USA > Illinois > Christian County > Past and present of Christian County, Illinois > Part 54
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
494
PAST AND PRESENT
and attend to the other duties of the farm. Mr. Barnes is one of six partners who have valuable landed interests in southern Illi- nois and timber land in Mississippi to the amount of six thousand four hundred and seventy acres. Nature evidently designed him for a business man, as every enterprise with which he is connected seems to prosper the minute he comes into control, and he has generally carried forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken.
Mr. Barnes was married in 1860 to Miss Henrietta Branson, a native of Sangamon county, Illinois, and a daughter of Benja- min Branson. Of the seven children born of this union two died in infancy, the others being Benjamin L., who married Gertrude Hazlet and is now a general merchant and postmaster at Harvel, Illinois; Albert T .. who married Florence Shumway and is liv- ing in Denver, Colorado; Hallie, the wife of George L. Banks; Clara May, wife of A. R. Adams, a hardware merchant of Tay- lorville : and W. E., at home.
Mr. Barnes is a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to the commandery at Springfield, and is also a member of Rose Bud Chapter, O. E. S., of Taylorville. In politics he is a Republican, and in religious faith is a Pres- byterian. As a business man he has done much to advance the interests of Taylor- ville and he has been an eye witness of prac- tically the entire development of the city. On locating here there was not a sidewalk in the town and he had to wade through the mud in rubber boots. As there was no rail- road here at that time he rode by train to Assumption and from there he made the journey on horseback to Taylorville. He has become well known throughout this por- tion of Illinois as a prominent figure in busi- ness circles and he ranks among the leading citizens of his adopted county.
JACOB BILYEU.
Jacob Bilyeu is one of Christian county's native sons, for he was born on the farm in Prairieton township where he now resides, May 16, 1865, and he is a representative of an honored pioneer family of this state. His father, George Bilyeu, was born in Tennes- see in 1815, and came to Illinois in 1829, settling in Sangamon county, where he grew to manhood. He married Miss Elizabeth Workman, whose birth occurred in 1823. and they continued to make their home in Sangamon county until 1850, when they re- moved to Christian county and settled on the farm where our subject now lives. By oc- cupation the father was a farmer and he continued the operation of his land until called to his final rest on the 18th of March, 1895. His wife still survives him and con- tinues to reside on the old homestead farm.
Jacob Bilyeu passed his early life amid rural scenes and as soon as old enough to be of any assistance began to aid in the oper- ation of the farm. He also attended the neighboring schools and after completing his education gave his entire time and attention to agricultural pursuits. Since the age of twenty-one he has engaged in farming on his own account, and he and his mother now cwn three hundred and twenty acres in Prai- rieton township, their home being en section 3. He thoroughly understands the occupa- tion he has chosen as a life work, and being a man of good business and executive abil- ity, he has met with excellent success in his undertakings and now ranks among the sub- stantial citizens of his community. In con- nection with the cultivation of the soil, he is engaged in the breeding of fine Hereford cattle.
On the 19th of August, 1881, Mr. Bilyeu led to the marriage altar Miss Verinda Adams, a daughter of Isom Adams, of Prai --
MR. AND MRS. GEORGE BILYEU
497
CHRISTIAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS
rieton township, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. By this union eight children have been born, namely : Eva Lena, George Isom, James, John William, Lilly May, Jacob Eugene, Charles Thomas and Clarence Wilber, all at home with their parents. The family is connected with the Christian church and Mr. Bilyeu is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of Ameri- ca and the Improved Order of Red Men. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Democratic party and has filled the offices of school director and road commis- sioner in a creditable and satisfactory man- ner.
JAMES R. SHARP.
No history of this section of Illinois would be complete without mention of the Sharp family, of whom James R. Sharp is now a worthy and well known representa- tive. He was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, near Scottsville, in March, 1852, and in May of the same year his parents removed to what afterward became the town of Sharpsburg, Christian county. He is a son of Henry H. and Clarinda (Redfern) Sharp and on the paternal line he comes of Scotch-Irish descent, while on the maternal line he is of German lineage. The Sharp family was established in America long pior to the Revolutionary war by emigrants from the old world who first settled in North Carolina, but afterward removed to Virginia. At a later date the family was founded in Tennessee during the pioneer period in the development of that state.
