USA > Illinois > Menard County > Past and present of Menard County, Illinois > Part 48
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On the 15th of October. 1890. Mr. Pills- bury was united in marriage to Miss Emma Cooper, a daughter of Howard A. and Ann (Bennett ) Cooper. Her father was born and reared in the city of St. Louis and her mother was a native of Petersburg, Illinois The Coop- er's were of Irish descent, while the Bennetta were of Scotch-Irish lineage. Howard II. Cooper became a practicing physician and was an army surgeon at the time of the Civil war.
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After the cessation of hostilities he settled in Booneville, Missouri, where he practiced for a number of years and then removed to Ver- sailles. Missouri, where he remained for a year and a half. lle afterward took up his abode upon a farm south of Versailles and at a later date settled at Colecamp, where he remained for a short period. His next place of residence was Ashland. Ilinois, where he spent a year and a half. His wife died March 3, 1816. in Petersburg. Illinois, where she had been taken for medical treatment. and Dr. Cooper after- ward sold out and removed to Versailles. Mis- souri, going from that place to Rockville. Bates county. Missouri. in 1883. Ile spent his re- maining days in Rockville, passing away in 1901. and his remains were interred in the cemetery of Versailles, He was the owner of property at that point. There were four chil- dren in that family. namely: Mrs. Pillsbury; Thomas, a miner of Joplin. Missouri, who is married and has three children; Howard. a sheep raiser, who makes his home at Freeland. Wyoming. but spends much time near Caspar, Wyoming; and Annie, who died at the age of three months. Mrs. Pillsbury was born in Ver- sailles. Missouri. February 1. 1820. and pur- sned her education in the schools of Rockville and Versailles, completing a high school course in the former city. She afterward engaged in teaching school for one term and then came to Petersburg. Menard county. to make her home with Mrs. Thomas Bennett and Mrs. B. Wright. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children: Lyman Adair. born August 3. 1891 ; Ross Caverno, born March 26. 1896; and George Bennett, who was born July 2. 1897. and died December 1, 1903. his remains being interred in Roschill cemetery east of Petersburg.
The parents are Presbyterians in religious belief and Mr. Pillsbury usually gives hi- po- litical support to the Democracy, but at times votes for Republican candidates, as he does not consider himself bound by party ties. He has never been an aspirant for office. however. pre- ferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and now, in connection with general farming. he is feeding some cattle. llis entire life has been passed in Menard county
and his career has been honorable and straight- forward. as is indicated by the fact that many of his warmest friends are those who have known him from his youth to the present.
HENRY J. EICHENAUER.
Henry J. Eichenauer, who for many years has been connected with farming interests in Menard county. is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of fine land in townships 18 and 19. Ili> farm is well improved with mod- ern equipments. the pleasant residence being surrounded by fine trees and a well kept lawn. In the rear stand good barns and other neces- sary outbuildings, and these in turn are sur- rounded by well kept fields and pastures, the latter containing a high grade of stock and. taken altogether, his is one of the best farms of the county. Mr. Eichenaner is now building a line modern residence in Petersburg at a cost of five thousand dollars and will occupy the same by the 5th of March, 1905.
As his name indicates. Mr. Eichenauer is of German lineage. He was born in the father- land. August 22, 1854, his parents being JJohn and Mary ( Bernhard) Eichenaner. both of whom were natives of the same country. whence they came to America in 1860. sailing from the German port to New Orleans. The father was a wagon-maker by trade and while in New Orleans he was forced into the rebel army, ton soldiers riding up to his home on horseback and taking him to the Confederate camp. He was kept there until the surrender of the city. He afterward worked at his trade for the govern- ment and in 1865, on the first boat that went. up the river to St. Louis, he made his way to that city. Subsequently he went to Beards- town. Ilinois, where he engaged in farming. there purchasing a tract of land which he con- tinned to cultivate until 1892. when he sold that property and removed to Bath, Mason county, where he is still engaged in farming. although he has reached the age of eighty years, his birth having occurred in 1824. His wife. who was born May 15. 1827. died January 24. 1903.
