USA > Illinois > Greene County > Past and present of Greene County, Illinois > Part 56
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69
26
510
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
He now represents the valley people in the court of claims at Washington and is busy with other important litigation.
B. F. McGREW.
B. F. McGrew, a member of the school board of Greenfield and a leading citizen con- nected with one of the most important pro- ductive industries of the county, having for eight years been connected with the milling business in Greenfield, was born in Jeffer- son county, Ohio, on the 26th of December, 1859. His father, Jacob McGrew, also a native of that county, was born in 1816 and was a son of Joseph B. McGrew, one of the early settlers of Ohio. The father was a miller by trade and owned and operated a flouring mill in Jefferson county, being con- nected with that business throughout his ac- tive life. He was married there to Mar- garet Culp, also a native of the Buckeye state, and they reared their family in Ohio and eventually passed to their final rest there. In their family were seven children, of whom five are yet living: Mrs. Anna Householder, who resides in Ohio; Mrs. Ella Henderson, also living in Ohio; Will- iam, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; James ; and B. F. Joseph is deceased.
Under the parental roof B. F. McGrew spent his boyhood and youth, attending the public schools and afterward learning the milling business with his father in Ohio. He entered the mill when but a lad and became familiar with every department of the busi- ness both in principle and detail. continuing to act as his father's assistant until he had attained his majority, when thinking that he might have better business opportunities
further west he came to Illinois in 1880 and took charge of a mill at Nokomis. He con- ducted the plant there for fifteen years or until 1895, when he turned his attention to the operation of an electric light plant at Nokomis, filling that position for two years. In 1897 he arrived in Greenfield, where he entered into partnership with John W. Shoe- maker and purchased the Greenfield roller mills. He took charge of the mill here and has since been engaged in the merchant mill- ing business. The firm has built up a very fine business and manufactures a high grade of flour, having at the present time more or- ders than they can fill. This is one of the most important industries of Greene county and the proprietors are well known in busi- ness circles.
Mr. McGrew has intimate knowledge of the business in which he embarked as a young tradesman and to which his entire life has been devoted, and his long experience as well as his laudable ambition has been a lead- ing factor in his success since he began mill- ing on his own account in Greenfield.
Mr. McGrew was married in Nokomis, October 2, 1882, to Miss Lizzie Yarnell, who was born in Springfield, Ohio, but was reared in Montgomery county, Illinois, be- coming a resident of that locality in 1862. There were two children born unto Mr. and Mrs. McGrew, but the elder. Willie, died at the age of six months. The younger, Ethel, is now the wife of G. H. Sheffield, a young man of sterling character and worth, who resides in St. Louis.
Mr. McGrew exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and meas- ures of the Republican party, but at a former date was a Democrat. having cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland, while his last ballot was cast for Theodore Roose-
511
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
velt. Mr. MeGrew has never been an office seeker nor has he cared for political prefer- ment, desiring rather to give his undivided attention to his business interests. Ile is. however, a friend of education, believing in securing good schools and employing com- petent teachers and he is now serving on the Greenfield school board. Mr. MeGrew is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined the organization at Nokomis, where he still retains his mem- bership. He has filled all of the chairs in that lodge and is now a past grand. He be- longs to the Modern Woodmen camp at Greenfield and has filled all of the chairs in that lodge. A public-spirited citizens. his efforts have been discerningly directed along lines that have furthered public progress as well as individual advancement.
JAMES A. McPHERON.
James .A. McPheron, a well known flor- ist of Carrollton, was born in Tennessee, on the 8th of February. 1826. His parents were Amos and Ilettie ( Morris) Me Pheron. The father was born in Knox county, Ten- nessee, December 12. 1797. while the moth- er's birth occurred in Virginia. The pater- nal grandfather was William McPheron, but it is not definitely known whether he was born in the north of Ireland, where lived the ancestors of the family, or in Virginia, but it is certain that the family was established in America in colonial days. The grand- father became a planter of Tennessee and re- sided for many years in that state. In 1820 the father removed to Morgan county, Illi nois and in the winter of 1830-31 he came to this county, where he entered a tract of land from the government. his farm being
located seven miles east of Carioftion in 1.m der township. With characteristic energy he began transforming the wild land into a cultivable tract and continued its further in provement and development throughout the remainder of his active business career. Hle also resided upon that plice until 1889. when he was called to his final rest in his ninety second year. He was a good citizen and a lover of home-a man who was respected by all who knew him. In his family were three children when he came to Illinois and seven were added to the household after the arrival in Greene county.
