USA > Illinois > Menard County > Past and present of Menard County, Illinois > Part 39
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Cyrus Jay MeDoel, of this review. was born in Chenming county. New York. April 10, 1829. and is a son of Varnum and Elizabeth (Jay) MeDoel. In 1856 he removed to northwestern Missouri and settled in Nodaway county. but remained there only two years, when he came to Illinois and Jocated at. Afterberry. Menard county. On the 18th of March. 1859. he was joined in marriage to Caroline Robertson, wlo was born in New York, April 23. 1823.
Mr. MeDool is a man of keen judgment. shrewd business foresight and industry and he has acquired a comfortable fortune, own- ing a large farm in the neighborhood of Aller- berry and other lands. Several years ago he purchased a fine residence in Petersburg and retired from the farm, living in town in case and comfort. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Democratic party. and in religious belief is a Methodist. He and his wife are in good health for people of their age and enjoy the fruits of their former toil.
MR. AND MRS. C. J. MeDOEL.
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No couple stand higher in the community than of Freeport. Kansas, who owns three rundred they.
GEORGE H. WINTERBAUER.
George Il. Winterbauer. classed with the practical and progressive farmers of Fancy Prairie township, was born in Menard county. November 13. 1861. and as the family name indicates is of German lineage. His father. Adam Winterbauer, was born in Germany. De- cember 11. 1832. and came to America about fifty-four years ago, landing at New Orleans. where he was quarantined for a time. because of a cholera epidemic. Proceeding northward to St. Louis, he soon afterward secured em- ployment in Belleville, Ilinois, at the black- smith's trade, which he had learned in the fa- therland. Subsequently he removed to Spring- field and thence went to Petersburg. Menard county. Ite also worked at his trade in Athens and Greenview and he had a Macksmith shop at the Four Corners, cast of Athens. Later he purchased twenty acres of land near Fancy Prairie, afterward added twenty-two acres and built thercon a shop and house. As he found opportunity he made other purchases, seenring at times different tracts of twenty-eight, thirty. forty, eighty and then another forty acres. making in all two hundred and sixty acres of line farming land, a part of which was wild prairie when it came into his possession. but his labors transformed it into productive fields. which bore rich harvests. He gained his start by working at the forge, but as his financial resources increased he was enabled to purchase more land and he gave his attention more and more to agricultural pursuits and became a prosperous farmer.
ft was after his arrival in Hinois that Mr. Winterbauer was married. the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Cundiff, who was born in Montgomery county, Ilinois, August 21. 1839. Twelve children were born unto them. of whom eight died in youth, while two sons and two daughters are yet living. Susie M., the oldest. is the wife of George W. Duncan, a resident of Freeport. Kansas. George fl. is the second. Mary C. is the wife of Edgar Mott. formerly
and twenty acres of land in that stato. while in Athens he has a house and lot. and he makes his home in Fancy Prairie, where he owns residence property. Philip (. married Miss Catherine MeMahon and is living in Menard county.
To the public-school system of his native county George tl. Winterbauer is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth. He attended school in the winter months and in the summer season assisted in the work of the home farm. When twenty-three years of age he was married and began farm- ing on his own account. On the 3d of April, 1888, he wedded Bridget Coady, a daughter of Peter and Catherine (Turner) Coady. Her fa- ther was born in Ireland and at the age of eighteen years came to this country. landing at New York city. He worked in New Jersey for a time and then came to Illinois. After he- ing employed by others for a brief period. he began farming for himself on land which he purchased in Menard county and he bought at different times until he had three hundred and twenty acres, all in one body. He broke and improved the greater part of this himself. There are two houses upon that farm and they are occupied by two of his sons, while Mr. Coady and his wife are residing in Athens, he living a retired life. They also own six other houses in Athens, which they rent, and Mfr. Coady has three hundred and twenty acres of land in Kansas. on which one of his sons is liv- ing. Unto him and his wife were born fifteen children, and four sons and four daughters are yet living: James, who married Anna Gleason and resides in Logan county: Mary Ann, thy wife of Alex Gigoux. of Kansas: Mrs. Winter. bauer: John. who married Emma Bothnay and resides in Kansas : Michael, who married Mary Murray and lives on the old homestead : Anna. twin sister of Michael and the wife of Bon- jamin Wallsmith, of Menard county : Peter. who married Margaret Gleason and is living on the old homestead: and Katie, who is the wife of James Coughlin, of Sangamon county.
