USA > Illinois > Menard County > Past and present of Menard County, Illinois > Part 31
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George B. Welsh spent the first eleven years of his life in his native country and then ac- companied his father to Canada. after which he had no opportunity to attend school. His youth was largely a period of unremitting toil and he lavered persistently and earnestly to got a start in the business world. He came to Illinois in 1863 and the first year worked as a farm hand for twenty-five dollars per month. He afterward operated rented land for about eight or ten years, and then. his labor, economy and careful management having brought to him some capital. he purchased a tract of land in Little Grove. To his original purchase of three hundred acres he has since added two hundred acres, so that he is now one of the extensive landowners of the county. his possessions being valuable. because of the many improvements he has placed upon his farm and the high state of cultivation under which he has placed his fields.
In 1860 Mr. Well married Miss Catherine Miller, a daughter of Nathan Miller, who he- longed to an old Pennsylvania-Dutch family and came from the Keystone state to Illinois in the fall of 1863, bringing with him his two children. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Welsh are as follows: John, who lives in Cas- county. Illinois. married Lillie Wilson, of Menard county, and they have three daughters. Joanna is the wife of Robert Wood, Who resides on a farm four miles cast of Petersburg, and they have two sons and a daughter. Geines G. who is living south of Petersburg and is a member of the Independent Order of Old Follow. married Elizabeth Held and they have
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GB Welsh.
Catharina, Welsh
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
two sons and a daughter. George, who was a miller, lives with his uncle James in Cali- fornia. Herbert. a graduate of the high school of Tallula and of the Springfield Business College, is now at home. Christina and May are also at home and the latter. after gradu- ating from the Tallula high school, taught for two years. Minnie attended the high school of Tallula and later entered the Illinois Wom- an's College, at Jacksonville, Illinois, where -he is studying piano and voice culture. Mrs. Welsh is a member of the Christian church at Tallula. to which all of her children belong save John and George. The family occupies an enviable position in social circles and the Welsh household is a hospitable one.
Politically Mr. Welsh is a Republican, con- versant with the questions and issues of the day, but never an aspirant for office. He is a member of the Masonie fraternity. having been made a Mason in Clinton Lodge. No. 19. A. F. & A. M .. at Petersburg. more than thirty years ago. He has always been true to its teachings, exemplifying in his daily life the beneficent spirit of the craft.
WILLIAM B. WILLIAMS.
William B. Williams, whose loyalty to his country has never wavered and whose interest in her welfare has never abated since he wore the blue uniform and fought for the preserva- tion of the Union in the Civil war. is a well known resident of township 18. where he carries on general farming and stock-raising. Hle was born in this county. May 29. 1813, and is a son of Joseph and Huldah ( Francis) Williams. The father was born in Kentucky. April 3. 1812. and in 1823 became a resident of Menard county. In early manhood he engaged in farm- ing. but at the age of twenty-four years turned hi- attention to general merchandising at He- onur. Ilinois. After five years connection with commercial pursuits he resmed farming and continued in that vocation until he started for the Pacific coast. In the meantime he had married Miss Huldah Francis, who was born in Hartford. Connectient. May 10, 1812. and in 1829 came to this county. By their mar-
riage they became the parents of seven children. six sons and a daughter. all of whom are now deceased with the exception of two. On the 3d of April, Is51. the father started for Ore- gon, accompanied by his sons. They traveled with three my-teams, and on the ith of May left Omaha. They did not see a house from that time until they reached Oregon. and they experienced the usual hardships and trials in- cidem to crossing the plain- at that carly day. On the 5th of November. Isst. they reached the Cascade mountains and making their way to the mines of California. Joseph William- there engaged in mining for about two years. when he was murdered by the Indians, in May. 1853. His wife had died in Minors. December 10. 1818, ore his emigration to the Pacific roast. Only two of the family are now living -William B. and Newton A. The latter. horn October 1. ISIS, now resides at Greenview. He was married October 12. 1825. to Miss Mary ". Cox, and they had nine children. seven of whom are living.
