USA > Illinois > Greene County > Past and present of Greene County, Illinois > Part 65
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Benjamin F. Baldwin was long a man of prominence in public life in Greene county. active and influential along many lines which promoted the welfare of his community. For thirty years he acted as marshal at the annual
in ty fairs held in Carrolltonand was noted for his efficiency and the promptness with which he discharged his duties. He always carried en farming and in the development of the fields and the care of his crops he showed the spirit of the progressive agri- culturist. Unto him and his wife were born seven children : Marilla, deceased : Lou S. who is living in White Hall township : Mary. who resides in St. Paul: George, a resident of Bluffdale: Alice, the wife of H. Porter : John .A. : and A. C. Baldwin, a stock farmer of Greene county.
At the usual age John Baldwin became a public-school student, and when not occupied with his text-books he assisted in the culti- vation of the home farm or enjoyed the pleasures in which farmer lads of the period indulged. In 1887 he was united in mar- riage to Clara E. Robley, a daughter of Vil- roy and Katherine ( Spencer ) Robley, the latter a daughter of Hiram and Jane Spencer, of White Hall Hall township. U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have been born two children : Edith S. and Edna .A., twins. who were born June 23. 1896.
Mr. Baldwin resides upon a farm which formerly belonged to his father-in-law and is engaged extensively and successfully in stock-raising. He makes a specialty of what is known as the Thin Rind breed of hogs. a kind that is now recognized among hog raisers as a well defined breed of the bacon producers. It originated in Kentucky and was developed in Pike county, Missouri. The hogs are distinguished by a white band around a black body. The sows are prolific and good mothers and cross well with other breeds. The stock is now registere 1 and is raised in many parts of the United States. Mr. Baldwin also raises potatoes of the finest variety, covering them with straw only and
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thus saving cultivation and the labor of dig- ging. He is also a believer in modern meth- ods of farming. and while quick to adopt a new idea, it must be one which his judg- ment tells him will prove practical. His la- bors have been carried energetically forward and he has accomplished much as a farmer and stock-raiser, being now one of the pros- perous men of his community.
GEORGE E. BUNDY.
George E. Bundy, who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Rood- house, was born July 2, 1866, one mile north of White Hall, his parents being Elijah S. and Mary ( Rice) Bundy. His grandfather Bundy was a native of New York and at an early day removed to Wisconsin, settling at Black River Falls. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Henry, died in 1874 and is remembered by George E. Bundy, who at the time of her death was a lad of eight years. Elijah S. Bundy was born in the state of New York, April 9, 1847, and was quite young when he came with his parents to the middle West, locating in Wisconsin. In his youth he learned the carpenter's trade and in 1865 he came to Illinois, settling at Carrollton, where he was engaged in build- ing pursuits for a time, but later conducted a furniture and undertaking business. Sub- sequently he removed to Walkerville and later to White Hall, where he became a partner of Paul Lang, and when the latter diedl the business was sold and Mr. Bundy removed to Murraysville, where he lived for four years. He then came to Roodhouse, where he followed carpentering until the fall of 1882, when he established the furniture
and undertaking business now conducted by his son George. He continued to conduct his store until his death, which occurred June 8, 1900, when he was fifty-three years of age. His wife died October 26, 1897.
George E. Bundy accompanied his par- ents on their various removals and acquired his education in the public schools. He as- sisted his father through the period of his youth and upon the latter's death he suc- ceeded to the furniture and undertaking busi- ness, which he now conducts in Roodhouse, having a good store, in which he carries a large and carefully selected line of goods, to meet the popular demand. There are two furniture stores in Roodhouse and Mr. Bundy receives a good patronage from the town and surrounding districts. In May, 1900, his store was destroyed by fire, but he immediately erected a fine brick building on Palm street, thirty by one hundred feet, and continued business on a larger scale than before.
On the 22d of December, 1887. Mr. Bundy was united in marriage to Miss Mat- tie I. Hunt, a daughter of John P. Hunt and Evaline ( Baldwin) Hunt, the latter a sister of Mayor Baldwin, of White Hall. Her mother, Mrs. Martha Baldwin, died October IO, 1888. Mrs. Bundy was born in Greene county, a mile and a half from Roodhouse, and by her marriage she has become the mother of one son, George H., born Decem- ber 6, 1889. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Bundy belongs to several fraternal organiza- tions, being a representative of the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica. llis political views accord with the principles of the Democratic party. Con- nected with the furniture trade from early
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b yhood, he is well prepared for carrying on a profitable business, for with a recognition of the fact that diligence is the basic element of success, he applies himself earnestly to the upluilding of a good and profitable trade.
