USA > Illinois > Menard County > Past and present of Menard County, Illinois > Part 41
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In 1822 Mr. Williams was married to Miss Jennie Smith, a representative of an old Ohio family, her people coming to Illinois about 1820. Her father purchased land in Pleasant Plains. Sangamon county, and there she re- mained up to the time of her marriage. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Williams has been blessed with four children: Stella. who was elicated at the State Normal school and is now engaged in teaching at the Bone school, making her home with her parents: Gracie, who was educated in the Union school and at Pleasant Plains and is now a successful teacher, having charge of Mongrel school: Thomas H., who died June 26. 11. at the age of nineteen years: and Oma, who is now a student in school.
Mr. William- endorses the Republican prin- ciples, but was subsequently a Democrat. Ilis study of the questions and issues of the day. however, led him to transfer his allegiance and he has ever been fearless in his convictions and independent in his political views. He was reared in the faith of the Baptist church and his wife is a member of the Methodist Epi -- copal church. He belongs to the Independent Order of odd Fellows and in his life is true to its teachings. exemplifying in his relation with his fellow men the beneficent spirit of the craft. He is a self-made man and des rves great credit for what he has achieved. for he started ont in
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
life for himself empty-handed and has worked carnestly, overcoming all difficulties and ob- stacles in his path by his unfaltering deter- mination and today he is the possessor of a very desirable farm property.
GEORGE T. GIBBS.
George T. Gibis, who for twenty-four years has been a member of the school board in his district and who is a stanch champion of the cause of education, is classed with the repre- sentative citizens of Menard county, where he is now engaged in general farming and stock- raising. He has made his home in Hindis from his early boyhood days, but was born near Baltimore, Maryland. on the 13th of April. 1819. His parents. William .. and Sarah (Cramer) Gibbs, were natives of Maryland. the former born in 1808 and the latter in 1811. The father was a weaver in trade and followed that pursuit throughout his entire life. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. uniting therewith under the ministry of Bishop .John H. Vincent. Mr. Gibbs died December 3, 1852. and his wife's death occurred February 1. 1881. They were the parents of seven children. two sons and tive daughters: William IL., boru August 12. 1835. and now living in Jackson. Missis- sippi : Mrs. Isabella Haines, a resident of Kan- sas : Mrs. Susan Myers, who reside in Oregon. Illinois: Mrs. Rachel Eldridge, who died in May. 1900: Josephine, who died in October. 1003: George T .: and Mrs. Ella Myers, who is now living in Washington. D. C.
George T. Gibbs spent the first seven years of his life in the state of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois, the journey being made by wagon, after the primitive manner of travel of that time. They were seven works in making the trip, but at length reached their destination - Mount Morris, Illinois on the 1st of November. 1856. Mr. Gibbs entered the public schools there and continued his studies in that way until -even- tren years of age, after which he spent :wo years in the Rock River Seminary, at Mount Morris, He afterward worked as a farm hand
until 1513 and during the two streetding wall- he devoted his attention to teaching school.
On the Bed of August. 1826, Mr. Gibbs was married to Miss Nice G. Walker, a daughter of Joseph M. and Sarah ( Mandy) Walker. He father was born in Adair county, Kentucky. November i. ISIS, and in 130 became a re-i- dont of Irish Grove, Menard county, where he resided until his death. He was an holdesi. honorable man and in huis boyhood days. in Kentucky, he joined the Presbyterian church. of which he remained a faithful member. Throughout his entire life he lived at peace with his fellow men, trying to do right in all. and his sterling worth commanded the respect of those with whom he was associated. either through business or social relations. He mar- ried Sarah A. Mundy, who was born August 13. 1623, the wedding being celebrated at Mil- dletown. April 30. 1846. Her death occurred April 21. 1860. and Mr. Walker died at his home in Trish Grove on the sith of August. 1899. at the advanced age of eighty years and nine months. His was one of the largest funerals over held in that community, the Pre- Interian church, in which the services were conducted, being taxed to his utmost capacity. notwithstanding the weather was unpropition -. Both Mr. and Mrs. Walker enjoyed the los. and esteem of all who knew them and their memory remained as a blessed benediction to their many friends. They were the parents of five daughters and one son: Marietta, who was born August 25, IST. and is the wife of ih S. T. Hurst, of Greenview: Alice, born April 26. 1819. wife of our subject : Rebecca F . born October 21. 1851. the wife of John E. Mumis. a resident farmer of Menard county : Henry W., who was born November S. Isst. and ch April 19. 1855: Addie B .. born March 6. 1550: and one child that died in infancy.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Gil - ha- been blessed with more daughter- and one sos . Addio M . wife of Robert Burns, of this count : Grant 1 ... at home: Ella F .. who is the wife of mois: Sadia A .. Linnie, Marietta R. Jan. Car- rin C. and Minnie E .. all at home; and one that died in infancy.
