USA > Illinois > Greene County > Past and present of Greene County, Illinois > Part 45
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George W. Cunningham was reared upon the home farm and in his youth enjoyed good common school privilèges. He assisted his father in the cultivation of the place until the latter's death, when he took charge of the farm and continued its operation through several years, succeeding to a part of the place, which comprised three hundred and twenty acres of well improved and highly cultivated land. In connection with general farming he likewise engaged in the raising, feeding, buying and shipping of stock, de- voting his energies to these pursuits from his boyhood days until he left the farm. lle re- moved to Greenfield in October, 1893. al- though he continued to deal in stock and make shipments from this point until 1895. In that year he purchased a half interest in the Greenfield roller mill, of which he took charge, and continued the operation of the mill for three years, but in the spring of 1898 he sold his interest in that property and has since lived practically retired, merely giving his supervision to his farm and property in- terests.
On the Podeof March. 1884. Mr. Cun- ningham was married to Miss Martha A. Boatmin, of Cave City, Kentucky, who was retire 1 and educated there, her parents being Henry and Sarah F. Boatman, also natives of Kentucky, Mr. Beatman following the oc- cupation of farming in Byron county.
In his pohtiendl views Mr. Cunningham is a stalwart Republican, never faltering in his
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allegiance to the party since he cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield. He has never sought or desired office, although he served for one term as assessor and has been alderman of Greenfield, while for a term he acted as mayor of the city. He has also served as president of the board of edu- cation and no public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree, for his interest in the welfare of the city is deep and sincere. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and belongs to a number of its auxiliary societies repre- senting various lines of church activity. She is also a faithful worker in the Sunday- school. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham made a trip to the Pacific coast in 1903, visiting many points of interest in the west. The reader in search of a sensational chapter can not find it in the life history of Mr. Cunning- ham, but those who have appreciation for true worth, for business activity and sterling purpose will find his career one of interest, for these sterling traits have always been manifest in him and the county may well be proud to number him among her native sons.
GEORGE CHRISTY.
George Christy is one of the extensive landowners of Greene county, living in Kane township, and is a representative of one of the old and honored families here. His father, John Christy, came to Illinois at a very early day, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Greene county when the work of progress and improvement had scarcely been begun in this part of the state. He married Miss Elizabeth Dennison, a
native of Kentucky, and they became the parents of eight children. John Christy de- voted his energies to agricultural pursuits and his excellent business ability and keen discernment were demonstrated in the suc- cess which attended his labors. He worked persistently and diligently, made careful in- vestment of his financial resources and be- came the owner of extensive landed interests. He died in the year 1845 and his wife passed away in 1872.
George Christy, the youngest of their eight children, was born on the old family homestead in Kane township, on the 7th of November, 1839. No event of special im- portance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his youth and throughout his entire life he has superintended extensive agricultural interests. He is now the owner of a very valuable farm of five hundred and ten acres in this county and has extensive realty holdings and other desirable property, including five hundred and fifty acres in Jersey county. His is one of the most ele- gant homes of the county, the palatial resi- dence being supplied with furnishings such as wealth can secure and refined taste sug- gest.
In September, 1875, Mr. Christy was united in marriage to Miss Annie M. Sunder- land, a native of Jersey county, Illinois, and a daughter of Lord Sunderland, who located there at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Christy occupy a prominent position socially and the hospitality of the best homes of Greene county is cordially extended them. In citi- zenship Mr. Christy is reliable and loyal and his co-operation may always be counted upon in support of any measure which he deems of public benefit. In politics he is a Repub- lican, but has always refused office.
GEORGE CHRISTY.
MRS. GEORGE CHRISTY
THE
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
THOMAS HENSHAW.
Thomas Henshaw, engaged in the prac- tice of law in Carrollton, has gained the suc- cess which follows individual merit and the careful preparation of cases. He has a large clientage connected with much of the im- portant litigation tried in the courts of the district, and his earnest effort, close appli- cation and close study of the principles of jurisprudence have been the salient features in his advancement.
