USA > Illinois > Greene County > Past and present of Greene County, Illinois > Part 61
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David H. Edwards came to Ilinois with his parents when only three years old and was reared upon the oldl home farm near Greenfield. He married Josephine Jordan. a native of this county, and the young couple began their domestic life upon a farm, Mr. Edwards continuing to engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his remain
ing days. He died in 1874. while his first wife died in 1854. and later he married again.
C. G. Edwards, whose name introduces this review, was reared in Rubicon town- ship on the old homestead farm. Hle re- ceived good educational advantages in the schools of Greenfield and under his father's directions was trained to farm work, assist ing in the development of the old home place until twenty-three years of age. He then went to White Hall, where for seven months he was employed in a lumberyard and at the end of that time he purchased a lumberyard in Greenfield, where he conducted business with successs until 1885. being one of the enterprising merchants of that place. Ile then sold his lumber business and located on the farm where he now resides, since which time he has given his attention to the cul- tivation of the soil and to the raising and fattening of stock. He makes a specialty of hogs and sheep, which he feeds and fattens for the market. Ile has on his farm a large. neat and substantial frame residence to- gether with good barns and ontbuildings. and everything about the place is kept in substantial repair.
Mr. Edwards was married on this farm. November 9. 1881, to Mrs. Ma Hills, a widow, who is a resident of Greene county and was born upon this place. Her father. John Rhodes, was one of the pioneers of the county and developed this farm from the primitive condition in which the land came from the hand of nature. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are the parents of four children. three of whom are still living: Letta M. Nellie K. and Harland Dunham. They list one son. John, who died at the age of three years.
Mr. Edwards has always been an earnest
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Republican and proudly cast his first presi- dential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876. He has since voted for each presiden- tial nominee of the party, save at one elec- tion when he was ill with typhoid fever. He served for several years on the school board and has always been deeply interested in the cause of education, recognizing that it is one of the bulwarks of our national existence. He became a stockholder in the Greene County Fair Association, assisting in its re- organization and served as one of its direc- tors for five years. Progress and patriotism may well be termed the key note of his char- acter. His entire life has been characterized by devotion to duty whether of a public or private nature, and his business career has ever been honorable and straightforward. while in social life he manifests those traits which make him a popular man and gain for him warm and enduring friendships.
EDGAR MICCONATHY.
Edgar McConathy, who follows farming and stock-raising in White Hall township. was born October 12, 1851. in Greene county and is a son of Perry and Matilda J. (.Alverson ) McConathy. the latter a daugh- ter of Benjamin Alverson. Perry McCon- athy was a native of Lexington, Kentucky, born there on the 17th of August, 1813. His parents were Jacob and Eunice McConathy and of their' children he was the youngest. When fifteen years of age he was appren- ticed to learn the saddler's trade and com- pleted his full term of service. When twenty years of age he became a journeyman and was thus employed for some time when he opened a shop of his own. Following
his marriage he formed a partnership with his father-in-law. Benjamin Alverson and in 1839 removed to Greene county. Here he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and was engaged in farming on rented land for several years, after which he purchased a farm of his own and eventually became the owner of three hundred acres. In 1846 he was appointed agent of the International Improvement Fund. He was a man of un- usual business ability and executive force, as was manifested in his control of im- portant interests of both a public and private character. His capability being recognized by his fellow townsmen he was elected to public office, being chosen first to the position of county assessor and afterward county treasurer of Greene county. For more than twenty years he served as justice of the peace and notary public. He left behind him an honorable record, having been faithful to every duty and trust reposed in him, and he is yet held in grateful and kindly remem- brance by his fellow citizens. He was noted for his liberality and generosity, his heart be- ing quickly touched by a tale of distress, and his sympathies were strongly aroused in be- half of all who needed aid. As a citizen he was public spirited and patriotic and the county benefited by his efforts in her behalf. He reared a large family and of his fourteen children nine are yet living. namely : John M., Mary Jane. Emma V .. Clarissa, Jacob, Edgar, Robert P., Joseph H. and Samuel R. Of these Samuel is now living in California ; Mary Jane is the wife of Charles Simonds; and Clarissa is the wife of Joseph Barnett, a son of William Barnett.