After his marriage Mlr. Gohs cn2and .
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teaching school for two years and then began farming. lle and his family are living in the same house in which his wife was born. llc carries on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising and carefully conducts his busi- Hess interests, so that both branches of his business are proving profitable. is interested in public affairs and has advocated many progressive measures. lie now belongs to the Court of Honor and the Modern Woodmen camp and both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and are deeply interested in its growth and the extension of its influence. Mr. Gibhis has served as school director for twenty-four years, filling that position at the present time, and with the exception of the youngest two. his children are all graduates of the public schools. The family is one highly respected in the county.
WILLIAM D. KNOWLES.
William D. Knowles, numbered among the honored pioneers of Menard county, was for many years actively engaged in farming pur- suits, but is now living retired. He has passed the eighty-third mile-stone on life's journey and his has been a useful and honorable va- reer. Ile has never sought to become promi- nent in public life. but a- a business man and citizen has always been worthy of the respect of those with whom he has been associated and his life record may therefore be well taken as an example.
Mr. Knowles was born in Gibson county. Indiana. October 23. 1821. his parents being Elijah and Margaret ( Woods) Knowles. The father, who was born in Georgia. was of Eng- lish lineage. while the mother, whose birth occurred in Tennessee, was of German descent. They were married in Gibson county. In- diana, where the father followed the occupation of farming until the spring of 1836, when he sought a home in Illinois, settling at Blue Grass Point. in what was then Sangamon county. In the winter of 1811 he removed to New Mar- ket. Menard county, where he continued to reside until 1853. when he took up his abode in Texas. After fifteen years he established
his home in Butler county. Missouri, where he died on the 13th of September, 1867. when seventy-seven years of age, his birth having occurred April 22, 1290. His wife, who was born March 1. 1:92, died on the 11th of Sep- tember, 1839, when but forty-two years of age.
William D. Knowles had but limited oppor- tunities to secure an education, but experience. observation and reading in later life have added greatly to his knowledge. He accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois and was here reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life. Ile early became familiar with the ar- duons task of developing a new farm and he continued to assist his father in his agricul- tural pursuits until twenty-three years of age. when he began farming on his own account on land belonging to his father. He built a log cabin and in that primitive dwelling started out in life for himself. After three years he purchased Jand on the prairie and again built a log house and a log barn. This was in 181; and for twenty-eight years he resided upon that place, transforming the wild land into richly productive fields, which returned to him good harvests. On the expiration of that period, however. he Fought a farm near Now Market, where he resided until 1899. when he took up his abode at his pre-ent place of rosi- dence. That he has prospered in his under- takings is indicated by the fact that he is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of fine farm land and also some valuable town realty. He has made careful investments of his capital, which was acquired through earnest purpose, diligence and unfaltering labor and now he has a handsome competence that en- ables him to live retired in the enjoyment of a rest that he has truly carned.
On the 5th of October. 1813. Mr. Knowles was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Chap- man, of Scott county. Indiana. They traveled life's journey together for little more than five years, when on the 13th of March. 1819. at the age of thirty years. Mrs. Knowles Was called to her final rest. They had two chil- dren: James H .. of Springfield : and Marga- ret M .. wife of William B. Butler, of Oakland. lowa. Mr. Knowles has been married again and has reared four children. In addition to
W. D. KNOWLES.
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
those mentioned. Sarah Elizabeth, born De- cember 18, 1852. died July 3. 1902. whib. Vier is the wife of William B. Rogers, of Mon- tana.
