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 141

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 141

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).

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

bellion broke out, he was Captain of company E, Thirty-second Illinois Infantry, under Col. John Logan, and fought in all the battles from Fort Donelson to the sea His company at battle of Pittsburg Landing lost thirty-two of its fifty- six men. Wm. P. Campbell was born Novem- ber 4, 1820; also a soldier in the Mexican war, contracted disease, from which he died, twenty years after. Peter C. Campbell, youngest son of John Campbell, was born January 19, 1832, and has always lived on same home farm; May 5, 1852, married Amanda E. Carson, who was born April 17, 1829; her father, John Carson, was born Angust 10, 1794, on Saluda creek, South Carolina, removed to Tennessee, was in War of 1812, came to Madison county, married, and in 1820 or '21 came to Chatham township, on Lick creek. Mr. Campbell has had three children, two died early. Rachel C., born May 5, 1857, married Geo. W. IIunter, November 8, 1880. Mr. Hun- ter is a man of energetic business character, and as he has located with Mr. Campbell, will be a very serviceable assistant in managing his large estate.

Mr. Campbell had no advantage for school be- yond that offered in the log house and slab-seat, common in that day. Beside the very poor facilities, he had a long distance to go, and the work on the farm often detained him, so as to render his days at school very short, yet he, by general business application, has acquired suffi- cient education to transact any business necessary. He has never connected himself directly with any church organization, yet he has been a gen- eral attendant with the Presbyterian people.

He has always maintained the strictest integ- rity in his business, making his verbal obliga- tion good as his written one. He is now living within one mile of where he was born; has a fine residence, with suitable other buildings, and finds ample employment in the general management of his large interests. He has added, year by year, to his lands until he now has in one body fifteen hundred acres of as well selected land, comprising timber, prairie and living water, as Illinois can produce.

The ruling passion of his life seems to be strong with him in declining years, to possess the piece of land that joins him.

Rev. Wm. J. Chapin .- The first settler of the "Chapin family " in America, as far back as rec- ords show, was Deacon Samuel Chapin, who set- tled in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1642, and from whom all bearing the name are presumed to have originated. The name of Chapin is rep- resented in almost every profession and occupa-

tion in the county. Probably no family name presents more distinguished men, among them eminent clergymen, lawyers, doctors and states- men, and not a few prominent capitalists, who, by dint of well directed application in the vari- ous forms of business, have amassed princely fortunes.

The subject of this sketch was a native of Grandville, Washington county, New York, be- ing born September 2, 1821. His father, Salma Chapin, was a blacksmith, a "Stalwart of the Old Stock." In the spring of 1832, Chapin, Sen- ior, moved with his family to Wayne county, New York, where in connection with his trade, he worked a farm.

The advantages for education in the new conn- try were limited, and W. J. had no other school than country schools, except three terms at the Marion Academy in 1842-43.

In 1839, during a series of revival meetings, he made profession of faith, from that until 1845, when he was licensed to preach. He worked upon the farm, devoting his leisure hours to study.

In same year he came to the State of Illi- nois, and taught one term of school. Also taught one term of school in Jo Daviess county, pursuing his studies while teaching, and during intervals of school.

In 1847, he went to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, where he was formally ordained as Baptist cler- gyman. Here he remained one year, showing good results from his labors. Here, February 16, 1848, he married Harriet L. Horton. In same year (1848) he went to Aztalon, where he was pastor of that church, and preaching also at Lake Mills, although there was but one charge. Here he labored, most successfully, eight years, holding several series of meetings, adding many to the church. In 1856, he was called to Mans- ton, Wisconsin, when the church was in its in- fancy, having no edifice for worship. Here he remained four years, greatly increasing his mem- bership; besides, he had put his efforts into building a church, and even had the building up and covered, when he was called to Reedsburg, Wisconsin, in 1860. In 1863, he was re-called to Manston, remaining until 1865. During that time he finished the church, and awakened the people to such a sense of duty that his member- ship was greatly enlarged. From 1865 to 1873 he did a vast amount of hard preliminary work, at Bangor, Salem, Fall River and Windsor, (all in Wisconsin), showing most happy results in his every field of labor. In 1873, he removed to Troy, Madison county, Illinois, remaining until

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

1877, producing wonderful results. Also sup- plying at Edwardsville and other occasional ·places. In December, 1877, he went to Chatham, Sangamon county, where he is now, (1881), en- gaged in connection with his pastorate at Au- burn.