Edgar McConathy, whose name intro- (luces this record, was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education in the pub- lic schools. Throughout his entire life he has
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engaged in the tilling of the soil and is rec- ognized as one of the enterprising and pro- gressive farmers of his locality. He has placed his land under a high state of culti- vation and the fields annually return to him a golden harvest for the care and labor he be- stows upon them.
Mr. MeConathy has been married twice. lle first wedded Elizabeth Allen, who was born January 1. 1855, and became his wife August 27, 1876, while her death occurred October 20. 1900. They became the parents of the following named : Mary R., who was born January 27. 1878, is now the wife of Edgar Bradshaw, by whom she has one child, Alma. John R., born May 3, 1881, attended the public schools of the neighborhood, after- ward the high school at Roodhouse, and still later the Gem City Business College at Quincy. He is now assistant cashier and bookkeeper of The Bank of Roodhouse. Hle belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Masonic fraternity and in his religious faith is a Baptist. His politi- cal support is given to the Democracy. As a young man of superior intelligence and marked business capacity he has already made for himself an honorable name in finan- cial circles and has the trust and confidence of all with whom he has associations. N. Albert, born September 26, 1879, was mar- ried April 30, 1902, to Annie Gollier. Jesse G. was born July 4, 1886. Allen R. was born December 15. 1896.
Mr. MeConathy became a member of the Baptist church in 1868 at Martins Prairie, where his parents resided for several years, and he has since been loyal to the teachings of that denomination. In politics he has been a Democrat, always advocating the principles of the party, yet he has never sought or de- sired office. He belongs to the Roodhouse
lodge, No. 133. M. P. 1 .. . i Litchfield, mn which city the headquarters of that ergam zation are maintamed. In his business life he has made a creditable record for he has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any trade ยท transaction. He has always lived in Greene county and for more than half a century has been a witness of its growth and progress. taking a deep and commendable interest m what has been accomplished along the lines of material, intellectual and moral ad- vancement.
J. W. REDWINE. M. D.
Dr. J. W. Redwine, who is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at White Hall, was born in Scott county, Illi- mois, in 1838, his parents being Isaac D. and Allie ( Pruitt ) Redwine, both of whom are still living. The mother was a daughter of Robert Pruitt.
Dr. Redwine attended the common schools in his early youth and in 1874 he left home, going to Chillicothe, Missouri, where he became a college student. When he had acquired a good literary education he began preparation for the practice of medicine and surgery, matriculating in the St. Louis Medical College. Ile afterward entered the Missouri Medical College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1882. In 1879 he became a resident of White Hall and since his graduation has practiced in this city, having a good patronage. Reading. observation and experience have added greatly to his knowledge and promoted his efficiency and through his perusal of medi- s'il journals he keeps in touch with the progress that is continually being made as
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the members of the profession contribute from their experience to the sum total of learning concerning the medical science.
In 1882 Dr. Redwine was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary E. Tunison, a daughter of Jacob D. Tunison, who was born in Som- erset county, New Jersey, on the 4th of Oc- tober, 1825. He was a son of Henry and Sarah (Castner) Tunison, also natives of New Jersey. The Tunisons came to Greene county in 1838, locating in White Hall, where the father resided until 1845. He dealt in thoroughbred cattle, carefully con- ducted his business affairs and was highly esteemed in business circles for his enterprise and fair dealing. In his family were ten children and it is one of the most prominent old families of the county, its members hav- ing taken an active and helpful part in the work of upbuilding and progress in this sec- tion of the state.
Dr. Redwine endorses the principles of Democracy and casts his ballot for the men and measures of the party. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge. He has a wide acquaintance in this county and his social worth, as well as his professional skill, has gained him the warm regard and friendship of many with whom he has been brought in contact.
E. A. ELDRED.
E. A. ERIred is one of Greene county's native sons and respected citizens, who in his business career has so directed his ener- gies that he has won prosperity and a good name. His birth occurred upon the Eldred homestead about two and a half miles west of Carrollton on the 11th of July, 1842, his
parents being William and Ruth ( Brace) Eldred, who are represented on another page of this volume.
