Illinois, Crawford County historical and biographical, Part 171

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1058

USA > Illinois > Crawford County > Illinois, Crawford County historical and biographical > Part 171

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under cultivation, and made it his home until his death, December 10, 1903. In the meanwhile he added to his possessions until at the time of his demise, he was the owner of 320 acres. For three years he served in the Civil War, enlisting under Captain Peterson Sharp, in Company D, Thirtieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, on August 12, 1861, and was honorably discharged August 26, 1864. For many years he was a member of the United Brethren Church, and during his later years was a class leader.

Simon Weirich was about four years old when his father came to Martin Township, and he was there educated, attending school until eighteen, at the same time helping his father on the farm. He remained at home until his marriage, which occurred when he was twenty-one, with Philinda Jane Parks, the daughter of Major A. Parks, who was a pioneer of Crawford County. Mrs. Weirich was born in Southern Indiana, and was twelve years old when the family came to Illi- nois, where she was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Weirich are the parents of the following children : William E., born August 31, 1874; James A., born August 27, 1876; Isaac H., born October 16, 1878; Mary E., born July 5, 1880 ; Clara B., born April 13, 1SS2; Margaret A., born May 2, 1SS4; Effie M., born November 13, 1886; Hattie O., born February 16, 1890; Ethel F., born March 25, 1892; Jennie Grace, born June 13, 1893, and Gladys, born September 11, 1896.

After his marriage Mr. Weirich bought 20 acres of land which was improved and had a house on it. With his father's help he bought 40 acres more, but later traded the 20 acres for 17 acres where he now resides, owning now 57 acres. Oil was found in September, 1906, and he has thirteen wells on his property. Mr. Weirich has always been a Democrat. Religiously he has been a member of the New Light Christian Church for a long time, and is now a trustee of that body. He is an industrious, hard working, thrifty man, whose success has come from his own efforts and is certainly well deserved.

WESNER, Emily Guyer .- The Guyer family is one of the old established families of Crawford County, the revered John Aaron Guyer, with his eloquent wife, Jane Guyer, having been born here at an early day. Mrs. Guyer, now deceased, was for many years one of the leading preachers of the Society of Friends in this locality, and one of her sons, Cyrus Guyer, is carrying on the work she commenced. Mrs. Wesner was born in Hut- sonville Township, August 10. 1873, a daughter of John Aaron and Jane Guyer. On December 24, 1893, she married Harlan Wesner, a son of James and Johanna (Grant) Wesner. The following family were born to them: Edith Myrl, born March 14, 1895; Edna Jane, born May 13, 1898: Stacey Erney, born December 9, 1900; Noah Wil- bur, born January 4, 1902; and Irene Isabelle, born October 12, 1904.

James Wesner was born in Crawford County. Ill., while his wife was born in Indiana. He en- listed in the Civil War and served gallantly as a private. His death occurred in 1876, in Montgom-

ery Township, Crawford County. James Wesner and wife had the following family: John Wesley, Joseph Henry, William Harrison, James Allen, Albert Newton, Harlan and Harmon (twins), Samuel and an unnamed son (twins), the latter dying in infancy. The Wesner family have always been associated with agricultural pursults, and Harlan Wesner is one of the prosperons young farmers of the township, where he is well and favorably known. He is a Prohibitionlst in poli- tics, but has never aspired to political position, but in view of his popularity there seems no doubt that he will be called upon to represent hls party in local affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Wesner are pronl- inent in the Society of Friends and take an active interest in the good work of that church.

WESNER, George L .- After a life spent in agri- cultural pursuits npon the farm of 185 acres, which he now owns in his native township, George L. Wesner has gradually risen until he now is one of the representative inen of his local- ity. Mr. Wesner was born in La Motte Township, Crawford County, January 23, 1851, a son of James and Margaret (Kent) Wesner, born July 17, 1820, and Angust 12, 1819, respectively.