William B. Williams was not yet eight years of age when he started with his father for California, but celebrated his birthday on the way. He remained in Oregon until 1853. when he returned with his five brothers to the home of their unele. John Williams, and soon after- ward went to live with their aunt. Mrs. C'yn- this Johnson. The return journey had been made by way of the isthmus of Panama, thence by sailing vesel to New Orleans and up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers to Beardstown. thenee across the country to Menard county. Mr. Williams of this review continued to live with his aunt until after the outbreak of the Civil war. when he enlisted as a member of Company K. One Hundred and Sixth Ilinois Infantry. His company was composed of Me- nard county men and the regiment went into camp at Lincoln, Illinois. August 15. 1862. be- ing mustered into the United States servier on the 18th of September. On the 4th of that month they moved to Columbus. Kentucky, and on the 10th to Jackson, Tennessee. On the tith of December occurred the first death in the regiment-that of E. Rankin, of Company 6. During an engagement Sergeant Henry Fox, of Company H. climbed up the timbers
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
To the bridge, and crossed that structure under to fire of the whole rebel force, on his way to Jackson for renforcements, and although this was a most perilous undertaking he ac- complished it in safety. Later the regiment was sent further north to guard railroad sta- tion -. The prisoners paroled by General For- rest were sent to Benton Barracks and ox- changed in the later summer of 1863. The bal- ance of the regiment was ordered to Bolivar. Tennessee, in March, 1861, and about the 31st of May moved on to Vicksburg. While en route the boat which was transporting the troops was fired upon at close range of Island 13 by se- oral companies of Rebel infantry and two can- non. and Captain Beizely's son was killed at the first fire, while a few others were also killed and about twenty-five wounded. After serving in the tranches at Vicksburg a few weeks the One Hundred and Sixth Ilino's was sent forty miles up the Yazoo river to repel a Rohel force and. returning by forced marches, was harassed by the enemy: while under the scorching -um- mer sun many of the soldiers were prostrated by the heat. The regiment lost more men on that trip than from any other canse during its term of service. The One Hundred and Sixth served in the line of battle at Vicksburg until after its surrender and was then ordered to Helena. Arkansas, and took part in the advance on Little Rock. participating in its capture. It was in the battle of Clarendon. Duvalls Bluff. Pine Bluff. Benton. Hot Springs. Lewisburg. St. Charles. Dardanelles and Brownsville and performed its full share in crushing out the rebellion. Its members suffered many priva- tions and hardships, marching through swamps and bayous. lighting and foraging, and its history shows a long list of casualties. Mr. Wilhamis was always most faithful to his duties and returned home with a most creditable mil- itary record.
After the war Mr. Williams engaged in buy- ne and shipping stock and in 1869 he pur- chased a farm at Middletown. Logan county. Uhmot, where he resided until 1896. He then Isposed of that property and purchased a farm in Missouri, where he lived for two years. after which he returned to Indian Point and settled on the old Withham- farm. where he remained
until 1891. when he took up his abode on his farm in township 19, where he lived until March. 1902. Then selling his property he removed to Valparaiso, Indiana. in order to afford his daughter- better educational privi- leges, returning thence to the place where he now resides.
On the Ist of November. 18to, Mr. Williams was married to Mis- Anna M. Whitney. a daughter of Alonzo II. and Mary A. ( Kincaid ) Whitney. who came to Menard county in the carly 30%. Her father, who was born April 16. 1816. and died November 9. 1811. spont the greater part of his life in this county. Ho owned and operated a farm and also worked at his trade of carpentering. bring one of the industrious, energetic men of his community. Associated with Mr. Thatcher he built the Pre- byterian church at North Sangamon. His wife, who was born January 26. 1818. died November 14. 1891. They were the parent> of eight children. of whom four are now liv- ing: Mrs. Williams, born December 4. 1848: Dewey La. who was born September 29. 1851. and is now married and living in Kansas ; Emma E .. who was born January 24. 1856. and is the wife of Dr. F. P. Eldredge: and Frank Il .. who was kom December 28, 1860, and is living in this county.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Williams has been blessed with seven children : Mary H .. who was born August 5, 18:1. and died May 5. 1812: W. Il .. who was born July 15. 1823, and was married to Mand Turner. August 24. 1898: Grace, who was born April 1. ES;5 : Luemma. who was born April 16, 1832. and was married August 16. 1899, to John Cloud, of Indiana : Arthur, who was born March 27. 1850, and died July 21. 1884: Cynthia. who was born September 22. 1883; and Paul, who was born June 2. JEST, and died July 29. 1851.
