USA > Illinois > Menard County > Past and present of Menard County, Illinois > Part 58
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At the age of nineteen years Ryal Armstrong started out in life on his own account. Before this time he had worked upon the home farm and had pursued his education in the public schools. On leaving home he engaged in teach- ing for two years. Later he was employed at farm labor on the old homestead and then was married and began farming for himself. Ho bas since followed that vocation and in addi- tion to the cultivation of the fields he has en- eaged in fattening and shipping stock to the Chicago markets, sending from two to live car- loads of cattle per year and as many or more hugs. He is also at the present time agent for the Turner-Hodout Company, grain dealers in Pekin. Illinois.
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Mr. Armstrong was married to Miss Martha 1. Skaggs, a daughter of Cyrus and Martha (Ogden) Skaggs. Her father, who was born m: ( a -- county, Ilinois. May 5. 1841. died May 19. 1892. llis wife, who was born in Mercer county. Illinois, in ISIS, passed away in 1872. Mr. Skaggs had remained with his parents in hi- boyhood days and was a public-school stu- dent, but later he began working at the car- penter's trade and was employed as a builder up to within five years of his death. He also was a drover, buying and shipping cattle. hogs and sheep. He made extensive shipments to Chicago and also sent considerable stock to the Peoria market. This headquarters were at lla- vana. Illinois, but he bought stock all along the line of the Chicago. Peoria & St. Louis Railroad. His influence in public affairs was great and his labors were of value in his com- munuity. He served as justice of the peace a: Oakford for a number of years and he was a member of the New Hope Baptist church. His political views were in accord with the principles of the Democracy.
Mr. Armstrong is a member of the town board and at this writing. in the fall of 1904. i- serving as township school treasurer. Ile belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge at Kil- bourn. Ilinois, and he votes with the Demor- rates. His life is in many respects exemplary and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity. while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation. In his business he has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and has gained a most satisfactory ro- ward. He is always courteous and affable and those who know him personally have for him warm regard.
JAMES J. CARNEY.
natives of Ireland. The former came to the United States in 1845. attracted by the busi- ness possibilities of the new land and settled in the state of Vermont, where he followed farming. He remained there for five years and then came to Ilinois, locating in Sanga- mon county, where he purchased a tract of land and developed a good farm. In 184; he arrived in Menard county, settling upon the farm which is now in possession of his son James and there be continued to engage in the tilling of the soil with good success mitil his death which verurred in 1896. He lost his first wife in 1852 and was afterward again married. In his family were thirteen children. but only three are now living: James J .. John and Mary. The brother John was a soldier for thirteen years. He enlisted first for sen- ice in the Civil war as a member of the I'nion army when nineteen years of age and fought for the preservation of the Union during the Your long years of that sanguinary struggle. During that time he participated in the battle- of Fort Donelson. Shiloh and Bull's Run. Tie was never wounded although often in the thick- est of the fight and came out of the army strong and well. He received an honorable discharge from the volunteer service in Washington. D. ( .. and then entered the regular service. en- listing three times. It is known that he served for thirteen years, but since that time no news has been received from him.
James J. Carney was reared in Menard coun- t. in the usual manner of farm lads of his day and locality. He attended the public , schools and when not occupied with the duties of the schoolroom he assisted in the farm work. He has long been numbered among the tillers of the soil and the stock-raisers of his native county and his life has been passed upon the old farm homestead which comprises two hun- dred and ten dere- of as rich farming land as can be found in Illinois. There is no better farming district throughout the length and breadth of this country than Illinois furnished.
James J. Carney is the owner of a valuatie farm of five hundred and ion acres and the land i- rich and arable, yielding good harvests. A Mr. Carney, seeking a companion and help- mate for life's journey, was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Cronin in 1880 and afterward brought his bride to the old homestead. She is native son of Menard county he was born in his present home neighborhood on the 22d of December. 155%, and is a son of James and Catherine ( Bang) Carney, both of whom were the daughter of Patrick and Bridget ( Sullivan )
PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
( ramin, both of whom were natives of Ireland. In a family of five children she has only one brother now living. Ento Mr. and Mrs. Car- not have been born eleven children : Catherine, Mary. John. Martha. Annie. Nellie, one that died in infancy. Jamie. Numa. Meina and Jeste. The eldest daughter is now the wife of Wil- liam Mudd. a son of Dr. Mudd of Athens, and they reside in that place.