He has ever been an earnest, self-sacrificing laborer in the ministry, and his efforts have been productive of the happiest testimonials of good.

Mrs. Harriet L. Chapin died at Manston, Wis- consin, January 25, 1860. Mr. Chapin married Lucinda M. Marshall, at Aztalan, July 11, 1860. Children, Lucius H., born July 2, 1849; married in August, 1876, to Emma W. Nutter; Edwin L., born April 25, 1857; Hattie J., August 26, 1861.

Thomas C. Cloyd .- The first representative of the large and favorably known "Cloyd family" in Sangamon county, was one David Cloyd, born in Virginia about 1766. He married in Virginia, had three children, and in 1815 moved to Washington county, Kentucky. In October, 1825, he settled in Sangamon county, Curran township. He died in 1839; his widow died soon after. His son, Thomas, was born in Virginia, January 14, 1798; married Anna Withrow, born in Virginia, December 29, 1795. In 1811, her family had moved to Washington county, Kentucky, and she there married. April 27, 1820; moved to Curran township with his father in October, 1825. They had six children, all of whom became heads of families, and all are now (1881) living, the youngest being fifty years of age. Mr. Thomas Cloyd died Septem- ber 21, 1878. He went to the field to catch a refractory horse. As he was soon after found dead in the field, with no marks of violence upon him, it was supposed the effort and excite- ment attendant upon it had resulted in heart disease, to which he was predisposed. His widow is now (1881) living, in her eighty-sixth year of age. His death was the first and only one that has occurred in Thomas Cloyd's family. Thomas Gordon Cloyd, his son, was born in Sangamon county June 5, 1827. Married Sep- tember 27, 1849, Priscilla J. Banscom, born De- cember 31, 1831. Bought a farm in section one, township Chatham, where he lived till October 20, 1880, when he moved to Christian county. In early life, he became identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church; was an active mem- ber for many years. Later in life, he took fellowship with the Christian Church, of which he is now a zealous member. They had two sons and one daughter. Thomas C. Cloyd was born December 24, 1850. Lived on home farm

until twenty-eight years of age (1878). He at- tended the public schools of the county, with one year in the excellent schools of Chatham. In 1871, he entered upon a course of study in the Normal school of Kirksville, Missouri. IIis preparation had been so thorough, that he entered one year in advance, enabling him to graduate in three years-June 25, 1874. He followed teaching as a profession for six years, with marked results. April 24, 1879, he mar- ried Julia A. Winston, of Springfield. They had one child born June 6, 1880. He is now on a farm adjoining the village limits of Chatham. While engaged in farming very ardently, he is also following his literary pursuits. John C. Cloyd born September 3, 1853, lived on home farm until April, 1881, when he moved to Christian county, and is still with his father. Married Mary Staley, of Auburn, September 2, 1880. His opportunities for education were confined to attendance on the district schools, with addition of one year's study at Kirksville, Missouri, Normal. He has taught several terms with success. Annie E. Cloyd was born Feb- ruary 22, 1860; died June 10, 1881. Her short life was one of almost constant sickness and suffering. At an early age she became a mem- ber of the Christian Church. During her long suffering she was patient, looking forward to that blissful immortality beyond the grave.

James W. Greenwood .- The Greenwood family is one, around which cluster many interesting reminiscences, they being early identified in the settlement and growth of Sangamon county. The direct line of descent is traced to William Greenwood, who was born near Petersburg, Vir- ginia, 1772; married Ruth Brooks, and moved to Cabell county, West Virginia; moved to San- gamon county, and settled in Curran township, October, 1824.

Mr. Greenwood died July 6, 1837. ITis widow died August 16, 1855.

William Greenwood's father enlisted for the war of the Revolution. When marching orders came, he was unable to go, by reason of sick- ness. Wishing to have his place filled, he sent his son, Abraham-a brother of William-to serve until he could relieve him. When suffi- ciently recovered to do duty, he went to his command-found Abraham unwilling to go back -was resolved to continue in the service.