William Sharp, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Tennessee and was there married to Miss Barbara Hunter, also a native of Tennessee. They became the parents of nine children and in 1836 they removed with their family to Macoupin
county, Illinois, settling in the northwestern portion of that county. There another child was added to the family. In 1838 Mrs. Sharp died and William Sharp after- ward wedded Miss Elizabeth Wilson, by whom he had five children. He was a blacksmith by trade and throughout his en- tire life he followed that pursuit. His death occurred on the 20th of June, 1875. By his first union he had the following chil- dren : Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph Mont- gomery; John; Henry H .; Winnefred, the wife of Gabriel Hurt; Lawson; George R .; Louisa, the wife of John Fair; William N .; Barbara, the wife of Thomas J. Fair; and Mary, the wife of Wesley Henderson. Too much cannot be said in praise of the char- acter of William Sharp, who lived an up- right honorable life, teaching by example as well as by precept. For forty years he was held as a model for the young and his life was also an inspiration for the aged. An earnest Christian gentleman, he held membership in the Baptist church, in which he served as deacon for many years. At all times he was honorable in his relations with his fellow men and his integrity stood as an unquestioned fact in his career. His second wife died about four years prior to his death.
Henry H. Sharp, father of our subject, removed to Macoupin county, Illinois, when twelve years of age. When twenty-one he enlisted for service in the Mexican War, joining the army in June, 1846, and serving until June, 1847. His brother, John Sharp, the uncle of our subject, was also a veteran of the Mexican War, accompanying his brother throughout the military service. The following fall after their discharge from the army they went to lowa and lo- cated the land warrants which had been given them in recognition of the aid which
498
PAST AND PRESENT
they rendered during the war. They se- cured a claim near the present site of the city of Oskaloosa and for a few months remained in Iowa, but returned the follow- ing year. On the 26th of June, 1851, Henry HI. Sharp was united in marriage to Miss Clarinda Redfern, a native of Macoupin county, Illinois, and unto them were born eight children. In 1852 they removed to Christian county, settling in Buckhart town- ship. Henry H. Sharp afterward sold his one hundred and sixty acres of land in Iowa and bought a farm in Buckhart township, comprising eighty acres, for which he paid five dollars per acre. When the Springfield & Southeastern Railroad was being con- structed through this county he and his brothers, John and George R. Sharp, were instrumental in having erected a depot near their homes in order to facilitate their ship- ments and the railroad company gave to the little village the name of Sharpsburg. Henry H. Sharp was very prominently iden- tified with public affairs in his township, contributed largely to the general good through his business activity and his co- operation in public interests and for many years he was an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity. He died February 6, 1890. It is interesting to note that Henry and John were together through the Mex- ican war, that they lived on adjoining farms, married sisters after the war and each had eight children.
James R. Sharp, whose name introduces this record. was educated in the public schools and in Blackburn University. In 1871 he became connected with mercantile life and was traveling salesman for the R. P. Smith Shoe Company of Bloomington for five years. In 1884 he became agent for the Phoenix Fire Insurance Company and occupied that position until January, 1903.
when he became manager for the American AAssurance Company of Newark, New Jer- sey, having jurisdiction over twenty-four counties in the state of Illinois. His ex- perience in connection with the insurance business covers twenty years, during which time he demonstrated his excellent quali- fications for the position which he now oc- cupies. He was successful in his work and his efforts brought to him a good financial return and proved of profit to the companies which he represented.
On the 28th of October, 1875, Mr. Sharp was united in marriage to Miss Flora A. Traylor, a daughter of Thomas I. and Mary (Mahaler) Traylor, both of whom are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp have a pleas- ant home in Taylorville and their marriage has been blessed with three children : Henry Isles, Mack H. and Flossie I. In his political affiliations Mr. Sharp is a Demo- crat. but has never been an aspirant for pub- lic office. For thirty years he has been a devoted and loyal member of the Mound Lodge, No. 122, A. F. & A. M., and he also belongs to Mystic Lodge, No. 164, K. P. He is a man of genial temperament and un- failing courtesy, well fitted for the line of work which he has chosen and in Christian county, where he is so widely known, he enjoys the unqualified confidence, respect and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.