James Wesner, who was a son of George Wes- ner, the grandfather of George L., was born In La Motte Township, his father having come to Crawford County at a very early day. The lat- ter was born May 7, 1765, and was a soldier In the War of 1812, taking part In the battle of New Orleans, while his brother was a soldler In the Revolutionary War. James Wesner was brought up on the homestead, and, as the young- est of the family, took care of his parents in their declining years. Early in life he united with the Christian Church of Palestine, and re- ligious services were often held in his home, the present East Union Church of La Motte Town- ship being started in this way. During the Clvil War his sympathies were with the Union cause, and he was always ready with sympathy and money to aid those who were suffering from the burden of that contest. His home was always open to those who needed its hospitality, and whenever a minister of the gospel was anywhere in the neighborhood, "Uncle Jun," as he was af- fectionately called, was not content unless he was with him. He was married on October 7. 1840, to Margaret Kent, who was a native of North Carolina, born August 12, 1819, the daugh- ter of Thomas and Ellen (Connerly) Kent, and was brought to Crawford County, Ill., by her par- ents when about five years old .. The elght chll- dren of the Kent family, of whom Mrs. Wesner was the youngest, and for some time previous to her death the only survivor, were as follows: Jasper, Needham, Willlam, Thomas, Ellzabeth Canada, Joseph, John and Margaret. Mrs. Wes- ner bore her husband the following named chil- dren : Eleanor, born November 15. 1841: Beu jamin Franklin, born December 3, 1842, and served during the Civil War hy enlistment in the Eleventh Missourl Volunteer Infantry under Captain Samuel Galloway ; Urlah, born January 16, 1844; Ellzabeth, born August 12, 1846;

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George L., born January 23, 1851; Alpheus, born February 28, 1853; Belle, born July 29, 1854; and Rosa, born December 1, 1856, and married G. W. Hawkins. In 1841 Mrs. Wesner joined the Baptist Church, a year later united with the Christian Church of Palestine, and during the latter years of her life was a member of the East Union Church. On July 25, 1889, Mr. Wes- ner died in the home in which he was born, his death occurring at the age of sixty-nine years and eight days, the event being deplored by a large circle of friends. His widow survived him until August 17, 1907, residing after her hus- band's death with her youngest daughter, Mrs. Rosa Hawkins, when her death occurred at the age of eighty-eight years and eight days. Fu- neral services were held in the East Union Church, of which she was a member, being con- ducted by Rev. P. C. Cauble, of Vincennes, Ind., assisted by Rev. C. W. Freeman, of Newton, and attracting a large multitude of appreciative friends.

George L. Wesner attended the district schools of his neighborhood in the winter and worked on the farm in the summer until he was nine- teen. On November 29, 1871, he was married to Mary E. Fulling, daughter of Henry and Samina (McColpin) Fulling. Mr. and Mrs. Wesner have had these children: Belle, born August 18, 1874, married Virgil Walker, a son of Orlando and Tillie Walker, and they have one child,-Paul, born January 25, 1900; Harry H., born January 26, 1876, was married to Carrie E. Goodwin at the residence of the bride's father, on February 27, 1900, Rev. P. C. Campbell, and they have four children : Mabel, born June 24, 1901 ; Myrtle, born February 24, 1903 ; Melva, born January 15, 1905; and Earl, born August 28, 1906. Mrs. Harry H. Wesner was born Jan- uary 18, 1878, and is a daughter of Elisha and Sarah Ellen (Adams) Goodwin.

Mrs. George L. Wesner was born February 20, 1853, the second in the family born to her par- ents, the others being : John T., born August 23, 1850; Sarah E., born August 8, 1855; twins, both deceased ; and Henry A., born June 4, 1863. Henry Fulling was born May 18, 1824, in Essen, Germany, and Mrs. Fulling was born on the old Paris farm in Montgomery Township, Crawford County, in August, 1826, married in 1849, and died February 5, 1906, when nearly eighty years old. For forty years she had been a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, her funeral being conducted in the church of that denomina- tion, the Rev. C. T. Phillips officiating. She was one of the revered ladies of her community, and the list of her many good deeds would fill many pages.

In politics George L. Wesner is a Republican, and fraternally belongs to the T. K. of P. He and his wife have been members of the Christian Church for thirty-four years. The home farm of 185 acres in La Motte Township is one of the best in the township, while the residence is a very comfortable one. The same spirit of hos- pitality which distinguished both the Wesner and Fulling families, animates Mr. and Mrs.

