springfield and began work at the Leland Hotel as engineer; remained there six months, then was chief engineer in the Illinois Mills eleven months, when he took the position as chief engineer at the Riverton Paper Mills, remained there four months, then August, 1872, he began work in the Excelsior Mills as chief engineer, a position he still holds. His father, Henry Fry, was born in Kentucky; he was a farmer; he died January 2, 1875. His wife, Louisa Bell, was born in Danville, Ken- tucky. She is a member of the M. E. Church and has had nine children, five living, viz: Fannie Dyer, Mary Mosby, Annie Fry, Joshua Fry and William Fry, the subject of this sketch, is a member of the Central Masonic Lodge, No. 3, at Springfield, Illinois. He has a common school education and attended school at Spring- field, Illinois; cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.

Gustavus B. George was born on a farm in Wilson county, Tennessee, May 4, 1836, when ninetcen years of age he went to Clinton county, Illinois, and worked on a farm eleven years, then worked at Alton, Illinois, as blacksmith, two years, when he enlisted in Company G, Fifty- fifth Massachusetts Infantry, and served two years and six months, he then went to Clinton county, Illinois, and married Miss Mary Gains, March 7, 1865. She was born in Carlyle county, Illinois, November 30, 1851; she was a daughter of Anthony Gaines, born in Tennesse and Sarah J. Cole, born in South Carolina; the fruits of this marriage is six children, viz .: Mary J. George, Mattie, William A., Clara, Benjamin and Nettie George. After his marriage, he farmed in Clinton county, Illinois, five or six years, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, and has worked in this city for different parties ever since; is at present working in Elder's tin and stove store. He is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 3, at Springfield, Illinois, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.

Clark Duncan, was born in Logan County, Kentucky, October 15, 1848. In 1862, he enlis- ted in the One Hundred and Fifteenth Colored

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

Infantry, and was shortly afterward made first Sergeant in Co. B., Sixth Cavalry, (col'd.); re- mained in the service about two years, and when he was mustered out near Helena, Arkansas, he then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and remained three or four months, then went to Russelville, Kentucky, and remained there nearly three years, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, and remained some eight months, then returned to Russelville, Kentucky. Some six weeks after he returned to Springfield, Illinois, and began work at the Leland Hotel, where he now is. He was married to Miss Julia Chavious April 28, 1871, she was born in the city of Springfield, Illinois; is a daughter of Malan Chavious-born in Kentucky. He was a barber, by trade, and died May 29, 1879. His wife, Alseen Florville, was born in Springfield, Illinois; she is a member of the Baptist Church, and is living in Springfield, Illinois. The father of Clark Duncan, George Duncan, was born in Logan County, Kentucky. His mother, Louisa Orendoff, was born in Keu- tucky; she was a member of the M. E. Church, and is living in Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Clark Duncan and wife have three children, viz: Alsee M., Otis B. and Ada L. Mrs. Duncan is a mem- ber of the M. E. Church, Mr. Duncan is a Knight Templar, Mason, and Senior Warden in Lodge No. 3, at Springfield, Illinois, and his wife is Grand Treasurer of the Grand Court of Illinois. He owns a nice residence at 312 North Thir- teenth Street, has a common school education, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant, for President.

Mary Faro, widow of Joseph Faro, was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, December, 1830. July 1861, she was married to Joseph Faro. He was born in Trumbull County, Kentucky. His parents were Joseph Faro, Sr., and Hannah Faro Joseph Faro, Jr., was first married to Hettie Davis, and they had ten children, six living, viz: Joseph, Daniel, Ada, Carrie, Laura and Martha. His second wife, Mary Faro, the subject of this sketch, had two children, both dead. Joseph Faro, Jr., her husband, was a member of the M. E. Church, and a farmer-died October 15, 1878. Mrs. Faro is a member of the M. E. Church, on Fourth Street. Her father, Abson Taylor, was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, as was his mother, Jane Taylor, they were members of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Faro has a nice resi- dence at 313 North Tenth Street, where she resides.

