USA > Illinois > Menard County > Past and present of Menard County, Illinois > Part 30
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Augustu- Kerr Riggin was reared amid pioneer scenes and could relate many interest- ing incidens of frontier life in this region. As his parents were great friends of education and progress, they gave their children every school advantage that they could and "Gus" was early qualified for teaching. which profes- sion he followed for several years. He at- tended MeRendree College and completed his clucation at Illinois College in Jacksonville. where he numbered among his classmates Gen- eral Lippincott and John L. Stocking. After teaching school for several wars he studied law in the office of Major Harris, of Petersburg, and was admitted to the bar, but never practiced his profession. He served two forms as circuit clerk and on his retirement from office in 1860 turned his attention to farming, which occu- pation he followed up to within the last year or two of his life. when his sons relieved him of the management of the farm. He gave con- siderable attention to stock-raising, making a
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Mary. C. Riggi.
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
specialty of shorthorn cattle, and found that branch of his business very profitable.
On the 26th of November, 18:1. Mr. Riggin married Miss Mary C. Deal, who was born six miles west of Bloomington. in MeLean county. Illinois, April 12. 1850, and was a daughter of Sammel C. Deal, whose sketch appears else- where in this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rig- gin were born three children. Harry, born October 9. 1826: Augustus K .. born October 3. 18:8: and Samuel Chestertiekl. born January 5. 1881. They are now carrying on the home farm. The oldest son was married November 20, 1599, to Irene Walker and live- a quarter of a mile north of the old homestead.
In politics Mr. Riggin was a stanch Demo- erat and he always took a very active and prom- inent part in political affairs, no private citizen of this county contributing more of his time and money to the cause of his party than he did. Socially he was a Mason, and at his death. which occurred July 21. 1903. he was laid to rest with Masonic honors. He was a man high- ly honored and respected by all who knew him and when he passed away the community real- ized that it had lost one of its most valued and useful citizens. Mrs. Riggin died January 10. 1905, leaving many friends as well as hor im- mediate family to mourn her loss.
SAMUEL C. DEAL.
Samuel C. Deal. deceased. was born in Waynesboro. Rockingham county. Virginia. on the 28th of October. 1815, and spent his early life in that state. In the fall of 1849 he came to Illinois and settled in Dry Grove township. Melcan county. about live and a half miles west of Bloomington, within a mile and a half of the farm on which he died. There he en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising for fifty-two years and was a very successful busi- ness man, accumulating one thousand acres of land. Of excellent business ability and over- utive force, he carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook and before his demise he decided to divide his property among his children rather than leave it to the court to divide. Accordingly, he called his children to the home and disposed of the en-
tire estate, reserving only a small competence for himself that he believed would supply him with all that he might need for the remainder of his life, expressing the desire that if any- thing was left it should be divided equally among his children at his death.
On the 21st of October. 1831. Mr. Deal mar- ried Mis- Priscilla Brown, who was born in Angusta county. Virginia, in 181;, and was a daughter of Rev. John Brown, the oldest son of a German nobleman. After visiting the new world and seeing the destitution that prevailed. he returned to Germany and informed his fa- ther that he had decided to become a minister. Although his father told him if he did this he would be disinherited. it did not change hin; from his purpose, and all he received from his father's estate was a library valued at two tholl- sand dollars. He was the first German Ro- formed preacher in the United States and could preach in seven languages, being highly edu- rated.
I'nto Mr. and Mrs. Deal were born nine chil- dron: John B., now living upon a farm in Jefferson. Greene county. lowa. has thirteen children, and with the exception of two all are married and in good health. Sanmel A. is living near Danvers, Illinois, Mr -. Elizabeth E. Elkins makes her home near her brother Samuel. Newton died in childhood. Mrs. Mary C. Riggin is represented on another page of this volume. Jane died in infancy. Mrs. S. Addio Wright is living west of Bloomington. Illinois. Enuna resides on the old homestead. Mrs. Virginia E. H. Stanbus is living in Dry Grove township. Mellan county. The daugh- lors married well-to-do farmers and all are widows at the present time with the exception of Emma.
