USA > Illinois > Greene County > Past and present of Greene County, Illinois > Part 39
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A. D. RUCKEL.
The pottery interests constitute one of the most important sources of revenue to the citizens of White Hall and Mr. Ruckel is a prominent representative of this line of ac- tivity, controlling one of the important pro- ductive industries of the town. From a humble financial position he has worked his way upward and is well entitled to the praise which the term of self-made man implies. His birth occurred in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, on the 22d of February. 1835. his parents being George and Hannah ( Cre- veling ) Ruckel, the former of German line- age and the latter of Scotch descent. From Pennsylvania the parents removed to Michi- gan, but after remaining in that state for a month went to Ohio, settling in Akron. They became residents of that place about 1846 and there continued to reside until
called to their final rest. The father had engaged in farming near Bloomsburg, Penn- sylvania, and after his removal to Ohio he carried on the same pursuit.
A. D. Ruckel spent his early youth in the state of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to the Buckeye state. He was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the public schools. He remained a resident of Akron until 1870, when he removed to White Hall and here became connected with the pottery interests as a manufacturer. He entered into partnership with M. C. Purdy, with whom he remained for five years and be .. tween 1875 and 1878 was a partner of A. F. Vedder in the drug, hardware and grocery business. Later he turned his atten- tion to the milling business, in which he continued for five years, but not finding that as profitable as he had anticipated he again began the manufacture of stoneware in 1883. He is now operating one of the leading in- dustrial concerns of the town, having a large plant, which is still conducted and wherein employment is furnished to about thirty workmen. In connection with his son Mr. Ruckel is also engaged in the retail coal busi- ness. His has been an active and useful career, in which he has displayed sound judgment in the control of business affairs and keen discrimination in determining the outcome of any business proposition. He is now practically living retired. leaving the active management of the pottery business to his son, but for many years Mr. Ruckel has been classed with the most progressive and substantial citizens of White Hall.
During the period of the Civil war Mr. Ruckel displayed his loyalty to the Union cause by enlisting as a member of Company H. Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with
.A. D. RUCKEL.
THE
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which he served for four months. He then returned to Ohio and went into a private armory at Hamilton, that state. where he en- gaged in the manufacture of breech-loading rifles for the United States. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party since he cast his first presi- dential vote for Fremont in 1856. Ile has ever kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is a stanch advocate of the party platform, believing that it contains the best elements of good government. lle was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church and attended both the Methodist and Presbyterian Sunday schools. He was at one time a member of the Masonic fraternity, but is not now actively affiliated with the craft.
On the 8th of October, 1868, Mr. Ruckel was united in marriage to Miss Emma Adams, a native of Akron, Ohio, and a daughter of Enoch Adams. The Adams family were Scotch Yankees and were stanch abolitionists prior to the Civil war. At an early day the representatives of the name moved from Portland, Maine, to Cleveland, Ohio. U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Ruckel has been born but one child, Carroll .A., who was born April 9. 1872, in White llall. The son has always been associated with his father in business and in 1893. upon his marriage, was admitted to a partnership on the 9th of Octo- ber of that year. He wedded Nora Myten- ger, a daughter of the well known merchant of White Hall of that name. Like his father, Carroll A. Ruckel gives his political alle- giance to the republican party and he belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to the Travelers' Protective Association. He is a young man of excellent business ability. a thorough master of the trade of pottery manufacture and in the control of the enter-
prise displays careful management. comsid eration for his employes and most honorable dealings with his patrons. Both father and son are classed with the representative busi- ness men of White Hall. honored and re- spected because of what they have accom- plished and by reason of the straightforward. honorable methods they have ever followed. In the year 1902 Mr. Ruckel paid a visit to his old home at Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, and there saw his first teacher. Mary Wor- man, now a widow living in that city. His residence in White Hall covers thirty-four years, during which time the town has prof- ited by his co-operation in many measures for the general good through his progressive citizenship, which has found expression in the assistance which he has rendered along many lines of improvement and progress in his chosen locality.
