USA > Illinois > Menard County > Past and present of Menard County, Illinois > Part 28
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H. S. HOUGHTON.
MRS. S. M. HOUGHTON.
S. M. HOUGHTON.
J. M. RUTLEDGE.
WRS. J. M. RUTLEDGE.
MRS. IT. S. HOUGHTON.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
W. Shipley and W. D. Masters he organized the company and Mr. Houghton built the lines and pushed the work to successful completion. Hle is also inspector and collector for the Cen- tral Union Telephone Company in the Sand Ridge district and he is the secretary of the Concord Cemetery Association.
Mr. Houghton was married February 15. 1882. to Miss Emma Rutledge, a daughter of James M. and Margaret ( Harris) Rutledge, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter a native of Kentucky, born on the Sth of Octo- ber. 1821. They were married in Sangamon county, Illinois. Mr. Rutledge had come to Menard county with his parents when a mere lad, the family home being established about four miles north of Petersburg. There he con- tinned to reside until twenty-six years of age. when he was married and began farming for himself. He also engaged in stock-raising. He carried the chain for Abraham Lincoln when he was making the surveys in this part of the state and worked with him many days. On one of his trips to St. Louis with Abraham Lincoln and his uncle John Rutledge they saw a white man whipping a negro and Mr. Lin- coln remarked that if he had the power ho would put a stop to that. little thinking that some day it would be within his power to loosen the bonds that fettered three million slave people. While driving hogs from his home to the Beardstown market on one of- casion Mr. Rutledge, then but a boy, was chased by wolves, but ho succeeded in driving the ani- mals away and returned to his home in safety. For many years he carried on general farming. but about six years prior to his death he left the farm and removed to Petersburg, where he lived retired until ealled to his final rest. I'nio him and his wife were born fourteen children. soven sons and seven daughters, of whom six are now living: Mary, the wife of John Moore, a resident of Petersburg : James B., who is married and resides in Missouri : Harriet. who is the wife of Andrew Park : Catherine. the wife of John Clary: Mrs. Houghton; and Harvey, who is married and resides in Springfield. The home of Mr. and Mrs .. Houghton has been blessed with one son and three daughters: Charles E., who mar-
ried Mrs. Daisy Dowell; Celestine M., Kittie C. and Ruth F., all at home.
A stanch Republican in his political views, Mr. Houghton has served for one term as coun- ty commissioner, filling that office for a term beginning in 1898. He has been chairman of the county board for two years and he has been school director and trustee for twelve years. while at the present time he is one of the di- reetors of the old Salem Chautauqua. He he- longs to the Petersburg Driving Club, is a member of Clinton lodge, No. 19. A. F. & A. M .. of Petersburg, and is a charter member of the Court of Honor there. Ile and his family hold membership in the Christian church and he is a most liberal and public- spirited man. He possesses the qualities of a successful business man and a desirable so- cial companion. and among his more strongly marked characteristics is his unswerving fideli- ty to duty. His private interests must always give way to the publie good, and thus he has become honored and esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance or who have met him in a business way.
ALEXANDER DONALDSON.
Alexander Donaldson, a representative of ono of the old and valued families of Menard coun- tv. was born in this county, on the 18th of April. 1821, his parents being Walker Richard and Rebecca (Sowers) Donaldson. The father was a native of Bath county, Kentucky. born on the 16th of July, 1824, and died on the 10th of January. 1892. The mother, who was born in Ohio, died February 10. 1898, at the age of fifiy-seven years, seven months and eight days. R. W. Donaldson came to Menard county when twenty-one years of age and was married here by R. D. Miller. Here he successfully carried on agricultural pursuits for many years and reared his family upon the home farm.
Alexander Donaldson spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of farmer lads of the present day period. He has resided continuously upon the old homestead. where he now carries on general farming and stock-raising and in his work he manifests
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
good business ability, careful management and unfaltering purpose.
