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 160

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 160

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).

Joseph Jones was born near Loami, May 5, 1838. He worked for different parties until twenty-two years of age, then began to work for himself at the carpenter trade. July 20, 1861, he enlisted in what became Company C, Eleventh Missouri Infantry Volunteers, for three years; was wounded in one knee and hand at the as- sault on the rebel fortifications at Vicksburg. After recovering, he was detailed as ward-master and steward, in the military hospital, at Keokuk, Iowa; was honorably discharged, after having served a full term, August 5, 1864. He was married March 17, 1868, to Miss Laura E. Davis, born in Loami, June 6, 1848, daughter of Major J. P. Davis, who was born April 17, 1815, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was Major of the Thirtieth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, in the late Rebellion, was in the Mexican war in the Springfield company. His wife, Achsa (Col- burn) Davis, was born in Hebron, New Hamp- shire, was the mother of two children, viz: Melissa, now Mrs. Withrow, of Springfield, and Mrs. Laura E. Jones. Major Davis and wife are members of the Universalist Church. Emanuel Jones, the father of Joseph, was born in Flem- ing county, Kentucky, and came to this county in 1836; was married in 1837 to Miss Eliza Shane. Their children are, Joseph, Catharine, William, Thomas and Martha. Emanuel Jones died in Decatur, August 9, 1858. Ilis wife was born in Kentucky, and died in October, 1872. Joseph Jones and wife have had five children, three living, viz: Harry, Alice and Don (. Mr. Jones is a member of Loami Lodge, A. F. and A. M., No. 450, Auburn, Chapter No. 92, Royal Arch Masons; has been Master of this lodge a number of years, has been a delegate to the Grand Lodge, in Chicago. He has held the office of justice of the peace five years; has been tax collector a number of times, and is at present notary public and justice of the peace. Is a Republican.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

John Lowry was born on a farm in Ireland, county of Doron, about thirteen miles from Bel- fast, September 15, 1837. At nine or ten years of age, he lost his father, who was killed by his horse falling on him. He remained on the farm with his mother until his twelfth year, when they came to America in the sloop, Samuel Law- rence, landing at New Orleans in 1851 or 1852. From there they ascended the Mississippi river to Madison, Indiana, thence to Indianapolis, where he worked in a woolen factory for $8 per month and boarded himself. He remained in Indianapolis and vicinity about five years, when he and his brother came to Illinois. They rented a farm near Virden, on which they lived about two years. He then came to this county, bring- ing with him his mother, brothers and sisters. November 2, 1868, he married Miss Mary A. Van Deren, who was born near Loami. She was a daughter of Thomas Baker, who was born in Ohio. He was a farmer and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; died January 5, 1852. His wife Nancy, nee Robinson, was born in Virginia, and was also a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. She was the mother of eleven children. James Lowry and Rosana (Potter) Lowry, father and mother of the subject of this sketch, were born in Ireland. They had seven children. Mr. John Lowry is a Republi- can, and has held the office of county super- visor for the past three years; also has been a school director in his district for the past eleven years; is a member of Masonic Lodge A. F. and A. M. No. 450, at Loami. He was a delegate to Grand Lodge at Chicago, three or four years ago. He has a good common school education. In politics, a Republican, and a strong supporter of that party; cast his first vote for Lincoln.

Henry McDevitt, was born in Derry county, Ireland, February 9, 1832. When eighteen years of age he came to the United States, landed in New York, sick and with only three or four pounds in money, and very homesick. From New York he went to his aunt's in Brooklyn, from there to Ohio, and finally settled in Loami, where he was married May 31, 1853, to Miss Rachel York, who was born in England; her mother, Elizabeth Abbott, was born in England; father died October 10, 1854, and her mother about the same time. Hugh McDevitt, the father of Henry, was born in Derry county, Ireland, where he died February, 1852. His wife, Jane Stuart, was born in the same place, and was the mother of ten children, three of whom are now living in the United States, viz: Henry, Jane and Robert. She died August 1870. Mr. and Mrs.

DeDevitt are members of the Presbyterian Church, and had a family of six children, four of whom are living, viz: John W., Jane, A. Mitchell, James H., and Mary E. Mrs. McDevitt died February 9, 1865, and Mr. McD. was mar- ried to Miss Anna Mitchell, born in England, and a daughter of Joseph Mitchell, who came to the United States in 1850. His wife, Sarah (Panter) Mitchell was born in England. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and reside in Loami; they are the parents of nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Henry McDevitt are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and have six children, viz: Sarah B., Samuel H., Joseph J., George W., and Robert L. Mr. McDevitt has a farm of two hundred acres. In politics he is a Republican.