James A. McPheron, the third in order of birth, spent his early boyhood days in Linder township, being reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life and sharing with the family in all the hardships and trials incident to a pioneer existence. Ile early gained practical knowledge of the best methods of developing and cultivating new land and he continued to assist in the operation of the home farm until his marriage, which oc- curred on the 4th of November, 1847. the lady of his choice being Miss Amanda C. Cato, also a native of Tennessee. Her father. George E. Cato, was one of the pio- neer residents of Greene county and contin- ued to reside within these borders up to the time of his demise. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McPheron have been born six children : Red- win Newton, who is now engaged in the jewelry business in Greenfield, Ilinois : Flla the wife of John Seruby, of Roodhouse : Annie E., the deceased wife of Leverett Loomis: Laura, who married John Clough . Robert A., who is now living in Litchfick . Ilinois : and J. Clint, who resides on the homestead farm and married Miss Jana llumt. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
After their marriage Mr and Mrs.
512
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
James McPheron resided in Linder town- ship from 1847 until 1858, when he sold his property there and removed to Carroll- ton. In 1860 he came to his present place south of the city, the land being now within the corporation limits of Carrollton. Here he and his son are engaged extensively in the raising of fruit, vegetables and flowers. They have secured a large trade, placing upon the market excellent products in these various lines and their honorable business methods have secured to them a large and gratifying patronage. Mr. McPheron's life has passed uneventfully, but has been characterized by the full performance of the duties that have devolved upon him. He has taken an ac- tive part in church work and for twenty-five years was superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school. In matters of cit- izenship he is also loyal and his family and friends recognize in him the possession of many admirable traits of character.
WALTER L. WILLIAMS.
Walter L. Williams, one of the prosper- ous and enterprising agriculturists of Kane township, was born within the borders of this township. May 9. 1876, his parents being David J. and .Adelina (Witt) Williams, the former born in Kane township, Greene county, in 1829, while the latter was also a native of the same locality. They were mar-
riedl in the year 1856. The family was es- tablished in Virginia at an early period in the colonization of the new world. The grandfather, David Williams, was born in the Old Dominion, whence he removed to Ohio, when that state was still a frontier dis- There he married Miss Sarah Mc-
Kinsey and remained in Ohio for a number of years. Later he removed to Missouri, where he resided until 1821, when he came to Greene county, Illinois, locating on Ma- coupin creek. There he erected a cabin, and although he was a blacksmith by trade and had previously followed that pursuit, he now turned his attention to farming, securing a tract of land, which he cultivated for a num- ber of years, being quite successful in his work. By his first marriage there were three children : Matilda, Lewis and John, but all have now passed away. Lewis, who was the last survivor, resided in Rockbridge town- ship and died in the 'gos. His widow is still living at Rockbridge. The grandfather, David Williams, married Margaret Stout, who was a daughter of John Stout, a native of Virginia and of German lineage. Cla- rissa, the eldest child of the second marriage of David Williams, first married Joshua Clarke and after, his death wedded Aaron Flatt, while her third husband was John Snyder. Sarah Ann became the wife of Am- brose Griswold, of Litchfield, Montgomery county, Illinois, and died a number of years ago, while Mr. Griswold passed away in 1903. David J. is the youngest of the family and was the father of Walter L. Williams.
David J. Williams was one of the pros- perous and extensive farmers of Greene county. . At the time of his marriage he owned considerable property, to which he added as opportunity afforded until at the time of his death, which occurred September 19, 1902, he was the owner of a valuable homestead, comprising three hundred and sixty acres and extensive landed possessions elsewhere. By the terms of his will he dis- posed of fourteen hundred acres of land equally among his children and prior to this time he had deeded considerable property to
MR. AND. MRS. W. L. WILLIAMS.