William Hatcher was born on his father's farm in Chesterfield District, South Carolina, May 13, 1817; his father died when he was

some six years of age; when eight years of age he struck out for himself. He remained in Sonth Carolina until eighteen years of age. He then ran a cotton boat on the Pee Dee river, South Carolina, a few months, then served an ap- prenticeship three years and learned the trade of bricklayer. In 1855, he went to Indianapolis, Indiana; remained there three years, and mar- ried Miss Minerva Fair, June, 1856. He then removed to Paris, Illinois, and worked at his trade seven years; then moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, and remained there until 1865, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, where he now resides, and is still working at his trade of brick- laying. His father, Griffin Hatcher, was born in South Carolina; he was a farmer, and died in 1823. The wife of Griffin Hatcher, Susan Cooper, was born in South Carolina; her father was a Frenchman and her mother an Indian. Mr. and Mrs. William Hatcher are members of the M. E. Church; in politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Pope, for President of the United States. Mr. Hatcher owns a nice resi- dence at 919 East Carpenter, where he resides. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 4, at Springfield, Illinois.

Madison Feal, was born in Wilkinson county, Mississippi, March 9, 1844, he lived there until June 11, 1863, when he enlisted in Company II, Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry, was mustered out at Brownsville, Texas, and discharged at Camp Butler, Illinois, October, 1865. Ile then worked at the Howlett Distillery at Riverton one winter and spring; then worked on a farm for J. H. Murphy, at Auburn, Illinois, one year and five months, when he worked for L. B. Adams on a farm seven years, then visited his old home in Mississippi, returned to Springfield, and worked on a farm for Enoch Snyder one year; then began to work for F. Tracy, where he now remains. His father, William Veal, was born in Tennessee; he is living near Woods- ville, Mississippi; his wife, Mary Brent, was born at Holly Grove, Mississippi, she is a mem- ber of the Baptist Church, and is living in Mis- sissippi. Madison Veal was married to Miss Laura Cheetam, May 5, 1871, she was born near Goodrich Landing, Louisiana; she was a dangh- ter of Henry and Melonia Cheetam. Madison Veal and wife are both members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, in Springfield, Illinois. He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for Presi- dent. He lives at 1039 Spring street, in Spring- field, Illinois.

Louis A. Jones, was born on Cassiday's Plan- tation, near Bowling Green, the county seat of

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

Barren county, Kentucky, July 4, 1852. When six years of age, he was sold and taken with his mother to Oakalona, Mississippi; two years after he was made free and began to work for Captain Conover, who is now living in Cass county, Illi- nois. At the close of the war he went with Cap- tain Conover to Cass county, and remained three years, and was in Livingston county one year, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, and worked for J. B. Spaulding, in a nursery, at Riverton, one year; then laid track on the Wabash Rail- road from Jacksonville, Illinois, to Alexander, Illinois, one summer; then was messenger boy three years for Charles Matheny, Sr .; he then worked as messenger boy for R F. Ruth, two years; then, March 2, 1877, he began to work as messenger boy, and worked for him two years and two months when he kept a provision store on Monroe, between Fourth and Fifth streets, eighteen months, when he was employed in the office of Railroad and Warehouse Commission as janitor, a position he still retains. He was married to Miss Ada Chavons, May 13, 1879; she was born in Decatur, Illinois, December 12, 1856; was a daughter of Malon Chavons; died May 29, 1879. The father of Louis Jones, John T. Jones, was born in Kentucky; he was a farmer, and died in tha fall of 1859; his wife, Nancy J. Cassiday, was born in Kentucky. Mr. Jones and wife have one child, Julia M., born February 29, 1879. Mr. Jones is a Mason, and a member of Blue Lodge, No. 3, at Springfield, Illinois; and his wife is a member of Shiloh Court, No. 1, and Eastern Star Chapter, No. 2.

Thomas Fry was born in Kentucky, June 14, 1844. When an infant, he came with his parents to Sangamon county, Illinois, and lived on a farm near Springfield with his father, until 1860, when he went to Minnesota, and farmed two years there, then returned to Sangamon county and farmed until 1867, when he began to work at the Leland Hotel, where he still re- mains. His father, Richard Fry, was born in Kentucky, and came to Springfield in 1844. He died in 1866. His wife, Mary Fry, was born in Kentucky. She was the mother of ten children, six living, viz., Thomas, Sarah Oglesby, Amanda Nelson, Mary, John, and Robert. Thomas Fry, the subject of this sketch, has a common school education. He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.