Henry JJ. Eichenaner pursued his education in the German Lutheran schools of New Or-
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
leans and of Beardstown, Illinois, and in his youth was trained to habits of industry and economy upon the home farm. gaining prac- tical knowledge of all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He con- tinued to assist his father until about twenty- live years of age, when he rented a farm in Cass county. Illinois, whereon he lived for three years. In 1883 he removed to Menard county, where he again rented land for two years and then with the capital that he had saved with his earnings he made investment in property. becoming the owner of three hundred and eight acres a quarter of a mile from Oakford. Illi- nois. There he followed farming with sue- cess until 1889. when he sold that property and bought two hundred and forty acres where he now lives. To this he has since added an eighty-acre tract and has developed the entire place into a splendid farm property. In con- nection with the raising of grain he has always engaged in the raising of mules and horses. making a specialty of saddle and trotting horses. He also raises shorthorn cattle and his business has been so carefully conducted that it has become quite profitable and he is now one of the substantial citizens of his com- munity. On the 5th of July. 1901. the train on which he was riding was blown from the track by a cyclone and Mr. Eichenauer barely escaped with his life.
The marriage of Mr. Eichenauer occurred on the 22d of February. 1880. the lady of his choice being Miss Michal Hickey, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann ( Armstrong ) Hickey, the latter a daughter of Jack and Hannah Arm- strong. at whose home Abraham Lincoln was frequently entertained. Joseph Hickey was horn in Tennessee and became one of the pioncer residents of Cass county. Illinois, which was the birthplace of his wife. Both are now deceased. but for many years they were num- bered among the respected and worthy citizens of their locality and assisted materially in its early development. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eichen- auer have been born four children: Charles H., horn August 8. 1881. in C'ass county : Anna Marie. horn in Menard county, June 21. 1881 : Helena Edith. born in Menard county, March 22. 1886: and George Herbert. horn on the old
homestead. December 30. 1591. Mr. Eichen- auer is a member of the German Lutheran church at Petersburg, while his wife belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian church there. For several terms he has served as a member of the school board and his interest in public measures has been manifest by tangible support of all movements, which he believes will ben- etit the county. He has been found reliable in his business life and trustworthy in friendship and because of his excellent traits of character receives the warm regard of many with whom he has been associated.
JAMES CYRUS COUCHMAN.
James Cyrus Conchman is the owner of good farming interests in Menard county. his home being on section 3. Tallula township. He was born February 1. 1851. in Morgan county, Illi- nois, his parents being E. R. and Sophia ( Hen- derson) Couchman. the latter a daughter of D. G. Henderson, who removed from Ohio 10 Illinois, settling in Morgan county, where Mrs. Couchman was born. E. R. Couchman was a native of Bourbon county. Kentucky, born De- cember 24. 1819. and was a son of B. F. Couch- man. The grandfather of our subject was a farmer and slave owner and spent much of his life in the south. E. R. Couchman came to Illinois in 1825 and in 182; his father came to this state and entered land from the government. comprising the farm upon which the insane asylinn af Jacksonville, Illinois, was built. He afterward returned to Kentucky, but again came to Illinois, this time accom- panied by his family. He purchased land where the town of Arcadia has been built and upon that place he lived and died, being one of the representative carly farmers of his lo- cality. In his family were live sons and three daughters: B. F., William. George. Calch. James. Mrs. Ellen Knox. Mrs. Elizabeth Leaf. who resides in Normal. and Mahala.
E. R. Couchman was a young man when he first came to Illinois. He was reared in this state and in early life became familiar with the difficult task of reclaiming wild land for purposes of cultivation. He assisted his father,
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however, in developing his tields and gained practical knowledge of the best methods of carrying on farming. In the year 1851 he came to Menard county and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land from JJou- athan Masterson. He afterward purchased all of the land on which the town of Rushaway was built, but later sold that property and bought two hundred and ninety-six acres on a part of which his son James now resides. He has since carried on agricultural pursuits in this part of the state and he now owns eighty acres where he lives and forty acres lying to the northwest in Menard county. He also owns and farms land in Cass county and is recognized as one of the prosperous agricultur- ists of his community who has capably con- trolled his business affairs so that they now return to him a good income. In his family were four children: Margaret married Silas Ratliff and they had two daughters. one of whom. Lizzie, is now Mrs. Van Winkle and re- sides south of Tallula. David Couchman mar- ried Sarah Senter and was the owner of a farm in Menard county. but roth are now do- ceased ; William married Lizzie Senter, and he is deceased, but his widow resides in Spo- kane. Washington.