F. M. BALDWIN.
Among the most prominent. enterprising and progressive citizens of White Hall F. M. Baldwin is numbered and his interest in the town and its upbuikling is indicated by his active co-operation in various movements for the general good. . As mayor of the city he is conducting his affairs with the same dispatch and capability that he manifested in his business and in whatever relation of life we find him-in the government service. in politics, in business or in social circles - he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.
Mr. Baldwin is descended in the paternal line from Scotch-Irish ancestry. His father. Judge Benjamin Baldwin, now deceased.
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was a native of Virginia, born in 1792, and he became one of the most prominent and wealthy citizens of Greene county, Illinois. His, indeed, was a remarkable record. Find- ing that he had little opportunity for ad- vancement in Virginia, his growing ambition and desire for successful attainment led him to leave his old home in the south and re- move to a pioneer district, which, however, presented opportunities for more rapid and substantial development. It was in early manhood that Judge Baldwin made his way to Ohio, arriving in Cincinnati about 181I or 1812, with a capital of only fifty cents. His education had been extremely limited and he seemed to have no natural advantages save his strong mentality and force of character. He had been in Ohio but a short time when he volun- teered for active military service under General William Henry Harrison and be- came a lieutenant. He also assisted in build- ing Fort Meigs. As time passed he added to his knowledge through reading, observation and experience. He was ambitious for mental as well as material advancement and put forth every effort that would develop his intellectual powers. Removing to War- ren county, Ohio, his fitness for leadership was there recognized and he was called to fill official positions within the gift of the county. He was also made brigadier-gen- eral in the Ohio militia and further political honors awaited him, for he was twice elected to represent his district in the general assen- bly, being first chosen to that office in 1829. While in Ohio he was also candidate for the state senate, and while running for that office he met his first and last defeat. Again at- tracted by the possibilities of a frontier dis- triet he came to Greene county, Illinois, in 1849. and purchased land in White Hall
township. One year later he brought his family from Ohio to this state and after residing upon a farm for about nine years he took up his abode in White Hall. In business he was active, far-sighted and en- ergetic and he acquired several thousand acres of land, which he divided among his children as they became of age. In this state further political honors came to him, for in 1860 he was elected to the legislature and took an active part in the affairs of the gen- eral assembly during one of its most im- portant sessions. In politics he was a life- long democrat, with firm faith in the prin- ciples of the party, in the support of which he never swerved. His religious faith was that of the Universalist church. Judge Baldwin was united in marriage to Miss Martha Varner, who was a native of Hamil- ton county, Ohio, the wedding being cele- brated in the city of Hamilton in 1814. They became the parents of thirteen chil- dren, of whom F. M. Baldwin was the ninth in order of birth. Judge Baldwin passed away February 13, 1865, while his wife died in 1889, at the age of ninety-three years. He was a noble example of the self-made man, who arises to prominence through the opportunity which is the pride of our Ameri- can life. With a recognition of possibilities he put forth his strongest and best efforts. not only in business life, but also in political circles, and he won the prosperity which is the true reward of honorable effort and also gained an unassailable reputation as a citizen whose loyalty and devotion to the general good were above question.
F. M. Baldwin was born May 20, 1831. in Warren county, Ohio, and the first fifteen years of his life were spent upon a farm. lle continued at home until 1855. coming with his parents to Greene county, Illinois,
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in 1850. He afterward secured land at String Prairie, where he carried on agri- cultural pursuits on his own account until 1869, in which year he purchased the Rome. gristmill and in the ownership and oper ?- tion of this enterprise was connected wit's his brother. B. F. Baldwin, until 1883, when F. M. Baldwin sold out and removed to White Hall, where he has since lived. In his business affairs he was thoroughly trust- worthy as well as active and enterprising and by careful management of his interests he accumulated a handsome competence that now enables him to live retired.