Mr. Williams is a valued member of Pollock Post. No. 200. G. A. R. of Athens, and main- tains pleasant relations with his old army com- rades in this way. He is also prominent in Masonry. belonging to Greenview lodge. No. 653. A. F. & A. M. : DeWitt Chapter, No. 119. R. A. M. : and St. Aldemar Commandery. No. 1 :. K. T. He has been a member of the school board of his district for fifteen years and the
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cause of education finds in him an effective champion. He -trongly endorses the principles of the Republican party and is never remiss in citizenship, while all the duties of public and private life he discharges with equal fidel- ity:
GEORGE U. SPEARS.
George V. Spears, who is engaged in general farming in Tallula township, was born April 4. 1814. about three miles east of Tallula, in Clary'- Grove, his parents being W. G. and Eliza (Myers) Spears, both of whom were na- tives of Kentucky. The family was established in America at an early period in the coloniza- tion of the new world. the great-grandfather of our subject being at one time a resident of Virginia, whence be removed westward to Ken- tueky. The grandfather was a farmer and slave owner of the Blue Grass state. W. G. Spears removed from Kentucky to Ilinois in 1829. settling three miles cast of Tallula in Clary's Grove, where he followed the occupa- tion of farming. Unto him and his wife were born four children, a son and three daughters. George D'. being the second of the family. His Sisters are Ellen, Kate and Rebecca Jonnie. Ellen married S. H. Bergen and is now a widow residing in Guthrie. Oklahoma. She has three sons, one of whom is a druggist, while another is a traveling salesman. representing a St. Louis house. Kate married John Frank. editor of a paper of Jacksonville, Florida. They have one son, who is engaged in the news- paper business. Rebecca Jennie is the widow of W. J. Huggins and resides in Guthrie. Okla- homa.
In the country schools Mr. Spears began his education. which he continued in the schools of Tallula. He put aside his text-books when nineteen years of age and began farming for himself on his mother's land east of Tallula. After remaining there for two years he spent a war south of Tallula and afterward bought a homstead of two hundred and eighteen acri -. which he cultivated for two years. Later he sold out and went to Warren county. Illinois, set- tling near Greenbush. where he purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land. When he had followed farming there for a brief period he -old his property and returned to Menard coun- ty. where he purchased two hundred acres. Since that time he has added seven hundred acres, so that he is now one of the most raten- sive landowners of the county. his possessions aggregating nine hundred acres of very rich and productive land. In addition to general farming he raises stock and foods cattle. His business interests have been carefully conduct- ed. his transactions being guided by sound judgment. and although he is now numbered among the prosperon- farmers of the county. it is all due to his carefully directed and straightforward dealing>.
In December. 1866. Mr. Spears was united in marriage to Miss Frances Green, a daughter of J. G. Green, who was one of the carly set- tlers of this part of the state, having arrived in 1824. when few pioneers had established homes in this locality and when much of the land still remained in its primitive condition. Hle settled south of the old town of Salem and there reared his family. E'nto Mr. and Mrs. Spears have been born seven children: desse married Margaret J. Stout and resides in Po- tersburg. They have one daughter. Ada. who is eleven years of age. Carrie, who was edu- cated in the schools of Tallula and in the Jack- sonville Female Seminary. is at home. Wil- liam ( .. who spent one year as a student in Eureka College, at Eureka. Illinois, and one term in Brown's Business College at Spring- field, is now farming on his own account and resides with his parents. Lena is a graduate of the Woman's Methodist College, at Jackson- ville. Quiney M .. who attended the Tallula high school and after his graduation spent a year in the Illinois College, at Jacksonville. is farming for himself on eighty acres of his own and also on his father's place. Grace R. was educated in the Tallula high school and in the Woman's College at Jacksonville. Sarah E .. also a graduate of the Tallula high school and a student in the Woman's College at Jack- -ouville. completes the family.
Mr. Spears endorses the principles of Democ- racy and was elected to the office of county com- missioner for three terms. He proved a most
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
capable oflocal and his energies were exerted for the best interest of the county, which prof- ted in what he did. He is a man whom to know is to respect and honor, and he receives the admiration of his fellow men for what he has accomplished and their respect because of the straightforward methods by which he has wan his prosperity.
HENRY C. LEVERING.
