USA > Illinois > Greene County > Past and present of Greene County, Illinois > Part 40
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dollars and other expenses will be incurred in its completion in accordance with the ideas of Mr. Robles. The water proses out through the levee through a three-juut sewer and valve and Mr. Robley expect- to add an eight-inch pump with a capacity of twenty-five hundred gallons of water per minute to pass over the top of the levee. In times of low water the drainage will be through the valve, but in times of high water this valve will be closed. This levee drains six hundred acres of land and reclaims four hundred acres. Mr. Robley's lands are not subject and never will be to drainage assess- ment, owing to a compromise made with the Keach drainage district and signed by the county judge. This was secured through the assistance of F. A. Whiteside, an attor- ney of Carrollton. Mr. Robley has con- structed and put in his own telephone line. He has every modern convenience upon his farm known to the city and at the same time enjoys the privileges of rural life. Ile lla- long been a breeder of high grade horses. He had Pioneer, with a record of 2:29 as z trotter, but he was also a double-gaited horse and had the track record at Carroll ton during his time. Mr. Rolley exhibited this horse at Kansas City and St. Loms. Pioneer won nine races out of eleven m straight heats and defeated Monon. owned by J. V. Striker, five times in straight hests. Mr. Robley also raised John R. Tanner, a fast horse, but sold him.
On the 27th of January, 1888, Mr. Rob- ley married Miss Gerturde M. Dayton, daughter of Thomas Il. and Mattie J. ( Ricketts ) Dayton. Her paternal grand- father was Matthew Dayton, who was born in Schoharie county, New York, July o. 1798, and was the son of Themas and Flixy- beth Dayton, of English parentige Met-
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thew Dayton spent his early life upon his father's farm and came west when twenty years of age. In 1819 he came to Greene county in company with Captain Richard Robley, previously mentioned, and others, the journey being made by wagon. He located in Woodville township on the Illinois river bottom, and like other early settlers used to send his produce down the river by flatboat to the St. Louis markets. Although he commenced life without capital he became the owner of five hundred acres of land along the bluff. In politics he was first a Whig and later a Democrat. In 1825 he married Margaret Taylor, who died in March. 1862, and his death occurred Octo- ber 4. 1874, in Montgomery county, Illi- nois. They had eight children.
One of this number was Thomas H. Dayton, the father of Mrs. Robley. He was born in Woodville township, this coun- ty, November 6, 1843, and spent his entire life upon the old homestead farm, being the the owner of five hundred and seventy-five acres of land. During the Civil war he en- tered the service and was mustered in Octo- ber 9. 1861, as a member of Company G. Sixty-first Illinois Infantry. He partici- pated in the battle of Shiloh, the siege of Vicksburg and other engagements, and at the close of the war was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois. The regiment to which he belonged was commanded by his brother-in-law, Colonel Nulton, of Carroll- ton. On the 31st of December, 1867. he was imited in marriage to Miss Mattie J. Ricketts, a native of Jersey county, Illinois, and a daughter of Aaron and Margaret (Barr ) Ricketts. Iler father was a soldier of the Black Hawk war, and after that strug- gle settled in Jersey county, where he died in March, 1852. Her mother's death oc-
curred in Greene county, April 21, 1874. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dayton were born seven children, namely : John M., Lizzie J., Mar- garet Gertrude, Amanda Ann, Robert E. Lee, Guy and Thomas Henry. The father of this family died on the 7th of May, 1882, and the mother was again married July 29, 1884, her second union being with Frank Clark. She is still living on the old home- stead.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Robley have been born four children: Lester C., now four- teen years of age; Clover L., eleven years old; Gilda Dayton, seven years; and Rich- ard Yates, a little lad of four summers. The parents are very prominent in social circles, and their own beautiful home is no- ted for its gracious hospitality. Mr. Rob- ley is an advocate of Republican principles, and is a member of Carrollton Lodge, No. 50, A. F. & A. M. He is one of the board of directors of the Greene county fair, and is justly regarded as one of the most pro- gressive men of the county. His business interests have become extensive and of an important character. and in their control he has displayed keen discernment, strong executive force and marked capability. Having carefully considered his plans, he is determined in their execution and his life record proves that prosperity is not the re- sult of genius, but is the outcome of clear judgment, experience and unfaltering en- terprisc.