On the 5th of April, 1855, occurred the marriage of F. M. Baldwin and Miss Mary .Agnes Bowman, who died in 1885. after a happy married life of about thirty years. They became the parents of nine children, of whom five are now deceased. Those still living are Mrs. Etta Griswold, who has three children : Mrs. Martha North, who has five children: Mrs. Mary Greer, who has three children : and Mrs. Agnes Woltrip. who has one child. Mr. Baldwin also has two great-grandchildren, one the child of a (laughter of Mrs. Griswold and one the child of a son of Mrs. North. After losing his first wife Mr. Baldwin was again marrie 1 in 1888, his second union being with Mrs. Cora B. Gullett, a daughter of Vilroy Rob- ley, a prominent farmer.
In his political views Mr. Baldwin has ever been a most earnest democrat, giving inflexible support to the principles of the party. He has frequently been called to a public ofice and his official service has been creditable alike to his constituents and to himself. In 1880 he was elected aldermin and in 1805 he was chosen mayor of the city, and in 1807 was re-elected. In 1800 he was defeated, but in 1903 was again
electel to that a ffice anders now serve for his third tern His adupnistragon has been most acceptable, for it has bead plancher- ized by economy, progress and improvemem. During his first term concrete walks were introduced into White Hall and the streets were lighted by electricity. During his & c- ond administration the water works system was established. He has favored every measure which he believed would con- tribute to the progress and upbuild- ing of White Hall and his efforts have been far-reaching and beneficial. Ile has several times served as school director in town HI, range 12, and yet Mr. Ballwin has by no means been a politician in the sense of office seeking. preferring to give his attention to the supervision of his private business interests. Realizing, however, that the duties and obligations of citizenship must be met. he has accepted the office of mayor when it has been the expressed wish of his fellow townstren that he occupy the office and his public record shows that the trust reposed in Fim was well pliced.
JAMES MCNABB.
James McNabb, editor of the ( rrolf- ton Gazette, was born in Clarksville. Mi- souri, and in early childhood was taken by his parents to Calhoun county, Illinois. Ilis boyhood days were spent upon the hon e farm and in the Oak Grove school he it- (mired his educ ition. On the 7th of March. 1874, after successfully pissing an examina tion, he was granted a teacher's certificate and for twelve years followed the profe- sion of teaching, spending seven sera .i that time as principil of the Hardin school
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On the 17th of March, 1877, he was ap- pointed county superintendent of schools for Calhoun county by the board of county commissioners. He was twice re-elected to this office, serving ten years, and then de- clined a third term. His active identifica- tion with journalism dates from the 10th of March, 1881, when he purchased the Cal- houn Herald, editing it for six years in ad- dition to his other duties. In 1886 he be- came half owner of the Carrollton Gasette and removed to Carrollton, assuming edi- torial charge of the paper on the 19th of July. This has since been his connection with the journal, which under his able direc- tion has become one of the leading papers in this part of the state, having a large local patronage.
Mr. McNabb has been active and promi- nent in other lines, especially in matters re- lating to progressive citizenship. He served one year as president of the board of education of Carrollton, and in April, 1892, he was appointed a member of the state board of public charities by Governor Alt- geld. filling the position for four years. Having studied law he was admitted to the bar by the supreme court at Springfield on the 11th of January, 1895, and on the 10th of March, 1895. by Judge George W. Herd- man, and was re-appointed March 10. 1899, by Judge O. P. Thompson, which position he is still occupying. In September, 1897, he became a student in the College of Phy- sicians and Surgeons in St. Louis, and dur- ing three succeeding years attended lectures at that institution when business conditions permitted. He is this continually broaden- ing his knowledge, keeping in touch with not only the general questions of the day but with the advancement along many scientific lines as well. He is a student by nature.
and his love of research and investigation has carried him into various fields of knowl- edge. Being interested in the political situ- ation of the country, he has labored for Democratic principles and was Democratic presidential elector for the twentieth con- gressional district in 1904.
On the 26th of June, 1889, Mr. McNabb was married to Miss Louise Pierson, of Car- rollton. He belongs to Carrollton Lodge, No. 50, A. F. & A. M .: Carrollton Chapter, No. 77, R. A. M. ; Hugh DePayens Com- mandery, No. 29, K. T .; Americana Lodge, No. 99. K. P .; and Carrollton Camp, No. 476, M. W. A. His influence in public affairs has been for all beneficial measures and his activity has been a resultant force in promoting local progress.