Mr. Henshaw was born in St. Louis county, Missouri, April 19, 1848, and is a representative of southern ancestry, the fam- ily having been founded in America in col onial days. His grandfather, Captain Will- iam Slaughter Henshaw, was a native of Martinsburg. West Virginia, where also oc- curred the birth of Hugh L. Henshaw, the father of our subject. After arriving at years of maturity he went to Missouri, the date of his removal being 1845, and he con tinted a resident of St. Louis county until his death, which occurred on the 25th of No- vember, 1861, resulting from the kick of one of his horses. He followed the occupa tion of farming throughout his business ca- reer. Ile married Miss Fanny Patterson, a native of St. Louis county and they became the parents of seven children.
Thomas Henshaw, the eklest of the fam ily, acquired his preliminary education in the public schools and afterward attended Bry ant & Stratton Business College in St. Louis He was but thirteen years of age at the time of his father's death. In 1867 he came to Greene county, where he began teaching school, following that profession until the spring of 1876 and giving an upward im- petus to the schools with which he was asso ciated, for he was an able instructor, imp. rt-
mg readily and clearly to other- the knowl edge that he had acquired. During the Ias ter part of that person he devoted his leshire hours to the study of law and in July. 1876. he went to Winchester, Ilinois, where he be came a law student in the office of Knapp & Riggs. In January, 1878, he was admitted to the bar and opening an office in Carroll ton he began practice. In March, 1879. he removed to White Hall, where he remamed in practice until November, 1800, when he returned to Carrollton and has since re- mained a member of the bar of that city llis advancement has been continuous and has resulted from his devotion to Ins clients interests, his careful preparation of cases and his clear and forceful presentation of his cause before judge or jury.
On the 14th of October, 1880, Mr. Hen- shaw was united in marriage to Amanda. a daughter of Absalom Boren, a citizen ni Pike county, Illinois, and a representative of one of the old families of this state. Their children are Harold, who is now in Chicago. and Lesah Virginia.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Henshaw is an Odd Fellow and is also connected with the Masonic fraternity, a member of Carroll ton Lodge, No. 50. In his political views le is a Democrat and while living in White Hall he served for two ternis as orty attor- ney, being the first to occupy that position after the incorporation of the coy. He was a member of the board of education tor three terms and during the list terit was president of the board In matters of citi zenslup he is always deeply interested In Has been the champion of many mesure. which Have proved effective for the public good In 1888 he was elected 9.00 - sitter ney and was re-elected in 1892 without of position. He proved most capable and re
21
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PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
tired from office as he had entered it, with the confidence and regard of all who knew auglit of his official service. He Is now giv- ing his undivided attention to the private practice of law and has secured a good clientage, while the legal fraternity, as well as the public, recognizes his capability and accords him a creditable position in its ranks.
CHRISTIAN DAMM.
Christian Damm is one of the successful farmers and stock-raisers of Linder town- ship. His landed possessions are repre- sented by a farm of two hundred and forty acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He is a native son of Greene county, his birth having occurred in Carroll- ton on the 21st of January, 1844. His father was Dieter Damm, Sr., and he is a brother of Dieter Damm, Jr., who is repre- sented elsewhere in this work.
Christian Damm was reared on the home farm and enjoyed the advantages afforded by the common schools and received prac- tical business training from his father in the labor of the fields. When he had reached man's estate he started out in life on his own account, beginning farming for himself on a tract of land of eighty acres, which he cul- tivated for five years. He then sold that property and bought one hundred acres where he now resides, becoming owner of this in 1869. Ile at once began its further development and as his financial resources increased he added to his property from time to time until he is now the owner of two hun- (Ired and forty acres of rich land. In con-
nection with general farming he has made a business of raising, feeding and fattening stock for the market and has prospered in these undertakings. He has also engaged in merchandising, carrying on that business for twelve years with fair success. He sold his store in 1903 in order to devote his entire time and attention to his farming and stock- raising interests, which had divided his labors with commercial pursuits while he was con- ducting his store.
