USA > Illinois > Menard County > Past and present of Menard County, Illinois > Part 38
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Into Mr. and Mrs. Finley were born -ix children. namdy : Rebecca, bor July 1. 1861. die November 30, 1865. John, born Septem- ber 12. 1845, died the same day. Elizabeth M. born December 21. 1861. was married Jannary 21. 1889. to John Park, a farmer of Menard county, and of the seven children born to them four are still living. Annie B., born February 22. 1869, was married January 20. 1891. to R. G. Williamson, a son of James Williamson, who was born in Scotland and yet resides in that country. R. G. Williamson now carries on the home farm for Mr -. Finley. To him and his wife were born four children : Jantes. who died in infancy: Rebecca Agnes, who was hoin February 6. 1891. and is now the only one living: Charles, who died at the age of eight months: and Lillian, who died in infancy. James P., the second son of Mrs. Finley. was born October 25. 1811. and now resides near Tive. Illinois. He was married March 20. 1895, to Flora Bell and they have two chil- dren. William and Cell. Agnes Jf., born
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March 23. 1821. was married March :. 1891. to Henry Faith and died October 22. 1896. During her long residence in Menard county. to which she came as a bride. Mrs. Finley has gained the good will and esteem of many friends and well deserves representation in this volume as one of the pioneer settlers.
MARSHALL J. KING.
For over half a century this gentleman was identified with the interests of Menard county and was accounted one of its valued citizens. He was born in Virginia, November 28, 1815. and was of Scotch, Irish, Dutch and English descent, his parents being Daniel and Lucy ( Smith ) King. In 1812. when only two years old. he was taken by them to Kentucky. the family home being established in the vicinity of Maysville. There he was reared upon a farm and became a teamster and also worked on the river to some extent. In 1842 he came to Illinois with his parents, who died in this state and were buried in Shipley graveyard, Menard county, the father passing away at a very advanced age.
Marshall J. King engaged in agricultural pursuits in this county. After residing for twenty years in Sandridge. ho located near Oakford. He purchased. cleared and improved three different farms, all being covered with a den-e growth of timber at the time they came into his possession. In 1842 he bought the old homestead, on which his son Frank A. now resides. He prospered in his farming opera- tions and at the time of his death owned a valuable farm of two hundred acres a short distance south of the village of Oakford. His life was characterized by untiring energy and perseverance and his labors proved of value n reclaiming this part of the state for the pur- poses of civilization. In 1889 he relingnished the active duties of farm life and removed to Peter-burg, purchasing a comfortable home on North First street, where his declining days we're spent. On the 29th of December. 1836. Mr. King married Rachel Brown, who died a few years later, leaving one child, Mrs. Minerva E. Shipley, who died October 9. 1599. He was
again married October 21, 1811. his second union being with Eliza E. Caldwell, who was a representative of a Pennsylvania Dutch fam- ily. Her father. Alexander Callwell, came to Menard county, Illinois, and located near Con- cord church, where he and his wife made their home until death. Both were earnest and con- sistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he was a Democrat in politics. Their daughter Mrs. King died April 20, 1880. and was Jaid to rest in Oakford cemetery. She was the mother of ten children, of whom four are now living. namely : Henry D., of Mere- do-ia. Morgan county, Illinois: Melissa, wife of J. D. Lonsherry, Taylor M. and Frank .1 .. all three residents of Menard county. For his third wife Mr. King wedded Mary A. Bell. the marriage being celebrated December 6, 1883. She survives him.
Mr. King died on the 18th of October, 1899. and his remains were interred in Oakford com- etery. He was a progressive and successful farmer and upright citizen, being held in high esteem in the community where he had so long made his home.
ALEXANDER H. STONE.
Alexander HI. Stone is the owner of a fine Farm in township 19. His home is surrounded is beautiful maple trees and fruit trees are also seen there. Flowers likewise adorn the lawn and there are many evidences of comfort and prosperity. Mr. Stone was born July 2. 1538. in Menard county. his parents being Ambrose la and Catherine ( Walker) Stone. in whose family were siv children: Boone David died July 1. 1851. at the age of twenty- three years: William W. is now living in Green- view : Jane E. died in November, Iss: James A. died July 6. 1808: Mary .A. is living in Mi- souris and Alexander H. is the other member of the family.