O. K. MICENHIMMER.
A native of Johnson township where he still continues to make his home, O. K. Mi- cenhimmer has been identified with the ag- ricultural interests of that locality since reaching man's estate, and he is to-day the owner of a good farm of one hundred and twenty-three acres on section 22. He was born here on the 22d of January, 1866, and
499
CHRISTIAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
is a worthy representative of an old and honored pioneer family of Christian county, his parents being Daniel and Julia (Kellar) Micenhimmer, who located here in 1840. They were natives of Pennsylvania. The father died in this county in 1870, but the mother is still living at the age of seventy- nine years. For over sixty-three years she has made her home here and is to-day one of the oldest settlers of Johnson township. She was left considerable property at her hus- band's death and is still the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land, having given the remainder to her children. A lady of many admirable traits of character, she has become widely and favorably known and her circle of friends is very extensive.
Like most farmer boys O. K. Micenhim- mer aided in the labors of the fields and per- formed such other farm work which falls to. the lot of those reared in the country and his literary education was obtained in the local schools. Having become a thorough and practical agriculturist, he commenced farm- ing for himself at the age of twenty-one upon land owned by his mother and two years later she gave him the place he now owns and operates, consisting of one hun- dred and twenty-three acres. It was a wild tract when it came into his possession, but he has converted it into a well improved farm. He follows general farming and stock-raising.
Mr. Micenhimmer was married March 7, 1894, to Miss Mary Porterfield, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Porterfield, now living in Taylorville. Her father is a na- tive of Sangamon county, this state, but her mother was born in Ohio. Mrs. Micenhim- mer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his political views Mr. Micen- himmer is a stalwart Democrat and he takes quite an active interest in public affairs.
ROBERT NEWTON.
This well known and highly respected citizen of Rosamond township, residing on section 15. was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on the 23d of November, 1846, a son of Isaac and Rachel Newton, in whose fam- ily were twelve children, six sons and six daughters. By trade the father was a cooper, but followed farming in his later years. Our subject began his education in an old time log school house with a huge fireplace at one end and furnished with plank benches, but later pursued his studies in a frame building. His boyhood and youth were passed upon the home farm.
Desiring to make for himself a home, Mr. Newton left the parental roof after attaining his majority and worked by the month and year for nine years, following various occu- pations during that time, including farm work and coal mining, at which he engaged for two winters in Ohio. Having saved some money he then purchased a small farm on a bluff, which he afterward sold for eighty-three dollars per acre.
It was in 1881 that Mr. Newton left Ohio and came to Illinois, first locating near Oco- nee, Shelby county, where he spent twelve years, renting a farm of nine hundred and sixty acres. In 1893 he removed to Chris- tian county and settled south of his present beautiful home on section 15. Rosamond township, remaining there six months. At the end of that time he located on the farm where he now resides and has since devoted his time and energies to the improvement and cultivation of his place. In 1894 he erected a substantial barn for the storing of hay and grain and later built another barn, which is really a cornerib and carriage house combined. This building also contains a complete work shop, where he does all kinds of repairing. The old house has been set
500
PAST AND PRESENT
aside for a smokehouse and has been re- placed by a regular city home with all mod- ern conveniences. It was designed by Hoff- man Brothers, architects of Fillmore, Illi- nois, though Mr. Newton assisted in mak- ing the plans. The house is heated by hot air and furnished in a most approved man- ner, making it a very attractive home. In connection with general farming he is en- gaged in stock-raising and owns a thor- oughbred Shire stallion, John Jay, a famous animal with a good record. being one of the finest types of the Shire breed in this coun- try. His blood is of the best, among his ancestors being such famous horses as Car- dinal, Heart of Oal. Glory, Honest Tom and Thumper. He is a beautiful gray with long mane and weighs twenty-two hundred pounds. In competition he always carries off the laurels, having won the first prize when on exhibition in show 'rings on three different occasions when competition was strong.