Mr. Damm was married in Linder town- ship, April 12, 1865, to Marguerite Rath- geber, a native of Germany, who was reared and educated, however, in Greene county, Il- linois. Five children have been born of this union, namely : Christian, who is on the farm with his father; Philip, who is engaged in merchandising at Carrollton; Katy, the wife of Oscar Combrink, a farmer of Linder township; Maggie, the wife of Cliff Jacobs. also a farmer, located near Kirksville, Mis- souri ; and Ella, at home.
In his political affairs Mr. Damm is a Democrat but his first presidential vote was cast for General U. S. Grant in 1868. He has never been an office seeker, nor has he cared for political preferment but has given his time and attention to his business inter- ests in which he has met with success. He is, however, a public-spirited citizen, deeply in- terested in all that pertains to the substantial upbuilding and improvement of his county. He and his wife are members of the Pres- byterian church and have a wide and favor- able acquaintance in Greene county where for many years his business integrity and ac- tivity have been tested. The qualities of an upright manhood have been manifested in his active career and those who know him esteem him for his genuine worth.
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY
WILLIAM A. HUBBARD.
William .A. Hubbard, who in public office has demonstrated his right to rank with the representative citizens of Greene county, and who is now engaged in the publication of the Carrollton Gasette, the oldest paper in south- ern Illinois, was born ten miles west of White Hall, in this county, December 17. 1864. His parents, William and Martha (Kline) Hubbard, were born and reared in this county and were here married. The father acquired his education in a log school- house near White Hall, school being con ducted on the subscription plan. His parents removed from Kentucky to Illinois in the winter of the "deep snow," 1830-31. Will- iam Hubbard, reared to the occupation of farming amid the wild scenes of environ- ments of pioneer life. carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, and in 1880 he retired to enjoy a well earned rest. He took up his abode in Car- rollton, where he and his wife are now liv- ing. He has been a life long Democrat, hav- ing supported that party since casting his first presidential vote. For thirty-five years he has been a member of the Baptist church. He has taken an active and helpful interest in public affairs from pioneer times down to the present and his labors have contributed to the general progress. Unto him and his wife were born ten children and with the exception of the youngest all are yet living.
William A. Hubbard attended the dis- triet schools of Greene county until 1882. after which he spent a year as a student in the White Hall high school and three years in the Carrollton high school, being gradu- ated from the latter in the spring of 1886. During the succeeding four years he was engaged in teaching in the district schonls.
proving a capable teacher, with afoldy 0cm part clearly and concisely to others the knowledge he had acquired. In 18go he re ceived the Democratic nommation for the office of county superintendent of schools and was elected to that office by the largest majority ever given a man in the county. Hle served for four years in a most acceptable manner. the public school system being im- proved under his administration, and was then elected county clerk in 1894. Follow - ing his first term of four years he was re- elected, and in 1902 he retired from the office as he had entered it .- with the confidence and good will of all concerned, for he had ever been prompt. faithful and efficient in the discharge of his duties.
In the meantime Mr. Hubbard had pur chased of Thomas D. Price a half interest in the Carrollton Gazette, and took passes sion January 1. 1897. He is still connecte | with this paper and is one of the editors and publishers. The Gazette was established in 1846 and is the oldest newspaper having a continuous existence, in southern Illinois. U'nder its present management it has become a most creditable paper to Greene county, with a large circulation so that it is a good advertising medium. Mr. Hubbard's inter- est in the general welfare is deep and sin- cere and is manifest in a tangible wn in helpful effort. He is now serving for the second term as president of the board vi education and the public schools of Corron ton find in him a warm friend.
On the roth of September, 1897. Mr Hubbard was married in Carn alten to Miss Grace V. Sonive, a daughter of Dr Jque- Square, a resident physican of Uns enty Her me ther who here the menden name ci Mirthat Bralen, ched when Mrs Huldwird was quite young Mrs Hubbard attended
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PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
the Carrollton high school for three years, and for one year was a student in the Illi- nois Woman's College. There is one daugh- ter by this marriage, Martha Helen, born February 17, 1900.