James Cyrus Couchman, whose name forms the caption of this review. was brought to Me- nard county when less than a year old and was reared on the old family homestead. no event of special importance occurring to vary the routine of farm life For him in his youth. He was educated in the country school- and spent one term in the Illinois College at Jackson- ville, but put aside his text books at the age of nineteen years and began farming for him !- self upon his present place. Later he went to Missouri, settling in Harrison county, but his business ventures there did not prove prof- itable and he returned to Menard county. Here he rented a farm for a year and since that time has resided upon his prosent place.
On the 2d of January, 1895. Mr. Couchman was married to Miss Lizzie Ray. a daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Ray, of Ashland. Cass county. Illinois. She was born in Morgan county. cast of Jacksonville, on the 5th of January. 1871. and attended the schools of
Ashland. of which she is a graduate. Mr. Couchman belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He gives his political support to the Republican party and in matters of citizenship is deeply interested. manifesting public-spirited and loyal devotion to every movement which he believes will promote the general good.
FRED WILLIAM AYRES.
Fred William Ayre- who makes his home in Athens. is interested in farming pursuits and is an extensive stock-raiser and shipper. making a specialty of shorthorn cattle. He was born in Athens. November 13. 1876. . his parents leing William and Mary ( Depew) Ayres, the former a native of Menard county and the latter of Mason county. The father began life as a farmer and stock-raiser upon the old home farm in Menard county, just a mile west of Athens. There he carried on farm work for many years and now is living re- tired upon the old homestead. enjoying the rest which he has earned and richly deserved, for he worked persistently and diligently in former years and brought to bear in his chosen vocation sound judgment and executive ability. In all of his business transactions he has ever been found worthy of the public trust and he therefore enjoys the esteem of the business community. For a quarter of a century he served as a school director and otherwise took an active and helpful part in community af- fairs. He married Mary Depew and they be- came the parent- of four children : Joseph. who died in infancy: Etta, who died about fif- ten years ago: Lou. who is the wife of Dr. Cheaney, resident of Petersburg: and Fred W. After the mother's death the father married again. his second union being with Emma Mal- by. with whom he is now living on the old bom farm.
Fred W. Avres is indebted to the public school system of Athens for the early educa- tional privileges he enjoyed and he advanced there step by step until he had mastered the branches taught in the high school. He was also a student in the Gem City Business Col-
F. W. AYRES.
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lege at Quiney. Winois, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1897. On leaving college he returned to Athens and on- tered the bank as a bookkeeper, occupying that position for three years, after which he engaged in farming in Menard county and he is today one of the leading young agriculturists of the state. In addition to the raising of cereals he i- also engaged in the raising of pure blooded stock, making a specialty of breeding Scotch shorthorn cattle, and he is now an extensive shipper of fine thoroughbred cattle lo all parts of the United States.
While connected with the banking interests of Athens Mr. Ayres was married to Miss Min- nie Rosalyn Hargrave, a daughter of M. T. and Melissa Hargrave, both of whom were carly residents of Athens, where the father figured prominently in commercial circles for a quar- ter of a century, conducting a drug store there. In the maternal line Mrs. Ayres is descended from the Primm family, being a granddaughter of Abram S. Prin, who was a scion of a wealthy family that settled in Menard county before Athens was founded. He was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, December 25. 1812. and accompanied his parents on their removal to this county in October. 1820. Here he re- sided until his death and he was married on the 19th of June, 1839. to Lucinda C. Hall. by whom he had four children who are yet living. namely: Mrs. Mary A. (Tino, Mrs. Lizzie M). Hargrave. Mrs. Rose Young and Mrs. Lillie S. Estil. Another daughter. Mrs. A. P. West. died a few months before the death of her father and her husband is now living in Cali- fornia. Three years before the death of Abram Primm he and his wife celebrated their fiftieth marriage anniversary. Just six weeks later Mrs. Primm died, and after that "Uncle Abe." as he was known to every one in the community. gradually grew weaker and for several months prior to his demise was unable to leave his home. His sorrow over the loss of his loved companion undoubtedly led to his death. Ho came of an illustrious family and the Missouri Republican, bearing date August 23, 1885. pub- lishes the following account of his ancestors : "The Primm family is entitled to a coat-of- arms on both sides of the house. They are de-
