USA > Illinois > Tazewell County > History of Tazewell 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. History of Illinois Digest of state laws > Part 37
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James Donley, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 8; P. O., Delavan. The whole-souled gentleman whose name heads this page was born near Rochester, in the State of New York, on the 30th of April, 1829. At an early day his parents, George and Elizabeth Donley, settled in Jefferson Co., Ohio, where the head of the family found employment in a woolen factory. Young Donley grew to man- hood in Ohio, and at an early age also secured employment in a woolen mill. In 1852 Mr. D. was united in marriage to Miss M. C. McCary. In 1854 he set out for Illinois, and first found em- ployment in McLean Co., subsequently settling in Delavan town- ship, Tazewell county, where he rented farm property. At the end of two years he purchased the property of Milner Brown, consisting of 160 acres, the property he now owns, brought to a high state of cultivation. Of the marriage above mentioned six children are now living - Lizzie, Samuel, Mary B. D., Frank, Laura, and Nellie.
Samuel Donley, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 15; P. O., Boynton. Samuel Donley is a native of Belmont county, Ohio, where he was born in 1855; is oldest son of James Donley, a patron of this work. Samuel grew to the mature years of manhood in this county. In 1878 he was united in marriage to Miss Florence Ireland, a daugh- ter of a well known farmer of this township.
Michael Fanning, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 16; P. O. Boyn- ton. Michael Fanning, as the name implies, is a native Irishman, and ranks among the more generous agriculturalists of this town-
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ship. He was born in the County of Tipperary, Ireland, about 1815. Growing to manhood in Ireland, he acquired a good com- mon-school education at such odd times as the duties of the farm would permit. While still a young man he crossed the Atlantie for the New World, landing in New York City during the Spring of 1835, and for sometime worked in the Metropolitan City at 50cents per day. From thence he went to Savannah, Georgia, where he hired as a steamboat hand, thence to New York and Pittsburgh, from whence he took passage on the Wisconsin, the only steamboat then plying the Illinois River, for Pekin, then but a small place, that Mr. F. decribes in the following manner: Landing from the boat I discoverd but few dwellings, mostly log cabins, on what is now the main street. The village probably contained, at this time about 25 inhabitants, mostly Frenchmen and Southerners. Mr. F. afterward made the acquaintance of Mr. Tharp, Wm. Mosley, and others, many of whom have passed the dark river. In 1851 Mr. F. joined an expedition enroute for California. After some months of weary travel he reached the golden coast, where he remained some 13 months and became quite successful as a miner. Return- ing to Tazewell Co., he again worked as a farm hand for a time. In 1852 he was married to Miss Bridget Ann Phean, of Ireland. During this year Mr. F. leased property until enabled to purchase. He is now the owner of 280 acres, and one of the most generous of men. Of this marriage eight children were born, seven of whom are living-James, Thomas, William, Mary, Sarah, Ellen and Louisa.
Henry Fehrmann, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 27; P. O., Boynton. He was born in Germany, July 28, 1837. In his native land he followed farming and received a liberal education. In July, 1868, he erossed the Atlantic for the New World, landing in the city of New York. From that city he went to St. Louis, thence to Waterloo, Monroe Co., Ill., where he worked as a farm hand for space of the two years. From there he went to Macoupin Co., and finally brought up in Tazewell Co., Boynton township, where, Oct. 5, 1874, he was married to Susan N. Rosenthall, by whom he has one child - Henry J.
John Freeman, deceased, was born in New York State. In his 22nd year he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Fowler. Of this marriage eleven children were born, nine of whom are living. Early in life Mr. Freeman became a convert to religion, and his hospitable home was always open to all of God's people, and many happy meetings were held at his residence. Over 38 years ago this consistent Christian cast his lot with the Church of Christ. His father was a soldier during the struggle for National Independence, in 1776. In religious matters John Freeman took a deep interest, and on all occasions it pleased him greatly to hear the word of God read, and it was his custom frequently to call his family around him and have some one read a chapter in the Bible, and lead in family
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prayer. Shortly before his death he called his family around him, and commending all to God, passed peacefully away. Thus ended the life of one whose eventful career furnishes a moral for the ris- ing generation. The funeral discourse was preached by the Rev. J. I. Judy, from Rev. xxii, 14. There were gathered together on this solemn occasion many relatives and friends of this veteran in the Lord's service, who attentively listened to the pastor, whose lips uttered a just tribute to one whose life had not been in vain.