We hear of many of his peculiar exploits, many of them being upon the Tories. He con- stituted himself a forage company, and made the Tories his means for supplies. One day, calling at a Tory's house, the old lady ordered

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IHISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

him away in an emphatic manner. He had pro- vided a strong line, with fish hook attached, well baited. He east his line into a flock of geese; an old one scized it. He, obeying her command, rode away, taking the goose with him, to the chagrin of the old lady. He served to the end of the war, never forgetting to live upon the Tories. Of William's children, all became heads of families. Many of them attained promi- nence in the educational and executive depart- ments of State. John, his son, was born in West Virginia, January 3, 1810; moved to Sangamon county with his father, in 1824; married Eliza Miller, October 20, 1832. She was born in Ken- tucky, June 1, 1815. Her father, Jacob Miller, was born in Kentucky, 1789; was a soldier in the War of 1812.

John Greenwood had three children: James W., born February 2, 1834; Leah M. (see F. M. Neal), Ruth J. Mrs. G. died February 10, 1841. Mr. G. married her sister, Emily Miller, March 10, 1842. His second wife died April 21, 1866. Mr. Greenwood died May 4, 1880.

Ilis son, James W. Greenwood, was born in Curran township, February 2, 1834; married De- cember 18, 1856, to Margaret Baker, who was born in Loami township, October 27, 1834; was daughter of Thomas Baker, born in Campbell county, Kentucky, March 3, 1794; married Nancy Robertson, December 29, 1823. She was born in Harrison county, Virginia, October 9, 1806; lived in West Virginia until 1826, where they had two children; moved to Sangamon county, locating in Loami township, November, 1826, where they had eight children. Of their ten children, nine became heads of families. Some of them, like many others of Sangamon county, responded promptly to the call for troops in our civil war, and offered their sacred all upon their country's altar. Thomas Baker died January 5, 1852. His widow lives where they settled in 1826.

James W. Greenwood now lives on section twelve, Curran township, where he has a farm of two hundred and twenty acres, composed of land suitable for all purposes of farming. He is adding year by year to the value of his farm. His advantages for education were limited to the facilities of the early day. Has six children: N. Jennie, born October 18, 1857; John W., born June 5, 1850; J. William, born August 16, 186 -; Harriet C., born February 27, 1868; Thomas S., born June 10, 1870; Joel F., born October 3, 1873.

James Headly was born of English descent, in Virginia, July, 1808. In 1809, the family re-

moved to Licking, Ohio, where they engaged in farming until 1815, when they went to Butler county, Ohio; here they remained until 1817, when they removed to Orange county, Indiana. Their home there was situated upon "Lost River," a river that takes upon itself many curious freaks, by occasionally losing itself in the earth, and, at some distance below, coming to the surface again. This is repeated at inter- vals. That district is also called "Hurricane District," by reason of a terrible tornado that swept over that territory some years since, de- vastating dwellings and forests that came within its range. Living here two years, in 1819 they moved to Vigo county, in that part now known as Parke county; They settled upon a river near a place known as " Army Ford," a point quite familiar in history as the camping 'and fording place of General Harrison's army, in the War of 1812. During all these years his opportunities of acquiring even a limited education was poor indeed, the duties upon the farm engaging all his working hours. His untiring energy and inate thirst for learning found him employing his every leisure moment in pursuit of that edu- cation he so longed for. That assiduous appli- cation, with his life-love of books, placed him quite in the front ranks as an intelligent and suc- cessful business man. In 1832, he married Miss E. H. Brown, a Kentucky lady of fine family. In 1847, he came to Knox county, Illinois, where he remained until 1856, when he located near Chatham, in Ball township. His farm there is of three hundred and forty acres, and is a fine specimen of the home of the intelligent and industrious Illinois farmer. At this writing, Mr. Headly has retired to his quiet home in Chatham village, where, with books and general news, he is enjoying the fruits of an active life. Mr. H. in early life strongly identified himself in every moral and religious enterprise, and has ever been an earnest worker in them.

Mr. and Mrs. Headly have had eight children, three of whom died in early life. John Milton was born October 20, 1835. In early life he evidenced a fondness for books, and eagerly em- braced every means, however limited, for self improvement, and, almost wholly through per- sonal application and such assistance as he could obtain at home, he secured an education that would do credit to one of greater facilities. When our civil war began, he felt the influence of that love of liberty which was early instilled into his mind, and had grown with his growth, and he at once hastened to the front, ready for any duty at his country's call. Faithfully he