Stephen M. C. Robinson was born on a farm on Indian creek, fourteen miles northeast of Jacksonville, Morgan county, Illinois, February 1, 1834 ; lived there until thirty-four years of age, when he came to Sangamon county, and worked three years for John Berry, in this town- ship. June 18, 1868, he was married to Miss Mary F. Coons ; bought a farm of forty acres, in section twelve, where he now resides. Mrs. Robinson is a daughter of Geo. M. Coons, born, in Morgan county. He is a member of the old school Baptist Church, and in politics, a Repub- lican ; he is living near Berlin, Sangamon county. His wife, Mary (Sturgis) Coons, was also born in Morgan county, Illinois ; was a member of the M. E. Church, and the mother of ten children ; nine are living, viz : James P., Mrs. Mary Robinson, John A., Albert J., Martha J., Sarah E., George H., Margaret A. Stice, and Charles M. She died in September, 1862. Isaac Robinson, father of Stephen, was born in Vir- ginia; was a member of the Christian Church; a farmer; by trade, a blacksmith, and in politics, a Whig; died December 24, 1854. His wife, Mary (McFeters) Robinson, was born in Ireland. She was a member of the Christian Church, and the mother of ten children ; six are living, viz : Margaret Gibbs, Margery Berry, Susan Stice, Sarah Martin, Stephen M. C., and James L. She died the fall of 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen M. C. Robinson are members of the Christian Church, and have two children-Clara E. and George L. Mr. Robinson has his farm of forty acres all under good cultivation, and well stocked ; grows grain and stock for the market. In politics, he is a Republican, and a strong supporter of that party.

Thomas Sowell, was born in Charlotte county, Virginia, July 4, 1814, on a farm, near the head

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

of the Roanoke river; when two years of age, he went with his father, to Rutherford county, Tennessee, near Murfreesboro; lived there until the spring of 1828; came to Illinois, and settled on a farm with his father, in this township; lived there with his father until he was about twenty years of age, then learned the cooper's trade; November 10, 1836, he married Theresa Barger, who was born in West Virginia, and was a daughter of Adam and Lucinda (Brooks) Barger, natives of Virginia. Mrs. Sowell died December 4, 1846; she was the mother of three children, two living, John H. and Martha A. April 20, 1848, Mr. S. was married to Miss Jane E. Lansden, who was born near Lebanon, Wilson county, Tennessee; she is a member of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church, and mother of Abner T. Sowell. She was a danghter of Thomas Lansden, who was born in North Carolina; was in the War of 1812, and is a member of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church; died in October, 1838. His wife, Margaret McLin, was born in South Carolina; was a member of the Presby- terian Church, and the mother of eight children, three living, viz: Nancy E. Ashmore, Martha E Mitchell, and Jane E. Stephen Sowell, father of Thomas, was born in Charlotte county, Vir- ginia, near Charlotte court house, on Roanoke river. He was a farmer, and in politics an old- line Whig; he cast his first vote for Thomas Jefferson; died in June, 1862. His wife, Jane Hanner, was born in Charlotte county, Virginia; she was a member of the Baptist Church, and mother of nine children, viz: Martha, wife of Wm. Eustes, who was the first settler in Talk- ington township; Thomas, Jane Burr, Macky Colburn, Malinda Goodell, Sallie Goodell, Nancy McElvain, who died November 20, 1879, Ann McElvain, and Wm. H .; she died November 18, 1879, in her eighty-sixth year. In 1836, Mr. Thomas Sowell commenced working at the cooper's trade; he made the first pork barrels in Sangamon county, for Henry Yates, father of Governor Yates; he followed his trade until 1864; has a farm of sixty-five acres in Loami township, all under good cultivation, and well stocked; has also eighteen acres of land, one mill building, and a dwelling house in the town of Loami, where he resides; has held the office of treasurer of Loami, and also trustee; in poli- tics, is a Republican, and a strong supporter of that party. He is now in his sixty-eighth year, a hale, hearty old man, and as lively as a boy.

