USA > Illinois > Menard County > Past and present of Menard County, Illinois > Part 56
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Charles P. Corson is indebted to the public- school system of the county for the early edu- rational privileges which he enjoyed and later he spent six months as a student in the Wes- levan University at Bloomington. Illinois. Ito began farming at an early age upon his father's farm in Tallula township and continued there up to the time of his marriage in 1889. He acquired eighty acres of land in section 21, Tallula precinet. as his first real estate and he
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lived one year on the Nottingham homestead in Sangamon county. The next land which he purchased was one hundred and sixty acres. formerly the property of John Kriel, in sec- tion 21. Tallula precinct. In his farming methods he has ever been progressive and the success he has achieved is due to his close ap- plication and unfaltering diligence.
On the 2;th of March, 1889. Mr. Cor-on was married to Miss Amelia Frogley, a daughter of Israel and Susan ( MeArdel) Frogles. Her father was a native of England, born July 25. 1820, and came to America when but twenty years of age. He had lived in Oxfordshire. England, and on crossing the Atlantic he set- ted in the state of New York. where he resided for a number of years. In IS he came to Illinois and located in Menard county in 1802. establishing his home about two miles south- west of Tallula. Ilis death occurred March 20. 1505. after many years of active connection with agricultural interests in this part of the state. He was in limited financial circum- stane when he reached Illinois, but by honesty. industry and economy he gained prosperity and at the time of his death was the owner of four hundred acres of valuable land. His political Allegianer was given to the Republican party. Though he was not a member of any church he was a firm believer in the Christian religion und in his life exemplified the Golden Rule. His wife passed away September 1. 1901. In wir family were the following named: John. 1 mtcher. is married, lives in Colorado and has three children: Israel. a farmer and stock- dealer of thetopa. Kansas, married Nellie Mickle, and they have two sons: George died m November, 1901: William died in infancy : Elizabeth died in April. 1894: Amelia is the next of the family : and Mary. the youngest. restdes in Talhila.
Amelia Frogles was born May 1. 1861. pur- -und her education in the common schools and in the Athenaum, at Jacksonville, Illinois, and remained at home until she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Corson. By this union there are three children: George F .. who was born October 15. 1899. and is now attending school in Tallula: one. who died unnamed at birth : and Mary B., who was born July 13. 19002.
Mr. Corson is a Prohibitionist. supporting that party by his ballot. His influence is over found on the side of temporanee and justice and progress and his labor- have been of ben- ofit to his fellow men in this way. His entire attention in business life has been given to agri- cultural interests and in this way he has pro- vided a good home for his family.
JAMES R. GRAILAAL.
James R. Grabam. the owner of five hundred and seventy acres of rich farming land in Illi- nois, two hundred and forty aeres being com- prised within his home farm on section 85. sugar Grove precinet. township Is, and one hundred and sixty-four acres on section 3. township Is, Sugar Grove precinct, was born in County Westmeath. Ireland, October 3. 1×12. his parents being William and Ann Graham. The father came to the new world in April. ISM. settling in New Jersey, out his death or- curred in July of the same year. His wife died in Ireland in 1814. He left a family con- sisting of two sons and three daughters. Those now living are slams R .: John C., a resident of Logan county : Mrs. Annie Haines, of Ve- Hard county : and Mrs. Lay Downes, a resident of lowa.
James R. Graham was a little lad of eight years when brought by his father to the new world and at his father's death he was bound out to Dr. Jacob Fisher for a ton of eleven years beginning in 1851. His sister Annie was bound ont at the same time for a term of eight years. They found in the Doctor a good friend and Mr. Graham remained with him until March. ING. when believing that he would have better opportunities for business advance- ment in the middle west he came to Menard county, arriving on the 15th of that month. He joined his brother John C. in a partnership. which was continued for twelve years. In the Tall of 186; they purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land and m 181; they bought forty acres. Later Jann - R. Graham purchased his brother- interest in August. IND. still hving with his brother until October 16, Is ;!. when he settled upon his present farm. He has
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
made but two moves since his marriage and he now has a valuable farming property in this county, and also good land in Logan county. He is engaged in general farming and stock- raising and his well tilled fields yield to him good harvests, while in his pasture are cool good grades of horses, cattle and hog -.