Mr. Carney exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy, and he and his family are mem- lars of the Catholic church at Athens. They reside upon the farm near that point and Mr. Carney has in his possession a dead to this land which was signed by Martin Van Buren on the 1st of November. 1839. Since the old homestead has come into his possession he has devoted his labor toward cultivating and Tur- ther developing the land and every indication of modern progress is to be seen upon this place, showing that his labor- have been at- tended with good results.
REV. WILLIAM FUTTERER.
Bes. William Futterer, pastor of St. Peter's Catholic church at Petersburg, was born in Mat- tron Cales county, Illinois, his parent- being Chark- and Mary (Zeller) Emterer, who emi- grated to America from Baden, Germany. in IS19 and settled in Coles county upon a farm. which the father cultivated for some time and then removed to Mattoon. where he engaged in the grocery business. He followed that pur- -mit until some time in the Cus, when he re- tired from active business life. He was a cooper by trade but gave his attention to other business interests in the new world. and ar- quired a substantial competence. In his fam- ily were two children. the elder being Lena. the widow of Henry Ritter and a resident of Mattoon. She has five children.
Boa. Futterer acquired his early education in the parochial and public schools of Mattoon. completing the high school course. He then worked at cigar manufacturing for a year. when deerling to equip himself for the work of the priesthood he entered Tentopoli- St. Jos
upli- College. completing the Classical colle by graduation. Linmediately afterward he took up the study of philosophy in La Grande som- inary. in Montreal, Canada, and completed a course of live and a half years by graduation with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. Having been ordained to the priesthood. he spent five years in St. Gertrude's parish. at Grantforks, and was afterward transferred to Pierson. Bond county, where he created a house of worship, serving as pastor of the church there for about three months. He was then sent to the Catholic University of Ameri- ca and after a two years course in dogmatic theology and canon law. he received his degree. Ile nest took charge of St. Mary's parish, at Washington, D. C. serving there for a year during the absence of the regular pastor, after which he went to Europe. Following a ve- ond trip to Europe Cardinal Gilhon- offered him a parish in Washington, D. C .. but the bishop refused to transfer him on account of his connection with the diocese of Alton, Ili- nois, and be had to obtain permission from Bishop Ryan before he could be released. Ile was then went to Petersburg, where he arrived on the 16th of October. 1891. and since that time he has taken an interest in everything pertaining to the upbuilding and progress of the town as well as the advancement of In- church.
Prior to Ists the spiritual needs of the Catholics of this locality were met by the church in Springfield, and by priests who occasionally visited Petersburg. On the Ith of May. 185. the first resident pastor took charge-the Bes. William Cluse. the present vicar general of the Belleville diocese. He was succeeded I Father Theodore Wegmann. in 1822, and he in turn In Rev. August .J. Saber in 1ST. Then came Bernard W. Ahne in 1St. followed by Owen O'Hare, and in 1819 Father M. Hogan hecame pastor. He died January 12. 1551. and In request his remains were taken to Mil- wanker, Wisconsin. for burial. William .J. Verscher. his successor. remained out a short time, after which he built a church in Ashland. Cas- county, and was followed in Petersburg. m Ist, by Res. B. Haase, who through the careful handling of the church finances and
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his untiring efforts. succeeded in discharging a large church indebtedness in a short time and at the end of his pastorate left a handsome surphis in the treasury. Father John McGraw nest had charge of the parish during the ab- sence of Rev. Haase in Europe and until the present pastor arrived. Under the direction of Father Futterer the work of the church has been promoted along various lines and attend- ed with good results, and he has won the re- speet and confidence of many people of other churches as well as of his own parishioners.
JOIN W. SHAVER.
