USA > Illinois > Greene County > Past and present of Greene County, Illinois > Part 52
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J. 11. PIERSON.
J. 11. Piersen, who is serving for the second term as postmaster of Carrollton, was born in this city. December 7. 1864. and was a son of Ornan Pierson, who is mentioned on mother page of this work At the usual age he entered the public schools and therem continue 1 his studies, advancing through successive grades until he completed the high
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school course by graduation with the class of 1882. He then entered the college at Jacksonville, Illinois, and when he put aside his text-books there he returned to his na- tive city and entered the Greene County Na- tional Bank, where he continued for sixteen years, occupying the position of bookkeeper during the greater part of that time. In 1898, however, he entered the city service through appointment to the position of post- master by President Mckinley. In 1902 he was appointed by President Roosevelt and is therefore serving for his second term. He is a most efficient officer, the affairs of the postoffice being conducted along business principles, the duties being discharged with promptness and dispatch.
On the Ist of June, 1898, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Pierson and Miss Louise Witwer, of Dallas, Texas, a daughter of John S. Witwer, of that city. Their home has been blessed with three children : Stuart WV .. Ornan and Henry S. Mr. and Mrs. Pierson occupy an enviable position in social circles and the hospitality of their own pleas- ant home is cordially extended to their many friends. Mr. Pierson is a representative of one of the prominent families of the county and his life record has been in harmony with the family history, characterized by progres- siveness in citizenship, reliability in business and loyalty in friendship.
JOHN SNYDER.
Among the worthy citizens that Ger- many has furnished to Greene county, John Snyder certainly deserves mention, for he Iris led an active, useful and honorable life- a credit to the land of his birth as well as to
the land of his adoption. He is a native son of Germany, born in Hanover, June 9, 1819, his parents being Hiram and Margaret (Bane) Snyder, who were also natives of Germany, where they spent their lives. The father was a Prussian, formerly of that country.
John Snyder remained in his native land until nineteen years of age and during that time acquired a fair education in the public schools. He then bade adieu to friends and fatherland and sailed for America, believing that he would have good business opportuni- ties on this side of the Atlantic. He made his way to New Orleans, but did not remain in the south, coming at once to Illinois. After spending one month in Calhoun county, he came to Greene county, where he began farming and stock raising. He has followed that occupation throughout his en- tire business career and whatever success he has achieved is due entirely to his own la- bors. He has worked earnestly and persist- ently and as the years advanced he added gradually to his capital until he became the possessor of a good farm property and of a desirable competence. Since the organiza- tion of the Greene County National Bank he has been one of its stockholders and is now one of its officers.
On the 28th of May, 1840, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Port- wood, native of Kentucky. Her parents came to Illinois and were prosperous farm- ing people of this section of the state. Her mother died near London, while Mr. Port- wood passed away in the vicinity of Mr. Snyder's home. The death of both came within the years 1845 and 1850. After his marriage Mr. Snyder took his bride to the home farm and as the years passed seven children were added to the household, but
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JOHN SNYDER.
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY. 7(11)
only two are now living, while five have passed away. The family record is as fol- lows: Hiram, who was born December 31, 1842: Louvisa, who is the wife of William Darr and resides within a half mile of her father's home; Mary, who was born Jannary 23. 1847, and died August 4, 1851 : William, who was born August 27. 1849. and died November 31. 1849: John .A., who was born in 1850 and died in 1806; and James Sam- uel, who was born in 1851 and died in 1853.
In 1886 Mr. Snyder was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 12th of May of that year, at the age of seventy-two years. She had been to him a worthy companion and helpmate on life's journey for a long period, assisting him materially by her careful management of household affairs and the capable manner in which she reared their children. She died on the old home farm and her remains were interred in the Stith cemetery. Much re- gret was felt throughout the community at her death, for she had endeared herself to many friends. Mr. Snyder has since mar- ried again, his second wife being Miss Cla- rissa Williams, of Greene county, a daughter of David and Margaret Williams. Her father died in early manhood but her mother long survived and passed away in 1898, at the advanced age of ninety years. Mrs. Snyder, the second wife, died September 30. 1901.