Franklin Freeman, farmer, sec. 11; P. O., Hopedale. This whole- souled gentleman was born in Butler Co., O., Dec. 25, 1833. There he passed his youth. He then removed to Indiana where he was united in marriage with Miss Lucinda Bartholomew. Four- teen years ago Mr. F. came to Boynton township, where he owns 80 acres of choice land. The marriage referred to has been blessed with four children, only two of whom are now living-Ashian and Effie M.
Joseph Gilchrist, was born in Logan Co., Ill., Feb. 10, 1853. His father, James Gilchrist, was a prominent agriculturist of that county ; was born in Scotland; a farmer by occupation, and was there married to Miss Jane Clark. In an early day he crossed the ocean for America, and directed his footsteps to Logan Co., where he became prominently identified with agricultural affairs. He died at the age of 58 years, universally respected. Mrs. G. died many years prior to her husband, and their remains lie interred in Union Church cemetery. Joseph grew to manhood in Logan Co., received a good common-school education and became identified with the farming and stock raising interests from his earliest years. At the age of 19 he was married to Miss Martha Chenoweth, by whom he had three children -Charles E., Burtie W. and Pearl. In 1877 Mr. G. moved to Boynton and resides on sec. 25; P. O., Boynton.
Jacob Hauter, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 9; P. O., Hopedale. Few have succeeded better in life than the genial gentleman whose name stands at the top of this column. He is a native of Germany, where he was born in 1824, and there passed his childhood, youth and grew to manhood. Attaining his majority he concluded to seek his fortune in the New World, and accordingly sailed for America, arriving during the summer of 1845 in New York city, where he remained a short time, and then proceeded to Ohio where he pro- cured employment as a farm hand, and there married, in 1853, Miss Mary Brenneman, a daughter of Daniel Brenneman, a well-known resident of this township. For seven years Mr. Hauter worked in Ohio, and then plunging still further westward, he located in Put- nam county, Ill., where he remained three years, when he moved and settled in Boynton township, where, in 1858, Mr. H. made his purchase of land in Illinois, consisting of 160 acres, now the property of Jacob Brenneman, Esq. At the present writing Mr. H. is the owner of 245 acres of land unequaled in this Western country, on which he erected four years ago a handsome farm residence.
26
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
Francis Ireland is numbered among the progressive agriculturists of the township. He was born in Salem township, Warren Co., O., Sept. 18, 1830, where at the old farm homestead he also passed the days of his childhood and grew to manhood. During the winter seasons he succeeded in acquiring a good common school education, and then, perhaps, laid the foundation for future success in life. In 1853 he was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Coddington, daughter of Wm. Coddington, of Ohio. In 1856 Mr. C. coneluded to move farther west and eventially located in Delavan township, this Co., and soon after moved to Boynton, where he erected a small frame building in which he suffered many inconveniences during the win- ter, sometimes finding nearly as much snow inside the dwelling as outside. The fare at this time, humble as it was, however, was enjoyed by the family and the occasional visitor. Times proved very discouraging, and not until the flush war times did Mr. I. begin to prosper in his new home, since then he has been extremely fortunate. They have four children - Florence, William F., John- athan and Monroe. Mr. I. holds the position of Road Com., and takes a deep interest in educational matters.
Thomas J. Ireland, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 10; P. O., Boyn- ton. Thomas Ireland was born in Ohio, May 17, 1832. He is the eldest son of James Ireland, a native of Virginia, and who moved to Ohio during its early settlement, and where he united his fortunes to Miss Nancy Coyle, by whom he had eight children. James Ireland became an exceedingly prosperous farmer in Ohio, where, in the year 1852, he was laid at rest. His estimable wife still survives and resides in Indiana. Thomas left Ohio in his twentieth year and made his way to Shelby Co., Ind., where he turned his attention to farming. In 1855 he united in marriage with Miss Ann Coddington, daughter of Wm. Coddington of War- ren Co., O. Of this marriage seven children were born, only three of whom are living, whose names are - Allen, James and Cora. Ten years ago Mr. I. disposed of 120 acres of land he had in Indiana and set out for Illinois, and located in this township, where he has since been identified with the farming interests. Mrs. Ireland died in 1870, and was laid away in Orendorff cemetery. In 1874 Mr. I. was united in marriage to Mrs. E. Pultz, of Ind., by whom he had two children - Katie and Edgar.