Mr. Winterbaner, at the time of his marriage. bogan farming on one hundred and sixty acres of land and for many years there carried on
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
general farming and stock-raising with good stress. He now has forty acres of land in wi- home place, and. his old home having been destroyed by fire. March 2. 1592. he has built a mee modern residence, which he now occupies. Ile also has one hundred and sixty aeres of land in Kansas, which brings to him a good rental. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Winterinner has been blessed with seven children: John P. born July 18. 1889: Andrew A .. born Decom- ber 11. 1591: Maggie, who was born March 5, 1891. and died on the 11th of the same month ; George W. born April 12. 1895 : Adam, born September 16. 1891 : Katie F., born February 11. 1900 ; and William La. born August 5. 1902. In his fraternal relations Mr. Winterbaner is a Modern Woodman, belonging to Main camp. 1. 5921. of which he is a charter member. He votre with the Democracy and gives unfaltering support to it- principles. At this writing. in the fall of 1901. he is serving as clerk of the school board. He is a worthy citizen of his native county. In his business he is reliable and in other relations of life manifests many commendable traits, so that his friendship is valued. and in the regard of his fellow men he hold- an enviable position.
GEORGE R. BLAIN.
George R. Blain, interested in general farm- ng and successfully conducting his business affairs, was born on the old family homestead n Menard county. February 8, 1801. He is a son of William and Ann (MeCrudden) Blain. with of whom are natives of Ireland, whener they emigrated to Canada, and about a half century ago they took up their abode in Menard county, where they spent their remaining days. In their family were four children. two sons and two daughters. William J .. a resident of this county: Annie, who died at the age of twenty years: George R .: and Matilda ... the wife of Frank Denton, a resident of Conway, Jowa. Throughout his business career the fa- ther carried on his agricultural pursuits and was classed with the respected and substantial farmer- of Menard county, enjoying the warm friendship and high regard of many. He died
October 19, 1902. and his wife, surviving him almost a year. passed away on the 13th of Octo- ber. 1903.
I'mder the parental roof George R. Blan was rated and his boyhood days were passed in the usual manner of farmer lads of that peried. He attended the public schools during the se- -ins and in the periods of vacation he assisted in the work of the farm. thus gaining a prac- tical knowledge of the business which he Has made his life work. He continued to assist his father until after he had attained his majority and later they were associated in business to- gether until the father's death. He still resides upon the old homestead and is now farming two hundred and twenty acres of land. Hi- fields are well tilled. yielding to him rich har- verts, and he is also engaged in the raising of cattle, hogy and horses for the market. This branen of his business is likewise profitable and he now seentes a good financial return each year for his untiring and well managed labors.
On the 20th of August. 1902. Mr. Blain was united in marriage to Miss Susie Graham, a daughter of Robert and Sarah ( Goodpasture) Graham, both of whom are still living in Mle- nard county. The father was born in Ireland in 182; and in early life came to the United States. In Illinois he was married to Miss Goodpasture, whose birth occurred in this state in 1810. For a long period he engaged in ag- ricultural pursuits. but during the past four years he has lived retired in the enjoyment of his former toil. I'mto Mr. and Mrs. Graham have been bối six children, but three of the number died in early childhood, and the others are Lizzie, now the wife of James Burrus, who is living near Greenview. Menard county : Mol- lie, a resident of Athens, this county : and Mrs. Blain, who by her marriage has become the mother of one daughter. Erma, born on the 2th of July. 1903.
Mr. and Mrs. Blain are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and are in- terested in its work and in the moral develop- ment of the community. In fact, their influ- there is ever on the side of right. justice, reform and progress. In his political views Mr. Blain is a Republican. having always supported the party siner casting his first presidential bal-
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
lot. but he never socks or desires office, pre- when hostilities were over and the stars and ferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which, being capably con- ducted, are now bringing to him desirable pros- perity.
JOHN T. BEEKMAN.
John T. Beckman, now deceased, was for many years a respected and worthy citizen of Menard county and was also an honored vet- eran of the Civil war. He possessed many stor- ling traits of character that gained him the good will and confidence of those with whom he was associated and his memory is yet hold dear by those who knew him.