In his political views Mr. Snyder has long been a stalwart democrat, having cast his ballot for the candidates of that party since voting first for Martin Van Buren. He has been called to a number of political offices, having served as justice of the peace. as county commissioner and as township treasurer, the duties of which positions he clischarged with promptness and fidelity. and
he has ever been true to the trust reposer in him. He is a member of the Baptist church and his influence has ever been on the sale of right, progress and improvement. Viewed from a general standpoint his career has always been successful, and today he is the owner of a beautiful farm of six hundred and five acres constituting one of the best farming properties in Greene county and standing as a substantial evidence of hus hie of ability, enterprise, progressive methods and honorable purposes.
WILLIAM LAVERY.
William Lavery, who is engaged in the abstract business in Carrollton, and is well known and highly respected in the business circles of Greene county, was born in New York city, on the 4th of November. 1852. his parents being James and Jane ( Davison ) Lavery, both of whom were natives of County Antrim. Ireland, whence they emi- grated to America in 1849. settling in New York city. There they continued to make their home until October. 1864, when they came to Carrollton, Illinois, and the father followed his trade of tailoring. For many years he conducted a merchant tailoring bus iness and was very successful, enjoying a large and profitable trade until his retire ment from business in the year 1903.
William Lavery, the eldest in a famdy vi six children, of whom four are now Ing. completed his education m the schools of Carrollton, and in 187t he entered the public service, being employed in the county clerk's office and in others. Gradually he drifted into the abstract business, in which he has since continued. opening an office on the cost
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side of the square, in partnership with F. M. Roberts, under the firm name of Roberts & Lavery, this connection being maintained until 1900, when they dissolved partnership and Mr. Lavery has since conducted an ab- stract business on his own account in the Masonic Temple. He has a large clientage, having secured a liberal share of the public patronage in his line. In all his business dealings he is reliable, prompt and accurate, and he is now meeting with gratifying suc- cess, which is well deserved. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and he has the warm regard of his brethren of the order. He is progressive and public-spirited in citizenship and he has the entire confidence of the business community.
JOHN HUFF.
John Huff, who owns a well improved farm on section 8, Rockbridge township,, comprising two hundred acres of rich and arable land, is accounted one of the worthy pioneer settlers of the county, for he has re- sided within its borders since 1840 and has always been true and loyal to its interests. A native of Ohio, he was born in Hamilton county, April 16, 1840, and is of German descent. His grandfather, Louis Huff, was a native of Germany and became the founder of the family in the new world, locating in Virginia when he crossed the Atlantic.
His son. John Huff. Sr., was born in Montgomery county. Virginia, in 1799. was there reared, and in the state of his nativity married Anna Hancock, also a native of the Old Dominion. Removing to Ohio he en- tered land from the government in Hamilton county, where the city of Cincinnati now
stands. There he began the development of a farm, tilling the soil for two years, after which he came with his family to Greene county, Illinois, settling upon land near Car- rollton. This he also entered from the gov- ernment and he transformed the wild tract into richly cultivated fields. The place com- prised one hundred and sixty acres, on which he reared his family, and when he sold that property he bought a farm in Rockbridge township, spending his last years there. His death occurred in September, 1879, when he was eighty years of age. His wife passed away several years prior to that time. In their family were ten children who reached years of maturity but only three are now liv- ing, the eldest being Mrs. Julia Murphy, a widow, who resides in Kansas. James Huff owns and operates the old home farm in Rockbridge township.
John Huff, the other surviving member of the family, was only a few months old when brought by his parents to Greene county, and here he was reared and educated, attending the common schools. He remained with his father until he had attained adult age and then started out in life on his own account, renting a farm for eight years, after which he settled at his present place of residence. He opened up this farm, bought more land and his possessions now aggregate two hun- dred acres. He has erected a good frame residence, also barns and sheds, has planted fruit trees and placed his gardens and fields in excellent condition. He not only culti- vates his land but has also raised good stock. and in both branches of his business has found that success is ambition's answer.