Mexander H. Stone remained with his par- colt- in the days of his boyhood and youth and pursued his education in the subscription and public schools of Menard county. He was taught to realize the value of industry and honesty in the active affairs of life and these qualities have been numbered among his ster-
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COENTY
ling character stics throughout the period of soled there. He served as school director for hi- manhood. He now successfully carries on fifteen years, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend. He votes with the Requis- lican party and, like every true American citi- zen should do, gives his earnest support to the political issues which he advocates. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and their many excellent traits of character have won them the warm regard of all with whom they have been associated in both busi- ness and social life. general agricultural pursuits and is the owner of an excellent tract of land of two hundred and fifteen acres. When he took possession thereof it was all open prairie, but he has plowed and planted the land, developing rich fields, and has also set out fruit and shade trees until at the present time his home is surrounded by tall and stately maples and line fruit trees. There are also flower beds in his vard and the attractive surroundings of the place indicate the refined and cultured taste of Mr. and Mrs. Stone.
Mr. Stone remained with his parents until his marriage, which was celebrated on the 221 of September. 1861, Mis- Minerva Kincaid ha- coming his wife. Her father, William C. Kin- caid. was born February 16. 1>13. and died December 21. 1895. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Berilla N. Hil. was born February 2. 1821, and died July 5. 1899. They removed from Kentucky to Minois in 1851. and purchased eighty acres of improved land at twelve dollars per acre. Mr. Kincaid also bought twenty-five acres of timber land. from which he afterward cleared the trees. His business was general farming and stock-raising and he carried on agricultural pursuits upon his old homestead farm until the 1st of Novem- ber. 1589, when he and his wife left their old home and went to live with their daughter. Mr -. Stone, with whom they remained until called to their final rest. Both were members of the Presbyterian church and were widely known as devoted Christian people. Mr. Kin- raid served as township treasurer for a null- ber of tears and gave his political allegiance to the Republican party. Unto him and his wife were born three children. of whom Mrs. Stone is the oldest. By her marriage she has Orcome the mother of two children. a son and daughter: Ler C. and Hattie B. The latter is at home with her parents. The former, born March. 23, 1865, was married February 12. 1595, to Alpha Johnson and they have two coldren. Carroll La, born November 19. 1595; and Alla M. korn Octole 21. 1901.
After his marriage Mr. Stone settled upon be present farms, in Isel. and has siner re-
GEORGE A. WARING.
George Addison Waring. formerly identified with commercial pursuits in Petersburg, but for a number of years a representative of the agricultural interests of Menard county. livos upon what was originally the Thompson farm. two and a half mile- northwest of the county seat. lle is a native son of Menard county. born on the 12th of October. 1856, his parents being George G. and Elizabeth (Clark) War- ing. who are represented elsewhere in this vol- ume.
George A. Waring attended the country schools until 18:1. when he entered the State University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and in 1815 he attended the Springfield Business College. from which he was graduated the fol- lowing spring. Returning to his native county. he engaged in merchandising on his own ac- count at Chandlerville, Illinois, in 18:6. there remaining until 1881. when he removed fo Petersburg, where he was connected with mer- chandising until he took up his abode upon the Thompson farm. Being situated about two and a half miles from Petersburg. the comforts and conveniences of city life are easily obtain- ale, while those of the farm are being daily enjoyed. Mr. Waring has placed the land an- der a high state of cultivation and is pro- gresive as well as practical in his methods of farming, so that his labors are attended with excellent results. The farm consists of two hundred acres.
On the 23d of October. 1818. Mr. Waring married Mis- Elizabeth A. Thompson. a daughter of Aaron and Amanda Thompson.
MRS. G. A. WARING.
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G. A. WARING.
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a sketch of whom appears on another page of in New Jersey, and after putting aside his this volume. Her early education was ae- quired in the district schools and later she at- tended the Women's College at Jacksonville, after which she taught the Barclay school for six years. She also received a good musical oucation. Possessing considerable literary ability, she has written many able articles for the local papers, which have received favorable comment here and elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Waring have an adopted daughter. Bernice Marie, who was born in Cinnberland, Guernsey county, Ohio, November 15, 1901.