JOHN C. WOODS.
John C. Woods, one of the energetic. practical and progressive agriculturists of White Hall township, was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, on the 12th of November, 1864. his parents being Isaac and Martha ( Baker) Woods, the former a son of Will- iam Woods, who was of English descent. while the mother was a daughter of C. B. Baker. Mr. Woods of this review is a nephew of William C. Baker, of White Ilall. The Bakers have ever been industrious and respected people and for many years have been valued citizens of Illinois, upholding the moral and political status of the state and at the same time contributing to its material upbuilding. Oscar Woods, a brother of our subject, resides at Berdan, Greene county
John C. Woods acquired his education in the public schools and was reared to the oc- cupation of farming, which he has made his life work. Ile resides on a farm, which was formerly the property of his father-in-law. William Ridings, and here he has a good tract of land which he has place 1 under a high state of cultivation. He located here soon after his marriage and is now engage l in general farming and stock-raising, mak- ing a specialty of the raising of Thin Rind hogs, having recently purelise la fine regis- tered male of this breed from William Strang. He also operates much of the land belonging to his father in-law. who is an
extensive property holder, and who finds m Mr. Woods a most dutiful and helpful son.
On the 22d of May, 1884. Mr. Woods married Miss Nellie Rulings, a daughter of William and Mary Ann Ridings. Her great-grandfather, John Ridings, was born in Wales and became the progenitor of the family in America, establishing his home in North Carolina, where he died in 1832. His son, Isaac Ridings, grandfather of Mrs. Woods, married Susanna Chinn, of a noted Kentucky family of that name. Her father was born in 1822. in Surry county, North Carolina, and there acquired a meager edu- cation. In 1835 he came to Illinois with his parents, the family home being established1 in White Hall township. Greene county. Throughout his entire life he has carried on agricultural pursuits and he now owns over seven hundred acres of land in Greene county and two hundred and forty acres in Christian county. His prosperity has come to him as the result of careful management. unfaltering diligence and judicious invest- ment. Ilis home is a comfortable brick house, with frame addition, and is sur- rounded with apple and peach orchards. He is a genial gentleman, hospitable and kind hearted, keeps well poste 1 on public affairs and is yet deeply interested in the general topics of the day. In early life he was a Democrat, and at the time of the war he be- came what was known as a Douglas Demo- crat, following the example of Stephen 1. Douglas in supporting Lincoln in his war policy. He has long been a Republican. supporting Garfield, who was of the same religious faith, both heng members of the Christian church. He has sirel: been unfal- tering m his advocacy of the Repubchem party and by his bellot always upholds its platform Hle wedded Mary Ann Allen, a
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daughter of William Allen, a native of North Carolina, and they became the parents of three children: Sarah, the wife of Pleasant Edward Driver, by whom she has three children: Mrs. Woods; and Frank, who lives on a farm near Wrightsville and has one child.
Mrs. Woods, the younger daughter, is a model housekeeper. a kind neighbor and a de- voted wife and mother. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Woods have been born five children : Will- iam T .. who was born June 7, 1885 ; Myra, born in 1887: Edward, in 1891; Sarah, in 1896; and Lucy, in 1899. The parents have many warm friends in the locality where they reside and their own home is a most hospitable one.
ELISHA C. BARNARD.
Elisha C. Barnard, who, engaged in farming, is making a specialty of the raising of pure white Shanghai chickens and Duroc hogs. has spent his entire life in Greene county. He was born November 2. 1849, upon a farm one mile west of Athens, in .Athens township, his parents being Elisha and Mahala ( Mayberry) Barnard. His father died in 1877.
In the common schools of the county 1.lisl/ C. Barnard acquired his education and in his youth was trained to farm labor, which he has always followed. He has been Connected with W. H. Barrow and his son, Il. Barrow, for the past ten years and has Bonded in a fine farm residence near Rood- budbe. Here be carried en general agricul- Woal Pirsuite, the field's giving every evi- deare af h - careful supervision, while every- the Blant the place Indicates the manager nocle & men of business discernment and
thrift. He is now raising some fine pure bred Shanghai fowls and also Duroc hogs.
