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 135

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 135

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).

Democrat.

Alexander J. Jones was born in Wayne county, this State, January 9, 1820, the son of Robert and Tabitha Lard Jones; father was born in Orange county, North Carolina, September 25, 1790, and mother June 18, 1795; they moved to Tennessee, thence to Kentucky, thence to Wayne county, Illinois, in 1819, and to this county in 1828, where he followed farming until his death, May 16, 1874; mother died September 22, 1861. Alexander J. Jones, the subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm, and June 26, 1871, he married Cassandra E. Hunt, a native of Tennessee: Melissa J., their only child. Mrs. J. died May 5, 1875: He was again married January 23, 1878, to Artrilla Bozant, nee Peddi- cord, who was born in Ohio June 17, 1837. Their child is Robert Alexander; her two child- ren by her former husband are Viola E. and Phæbe Lillian. Mr. Jones has been a resident of this county ever since he first settled here except four years in Christian county. He now owns one thousand one hundred and eighteen acres of land, one hundred and sixty in Christian county, well improved and worth $60 an acre. In politics he is a Democrat.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

George Lamb was born December, 1879, near Hagerstown, Maryland, and when quite a young man went to Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he learned the busi- ness of saddle and harness-making. He was married at Mt. Pleasant, May 24, 1820, to Eliza H. Hubbs, who was born in that place in 1794. She was the daughter of Dr. Charles Hubbs, who, althongh a member of the Society of Friends, was a surgeon in the American army, near the close of the Revolution. Later in life, Dr. Hubbs became a preacher in the Baptist church. George Lamb's ancestors were mem- bers of the Society of Friends also. Mr. and Mrs. Lamb had three children in Pennsylvania, and moved to Kaskaskia, Randolph county, Illi- nois, in the spring, 1830. Mrs. Eliza H. Lamb, died August 15, 1834, in Chester, Illinois, and in June, 1836, George Lamb moved to Springfield, Mr. George Lamb was again married, the second time, in 1840, to Mrs. Lucinda Crowder, and re- sided in Sangamon county until his death, August 26, 1867. His wife Lucinda Lamb, died Jannary 18, 1872, both in Sangamon county, Illinois.

Charles H. Lamb, son of George, born May 19, 1822, at Brownsville, Fayette county, Penn .; accompanied his parents to Illinois, and came to Springfield in 1832, preceding his father, to at- tend school. He remained one year, and returned to his parents, who had moved from Kaskaskia to Chester, Illinois. He afterwards learned the printing business, in the Sangamo Journal, in Springfield, with Simeon Francis & Co. In 1841, Charles H. Lamb started the Rock River Regis- ter, at Grande de Tour, Ogle county, Illinois, but sold out the following spring. He was afterwards, with his uncle, James L. Lamb, in the pork packing business, and continued in the same for twenty years; he sold out to his uncle, James L. Lamb, in 1866, and engaged in farming, in Ball township, where he mostly resides. He is yet unmarried, and divides his time between this and Michigan. In politics, he is a Republican.

William B. Lawley, deceased, was born in Tennessee, June 24, 1811, son of Stephen and Abigail Lawley, natives of Virginia. They moved to Tennessee, where they lived till 1828, then came to this county, locating in Springfield, and the next year moved to Ball township, where they resided until their death. The mother died January 6, 1853, and the father December 28, 1861. William B. received his education in Tennessee, and at eight years of age his father moved with him to this place. December 25, 1831, he married Amy, daughter of Davis and

Mary Meredith, who were born, respectively, October 8, 1810, and September 12, 1838. They had three children, two of whom are now living, David W. and Mary E. The deceased was Stephen T. November 28, 1839, he was married the second time, to Sarah M. Duncan, who was born in North Carolina, September 18, 1821, and came to this county in 1829. Of their nine children, seven are now living, namely: Ruth J., now Mrs. L. Sallanger; Elijah D., James P., Amanda E., now Mrs. Dr. J. B. Mathew; Sarah M., now Mrs. W. J. Knotts; Leonard W. and Prudence A. Nancy A. and Francis J. are deceased. March 24, 1877, Mr. L. died, and his widow now resides on the homestead, which consists of one hundred and nine acres. Mr. L. was a Republi- can.