On the 14th of February, 1899, occurred the marriage of Mr. Donaldson and Miss Lizzie Allison. Iler parents. James and Ann ( Mont- gomery) Allison, were natives of Ireland. the former born in September. 1835. and the lat- ter in May of the same year. They came to the United States in 1858. locating in Delaware, where they resided for some time. In 1864 they arrived in Petersburg, Illinois. and re- mained residents of Menard county until 1902. Mr. Allison carrying on the occupation of farm- ing. In 1902. however, he removed to Logan county, where he now makes his home. lle had visited America when fifteen years of age, but had afterward returned to Ireland, and sub- sequent to his marriage again came to the United States, believing that he would have bet- for business opportunities in the new world. In this hope he was not mistaken. for he found the opportunities he sought and by diligence and persistent energy he has worked his way steadily upward from a humble financial posi- tion to one of affluence. Unto him and his wife were born seven children : Martha, James, Wil- liam, Elizabeth. Sarah. John and Alexander. Unto Mr. and Mis. Donaldson has been born a daughter. Dorothy F., whose birth occurred September 15. 1900.
Mr. Donaldson, whose worth and ability are recognized by his fellow townsmen. has been called to serve as school director. having occu- pied the position for two year -. He votes with the Democracy and is interested in the growth and upbuilding of the party. keeping well in- formed on the questions and issues of the day. Ili- wife is a member of the Cumberland Pres- terian church and they are respected young people of the community. having many warm friends in Menard county.
JUDGE MILTON B. HARRISON.
Judge Milton B. Harrison, who died No- vember 21. 1901, was one of the most distin- Qui-hed lawyers that has ever practiced at the Menard county bar. No political proferment or more place can ever add to the power or in-
crease the honor which belongs to a true and educated lawyer. It is well known that the peace and prosperity of every community, in fact, of the nation. depends upon a wise inter- pretation as well as upon a judicious framing of the law. A well known jurist of Illinois said. "In the American stato the great and good lawyer must always be prominent, for he is one of the forces that control society." Judge Harrison ranked with the distinguished representatives of the Menard county bar and always stood as a safe conservator of the rights and liberties of the people. He was the do- fender of popular interests, the champion of freedom regulated by law and the firm sup- porter of good government. Moreover. he was one of the native pioneer sons of Menard coun- ty, Illinois, and it is therefore with signal consistency that we present the record of his career. His was a life of marked fidelity to duty, of exceptional ability and comprehensive understanding of the principles of jurispru- dence. He stood as the arbitrater of justice. was impartial, of well balanced intellect. was thoroughly familiar with the law, possessed an analytical mind and also a self-control that en- abled him to lose his individuality, his personal feelings, his prejudice and his peculiarities of disposition in the dignity. impartiality and equity of the office to which life. property, right and liberty must look for protection.
Milton Bryant Harrison was born June 2. 1824. on the old family homestead now owned by Harry Houghton, south of the city of Peters- burg. He was a son of Ezekiel Brian Harri- son. a minister, who was born in Virginia. July 19, 1386. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Ann James Bell. was born in the same state. June 14. 1292. His paternal grandparents were Ezekiel H. and Mary (Brian) Harrison, also natives of Virginia. Hi- parents were married in Rockingham con- ty of the Old Dominion and removed with their family in 1823 to Menard county. They had ten children, of whom Mrs. Enoch Megredy is now the only surviving member.
Judge Harrison began his education in a log schoolhouse at Old Salem. The little "temple of learning" had slab seats upon wooden pegs. oil paper taking the place of window glass.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
and the room was heated by an immense fire- burg and later was with . I. Carman, who place. The teacher was Menter Graham. His was succeeded In his brother, E. G. F. Harri- Son This partnership lasted for two years, when Judge Harrison purchased hus brother's interest. He was again with f. F. Harrison Trom 1865 until Is69. and was with M. F. Moore from 1869 until 18;3. under the firm name of Harrison & Moore. For some 110 he was thus associated with mercantile inter- este and displayed excellent business ability and eventive force. He was also called to public duties, being made deputy collector of internal revenue of the ninth congressional district of Ilinois under W. G. Giren. On the 20th of January. 1861. he was appointed collector of internal revenue In Abraham Lincoln, winch office he filled until failing health compelled him to resign. During a part of that time he made an enrollment for Menard county of the person- subject to draft and was himself enrolled in both Menard and Fulton counties. It was his carnest desire to go to the front in defense of the Union and the oldl dag. but his health would not permit. He. however, was a most patriotic and loyal-spirited man and did everything in his power at home to pro- mote the progress of the war and secure the triumph of the Union arms.