Mr. Knowles has been a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church sims the spring of 1813, joining the first church of thai denomination organized in the county. There were thirty charter members, but he is the only one now living. He was made a ruling elder of the church and has taken a very active and helpful part in its work, doing everything in his power to extend its influence and promote its growth. He has close and inti- mate knowledge of the history of Menar! county and its development and can relate many interesting experiences of pioneer life in this part of the state. In 1843 he drove with three roke of own to Chicago, taking a load of wheat to the market there. Ile forded the Illinois river at Ottawa when the water did not reach to the wagon bed. He brought back groceries and salt. The latter commodity sold for five dol- lars per barrel and he had purchased it in Chi- cago at one dollar and fifty cents per barrel. so that he made good profit on his investment. Twenty-one days were required in making the trip, which can now be covered in a few hours. Mr. Knowles has taken a deep interest in what has been accomplished as civilization has ro- placed the conditions of pioneer life and at all times has favored progress and improve- ment, bearing his full share in the work of citizenship.
WILLIAM E. JOHNSON.
William E. Johnson is living on one of the tinest farms of Menard county. owned by bis father, the property comprising three hundred and forty acres of very rich and arable land on range 5. township 18. and its splendid appear- ande indicates the careful supervision of a pro- gressive and practical farmer.
Mr. Johnson was born in this county. May 11. 1850. a son of John and Harriet (Jenison ) Johnson. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads and acquired a common-school
education. When not engaged with the duttes of the schoolroom he gave his attention to work upon the home farm and assisted his father un- til twenty years of age, after which he spent about a year in DeWitt county. Illinois, where he worked by the month upon a farm. On the expiration of that period he returned home. re- maining in this county until the spring of ISSO, when he went to Kansas, where he was engaged in stock-raising. handling both cattle and sheep. He remained in Kansas until 1892. when he again returned to the old homestead. an which he has since engaged in general farm- ing and stock-raising. For the past five years he has made a specialty of seed corn, Reid's yellow dent variety. He has won numerous prizes at the Illinois State Fair with his prod- uet. in competition with the leading corn grow - er's of the Mississippi valley and received a gold modal as sweepstakes prize from the Illinois commission at the St. Louis exposition in 1901 for the best one hundred cars of yellow corn grown in Illinois.
On the 11th of September. 1882. Mr. John- son was married to Miss Mary Ann Graham, a daughter of Henry C. Graham, whose history is given at length on another page of this vol- une. She was born June 23, 1858, and by her marriage has become the mother of three chil- dren, all yet under the parental roof, namely : Mildred. born August 10. 1883; Addie. horn June 2. 1885: and Minnie. born August 26.
Mr. Johnson is a member of Kincaid Lodge. No. BAS. A. F. & A. M. of Kincaid. Kansas : Petersburg Chapter. No. 119. R. A. M .: and St. Aldemar Commandery. No. 1. K T .. of Petersburg. He is also affiliated with the An- vient Arabic Order of the Noble of the Mystic Shrine. af Peoria, and he belongs to the Men- ern Woodmen camp, at Athens, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. at Kincaid. Kan-as. His wife and daughters are members of the North Sangamon Prestoterian church and the family is one of prominence in the community. having many warm friends in Menard county. Mr. Johnson served as county commissioner for three years and while in Kan-a- was a member of the school board for eight years, while at the present time he is serving on the school board
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
of his district. He has been a stalwart Re- publican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and is most enthusiastic in support of the principles of the party. His at- tention, however. is mainly given to his farm- ing interests.
ANSON THOMPSON.