scended from Alexander De La Pryme, a gen- tleman of the town of Ypres, who was granted a patent of gentility by the Roman pontiff for meritorious services under Philip of Alsace in the second crusade. The family having em- braced the Reformed religion they were forced to leave the continent by Cardinal Richelieu aft- er the revocation of the ediet of Nantes and they settled in England. Alexander De La Pryme removed to the Isle of Man in 1225 and his see- and son, John. emigrated to America, settling in Virginia in 1:50. In deference to the preju- dice existing against French names the De La was dropped and the latter part of the surname was changed to the present form of Primm. The eldest son of the emigrator, John Primm. was a colonel in the Revolutionary war and in 1802 be removed westward with his family. His eldest child was Peter Primm, the father of the late Judge Wilson Primm. He married Marie Angelique La Roux D'Esneval. Her father was one of four brothers of the name of La Roux D'Esnoval, three of whom they from France during the reign of terror in 1193. A portrait of one of these is in possession of the family. Ho was a colonel in the bodyguard of Louis XIV and was guillotined. Another went to San Domingo during one of the insur- rections of the slaves. Two brothers came to Canada, where one remained, while the other one went to St. Louis and was there married to Helene, daughter of Jean Sallivit (called Lajoie) and Maria Rosa De Vialpardo, a lady of Spanish birth. The Primm coat of arms is a poinard and cross quarterly erest-a cross. The motto is "Animose cortavit" (He has fought courageously).
Thomas Primm. the father of Abram Primm. Was a son of John Primm mentioned above. Ile was a native of Virginia and was married in 180} to Elizabeth Stallings in St. Clair county, Illinois, whence they removed to Me- nard county in 1820. He was one of seven- teen children and died in the year 1856.
Mrs. Fred W. Ayres, granddaughter of Abram Primin, was born in Athens and has spent her entire life here with the exception of six years passed in Petersburg while her father was serv- ing as sheriff there. She completed her edu- vation in the high school of Athens and after
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putting aside her text books she remained at home with her parents until the 4th of Jan- uary. 1891, when she gave her hand in mar- riage to Mr. Avres. Their union has been blessed with three children : William West. born August 24, 1899; Mary, born August 12, 1901; and Thomas Hargrave, born November 15, 1903.
In his political views Mr. Ayres is a stanch Democrat. thus following in the political foot- steps of his father and his grandfather. Ile is, however. fearless in his advocacy of any measure which he deems to be for the general good. He is overseer of the poor but has little political ambition. Prominent in Masonry. he belongs to Clinton lodge. A. F. & A. M., of Cantrall. Illinois, and Dewitt chapter. R. A. MI .. of Petersburg. His wife is of the Pres- byterian faith. They have a beautiful modern residence in Athens. celebrated for its hospi- tality and their circle of friends is almost co- extensive with their circle of acquaintances.
ROBERT A. YOUNG.
Robert A. Young, now residing on section 19. township 18. range 5, was for many years actively engaged in general farming and stock- raising. but is now practically living retired, and well does he deserve his rest, as his has been a busy and useful career. He is also numbered among the honored veterans of the Civil war who valiantly fought for the Union cause upon many southern battlefields. He still retains an active interest in affairs of county, state and nation, and in Menard county has been the champion of many measures which have re- sulted beneficially for the community.
Mr. Young was born in Bath county, Ken- tucky, November 23, 1829, his parents being William P. and Margaret (Young) Young. the former born in Kentucky and the latter in Virginia. They came to Menard county from Kentucky, November 8. 1836. In their fam- ily were five children, two sons and three daughters, but only two are now living-Robert A. and Mrs. A. M. Hamil. who reside in Lin- coln, Illinois.
When only six years of age Robert A. Young accompanied his parents to Illinois. Menard
county was then all wild prairie or timber land and the work of reclaiming it for the purposes of civilization had scarcely been begun. Great changes have since occurred as the pioneers have claimed the land and transformed it into productive fields, building in their midst at- tractive and substantial homes and founding cities and villages, in which all modern im- provements and facilities may be found. Mr. Young attended the public schools and assisted in the work of the home farm, pursuing his studies through the winter months and aiding in the labor of the fields through the summer season.