second teacher was Thomas .. Nance, who held -way in an upper room in the residence of James Goldsby and Judge Harrison was then seven years of age. His third teacher was S. Skaggs and the school was held in a vacant house on foldsby's farm. He afterward con- tinued his studies in a room in the residence of Jesse Maltby, the teacher being Miss Bonney. The new school which he attended was taught in a vacant house on the farm of his brother, John Harrison. the teacher being Miss Emily Chandler, who was also his first Sunday-school teacher. Again he became a student under Monter Graham at the Hardshell Baptist church, followed by study under Lewis B. Wynne. At the age of nine years he attended the Farmers Point school, the building having been created by his father, E. B. Harrison, Jesse Maltby and James B. Goldsby. Sr. and others. His subsequent teachers were .I. F. Harrison, John Goldsby and H. Lightfoot. Later he attended school in Petersburg, where he received instruction from F. MeCarty and 1. B. Waldo. He was also a student under W. C. Pierce at Lick Creek in Sangamon county and it was in that locality near Loami that he taught his first school in 1816. While a student in early boyhood he studied his spell- ing at night by the light of the pine knots. for there were too many others in the family sitting around the tallow candle for the younger members of the household to get near the light. While teaching school be studied law at night just to know it and profitably employed his time, while keeping up his habit of remaining home evenings while other young men played games "out." Later be conducted a tanyard and a brickyard on land west of his home. He afterward turned his attention to the bakery losiness in 18h in Petersburg in connection with George Davidson and coll- ducted this until the fall of ISIS, when he sold out. In the spring of 1819, when twenty- live years of age. he entered into partnership with .I. F. Harrison, with whom he remained for a year, after which he engaged in teaching School. From 1853 until 1855 he wa- again with .f. F. Harrison as a merchant of Peters-
Judge Harrison finally decided to try farm- ing in order that the outdoor exercise might prove beneficial to lus health, which had be- come greatly impaired during the close coll- finement in the sheriff's office. For several var- he followed agricultural pursuit- west of Springfield and in 18:3 be removed with his family to Eureka Springs, Arkans -, in the hope of being benefited physically, for his health was still in a precarious condition. After thirteen months among the mountain- and springs in that part of the country he re- turned with his family to the farm, where they resided for a few months and then established his home in Petersburg in order that he might educate his daughter- in the city. There he resided up to the time of his death. which occurred on Thanksgiving evening at >220. November 21. 1901. Thus passed away a man of unimpeachable character. His life was a record of honesty. justice, patience. urbanity and industry.
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
.Folge Harrison'- political support was ever Alven to the Republican party. In 1846. when twenty two years of age, he cast his first vote For Abraham Lincoln. then a candidate for congress, He had been acquainted with Lin- colu at Old Salem when the martyred presi- dent there worked in a mill. to which Judge Harrison would often carry corn on horseback to be ground. He again voted for Lincoln in isto, when he became candidate for the presi- deney.
Judge Harrison was married to Mrs. Mel- drum Sutton, nec Hunter. on New Year's ove at Jacksonville Centenary church just at the close of a watch meeting in 1820. Her death occurred October 2. 1899, and thus he survived her for five years. She had been a fitting com- panion of her husband, possessing a bright. sunny disposition, combined with a quiet. mod- est demeanor. She was educated in Jackson- ville Academy. She was a kind and loving wife and mother and had a host of warm friends. Her interests centered in her home. which was justly celebrated for its hospital- ity, and because of her many good traits of character she was beloved by all who knew her. U'nto Judge and Mrs. Harrison were born two children. M. II. Belle is now the wife of Bar- ton S. Osborn, who resides on a farm four miles south of Petersburg, and they have two children. George Harrison and Ernest Bar- ton. Miss Frances Harrison. the younger daughter, is also a resident of Menard county.