Mr. Beckman was born at Clary's Grove. Menard county, on the 28th of March. 1815, & -on of William T. and Mary (Spears) Book- man. The father was a native of New Jersey and was of German descent. while the Spears family was of English lineage and formerly lived in Virginia. The maternal grandmother of Mr. Beckman was in her maidenhood Eliza- beth Todd. William T. Beekman removed from New Jersey to Illinois in 1836, settling at Clary's Grove, where be purchased land and hegan the development of a farm. Later he removed to Petersburg. subsequently again en- gaged in farming, and still later he took up his abode in Petersburg, where he continued to re- side for forty years.
In his parents' home John T. Beekman spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and his preliminary education, acquired in the public schools, was supplemented by study in black- somville College. He was but nineteen years of age when, prompted by a spirit of patriot- ism. he offered his services to the government in defense of the Union. enlisting in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Hinois Infantry as a sergeant. He went through the war without a wound, although he participated in a num- ber of important engagements and was often in the thickest of the fight. He was in the bat- tles of Vicksburg. Wyatts. Pocahontas, Tupelo. Oldtown Creek. Waterford. Bhe Creek, Nash- ville and the siege of Mobile. He never fal- tered in the performance of any duty, and
stripes were floating triumphantly over what had been the capital of the Southern Con- federaey, he received an honorable discharge on the Bd of August. 1865. To the defenders of the Union the country owes a debt of grati- tude which can never be paid, and the name of Mr. Beekman is upon the roll of honored dead who made creditable records as soldiers of the Civil war.
The war over. Mr. Beckman returned to his home. He was married on the 4th of February, 1867. to Miss Sarah (. Colby, a daughter of Jonathan and Lydia ( Ingalls ) Colly. She was the third in order of birth in their family of six children : William Davis, who lives in Gen- esta, Henry county, Illinois: Mary F. who To- sides in Petersburg township: Mrs. Beckman: Henry Herrick, who resides upon a farm for- dering Rock creek ; Lydia Maria, who married 11. P. Bucker and resides in Boston. Massa- chusetts; and George Grovenor, who is re- siding upon the old home farm. Mrs. Beck- man was educated in the country schools. in Petersburg and at Indian Point, having good educational privileges. By her marriage che became the mother of four children: Lucy Maria is the wife of Thomas M. Robertson. and they reside with her mother. They have three children-Harris M., eleven years of age: Arthur B., aged eight years: and John T., who died in infancy. Flora Bell, Mrs. Beckman's second daughter, died in infancy. Francis In- galls also died in infancy. J. Colby Beckman married Kate E. Golden and resides upon a farmi north of his mother's home.
Mr. Beckman was a charter member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, being one of the founders of the post at Tallula. His political views were in accord with the principles of the Republican party, to which he gave an unfaltering support and he belonged to the Baptist church, of which hi- widow is also a member. After his return from the war he continuously followed farm- ing until his death, which occurred July 10. 1888, his remains being interred at Rosehill comotery. He had ever been found trustworthy
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ca his business transactions and his farming interests were carried on systematically and cars full, so that he became the possessor of a good and well improved property. His friends found him faithful, his county knew him as a loval citizen, but his best traits were reserved for his home and family. and his wife and chil- dren found in him a devoted husband and father.
V. A. MEDD. M. D.
Dr. W. A. Mudd. whose careful and con- sientious preparation for the practice of medi- eine has enabled him to perform most valu- able service in behalf of his fellow men in the line of his profession. is now practicing in Athens. He was born near Greensburg. Green county, Kentucky. January 19, 1847. and is a son of Dr. Henry L. and Arabella Simpson ( t'ass ) Mudd. who were also natives of Ken- tucky, the former born in Lebanon, February 11, 1809. and the latter in Winchester. Clark county, Kentucky, on the 4th of April, 1816. The father was a graduate of Transylvania I'niversity of Lexington, Kentucky, with the ela -- of 1832. and was a classmate of Profes- For L. P. Yandell, Sr. Following the comple- tion of his course of study he practiced medi- eine in Kentucky for many years, but at length retired from active connection with his pro- fession in Louisville in 1820. Ilis death oc- Purred in the state of his nativity. JJuly 30, Isso. and his wife passed away at the home of her son. Dr. Mudd. in Athens. Illinois. March 1. 1889. Dr. Henry Madd was a school- mate and cousin of Abraham Lincoln and the -trong friend-lup which sprang up between them in their boyhood days continued through- out their after life. During the period of the Civil war President Lincoln offered to Dr. Mudd anything that he desired, but the lat- tor's reply was that all he wished was to be loft at home and h- property protected, and this was done.