MR. AND MRS. D. J. WILLIAMS.
MR. AND MRS I S TOMPKINS
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
his sons. In 1879 he erected a fine residence on the old homestead now occupied by his son, William 11. Williams and his daughter Emma.
David J. Williams married Adelina Witt, a native of Kane township, and their children were Saphronia, who died in infancy : Emma, who since her mother's death has managed the household affairs on the old homestead, of which she is a part owner ; George C., who married Laura E. Wright. of Kane township, and was a resident of Rockbridge township until his death, which occurred June 9, 1904: Lewis F., who wedded Mary D. Carter and is living in Rockbridge township: William H., who re mained on the homestead in the later years of his life and took charge of his farming and stock raising interests ; and Walter I ..
Walter 1 .. Williams, the youngest mem ber of the family, acquired his education in the district schools, after which he attended the high school in Carrollton and subse quently entered the Jacksonville Business College. When not engaged with the duties of the school room he devoted his attention to the work of the farm and continued with his father until the 25th of August, 1897. It was on that date that he was united in marriage to Miss Lula 1. Tompkins, of Kane township. Greene county, and a daughter of T. S. Tompkins, one of the respectel citi- zens of this county residing east of Kane Their children are Vesta Olive, Buelle Mil dred. Grace Adeline, and David Kentner
At the time of his marriage Mr Will iams located on the old Nelson Greene prop- erty, about two and a half miles northwest of kane, having over one hundred acres of land. He also owns three hundred acres elsewhere in Kane township and he is now extensively engaged in farming ml stick
rausing, having large numbers of bugs to which he gives especial attention The farm is improved with a fine residence, comme. dions and substant al outbuildings andall modern equipments He enjoys the entire respect of the business community and has a large circle of warm friends who esteem him highly for his sterling worth
JOHN R SHEFFIELD.
Throughout an active business creer John R. Sheffield has mamtamed a reputa- tion that has won for him a place among the honored as well as the prosperous citi zens of Greene county. For thirty-four years he has been engaged in the banking business and he enjoys the unqualified con fidence and respect of his fellowmen not only because of the success which he has achieved but also because of the straightforward bus ness policy he has ever followed. He was born in Greenfiekl, November 4. 1840. 311d is a son of George T W. Sheffield, whose sketch is given elsewhere in this work
John R Sheffield is an only son m a tam- dy pf seven children Three of his sister- are still living He was reared and clu cated in Greenheld. attending the public schools here When he attained a sufficient age he entered his father's store sporting three or four years there and thus recen ing at the rough fumes training ('pay the galveston of the Link in 1870 he beende One of its stockholders all in fact. MAX che of its founder. He was ab the first ier, which prenten he held up to the time of Ins father's death The present paper- 0 the bank are Jolin R Shetfieldl Ralph Met
520
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
bank is a strong financial institution, receiv- ing a good patronage and conducting a gen- eral banking business.
John R. Sheffield was married in Greene county in 1872 to Miss Mary A. Robards, who was born and reared near Carrollton and is a daughter of Jesse Robards, one of the leading business men of that place. They now have two sons: Clyde R., who occupies a position in the bank and is a graduate of a business college; and George H., who is a teacher in St. Louis. Both sons are mar- ried.
Politically Mr. Sheffield is an earnest Republican, deeply interested in the welfare and success of his party, yet never seeking office. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are deeply interested and active in its work, contribut- ing generously to its support. Mr. Sheffield is always to be counted upon in matters re- lating to the welfare of his community and as a citizen he has exerted a strong influence in behalf of public progress.
JOHN M. MILLION.