Anson Thompson. a member of the firm of Thompson. Rosendahl & Company, proprietors of a large department store of Petersburg, is now manager of the grocery and provision see- tion of their business and has contributed in no small degree to the success of the enterprise and to the establishment of its well merited reputation for honesty and fair dealing. A native of Illinois, he was born in Ashland, Cass county, on the 6th of November, 1843. and is a son of James Il. and Sarah ( Brown) Thompson, both of whom were natives of New Jersey, in which state the grandfather, Anson Thompson, was also born. The father made his way westward to Sangamon county. Illinois. in 1836, but soon afterward took up his abode in the Pleasant Plains district of Cass county. there making his home for a long period. He had served an apprenticeship to the trade of carpentering in Philadelphia and he was en- gaged in building operations in Cass county um- til 1819. when he removed to Menard county and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Here he spent his remaining days. his death occur- ring in March. 1828, In business he was reli- able and trustworthy, and the success he achieved was attributable entirely to his own efforts and careful management. In public af- fair- he was also prominent and influential and he was a warm personal friend and stanch sup- porter of Mr. Miller.
Anson Thompson, the second in order of birth in a family of nine children, was only about six years of age when brought by his parents to Menard county, and in the public school- here be acquired hi- education. Ile re- mained at home until 1866 and then engaged in clerking in the store of John A. Braham. In later year- he entered a shoe store. established by Mr. Braham, who appointed Mr. Thompson it-
manager, and he continued to conduct the business until November, 1823, when he was elected county clerk. I ist he was re-elected and at the end of his second term he retired from the office as he had entered it -with the confidence and good will of the public. He was over prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties, regarding a public office as a public trust-and Mr. Thompson has never been known to betray a trust in the slightest degree.
In December, 1882. he started northward, traveling through the Dakotas and spending about a year in that section of the country. en- gaged in real-estate dealing, in which he met with fair success. In 1584 he returned to Petersburg, where he entered the grocery busi- ness in connection with J. D. Wright. under the firm name of Wright & Thompson. AAfter a vear he joined Z. A. Thompson and Reak Rosen- dahl under the firm style of Thompson, Rosen- dahl & Company, which business relation con- tinues to the present time. For ten years our subject had charge of the dry-goods department and then assumed the management of the gro- cery and provision department. His capable management, progressive business methods and earnest efforts to please his patrons have been among the most salient features in the success of the firm, and in Petersburg Mr. Thompson is acknowledged an enterprising. reliable mer- chant. of good ability and excentive force.
On the 2d of December, 1890. was celebrated the marriage of Anson Thompson and Mrs. Laura Drake, of Menard county, a daughter of William Langford. They now have one dangh- ter. Helen Thompson. In his fraternal rela- tions Mr. Thompson is a Mason. exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He has been prominent and influential in public affairs, and his counsel is sought in local po- litical circles. He is a stanch advocate of Democratic principles and has twice been elected to the office of mayor, serving in 1889- 90 and again in 1902-3. He was president of the school board in 1901, and is the cham- pion of many measures which have resulted beneficially to his city. His re-election to the mayoralty was indicative of the confidence which he won during his first term and he gave
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to the city a practical businesslike administra- all the engagements with the Army of the Po- tion. characterized by needed reforms and im- tomac and on one occasion was slightly injured. provements.
WALTER W. YOUNG.
Walter W. Young, who resides near Athens in Athens precinct. carries on general farming and is one of the representative business men in his community. He was born in Kane county. Illinois, November 10, 1816. His fa- ther. Francis Young, was a native of Paris. France, but was reared in Canada. and later married Rachel Lindsay, of the state of New York. He followed farming in early manhood and in the '50; emigrated westward to Ilinois. establishing his home in Kane county, where he also carried on agricultural pursuits. Later he settled in BeKalb county, Illinois, where lit, remained until about 1828, when he took itja his abode in Dawson county, Nebraska. There he spent his remaining days, passing away in August. 1903. at the very advanced age of one hundred and two years and four months. His widow still survives him and is now living in Dawson county at the age of ninety-three years. making her home with a son there. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom are vet living: Mary, who is a widow and resides in DeKalb, Illinois: R. F .. who follows farm- ing in Dawson county, Nebraska: Mrs. Kate Kearney, who resides at Junction. Nebraska, and is a widow : Elizabeth, who is a widow and lives at Gothenburg. Dawson county, Nebraska : Annie, who makes her home in the same conn- ty : Walter W. : I. A., who is living on a ranch in Nebraska : and Jennie. a resident of Dawson county. All have been married with the ex- ception of 1. A. Young.