G. L. Wesner, and they cordially welcome their many friends and relatives.

WHITAKER, H. E .-- Few enterprises of a pub- lic character in Robinson, Ill., have been pro- moted without the assistance and approval of H. E. Whitaker, who, for many years, has been one of its most progressive merchants and public- spirited citizens. He realizes the influence for good upon the individual of a city thoroughly modern, and uses in his handling of public mat- ters the same zeal that had placed him in the foremost ranks of the business men of his home city. Mr. Whitaker was born in Crawford County, son of Josiah Whitaker, but was reared and educated in Terre Haute, Ind., and Green- ville, Ill. When sixteen years of age he came to Robinson to serve as clerk for E. E. Murphy & Co., and remained in that position for a num- ber of years, making himself very useful to the house and learning the business in all its details. Then he resigned to travel for two years for a wholesale shoe-house, and thus gained a very valuable knowledge of shoes, which he was later to find useful. In 1889 he purchased the interest of T. P. Swearingen, in the firm of Murphy & Co., but nine years later he sold out, and em- barked in the dry-goods business which he owned as sole proprietor up to the year 1905, when he organized the H. E. Whitaker Co., Incorporated, of which Mr. Whitaker was elected President, with Samuel Faucett, Treasurer, and J. Emerson Apple, Secretary. The H. E. Whitaker Co. is most pleasantly located in the Jones Block on the east side of the square. The interior of his large establishment is in white and the general effect is very pleasing. The basement contains the carpet, rug and curtain departments, while on the main floor is carried a full line of suits, dress fabrics, corsets, shoes, underwear, cloaks. and other dry goods, all of which are most care- fully selected with a view to meeting the re- quirements of the most exacting both as to qual- ity, variety and price, their wide connections and the extent of their business enabling them to offer inducements afforded by few of their com- petitors.

Mr. Whitaker was married to Miss Cora Young, daughter of Aaron and Sarah (Yates) Young, her father being a farmer of Morea, Crawford County, Ill. Three children have been born of this union : Florence, born June 7, 1891 ; Harry, born October 1, 1896, and Frances, born October 17, 1901. Florence is in the third year of the High School while Harry and Frances are in the second year in the common school. They are bright young people, fond of their studies and teachers.

Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker have a beautiful home at No. 400 North Jefferson Street, but in 1909 he is proposing to build a larger residence, on the same site, to cost not less than $10.000. He has extensive holdings in oil-lands and much other valuable property, and is one of the most substantial men of the county. In politics he is a Republican and in church matters is a Metho- dist, contributing liberally towards the support

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of that denomination. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of the Modern Woodmen and Ben Hur orders. In business affairs he has been remarkably suc- cesstul, and achieved the reward and prominence which his efforts and ability have merited.

WHITE, Francis M .- Martin Township, Craw .- ford County, is the home of a number of enter- prising, progressive-spirited men who not only are interested in eultivating their land, but in maintaining the prosperity of their community, and securing its further advancement. Francis M. White is one of these men, now conveniently located on Section 25, Martin Township, but boru in Clay Connty, Ind., April 30, 1856, a son of Edward White, the latter being a native of Ken- tucky, born June 16, 1822, and died Jnne 9, 1883. On Angnst 15, 1840, he married Elizabeth Hed- leston, who was born April 11, 1824, and died November 29, 1899. After their marriage in In- diana, Mr. White bonght 80 acres of timber land in Clay Connty, Ill., to which he moved in 1856, and there he remained until his death. He worked hard clearing off his land, and the log honse which was their first home, he rebuilt into a comfortable home.

Francis M. White was reared on this home- stead, receiving a common school education, and remained with his father until his marriage September 23, 1883, to Catherine E. Kearns, a daughter of James and Katherine J. (Reace) Kearns. The mother was a daughter of Uriah R. Reace. Mr. and Mrs. White have had these children : Hester B., Bessie E., Sylvia N., Hazel O., Freeman S., Basil S., Dale G. During the year of his marriage, Mr. White having lost his father by death, he then moved from Clay City, where he had been engaged in teaming, to the paternal homestead, but later went to Crawford, Connty, where he bought 40 acres in Martin Township, and this he cleared up and lived in a small honse 16x24 feet, with a lean-to kitchen. Later he bought 20 acres of land, the greater part of which he has cleared. He then bought another 20 acres, located on Section 35, owning in all 80 acres. His first home having been destroyed by fire, he bought his present home, which is a comfortable one, well supplied with appliances of modern make. Mr. White is a member of the New Light Christian Church and in politics is a stanch Republican. For three years he served as Township Commissioner, and was School Di- rector for twelve years.