In taking up the personal history of John MI. Million we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Greene county, and who by his many friends is called "Uncle John." He resides on section 21, Rubicon township, and is one of the early pioneers of the county, dating his residence here from the fall of 1846. Ile had at that time been a resident of Illinois for sixteen years. His birth oc- curred near Richmond in Madison county, Kentucky, March 10, 1823, so that he was but seven years of age when he came to this
state. His father, Elijah F. Million, was a native of Virginia and was there reared and married. . Removing to Kentucky he settled in Madison county, where several of his chil- dren were born. In 1830 he brought his family to Illinois, establishing his home at Jacksonville, Morgan county, where he worked as a carpenter and joiner, being iden- tified with early building interests in that city. Later, however, he took up his resi- dence upon a farm and there reared his family. Subsequently he spent his last years with his son John who died at his home in Rubicon township, at eighty-one years of age.
John M. Million was reared in Morgan county, having few advantages in his youth, educational or otherwise. He had to work during much of the time, assisting his father in the development of the home farm, and thus he was engaged until twenty-three years of age, when he came to Greene county and started upon an independent business career. It was in this county in March, 1845, that he was joined in wedlock to Miss Barbara Drum, a native of Greene county and a daughter of John Drum, formerly of North Carolina and one of the early settlers of this state. The young couple began their do- mestic life upon the farm where he yet re- sides, having a tract of forty acres of land. This Mr. Million developed and improved and in his farming operations he prospered, so that in course of time he was enabled to add to his property, and he now owns one hundred and eighty acres. This constitutes a very valuable farm, for the price in land has continually risen because of the rapid settlement of the state and also because of the splendid improvements which he has placed upon the land. There is a good resi- (lence and other substantial buildings and the
521
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
farm is pleasantly and conveniently located about three miles north of Greenfiekl. He has for many years raised and fed stock in addition to tilling the soil and in all of his business life he has been energetic, diligent and persevering.
During the period of the Civil war Mr. Million was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife. There were five children of that union, but only one is now living : Re- becca, the wife of Andy MeCants, of White Hall. Mr. Million was again married in this county, his second union being with Mrs. Samaramis King, a widow. They had three daughters who are yet living : Jennie, now the wife of Hugh L. Hart ; Ruth, the wife of Henry Havens, a resident farmer of Ma- coupin county : and Maud S., the wife of Benjamin Mason, who resides upon the home farm. Mr. Million lost his second wife about 1895.
When age gave to Mr. Million the right of franchise he proudly cast his first presi- dential vote for the candidate of the Whig party and remained one of its supporters until 1860, when he voted for Abraham Lin- coln. Since that time he has been a stanch advocate of Republican principles, but at local election, where no issue is involved. he casts his ballot for the man whom he thinks best qualified for office regardless of affilia- tion. He has served on the school board but has never sought or desired office. He be- longs to the Baptist church and is interested in all that pertains to the material, intellec- tual and moral upbuilding of his commun- ty. Ile has been a resident of Illinois for seventy-four years and of Greene county for fifty-eight years and has seen the county emerge from a wilderness and swamp to take its place with the leading counties of this great state. Matters of pioneer history
are familiar to lum not because he has heard of them but because his experience has con- nected him with such events. Hle remem- bers with pleasure the hospitable spirit and the happy times of former days and at the same time he takes great delight in what has been accomplished through modern progress. Ile has a very wide and favorable acquaintance in Greene county, where he has lived for more than a half century.
WILLIAM C. RAINEY.
William C. Rainey, a representative of the agricultural interests of Greene county. was born in Carrollton on the 7th of No- vember, 1861, a son of John and Catherine ( Thomas ) Rainey, who are mentioned else- where in this volume in connection with the sketch of their son llon. Henry T. Rainey. At the usnal age William C. Rainey entered the public schools and in 1881 was gradu- ated from Jones Commercial College, of St. Louis. When he had put aside his text books he became connected with mercantile life as a partner in his father's grocery store. under the firm name of Rainey & Son and continued in that business for four years. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention to farming, taking charge of his mother's land in the northwestern part of Kane township, having here a farm of two hundred and twenty-six acres, to the further development and improvement of which he has since given his undivided attention. He carries on general farming and has raised large quantities of grain and stock, prac- tically feeding all of the products to the cat- tle which he fattens for the market. Ile follows the most progressive methods of
523
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
farming, uses the latest improved machin- ery in caring for the fields and in the con- duct of his business displays keen foresight and enterprise that have been substantial fac- tors in winning him desirable success.