JOSEPH B. WEISNER.
Joseph B. Weisner, living on section 16, Rockbridge township, is one of the thrifty farmers and stock-raisers of Greene coun- ty, owning and operating three hundred and
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sixty acres of land pleasantly situated with- in two and a fourth miles of Greenfield. He is a native son of Greene county, his birth having occurred February 20, 1848, in the township which is still his home.
His father, James N. Weisner, was a native of North Carolina, born January 10, 1803. The paternal grandfather. John Weisner, removed from North Carolina to Tennessee, where his son James was reared to manhood, and after reaching adult age he was married there to Martha Evans, a native of Tennessee. In 1829 they re- moved to Illinois and cast in their lot with the first settlers of Rockbridge township. Greene county. Few claims had been en- tered at that time, and the greater part of the land was still in a wild condition, not a furrow having been turned or an improve- ment made upon many an acre, but the pos- sibilities of development were there and to such worthy pioneer settlers as Mr. Weisner and his associates the county owes much for the impetus which they gave to its agricul- tural development at an early day. He opened up a farm and reared his family thereon. lle had nine children who reached mature years. He spent his last days in Greenfield, living a retired life, and there he passed away in 1884 at the age of eighty-one years. His wife died several years prior to that time, being called to her final rest in 1876.
Joseph B. Weisner was reared upon the old family homestead, acquired his educa- tion in the schools of Greenfield and re- mained with his father until he had attained his majority, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After his marriage he located where he now resides, at first renting the land, and when several years had passed
he bought twenty acres. Later, as oppor tunity afforded and his financial resources increased, he added to his place fr m time to time until he is now the owner of three hundred and sixty acres, constituting a very valuable farm. He has added to it all mod- ern equipments and accessories, has erected a large substantial barn, a good house and other buildings. In addition to the home place he owns ninety-three acres adjoining Greenfield.
On the 16th of October. 1872, in Ma- coupin county, Mr. Weisner was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Dews, a native of that county and daughter of John Dews, whose birth occurred in England, and who became one of the early residents of central Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Weisner have been born five children, one now deceased. Those living are: J. B., Florence 11. and Faye S., at home: and Ethel, the wife of Howard Strang, a farmer of Greene county.
Mr. Weisner is identified with Greenfield Lodge. A. F. & A. M., while he and his wife belong to the Court of Honor and the Mutual Protective League. Mrs. Weisner is also a member of the Methodist church. Since age gave to him the right of fran- chise. Mr. Weisner has been a stanch advo- cate of Republican principles, casting his first presidential ballot for General Grant in 1872. He has never sought or held office. but is interested in the success of his party. and, being a believer in good schools, he has served for some time on the school board. putting forth effective effort in behalf of education. His entire life having been passed in this county he has a wide acquaint- ance, and that his career has ever been hon- orable and upright is indicated by the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from boyhood.
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WILLIAM L. WINN.
William L. Winn, city attorney of White Hall, was born in Carrollton, July 29, 1870, his parents being Richard B. and Mary F. Winn. The Winn family is of Welsh and Scotch descent. His paternal grandfather, William Winn, was born May 17, 1803, and died November 27, 1866. He married Phoebe Osborn, who died April 22, 1858. Their son, Richard B. Winn, was born De- cember 8, 1843. on the old homestead farm, four miles west of Carrollton. He ac- quired a district-school education and after- ward attended the public schools in Car- rollton. In early manhood he learned the trade of machinist and gunsmith, but at the time of the Civil war he put aside all busi- ness interests and when in his twenty-first year offered his services to the government, enlisting on the 22d of August, 1864, as a member of Company H. Fortieth Missouri Infantry. He continued to serve until after the close of hostilities and was honorably discharged on the IIth of August, 1865. He was in several engagements and was dis- alled in the service in 1865. After the war, having done his full duty as a soldier, he returned home with a creditable military record and was engaged in farming for a year. He then entered a machine shop in Carrollton, where he remained until 1877. when, in connection with his brother, George Winn, he established a machine shop and foundry in White Hall, which they conduct- el until 1893. In 1895 he opened a gro- cery store in his building near the postoffice. in White Hall, and in this business enter- prise he is still engaged. Ilis son. Harry L., conducts a book, stationery and news Store in the same building. In 1868 Rich- ard B. Winn was married to Miss Mary F.