Mr. Tuff was married on the 16th of March, 1854. to Miss Catherine Cox, who after a happy married life of about twenty- eight years, passed away in 1889. her re-
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY
mains being interred in Witt cemetery. She possessed many excellent traits of character and her loss was deeply felt by her friends as well as her immediate family.
Mr. Huff has never faltered in his alle giance to the Democratic party and has done all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. Ile was elected and served for four years as constable, was also school director for some time and has been a delegate to conventions of his party. He belongs to the Loyal AAmericans, a fraternal insurance order. For some years he has rented his farm and has thus largely retired from the active duties of farm life. but still gives general supervision to his property. The confidence and esteem of the community are his, for his has been an upright, honor- able life, passed almost entirely within the borders of Greene county, so that friends and neighbors have had ample opportunity to judge of his worth.
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LEROY MCFARLAND.
Leroy McFarland has been a representa- tive of commercial interests in Carrollton for forty years and throughout this entire period has sustained a reputation which any man might be proud to possess. Belonging to that class that the world designates as self- made men, he has during his entire residence here never incurred an obligation that he has not met or made an engagement that he has not filled, and he enjoys the unqualified trust of the business community. Ilis com- mercial interests have also been a factor in the promotion of business activity and pros perity in Carrollton, and as the years have gone by he has supported many public meas ures for the general welfare.
county, Virguoa. vos lapees de odent March, 1835. 300 1- 2 Jose Card Elizabeth W dm- Moltiand wit Were also born in fe Od Darron The paler- nal grandfather. Co/ mel Lane Mel : Hand. was a native of Scotland and que Twought to America In his patent- fing offrant dass, the family home bong espdolol'm Vir- gina. He became a phpsonomol practiced throughout his entire lesme - The in that strite. the value of his ltbors being recog- nized by the community in which he lived.
James M. Mekarlend also became a pliy- Sician ond surgeon and not only gamedl pro fessional prominence and suites but i . also accorded a position among the most prominent and influential meh of lus district. lle served as a member of the state legisla- ture and in political circles wielled a wiele and beneficial influence. He continued to practice in Virginia throughout the cho lera epidemie in that state and for years after- ward, and when he passed away his com- mumity mourned the loss of mme of its most respected and hondred men. He married Miss Elizabeth Williams, and they became the parents of three sons and two daughters. of whom Leroy Mcfarland was the second in order of birth.
Good educational privileges were ai- forded Leroy MeFarland, for after admir ing his preliminary education he attended Emery and Henry College, in Virginia, he- ing thereby well prepared for the responsible (Inties of a business career. The refining in fluences of a cultured home also aided in melding his character and shaping Ins des ties and throughout his He he has been a follower of many Of the emelding lessons which he receivel in his boyhood's loome Completing his education, he then went t
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Richmond, Missouri, where he was engaged in the dry-goods business until September, 1864, when he came to Carrollton and em- barked in the same line of commercial enter- prise. He had but limited capital and he be- gan in a small way, entering into partnership as a member of the firm of McFarland, Hub- bell & Company. On the death of Mr. Hub- bell the firm was changed to McFarland, Robinson & Company, which connection was maintained for ten years, when Mr. Robin- son retired, and the firm of McFarland & Company succeeded to the business. Two years later Mr. Weagley was admitted to a partnership under the style of McFarland & Weagley, and when, four years later, the junior partner sold, the senior partner was joined by Mr. Linn, in forming the firm of McFarland & Linn. In 1892 the McFar- land & Linn Dry Goods Company was or- ganized, having a continuous existence of five years, when again the name of McFar- land & Company was resumed, the present partners being Mr. McFarland and his sons Oscar and Lee. Thus for forty years Mr. McFarland has been actively associated with the dry-goods trade of the city, and has long maintained a place in the foremost ranks of the representatives of mercantile interests in Carrollton. The company occupy commo- dious quarters in a large brick store, forty by one hundred feet, on the northeast corner of the square and carry a large and well selected line of goods. Their sales are exten- sive and the fact that many of the patrons of the house have given to Mr. McFarland their trade through long years is incontrovertible proof of the honorable methods of the house.