E. A. Eldred, the youngest in his father's family of twelve children, acquired a public school education and in his youth remained upon the old home farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. When the father died an elder son, L. E. Eldred, took charge of the farm and continued its manage- ment until E. A. Eldred attained his major- ity, when the latter assumed control. His brother is now in Canon City, Colorado. The subject of this review continued on the old homestead, giving his time and energies to its cultivation and improvement and when his brother went to Colorado he purchased his interest. The farm is one of the finest in the county, splendidly improved and com- prising six hundred and twenty acres of valuable land. Mr. Eldred continued to en- gage in agricultural pursuits until 1899, when he removed to Carrollton, where he erected an elegant modern residence, which he now occupies. He then entered into part- nership with W. H. Siverling and they carry a large line of hardware, stoves, wagons and harness. They have built up a good business and are numbered among the reliable mer- chants of the city, whose progressive meth- ods have been factors in promoting the com- mercial prosperity of Carrollton.
On the 4th of February, 1879. occurred the marriage of E. A. Eldred and Martha .A. Robertson, a native of Morgan county, Illinois, and a daughter of John Robertson, a banker and farmer of that county. In his political affiliations Mr. Eldred is a Repub- lican and he served as county commissioner for a number of years, proving a capable officer, prompt and faithful in the discharge
I'LON A. ELDRED.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
of his duties. In Masonry he has attained to Royal Arch degree. A worthy representa- tive of one of the most prominent families of Greene county, the name being closely as- sociated with the history of permanent prog- ress and improvement here since 1820, he is, moreover, because of his personal worth, entitled to distinction as one of the leading residents of Carrollton.
EDWIN A. BELKNAP.
Edwin A. Belknap, one of the prominent capitalists and financiers of Greene county who for forty years has been an active busi- ness man of Greenfield, has contributed in such large and substantial measure to the commercial development of this city that his life record forms an integral chapter in its history. His efforts have at all times been discerningly directed with an objective point in view toward which he has continuously made his way and thereby gained the suc- cess which is the goal of all business en- deaver. A man of distinct and forceful in- dividuality, of broad mentality and mature judgment he has left and is leaving his im- press upon the financial world of Greene county.
His birth occurred in Greenfield. Janu- ary 22, 1841, and the family is of English lineage, having been established in America at an early period in the development of the new world. Abram Belknap, Sr., the grand father, was born in Rhode Island as was the father, who likewise bore the name of Abram Belknap and whose birth occurred in the town of Johnson. Rhode Island. There he was reared to manhood and after reaching adult age he wedded Miss Lydia Hatch, a
native of Vermont and a daughter of Squire Hatch, whose birth occurred in France. Their marriage was celebrated in the Green Mountain state. Abram Belknap was a mechanic who in early life learned the trade of a saddler and harness maker and also the trade of shoemaking. following these pur- suits throughout his active business career. In 1839 he came westward to Illinois and made a permanent location in Greenfield, be- ing one of its first settlers. Here he opened a shoe shop and carried on business, his trade growing with the development of the little town. Ile made the journey to the west alone but after completing his arrangements for having a home here he was joined by his wife and they were numbered among the worthy pioneer residents of this part of the state. Mr. Belknap continued to carry on business here until his death, which occurred in the spring of 18,2. He had long sur vived his wife, who passed away in 1859. At the time of the Civil war he had manifested his loyalty to the government by enlisting as a soldier in the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry. He served for about two years and was then honorably discharged on account of disabil- ity. In the family were two children, the daughter being Abbie E., the wife of Imri Dunn, a resident of Bloomington, Illinois.