Josiah Lard, section twenty-six, was born in St. Louis county, Missouri, May 12, 1819. His parents were John and Lydia Lard, father a native of South Carolina, and mother of St. Louis county, Missouri, and farmers by occupa- tion. Ilis mother died in February, 1824, and his father November 16, 1845. His father moved to this county in the spring of 1836, where he carried on farming. Josiah was married Sep- tember 22, 1842, to Jemima Jane Crowder, who was born June 5, 1825, in Hardin county, Ken- tucky, and came to this county with her parents, in 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Lard have had six child- ren, five of whom are living, viz .: Job J., Lydia E., Sarah L., Elsie P., and George R. Martha A. is deceased. Four of these children are married. Mrs. Lard died April 3, 1855, and Mr. Lard afterwards married Millie Funderburk, who was born in Sangamon county, March 1, 1833. Four of their children are living, namely: Jacob F., John H., Emma and Minnie E. Four are deceased-Orlena Jane, and three in infancy. Mr. Lard commenced farming on forty acres of land, but now owns one thousand, eight hundred acres, which he has obtained by his own indns- try. His land is worth fifty dollars an acre. He has been identified with the interests of his township for many years. In politics, he is con- servative.

Robert Maher, was born in Tipperary county Ireland, August 15, 1838; son of John and Mary Maher, nee Connors, who were natives of Ireland, and both deceased. The subject of this sketch came to America in 1851 and landed in New York, where he remained for a number of years, and in 1859 went to Iroquois county, and from there to Sangamon county in the fall of the same year, where he engaged in feeding cattle for Henry Soup, at ten dollars per month, and the

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

next year he engaged to work for Philemon Stout at twelve dollars per month, and worked one year and only lost one day, and in August, 1862, he enlisted in the One Ilundred and Four- teenth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, and served until April, 1862, being discharged on account of disability. He then returned to Sangamon county, Illinois, and resumed his labors for Philemon Stout, and March 20, 1864, married Cynthia Ann Lard, who was born in Wayne county, Illinois, June 14, 1828. She was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Lard. Their family consisted of two children, Lonisa Price and John Philemon, deceased. He moved to the present farm in February 1872, and now owns one hundred and seventy-four acres of land which he has under a fair state of improvement, and worth fifty dollars per acre. His first vote in the United States was cast for Stephen A. Douglas for President. Politically, he is a Douglas Democrat.

John M. Matthews was born in Franklin county, Ohio, near Columbus, December 14, 1815; son of Simon and Ann (Deardorff) Matthews, natives of Virginia, who moved to Washington county, Indiana, and in November, 1833, to this county, where he followed farming and cooper- ing until his death, in 1847, from the effects of a broken leg. His mother died in 1835. John M., the subject of this biography, married Mrs. Sarah Crowder, nee Woozley. Their five child- ren are: James H., born October 13, 1838, and married March 28, 1860, to Sally A. Handlin; Simon T., who married Mary A. Clayton; Susan Ann, born August 29, 1844, married Marcus D. Clayton; William O., who married Mary E. Lamb; Leonard S., married September 24, 1874, to Alice Galloway. James H. has two children, Everett S. and Jennie M., who live in Spring- field; Simon T. has three children, Etta E., Luther F. and Charles Carroll; William O. has two children, Ida May and Fannie A .; Mrs. Sarah Matthews died in 1851, and in 1856, Mr. M. married Mary E. Scoot, who was born in Kentucky. By this marriage there are five children, Fannie, John M., Jr., Laura, Lucy and Josephine. Mr. M. owns two hundred and sixty acres of land, fairly cultivated. Himself and Mrs. M. are members of the old-school Baptist Church, and politically he is a Democrat.

Archibald J. Megredy, son of E. and Mary Megredy; was born January 30, 1838, and re- sides on his farm, situated in the northwest cor- ner of Ball township, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he has under a fair state of cultivation and worth $50.00 an

acre. His two sisters reside with him. He is a Republican.