In 1872 Mr. Barnard was married to Miss Lou Ella Pope, who was born in Scott county, Illinois, near Manchester, December 15, 1854. Her parents were Thomas M. and Mary Jane ( Billings) Pope, who still reside in Manchester. Her maternal grand- father was Abraham Billings. Mr. and Mrs. Barnard never had any children of their own, but reared an adopted daughter, Berdie Ann Nichols, who was born November 20, 1880, and whose mother, Mrs. Jane Nichols, died when her daughter was very young. Her father, who worked for Mr. Barnard, is now living near Kane. She is a niece of George Witte, now representative from this district in the state legislature and formerly sheriff of Greene county. Berdie Nichols was married, in March, 1900, to Orrin Doyel, a nephew of L. C. Doyel, of Rood- house township, and they reside on the E. L. Kemp farm. They have one son. Mrs. Doyel is a graduate of the high school of Roodhouse, of the class of 1899.
Mr. Barnard has been a life-long Demo- crat, supporting the principles of the party since age gave to him the right of franchise. He affiliates with the Modern Woodmen of America and is a member of the Christian church. His life has been a busy and useful one and whatever success he has enjoyed has come as the direct result of his own labors.
HARRY A. ROBLEY.
Harry .A. Robley is a representative of one of the most prominent and honored pio- neer families of Greene county, and his own personal worth entitles him to a position in
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the foremost rank where his father and grandfather stood. The latter, Captain Richard Robley, was born in Swansea, New Ilmmpshire, May 12. 1791, and was a son of Matthew and Mary ( Scott ) Robley, who were natives of England and Became the pro- genitors of the family in America. Captain Robley remained a resident of New England until the spring of 1820, when he came to Illinois and selected lands in Bluffdale town- ship. Greene county, on which he settled. erecting a residence and other buildings in 1821. The old log cabin which he built there was known as the Buckeye cabin. . \ bear had been killed1 upon that site just be- fore he began building, and everything was wild and unimproved, indicating the frontier conditions of the locality. On the 11th of August, 1814. in Vergennes, Vermont, he had married Desire Griswold, and it was to this pioneer home that he brought his wife and little family, she nobly sharing with him in all the hardships and trials of the frontier. With characteristic energy, however, Captain Robley began the development of a farm and for half a century resided upon the okl homestead, making it a valuable property by reason of the excellent improvements which he placed upon it. He won his title by serving as captain of a militia company in the Black Hawk war in 1832. He died Jan- mary 3. 1870. when more than eighty-seven years of age, his birth having occurred May 12. 1791. Ilis wife passed away July 22. 1836. They were the parents of the follow- ing children, as follows : Henry ti. married Caroline Griswoll. of Carlinville, Ilinois : George B. wedded Mary Jordan, ci this county : klim A. marred Thomas J Brown and died December 20. 1834: Charle Was born November 6, 1822: Emily married J Twitchel and died in 1872: Vilray wat- th
next of the family ; Walter S. de SUvember 6. 1836; and Mary became the wife of T. Bruce.
Vilroy Rolley was born in Greene county, Ulmois, August 20, 1827. and was reared upon the home farm, assisting in its cultivation up to the time of les marriage, which recurre ! April 27. 1854. Miss Kath- erine Spencer becoming his wife. She was the only daughter of Stephen and Katherme ( Walker) Spencer, natives of Vermont. Her father was born in Bennington and was of English parentage. He was e located in the schools of his native state and was there married to Miss Katherine Walker. a daugh- ter of Johnson Walker, one of the early resi- dents of the Green Mountain state. U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Spencer were born five chil- dren. In 1833 Mr. Spencer started by wagon for Illinois, arriving at his destination Oc- tober 28. He settled at Bluffdale and in 1834 he erected a brick house on a fine tract of land, this being one of the best of the early residences of the county. He was not only a progressive and prosperous agricul- turist but also a public-spirited citizen and he encourage } public education and built a schoolhouse for the use of his own and his neighbors' children. He, too, was a veteran of the war of 1812, and he took part in the battle of Plattsburg. He was well educated for his day and was a splendid type of the New England character, sturdy and upright. well fitted to cope with pi meer conditions and taking an active part in the early devel- opment of the county. He the I November 20, 1846, on his wife die September (). IN-3
Viter the marriage of Vily Ridley and Katherme Spencer he devoted hus energies to forming, which he successfully completed until his death, and he became the enverdi
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fifteen hundred acres which were in his pos- session at the time of his death. He figured prominently in educational circles, and his life work was crowned with a high measure of prosperity. He died in 1886, at the age of fifty-eight years, and his wife passed away the same year, at the age of fifty-four. They were the parents of seven children : Edward V., who lives on the old homestead; Charles A., who was killed in a runaway accident when twenty-four years of age; Mary E., who died at the age of one year ; Cora M., the wife of F. Baldwin ; Clara E., who mar- ried John Baldwin; Lettie A., who married A. C. Baldwin ; and Harry A.