WILKIN, H. O. (deceased), was born in Craw- ford Connty, Ill., and received a fair common school education, supplemented by attendance at the Marshall High School. In 1862 Mr. Wil- kin enlisted in the Ninety-eighth Illinois Volnn- teer Infantry. attached to the Army of the Cum- berland, and participated in the battles of Stone River, Hartsville, Chickamanga and in the At- lanta campaign. In 1865 he came to Robinson, Ill .. and served as clerk for Haskett Brothers, for eight years, when he entered the grocery business with S. B. Allen. After a year's ab- sence in Minnesota, MIr. Wilkin returned and

bought an interest in a mill, later selling this and engaging in farming, eventually purchasing a farm. Once more he embarked in a grocery business under the name of Wilkin & Callagau, but sold his interest In December, 1SS2. On Au- gnst 31, 1869 he married Sarah E. King of Rob- inson, danghter of Ira King, and they had three children : Ralph, Anna and Ira, who grew to matnrity, and one, Lelia, who died younger.

WILKIN, John H .- Farming for a business and not just for a living, is the creed of the Illi- nois farmer. He works as hard, perhaps. as did the old farmer, but in a higher way. Science in agriculture is of quite recent birth. but is pro- gressing rapidly, and the agricultorist of today is learning not only what grains are best suited to certain soils, but also how to feed well and economically his stock so as to get the best re- sults. Not only are the young farmers realizing the advantages of scientific farming, but the older ones are taking to the new ideas and acting upon their years of experience, developing much ont of them. John H. Wilkin, one of the pioneer farm- ers and stock-raisers of Crawford County, resid- ing on Section 18, Oblong Township, was born in Licking County, Ohio. July 22. 1825, and his father. Jacob Wilkin, a pioneer of Oblong Town- ship, was born in Shenandoah Connty. Va .. where he was reared and educated. When a young man, Jacob Wilkin went to Ohio, locating on a farm in Licking County, where he was married to Cath- erine Burner, born in Shenandoah County. Va. They had ten children, nine sons and one dangh- ter, the latter of whom died in infancy. Of the brothers, John H. was the second in order of birth. Jacob Wilkin had learned the cabinet- maker's trade in Ohio, which he followed as well as farming. In 1852 he brought his family to Oblong Township. Crawford County, and en- tered 1,060 acres of land, and began at once to clear it and place it under enltivation. He im- proved 160 acres, and gave 100 acres to each of his nine sons, who cleared off their land. He was always a Democrat. He became a Granger. . 1 devont member of the Lutheran Church, he died firm in its faith in 1856, at the age of sixty-two. For many reasons he was known throughout the County, and was much respected.

John H. Wilkin was twenty-seven years old when he located for, the second time In Ohlong Township, his first location here having been in 1848, when he began living on a part of the land his father had entered from the Government. His wife died the same year, and he returned to Ohio, where he remained until 1852. His first marriage had occurred in Ohio in 1846 to Lavha Hilton, who was born and reared in Ohlo. They had one son. William Newton, born September 22. 1847. now living in Tiffin. Ohio. Mrs. Wilkin died in Oblong Township, December 1. 1848, and in 1850. Mr. Wilkin married in Ohlo. Emlly Wilson, who was born and reared in that State. They had two children: Mary Frances, born Decem- ber 26, 1851 : and Harriet, who died shortly after the death of her mother, which occurred in Craw - ford County. On March 1, 1855, Mr. Wilkin was

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married to Mary Comley, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Bazel Comley, a member of a prom- inent family of that State. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkin have had three children: Lafayette Clarence, born October 31, 1856; Lucy Emily, born Febru- ary 13, 1859; and Rosa Ann, born October 16, 1862, who died October 22, 1866, all three chil- dren being born in Oblong Township.

At one time Mr. Wilkin had 200 acres of land and cleared it all off and made many improve- ments upon it. In 1907 oil was discovered on his place and he now has thirty wells in active opera- tion, and this greatly enhances the value of his property. In politics he is a Democrat and, as Supervisor and School Trustee, has taken an ac- tive interest in local affairs. He also has been a Granger, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. His younger son is a minister of the Methodist Church, having been engaged in the ministry for eighteen years. Mr. Wilkin is a self- made man who enjoys in the highest degree the confidence and esteem of all who have the honor of his acquaintance.

WILKIN, J. J .- The farmers of Crawford County, Ill., are as a class intelligent, industrious men who by hard work and economic thrift have brought about the very desirable condition of affairs existing in their part of the State. J. J. Wilkin, of Section 16, Oblong Township, is one who has been largely instrumental in effect- ing the redemption of the wild land and its de- velopment into fertile and productive farms. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 9, 1834,.a son of Jacob Wilkin, whose biography will be found elsewhere in this volume. At two years of age he was brought by his father to Crawford County, where the latter entered 1,000 acres of land from the Government, and on reaching manhood, J. J. Wilkin received 100 acres as his share. This he cleared and cultivated, and made upon it all the present improvements. He lived as other pioneers of his day, and did his first plowing of the soil with oxen. To his original 100 acres he added 100 more, 50 acres of which he cleared himself.