On the Eth of June. 1866. Mr. Graham was married to Amanda Corson. a daughter of Wil- liam and Jane Corson, both natives of New Jersey. The father, who was a glassblower. was born August 16. 1820, and died October 15. 18:3. while the mother, who was born Octo- ber 22. 1822. is still living in New Jersey. They were the parents of four daughters. who are still living: Mrs. Graham, who was born in Glassboro. New Jersey. May 1. 1816: Mrs. Anna Johnson, of Camden. New Jersey. with whom the mother makes her home: Mrs. Han- ton, of Millville. New Jersey : and Mrs. Comer. of Sheffield, Pennsylvania. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Graham have been born eight children: Wil- liam ( .. born April 21. ISBN: Anna M. Octo- ber IS. INFO: Mary F. October 1. 1816: Mat- ti ... August 19. 1819: Fred ... November 25. ISSI : Ella A .. February 21. 1884: Howard F .. . Imme 6. 1888: and Ruth Amy. April 11. 1590. The family circle vet remains unbroken In the hand of death. The parents are mem- bur- of the Methodist church and in his polit- ical view- Mr. Graham is a Democrat.
Many changes have occurred since he arrived 1. the county, especially in the manner of lis- ing and the methods of farming, as well as in the general development of the county. Mr. Graham was the first man that Blanketed a hore while it was standing. he adopting this method while his here stood during the church services that he attended at the Cumberland Pressterian church at Irish Grove. The first funeral which he attended in this county was that of Albert Stone. in September. Ist. At that time there were no spring wagons in use in the surrounding country. only lumber way- ons. and the body was taken to the grave in one of these and interred in the home burying ground near the timber. Sixteen years later Albert Stone's undle John was buried. and in the funeral procession of over a third of a mile in length there were only seen three lumber
wagons, the people having spring wagons. car- riages and huggies, while the remains were car- ried to the grave in a hearse. All this shows how rapidly the work of progress and improve- ment was carried on. At the time of his ar- rival in the county Mr. Graham had a capital of only three hundred dollars, but making ju- dicion investment of his funds and carefully husbanding his resources as the years have gone by. he is now in good circumstances.
RICHARD BATTERTON.
Central Illinois has always been the place of residence of Richard Batterton, who is now Irving upon a farm in Rock Creek precinct. not. far from the site of Petersburg. He was born in Sangamon county. July 19. 1836. and is a son of William and Eliza ( Gaines) Batter- ton, natives of Virginia and of Irish descent, who. on leaving the Old Dominion. removed 10 Kentucky and after residing in that state for a time came to Illinois, establishing their home in Sangamon county. The father was a farmer and stock-raiser, and always followed that pur- suit in order to provide for his family. Hle died in 1892 at the advanced age of eighty- eight years, and his wife, who was ten years his junior, die im 1902 at the age of eighty- eight years. Both continued residents of Sangamon county up to the time of their de- mis and won classed with its representative pioneer settlers who took a helpful part in its early development. Richard Batterion is the second in order of birth in a family of ren children. all of whom lived to be grown. The others are Madison, who makes his home wear Salisbury. Illinois : Robert, who served with his brother Madison in the Civil war and died some war- later from the effects of exposure while in the army : Amy, now the wife of John Wells. a resident of Atlanta, Missouri: Mildred. the wife of Daniel Pelham, of Salisbury. Ilinois : Maria. the wife of T. C. Miller, who lives near Salisbury : Henry Clay, who makes his home one mile west of our subject in Menard county: Sarah. wife of Charles Parker, a resident of Cartwright township. Sangamon county. Illi-
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Dois : Charlotta, wife of Car Aker, who lives near Salisbury ; and William, who died in 1902.
Richard Batterton pursued his preliminary education in a log schoolhouse in his native county and later he continued his studies in the schools of Salisbury. He was trained to habits of industry and economy upon the home farm and was taught the best methods of cultivating the fields. After putting aside his text-books he continued to assist his father in the farm work, but Jater took a trip to the Rocky moun- tains. Ile visited Denver when it was but a -mall place and could have bought any lot in the city at that time for ten dollars. llis trip to the west convinced him, however, that he preferred central Illinois as a place of resi- dence and after his return to this state he resumed farming, which he has since carried on. lle engaged in agricultural pursuits at Salisbury for three years prior to his marriage. being associated in this business with his brother Madison and together they kept bachelor's hall.