Edwin A. Belknap, the only son, was reared to manhood in Greenfield, spending his boyhood days under the parental roof. At the usual age he entered the public schools here and continued his studies until he had reached the age of twelve years, after which he started out to earn his own liveli- hood. His school privileges were therefore very menger and the knowledge that he pos- sesses has been acquired largely through reading and observation since attaining man's estate Ile earned his first money by
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PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
working on a farm at twenty-five cents per day. He later drove a hack and carried the mail from Jacksonville to Brighton, being thus engaged for one year. In 1857, when a youth of sixteen years he entered the store of E. L. & A. A. Cooper in Greenfield as a clerk and thus worked as a salesman for twelve years, during which time he gained a practical business training and worked his way steadily upward until he was made man- ager. having charge of the store for four years. On the expiration of that period he entered the store of I. R. Ostrom as clerk and four years later entered into partnership with his employer, this relation being main- tained until 1882, when Mr. Belknap with- drew. selling his interest. He was then out of active business for a time, after which he opened a new store with a new stock of goods. Later he entered into partnership relations with R. L. Metcalf and they car- ried on business under this connection until 1893, during which time the firm erected a new business block, a fine brick building containing a double store room which was utilized for their stock of dry-goods and clothing, which is to-day the best in the city. The store is now conducted under the name of the R. L. Metcalf Dry Goods Company. Mr. Belknap and Mr. Metcalf carried a very extensive and well selected line of dry-goods and clothing, in fact, had a general stock of merchandise and enjoyed a large and pros- perous business. Since dispensing of his mercantile business Mr. Belknap has spent bi- time in collecting and settling up his affairs and in buying and dealing in farm land- in Greene county. He is to-day the owner of three good farms. He also pur- ch k-edl a residence lot, on which he erected a comfortable brick dwelling that he after- Ward sold. He has since built a frame resi-
dence which is one of the best residence properties of the city. His efforts have ma- terially advanced the work of improvement in Greenfield.
Mr. Belknap was united in marriage in Macoupin county, in May, 1867, to Miss Narcissa Metcalf, a daughter of Richard J. Metcalf, one of the early settlers of Green- field and for years a prominent business man of this city. Mrs. Belknap was born, reared and educated in Illinois and by her marriage has become the mother of one daughter, Lelia, now the wife of W. G. Burnett, a prominent business man of Jer- seyville.
Mr. Belknap's political position is not a matter of duty for he stanchly announces himself as an advocate of Republican prin- ciples, although he was reared in the Demo- cratic faith. He cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864 and has since endorsed the men and measures of that party. He was elected and served as the second mayor of Greenfield, acting in that capacity for two years, and at a later date he was again chosen for a two years' term. He is a believer in good schools and teach- ers and for a long period acted on the school board, serving for some time as president of the school board of Greenfield. He is in hearty sympathy with the teachings and tenets of Masonry and belongs to Greenfield lodge, A. F. & A. M .: Greenfield chapter, R. A. M .; and Carrollton commandery, K. T. He has filled all of the positions in the blue lodge and is now a past master. He also belongs to the Litchfield Order of Elks. Mr. Belknap has been a resident of Green- field throughout his entire life and is well known to the people of this and adjoining counties as a man of superior business quali- fications and at the same time belongs to that
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class mi representative American men who while advancing individual interests also contribute in large measure to the general welfare. He and his estimable wife rank high socially and he is numbered among the leading, influential and honored citizens of Greenfieldl. In his youth he displayed the enterprising spirit of the west, which has been the dominant factor in producing the wonderful development of this section of the country. Brooking no obstacles that hon- est effort could overcome he has steadily worked his way upward until having long since left the ranks of the many he stands among the successful few.
SUMNER GAY.
Sumner Gay, who is now living a retired life in Greenfield, where he has resided for some years, has for more than a half cen- tury been a citizen of Illinois, having arrived in this state in 1849. . A native of Vermont, his birth occurred in Windsor county, on the 19th of March, 1827. His father. Dwight Gay, was a native of Massachusetts, born near the city of Boston, and in his childhood he removed to the Green Mountain state, where he was married to Persis Weber. whose birth occurred in Vermont. Later Dwight Gay established his home in St. Lawrence county, New York, and then went to Ohio. In 1857 he removed to Illinois, locating in Cass county, where his remain- ing days were passed, his death occurring in 1863. Ilis wife survived him until August. 1865. Sumner Gay is of a family of four brothers and three sisters, one of whom, Dr. Norman Gay, was a surgeon in the army and served throughout the Civil war. He Inter
located in Columbus, Ohio, and became a demonstrator in a medical college, acting in that capacity for several years. Ilis death occurred in Columbus m 1899. Another brother, Justin Gay, is a retired farmer liv- ing in Franklin county, Ohio.