William Taylor, was born on a farm in Ox- ford, England, July 8, 1827. He lived there until he was about twenty-four years of age,

when he came to the United States. IIe started January 1, 1851, and landed in New Orleans April 6, 1851. From New Orleans he took the steamer "Halleck Scott " up the Mississippi river to Alton, Illinois, remained one year, then came overland to this county, and began to work for George Carter; worked for him five years; rented land of him ten years, then bought a farm of eighty acres, in section thirty-six, where he now resides. He was married, at Alton, Illinois, December 19, 1851, to Miss Alice Harris. She was born in Oxford, England, and was a daughter of Robert Harris, born in England, who came to the United States in 1851. He is now living in England. His wife, Elizabeth (Bag- ley) Harris, was born in England, and was the mother of seven children, five living, two in the United States, viz: Thomas and Mrs. Elizabeth (Harris) Taylor. She is living in England. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor had a family of seven chil- dren, six of whom are living, viz: Lucy A., Geo. H., Richard E., Wm. A., Fannie J. and Alice E. Mr. Taylor has his farm of eighty acres all under good cultivation and well stocked. He raises grain and stock for the market. In politics, he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for A. Lincoln for President, His father, Richard Tay- lor, was born in England; was a farmer, and a member of the M. E. Church; he died in Eng- land October 6, 1870. His wife, Ann Barb, was also born in England; she was a member of the M. E. Church, and had nine children; only one is living-the subject of this sketch. When he arrived in this county he was without means, but by hard work and close application to business he has made himself as fine a farm of eighty acres as there is in the country.

James M. Turpin was born near Glasgow, Missouri, May 10, 1828, where he lived until eleven years of age, when his mother died; he then went to live with his grandfather, on a farm, near Savannah, Missouri; lived there until six- teen years of age, then came to Illinois, and worked near Loami. He enlisted in the Mexican War, in June, 1846, in Company D, Fourth In- fantry under Colonel E. D. Baker, and served one year. He was married October 3, 1849, to Miss Charlotte Webb, born near Loami, January 14, 1830. Woodford Turpin, was born in Ken- tucky, in 1796, he died March 5. 1865. The second wife of Woodford Turpin, Miss Emmasett Campbell, was a daughter of Robert Campbell, deceased, and Polly Campbell. Mr. James M. Turpin bought a farm of forty acres in Loami township, and lived there until 1873; during this time, added two hundred and sixty-four acres

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

to the forty acres, making a farm of three hundred and four acres. In 1873, he moved to Loami, and engaged in the mercantile business, firm of Turpin & Joy Mr. Turpin is at present connected with the dry goods and grocery store of L. H. Coleman, at Loami. Hle enlisted in Company I, Seventy- third Infantry, in August 1861, as second Lieu- tenant, and was promoted to first Lieutenant; is a member of Masonic Lodge, No. 450, at Loami. Has held the office of justice of the peace four years; has also been school director and super- visor. He and wife are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Turpin has four acres of land where he resides. Is vice-president of the Old Settlers' Association.

George J. Walker, was born on a faim near Murfreesboro, Rutherford county, Tennessee, July 2, 1818. When twelve years of age, he came with his father to Illinois and settled on a farm in Sangamon county, where he lived four years, then moved on a faim three-quarters of a mile southeast of where Loami now is; lived on the farm until his father died, then lived with his mother until his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Back, October 22, 1842; she was born in Garret county, Kentucky, December 25, 1826; her father, Isaih Back, was born in Kentucky; he was a Whig, and came to Illinois in the spring of 1838. His wife, Nancy (Turpin) Back, was a member of the M. E. Church, and the mother of ten children; four are living, viz: Elizabeth, Mrs. Mary A. Parker, Mrs. Miranda Martin, and Caroline Rose; she died July 28, 1872. After his marriage, Mr. George J. Walker lived with his mother two years, then bought a farm of ten acres one-half mile southwest of Loami, and lived there ten years; moved on what was called the Coley farm, and lived there eight years; rented land near Loami fourteen years; then bought a house and lot in Loami, where he now resides. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church, and have had nine children; four are living, viz: Amarins Collins, George W., Lou- ella Reece, and John. Samuel Walker, father of George J., was born in Campbell county, Virginia; was a farmer and a member of the Batpist Church; in politics an old-line Whig. Ilis wife, Martha Hannar, was born in Virginia; she was a member of the Baptist Church and the mother of nine children; five are living, viz: William S., Thomas H., George J., Hiram, and Mrs. Rebecca Smith. George J. Walker is a Republican in politics, and cast his first vote for William H. Harrison, for President.