Richard Batterton was united in marriage to Miss Permillia Ann Miller, who was born April 18, 1830, in Menard county. the only child of William R. and Eliza (Jackman ) Mil- ler, who came to Menard county during the early girlhood of Mrs. Batterion. The mother died when her daughter was quite young. our subject and his wife were married April >. 1862, and unto them have been born five suns. who are still living and all of whom are now grown, the oldest being thirty-seven years of age and the youngest twenty-two. These are Adam. Murry. Elijah. Charlie and Homer. Murry, Elijah and Charlie are all married and Murry reside in Petersburg. Elijah in Athens and Charlie in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Batterton also last three children in early south.
Mr. Batterton jet follows general agricul- tural pursuit- and stock-raising and is one of the extensive landowners in Menard county, having five hundred and fifty acres of rich land. which he has transformed into a splendid farm. equipped with all modern conveniences. He ha- a beautiful home in the midst of well kept grounds and in the rear of this dwelling are substantial barns and outbuildings for the shel- ter of grain and stock. These in turn are surrounded In well tilled fields and there is
every evidence of the supervision of a careful and progressive owner. Mr. Batterton has al- ways been a stanch Republican, save that he voted once for Horace Greeley and twice for Bryan. His wife belongs to the Baptist church, but his preference is for the Christian church. He has served as school director in his district for a number of years and the cause of edu- cation linds in him a warm friend, he putting forth every effort in his power to advance the cause of the schools and promote their efficiency. The occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work and because of his per- -istener of purpose in following one pursuit. added to his untiring industry and sound busi- ness judgment, he has won the success that makes him a substantial farmer. Moreover. he enjoys the respect of his fellow men because his life has been in conformity to upright business ethics and he has been ever true to his duty in the various relations in which he has been placed.
GEORGE G. WARING.
George G. Waring, an honored and highly estremimed citizen of Menard county residing mar Atterberry, was born in Dutchess com- 15. New York, on the 15th of July. 1815. a son of Charles and Abigail Hones Waring. When only two years old be removed with his parents to Rochester, that state. Being left an orphan when quite young he was reared by his grandparents and in early life learned the cooper's trade. following that pursuit in Roch- ester and after his removal to Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio, in 1831. He started in life with- out any means whatever and never had any financial aid or assistance. In speaking of his early career he says that he can now look back and wonder how he ever got through to his pres- ent age with no one to look after him or to he interested in his welfare since he was twelve years old.
In 1851 Mr. Waring came to Illinois, making the journey by wagon from his old home in Ohio. He settled in Menard county on the farm where he now resides. This property was only partially improved when it came into his
GEORGE G. WARING.
MRS. GEORGE G. WARING.
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
possession, but he at once turned his attention to its further development and cultivation and converted it into a good farm. As the years passed he kept adding to his property from time to time until he now owns about four hundred acres of valuable farming land.
In 183; Mr. Waring married Miss Elizabeth Clark, who was born in Ohio, February 15. 1816, and died January 31. 1850. They be- came the parents of the following children: John IT .. a resident of Leavenworth, Kansas : William 4. of Springfield, Illinois; Lambert D .. of Chester. Nebraska : Mary A., now Mrs. George Codington, of Tallula, Ilinois: Sarah E. deceased wife of George Struble, of Mem- phis, Missouri : Delilah, widow of John Coding- lon. of Auburn. Nebraska : Caroline E .. wife of George Harding. of Menard county : George A., who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume: and Charles W .. of San Francisco, California.
Although now eighty-nine years of age Mr. Waring is still hale and hearty. He has a good education, is a man of unusually good habits and disposition and possesses a good memory. Ho well remembers witnessing Sam Paich's last leap into the Niagara Falls in November. 1829. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Democratic party. but has never cared for political honors. He is widely and favorably known throughout the county and is held in the highest regard.
WILLIAM COHEE.
William Cohee was born in England. March 11. 1800. Ile had one sister. Sarah, and three half-brothers. Richard Bishop. John Gooden and Levi Lee.