Frederick A. Intzi, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 2; P. O., Hope- dale. The above named gentleman, as is well known, keeps pace with the present times, and is a progressive farmer of Boynton township. He was born in Butler Co., Ohio, on the 26th of Dee. 1841, where he lived upon the farm homestead until attaining his majority, when he became employed as clerk in a general furnishing store, and at Dayton, Ohio, he ran, so to speak, a Yankee notion wagon. , In 1868 he accepted a situation as traveling agent for farm machinery. He remained with this firm but a short time, as the same year found him a resident of this township, where he was
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
united in marriage during the autumn to Miss Amelia Brenneman, a daughter of Daniel Brenneman, whom we have mentioned, by whom he had five children - Laura, William, Augusta, Edward and Emma. Since his residence here Mr. Intzi has acquired a prop- erty of 80 acres brought to a high state of cultivation through an admirable system of under-drainage.
J. I. Judy, minister of the Gospel and farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Boynton. The courteous gentleman whose name heads this biogra- phy is a native of Mackinaw, Tazewell Co., where he was born on the 16th of Sept., 1832. His father Daniel H. Judy, a well-remem- bered and prominent citizen of this county, is worthy of more than a passing notice, although owing to a limited space we cannot enter into particulars of his eventful and energetic life. He was born in Greene Co., Ohio, and made his way to Tazewell Co. prior to the deep snow. Like all pioneers he suffered many inconveniences, but made the best of his humble lot and lived an exemplary Christian life. He was one of the original members of the Hittle Grove Christian Church. At an advanced age, he resides on his farm near Atlanta, Logan Co.
James I. Judy, whose sketch we here append, passed his boyhood days amid pioneer associations, and at the early age of 16 was con- vinced of the necessity of leading a Christian life, and since this period has been prominently identified with the Church and Sun- day-school. In 1853, he crossed the plains for the gold fields of California, and after a year of moderate snecess returned to his old home in Illinois ; during the autumn of 1854 moved to Atlanta, and entered into the mercantile business. During this time he was married to Mary E. Campbell, daughter of G. R. Campbell of Ky. In 1855 Mr. J. settled on his present farm, and here he has lived and labored for the salvation of souls during all those years, and no one meets with more universal respect than Elder Judy. In order to show to some extent the estimation in which he is held, we copy the following: "A visit to Haw Grove and a visit to the Sun- day-school."-After school the house began filling with people. Elder Judy preached his last sermon for the old year. We never heard a more beautiful address than he gave his attentive listeners. At night he bade his congregation farewell, although we know it is not final. He has won to himself a place in the hearts of the people that cannot be filled by another. He is accomplishing much good in the world. Surely his life would seem just begun, and God in his infinite goodness and mercy seemed to be blessing him in every way, and the sincere wishes of the people are for his future success and return to Haw Grove."
Michael Judy, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 26; P. O., Boynton. Mr. Judy ranks among the more liberal farmers of this township. He was born on the old homestead of his parents, John and Chris- tiana Judy, near Hittle Grove, April 22, 1837. John Judy, the head of the family was a native of Ohio, and a farmer by occupa-
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
tion. While a young man he wended his way to Ill. and was among the first to settle at Hittle Grove, this county. This period of time, about 1826, marked an era in the settlement of this coun- ty. Indians were then a numerous and powerful people and those few adventuresome settlers suffered many inconveniences from their depredations. In subsequent years, Mr. J. who is mentioned in our township history became a prosperous and respected farmer. He died in Aug. 1861, in the 65th year of his age and his ashes repose amid the scenes of his carly labors. Michael grew to manhood in Hittle township, received a common school education, or in other words a log-cabin education. In Livingston Co. Feb. 8, 1858, Mr. Judy was united in marriage to Miss Elvira Steers, a daughter of Hugh Steers, of Ky. They have five children -Charles, John, Christian, Hartzel and Hattie. Eleven years ago Mr. J. moved to Boynton where he purchased 250 acres of land.
S. A. Knott is the oldest son of Wm. Knott, one of the original pioneers and wealthy men of the county. He was born in Randolph Co., Ind., 1847. He was but five years of age when his parents settled in Delavan township, this county, where they remained some eight years, when they came to this township, where our subject attained his majority. In February, 1862, he mas united in mar- riage to Mrs. Sarah Jane Pence, daughter of Thomas Pence, of Ohio. Of this marriage two children were born-Viola R. and Maggie Cordelia. Mrs. Knott passed from earth on the 26th of Sept., 1865. In 1869, on the 4th of March, Mr. K.united his fortunes with Miss Clarissa Ellen Morley, daughter of 'Squire Morley, a well-known resident of this eounty, and who has held numerous offices of trust and respectability. Of this marriage four children have been born- Elmer, Ernest, Troy E. and Elizabeth. A. Mr. K. is engaged in farming on see. 13; P. O., Delavan.