In 1834, then a lad of seven years, Sum- ner Gay accompanied his parents on their removal to St. Lawrence county, New York. where he was reared to manhood. Hle re- ceived good common-school advantages in early life and removing westward he spent one summer in Ohio, after which he came to Illinois. The first winter was passed in Cass county and he attended school at Virginia. The following spring he returned to Ohio and was there engaged in building cisterns, but in 1851 he again came to this state, once more locating in Cass county, devoting his energies to building cisterns in Scott and Cass counties in connection with his brother Dwight Gay. Attracted by the discovery of gold in California he made an overland trip to the Pacific coast in 1852, traveling with a party having four yoke of oxen and a horse. He spent one year in the mining district. meeting with fair success in his search for the precious metal. In the fall of 1853 he returned by way of the isthmus route to New York city and thence to the Buckeye state. where he continued to reside for three or four years. On the expiration of that period he went agam to Cass county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming for a few years, after which he raised three crops in Greene county. Hle subsequently went to Missouri, buying land in Cass county, that state, and continuing its cultivation for two or three years, when he sold the property and re moved to Jackson county. Missouri Ile then bought a farm near Napoleon, where he resided until 1875 He then sold out and
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returning to Illinois established his home in Greenfield. He brought with him a fine Percheron stallion which he used for breed- ing purposes for eight or nine years and then sold. In 1884 he went west to Nebraska and spent one winter in Hastings, purchasing a farm in that locality. For a number of years he engaged in the breeding of fine horses and was the owner of some very fine stallions, these being pure-blooded registered animals. He owned chiefly the Percheron and Cleve- land bays and as a breeder of fine horses he gained a wide reputation and in the business met with very desirable success. Purchas- ing a neat residence property in Greenfield, he is now living retired there in the enjoy- ment of a competency earned through care- ful management and well directed business interests.
In the fall of 1884 in Jacksonville, Illi- nois. Mr. Gay was united in marriage to Mrs. Jane Summers, nee Black. She came to Illinois with her father, John Black, in her early girlhood days, the family home being established in Alton in 1844. Mrs. Gay was reared in Illinois and in early womanhood gave her hand in marriage to Peter James Summers, a farmer of Cass county, Illinois. Subsequently they removed to Cass county, Missouri, where Mr. Summers' death oc- curred. There were four children by that union, but only one is now living, Ed Sum- mers, a railroad engineer residing in Spring- field. Illinois. He is married and has three children. Ethel and Edna, twins, and Nina.
In his political views Mr. Gay is a stanch Republican, although he was reared in the Democratic faith and for some time advo- cated its principles. Ile and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Greenfield and are well known and much esteemed in the city and throughout the
county where they have many friends. Their own home is the abode of hospitality and good cheer and all who know them entertain for them the warmest regard.
FRANK P. WILLIAMS.
Frank P. Williams is proprietor of a well conducted and equipped drug store in Car- rollton, his native city. He is indebted to the public-school system of Carrollton for the educational privileges which he en- joyed in his youth. He entered upon his business career in the capacity of a clerk in a grocery store, where he was employed for several years. He later became a drug clerk and pursued a course in the Chicago College of Pharmacy. In 1892 he opened a drug store on the west side of the square, where he continued until 1895, when he removed to the store on the north side formerly occu- pied by S. A. Vedder, retired. Here he has built up a most successful business, employ- ing several assistants, and he carries a large and complete stock of drugs and druggist's sundries. It is a thoroughly modern estab- lishment, well equipped, and its neat and at- tractive appearance is also one of the ele- ments in bringing trade to the store. In ad- dition to drugs he carries a large line of sta- tionery, paints and oils. His business meth- ods will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and his prosperity is certainly well merited.
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