Mr. Hubbard is a valued member of sev- eral fraternal organizations. He has be- longed to Carrollton lodge, No. 342, 1. O. (). F., since 1887, is also a member of Car- rollton encampment. No. 80, I. O. O. F., and has been representative to the grand lodge of the state for three years. He is like- wise a member of the Elks lodge, at Alton, Illinois, the Modern Woodmen of America and at one time was affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. A wide acquaintance has brought to him many friends and he stands to-day as one of the prominent and influential residents of Greene county.
H. S. EDWARDS.
H. S. Edwards, who is engaged in the livery business in White Hall, was born in Missouri, July 14, 1849, his parents being Louis B. and Annie ( Stringer ) Edwards. The family is of Scotch-Irish and American ancestry. The father was born in Virginia in the year 1804 and removed from that state to Kentucky, afterward lived in Illinois and subsequently became a resident of Mis- sotiri. Ile was married in Kentucky to Miss Annie Stringer and he followed the occu- pation of farming as a life work, thus pro- viding for his family. He had five sons and two daughters, and three of the sons were soldier of the Civil war. The father died 11. 1874 and the mother passed away in 1803 it the age of sixty years.
parental roof and remained on the old home- stead farm through the period of his min- ority. He acquired his education in the pub- lic schools and in 1871, when twenty-two years of age, he removed from Missouri to Illinois. He had been reared to the occupa- tion of farming and he followed that pursuit until 1884, when he established a livery business in White Hall that he has since conducted. He has a large line of fine car- riages and other vehicles and also owns a large number of excellent horses. His bus- iness is growing and his earnest desire to please his patrons combined with honorable motives has been one of the strong points in his success.
In 1872 Mr. Edwards was united in mar- riage to Miss Annie Dowdall, who died in 1882, leaving three children. James, Erith and Blanche, all residents of this county. Mr. Edwards was again married December 24. 1892, his second union being with Miss Ada O. Bingham. They attend the Chris- tian church and Mr. Edwards contributes generously to its support. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp and in his political views is independent, voting for men and measures rather than for party. For thirty- three years a resident of Greene county, he is well known within its borders as a reliable business man and respected citizen.
MARCUS NORTH.
Marcus North, one of the best known and most popular farmers and business men of Greene county, still resides on the old family homestead, which has been owned by the Norths for three generations, and
HI S. Edwards was reared under the a part of the residence was built by
MRS PRUDENCE NORTH
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PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
his grandfather in 1835. The original home, which was built in 1821, has been destroyed. The North family is of English lineage, and also of Huguenot descent. The grandfather. Asahel North, was born in Farmington, Connecticut, September 3. 1782, and spent his early life in the east, but in the prime of his manhood came to Illinois, becoming one of the heroic band of pioneers in Greene county. While his prairie schooner was waiting at his door in Windsor, Ver- mont, he was married to Miss Prudence Swallow, and they left immediately for Illi nois. In 1821 he bought a squatter's claim. formerly the property of Mr. Anders, and rifter purchasing his homestead began the development of the farm, performing the arduous labors necessary to the cultivation of a new and hitherto uncultivated tract of land. He made his home continuously upon this farm, which is now the abode of our subject, and he became recognized as one of the representative agriculturists and honored pioneer settlers of his community. In 1826 he and his wife returned east on a visit. taking with them a dog, which was lost at Buffalo, New York, and on reaching home. after spending about one year in Windsor. Vermont, and Farmington, Connecticut. they found the dog waiting for them. The poor fellow had been shot through the neck and was still bleeding from the wound when he arrived home, though he lived for a year or two after that. \ barbecue and celebra- tion was held in the old North grove July 4. 1843. Isabel North died upon this farm March 19. 1846, and his wife, who was born September 10, 1799, passed away July 2. 1874. having survived him many years.