Nicholas Martin, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 3; P. O., Hopedale. The above named gentleman is worthy of more than a passing notice. He was born in France on the 15th of March, 1834. Growing to manhood upon the farm homestead he acquired a liberal education. At the age of 20 he coneluded to better his fortune in America, and accordingly sailed for this country during the spring of 1854. Land- in New York city he remained there but a short time, when he made his way to Illinois, locating in the town of Pekin, this Co., and first worked as a farm hand. In 1855 he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Lytwiler, by whom he has five children-Barbara, Joseph, Mary M., Emma and Catherine.
Daniel B. Meeker, farmer, sec. 1; P. O., Delavan. Mr. M. is a well-known resident and prominent farmer of Tazewell Co. He was born in Essex Co., N. J., on the 19th of August, 1819. His father, Benjamin Meeker, was a native of New Jersey, as was also Phœbe, his wife. In 1859 he first set foot in Tazewell Co. He has passed the greater portion of his life in the West. He is well known for liberality and kindly manners, and has been financially successful
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
In 1841, while in New Jersey, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza, daughter of John N. Baldwin, of N. J., and now a wealthy citizen of Delavan township, and upwards of 80 years of age. Six children blessed the union of Mr. Meeker and Miss Baldwin-Celia, born Sept. 3, 1845 ; Anna K., born June 6, 1853; Charles B., Dec. 22, 1855; E. W., Nov. 25, 1859; Harvey C., Dec. 20, 1862, and John E., Sept. 23, 1866.
Peter J. Nafziger was born in Germany Aug. 31, 1829, and is the oldest son of Jacob N., a farmer in his native land. During the infancy of Peter the elder Naffziger thought he could better his for- tunes in America. He accordingly crossed the Atlantic, during the spring of 1831. He landed with his family in New York city, and from there moved to Ohio, where he resided six years. He then moved to Woodford Co., Ill., where he now lives, and is in the far decline of life, being over four score years of age. Peter grew to manhood in Woodford Co., where he acquired a common school education. In 1854 he was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Naffziger, by whom he has eight children -John W., Jacob A., Henry E., Samuel, Joseph, Daniel, Kate and Barbara. Eight years ago Mr. N. disposed of his property in Woodford Co. and came to Boynton, where, on sec. 1, he owns 80 acres of valuable land. P. O., Boynton.
Andrew Peters, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 2; P. O., Hopedale. Andrew Peters was born in Pa. on the 23d of April, 1826. During his infancy his parents moved to Ohio, Guernsey Co., where young Andrew passed his boyhood upon the farm homestead. In 1854 he was united in marriage to Miss N. Egger, a daughter of Samuel Egger. In 1858 Mr. Peters came to Illinois, settling in Tazewell Co., Boynton township, where he bought 120 acres in Boynton and adjoining township.
John E. Powell, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 15; P. O., Boynton. He is a native of Logan Co., Ill., where he was born May 19, 1838 ; is the oldest son of Wm. Powell, a native of Green Co., O. He acquired a liberal education, and while a young man made his way to this county, where he taught school and secured employment as clerk. While residing in this county he married Eliza, daughter of Sanford Quisenbery, who was among the early settlers of Tazewell. In 1850 he settled in Logan Co., where he held many responsible local offices, and where he passed the remainder of his life. John passed his boyhood in Logan Co.' Left an orphan at the age of fourteen he came to Tazewell Co., where he has since lived, with the exception of some years spent as a farm hand in Logan Co. In 1862 he purchased 160 acres of land in this township and is now the owner of 375 acres.
Bryan Reardon, farmer and stock dealer, sec. 22; P. O., Boynton ; is a native of Ireland. He was born July 14, 1836, and is the oldest son of Daniel and Margaret (Keefe) Reardon. Daniel Reardon was a farmer in Ireland, where he married Margaret Keefe, who bore
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
him nine children. In 1850 the family, including Bryan, sailed for America, and in due course of time landed in New York city, from whence they proceeded to Providence, R. I., where they remained until 1857, when they came to this township. One year previous, however, our subject came. He was then unmarried, and secured employment as a farm hand. In 1860, with other members of the family, he purchased 360 acres of land. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Fleming, daughter of Edward Fleming, a native of Ireland. They have five children - Edward, Michael, Daniel, Bryan and Wene. For several years Mr. R. held the posi- tion of Town Clerk, and for ten years Justice of the Peace.