Having arrived at man's estate he was mar- ried to Cassandra Claypool, a daughter of Levi and Barbara Claypool. but Mrs. Young died a year after her marriage, and on the 30th of November, 18:1. Mr. Young was again married, his second union being with Ann E. Kincaid, a daughter of J. K. and Vienna (Williams) Kincaid. Her father, a farmer by occupation, was born in Bath county, Kentucky. June 30. 1808. and became one of the pioneer settlers of Menard county. In early life he served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, after which he worked for twelve dollars per month in order to obtain money that would enable him to attend school. In this manner he ac- quired a good education. He came to Illinois in 1832 and followed carpentering for two years, after which he purchased land and turned his attention to farming. He was mar- ried April 24. 1836. to Vienna Williams, who was born in Bath county, Kentucky, March 4. 1812. and then gave his attention to agricul- tural pursuits. He improved more than six hundred and seventy aeres of land in Menard county and he owned seven hundred acres of land in lowa, Missouri and Kansas. He was very successful and his prosperity was well de- served. as it was gained through honorable methods and close application. Both he and his wife were consistent members and active workers in the Presbyterian church for many years and they gained the unqualified confi- dence and esteem of all with whom they were associaled. In their family were fourteen chil- dren.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Young has been
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blessed with two sons and two daughters: Mary M., who is the wife of Dr. Barber, of Boulder, Colorado; Will IL., at home: James K., who married Kate Hopkins, and is living on the old homestead : and Margaret E .. who is acting as her father's housekeeper. Mrs. Young. the mother of these children. died December S. 1903. An obituary published at that time said : "Seldom is a home, church or community called upon to sustain so great a loss as was oe- casioned by the death of Mrs. Young. In the home she was a true wife and devoted mother. and it was her delight to dispense genuine. loving hospitality. In her quiet, unobtrusive way she went about doing good wherever sick- ness, sorrow or need called her. In this min- istry of merey she contracted the disease pneumonia-which in a few days resulted fatally. For nearly half a century she was a member of the North Sangamon Presbyterian church. was a most earnest. active member of the Ladies' Missionary Society and was inter- ested in everything that tended to promote Christ's cause. Many characterized her as the best woman they ever knew and this estimate was not the language of compliment. but of sober judgment. Her memory and influence are a precious heritage."
Mr. Young, in early manhood. manifested his loyalty to the government by enlisting at Athens, Illinois. August 14. 1862. as a member of Company K. One Hundred and Sixth Illi- nois Infantry, and after almost three years of active service was mustered out at Pine Bluff. Arkansas, July 12. 1865. He arrived at Camp Butler. Springfield, July 24. 1865, and was there paid off. His company was composed of Menard county men and the regiment went into camp at Lincoln, Illinois. August 15. 1862. being mustered into the United States service on the 18th of September. On the 7th of that month they moved to Columbus, Kentucky. and on the 10th to Jackson. Tennessee. On the 6th of December occurred the first death in the regiment-that of E. Rankin. of Company C. At the Obion river fight Sergeant Henry Fox. of Company H. climbed up the timbers of the bridge and crossed that structure under the fire of the whole rebel force. on his way to Jackson for re-enforcements. and although this
was a most perilous undertaking he accom- plished it in safety. Later the regiment was sont further north to guard railroad stations. The prisoners paroled by General Forrest were sent to Benton Barracks and exchanged in the summer of 1863. The balance of the regi- ment was ordered to Bolivar. Tennessee, in March, 1864, and about the Bist of May moved oli to Vicksburg. While en route the boat which was transporting the troops was fired upon at close range of Island 63 by several companies of rebel infantry and two cannon, 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 trenches at Vicksburg a few weeks, the One Hundred and Sixth Illinois was sent forty miles up the Yazoo river to repel a rebel force and, returning by forced marches. was harassed by the enemy, while under the scorching sum- mer sun many soldiers were prostrated by the heat. The regiment lost more men on that trip than from any other cause 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 battles of Clarendon, Duvalls Bluff. Pine Bluff. Benton. Hot Springs. Lewis- burg. St. Charles. Dardanelles, and Browns- ville and performed its full share in crushing out the rebellion. Its members suffered many privations and hardships. marching through swamps and bayous, fighting and foraging, and its history shows a long list of casualties. Mr. Young was always most faithful to his duties and returned home with a most creditable mil- itary record.
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