Mr. Deal was a ruling elder in the Cumber- land Presbyterian church for fifty-four years and took a very active part in church work. Hle was noted for his affable disposition, excellent tat and his kindly spirit. and enjoyed the highest regard of neighbors and friends, being frequently called upon to aid in settling dif- ticulties because of his uniform fairness and spirit of justice. He was exceedingly kind to the poor and generous in his contributions to the needy. Dis life was indeed actuated by a
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
worthy Christian spirit. In his political faith Mr. Deal was an ardent Democrat and was fre- quently called upon to accept public office. . 11- though he was never an aspirant for political preferment, he took great interest in politics and consented to serve as county assessor. as road commissioner, as supervisor and in other positions of public trust. He died on the 25th of January. 1903. having long survived his wife, who passed away June 5. 1815. She was a lady of very sweet disposition, whose religious faith and principle- were manifest in her daily life and she was greatly beloved by her family. She and her brothers and sisters were devoted to their parents and were especially helpful to their mother during their father's absence on ministerial duties. He was a pioneer preacher of the west. having fourteen congregations un- der his charge at one time. His sons were all Ant to college. the mother being able to care for the family affair- and superintend the busi- nes> interests in a capaldo manner during her husband's absence.
LAWRENCE L. LOOBY.
Lawrence 1. Looby, whose farming interest- are valuable and have been developed through his energy and perseverance, was born in county Tipperary, Ireland, on the 29th of May. 1816. hi- birthplace being in the parish of Kilfoode. His parents were John and Winifred ( Hanley) Looby, and the former died in 1855. while the latter died in 1860. so that Lawrence L. Looby was left an orphan at the age of sixteen years. Two years later he became a resident of Amer- tea, landing in Boston, Massachusetts, where he resided for about five years, working at the currier's trade. He then sought a home in the west. coming to Menard county, where he worked by the month as a farm hand for about two years. He was then employed by the I'nion Pacific Railroad Company from 1868 until the road was completed in 1869. He worked along the line from Omaha to Greenview and Point Rock- and also from Menard county to Cali- forma. He was afterward employed in the line of his trade in San Francisco, spending about eleven months in California, after which he
returned to Menard county. Later he went to. Chicago and served on the police force of that city under Captain Michael Hickey. Superin- tendent Kennedy being in charge at that time. while Mayor Odell was mayor of the city. He served on the force for two year- and two months. He afterward worked in the stock- vards for a year in the employ of John Bren- nock, after which he returned to Menard county and secured employment as a farm hand.
On the 1st of January. 1880. Mr. Looby was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Boyer. a daughter of Charles and Mary ( Humphrey) Boyer. Her father was born in England and was the son of John Boyer, the owner of a large estate in that country. Mr. Looby now has in his possession the probate of the will of Robert Boyer, deceased. father of Charles Boyer, dated November 23. 1803. and executed by John Wills. Mr. Looby also has parchment deeds showing the transfer of land in England to his wife's father and his brother John. the deed bearing date of Angust 1. 1265. Charles Boyer came to America prior to November 1. 1839. and settled in Sangamon county. for at that date he received from the United States a pat- ent for three hundred and twenty acres of land in that county. He afterward added to his property and at his death he left three hundred and fifty-nine acres of highly improved land. which is now in possession of Mr. Looby and constitutes the home farm of the family. His wife was a native of New York. Both were members of the Presbyterian church and in his political views he was a Republican. Mrs. Boyer died at the age of sixty-three years. Ros. R. D. Miller conducting the funeral services. while Mr. Boyer died October 11, 1878. and thus passed away two of the honored pioneer citizens of central Illinois.
I'mto Mr. and Mrs. Charles Boyer were born three children: Frank. Lizzie and John. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Looby has been blessed with six children : John E., who was born De- cember 19. 1880, and died in infancy : Mamie, who was born December 19. 1881, and is now acting as her father's housekeeper: Kittie, who was born in tss? and died in infancy : Winnie. who was born in 188t and died in childhood : Charles, who was born January 2 :. 1886, and is
211
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
living at home with his father; and William H., whose birth occurred August 2. 1891. and who is also upon the home farm. The wife and mother died December 17. 1900, at the age of forty-seven years, and her death was deeply regretted by many friends. She was a con- sistent member of the Presbyterian church and was ever devoted to the welfare and happiness of her husband and children.