Davis Meredith .- One of the best known citi- zens of Ball township, is Davis Meredith, who, in company with his parents, came to this county in 1829. His father, Absalom Meredith, and his mother, Mary Meredith, and whose maiden name was Royal, were both natives of the Key- stone State-Pennsylvania. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Butler county, Ohio, where they remained some years, and from there moved to Miami county, in the same State. While residing in Ohio, the second war with Great Britain took place, and Mr. Meredith en- listed, and served his country faithfully as a pri- vate soldier. In 1829, he sold his farm in Ohio, and emigrated to Illinois, chosing as the place of his future residence the "beautiful country of the Sangamo," and Ball township, in Sangamon county. Here he arrived October 27, of the same year, and where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1842. His widow sur- vived him two years, when she too passed away. Davis Meredith was one of a family of six chil- dren, and was born in Butlercounty, Ohio, June 14, 1812. His early life passed without any in- cident of special interest. From the time he was old enough, he had to do his share of work upon his father's farm, being permitted to go to the common country schools of his neighborhood about three months in the year. When he ar- rived in Sangamon county, he was in his eighteenth year, and, like a dutiful son, he re- mained with, and assisted his father in opening up a new farm and making a house for the family. When the call for volunteers was issued to put down the invasion of Black Hawk, he en- listed, and served till his company was dis- charged. After the close of the war, he went to Galena, and worked for a time in thelead mines. He then returned to Sangamon county, and pur- chased a farm on section twelve, Ball township, where he has since continued to reside. In 1836, Mr. Meredith was married to Mary, daughter of Christopher and Susan Newcomer, by whom he has had seven children: Susan, now the wife of Dinry Jones; Charles N .; Mary Jane, now the wife of John R. Kincaid; Sarah Ann, now the wife of Lewis R. Hedrick; Christopher C., Luther Osborn and Fannie L. Mr. Meredith's first son, Charles N., was a member of Company E., One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, and served until discharged, October, 1864, at Memphis, Tennessee. In politics, Mr. Meredith is a true-blue Republican, and has been ever since the organization of the party. In his

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

political views, he has always been consistent, and the opposition always know right where to find him. On the establishment of the Cotton Hill post office, of which mention is made on a preceding page, Mr. Meredith was appointed its first postmaster. In the meetings of the old settlers, Mr. Meredith has always taken an active interest, and served one year as President of the association. In his old age, he loves to recount the scenes of the "long ago," having a vivid recollection of past events dating back previous to the deep snow. Mr. Meredith is a plain, un- assuming man, one who believes in doing unto others as he would be done by. He is a kind and indulgent father, an accommodating neighbor, a good citizen in every sense of the word, and one who will be missed when life's journey is over. He has provided well for all his children, and is living comfortably with his companion of almost half a century, upon the old homestead.

Samuel O' Neal, deceased, was born October 11, 1811, in Kentucky, and came to this county while young. He has been three times married; two of his wives are deceased. He was married to Lucy Scoot June 5, 1847, who was born in Caldwell county, Kentucky, March 3, 1825. They had six children, four of whom died under eleven years of age, two are living, Minerva E., now Mrs. W. A. Stickel, resides on the farm. Mr. O'Neal had two children by a former mar- riage, he died in 1863 and his wife resides on the farm with her son William. She owns two hundred acres of well-improved land worth $50 an acre. She is a member of the Methodist church.

James W. Osburn was born in Mongomery county, Illinois, August 14, 1826, and the son of Bailey and Phoebe Osburn, nee Landis. His education was received in the common schools. He was married in 1860 to Mary E. Lewis, who was born in Kentucky. They have five children, John, Ellen, Belle, Laura and Nancy I. He enlisted August 9, 1862, in the Seventy-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served nearly three years. He was in a number of engagements, among which there was the battle of Stone River. He was taken sick and afterwards transferred to the ordinance train. He was with Sherman through Georgia, then with Hood until the close of the war. He then came home and engaged in farming and milling. He now owns thirty acres of land on which he farms and also runs the saw mill situ- ated in the southeast corner of Ball township. Politically he is a Republican.

Thomas B. Shephard, was born in Washing- ton county, Maryland, September 28, 1835; son of Thomas C. and Ellen (Miller) Shephard, who were natives of Virginia, and moved to this county in 1836, when Thomas was but one year old. The latter attended common schools until nineteen years of age, then attended the Illinois State University, at Springfield, two terms. He was married October 26, 1859, to Arminda Pyle, born October 13, 1889, and daughter of Alfred and Malinda (Padfield) Pyle, and their family consists of three children: Thomas A., Ann E. and Mary E. Mr. S. moved upon his present farm February 14, 1860, which is located on section thirty-six. At that time the farm con- sisted of three hundred acres, but now he has seven hundred acres, under a good state of culti- vation, with good substantial buildings, and worth $60 an acre. He is principally engaged in stock raising; himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church, and Mr. S. is a Republican.