On the 8th of September. 1870, occurred the marriage of Leroy MeFarland and Miss Anna C. Bradt, a native of New York and a daughter of Peter Bradt. of Onondaga
county, New York. They have five sons : Harry, who for ten years has been success- fully engaged in the raising of rubber trees, coffee and kola nuts in Tehuantepec; Oscar and Lee, who are partners with their father in the dry-goods business; Charles W., who is also on the isthmus of Tehuantepec, where he has charge of a coffee plantation; and William J., who is a graduate of the Illinois State Normal and is now principal of the high school of Carrollton. They also lost a daughter, Anna, their sixth child, and twins who died in infancy.
Mr. McFarland is a good citizen, up- right, honorable, capable, progressive and public-spirited. His success in all his under- takings has been so marked that his methods are of interest to the commercial world. He has based his business principles and actions upon strict adherence to the rules which govern industry, economy and strict reliabil- ity. What he is to-day he has made him- self, for he began in the world with little save his own energy and willing hands to aid him. By constant exertion, associated with good judgment, he has raised himself to the prominent position which he now holds, hav- ing the friendship of many and the respect of all who know him.
EDWARD I. ROODHOUSE.
Edward I. Roodhouse is one of the native sons of Greene county and a representative of a prominent pioneer family. The student of history can not carry his investigations far into the annals of this county without learning of the close connection which the Roodhouses have had with the substantial development of this part of the state. He,
MR AND MRS. BENJAMIN ROODHOUSE
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PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
whose name introduces this record, was born in Carrollton township. May 1. 1871. and is a son of Benjamin Roodhouse, a native of Yorkshire, England, born on the 8th of February. 1824. The mother bore the maiden name of Abigail Wales, and was born in Vincennes, Vermont. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Benjamin and Jane ( Moses) Roodhouse, both natives of Yorkshire, England. They became resi- dents of Greene county, Illinois, in February, 1831. settling south of White Hall, where Mr. Roodhouse engaged in farming, but was not permitted to enjoy his new home for any great length of time, his death occurring in July, 1832. Benjamin Roodhouse, father of our subject, was a twin brother of John Roodhouse, after whom the city of Rood- house was named.
Benjamin Roodhouse, Jr., resided upon the old family homestead until 1866. when he purchased the Christopher Dodgson place. two miles north of Carrollton, and was there engaged in farming, raising large quantities of corn and fattening cattle for the market. He owned two hundred and forty acres of rich and arable land and was regarded as one of the most progressive and successful agri- culturists of his community. He also took a deep interest in the welfare of the county and was president of the Greene County Fair Association for a number of years and pro- prietor and president of the Carrollton Bank for several years. In all matters of citizen- ship he was public-spirited and his co-opera- tion could be counted upon to support any measure which he deemed would promote general benefit. He died September 8, 1893. respected by all who knew him. In his fam ily were nine children : Ella May: John. deceased : Jennie, who is residing in Carroll ton : Charles B., who resides in White Hall
and manages the old homestead farm near that place: William, who died in infancy ; Mary E., now the wife of E. S. Van Arsdale. a resident of Carrollion ; Ada, at Carrollton : and J. P., who is cashier of the bank at Medora, Macoupin county.
Edward I. Roodhouse, the other member of the family, is indebted to the public schools of Carrollton for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He attended the Carrollton high school for a time and then returned to the old homestead farm, assisting his mother in the management of the property after the father's death. Suc- ceeding his mother's death, which occurred on the 4th of October. 1808. Mr. Rood- house took entire charge of the farm, which passed into his hands about 1900. He had inherited it together with his three sisters, but at that time he purchased the interests of the other heirs in the property. Up to the ist of March, 1905. he successfully engaged in general farming and in dealing in stock. but at that time he sold the place and re- moved to Carrollton, where he expects to build a modern residence. He is interested in the trotting stallion. Kingscote, of Wilkes stock, absolutely pure blood.