Walter W. Young was educated in the pub- lie schools of Ilinois and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He assisted in the farm work until after the inauguration of the Civil war. when he joined the army, remaining at the front until after the cessation of hostilities. He was but a young boy when he joined the Union troops as a private, but he was always faithful to his duty and after a time was made a bugler of his regiment. Hle participated in
When his military service was over Mr. Young became a railroad contractor and was thus engaged in business until 1825. when he located on his present farm in Menard county. It was on the 24th of May of that year that he was joined in wedlock to Miss Rose A. Prima, a daughter of Abraham Primim. of this county. Mrs. Young was born on the farm where she still makes her home, her natal day being March 15, 1853. Her father. A. S. Primm. was born in St. Clair county. Illinois, and his wife was a native of Wyandot county, Ohio. He came to Menard county in 1819. settling at Athens, where he engaged in farming for many years. His father had outered from the government the land upon which Mr. and Mrs. Young are now living and they have in their possession the old land warrants signed by John Quincy Adams, then president of the United States.
A. S. Primm continued to carry on agricul- tural pursuits upon this farm until his life's labors were ended in death on the 22d of Deto- ber. 1892. His wife also died on the old home- stead. departing this life in 1889. Their chil- dren were as follows: Mary .A., the eldest. born in 1846. is now the wife of Henry Cline and they reside two and a half miles from Athens, owning a fine farm which is located over the Sangamon county border. They have one daughter and two sons, namely: William A .. who married Jennie Flagg, of a very promi- nent family of Sangamon county : Allen Cline. who is living at home: and Jennie. the wife of Young Caldwell. a consin of Ben Caldwell, ex- congressman from Sangamon county. Their home is near Williamsville. Ilinois. Melissa Primm, the second sister of Mrs. Young, is the wile of M. T. Hargrave, who for more than a quarter of a century has been a druggist of Athens and is one of the most prominent busi- He-> men of his part of the county. He is also active in public life and served as sheriff of Menard county for six years. Unto him and his wife have been born two children. but Lillie Mae died at the age of eleven years. The living daughter is Minnie, wife of Fred W. Avers. who resides in Athens, and they have there
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
children: West, who is now five years of age; Mary, four years old : and Hargrave, two years oll. Minnie Ephraim, another sister of Mrs. Young. was born January 2, 185t. and died January 8. 1890. She was married to A. P. Wat. of Logan county, who became a merchant and banker, conducting business in los An- goles California, and in Pana. Illinois, for tif- teen years. He died January 6, 1901. Lillian Primm. the youngest sister of Mrs. Young, was born April 19, 1855, and became the wife of W. M. Estell, who was admitted to the bar. He did not practice, however, but became a mer- chant and subsequently be established the first electric light plant at Athens. He owned a very beautiful home near Springfield, where his death occurred October 20, 1903. Unto him and his wife were born two sons: Primm and Harry. both now living.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Young has been blessed with three children, but Grace, who was boin Angust 26, 1812. died in infancy: lone, born January 30, 1881, was married in 1993. to Arthur Jensen, and they now reside with her parent -: Hene. born April 1. 1893. is at home.
Mr. Young is very prominent and influential m public affairs and his fellow townsmen. rec- ognizing his worth and ability. have frequently called him to public office. He served as justice of the peace at Athens for four years, was a member of the city council for six years and has been road commissioner for three years. The duties of these positions he discharged in a most capable and able manner, showing that the trust reposed in him was well placed. He Is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belong- ing to blue lodge, chapter and commandery of Petersburg, and he attends the Presbyterian church. Ile is now practically living retired after a long and active connection with agrien)- tural interests, having in the meantime ac- quired a competence that now enables him to put aside business cards and rest in the enjoy. ment of the fruits of his former toil. He is widely and favorably known throughout this county. his abilities well fitting him for lead- ership in political. business and social life. The terms progress and patriotism might be considered the keynote of his character, for
throughout his career he has labored for the improvement of every line of business or pub- lie interest. with which he has been associated and at all times has been actuated by a fidelity to his county and her welfare.
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