Harry A. Robley was born in 1875, on his father's old homestead southwest of his present place of residence, and his youth was passed in a manner similar to that of most lads of the period. Following the acquire- ment of a good education in the public schools he began farming on his own account and he now owns what is known as the old A. C. Baldwin farm of one hundred and sixty acres, the greater part of which he rents. He is a breeder of the white Plymouth Rock and red Leghorn poultry, as well as the Thin Rind hogs and his sales of poultry and stock bring to him a good annual in- come. Ile uses his fine farm to the best advantage without actively engaging in the tilling of the soil, and his business interests are well managed and prove profitable.
1898. Unto him and his wife have been born two interesting children: Elon, born October 2, 1900; and Porter, born December 21. 1902. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Robley is a Democrat in his political views, inter- ested in the growth and success of this party. He is an expert marksman and takes great delight in hunting, indulging his love of the sport on frequent occasions. He is a popu- lar, genial, young man, of social nature, and has many friends in the county where he has always made his home and where the family name has figured through more than eight decades.
STEPHEN FLATT, M. D.
Dr. Stephen Flatt, who is now success- fully engaged in the practice of medicine at Hardin, Calhoun county, Illinois, and is also conducting a drug store at that place, was born in Greene county on the 5th of June, 1872, and is a son of Daniel Flatt, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. His primary education was obtained in the district schools of this county and he later attended the Carrollton high school, where he was graduated with honors in 1895, being valedictorian of his class. Desiring to enter the medical fraternity he matriculated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis and was graduated at that institution March 16, 1898, standing third in a class of one hundred and five. Ile then located for practice at Hardin, Calhoun county, Illinois, and for a time was in partnership with Dr. MeGibbins, both in the practice of medicine and in the drug business, but later bought
In January, 1897, he was married to Miss Bertha Barnes, a daughter of Robert and Nannie ( Cotton) Barnes. She has a brother Reb Barnes, who resides in White Hall, and a brother David, who is living in Califormd. The year prior to his marriage Mr Robles took up his residence upon his prezent farm and his reside | here continut- ou ly Frece voth the exception of the year out his partner and is now alone. As a drug-
DR STEPHEN ILATT.
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gist he has built up a good trade and as a physician he stands high among his profes- sional brethren, securing a liberal share of the public patronage.
On the 10th of April, 1901, in St. Louis, Dr. Flati was married by Bishop Tuttle to Miss Marie E. Carruthers, a daughter of George and Hattie Carruthers. Her father is a commission merchant of St. Louis. The Doctor and his wife have a little son, S. Ford, born December 26, 1901.
Politically Dr. Flatt is a Democrat, re- ligiously is a member of the Baptist church. and fraternally is connected with Hardin Jodge. . A. F. & \. M. He has in his pos- session a certificate of Masonry issued to his great-grandfather. John Gibson, in England. and a silver medal given to the same gentle- man. June 15. 1815. for bravery while in the king's service in the battle of Waterloo.
JOHN W. WYATT.
John W. Wyatt, engaged in general farming in White Hall township, was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, near Chester- field, in 1849. His paternal grandfather. William Wyatt, was a native of England and on coming to America settled in Kentucky, whence he removed to Illinois. He was a farmer by occupation as were the maternal ancestors of our subject. On coming to this state he located in White Hall township. Greene county, near Bradshaw Mound. The father of our subject was Thomas Wyitt. who followe I farming in White Hall town- ship. Ile married Nancy Dunham, a daugh ter of William Dunham, a farmer of Greene county, notel for his religious zeal. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt held membership with the Baptist church and were earnest Chris- tian people. Mr. Wyatt died in 1896, at the age of seventy-six years, while his wife passed away in 1900, at the age of seventy years.