At Canal Dover, Ohio, September 5. 1874. Mr. Newton was married to Miss Martha Fockler, who was born December 9. 1851, a daughter of Daniel and Tamsan (Swigert) Fockler. Her mother was born in Harrison county, Pennsylvania, January 20, 1827, and during childhood was taken by her parents to Coshocton county, Ohio. where she resided for many years. On the 15th of February, 1847, she gave her hand in marriage to Daniel Fockler, by whom she had seven children, six still living. Re- sponding to the country's call to arms dur- ing the dark days of the Civil war her hus- band shouldered his musket and became a brave and faithful soldier for the Union. He enlisted in 1861 in Company B. Fifty- first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. and at the close of the war received an honorable dis- charge. With his comrades he started joy-
fully home, happy in the anticipation of meeting wife and little ones. He was strong and hearty and had money in his pockets for the loved ones at home. He was last seen by his comrades at Port Washington, Ohio, not far from home, but there he sud- denly disappeared as if the ground had opened and swallowed him and no trace of him was ever discovered. Death at such a time would have been a terrible shock to all. but this unexplained disappearance was worse than death. With Christian forti- tude the widow gathered the little ones more closely about her and devoted her life to their good. She was ever the kindest of mothers and the grief of her bereavement was hidden from them in her heart. For some years her health was not of the best. but she was tenderly cared for by her chil- dren, who appreciate what she did for them in former years. She was a faithful mem- ber of the Methodist church and was ready to go when the Master called.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Newton have been born seven children, namely: Belle, now the wife of William Drain, of Oconee, Shel- by county, by whom she has two children, Mildred and Harold: Edward, at home : Florence, who died at the age of one year ; Maud, Lucy and Jennie, all at home; and Ray, who died at the age of three years and two months. The children have been given good school advantages and the family is one of prominence in the community where they reside. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Newton is a very active and prominent member, being first vice-president of the missionary board. steward of the church and Sunday-school teacher.
Mr. Newton can relate many interesting experiences of pioneer life. He well re- members when the first parlor lamps used
501
CHRISTIAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
in Ohio were the old brass lamps. He often helped to mold and dip candles and used to polish the old brass lamp. During his boy- hood and youth his clothes were mostly made of linsey woolsey and jeans. At that time the family went to camp meeting in an ox cart, the grove being lighted up at night by candles fastened to the bushes. Cooking was done over the fireplace, the kettles being suspended from a huge crane. When his parents first went to housekeeping, the cook- ing was done in a dugout and the bread baked in a tin reflecter set in front of the fireplace. Mr. Newton has eaten corn pone baked on a board before the fire. His first plow was of the old jay kind and he culti- vated his corn with a single shovel plow to which one horse was hitched. To cut his grain he used the reap hook and scythe be- fore the cradle came into use. Things have changed very materially since those times, and Mr. Newton's farm is now supplied with the latest improved machinery and all of the conveniences and accessories of a model farm are there found. Mr. Newton is a man of exemplary habits, never using tobacco or intoxicating drinks in any form, and his life has been such as to gain for him the confidence and high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact. In business affairs he has met with success and the prosperity that has come to him is well merited, for he started out in life for himself with no capital and by industry, persever- ance and good management has worked his way upward to a position of affluence.
THE ASSUMPTION NEWS.
The Assumption News is the oldest paper in Assumption and one of the oldest in Christian county. Through neglect on the part of the founders no files were kept and the early books have been destroyed. It is
known, however, that the paper is more than twenty years old. It was first started as the Saturday Morning Herald and ran under this name for more than ten years. Several different men had it during this period and all records were either lost or destroyed.
The paper was purchased by Herbert E. Bixby about nine years ago and the name changed to The Assumption News. At the same time the publication was changed from Saturday to Thursday, Mr. Bixby feeling that this date gave his advertisers a better opportunity to reach his readers in time for their week-end trading. That this move was a wise one was proved by the circulation list, this taking an almost immediate up- ward jump. The advertisers also showed their appreciation by increasing their space.