S. N. Shoup, section two, was born in Piqua county, Ohio, May 16, 1828; son of Jacob and Sarah Shoup, nee Downing, who came to Sanga- mon county in the fall of 1832, and engaged in farming. His father died in 1849, and mother in 1850. The subject of this sketch was only five years of age when he came to the county; his education was principally in the common schools, and educated to farm. In 1857, he was married to Alice J. Mourrer; she was born in Sangamon county; their family consists of seven chil- dren, viz: The living are, Willie H., Ettie May, Harry S., Lucia D., and three dead, Luella M., John I. and Sarah. In 1850, he came to the present farm, and continued to farm up to 1863, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Four- teenth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, and was one of the same until the close of the war.

In 1878, he was elected to the office of Sheriff of Sangamon county, and served two years, after which, he moved back on his farm. He now owns two hundred and eighty acres of land, situa- ted on section two, which he now has under a good state of improvement, and worth $75 per acre.

Andrew Southwick was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, and the son of James and Louisa Southwick, (nee Trumbo,) who was born in Kentucky. His father died January, 1869, and mother in 1875. The subject of this sketch received a common school education, and was raised on a farm, and married in 1874, to Ann Brunk, who was the daughter of David and Maria Brunk. They have three children: John B., Samuel and George. He moved on

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

the present farm in 1875, and owns eighty acres of land, which is worth $50 per acre. Demo- cratic in politics.

Samuel J. Stout was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, August 22, 1849, and was the son of Philemon and Melissa Stout, nee Shoup. He was raised on a farm, and his education was recieved in the common schools, attending Mount Zion one year, Lincoln one year. He was married July 30, 1871, to Emma L. Brass- field. She was born in Menard county, Illinois, August :, 1850. They had born to them Edna May and Sarah Malissie, both of whom are deceased. He lost his wife December 20, 1875. He owns one thousand and forty aeres of land, situated in Ball township, which is under a fair state of cultivation, and worth $50 an acre. Has held the office of Supervisor for two terms, and politically is Democratic.

Philemon Stout was born in Scott county, Ken- tucky, April 19, 1822, and was the son of Phile- mon and Penelope (Anderson) Stout, natives of New Jersey. They emigrated to Kentucky, and afterward to this county, in the fall of 1836, locating in Ball township, where they are en- gaged in farming. His father died January 21, 1846, and his mother in November, 1860. The subject of this notice was raised on a farm, and remained with his father until his death. In 1847, he married Melissa Shoup, who was born in Ohio March 25, 1829, and they had four

children. In 1855, Mrs. Stout died, and in 1856 Mr. Stont married Louisa P. Brassfield, born in Clark county, Kentucky ; of their four children, three are living : James B., Joab P. and Malissa M. Clara is deceased. Mr. Stout commenced on his farm in moderate circumstances, but he now owns one thousand eight hundred acres of well improved land, and has given large quanti- ties to his children. He has held the office of supervisor in this township several terms, and is an enterprising and benevolent citizen. In poli- tics, he is a Democrat.

Hiram W. Walker was born in this county, April 31, 1832; son of Samuel and Martha (Han- nah) Walker, who were natives of Virginia, and came to this county in October, 1828, where they resided on a farm until their death; the father's occurring August 31, 1834, and the mother's in April, 1852. Hiram W. resided on a farm until 1857, when he was married to Martha J. Scoot, born in Morgan county, Illinois, February 13, 1832; and they have had three children, viz: Mary Luella, born March 24, 1858; Lucy Alice, born October 26, 1861, now Mrs. W. J. Peddi- cord; and Charles Frederick, born July 21, 1863. Mr. W. moved upon his farm of eighty acres in 1863; it is a well improved farm, and worth $50 an acre. He has held the office of Road Commis- sioner, and has been a member of the School Board. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Democrat.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXX.

BUFFALO HART TOWNSHIP.

This township lies in the northeastern part of the county, and was so named for Buffalo Hart Grove, where the first settlement was made. The township, with the exception of the grove, con- taining about two thousand one hundred acres, is all prairie.

EARLY SETTLERS.

The first settlement in Buffalo Hart township was made in 1824, by William Bridges and Charles Moore. Robert E. Burns came next, in 1825, and was followed, extending over a period of years, by the following named, most of whom brought their families: James Lynn, John Con- stant, Robert Cass, William P. Lawson, Thomas Greening, John Robinson, James F. Robinson, Adam Starr, and others. Short sketches of some of the earliest settlers will, perhaps, prove not uninteresting.