Politically Mr. Waring has always been a Democrat, but never an aspirant for office. In December. 1826, he was made a Mason in Chandlerville lodge, No. 221. at Chandler- ville, Illinois, and now holds membership in Clinton lodge, No. 19. A. F. & A. M .. of Po- tersburg. Illinois. He has also attained the Knight Templar degree of the York rite, ho- longing to St. Aldemar commandery, No. 1 .. of Petersburg, Illinois, and the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite, belonging to the Peoria consistory and to the Mystic Shrine. At present he is serving as junior warden in the commandery and has held other offices in the blue lodge.
GEORGE W. GRAHAM.
AAfter many years' active connection with agricultural interests. George W. Graham is now living retired and his rest is well merited. for he worked persistently and indefatigably in former years, thereby gaining the competence that now enables him to put aside further busi- nes cares. He is a native son of Ireland. his birth having occurred in County Westmeath on the 28th of November, 1832. His parents. Mathew and Ann ( White) Graham, were also natives of that country, of Search descent, and on emigrating to America in 1851 settled in New Jersey, where the father carried on fait- ing until his death, which occurred in 1855. when he was sixty-five years of age. His wife survived him for about five years, passing away in 1860.
Mr. Graham, of this review, pursued his studies in the schools of his native country and
text-books he began farm work in that state. Believing, however, that he might have better business opportunities in the middle west, he came to Illinois in 1856, locating in Fancy Prairie, Menard county, where he rented a tract of land and continued its cultivation for about three years. On the expiration of that period with the money that he had gained through his industry and economy be purchased eighty acres of land and began improving it. erecting thereon a good house and other buildings. He afterward bought eighty acres additional and Subsequently secured forty-three deres more and now owns one hundred and twenty acres of very fine and productive land. his farm yielding to him a good financial return. Year by year he performed the work of plowing. planting and harvesting as one of the energetic and success- ful agriculturists of his community, but in 1889. having acquired a comfortable compe- tence, he retired from the work of the fields and removed to Athens, where he purchased his present residence-a fine large home. It is fitting that he should spend the evening of his life here, surrounded by many of the comforts and luxuries that go to make life worth the living.
At the time of the Civil war Mr. Graham proved his loyalty to his adopted country In enlisting in 1862 as a member of Captain Burnap's company-Company F. of the First Ilinois Cavalry. He was in Missouri and Arkansas during the greater part of the time. participated in one engagement in the latter state, but in July. 1862, he was honorably dis- charged at St. Louis, and then returned to his home.
In April. 1865, Mr. Graham was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Susan Young, a daughter of William P. Young, one of the early and honored pioneer settlers of this county. Her death occurred February 15. 1903, and was greatly deployed by many friends, who estemed her for her excellent qualities of heart and mind. She hold membership in the North Sangamon Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Graham is also a member. He he- longs to Pollock Post, No. I. G. A. R. and has been a member of the school board and also
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
" hout tru-tre. His co-operation has always heen counted upon to promote measures for the substantial upbuilding and improvements of the community, with which he has now been identitied for almost a half century and where he has so directed his labors as to win success and also gain the good will and trust of his fellow men.
CORNELIUS T. BEERMAN.