Dr. W. A. Mudd acquired his carly education m private school me I banon, Kentucky, after- ward attended the F.des Seminary of that city m 1862. and im 1-re 10 1563 was in Goth-
semane. Kentucky, where he was located at the time Bragg'- army marched through. In 1865-6 he was at St. Mary's and he afterward attended the high school at Louisville, Kon- tueky, and the Hollingsworth & JJohnston Com- mercial College, pursuing his studies there in the night sessions. During the daytime he at- tended lectures in the university at Louisville and was graduated in medicine on the 1st of March. 1820. He afterward received practi- cal training in the City Hospital. having been elected interne in 1869. He was married on the 21st of September, 1870, to Miss Mary Virginia Merrell. a native of Lexington. Ken- tucky, and she passed with him through all the vicissitudes which usually attend a young phy- sician. They located at New Haven. Ken- tueky, where he was engaged in practice until August, 1812, when they came to Illinois. es- tablishing their home at Buffalo Hart. Sanga- mon county.
On the 30th of March, 1815. Dr. Mudd re- moved from that place to Woodstock. Mellenry county. where he resided until 18;2. when he went to Greenview. Menard county. locating there on the îth of November. He continued a member of the medical profession of that city until the 2d of April, 1883. when he came to Athens, where he has now been located for twenty-one yeats and throughout this period has maintained an enviable position in the foremost ranks of the representatives of the medical fraternity in Menard county. He is a member of the County Medical Society, the Brainard District Medical Society, the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and has been the president of the second named. Through the interchange of thought and experience in the conventions of these organizations he has added largely to his knowledge and reading and investigation have also promoted his efficiency so that he has kept in touch with modern thought con- cerning medical practice.
In 1881 Dr. Mudd was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died on the 13th of August that year. at the age of thirty-two. leaving one son, William W .. who was horn in Buffalo Hart. Ilinois. April 9, 1874. On the 4th of May. 1891. Dr. Mudd was again
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married, his second union being with Mary A. Daily. of Kentucky, born November 28. 1866. Their children are Lawrence A., who died July 21. 1895, at the age of eleven months; Carrie V., who was born November 2. 1895. and died February 19, 1896; Zepha Eloise, born April 19, 1897 : Opha Josephine. born June 29, 1900; and Henry Leo, born June 6. 1903. The parents are members of the church of the Holy Family at Athens. For many years the Doctor labored hard to secure a Catholic church at this place and con- tributed liberally to the erection of the house of worship. He has served as treasurer and trustee of the church since May. 1903. In polities he is a Democrat. but has always re- fused muildie oflice, though he consented to serve as alderman for several years. While interested in public affairs and co-operating in so far as possible in support of movements for the general good, Dr. Mudd finds that the greater part of his time and attention is «Jaimed by his practice, which is of an exien- sive and important character and his work in behalf of his fellowmen has made his services in the world of great value.
JOHN E. MUNDY.
In taking up the personal history of John E. Mundy we present to our readers the life record of a prosperous, intelligent and enter- prising farmer of township 19. He was born in New Jersey. July 13. 1851, but for more than a half century has resided in Illinois and is thoroughly interested in the middle west. its progress and improvement. His parents were Isaac and Catherine Mundy. who came to this state about fifty-three years ago, locating in Tazewell county, where the father carried on general farming and stock-raising through- out his remaining days. He died in 1866. respected by all who knew him. In his family were eight children: E. R .. who was born July 12. 1836. and is living in Lincoln. Illi- nois : Asenath T .. who was born November 8. 1838. and died in 1901: Sarah J., who was born June 28, 1840. and is the wife of R. Hill. of Oregon : James W., who was born November
1, 1812. and is a resident of Lincoln, Ilinois : Martha ... who was born December 16, 1813. and became the wife of Daniel Compton, but died in 1899; Jemima, who was born November 18. 1846, and is the wife of Dr. Maston. of Elkhart, Illinois: Mary E., who was born April 1. ISIS, and is the wife of Joseph Worth. of St. Louis, Missouri : and John E., who com- plotes the family.