William Cohee was married in Delaware, October 15, 1821. and his wife died Oc- tober 20. 1522. when their daughter. Mary Ann, was but five days old. She married Harry Madison about the year 1814. Mr. Cohee afterward married Miss Nancy Slaugh- ter. at Dover, Delaware. October 12. 1824. She was of Welsh descent. Of this union ten children were horn: Rachel, born in Delaware. August 25. 1821. died when only a few months old : Sarah was born in Dela- ware. September 3. 1830: Lydia. born in
Pennsylvania, May 1, t832, became the wife of William Thomas, of Menard county, Illi- nois, and resides in Oakford; W. T .. born in Pennsylvania. February 13. 1831, and now liv- ing in Crowell. Nebraska, married Miss Mario Hall. March 16, 1866: C. A., born in Ohio, October 5. 1838, and now in Beemer. Nebraska. married Miss Minerva Cannon. a native of Illinois: Elizabeth, born in Indiana. October 11. 1840, became the wife of Calvin MeKer. who died June 20. 1828. and after his death married C. P. Elliott and now resides in Oak- ford; Louisa, born in Indiana. March 5. 1842, died February 19, 1866: John. born in Illi- nois, February 20, 1815, died October 5. 1851; 1. C., born in Illinois. August 1. 1818. and now living near Oakford. was married March 11. 1828, to Miss Bettie Brown. a native of Illinois: and Ann. now living in Norfolk. Ne- braska, was born in Illinois May 5. 1851. and was married October IS. 1868. to W. A. King, a native of Illinois, who died October 11. 1903.
William Cohee was a miller by trade and worked in a mill lo some extent after coming lo Menard county. in 1812, being employed at Robinson's mill on Clary crock. He rented land of Samuel Watkins for three years and then bought land in Sandridge precinct. Mle- nard county, living thercon until his death. March 11. 1852. He and his second wife were both buried on the farm. After his death his widow married John Part and only lived until February 19. 1867.
William Cohee bought land, built a log cabin in which to shelter his family and then bogan breaking the wild prairie that he might plant his crop. He ent his timber for the house, made rails for fencing his place and used oxen in plowing. As time passed his fields he- gan to yield golden grain and his farm took on the appearance of a highly cultivated tract of land. Leaving Menard county he went to Missouri, where he spent a year, but on the ex- piration of that period he returned to this locality and resumed general agrienltural pur- suits, and in connection with the tilling of the soit he engaged in the raising of cattle. hous and horses. Ile continued at this until his death. He was a very busy. useful. active man, and at the time of his death he owned
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Two hundred acres of land on which was a comfortable home, surrounded by fruit and -hade trees of his own planting. He also did his own butchering and after killing In- hog- would drive with a load of meat to Beardstown market, sell it at two and a half unt- per pound dressed. and upon his return I would bring a load of merchandise from that place to the men at Petersburg. At his death hi- Romain- were inferred upon the old farm near his home on a site, which he had selected as has ast resting place, and when his wife was called rom this life her remains were laid by his side. They were greatly respected by all their neigh- ors and many friends. Mr. Coher gave his political allegiance to the Whig party.
Henry C. Coher was born in Menard county, illinois. August 1. Isis, and worked on the farm with his stop-father until fourteen years of age. He attended school through the winter months when his assistance was not needed in the fields. In the early day- he frequently engaged in hunting, shooting geese, ducks and turkeys, which he shipped to Springfield and Peoria. This proved quite a profitable source of remuneration, his sales at times anmounting to as much as sixty dollars in a single month. He shot as many as eighty ducks in a day. After his father's death he went to live with 1. .. Mebole, working for his hard during the winter months with the privilege of attending school. He was thus employed until sixteen war of age after which he worked for F. Lownabery at a salary of sixteen dollars per month. Later he was employed by Richard Gaines at thirty dollars per month. Ho next Med with Mr. Brown through the winter and In the following spring began working for Mr. Lown-bert at twenty-six dollars per month. The last man for whom he worked by the month was David W. Brown and later he began operating Mr. Brown's farm on share. Sub- sequenil he bought the interest of some of the other heir- m the old homestead place and is now operating about two hundred acres of the rich land. He raises the cereals which thrive best in this soil and he also has about five acres of land planted to small fruits, including strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.