Arthur E. Washburne was born on a faim five miles east of Old Berlin, in Island Grove

township, September 25, 1858. He lived on this farm until twenty-one years of age, when he was married to Miss Margaret E. Leaverton, January 1, 1879; she was born in Illinois, and was a daughter of John Leaverton, born in Ohio. He was a member of the Baptist Church, a farmer, and in politics a Republican; he died in December, 1873. His wife, Mary Smith, was born in Bond county, Illinois; was a member of the Baptist Church, and had ten children, seven of whom are living: John F., Nancy J. Sale, Margaret B. Washburne, George W., Charles A., Emma J., and Effie M .; she is still living in Cartwright township. Asa R. Washburne, father of Arthur E., was born in Vermont; he was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a farmer, and in politics a Democrat; he died in the fall of 1849. His wife, Barbara C. (Craig) Washburne, was born in Virginia, and was also a member of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church; they had five children, three of whom are living, viz: Aurelia R. Clark, Arthur E., and George C .; she is living in Island Grove township on the old homestead. Mr. Arthur E. Washburne has a farm of eighty-eight acres, one and one-fourth miles north of Loami, all under good cultivation and well stocked; raises grain and stock for the market. In politics he is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Han- cock. He and wife have one child, Lillie B.

Hardin Wilcockson, M. D., was born on a farm near Tallula, Menard county, Illinois, April 25, 1851. When seven years old, his father moved to Taylorville, Illinois, where he lived and attended school until 1863, when his father died. He then lived with his brother-in-law, W. T. Hewitt, on a farm near Taylorville, Illinois, until he was fourteen years of age; then com- menced to work for himself, working for differ- ent parties, and attending school during the win- ter, until he was some nineteen years of age; attended a preparatory school at Tallula, Illinois. In the fall, entered college at Eureka, where he remained three years; taught school in Christian county until 1877; then attended the American Medical College, at St. Louis, Missouri, where he graduated and received a diploma, in June, 1880; then came to Loami, where, he is practicing medicine. He was married to Miss Emily A. Anderson, November 29, 1879; she was born near Taylorville, Christian county, Illinois, Feb- ruary 7, 1857, and was a daughter of Josiah An- derson, who was born in Litchfield county, Ken- tucky, April 15, 1819; he died in 1862. His wife, Julia Anderson, was born in Nashville, Tennessee, July 9, 1824. John H. Wilcockson,

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

father of Hardin, was born in Bath county, Ken- tucky, November 6, 1808; he was a member of the Christian Church; was in the Black Hawk war, and drill-master in the late war; he died May 23, 1863. His wife, Emma C. (Spears) Wilcockson, was born in Green county, Ken- tucky, April 30, 1811; she was a member of the Christian Church, and had eleven children, seven of whom are living, viz: Mary E. Hewitt, George H., William S., Hiram P., Emma C. Chaplin, Clay, and Hardin. Dr. Wilcockson and wife have had two children, one boy living, Homer B. Mrs. Wilcockson is a member of the Christian Church. The Doctor is a member of Masonic Lodge, No. 122, at Taylorville, Illinois. In poli- tics, he is a Democrat, and a strong supporter of that party. Cast his first vote for Tilden.

Isaac Workman was born on a farm near Lo- ami, August 7, 1834. IIe remained on the farm with his father until twenty-two years of age, when he was married to Miss Elizabeth Work- man, February, 1856. She was born in Ten- nessee, and is a daughter of John B. and Martha (Roberts) Workman. Mr. and Mrs. Workman were the parents of three children, viz .: Sallie Harbour, John D., and Martha. Mrs. W. died September 29, 1860. June 30, 1862, Mr. Work- man married Martha A. Weddin, who was born in Loami township, August 9, 1847. Her father's name was Weddin, and her mother's was Cyn- thia Meacham. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Workman have had seven children; six are living, viz .: Wm. H., Isaac, Jr., Mayhew, Joseph, Elizabeth, and Ada. William Workman, father of Isaac Workman, Sr., was born in Allegheny county, Maryland, April 8, 1799; went to Kentucky, and thence to Tennessee, and came to Illinois, and settled in Loami township in 1829; died Janu- ary 1, 1877. His wife, Sarah Bilyen, was born in Kentucky November 26, 1801. She was a member of the Dunkard Church, and the mother of eleven children, five of whom are living, viz .: Peter, John, Isaac, William B., and Samuel M. She is still living in Loami. The subject of this sketch, Mr. Isaac Workman, has his farm of one hundred and thirty acres all under good cultiva- tion and well stocked. In politics, he is a Re- publican. He is a member of Masonic Lodge A. F. and A. M., at Loami; has also been school director for several years.