Luther, who was born in Grundy county, Illinois, September 17. 1850. ' Her father, Martin Luther, married Ursula Colgrove, who died in March. 1859. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Winn were born two children, William L. and Harry L., the latter born February 21, 1883.
William L. Winn was a student in the public schools of White Hall until he had mastered the branches of learning therein taught and afterward he entered the Uni- versity of Michigan, where he prepared for the practice of law, having formed a desire to become a member of the bar. He was graduated there in 1892. He is now recog- nized as one of the leading young lawyers of the Greene county bar, and undoubtedly has a bright future before him. A year after his admission to practice in 1892, he opened an office in connection with H. O. Tunison, under the firm name of Winn & Tunison, and the relation was sustained for some time, but eventually the partnership was dissolved and William L. Winn opened his present office. In 1892 he was elected city attorney, and with the exception of a period of four years has continually filled the posi- tion. He is not an office seeker, however. and does not take an active part in politics, caring for no political preferment outside of the strict path of his profession. He has a well appointed law office, equipped with a good library, and with the contents of the volumes he is largely familiar. His prac- tice has had a healthy growth and he is re- garded as a safe counselor as well as an able advocate before 'judge or jury. His knowledge of the principles of jurispru- dence is broad and accurate, and in the prep- aration of his cases he is thorough and pains- taking, and in control of the legal business of the city he has discharged his duties with-
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out fear or favor, and in his private prac- tice his devotion to his client's interest is proverbial.
Mr. Winn was married June 21, 1899. to Miss Edna Hixon, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Henry W. and Jeanette (Curtis) Hixon. Her paternal grandpar- ents were Solomon and Nancy ( Remley) Hixon. Her father, who was born in No- vember. 1833. is now living in Middlebury, Indiana. ller mother was a daughter of Charles 1. and Eunice ( Creager ) Curtis. Mrs. Winn is of English and German line- age. She attended the Female Seminary at Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is a most esti- mable lady, having the warm regard of many friends in White Hall. Both Mr. and Mrs. Winn hold membership in the Presbyterian church, and in his political views he is an earnest Republican, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day.
THOMAS E. MELVIN.
For seventy-four years Thomas E. Mel- vin has been a resident of Greene county. Few indeed of its citizens have so long resid- ed within its borders and he has intimate knowledge of its history as it has emerged from pioneer conditions to take its place with the best developed counties of this growing commonwealth. He has seen the work of improvement as it has been carried forward along progressive lines, and has co-operated in many movements for the general good. For more than half a century he has been numbered among the substantial and thrifty farmers of Rubicon township, and he is now living a retired life in the city of Greenfickl.
Mr. Melvin is a native of Tennessee, his
birth having occurred in Washington oams ty, on the 22d vi December, 1824. His in- ther, John Melvin, was likewise bern in len- nessee and was there married to Miss Enza Crouch. In the spring of 1831 he brought his family te Illinois, locating in Greene county, and later he settled in Rubicon town- ship, where he entered land from the gov ernment and opened up a farm, transform- ing a tract of wild prairie into richly culti vated fields. Subsequently he established his home in Greenfield, where his last years were passed, both he and his wife dying m this city.
Thomas E. Melvin was a youth of six years, when he accompanied his parents to Illinois and upon the old home farm he was retred. assisting in the arduous task of de- veloping new land as his age and strength permitted. The occupation to which he was reared he made his life work and as a com- panion and helpmate on life's journey he chose Miss Elizabeth Coonrod, who was born in Wayne county, Illinois, their mar- riage being celebrated in 1847. Her father, Stephen Coonrod, was a native of Kentucky and in 1829 came to Illinois, being among the first settlers of Greene county.