On the 11th of March. 1525. Mr. Coher was
married to Miss Bettie Brown, a daughter of Leander J. and Margaret ( Lownsbery) Brown. Her father, who was born in themung county. New York, was also a farmer and stock-raiser and engaged in the breeding of fine horses. He came to the west with his parents and re- mained at home up to the time of his marriage in 1886 to Miss Betsey Lowushers, who died eight months later. On the 22d of October. 1831. he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mar- garet Lowusbery, who was also a native of Chemung county. New York. Mr. Brown built a log house and began farming for himself. Subsequently be purchased the interest of his brothers and sisters in the old homestead farm and was known for many years as a prosperous agriculturist of the community, having two hundred and forty acres of valuable land at the time of his death. He remained a resident of this county for about thirty-four year-, bay- ing arrived in 1832. while his death here we- curred on the 19th of February. 1866. llis widow vet survives and now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Cohee. Mr. Brown was a Demo- erat in politics and was a man of most hon- orable and upright principles. who expensed the cause of Christianity and in his life is- amplified it> faith. He won the love of not only his immediate family, but of his neighbors and friends and his genuine worth was recognized by all who knew him. By his second marriage he had ten children. of whom three are now living, the sisters of Mrs. Coher being Sophia. who is the widow of William Burton and re- side- in Oakford. Menard county; and Julia. the wife of Charles Colson, who resides near Oakford.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Cohee has been blessed with nine children: Nancy E., Born January 13. 1829: William C .. born November 1. Isso: one that was born in 1883 and died in early infancy : Robert S., who was born June 23. 1885. and died November 21. 1887: Elias C. born September 5. 1851 ; Maggio E .. horn October 11. 1589: Leander .J., born April 19. 1892: Anna J., born June 1. 1895, and died December 16, 1899: and Bessie, who was born January 10, 1899, and died on the 11th of Feb- ruary. following.
Henry C. Coher exercised his right of fran-
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
chise m support of the men and measures of the Democracy and during the greater part of the time for the past thirty years he has served as a member of the school board. Ile has never sought or desired public office, how- ever. as he has preferred to concentrate his energie- upon his business affairs and through the careful conduct of his farming interests he has become one of the substantial agriculture-ts of the county in which his entire life has been
WILLIAM IL HOUGHTON.
William H. Houghton is the owner of four hundred acres of land in Tallula precinct that i- rich and productive and his undivided at- tention is given to farm work with the result that a gratifying measure of success has at- tended his efforts. He is one of Menard coun- it's native sons, his birth having occurred in Petersburg on the 20th of September, IST. ili- father, William (. Houghton, was born in Kentucky. July 15. 1811. and was of Eng- lish lineage. The paternal grandfather. Charles Houghton, who was born in England, became one of the carly residents of Menard county. arriving here with his family about 1821. He established his home on Rock creek and here followed farming. On reaching manhood Wil- liam C. Houghton was married in this county to Miss Julia Ann Maltby, who was born in New York. February 5. 1815, and came 10 Menard county about 122 with her parents. leave and Sylvia (Holley) Maltby, who were also natives of the Empire state. the former born March 22. 1:81. and the latter March 31. 1291. The Maltby family first settled in the sangamon river bottom. but after residing there for several years took up their alode upon the farm just across the road from where our sub- jout now lives. There Mr. Maltby died about 1859, at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife passed away February 2. 1s16. when about fifty-live years old. After his marriage William C. Houghton located on the old home- stead now occupied by our subject and resided there until his death, which occurred in 1993. He was a faithful member of the Christian church and a prominent Republican, holding
most of the county offices. The widow is now living with our subject, who is the only sur- viver of their seven children.
Reared under the parental rood. William 1]. Houghton acquired his education at the Farm- er's Point district school in Menard county and when his attention was not occupied by his tev-looks his time was largely devoted to the work of filling the soil on the old family home- stead. He has always carried on farming on this place and in connection with the raising of grain he has made a specialty of the mais- ing of stock, including draft and road horses. He is thoroughly familiar with the best moth- ods of cultivating the soil and improving the grades of stock and in both branches of his business is meeting with gratifying and cred- itable success. His farm comprises four hun- dred acres of land, much of which is under a high state of cultivation and gives evidence of his careful supervision and progressive ircthods.
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