Henry C. Levering was born on the 1st oľ January. 1819. his parent- being Cave and Catherine (Von Felden) Levering, His mother was born in Germany and came with her pa- rents. George and Margaret Von Felden. to America at an early age. His father was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and when a young man came to Illinois and after spending sev- oral years in Springfield took up his residence in Petersburg, entering the employ of A. D. Wright and afterward engaging in business for himself. He was married to Miss Von Felden in Petersburg and to them were born eleven children, nine surviving to maturity. right of whom are still living: Mrs. Robert Carver. Aaron. Thomas. Mrs. Lester Redmon, Cave, Charles, Harvey M. and Margaret. Har- vy M. Levering, the youngest son. has been actively identified with the political life of tlu county. having been elected by large ma- jorities to till the office of county clerk for three Sheerste forms, and is at the present time holding the position of master in chancery.
Henry C. Levering was married in Peter- burg. November 6, 1822. to Julia Chatterton. the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth ( Miles ) Chatterton. She was born in Springfield February 15, 1855. Her mother was reared in Menard county where her parents, George I'. and Jane Miles, settled at an early day. com- na from Kentucky. Mr. Levering entered
mercantile life as a grocer and was very suc- cessful in that line. He was associated in a partnership with Martin Nicolai, which rela- Ion was continued for some time, when the form of Harm -. Levering. Nicolai & Company was formed. This was -neceeded by Harms. Levering & Clary, and after the retirement of
Mr. Clary became Harms & Levering. In 1890 they erected the present brick business block at the southwest corner of court house square. one hundred and twenty-four by one hundred and two feet. The building was constructed for departments groceries, dry goods, clothing and notions-and had a stock and facilities for the conduct of a general mercantile busi- ness second to none in this part of the state. Mr. Levering was very active in the develop- ment of this business. which was conducted along modern lines of progress, and he insti- tuted fair and honorable methods which would bear the closest scrutiny, He was also inter- usted quite extensively in stock-raising and continued in both lines up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 3rd day of July. 1903. the community thereby losing a very prominent and influential citizen whose value was widely recognized. His name had long figured in connection with mercantile interests here and always stood as a synonym of honor- able dealing and progressive effort. He was a Mason and a life-long Democrat, but always held patriotism above politics. He was a man of unblemished character. tireless energy and unbounded industry.
lle is succeeded in business by his two con -. his only children. Paul and Harry C. The firm of Harms & Levering was discontinued. the young men retaining the clothing and gro- very departments under the name of Levering Brothers. They are of good business ability. alert, energetic, quickly recognizing possibili- ties, finding in each transition stage of their business career opportunity for further ad- vancement and hid fair to sustain the repu- tation their father made as an honorable man and a useful citizen.
ANDREW PARK.
Andrew Park, who since March, 15;2. has resided upon his farm on sections 3 and 10. township 18, where he owns and operates one hundred and fifty-five acres of land. was born in Paisley. Scotland, July 22. 1816. his parents being James and Rebecca tPurdon) Park. who were also natives of the land of the heath-
MR. AND MRS. H. C. LEVERING.
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
er. The father's and mother's people came its Invelier competition and advancement more from the lowlands of Scotland and he was a quickly secured. the business opportunities he sought and is today one of the substantial farm- er's of his adopted county. He was employed on his father's farm for a time and also worked for others and then when his labor had made possible the purchase of a tract of land. he began farming for himself upon the place which has been his home since March. 1811. He has here one hundred and fifty-five acres of good land and he also owns fifty acres near the Brush schoolhouse, and because of the careful cultivation bestowed upon his fields the farm has become very productive and therefore profitable. farmer by occupation. The Park family were landowners there but going security for a man lost their property. Both the parents of our subject were members of the Presbyterian church of Scotland. Leaving his native coun- try in 1862. James Park crossed the Atlantic to America and made his way westward to Petersburg. His brothers, Matthew and Thom- as Park. had come to Illinois many years be- fore and had entered land from the govern- ment when much of it was still unclaimed. An aunt. Annie Barclay, omigrating from Scot- land to Virginia, afterward came to Illinois and purchased the farm whereon Andrew Park now reside -. he having bought the land from her. Another aunt. Mrs. Margaret Shepard, came from Scotland to Illinois at the time of the arrival of Thomas and Matthew Park. All are now deceased.