After his marriage Mr. Melvin engaged in firming on the old homestead for two or three years and afterward purchased a farm, while still later he bought the old home place, his father removing to Greenfield. There he successfully carried on general ag- ricultural pursuits until 1902, when he rented the farm and took up his abode in Greenfield, where he has since lived. He owned and in former years operated seven hundred acres of land, but has now divided the property among his children. He muude good improvements upon his farm, erecting a large and substantial barn and other neces
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sary outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. A two story brick house had been built by his father the fall before our subject was married. He was a very successful farmer and stockraiser, also fed considerable stock, shipping from two to four carloads of cattle to the city markets annually, together with a large number of hogs. His business capacity and executive force were demon- strated by the capable conduct of all his farming interests and the excellent financial results which attended his efforts.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin was blessed with six children, of whom four are living : Sylvester is married and owns a good farm in this county. He has four children : Leon, Morris, Mildred and Marguerite. George, also the owner of a good farm in Greene county, is married and has two liv- ing children, Ethel and Grant, the former the wife of George Sykes, by whom she has one child, Malcolm. George Melvin also lost one daughter, Lulu, who died in early womanhood in September, 1904. Edward is married and is a farmer of Rubicon town- ship. Minnie is the wife of Bert Metcalf, a farmer of Rubicon township, and they have three children, William, Lee and Lewis. Mr. and Mrs. Melvin lost two children, Edna, who died in early womanhood ; and Emma, who became the wife of Charles Smith, and died in 1893.
In his political views Mr. Melvin was formerly a Republican and cast his first pres- idential ballot for Abraham Lincoln, but is now a Prohibitionist. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and for some years he was active in the Grange. A resi- dent of the county from his youth to the present time, he has for seventy-four years been a witness of its development and is one of the few remaining carly settlers here. He
has seen the wonderful changes that have oc- curred during all these years as the county has been transformed from a wilderness and a swamp into a richly agricultural district, dotted here and there with thriving towns and cities which have all the improvements and conveniences known to the older east. He can remember the days when primitive farm machinery was used and, in fact, has even plowed when following the share as it has turned the soil. He also gathered the harvests in the primitive manner of the early days and as the years advanced was quick to take up the methods that facilitated the farm work. He remembers, too, the pioneer homes with their hardships and their hospi- tality. He commands the respect, confidence and friendship of his neighbors and ac- quaintances.
GEORGE WILLIAM DARR.
George William Darr is one of the native sons of Greene county, his birth having oc- curred in Carrollton township about three miles west of the city of Carrollton. His natal day was June 3, 1850, and upon the old farm homestead he spent the first seven years of his life. His parents were George and Rebecca (Hoffman) Darr, who went to Calhoun county, Illinois, in 1848. Both were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsyl- vania, and there spent the days of their child- hood, remaining residents of that state until their immigration westward to Illinois. They resided in Calhoun county until 1850, when they removed to Carrollton township, Greene county, settling upon a farm which was the birth place of their son George Will- iam. The father carried on agricultural
G. W. DARR.
MRS. G. W. DARR.
PUBLI _
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pursuits and stock-raising and although his life was quietly passed he gained a compe- tence as a reward of his persistent labor and careful management and he is now living re- tired in Kansas. His wife died in March, 1902. They reared a large family, namely : Elizabeth, who was married in 1864 to Willard Swan and died in Bluffdale town- ship: Amos, who married Henrietta Adams and is a resident farmer of Greene county ; Susan, who is the widow of Dennis Flatt. and makes her home in Kansas: Kate, the wife of B. Hilderbrand, also a resident of Kansas: Mary, the wife of Reuben Profitt, of Rice county, Kansas; Sarah, the wife of Elias Swires of Illinois : Mrs. Rebecca Butts, also living in Kansas; William, of this re- view : Ruth, who is the wife of William Robnett, a resident of Kansas; and Adeline, the deceased wife of Arthur Bandie, who is also located in the Sunflower state.