During his infancy John E. Mundy was brought to Illinois by his parents and at the age of eight years he went to live with his eldest sister, with whom he remained for about five or six years. He afterward made his home with Mr. Lyman. an arrangement being entered upon whereby he was to receive three months' schooling and his board and clothing in com- pensation for his services upon the farm. llo continued with Mr. Lyman for about five years and then began working by the month as a farm hand, being thus employed until he rented it tract of land. He continued to operate a farm, which he leased until about five years ago.
In 1881 Mr. Mundy was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca F. Walker. a daughter of Joseph and Sarah ( Mundy) Walker. Hor fa- ther was born in Adair county. Kentucky, No- vember 2, 1818, and in 1830 became a resident of Irish Grove, Menard county, where he re- sided continuously until his death. A man of sterling honesty and upright character. he commanded the respect of all with whom he came in contact. In his boyhood days he joined the Presbyterian church in Kentucky and re- mained a consistent member throughout the entire period of his earthly career. exempli- fying in his life the nobler virtues which are inculcated by Christianity. In his home there reigned a spirit of quiet contentment and hos- pitality, He wa- faithful in the performance of all his duties, whether of citizenship, of business life or in the home circle. In early manhood he wedded Miss Sarah A. Mundy, who was born August 13, 1823. The wedding ceremony was performed at Middletown by Squire Colby Knapp, on the 30th of April. 18t6, and they traveled life's journey happily together for about fourteen years, when on the 21th of April. 1860. Mrs. Walker was called to her
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
mad house. Take her husband, she had shared we the high regard of many friends who - tremed her highly for her many excellent traits of heart and mind. Mr. Walker, long surviving his wife, passed away at his home in Irish Grove. August 6. 1899, at the age of eighty years and nine months. and the funeral seri- tres hold in the Presbyterian church at Irish Grove were conducted by Rev. C. E. Kalb. In spite of inclement weather, the church was lilled by a large number of relatives and friends. who thus testified their respect to the deceased and their sympathy for the bereaved family. Thus passed away one of the honored pioneer residents of the county and one whose memory will long be enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him. In the Walker family were five daughter, and one son. Marietta, born August 25. 1>It. is now the wife of Dr. S. T. Hurst. of Greenview, Illinois. Alice, born April 26. 119. is now the wife of George T. Gibbs, and resides on the old Walker homestead. Rebecca F .. born October 22. 1851. is the wife of our Subject. Henry W. born November 3. 1851. died April 19. 1855. Adda B .. born March 6. 1556, is the youngest living member of the family. One child died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Mundy have a fine farm of eighty acres, on which is a new residence which was erected only two years ago. It is surround- ed with fine shade and fruit trees and the home attractive in appearance and gives evidence of the careful supervision of Mr. Mundy. He i- a member of the Baptist church at Lincom. and his wife is a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is inde- undent. voting for principle rather than party. He has led a diligent life. characterized by honorable dealing, and he well merits the pre- werity that he is now enjoying.
WALLACE WASHINGTON POSEY REED.
Many event- familiar to W. W. P. Roed be- cause of his long residence in Menard county are In other citizens of this state merely mat- tor of history. He has witnessed the greater part of the development and upbuilding of this locality. for lo cast in his let here in carly
pioneer days. He was born in Du Bois county, Indiana. December 20, 1823, and is the second in a family of twelve children, born unto Isaac and Winnie Morgan (Spears) Reed. His pa- rents were natives of Kentucky, but at an early period in the development of Indiana became residents of that state.
W. W. P. Reed was reared and educated in Indiana, spending his boyhood days there amid the environments of pioneer life. but at the age of twenty-three years he came to Menard county. thus entering upon an independent husi- ness career. He received no pecuniary assist- ance, but he possessed strong courage and res- olute purpose and upon this as a foundation he has built the superstructure of his snecess. lle first began working for E. D. Powers and afterward he returned to Indiana. where he was employed as superintendent of a gang of men working on the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad. There he continued for three years and as the result of his industry and economy he accumulated the capital that enabled him to purchase forty acres of land. He then re- turned to Menard county and invested his money in a tract which proved the nucleus of extensive farming interests.
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