William B. Workman, was born on a farm in Loami township, near where Loami now is, August 14, 1837. He lived on this farm until October, 1875, when he bought an interest in a store at Loami, the firm of which is Joy & Work- man. He was married to Miss Lydia Bilyen,

May 22, 1857, who was born in Overton county, Tennessee, May 5, 1845. She was a daugh- ter of Andrew Bilyen, born in Tennessee; he was a member of the Christian Church, and in politics a Democrat; he died the fall of 1846. His wife, Susan Bilyen, born also in Tennessee, was a member of the Christian Church and the mother of six children; four are living-one by her first husband, (Andrew Bilyen) viz: Mrs. Lydia Bilyen, and two children by her second husband, (James Cormack) viz: Jessie and Millie; one child by Samuel Workman viz: Samuel J. She is still living with her son-in- law, William B. Workman, father of William B. Workman. William Workman, Sr., was born in Allegheny county, Maryland, April 8, 1799. He came to Illinois in 1829, and settled in Loami township, Sangamon county. He died January 1, 1877. His wife, Sarah Bilyen, was born in Tennessee, November 26, 1801; she is a member of the Dunkard Church, and the mother of eleven children, five living, viz: Peter, John, Isaac, William B., and Sanil M. Workman. She is living with her son Sanil Workman in Loami, Illinois, in her eightieth year. Mr. William B. Workman and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and have had ten children; two of these are living, viz: William F., and Caroline. Mr. Workman carries a $3,500 or $4,000 stock of dry goods and groceries; he has held the office of commissioner of highways six years, and school director six years; in politics, is a Republican and strong supporter of that party. He is a Royal Arch Mason and member of Loami Lodge, A. F. and A. M., No. 450. IIe has his farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section fourteen, all under good cultivation, and well stocked, and grows grain and raises stock for the market.

Peter Workman was born in Overton county, Tennessee, May 24, 1820. He lived on the farm until he was nine years of age, when he came with his father to this county, settling in Loami township, two miles south of Loami. He was still living with his father on this farm when he was married to Miss Sarah J. Taylor, January 28, 1840. She was born on White river, in Indiana, November 26, 1822, and was a daughter of William and Nancy (Hall) Taylor. Mr. Tay- lor was born in Kentucky, and Mrs. Taylor in Virginia. The mother was a member of the Christian Church, and lives in Christian county. Four or five years after his marriage he bought a farm of two hundred and sixty acres, in sec- tions twenty-six and twenty-seven, where he now resides.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

Mr. Workman and his wife are both members of the Christian Church. They have had thir- teen children, seven of whom are living, viz: Nancy Bilyen, Simon P., Mrs. Louisa J. Hays, Mrs. Mary E. Harbour, Mrs. Almira Crawford, Stephen and Caroline. He has traveled over Iowa, Indian Territory, Missouri, Kansas, Texas and Tennessee. In his younger days he was a

sportsman, being fond of his dog and gun. He cast his first vote for Filmore, and is a Republi- can in politics, has lived on his farm thirty years, and has resided in the county fifty-two years; he is know as " Uncle Peter." He is a member of Loami Masonic Lodge, A. F. and A. M., No. 450, of which he has been a member six- teen years.

Jacob N. Frulliunider

953

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

CHAPTER XLII.

TOWNSHIP OF MECHANICSBURG.

The township of Mechanicsburg comprises township sixteen, north, range three west, and is bounded on the east by Wheatfield, west by Clear Lake, north by Buffalo Hart, south by Cooper township. The surface of the country is rolling, and was originally about three-fourths prairie. The principal water course is Clear creek, which has several small tributaries. The Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad passes through the township, entering from Springfield on section seven, and passing in an air-line east enters Wheatfield from section twelve. There are in the township three villages-Mechanics- burg, Buffalo and Dawson.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first settlement in the township was in 1824, Among the early settlers were James Newell, Jesse Wilson, William Burch, A. Churchill, Samuel Garvey, William Jack, S. Cox, Jacob Constant, Charles Morgan, Daniel Morgan, David Hall, Jesse Pickrell, Morris Bird, Thomas Fortune, William Pickrell, Benjamin L. Hall, George Churchill, Samuel Cox, John Constant, Josiah Green, J. H. Fullinwider.

Jacob Constant, brother to John, was the grandfather of Rezin H. He was also the brother of Isaac and Thomas, and was born about 1765, in Virginia. Eleanor Clinkenbeard was born about 1769, in Virginia also. They were there married, and soon after moved on pack horses-that being the only way goods could be transported at that time through that mountainous country-to Fleming county, Ken- tucky. They had fourteen children in that county, and in 1814 moved to Clermont county, Ohio, where they had two children. The family moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving October 26, 1826, in what is now Mechanicsburg town- ship. He died in 1828.

Charles Morgan was born September 5, 1781, in Hampshire county, Virginia. His parents moved to Fleming county, Kentucky, in 1793. Charles Morgan and Elizabeth Constant were there married, in 1807. The family moved in March, 1814, to Clermont county, Ohio, and moved to Sangamon county, October, 1826, to Mechanicsburg, and died in 1866.

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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 160

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