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

served, until disease, contracted in an uncongen- ial climate, prostrated him. He died at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, December 21, 1861. Ma- tilda, born September 27, 1838; married Wm. Scott, a farmer, in 1852. Jennie S., born Feb- ruary 28, 1846; married J. R. Lockridge, March 18, 1869; Mr. L. is an extensive and successful general trader and stock dealer. Columbus C., born January 11, 1849, is now on the farm so finely improved and cultivated by the united efforts of father and sons, and the farm has lost none of its former attractions under his skillful care. Edwin R., born April 4, 1851, married Minnie Ridgeway, in 1876. He early expressed a fondness for learning, and seizing upon every opportunity, aided by the father, now with abun- dant means, he secured such an education that his services were soon in demand as teacher, and teaching winters, and working on the farm sum- mers, he acummulated such an amount of money that, aided by his ever ready father, he settled upon a farm in Chatham township, where he ex- emplifies what an intelligent farmer can do.

Samuel C. Hewitt, M. D., was born September 1, 1835, in Harrison, Licking county, Ohio; his father was Rev. Jeremiah Hewitt, a Lutherian clergyman, who, in connection with his minis- terial duties, devoted much time to teaching. Samuel C. remained at home on the farm until his father's death, which occurred July 14, 1855; his mother having died September 17, 1835. While at home he attended the public schools in the winter season. In the winter of 1852-3, he was in Delaware High School, and made marked progress. In the winter of 1854-5, he read medicine with D. Ferguson, who was a Methodist Episcopal clergyman, at Kerkerville, Ohio. May 1, 1856, he came to Chatham, and continued his reading, with A. B. Hewitt, until 1858, when, in company with A. B. Hewitt, he commenced the practice of medicine. August 12, 1861, he responded to the early call for troops. A company was raised and officered, and marched to Springfield, and there assigned to the Third Illinois Cavalry, at Camp Butler. Soon after, he was detailed into the medical depart- ment, where he remained until April 15, 1863, and was discharged through physical disability. He returned to Chatham. After one year, he regained his health sufficiently to resume the practice of medicine. In 1873, he took a course of lectures in the Cincinnati ( Ohio ) Eclectic Medical Institute, since which time he has been in successful practice in Chatham, By a law passed July 1, 1877, every physician in the State was required to obtain a certificate of ability from

the "State Board of Health;" he received his February 16, 1878. Dr. Hewitt married Caro- line E. Hawkins, January 17, 1858. The Haw- kins family came to Chatham from New York, in 1855; in March, 1870, they removed to Kansas, and still live there. Mrs. Caroline E. Hewitt died November 20, 1858, and Dr. Hewitt mar- ried Lucy M. Hawkins, sister of his first wife, March 24, 1862. She was born October 4, 1844, in Brookfield, New York. They have an adopted daughter, Mary Hewitt, born February 15, 1867. The family are attendant upon the Methodist Episcopal Church, where they are consistentand active members.

James Irwin .- The father of James Irwin was Robert Irwin, born about 1774, in Limerick county, Ireland. He married Mary Cordon, who was born at same place, about 1794. He was a farmer, and, as usual then, upon a rented farm- a rental he held most of his lifetime. They had five sons and two daughters. One son and both daughters died at their Ireland home, the four sons remaining came to America. In 1866, the aged couple crossed the ocean to visit their sons in America. Mr. Irwin was then ninety-two, and Mrs. Irwin was seventy-two. They remained here two years, when, despite the entreaties of the sons to remain with them, each offering them a home for life, they returned to their old home to spend their remaining years.

Mr. Irwin died in 1877, one hundred and three years of age. His widow is now (1881) living, eighty-seven years of age. During the last year of his life, his sons provided him with the comforts and even the luxuries of life, and the aged mother is now the recipient of their united care. While here, the old people sought their regular daily exercise, in the garden and else- where. One part worthy of note is, that Mr. Robert Irwin never used tobacco or ardent spirits, in any form, and it may be remarked his sons are like abstainers. Mr. Irwin has left he- hind him the reward of a true Irish gentleman.

James Irwin was born March 1, 1833, in Kil- malloch, county Limerick, Ireland, the county seat of Limerick, situated on both sides of the river Shannon -- a city of great age. We find the Danes occupying it in the ninth century, and held it nearly a century. In 1210, King John fortified it. Edward Bruce burned it in 1314. It was the last stronghold of King James. King William, of Orange, besieged it, without success, after the battle of Boyne (1690). In 1691, it was again invested, and, after a bril- liant defense of several weeks, an armistice was proposed, which resulted in a capitulation of

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surrender. IIe remained with his father until 1851, when eighteen years of age, he came to America ; his first work being on the Chicago & Alton railroad, then being graded through Chatham. Here he worked six months, then en- gaged with a farmer for two years. He had saved all his earnings, and invested in land, in Christian county. This he sold, having made $300 by the investment. He then rented a farm, for two years; two good crops gave him a fine beginning.