The News remained in Mr. Bixby's pos- session until his death in August, 1902. It was then run by the executor of his estate, E. C. Watson, until March 17. 1903, when the paper and plant was purchased by F. W. Compton, and he, in turn, sold it to Richard D. Hebb, a young newspaper man. Mr. Hebb is a Hoosier product, having been born in Terre Haute, Indiana, and receiving his early education there. He was practi- cally reared in a print-shop, his father, George H. Hebb, having one of the largest and best equipped offices in western Indiana. Shortly after leaving school Mr. Hebb went to work as a reporter on the Terre Haute Tribune, and since that time has been en- gaged in newspaper work in New York city. Pittsburg, Chicago and Kansas City. Im- mediately after taking charge of the News, Mr. Hebb enlarged the paper from a six to a seven column, eight page paper. The Neres has always had a reputation for reli- ability and conservatism that speaks well for its owners and its desirability as a good home paper.
502
PAST AND PRESENT
J. W. CAMPBELL.
J. W. Campbell, the popular postmaster of Morrisonville, is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Sangamon county, 1841. His ancestors came originally from Scotland, but the family was founded in this country at an early day. His paternal grandfather was killed in the war of 1812. Abraham Campbell, our subject's father, was born in Illinois in 1811 and became a Methodist Episcopal preacher, his time be- ing devoted to the work of the ministry from 1852 until his death in 1878. His wife bore the maiden name of Phoebe Shep- pard and belonged to a prominent Ohio fam- ily, in which state she was born.
Mr. Campbell, of this review, began his business career as a clerk in a drug store and later applied himself to the study of medicine, being graduated at the American Medical College of St. Louis in 1877. He engaged in the practice of his chosen profession and also conducted a drug store at Ashley, Illinois, until coming to Morri- sonville in 1874. Here he has made his home continuously since and has served as postmaster most of the time, being first ap- pointed to that position in February, 1878, by President Hayes. Being a Republican he was out of office during President Cleve- land's administration, but when his party again came into power he was re-appointed, which fact plainly indicates his fidelity to the trust reposed in him and the high re- gard in which he is held by his fellow citi- zens. He takes a very active and prominent part in political affairs and is a recognized leader of his party in this part of the state. Hle has secured four rural routes for Chris- tian county and in other ways has done much to promote the interests of this region. Mr. Campbell has been twice elected a mem- ber of the county board and was its chair-
man. He has also served as mayor of Mor- risonville and was a member of the school board for many years. His public and pri- vate life are alike above reproach for he has always been found true to every trust re- posed in him and has discharged his official duties in a most capable and satisfactory manner.
Mr. Campbell was married in 1865 to Miss Elizabeth Gill, who is a representative of an old pioneer family of Kentucky, and to them have been born the following chil- dren : Nellie, deceased; Renie; Kittie, also deceased; Fannie; and Eva, who is now serving as deputy postmaster under her father.
CHARLES A. MONTGOMERY.
Charles A. Montgomery, one of the lead- ing agriculturists of Mount Auburn town- ship, has spent his entire life upon the farm on section 25 where he now resides, his birth having occurred there February 8, 1863. His parents were John and Sarah ( Snider) Montgomery, the former born in Pennsylvania, May 24, 1817, the latter in Maryland, January 26, 1821. It was in 1848 that they came to Illinois, and after living elsewhere for some years they took up their residence in Christian county in 1860. Our subject's paternal grandfather, J. R. Montgomery, was born in Ireland in 1790 and when ten years of age came to this country with his mother, his father being already here.
During his boyhood and youth Charles .A. Montgomery remained at home with his parents and pursued his studies in the Mont- gomery district school. He lived with his father until the latter's death and has since had charge of the old home place, owning one hundred and fifty-five acres of rich and arable land under a high state of cultiva-
503
CHRISTIAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
tion. He is a progressive and energetic farmer and has met with good success in his chosen work.
Mr. Montgomery was married in 1894 to Miss Margaret Kennedy, a daughter of Malachy and Mary (O'Brien) Kennedy. Her father was a native of Ireland and came to the United States in 1843. It was in 1850 that he became a resident of Illi- nois. He died in 1895, and his wife passed away in August, 1892. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery : one who died in infancy; Charles I .; and B. K. and Mary, twins. Mary died when only three days old. The wife and mother is a member of the Catholic church and she and her husband are highly respected by all who know them.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.