Cornelius T. Beekman. who is filling the posi- tion of postmaster of Petersburg for the second term. was born in Menard county, April 13, 1851. and is a representative of one of its old and honored pioneer families. His ancestors in the paternal line resided in New York, his great-grandfather, Sammel Beekman, and his grandfather. Cornelius T. Beekman. having both been natives of the Empire state. William T. Beekman, the father, was born in Somerville. New Jersey, February 23. 1815, and in 1831. when about twenty-two years of age, he came to Menard county. settling in Clary's Grove dis- triet. That was the period of carly develop- ment, when the county was just emerging from frontier conditions and taking on the improve- ment- of an advanced civilization. Much vet remained to be done in that direction and Mr. Beekman bore his full share in the work of publie improvement. He settled upon land which he secured from the government and which is still in possession of the family. 11 was then wild and uncultivated, but he at ones began to transform it into tillable fields and in due course of time garnered rich harvests there. He remained upon the old homestead until 1861, when he became interested in the con- struction of the old Petersburg & Tonica Rail- road. now a part of the Chicago & Alton system. After its completion he was made its superin- tendent, which position he filled for fourtern years and was thus actively associated with the era of early railroad building and operation in Illinois. He also became one of the owners of the Home Woolen Mills, of Jacksonville, which were destroyed & fire in 1811. and he then returned to the old homestead and de- voted los attention to agricultural pursuits un-
til 1896. In that year he established his home in Petersburg, where he lived in honorable re- tirement from further labor until his death. which occurred August 14, 1899. He had long figured prominently in public affairs in Menard county, both by reason of his activity in busi- ness and also because of his influence and labor in political circles. Ile twice represented his district in the state legislature and by giving careful consideration to each question which came up for settlement and by stalwart support of the bills in which he believed. he left the impress of his individuality for good upon the legislation enacted during those sessions. Ho was indeed a public-spirited man and in his death Menard county lost one of its valued and worthy citizens. In early manhood he married Miss Mary C. Spears, who was born in Clary's Grove. Menard county, and the records go to show that she was the first white female child born in the county. In the family were ten children. five sons and five daughters.
Cornelius T. Beckman. the sixth in order of birth. was educated in the district schools and in Knox College. of Galesburg. Ilinois, and Shurtleff College, at Alton, Ilinois. He spent two years in the former institution. Of the lat- ter his father was a trustee for many years and held a life membership. On completing his education Mr. Beekman returned to the old homestead farm and devoted a number of years to farm work. He also engaged in dealing in stock from 1829 until 1886. after which he turned his attention to school teaching, fol- lowing that profession for seven years, gain- ing a creditable reputation as a successful cdu- cator, whose schools were noticeable for good discipline and satisfactory mental progress. In 1843 he was appointed a member of the reap- tion committee in the linois building at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. where he spent the summer. He afterward en- gaged in bookkeeping in the agricultural im- plement store of William I. Wilms, and in 189; he was appointed postmaster. while in 1902 he was re-appointed to that office by President Roosevelt. He is therefore serving for his second term and the citizens of Peters- burg find him an obliging, courteous official. prompt and faithful in the discharge of his
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duties and the administration of the affairs of the office.
On the 23d of April. Isso, Mr. Beckman was married to Miss Lula Kuechler, of Spring- tield, Illinois, a daughter of Dr. C. F. Kuechler. a native of Germany. They were the first couple married in the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Petersburg. Rev. R. D. Miller, the writer of this history, officiating. Miss Beck- man's parents were also the first couple married in the old Baptist church, which stood on the southwest corner of Adams and Seventh streets. Dr. Bailey officiating. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Beekman are: Carl O., at home: Harry E .. who is assistant in the postoffice : Ferdinand K .. Meta Louise and William T .. also under the parental roof.
Mr. Beekman is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. His interest in his native county is manifest by his active (o)- operation in many movements for the general good. vet he is content to do his duty as a private citizen. Many who have long known him prize his friendship. which indicates his life to have ever been honorable and upright.
HENRY GLEASON.
Henry Gleason is one of Illinois' native sons. progressive and enterprising and manifesting in his business career the elements that lead to success. He is accounted one of the substan- tial farmers of township 19. where he has now lived for thirty-nine years. He was born near Alton. Ilinois. August 25, 1851, and is a son of Patrick and Mary (Smith) Gleason. The father, who was born in County Clare, Ireland. in 1818. died January 1, 1903. at the age of eighty-four years. He had come to America about fifty-five years ago and carried on farm- ing in New York and later removed to the west. settling first upon a farm near Alton. Forty years ago he came to Menard county and for ahnost three decades remained upon what became known as the old Gleason homestead. He then removed to Lincoln. Illinois, where he continued to reside until his demise. llis widow still occupies the home there. They were married February 11. 1818, in Lausing- considerations in order to aid his country and
hurg. New York, Mr. Gleason being then twenty- six years of age, while his wife was twenty-eight years of age. Their living children are: Thomas, who resides in Pekin, Illinois : Henry, of this review : and Mrs. James Coady. of Mid- dletown, Illinois. One son, Michael, was killed about twelve years ago in an accident in the old Proper shaft at Lincoln and his funeral was held May 3. 1892, at St. Joseph's church, Father Mulgrew officiating. and the interment was in Holy Cross cemetery. Mrs. Bridget Ryan, another member of the family, died An- gust 30, 1903, while Miss Mary Gleason died April 13, 1903.