Judge Harrison became a member of the Methodist church when fourteen years of age. a society being formed at his home, and lived a consistent Christian life, being an earnest worker in behalf of the cause of religion and of education, In fact. he stood as the cham- pion of every measure which he believed would contribute to the general good. The beautiful now Methodist church west of the square is a fitting monument to his untiring efforts in the work for his Master. In private life he was distinguished by all that marked the true gentleman. Ilis was a noble character, one that subordinated personal ambition to public good and sought rather the benefit of others than the aggrandizement of self. In Menard county, where be spent almost his entire life.
he was numbered among the most honored citi- zens and received the highest regard and esteem of people of all classes. It was his earnest wish-often expressed-that his accounts might be settled for both this world and the next and that he might owe no man anything when he died. Justice and right permeated his en- tire career. Ile was a kind, loving and indul- gent husband and father and his splendid qual- ities so endeared him to those with whom he came in contact that at his death Menard county mourned the loss of one of its most honored and representative citizens.
ARCHIE S. KINCAID.
Archie S. Kincaid, whose fine modern resi- denco stands in the midst of a well-improved traet of land constituting one of the fine farms of township 18, is a representative of the younger generation of agriculturists who are proving to what a high state of development the land of Menard county can be brought through modern farming methods. \ native of this county, he was born February 24. 1837. and is a son of John A. and Etta G. (Simp- son) Kincaid, who are also natives of Menard county, the father born March 24. 1845, and the mother April 8, 1845. In his youth John A. Kincaid assisted his father in breaking the prairie land with ox teams and otherwise as- sisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm. He was but twelve years of age when the schoolhouse at Indian Point was built. and he hauled the water that was used in mixing the mortar. He was about twenty years of age when he went to Iowa, where he became connected with the cattle industry, assisting in driving cattle from thai state to Illinois. He was thus engaged for two years. The cattle thus brought to Menard county were fod by his father and others and afterward sold in the eity markets. His father was extensively en- gaged in feeding both cattle and hogs, having from one hundred and fifty to two hundred head of caille each year. John A. Kincaid remained at home until twenty-five or twenty-six years of age. when he began farming for himself. and for many years he figured as one of the
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
more progressive and successful agriculturists of this county. At the age of twenty-eight years he married Miss Etta G. Simpson, and they began their domestic life on his farm. He continued to carry on the work of the farm until 1895, when, in order to educate his children, he removed to Champaign, where he lived until 1902, when he took up his abode in Springfield. where he is now living a re- tired life. In 1897 he met with the misfor- tune of losing his right hand in a planer, being engaged in the planing-mill business in Champaign at that time. After the accident he sold his planing-mill and removed to Springfield, where he is now enjoying a well- merited rest from further labor.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. John A. Kincaid have been born eight children, four sons and four daughters: Charles H., who was born May 8, 1875, and is now living in Arkansas; Archie S .; Laura, who was born October 20, 1879. and is living at home with her parents: Frank B., who was born September 10, 1880, and who has recently returned from the Philip- pines, having served as a member of Troop A. Fifteenth United States Cavalry; Hugh S .. who was born October 23. 1882. and is living in Colorado: Edna M., born August 23. 1885. Maud, horn June 12, 1888, and Pearl, born May 9, 1891. all at home.
Archie S. Kincaid was provided with liberal educational privileges. After attending the public schools at Indian Point he attended the high school at Champaign, Illinois. from which he was graduated, and then entered the State University there, in which institution his education was completed, well qualifying him for the conduet of his business interests and the discharge of life's practical and re- sponsible duties. He was always interested in athletics, and while attending the high school was a member of the football team and also) of the Athletic Association. The Champaign was the champion high school team of the state and Mr. Kincaid won several medals in athletic meets.
After completing his education Mr. Kin- caid purchased his brother's interest in some live stock and farm implements, which he had owned conjointly with Jack Flanigan. with
whom our subject remained in partnership for a year. Their business relationship was then dissolved and Mr. Kincaid has since been in business alone, raising cattle, hogs and horses. He is also extensively engaged in the raising of grain and sells from two to three thousand bushels of corn and from ten to fifteen hun- dred bushels of oats each year. He has just completed a commodions modern residence upon his farm, which was built after plans which he drew and which is one of the most at- tractive homes of his part of the county.