Elias Rollins was born on a farm near Vin- cennes, Knox county, Indiana, October 1843. When seventeen years of age he went to Indian- apolis, Indiana, where he remained about two years, when he returned to Vincennes, Indiana,

and worked at various places up to the time he came to Springfield. He is at present employed in the carpet department of Kimber & Ragsdale, which position he has held for the last fourteen years. Ile married Miss Sarah Oglesby, March 10, 1871. She was a member of the M. E. Church, and died in 1876. He was again mar- ried to Mary E. Taborn, May 10, 1877. She was born in Springfield, Illinois, June 15, 1859. She was a daughter of Burton Taborn, who was born in Alabama, and died in 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Rollins are members of the M. E. Church. They have one child, Jussu M., born July 9, 1881. Mr. Rollins is a Master Mason of Central Lodge, No. 3, at Springfield. Mrs. R. is a member of Shiloh Court No.'1, Eastern Star Chapter No. 2. Mr. R. has a fair education, which he has ob- tained by studying nights. Ile owns a fine residence at 1127, East Mason street.

William Head, born at San Domingo, West Indies, March 16, 1822. When eight years of age, he was kidnapped by a slave ship and taken to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was sold to Dodson & Sons' estate. He remained in bond- age until eighteen years of age. He then ran as cook and second engineer on the Ohio river until 1861, when he went into the army as body servant for Colonel Veach. While at the battle of Shiloh he was struck by a piece of shell, while carrying Colonel Morgan from the field, break- ing both his legs. He remained with Colonel Veach two years; then went to St. Louis, where he remained for two years; then came to Spring- field, Illinois, filling different positions, for about seven years, when he opened a restaurant on Eleventh and Mason streets, where he still con- tinues in business. He now owns his business building, also his large and commodious resi- dence, and two lots adjoining. He was married first to Miss Martha Lewis. She was the mother of one child. He was married to his present wife Clarinda Butler, September 25, 1863. She was born in Kentucky and was the daughter of Samuel and Jane Buckner, born in Virginia. The parents of the subject of this sketch were born in the West Indies. Mr. and Mrs. Head, Jr., are both members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church of this city. In politics, he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant in 1868.

Henry Beard was born in South Carolina, March, 1833. When an infant he was taken to the home of S. Craven, where he remained until he was twenty years of age. At the close of the war he came to Springfield, Illinois, where he learned the barber's trade, of Thomas Killion

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

remaining with him about one year, then opened a shop at 625 East Washington street, where he still continues business. He married Mrs. Mary A. Truxley, (nee Killion.) The fruits of this marriage was one child, George. Mr. and Mrs. Beard are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this city. Mr. Beard is steward of the Church. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President, in 1868.

The biographical sketches of the colored peo- ple of the city of Springfield, given in this chap- ter, represents only a few of the large number who reside here, but those selected for biograph-

ical men are from the best class of the colored race; many of whom are fairly educated, though not a few of them were born slaves, for years suffered and toiled under the galling yoke of the cruelest tyranny ever visited on any portion of the human race, African slavery.

It is a fact worthy of mention in this connec- tion, that the transition from slavery and conse- quent ignorance to a condition of citizenship and comparative education stands without a parallel in either modern or ancient history, and the unprejucial observer of events must predict, for the future of the African race, a grand and glorious future.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

AUBURN TOWNSHIP.

Auburn township is in the extreme southern portion of the county, and is bounded on the north by Chatham, on the east by Pawnee, on the west by Talkington, and south by Macoupin county. It comprises all of congressional town- ship thirteen, north of range six west, and a part of township thirteen, range five west.

EARLY SETTLERS.

The first settlement made within the limits of the township was in 1818. Sometime during that year the following named located their claims and erected their cabins:

Jacob Ellis, on the north half of section fif- teen, township thirteen, north of range six west. James Black on the northwest quarter of sec- tion fourteen, same town and range.