George William Darr at the usual age entered the public schools, acquiring his edu- cation in Bluffdale. After he laid aside his text-books he assisted his father in the con- duct of the old home farm and gained there a practical knowledge of the best methods for caring for the fields and for the stock. After reaching years of maturity he sought a companion and helpmate for life's journey and was married to Louvisa Snyder, a dangh- ter of John Snyder, of Bluffdale township. The young couple began their domestic life upon his father's farm and there resided until he purchased land, becoming the owner of a tract of eighty acres of land west of his present home. Later he successively pur- chased eighty, forty, thirty-seven, seventy- nine, another eighty, thirty, eleven, one hun- dred and twenty, one hundred and sixty, thirty-nine and fifty-nine acre tracts. In the meantime he sold several small tracts, but by
these various purchases he heys Lagone the owner of a very desirable farming property of six hundred and eighty six acres which is now well equipped with modern facilities and accessories. He uses the most improved machinery in his farm work and neities- and thrift are displayed in all departments of his farm. He handles considerable stock. especially southwest cattle, which he buy- in the St. Louis market, feeds, fattens and ships. His is one of the most attractive farm properties of Bluffdale township and is an indication of the gratifying success which has crowned his labors.
Mr. and Mrs. Darr are the parents of five children : Robert C., who married Adeline Flatt, half-sister of Daniel Flatt, and is now living in Bluffdale township, on the home place: Cora, the wife of Marshall Voiles of Greene county : Marion . A., who married . Adr Bass and is living on his father's farm ; Ida. who is the wife of Robert Russell and also resides on the old farm homestead; and Wesley, who is yet under the parental roof.
Mr. Darr is always loyal in his citizen- ship and his devotion to the general good has been recognized by his fellow townsmen, who have elected him to the office of asses- sor of the township and supervisor. He is a believer in Democratic principles and indi- cates his political preference by his ballot. Ile attends the Baptist church, although he is not connected through membership with any denomination. Fraternally he is asso- ciated with the Modern Woodmen and with the Farmers' Alliance. His interest in pul- lic affairs is deep and sincere and has led lum to co operate in many measures for the gen- eral good, but his chief attention is given to his business, which is carefully managed > > that he is counted one of the leading resident farmers. The accompanying group shows
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pursuits and stock-raising and although his life was quietly passed he gained a compe- tence as a reward of his persistent labor and careful management and he is now living re- tired in Kansas. His wife died in March, 1902. They reared a large family, namely : Elizabeth, who was married in 1864 to Willard Swan and died in Bluffdale town- ship: Amos, who married Henrietta Adams and is a resident farmer of Greene county ; Susan, who is the widow of Dennis Flatt, and makes her home in Kansas: Kate, the wife of B. Hilderbrand, also a resident of Kansas: Mary, the wife of Reuben Profitt, of Rice county, Kansas; Sarah, the wife of Elias Swires of Illinois ; Mrs. Rebecca Butts, also living in Kansas; William, of this re- view: Ruth, who is the wife of William Robnett, a resident of Kansas ; and Adeline, the deceased wife of Arthur Bandie, who is also located in the Sunflower state.
George William Darr at the usual age entered the public schools, acquiring his edu- cation in Bluffdale. After he laid aside his text-books he assisted his father in the con- (luct of the old home farm and gained there a practical knowledge of the best methods for caring for the fields and for the stock. After reaching years of maturity he sought a companion and helpmate for life's journey and was married to Louvisa Snyder, a daugh- ter of John Snyder, of Bluffdale township. The young couple began their domestic life upon his father's farm and there resided until he purchased land, becoming the owner of a tract of eighty acres of land west of his present home. Later he successively pur- chased eighty, forty, thirty-seven, seventy- nine, another eighty, thirty, eleven, one hun- dred and twenty, one hundred and sixty, thirty-nine and fifty-nine acre tracts. In the meantime he sold several small tracts, but by
these various purchases he has become the owner of a very desirable farming property of six hundred and eighty six acres which is now well equipped with modern facilities and accessories. He uses the most improved machinery in his farm work and neitness and thrift are displayed in all departments of his farm. Hle handles considerable stres. especially southwest cattle, which he buys in the St. Louis market, feeds, fattens and ships. His is one of the most attractive farm properties of Bluffdale township and is an indication of the gratifying success which has crowned his labors.
Mr. and Mrs. Darr are the parents of five children : Robert C., who married Adeline Flatt, half-sister of Daniel Flatt, and is now living in Bluffdale township, on the home place : Cora, the wife of Marshall Voiles of Greene county : Marion . A., who married Ada Bass and is living on his father's farm: Ida. who is the wife of Robert Russell and also resides on the old farm homestead; and Wesley, who is yet under the parental roof.
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