On September 9, 1858, Mr. Wilkin married Caroline Bolp, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and a daughter of Abraham Bolp, deceased, who was a farmer and early settler of Fairfield County. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins are the parents of five children: Martha Adelia, Alice, Susan Katherine (deceased), Alva M., and Otis M .- all born on the homestead, and all educated in the district school. In 1907 oil was discovered on the property and Mr. Wilkin now has six wells in active operation. In politics he is a Democrat and has always supported that party. He and his family are consistent members of the Methodist Church.

WILKIN, Matthew .- Honored and respected among the men with whom he labored to build up Crawford County and make Illinois the great State it now is, as well as by those still engaged in this great work, Matthew Wilkin occupies a high place in the confidence of the people of Ob- long, Ill. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio,

December 5, 1829, a son of Jacob and Catherine (Burner) Wilkin, the former of whom was born February 27, 1795, in Shenandoah County, Va., and died on the farm in Crawford County, Decem- ber 13, 1856. His wife was born in the same county as her husband, March 15, 1802, and she, too, died on the Crawford County farm, Novem- ber 28, 1875.

In 1848 Jacob Wilkin bought 600 acres of gov- ernment land in Crawford County at $1,25 per acre, the tract being located seven miles north- east of Oblong. In 1850, or possibly at an earlier date, he bought a second tract of 240 acres at $6 per acre, and in 1851, 200 acres of prairie land, thus becoming one of the largest land-owners of the county. In 1852 he removed from Fairfield County, Ohio, with his wife and seven of his sons to Crawford County. Of their nine sons, two are deceased, there being no daughters in the family. The parents had been well trained to pioneer life in Ohio and so were prepared to face the hardships of their western home. Mr. Wilkin later gave to each of his sons 100 acres of land or its equivalent in money. As previously stated, his death occurred in Crawford County in 1856, four years after coming there, while his wife survived until 1875. Their children were : Enos, born October 11, 1823, is still living in Licking County, Ohio, aged eighty-five; John Henry, born July 22, 1825 ; Noah, born August 18, 1827; Mat- thew, born December 5, 1829; Jacob J., born March 9, 1834; Levi, born October 31, 1836, de- ceased ; Samuel, born March 9, 1839; Silas, born May 15, 1842; Absalom, born October 23, 1844, deceased. The family has been remarkable for the longevity and strength of its members.

Matthew Wilkin attended the common schools in his native county of Fairfield, Ohio, spent some time in college at Delaware, Ohio, and from there went to college at Granville, Ohio, in 1850, and during the winters from 1850 to 1860 was engaged in teaching for two terms being thus employed in Ohio and the remainder of the period in Craw- ford County, Ill. After coming to Crawford County he continued to make his home with his father up to the time of his marriage, on Sep- tember 29, 1853, in Licking Township, Crawford County, to Emily D. Fidler, daughter of Thomas and Matilda C. Fidler, both pioneers of Crawford County. Mr. Wilkin then purchased four acres of land with a building thereon adjoining the 100 acres given to him by his father. In the mean- time he had entered 40 acres of government land upon which he located in 1870, and continued to reside there until October 31,. 1907, when he re- moved to Oblong village, where he now resides with his son-in-law. He is the owner of 135 acres of land in Oblong Township, most of which has been improved by him or under his supervision. On March 20, 1908, oil was discovered on his land, and he now has six oil-producing wells in opera- tion, with others likely to follow. Mrs. Wilkin's father was a physician, and had a successful prac- tice. Like many of his neighbors, Dr. Fidler went to California in 1849, and returned in 1852, unlike many of his contemporaries being suc- cessful in his mining enterprises.

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Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Wilkin have children as follows : Elsie, born August 2, 1855, married George W. Grogan of Calloway County, Ky., and they have three children-they used to live on a farm seven miles north of Oblong, but now re- side in the city itselť; Myra, born December 29. 1857, married W. A. Redman of Oblong,-they had one daughter, now living, but the mother died January 14, 1885, the father having died previous to that date; Arthur M., born January 17, 1860. married Miss Emma Silcott of Colorado, and they are now living in Fort Collins in that State and have one daughter. .

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Illinois, Crawford County historical and biographical, Part 171

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1058

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1058