On the 20th of June. 1901, Edward I. Roodhouse was married to Miss Janie MI. Russell, a native of Carrollton and a dangh- ter of J. M. Russell. of Bluffdale township. They have one child. Illa Russell, horn March 29. 1902. Their home is noted for its hospitality and is a favorite resort with their many friends. Mr. Roodhouse was made a Mason m 1805 at Carrollton lodge. No. 50, A. F. & A. M., and having attained the Royal Arch degrees he is now a member of Carrollton chapter, No. 77. They take an active interest in the Presbyterian church and are a highly esteemed couple, their many
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excellent traits of character winning them the regard and good will of all with whom they have been associated.
C. O. HOLMES.
C. O. Holmes, interested in general farming on section 16, Rubicon township, was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, June 14. 1858. His father, David Holmes, was a native of Tennessee, born February 14, 1818, while the grandfather. Joseph Holmes, was a native of Virginia. The great-grandfather, John C. Holmes, also born in the Old Do- minion, lived to the very venerable age of one hundred and ten years. Joseph Holmes served as a soldier in the war of 1812 and, tmigrating westward in 1830, became one of the first settlers of Macoupin county, Illi- nois. casting in his lots with the pioneer set- tlers who aided in reclaiming the district for the purpose of civilization. His family was one of the first five families of Carlinville. There he built a log cabin in 1830 and lived in true pioneer style bravely facing the diffi- culties and hardships which always have to be encountered by those who settled upon the frontier.
David Holmes, the father of our subject, also entered land from the government in Macoupin county and purchased other land at twelve and a half cents per acre. Like Abraham Lincoln he split rails and thus carned the money to pay for his property. As the years passed he prospered in his un- dertakings, invested in more land and even- tually became the owner of a farm of three hundred and forty-five acres in the western part of the county near Fayette. On this property he made good improvements and
developed a valuable farm that yielded to him annually rich harvests. He spent his last years there, passing away on the 29th of January, 1903. In 1844 in Macoupin county he married Miss Elizabeth Hubbard, a daughter of Joel Hubbard, and they became the parents of fifteen children. The mother died upon the home farm in 1887. Mr. Holmes was a Jacksonian Democrat and cast his first presidential ballot for Andrew Jackson.
C. O. Holmes was one of the fifteen chil- dren born of this union, twelve of whom reached mature years. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads and remained upon the old home place until he had at- tained his majority, assisting in the work of cultivating the fields and developing the farm. He then received practical training in the work which he has followed throughout his entire life and which has been to him a good source of income. His educational priv- ileges were those afforded by the common schools. After his marriage he rented a tract of land and engaged in farming on his own account for several years in Macoupin and Greene counties. When his labors had brought to him sufficient capital he made purchase of land, becoming owner of his present farm in 1900, and locating thereon in 1901. He removed the buildings to their present location, his house being situated on a natural building site. He re-built and re- modeled the residence, also made improve- ments in the other buildings and now has a well equipped farm, on which everything is in keeping with modern and progressive ideas. He has built fences which divide the place into fields of convenient size and in ad- dition to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he has been en- gaged for many years in raising and feeding
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stock, making a specialty of logs. He aka feeds and fattens from one to two carloads of cattle, annually. His farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres of land, the greater part of which is under a high state of culti- vation, and in its thrifty appearance it indi- cates to the passerby the careful supervision of a progressive owner.
Mr. Holmes was married in Macoupin county. November 17, 1879. to Miss Amanda Carter, a native of Kentucky, born in Lincoln county, and a daughter of Elijah Carter, a resident of Macoupin county, to which place he removed from Kentucky. On locating on land he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and remained a farmer of Macoupin county until his death. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Holmes have been born six children, of whom four are yet living : Virgil, who is married and resides in East St. Louis : Cecile, a dressmaker ; David C .. who is assisting in the operation of the home farm: and Oliver Wendell Holmes. They lost one child in infancy, while Fred died October 13, 1903, at the age of eleven years.
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