Mr. Kincaid married Miss Idella Mellinger, a daughter of William C. and Jennie (Wig- gins) Mellinger. Her father, born December 8. 1848, is still living, but her mother died Angust 25, 1888. Both were natives of Sanga- mon county and Mr. Mellinger was educated in the public schools there and remained at home with his parents until twenty-two years of age. after which he began farming on his own ac- count. and has continned in this business down to the present time, now operating two hun- dred acres of land in Menard county. He has also engaged in the raising of hogs and cattle and has a good property, which his la- bors have made a profitable investment. Unto him and his wife were born four children : Idella, born October 5, 1880; Clarence, born January 17, 1883: Annie, born August 29, 1885: and Florence. August 21, 1882. After losing his first wife Mr. Mellinger married Mrs. Anna L. Cantrall, and they have one son, Sherman S., born December 14, 1891.
Mr. and Mrs. Kincaid are well known in social circles, having many friends, and they enjoy the unqualified regard of all who know them. In politics Mr. Kincaid is a Republican and in public matters he is interested. espe- cially where they have direct hearing upon the county and its welfare.
WALTER S. TAYLOR. M. D.
Dr. Walter Sherwood Taylor, who is engaged in the general practice of medicine and surgery in Tallula. was born on the 8th of July. 1873. in the town of Milo, Bureau county, Illinois. Ile is a son of Dr. William L. and Emma H.
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
. laster. The Taylor family is of Sofdi-Trisponigm and Dr. William L. Taylor 3. - born in Kentucky, where he spent the day- of Ins coshond and youth. Preparing for the palacthe of medieme, he afterward engaged in professional duties for some time. bist dube- month engaged in the real-estate business. Ile Jedno. Loms. Missouri, in 1976.
Dr. Walter >. Taylor, having acquired a good Iterary education. entered upon preparation for 11. bracthe of medicine as a student in Barnes Medical College of St. Louis, Missouri. He was grabluated with the class of 1899 and opened an office at Curran. Ilinois, but after a Short time want to Buffalo, this state. Sub- spenthy he removed to Denver, Colorado. for the benefit of his own health, and on the ex- grat on of that period he returned to Tallula. where he lived for a short time prior to the period of his residence m the west. I'mon again coming to Tallula he purebased property and he now has a good practice in the town and sur- rounding country. He is a member of the Me- nard County Medical Society and the Imois State Medical Society. In addition to his col- legiate work he enjoyed the tendit of a year's Tospital experiences and he entered upon the practice of medicine and surgery well equipped for the ardnon- duties which devolve upon the physician. The public recognizes his capa- hits and accords him a liberal patronage.
On the 8th of June 1899. Dr. Taylor was un ted in marriage to Miss Lillian Jack. a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah C. Jack. who removed from New Jersey to the west. settling n Illmot. Her father is now deceased. Int the mother still survives and makes her home with her children. Mrs. Taylor was born in Bonale, Sangamon county. Illinois, and at the what age entered the public schools, wherein The advanced step by step through sneesive Erade - Ont she had to implayed the high school war, she afterward engaged in teaching for Mro cars and was then married. She has
r. Jan. Benjamin and Edwin, all of whom an iet loin_ Tlo Ton of Dr. and Mr-, Tay- - si w th two children: Mar- Or Lon gest 10, 1900: and Jam - Sher-
Dr. Taylor is a stalwart Republican. sup- porting the party since age gave to him the right of franchise. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of l'ythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and his wife are members of the Christian church. He may we'll be termed one of the leading citizens of hi- community because of the active and help- Inl support which he gives for the promotion of educational, material and moral interests of Tallula.
JOIN A. RIDGE.
John A. Ridge, who is meeting with fair ste- ces m his farming labors in Menard county. was born in Scott county. Indiana. March 6, Istin, his parents being Samuel A. and Mary (Kenney) Ridge. The father was born in In- diana. October 9, 1830, and came to Menard county in 1820, bringing with him two dry- goods boxes, containing the household effects. and one hundred dollars in money. He worked by the day and month for eight years as a farm hand in the employ of Colonel John Williams and others. At the end of that time he rented land and then carried on farming for him- -elf for eighteen years, during a part of which time his only son. John A. Ridge. worked with him, and later he went to live with his son and there he was called to his final rest May 1. 1904. the funeral services being conducted by the Rev. R. D. Miller. who has officiated at all such occasions for the family. His wife passed away on the 28th of May. 1890. In their family were four children, two sons and two daughters, but John A. is the only one now living. Susanna B. hind March 6, 1819: Lana died July 20. 18-1. and an infant son on the 5th of January. 18;0.
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