Samuel Vancil, on southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section eleven. Mr. Vancil was about fifty years of age when he arrived here, in November, 1818. Mr. Vancil died in 1828.

John Wallace, on the northeast half of sec- tion two.

In 1819, a few more families came to the town- ship, of whom were the following:

George Lott, on the north half of the north- west quarter of section thirty-three.

William Woods, on the south half of sections twenty-one and twenty-two. Mr. Wood has been dead many years.

Jesse Wilson and Joseph Thomas, on the north half of section eighteen. (Evidently an error-not 18-6).

In 1820, Daniel Kessler made a settlement on section fourteen, where he built and run the first blacksmith shop in the township.

Edward White, the same year, settled on the west half of the northwest quarter of section twenty-two. Mr. White in a short time sold his claim to John Durley, who, in 1821, built on the 87-

premises a small distillery. (Distillery part is evidently wrong).

Thomas Black was a settler in 1819, and erected a cabin on section 6-5. He was born in South Carolina, moved from there to Kentucky, where he was married, and then to Southern Illinois in 1811. Mr. Black died in 1851, aged 84 years.

Robert Orr came in 1826, as did also George Wimmer-the latter is still living. Andrew Orr came in 1818 and Robert in 1826.

Among others of the early settlers, were Is- rael Thompson, William Johnson, Henry Hunt.

Henry Gatlin settled on section twenty-one, in 1818. On this farm is a well known spring, since known as the Gatlin spring, now known as the "Haydon spring." Mr. Gatlin has been dead many years and his family scattered.

James Fletcher settled just north of Gatlin, in 1828. He died two years afterwards.

Samuel McElvain came in 1828, and settled on Sugar creek, on section twenty-two. Mr. Mc- Elvain was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was in the battle of New Orleans, January 8, 1815. He was a good man, and was a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in Auburn from its organization at his house, in 1830, till his death, in 1848. Preaching was held at his house for many years.

Jeremiah Atell came from Adair county, Ken- tucky, in 1829, and settled on section fifteen. He subsequently removed to McDonough county, where he died.

Daniel Kessler came in 1820, and settled about a mile and a half southeast of the present vil- lage of Auburn. Ile died in 1828.

Micajah Organ came in 1828, and settled on section twenty-one. He was from Jessamine county, Kentucky. After remaining in the town- ship a number of years, he moved to Virden, Illinois, and there died.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

James and George Wallace came in 1822, from South Carolina. George died here in 1840, but James, in 1835, moved to Macon county, Illinois, where he died some ten years later.

Robert Crow was originally from Virginia, but came to Auburn from Christian county, Ken- tucky, in 1822. He was a miller by trade, and engaged in milling some years after his arrival here. Mr. Crow died in Auburn township, Sep- tember 23, 1840.

Benjamin Kessler came in 1826.

John Roach came in 1829, and subsequently died in Logan county.

William Caldwell was from Jessamine county, Kentucky, and settled in Auburn in 1836. He was a man of great public spirit, and while a citizen of Kentucky, served as sheriff of his county, and was twice a member of the legisla- ture. He also served Sangamon county twice in the legislature. He died in 1844.

Thomas Black came to Sangamon county April 9, 1819 He was born in South Carolina in 1768, and went from there to Christian county, Kentucky, where he was married to Edith A. Pyle. From Kentucky they moved to Southern Illinois, just before the "Shakes " --- meaning the earthquake of 1811, that sunk New Madrid, Missouri. They fled in terror back to Kentucky ; but finding the earth did not all sink, they returned to Southern Illinois, and moved to what has since become Auburn town- ship, in Sangamon county. Mrs. Edith A. Black died April 15, 1822, and Thomas Black was married in 1823 or '4 to Mrs. Rebecca Viney, whose maiden name was Shiles. She died Feb- ruary 13, 1851, and Mr. Black died November 3, 1851, aged eighty-four years, both where he settled in 1819.

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History of Sangamon 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 125

Author: Interstate publishing co., Chicago. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing company Number of Pages: 1084

Author: Interstate publishing co., Chicago. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing company
Number of Pages: 1084