In the family of James and Rebecca Park were nine children, seven daughter- and two sons, as follows: Isabella married Christopher Rose and they resided in Scotland, but both are now decreased. Their son Christopher is now a resident of Antelope county, Nebraska. Elizabeth is the deceased wife of William Wil- son, a resident of Scotland, and they had four children. Rebecca died in infancy. Rebecca married William Finley and is now a widow. residing two and a half miles northeast of Petersburg. Annie married Anthony Clark, a resident of Bement. Piatt county, Ilinois. and they have three children. Andrew is the sixth of the family. Margaret is the widow of George W. Hollis, resides in the Petersburg precinet and has nine children. Agnes is the wife of Harry Houghton. living five miles south of Petersburg, and they have six chil- dren. James died at the age of twenty-four years.
In the public schools of Scotland Andrew Park acquired his education. and while still living in that country he began earning his own living by working as a farm hand, ro- voiving thirty dollars in compensation for six months service. Coming to the United States in 1862 he has found in the freedom and ap- preciation of this great western country, with
On the 19th of August. 1885. Mr. Park was married to Miss Harriet Rutledge, a daughter of MeGrady and Margaret ( Harris) Rutledge. the former a native of Kentucky and the lat- ter of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Park have two children, both of whom are living. James H., born August 2. 18SE: and Stella R., born June 12. 1892. Both are student- in the pub- lic schools.
Mr. Park's views on the temporanee que- tion are indicated by the support which he gives to the Prohibition party. He belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian church and his influence is always a factor in behalf of law and order. justice, truth and right. Hle has led a very busy life, and. realizing that labor is the basis of all honorable success. he has worked on persistently year after year and is now in possession of a comfortable com- petence as the result of his earnest toil.
JOHN H. BEHRENS.
John H. Behrens, who is extensively and successfully engaged in the raising of stock and in general farming in Greenview town- ship. was born on the 8th of February. 1865. in Menard county, and is of German lineage. His parents. Heury and Mary ( Hildebrand) Behrens, were both natives of Germany. The father. leaving that country. sailed for Now Orleans and thence proceeded up the Missis- sippi river to St. Louis, Missouri, while his wife, on coming to America, made her way
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
1. - to Havana, Illinois. They were morgen the state and in order to provide 1 - Ommby Henry Behrens carried on agri- toral pursuits. He worked hard and his careful management enabled him to acquire a Handsome competence. As his financial re- wtrees increased he made judicious investments Of real estate and became the owner of ex- thrive landed possessions, having seven hun- ,red and twenty aeres at the time of his death. which occurred in February. 188 ?. He had survived his wife for about three years, her death having occurred in February, 1879. They were the parents of live children. two -on- and three daughters, of whom two sons and a daughter are now living, namely : John IL. : William : and Mary, the wife of J. Wohler. of Menard county. An undle of Mr. Behrens of this review is still living. He is Holm Hilde brand, of Grundy county. Missouri, and on the 12th of August. 1901. celebrated the syntet anniversary of his birth. On that ocasiona party was held in his honor. at woch Mr. Behrens of this review was present.
I poon the old homestead farm John II. Boh- tons spent the days of his boyhood and youth am park became familiar with the duties and Lors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Since attaining In- majority he has carried on the same pur-nit and is now well known 1- 2 -wer -- ful stock-carer and feeder. He has about one hundred and fifty head of catthe Im us place at this writing. in the fall of I'm. together with ton head of horses and mit- and al out one hundred and twenty head " hogs. He has recently shipped sixty-live on to the Chicago market. His landed pos- bs compris for hundred and five deres none of us property and his business .... . and enterprise he deserves to im Cool among the Trading and substantial d_ matinit- of Minard county.
Was mt n Bartuge to Miss Lizzie Stroker. . deter et Garret and Julia ( Miller) Strok- .. non- lagals were Your daughter; and " woon are living in this county |||: Lize, born June 20. Ur- Behrens: Anna, born Feb- Je marcel William Behrens. a
brother of John H. Behrens: Mary was born March &. ING : Mrs. Amelia Koester, born December 11. 1869, is living in Nebraska : Henry. horn December 25, 18;1. makes his home with his oldest sister. Unto Mr. and Mr -. Behrens have been born four children : George, born September 13. 1885 : Edward. born December 28. 1889: Franklin, born Oc- tober 11. 1891 : and Oscar, born July 9. 1899. The children have been reared upon the old home farm upon which their father spent his boyhood day- gnd where he has always carried on his business interests.
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