JEDUTHUN BRACE ELDRED.
Jeduthun Brace Eldred, for many years a most respected and worthy farmer of Greene county, was born in Herkimer county, New York. July 23. 1819. The founders of the family in America came from Wales, where at an early day a repre- sentative of the name had been knighted by the King of England in recognition of some valorous and meritorious deed and given a coat of arms, a copy of which is in posses- sion of his descendants. William Eldred and Ruth Brace were married in Herkimer county, New York, in 1816, and one the Ist of March, 1820, emigrated from New York to Illinois, driving in wagons to Olean Point, the head of the flatboat navigation on the Allegheny river in New York. Here they built flatboats, one for the family and one for the teams, and started on their long jour- ney down the rivers. Landing at Shawnce-
J. B. ELDRED.
MRS. J. B. ELDRED.
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town then started across the country to Ridge Prairie, near Downing Station, in Madison county, reaching their destination on the 2d of May, 1820. They remained in Madison county for a year, raising a crop and waiting for the Greene county land to come into market. At the land sale held in January, 1821. William Eldred bought four hundred acres, which is still in possession of the family. Ile was a cooper by trade. but he turned his attention to the develop- ment and cultivation of his land, which was then all wild and unimproved, and as the years passed he transferred his property into a productive farm.
Jeduthun B. Eldred, less than two years of age when brought by his parents to Greene county, was here reared amid typical pioneer scenes. The little pioneer homes upon the broad prairies were widely scat- tered and one could ride for miles without coming to a fence or habitation to impede his progress. The seeds of civilization were just being planted in the west at that time and the Eldreds bore their full share in re- claiming this county for the uses of the white man. J. B. Eldred attended the public schools of the neighborhood and throughout his life was a constant reader and thus con- tinually broadened his mind and added to his store of knowledge. School sessions only lasted through the winter months and in the remainder of the year he aided in the labors of the farm, using the crude machinery of the day, and performing by hand much of the labor that is now done with improved agricultural implements. Hle early formed habits of thrift and industry and developed a real liking for the work of the farm that made his labors a pleasure as well as a source of profit. Throughout his entire life he carried on agricultural pursuits, keeping in
touch with modern progress along that line. and quickly adopting any new methods which he beheved would prove of practical value in the work of tilling the fields and caring for his crops. He also added good buildings to his farm and kept everything about his place in good repair. . As the years passed he gained a very gratifying measure of prosperity and he became one of the original owners of the Carrollton Bank. His business integrity was above question and his life record proved that success and an honorable name may be gained simultme- ously.
On the 2d of September. 1847. in Greene county. Mr. Eldred was married to Miss Eliza Jane Thomas, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Thomas, who were among the first settlers of the county and also aided in its pioneer development. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eldred were born three sons and a daughter, namely: Samuel W., who mar- ried Miss Mary Jane Robertson : Elizabeth R., the wife of S. A. Fairbank: John L .. who married Fannie Jane Eldred : and Lewis J., who married Beatrice Andrews.
Mr. Eldred was always a stanch Repub- lican, with firm belief in the principles of the party, but never sought or desired office. He became a Mason in 1856 and exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit upon which the craft rests. Hle was a member of the Presbyterian church, and there were in his character qualities which commanded the respect and confidence of all, winning him warm and enduring friendships, and cius- ing his death, which occurred on the 13th of -April. 1888. to be deeply regretted by all who knew him. Ile had long been a rest- dent of the county, had been a witness of almost its entire growth and his aid had heen secure l as a co-operant factor in many
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public improvements resulting in general progress and improvement. He will long be remembered as a devoted father, a faithful friend, a public-spirited citizen and an hon- ored pioneer.
ARTHUR ROBLEY.