He married November 19, 1854, Rachel Har- lan, who was born February 6, 1840. Her father was Silas Harlan, born in Virginia, Jan- uary 1, 1781; moved to Kentucky, and in 1827 came to Chatham township and bought one thousand acres of wild land, and an improved farm. He married Elizabeth Messick, who was born in Virginia, March 26, 1809, and one year later moved to Kentucky; in 1827, she came to Sangamon county, where she married Mr. Har- lan, September 10, 1829. Mr. Harlan died No- vember 9, 1844. His widow married George Roberts, September 14, 1846.

The farm upon which Mr. Irwin now lives is Mrs. Irwin's portion of the "Harlan Estate;" besides this he has bought two hundred acres, and also has bought one hundred and twenty acres, on which Mrs. Roberts ( Harlan) has a life lease; making him a farm of over four hundred acres of finely situated land, of prairie and tim- ber, well watered by Panther creek. The farm has a beautiful grove for picnics, which Mr. I. kindly opens for any national, religious or social gathering, and his proverbial geniality always adds to the enterprise, whatever it may be.

His opportunities for education were good, being the Parish school-kind to the poor, where they have as good care as the rich. These schools were under the immediate supervision of the village priest, who employed the best teach- ers.

His religious tenets are of the Catholic order, where he has been an active member. While he has his own views in modes of worship, he cheerfully awards to others their particular tenets and views. He has sufficient income to render his life easy, with his books and papers, of which he is in daily receipt, he passes many an hour, profitably and pleasantly. He needs no written obligations to strengthen his business transaction.

Mr. Irwin, Cincinatus like, left his plow in the field, and joined the Springfield Light Artillery, August 14, 1862, for three years. His captain was promoted to Chief of Artillery of Seventh

Battery, and Mr. I. was promoted to First Lieu- tenant; was mustered out June 20, 1865. Was in the battles of Columbus, Kentucky; Corinth, Mississippi; Bolivar, Tennessee; and Little Rock, Arkansas; much of the time on skirmish dnty. They have seven children, four sons and three daughters.

Henry Kinney was born at Cazenovia, Madi- son county, New York, August 4, 1807. His father was Henry Kinney, born in Woodstock, Connecticut, March 1, 1774; in 1795, he went to Carzenovia, Madison county, New York. There, on March 4, 1798, he married Dicey Pond, from Hartford, Connecticut. There are so many in- teresting incidents in the history of the Pond family, that we propose to give a hasty sketch of them. Early records states that two brothers Pond came from England, in 1630; after land- ing here, it seems Governor Winthrop, who had been a neighbor of their father, in England, wrote to his son in Groton, England, saying: "Tell old Pond that both his sons are well, and remember their duty." We also find, that Sam- uel, from whom those of the name have origi- nated, married at Windsor, Connecticut, Novem- ber 14, 1642, and he died March 14, 1654. We also learn that Nathaniel, third son of Samuel, was killed in a fight with the Naragansett In- dians, December 19, 1675. The will of Samuel Pond, taken from the "original records in the State House in Hartford, Connecticut," all in "ye olden style," and the inventory of "ye es- tate, made March ye 19, 1654," all in that quaint old style, are very curious records. The "sum total," was, "129 pounds and 02 shillings, all without incumbrance."

Among those who first sprang to arms at the "battle cry" at Lexington, on April 19, 1775, were several of the name of Pond, who did not lay down their arms until peace was declared. One Barnabas Pond was a Major in the Revolu- tionary War, and was so efficient a soldier, under or near the command of General La Fayette, that on the visit of that distinguished man to this country in 1824, as he was pressing his way on through the crowd in the streets of Utica, New York, his keen military eye caught sight of the brave Major Pond, he raised himself in his carriage and addressed him as " Major Pond." They afterward met, and a very affecting scene followed. The same illustrious family held im- portant places in the War of 1812, and in the last civil war many of the name won records of bravery.

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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 141

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