John W. Wyatt was reared on the okl family homestead in White Hall township and in his youth attended the public schools through the winter months, while in the sum- mer seasons he aided in the work of the fields. Ile has since folk wed various pur- suits, but is now giving his attention to farming and is living upon what is known as the W. W. Hubb farm, upon which he located in 1901. It is a tract of one hundred and twenty acres and no farm in White Hall township shows better thrift an | prosperity. for his labors are of a most practical char- acter and he is thoroughly conversant with the best methods of cultivating the soil so that it will yield excellent returns in good harvest. He raises good crops each year and also has some of his land seeded down to clover and timothy.
Mr. Wyatt was united in marriage to Miss Maragret .\. Spencer, a daughter of Elisha and Emily (Armstrong ) Spencer. They have become the parents of seven chil- dren : Lucy, who died at the age of sixteen months: Roy Lee, who died at the age of two years: Andy O., who was born March 24. 1881: David, twenty-two years of age: Thomas J., born June 9, 1883: Mary, born April 12. 1887 : and Nancy E., born October 10. 1800.
Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt holdt membership with the Baptist church and are interested in its work and the extension of its influence Ile has been a Democrat since age gave to him the right f franchise and although he
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never seeks office earnestly desires the adop- tion of the party principles. His entire life has been passed in Greene county, where he has a wide and favorable acquaintance.
GEORGE MI. CUNNINGHAM.
George M. Cunningham, who is engaged in general farming in Roodhouse township. was born in Greene county, near Patterson, May 7, 1847. His paternal grandfather, Abraham Cunningham, was a native of South Carolina, and his son, Joel Cunning- ham, was also born in that state. He mar- ried Miss Clara C. Marsh, a daughter of Ezekiel and Lydia (Whittier) Marsh, na- tives of Tennessee. Joel Cunningham re- moved from South Carolina to Tennessee. and came from Lincoln county, in the latter state. to Illinois about 1830 or 1831. Set- tling in Greene county, he was one of the pioneer farmers of this part of the state and aided in reclaiming the wild land for the purposes of civilization. Throughout his entire life he followed farming, and he died in 1872, at the age of sixty-nine years, while his wife passed away in 1888, at the age of eighty-eight years.
George M. Cunningham is indebted to the pul.lic schools for the e lucational privi- leges he enjoyed. and when not busy with his school books he aided in the labors of the lome farm. He has always carried on ag- ricultural pursuits and now farms the J. W. Sinth land in Roodhouse township, making 1 is home thereone. He was married in 1874 to Ali-s Virginia Davidson, and they have become the parents of six children: Mary 1. who was born in 1875 and is the wife of Hier Bollard, a member of one of the old-
est families of the county, by whom she has three children, Orrin, aged eleven, Virgil, aged eight, and Rubie, aged one year ; Nona. who was born in 1878; Emma, who was born in 1879 and is the wife of John Coates, ยท a resident of Barrow, by whom she has one child, Clara; Alma, born in 1883; Hubert, born July 10, 1889: and Burline, born Au- gust 12, 1895.
In his religious faith Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Baptist faith, and in his political views is a Prohibition-Democrat. He advocates temperance principles and in fact supports all measures which promote. law and order, truth, justice and the right.
J. W. DRIVER.
J. W. Driver, head dairyman for A. H. Barrow, at Roodhouse, was born in Leeds, county, Canada, February 16, 1860, and is a son of Joseph E. and Mary Ann (Gilbert) Driver. His paternal grandfather was John Driver, who was of Irish lineage, while the Gilberts were descendants of an old New England family. The mother of our subject died in 1869, but the father is still living and makes his home in Eldred, Greene county, Illinois.
J. W. Driver came with his parents to the United States when nine years of age. the family settling east of Carrollton. He. was early trained to the work of the farm and has always engaged in general farming and dairying. On the ist of July, 1903. he began working for William H. Barrow and his son, A. IT. Barrow, as dairyman, and on the 11th of March, 1904. he became foreman of the dairy of A. II. Barrow and has since acted in this capacity. He now has super-
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