Arthur Robley is the owner of one of the best farms of Greene county and in its care and conduct he has displayed a progressive spirit second to no agriculturist of this part of the state. He was born April II, 1857, on the old family homestead, which is still his place of residence, his parents being Charles and Lydia A. (Day) Robley.
His paternal grandfather, Richard Rob- ley, was born in New Hampshire, May 12, 1791, and was a son of Mathew and Mary (Scott) Robley, natives of England, in whose family were seven children, namely : Elizabeth, Mary, Eunice, Angeline. Mathew, Richard and Henry. Richard Robley was married August 1I, 1814, to Desire Gris- wold, and eight children blessed this union : Eliza A., who married Thomas J. Brown and died December 29, 1831 ; Henry G., who married Caroline Griswold and lived near Carlinville, Illinois : George B., who wedded Mary Jordan and made his home in Greene county; Charles, who is mentioned below ; Emily, who married Julius Twitchell and lied September 22, 1872; Villroy, who mar- riedl Catherine Spence and lived in Bluffdale township: Walter S., who died November 6. 1836; and Mary, who wedded Thaddeus Brace and resided in Carrollton. . At an carly day Richard Robley left his old home in Vergennes, Vermont, and came west. be- coming a resident of Greene county, Illinois, in 1820, when this region was all wild and
unimproved. He was at one time owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land on which the city of St. Louis now stands, and afterward purchased what has since been known as the old Robley homestead in this county. After building a log cabin upon his- land he returned to St. Louis for his family in 1821, having left them there while he- looked up a suitable location. He came up the river on a flatboat and landed at what is now Newport. For over half a century he- made his home in Bluffdale township and amid pioneer surroundings he developed a farm, which he continued to cultivate and improve up to the time of his death. He died January 3. 1879, having survived his wife. many years, as her death occurred July 22, 1836. He served as captain in the Black Hawk war, was particularly helpful in ad- vancing the substantial development of Greene county, aiding in reclaiming the wild land for purposes of civilization and fostered many measures for the public good.
Charles Robley, the father of our subject,. was born in this county, on the 6th of No- vember, 1822, and was reared upon the old homestead. He devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits and the raising of stock, and became the owner of six hundred and eighty acres of land on sections 8. 9, 10 and 15. Bluffdale township, and four hundred acres east of Carrollton. He fed much stock for the market and in his business transic- tions was always found reliable, conducting his affairs in a manner that neither sought or required disguise. He was regarded as one of the prominent and influential citizens of his community, respected by all with whom he was associated. In politics he was a re- publican. On the 15th of November. 1849, he was imited in marriage to Miss Lydia .1. Day, a daughter of Samuel Day, who was
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a native of Vermont. She proved to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate on the journey of life and they became the parents of four children : Walter, the eldest, married Louisa Crane and is now living about three miles west of Carrollton. They have three children : Charles Il., Ella and Stella. Henry S. Robley, the second son, is living in Independence, Kansas, and is the owner of a farm in Greene county, east of Carrollton. He wedded Mary Crane. of Kansas, and their children are Alva, Pearl, Jessie, Elsie and Ealen. Emily is the wife of George A. Giller and their children are: Emma: Eva: Charles E., deceased ; Gussie: Lena: Clover: Alta: Byron; and Richard. Arthur Robley is the fourth men- ber of the family. The father died June 22, 1897, and the mother passed away December 20, 1899.
Arthur Robley was educated in the pub- lic schools near his father's home and has always remained on the old home farm. He continued to assist his father until the latter's death and he was appointed administrator of both his father's and mother's estates. Ile is today one of the most extensive and prosperous landowners of Greene county, his possessions comprising ten hundred and fifty-one acres of land in Bluffdale township. Every indication of modern progress along agricultural lines is seen upon his place and his is one of the most highly improved and valuable farms of this portion of the state. Ile has recently placed a levee around a por- tion of his farm at an enormous cost. It is two and a half miles in length and at the widest part is fifty-three and a half feet at the base. There is a two and a half inch slope with a ten-foot crown and the pit has all beeen laid on the oustide. This levee has been constructed at a cost of twelve thousand
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