Since his marriage Mr. Looby has been on- gaged in general farming and stock-raising and has worked earnestly and persistently to ac- cumulate a comfortable competence. He is now the owner of a valuable property and his land is well improved, having been placed by him under a high state of cultivation. He is a member of the Catholic church and in his po- litical views is a Democrat, but has had neither time nor inclination to seek public office, pre- ferring to give his attention to his business affairs, in which he has met with creditable success. Hle is the owner of many valuable and interesting old heirlooms. In addition to the papers mentioned above, he has in his possession a diamond setting for twenty-four diamonds surrounding a case containing a lock of hair eut from his father-in-law's head. This set- ting was made one hundred and twenty years ago. He also has a solid gold bracelet set with diamonds that was worn by his wife's grand- mother and likewise a pair of her slippers. An- other of his possessions is a solid gold snuff box that was used by his wife's father and grandfather, and also his parents, and is now one hundred and fifty years old. A solid silver bowl, which has been handed down as an heir- loom, bears the date of December 6, 1203. He likewise has parchments which are deeds and land grants dating back as far as 1500 and which transfer the title of lands in England to the Boyer family.
SAMUEL M. SMITIL.
Samuel M. Smith, who for forty years has ro- sided on his farm in Petersburg precinct. and whose landed possessions have been acquired almost entirely through his own efforts, his per- severance and indefatigable industry. was born
December 23, 1855, at Port Kennedy, Pennsyl- vania. Ile is a son of John T. and Jane ( Hutchison ) Smith, who came from the north of treland to the new world. His grandparents were natives of Scotland, whenee they removed to the Emerald isle, where the father and mother of our subject were reared. The grand- parents died in Ireland. John T. Smith was born January 6, 1821, and his wife's birth oc- euried about the same time. They were mar- ried in their native country and later crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling at Port Kennedy, where the mother died when her son Samuel was only two years old, passing away in 1855, her remains being interred in the First Presbyterian cemetery at that place. Not long afterward the father came with his family to Illinois, arriving in Menard county in 1856. Ere leaving the cast, however, he had married again, having on the 24th of June, 1855, wedded Mis- Margaret MeMullen. Throughout his eu- tire life John T. Smith followed the occupation of farming. About 1860 he purchased land. living tifty-nine aeres of the farm upon which his son Samuel now resides, To this he after- ward added, for he prospered in his undertak- ing and became one of the substantial farm- ers of the county. In the early days of the Re- publican party he gave to it his support, but after the Emancipation Proclamation was writ- ten he became a Democrat and continued to atliliate with that party until his death. . A stanch advocate of Protestantism, he held mem- bership with the Orangemen and with the American Protestant Association, and he be- longed to the Presbyterian church. He died May 26, 1891. thus passing away when about seventy years of age. He had three children by his first marriage. William. the eldest, born December 9, 1842. died August 13, 1819. John W., born April 11. 1850. is living in Weather- ford. Parker county, Texas. He was married in that state and follows farming there. Ho went to Texas in 1829 and he now has a farm of four hundred acres, which he owns indi- vidnally. and seven hundred acres which he owns in partnership. Samuel M. is the third of the family. By the father's second marriage there were four children, all of whom died in infancy with the exception of Leah Jane, who
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
married Dava Dowell, who owns and operates a farm near Afterberry. They have three daughters and a son.
Samuel M. Smith was reared to the ocenpa- ton of farming and pursued his education in the Little Grove school. In his youth he was trained to the duties and labors of the farm and gained practical knowledge of the best methods of conducting farm work-tilling the soil and raising stock. He has carried on gen- mal agricultural pursuits on his own account since 1829, and his landed possessions, covering two hundred and ninety acres, have been at- omnired entirely through his own efforts save that his father gave him eighty-six acres of land. It is all in Petersburg precinct. He raises grain and also stock and feeds both car- tle and hogs.