On the 15th of March, 1892, Mr. Rainey was married to Miss Nettie Linder, of Greene county, Illinois, a daughter of John- son Linder and a granddaughter of Isham Linder, one of the old and highly respected citizens of this locality. Mr. and Mrs. Rainey now have two children, John and Mary.
While residing in Carrollton Mr. Rainey served as alderman of the city for three years and since his removal to the farm he has filled the position of school director in his district. He is a highly respected man, en- joying the good will and confidence of his fellow townsmen by reason of his honorable life and sterling traits of character. In politics he is a Democrat and he is a mem- ber of the Modern Woodmen of America.
ISAAC CONLEE.
Isaac Conlee, called to public office by the vote of his fellow townsmen, is proving, by his capable and efficient service in the office of county clerk, that the trust reposed in him is well placed: His official service, however, was not unknown at the time of his election, for he had previously been county sheriff and his public record is above re- proach.
Mr. Conlee was born in Morgan county. Illinois, January 1, 1857, and is a son of William and Nancy ( Antle) Conlee, who were also natives of Morgan county. His paternal grandfather. Isaac Conlee, was born
in Kentucky and in 1815 removed to the territory of Illinois, for this was three years prior to the admission of the state into the union. Locating in Madison county, he there remained for two years, after which he established his home in Morgan county and devoted his life to the work of the ministry, remaining there until he was called to his final rest. William Conlee, reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life, remained a resi- dent of Morgan county until 1870, when he removed to Macoupin county, where he con- tinued for some time. About 1880 he re- moved to Missouri, where he spent four years, and then returning to Illinois, settled in Greene county, at Roodhouse, where he has since lived. He is now practically re- tired from business cares.
Isaac Conlee, the eldest in a family of seven children, acquired his education in the public schools of Morgan and Macoupin counties and in Blackburn College. He was thus well equipped by mental training for life's practical duties and after putting aside his text-books he returned to the old home- stead and began farming. Later he engaged in teaching for five years and then he again engaged in agricultural pursuits at Rood- house. He next became connected with the express business as agent for the United States Express Company, and was accepta- bly serving in that capacity when elected sheriff, which office he held for four years, discharging his duties without fear or favor and aiding largely in maintaining law and order by bringing many offenders to justice In 1902 he became the Democratic nomince for county clerk and was again elected, so that he is still on the roster of public officials.
On the ist of July, 1879, Mr. Conlee was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Taylor, a
ISAAC CONLEF
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY
native of this county and a daughter of M. Taylor, formerly a resident of this county, but now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Con- lee have been born five children, namely : Florence, Charles, Hubert. Roy and Cecil.
Mr. Conlee is well known in fraternal circles and is a representative member of the Masonic order, having been made a Mason in August, 1899, and at present be longing to Carrollton lodge, No. 50, .A. F. & .A. M. : Carrollton chapter, No. 77. R. ... M .; and Hugh De Payens commandery, all of Carrollton. He is also connected with the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks at Alton, the Ancient Order of United Work- men, and Roodhouse camp of Modern Woodmen of America. He is popular with his brethren of these organizations, having many social and business qualifications that recommend him to friendship and regard.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM M. FRY.
No history of Greene county would be complete without mention of the Fry family. Captain William M. Fry, still one of the re- spected and valued citizens of the county. was born in Carrollton on the 16th of Angust, 1831, and is a son of General Jacob Fry, who built the first house in the county seat. A sketch of the latter appear- else- where in this volume.
Captain Fry spent his school days in Lockport, Illinois, and in 1850, when pme teen years of age, he started across the plains with his father and two friends from Lock- port, arriving in Sacramento, California on the ist of Angust. 1850. Although the ram was a long one over the hot sandy plams and
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.