Capt. John Reardon, sec. 14; P. O., Delavan. Capt. R., a well and favorably known agriculturist of this county, is a native of Thomastown, in the County Tipperary, Ireland, where he was born in 1840. His father, Daniel Reardon, crossed the Atlantic in 1850, and eventually settled in Rhode Island, where our subject passed his boyhood days, and became employed in one of the numerous cotton mills that dot the little State. In 1875, John, Bryan and Thomas Reardon directed their footsteps to Illinois, and located at Delavan. Here they became employed as farm hands, and in time became farmers. In August, 1862, when the great civil war had reached a fever heat, Mr. R., true to his adopted country, and the stars and stripes, assisted in the organization of Co. H, 115th Ill. Inf. Although he enlisted as a private, he was appointed, at organ- ization, second lieutenant. Proceeding to the front, he participated in some the great battles of national renown. He was promoted to first lieutenant, and soon to captain. After the war he returned to this county, where he has since resided. Although of a retiring disposition, he was once nominated for the office of sheriff of this county, and was twice elected Supervisor. In 1870 he married Miss Mary Murphy. They have three children, Nellie, Geniere and John.
Daniel Reardon, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 14; P. O., Delavan ; was born in the county of Tipperary, Ireland. During his child- hood his parents moved to America, as elsewhere given, and settled in Rhode Island, eventually settling in Tazewell Co. Here young Reardon grew to manhood, and received a good common school education. In 1860, since the decease of his father, and the neces- sary division of property, our subject received 240 acres, in the township. In drawing this sketch to a close, we can say of the Reardon boys, that few in Tazewell Co. have succeeded better in life.
Samuel Roles, although not among the earlier residents of Taze- well Co., is worthy of more than a passing notice. He was born in Luzerne Co., Pa., in 1818. Of his father, James Roles, but little is known. He was an Englisman by birth, and on moving to this country settled in Pennsylvania, where he married Miss- Esther Miller, by whom he had 13 children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the sixth child. Growing to manhood in Pennsylvania Samuel early became apprenticed to learn the blacksmithing trade,
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
and subsequently worked as a journeyman for many years. In 1841 he was married to Miss Sarah, daughter of George Davison, of Pennsylvania. On moving to this county, which he did in 1854, he farmed for one year, when he purchased a shop, and when his skill as a workman became known he received a large patronage. In 1859 he received the first premium at the Logan County Fair, for skill disylayed as a nail worker and horse shoer. At the present writing he resides on his farm, on sec. 23; P. O., Boynton.
Lewis Scarborough, farmer and stock raiser, see. 15; P. O., Dela- van ; was born in New Jersey, in 1836, his father, Thomas Scar- borough, was also a native of New Jersey. He was a farmer by occupation, and married Miss Charity Burroughs, a daughter of Andrew Burroughs, by whom he had 9 children, 6 of whom are living- Mary Ann, who married John Fish, and now resides in Pennsylvania; Wilson T., who married Miss Sarah Hunt, and now resides in Trenton, Jersey Co .; Howell, who married Miss Rebecca Dallas, and now resides in Mercer Co., N. J .; Comelia, who married Francis Duffield, and now resides in Trenton ; Jacob, who married Mary Servas, and resides in Pennsylvania ; Lewis grew to manhood in New Jersey, where he followed farming, and where he was united in marriage in the year 1860, to Miss Margaret Snedeker, a daugh- ter of Jas. W. Snedeker. In 1871 Mr. S. moved to Pennsylvania, where he resided until his removal to Boynton township, Tazewell county, two years ago.
John Scott, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 22; P. O., Boynton. He was born at Delavan, Tazewell Co., Ill., May 2, 1850; is the oldest son of John and Mary Scott, natives of Scotland and Ohio, respec- tively. George grew to manhood in this county ; received a good common school education ; in 1874 was married to Miss Alice Paul, daughter of John and Mary Paul. They have one child-Clara, born in March, 1877.
Kennard Smiley, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 28; P. O., Boyn- ton ; was born in Adams Co., Ohio, on the 23d of October, 1834. He is the oldest son of Nathaniel and Eliza (Shields) Smiley. His father was born in Kentucky, and in an carly day moved to Ohio, where he married and there passed the remainder of his days. Kennard grew to manhood in Ohio, where he received a common school education. While employed upon the farm homestead, the war broke out and Mr. Smiley enlisted in Co. E, 179th Ohio Infant- ry, for one year, proceeded to the front and participated in the famous battle of Nashville; was honorably discharged when the war closed ; returned to Ohio, where he remained but a short time, as the same year of his return to his Ohio home found him a resi- dent of Tazewell Co., Ill. Here he was married, Oct. 3, 1872, to Miss Catharine Sparts. Their children are William and Franklin. During the autumn of 1870, Mr. S. purchased his present farm.
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