On the 6th of March. 1819. Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Sophia .. Kirby. who was born August 26. 1858, a daughter of Elias and Letitia ( Lonsberry ) Kirby, who came originally from Pennsylvania and are now liv- ing near Atterberry. Hlinois. Her father ha- passed the age of seventy years, while her mother is now sixty-live years of age. They are the parents of twelve children : Sophia .J. wife of our subject : Josephine, who died in in- fancy : A. J .. who married Isabel Valentine and resides at Conway Springs. Summer county. Kansas : Christina, wife of J. C. Atterberry, of Atterberry : Eben K .. who married Ollie Pan- tier and live- near Atterberry: Frank, who mar- ried Mary Goldaby and resides in Athens: George, who died in infancy: Arvilla, who lives with her parents : Lyman L., who died in in- fancy : Clarence, who is also with his parents : Dora, wife of James Greenhaught, living near Oakford: and Scott, who married Etta Gril- fith and live near Petersburg.
Mrs. Smith was reared in Menard county and. like her husband, -he attended a subscrip- Hon school. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith have witnessed much of the development and growth of Menard county and are numbered among the worthy and respected carly settlers. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born eight children : Ira 1 .. Soru December 5. 1819. married Ida M. Ishmael and they have two children. They re- Side in Class county. Along, five miles west of
Atterberry, where Ira follow- farming. Samuel E .. born May 2. Asst, died October 6. 188 ;. Alice Leah, born October 21. 1882. became the wife of Walter Juhl. who died February ). 1903. and she now resides with her father. Em- ers J. born May 2. JEST, Jesse K .. born Fel- ruary 11. 1888, John T .. born October 26. 1890. Goldie EL born October 20, 1891. are all at home. One child. born October 3. 1896. died om the ed of November following. unnamed. and was buried in Oakland cemetery. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Predestinarian Bay- ti-t church. In his political views Mr. Smith i- a Democrat and has served as school director for twelve years. taking an active interest in the schools and doing everything in his power to increase their proficiency. Matters of public progress and improvement claim his attention and receive his co-operation. He has led a quiet. useful and honorable life, devoted to his farming interests, whereby he has provided a comfortable home for his family.
HERMAN TICE.
Jerman Tier. deceased, was a life-long re-i- dent of Menard county and as an agriculturist was prominently identified with it- growth and development. He was born near Athens on the 27th of November. 1831, and was a son of Jacob and Jane Tice, who were natives of Maryland and Virginia, respectively. His pa- ternal grandparents came to this country from Germany. Jerman Tice was reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys in a frontier settlement and his education was acquired in the carly schools of this county. During his boyhood and youth he assisted his father in the labors of the home farm and at times worked for the day or month for neighboring farmer -. Throughout life he followed agricul- tural pursuits and in April. 1869. purchased a farm near Greenview, where he continued to make his honte until called to his final rest on the 23d of October. 1895. In connection with general farming he also engaged in the raising and feeding of stock.
Mr. Tice was married November 80, 1856, 10 Miss Mary Jenison who was born near Peter-
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215
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
burg, Menard county. September 18, 1834, and was descended from Scotch ancestors, who on crossing the Atlantic settled in New England. Her parents were Rev. John and Martha ( Me- Nabb) Jenison. Her father was born in Mas- sachusetts and at the age of nine years av- companied his parents on their removal to New York. From that stato he came to Illi- nois at an early day. locating in Menard county, where he followed farming and also engaged in preaching. being a minister of the C'umber- land Presbyterian church. For some time he served as justice of the peace and died January 30. 1852. honored and respected by all who know him. In his family were eight children. Mr. Tice was one of a family of eleven chil- dren, and to him and his wife was born a son. their only child. Homer J., who is rop- resented elsewhere in this volume.
Politically Mr. Tice was identified with the Republican party, but never cared for the hon- ors or emoluments of public oflice, preferring the quiet of private life. At one time he atlil- iated with the Independent Order of Odd Fol- low> and was a man highly respected and ps- teemed by all with whom he came in contact either in business or social life.
WILLIAM MEYER.
William Meyer, whose intense and well di- reeted activity cansed his business career to prove so successful that he is now enabled to live retired and yet enjoy many of the com- forts and luxuries that go to make life worth living. was born in Hanover. Germany, Or- toler 18, 1833. His father, also a native of Hanover, was an architect and was a very sue- cessful man of his day and locality. Mr. Meyer has nephews in Germany who are now exten- -ively engaged in the manufacture of fancy good-, conducting a very profitable enterprise.