William Bridges was born April 28, 1787, in South Carolina. Subsequently he was taken by his parents to Tennessee, and from thence to Green county, Ohio, where he was married to Martha Martin, rear Xenia. Martha Martin was born March 11, 1784, in Clarke county, Ken- tucky. She was the third child of her parents. When they had two children the family were, with many others of the settlers, in Strede's Station, for protection against the Indians. When the savages attacked that fortification, which terminated in its destruction, the men were in the fields. The women and children col- lected in one of the block-houses. The men, finding the fort at the mercy of the Indians, thought it would be impossible to save their families, and each one locked out for his own personal safety. Mr. Henry Martin, of all the men, went alone to the block-house, and by his earnest entreaties induced them to open the door. He then compelled his wife, against her

protestations, to accompany him with their two children, and they at once entered a cane brake, eluded the Indians, and thus saved their lives. One old lady followed them until they crossed a stream, and when she could travel no further, concealed herself in a cave until the danger passed. The fort was burned, and all the others were slain. Henry Martin remained in Ken- tucky until after the birth of his daughter, Mar- tha, when he moved with his family, to Green county, Ohio. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bridges resided in the city of Xenia until they had two children. Mr. Bridges served one year in the war with Great Britain, from the summer of 1812 to 1813. He then moved to Fayette county, Indiana, where they had one child, and next removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, ar- riving about 1824 in Buffalo Hart Grove. Mr. Bridges is the gunsmith and blacksmith of whom mention is made in this chapter. He moved to other parts about 1830, and died.

Charles Moore came from one of the Southern States, built a cotton gin at the east side of Buf- falo Hart Grove, in 1823 or '4, ran it for several years, and then moved farther north. He had been a Revolutionary soldier, and while going to draw a pension, the stage upset, and caused his death.

Robert E. Burns settled on the east half of the north-west quarter of section twenty-one, in October, 1825. His land had been entered by John Parker, and the deed was made in May, 1826. Mr. Burns was born in Washington county, Virginia, March 28, 1799, but subse- quently moved to Clarke county, Kentucky, where he was married to Patsy Cass, September 15, 1825. The young couple immediately set out for Sangamon county, arriving as already stated. Buffalo Hart Grove was selected as the place for their future home, and a better selec,

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

tion could not have been made. Mr. and Mrs. Burns raised two children to maturity: Robert Franklin, born July 11, 1832, and Elizabeth C., born June 7, 1835. Robert died July 11, 1852, and Elizabeth married John T. Constant. Rob- ert E. Burns lived a practical and useful life, enduring many of the hardships incidental to old age, but having a sufficiency to keep him comfortably in old age. He died May 24th, 1880. His widow yet lives on the old home- stead.

James Lynn came in the fall of 1825. Mr. Lynn was born in Rowan county, North Carolina, February 24, 1788. In 1809, he went to Muhlen- burg county, Kentucky, and when the war be- tween the United States and England com- menced, in 1812, he enlisted in a regiment at Russelville, Kentucky, and served eighteen months. Ile was severely wounded by a gun- shot in Canada. After leaving the army he re- turned to Muhlenburg county, Kentucky. James Lynn and Sarah DePoyster were married Novem- ber 27, 1814, in Butler county, and at once visited his parents in North Carolina, remaining one year, and in the fall of 1815 moved to Barren county, Kentucky, and subsequently as stated moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving in the fall of 1825, at the north end of Buffalo Hart Grove. Mrs. Lynn says that the country looked so new and wild, it required three days to look around and consult before they could decide to unload their wagons. Her husband would will- ingly have gone back, but she would not consent to it. · Indians were very numerous, but never did them any harm. James Lynn died March 11, 1860.

John Constant arrived here October 7, 1826. Mr. Constant was a native of Kentucky, and was in Clarke county, September 13, 1781, and was married March 11, 1802, to Susan Edminston. Mr. Constant lived but nine years after coming to Illinois. He died November 18, 1835, and his widow, March 18, 1864.

Robert Cass came in October, 1826, in com- pany with John Constant. Mr. Cass was born in 1768 or '69, in Iredell county, North Carolina. His father, James Cass, was born in England, and when he was six or seven years of age, was pressed into the British navy, and trained to a sea-faring life. Being separated from his rela- tives at so early an age, he never understood his own name, and called himself James Cast. Ile came to Philadelphia, and finally settled in Ire- dell county, North Carolina. After raising a family there, he moved with his children to Clarke county, Kentucky, and there met two

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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 135

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