This worthy couple reared a family of twelve children : Henry, who died Septem ber 23. 1821 : Lucy, who was born in 1822
and died im too1 : Marcus, who was born in 1824: Sylvi, who was born ml 1827 and died in 1879: Lmus, who was born in 1820 and died Jannary 14. 1843, at the age of thirteen years, eleven months and nmeteen days: Samuel, who was born in 1831 and died in 1851, at the age of twenty years, mine months and six days: George, who was born in 1832 and died September 2, 1845, at the age of twelve years, nine months and twenty - seven days : John, who was born in 1835 and died in 1807: Mary, who was born in 1837 and is the only one now living: Lewis, who was born in 1839 and died in 1848: Peter. who was born in 1841. and died September 10. 1847, at the age of six ye irs, two months and twenty-eight days; and Jane, who was born in 1843 and died March 7. 1848. Deidamia Swallow, the mother of Mrs. Ist- hel North, had sixteen children, while Mrs. North had twelve and her daughter, Mrs. Sylvia (North) McCollister, And thirteen children, and the latter's daughter, Mrs. Augusta Wilson, who now lives in Ma coupin county, had eleven, making a total of fifty two children in four generations.
Representatives of the North family have through many generations been farm ers and stock raisers. Marcus North, Sr. the father of our subject, was born in 1824 on the old homestead in Greene county. He was a man of quiet disposition and sold worth and attainments. Having no desire for fame or distinction, content to do his duty m matters of citizenship and in his business and home relations. He married Miss Eliza- beth Wales, who was born in Vermont m February. 1832, and came of Puritan an- cestry. Tracing the line of descent from Brewster of the Plymouth colony that landed from the Mayflower on the shores of New England in 1623. Her parents were
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PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
Charles and Elathea ( Britell) Wales. Her father, who was born in 1794, died in De- cember. 1872, and his wife, whose birth occurred in 1795, passed away in 1875. After his marriage Marcus North, Sr., de- voted his energies to agricultural pursuits in order to provide for his family. All his life was spent upon the old North homestead and there he passed away November 28, 1854. His widow still survives him and has now reached the age of seventy-two years. In their family were three children.
Marcus North, Jr., was born on the old homestead November 1, 1854, and was only four weeks old at the time of his father's death. He continued to reside upon the homestead until he attained his majority. when he left the farm and built a little house for himself upon a tract of land near by. In 1884, however, he purchased the old home property and now has a valuable farm, a fine residence and other good buildings. A part of the house was erected by his grand- father. in 1835 and it is therefore one of the notable landmarks in this part of the state. Throughout his business career he has car- ried on agricultural pursuits and now has a very desirable farm, giving every evidence of modern and progressive farming meth- ods. It is neat and thrifty in appearance and indicates the careful supervision of an enter- prising and practical owner.
On the 18th of April, 1876, Mr. North married Miss Martha Baldwin, a daughter of Francis Baldwin, now mayor of White llall, who is represented elsewhere in this volume. They have five children. Walter. born May 21. 1877, was married September 20, 1900, to Nellie M. Rickart, and they have one child. Harold Marcus, born Ocio- ber 1. 1902. Elathe, born December 24. 1880. Mimme. Lorn May 24. 1882. Helen.
born June 15, 1884. and Lucy, born May 25, 1888, are all at home.
Mr. North exercises his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and fraternally is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen Camp and the Court of Honor. He is a worthy representative of a prominent pioneer fam- ily. Like his father he does not care for prominence in public lines, but prefers to devote his attention and energies to his busi- ness affairs. He is, however, always willing to aid in any measures for the public good, is faithful and loyal in citizenship and holds the ties of friendship inviolable. All who know him entertain for him the highest re- gard because of his genuine worth and up- right character.
HON. NORMAN L. JONES.
Hon. Norman L. Jones, who has the dis- tinction of being one of the youngest, if not the youngest, man ever elected to the state legislature of Illinois, and who in the prac- tice of law has gained a position of prom- inence, was born in Patterson, Greene county, Illinois, September 19. 1870. His father, John Jones, is the publisher of a newspaper at Roodhouse. At the usual age he entered the primary department of the public schools and was advanced through consecutive grades until he completed the high school course with the class of 1888. Following his graduation in Carrollton he went to Valparaiso, Indiana, where he at- tended the Indiana State Normal, and subse- quently he engaged in teaching school in Fayette, Illinois, acting as principal there for two years. He next continued his studies in
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