After leaving school William Meyer began learning the trade of a watchmaker and jow- dler and later he went to Switzerland to per- feet himself in that work among a people who are the acknowledged leaders of the world along those lines. When twenty-one yours of age he came to America, landing at New York in
1855. He had heard favorable reports concern- ing the business opportunities of the new world and hoping that he might benefit his financial condition he crossed the Atlantic and established his home in Zanesville, Ohio, where he followed his trade for a year. He next lo- cated in Springfield, Hfinais, but after a few months removed to Jacksonville, Ilinois, where he remained for a year. He then came to Petersburg, on the ith of September. Ist. and established a jewelry store, which be con- dueted for fourteen years. following the busi- ness until failing health caused his retirement. He has since traveled extensively and has prac- tically regained his health. besides deriving much pleasure and gaining much useful and interesting information from his travels. Ile is now living retired in an elegant residence on the elevation south of Court Square.
On July 28. 1829, at Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Coucher, by Rev. S. C. Thomas. They lost their only daughter. Elsie, and their only living child is Fred W. Meyer. The hope that led Mr. Mover to seek a home in America has Iwen more than realized for he here found the business opportunities be sought and by impros- ing business conditions he won for himself a place among the substantial residents of his adopted city. His personal characteristics, too, are such as have gained him warm friends and strong regard, and in Petersburg and Menard county he is highly esteemed.
Fred W. Meyer, the only child, was born in Petersburg, July 23, 1880, and at the usual age entered the public schools, wherein he advanced through successive grades until he had complet- od the high school course by graduation with the class of 1898. He then entered Notre Dame I'niversity. at Notre Dame, Indiana, as a student in the law department, and was grad- uated from that institution in 1902. In the fall of the same your he was admitted to the bar and entered upon active practice in Poters- burg. Already be has secured a good clientage. and his thorough preparation, laudable ambi- tion and unfaltering energy speak well for a -teressful future as a representative of the legal fraternity of his native city. Mr. Meyer was married in January. 1901. to Miss Lynn
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
Greche. a native of Menard county and a daughter of Gaines Greene, of an old family of that name. The young people are popular in Petersburg, where the hospitality of the het homes is cordially extended them.
GEORGE B. WELSIL.
There is no history in this vohne which illustrates more clearly the fact that shepe- may be won through perseverance and honor- able effort than does the record of Charge Baxter Welch, who is indeed a self-made man. having worked his way upward from a him- ble financial position to one of affluence. Al- though he is now the owner of an excellent farm of four hundred and fifty acres in Tallula and Petersburg precincts. he came to this county without capital and was first employed a- a farm band.
A native of Scotland. Mr. Welsh was born in Dundce. April 1. 1838, his parents being John and Joanna (Baxter) Welsh. When the old established church of Scotland was divided because of difference of opinion among its membership. Mr. and Mrs. John Welsh with- drew from the old organization and became members of what was known as the Free church. and their son George was one of the first pupils in the schools established by the new denomina- tion. For long generations the ancestors of the family had resided in Scotland. The grand- father of our subject was a farmer there, but the father became a grain merchant. Ho mar- ried Mis- Baxter, whose people were largely engaged in manufacturing : making a specialty of sait cloth and bagging. Her father, how- over. lived retired from business for many wears. Her cousin, David Baxter, was a mom- ber of parliament. Mrs. Joanna Welsh died m Scotland, after which her husband mar-
ried Mrs. Elizabeth Bruce, a widow. and crossed the Atlantic to America with
hi- family.
settling on a
farm
near
Toronto, Canada, in 1839. He had five
children. For many years le carried on agri- cultural pursuit- there and at his death, which occurred in 1596. his remains were interred in a cemetery north of Toronto.
Giunge B. Welch is the oldest of his father- family. Eliza, the second child, married An- drew Miller, who reside> at Thornhills, Canada. not far from Toronto. John is married and re- sides at Listoll, in Upper Canada. James mar- ried and resided in Stockton, California. lle served as mayor of that city and was presi- dem of the First National Bank there. Ile learned the miller's trade in New York and went to the west a poor boy, but at the time of his death he had amassed a fortune of al- most a million dollars. He died July 26. 1904. leaving a wife and three daughters. William resides at the old home at Thornhills. Canada.
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