Henry Gleason was brought by his parents to Menard county and reared upon the old home farm here. He is indebted to the public- school system of the state for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and which fitted him for life's practical duties. He lived with his parents until twenty-two years of age and gained intimate knowledge of farm work dur- ing that time. He then began farming on his own account. renting a tract of land adjoining the old home place. Here he has since lived and he now owns ninety-seven acres of land which is well improved. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and he has a fine home which he erected. In the rear of this stand largo and commodious outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. The home is surrounded by fine shade trees and there are also many other trees which he has planted. Everything about the place is neat and at- tractive in appearance and indicates the careful supervision of an enterprising owner.
On the 21st of December. 1826. Mr. Gleason was married to Eliza JJ. Wark. Her father. Stephen Wark, was born in Ireland. July 12, 1825, and was fifteen years of age when he rame to the United States, establishing his home in Indiana. He was married July 30, 1×10, to Patser d. Knowles and at an early day they came to Menard county, where Mr. Wark entered land from the government, seeur- ing two hundred and forty acres, which he im- proved and made his farm up to the time of his death. When the Civil war was in progress. however. he put aside all business and personal
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
carted for three years service in the Union army. At the end of that time he was honor- ally discharged, but he returned home with im- paired health and never recovered his former strength. He was active in support of all mcas- ures for the general good and for three years he served on the school board as a director. Ilis political allegiance was given to the Democ- racy. His death occurred February 9. 1872. and his wife passed away on the 23d of March. IS83. They were the parents of the following children, who are now living : Lucilla E .. who resides upon the old home farm: Joseph, of Menard county: Jesse K .. also on the home farm: Marion, who is now living in Barton county. Missouri : Mrs. Gleason : and Mrs. Em- ily O. Perry, of Oklahoma.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Gleason has been blessed with two children: Ida E. who was born September 19, 1811, and is now the wife of Michael Dorgan : and Rosa M .. who was born June 16. 1592. Mr. and Mrs. Gleason have a wide acquaintance in Menard county. where they have so long resided, and their many ster- ling trait- of character have made them popu- lar with a large circle of friends.
CYRUS J. MeDOEL.
Not many years after the landing of the Pil- grims our subject's ancestors were obliged to flee from England on account of political trou- ble and in company with twenty or more fan- ilies sought an asshum with the people of the Massachusetts colony, settling in the wilderness where the Indians were far more numerous than the white men. In the party were four brothers by the name of Varnum, two by the name of Coburn, two by the name of East- man and two others by the name of MePool. Ther men settled in Massachusetts, reared large families, and from them descended the large line of the people of those names who are scattered all over the continent From Maine to California. Three or four generations of them had been reared before the Revolutionary war. Our -Hojeet's merstop- took an active part in subduring the red men of the forest. Two Varmums were killed by the Indians while exploring to funbei river, and Alexander
and George MeDoel were killed at the battle of Plattsburg during the war of 1812. There were both Varnums and Meboels in the battle of Bunker Hill, and bore a prominent part in the engagement which led to Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga. The Varmums owned land across the river from Lowell. Massachu- setts, and also owned the fishery at the falls of the Merrimack. Back in the eighteenth con- tury Robert MeDoel was married to Merey Var- num. thus uniting the descendants of the fam- ilies of two of the men who had fled to Amer- ica together four generations previously. Robi- ert MeDoel was born in Massachusetts and his wife in New Hampshire. Unto this couple was born a son, in November, 1998, to whom they gave the name of Varnum MeDoel. He was a first cousin of General Stark, of Revolutionary fame. In 1821 Varnum MeDoel married Eliz- abeth day. at Dryden. Tompkins county. New York. She was born near Goshen. Orange county, that state, in 1800, and was a daughter of Captain Joshua Jay. a second consin of the diplomat John Jay, who signed the treaty of peace between America and England. Mrs. VeDoel was a descendant of the Hollanders who settled New York.
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