Success comes not to the man who idly waits. but to the toilers of the world. they who are persistent, energetic and diligent. To this class belongs John W. Shaver and to-day he is the owner of extensive landed interests, having nine hundred and seventy-two acres in Menard county. He was born in Sangamon county at the old Twelve Mile House, March IS. 1856. his parents being William and Jane ( Ross ) Shaver. His father was born in the eastern part of Virginia. March 13. 1818, and lived in his native state until thirty-five years of age. when he went to Ohio, where he remained for several years. In 1850 he made his way westward to California and spent about eight months in mining in the Golden state. meet- ing with very gratifying success during that period. This gave him his first early start in life, but in later years he prospered through his farming interests. He returned to Ilinois and after spending a short time in Springfield be purchased the Twelve Mile House and farmed in Sangamon county, making his home there for four years. At the end of that time he sold the property and bought a farm in town- Ship IS worth, range 1 west. Menard county. He resided thereon for a long period and was recognized as one of the leading and enter- prising business men of this part of the state. acquiring the greater part of his property in Menard county through his farming and stock- raising interest -. During the period of the Civil war he made a speciality of buying horses and mules, selling again at good profit. Dur-
ing the later years of his life he engaged in buying and selling cattle and hogy. He also raised many and fed others for the Chicago market. He was known as a man of honor in all business transactions, never taking advan- tage of the necessities of any one in a business affair. Thus his name became a synonym for integrity and his honesty as well as his pros- perity won for him the confidence and respect of all with whom he was associated. While he was in California in its carly mining days his health became somewhat impaired through exposure there and he never recovered hi- old strength. although for many years he continued an active factor in agricultural circles. lle was united in marriage in early manhood when on a visit to Virginia in 1854. to Miss Jane Ross, of Augusta county, Virginia. a daughter of William and Elizabeth ( Reese) Ross. They became the parents of three children: John W .. Lizzie, who was born September 8, 185 ;. and is now deceased : and Mary, who was born October 6. 1861, and has also passed away. Mr. Shaver continued to reside in Menard county until his death. which ocenrred August 10. 18to. and his remains were interred in the Fancy Creek cemetery.
John W. Shaver was brought to Menard county when three years of age and was en- cated in the public schools. When not of- cupied with his text-hooks he worked upon the farm and when twelve years of age was en- abled to do as much as any hand upon the place. He assisted materially in harvest time and. in fact, became familiar in all depart- ments of the farm labor. After his father's death he managed the home place and. super- intending the Imsiness interests for his mother he has always devoted his energies to agricu !- tural pursuits and has made a success of his business by reason of his close application and earnest purpose, guided by sound judgment. For a long period he has engaged in feeding and shipping stock. For eight years after his father's death he continued to operate the old homestead. but later he sold his farm imple- ments and for the past eleven years he has engaged in buying. feeding and shipping stock. handling most of the stock sent to the city mar- kots from Fancy Prairie. He now has on
WILLIAM SHAVER.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
hand one hundred and eight head of cattle and about one hundred and fifty head of hogs and the cattle are now all ready for shipment.
On the 13th of October. 1880, Mr. Shaver was united in marriage to Miss Jannette G. Jones. a daughter of David G. and Matilda A. Jones. Her mother was twice married. her maiden name being (line, while at the time of her marriage to Mr. Jones she was Mrs. Lynch. a widow. Mr. Jones was born December 12. 1818. in Louisa county. Virginia. and when thirteen years of age removed to Ross county. Ohio, where he was reared to manhood. On the 28th of March, 1811. he wedded Miss Sarah Gooding, by whom he had five children and in April. 1855, he removed to Logan county. Ilinois, where he continued to make his home until his death. His first wife died May 23. 1861, and he afterward wedded Mrs. Matilda Lynch. By their marriage there were two daughters. Jannette G., born July 1. 1863; and Augusta, born February 8. 1866. Mr. Jones carried on farming and stock-raising for many years and was a representative and reliable business man of his community. Unto John W. and Jannette (Jones) Shaver was born one child, Lilly M., whose birth occurred August 9, 1881, and who is now the wife of Bayless L. Barber, who resides at Cantrall, Illinois. On the 9th of January. 1889, Mr. Shaver was again married, his second umion being with Nar te E. Gillespie, a daughter of James N. and Mary E. (Tyley) Gillespie, both of whom wore natives of Virginia and spent their entire lives there. They became the parents of nine children, all of whom are yet living, namely : Elizabeth E., who is married and resides in Texas; Mary J .. who is married and makes her home in this state: Mrs. Shaver: Merchis D., who is married and resides in Illinois: Lutie F .. who is married and lives in lowa : Ley A .. who is married and makes her home at Fancy Prairie, Menard county : Edgar D. and William D., both of whom are married and live in Texas; and Frank, also a resident of Texas. The father of these children was a farmer and carpenter and while carrying on agricultural purs" he also engaged in stock-raising. His rehgious faith was that of the Methodist church. in which he held membership. He died Janu-
ary 6, 1894. and his wife passed away February 20. 1885. By the second marriage of Mr. Shaver four children have been born: Jane. born October 21. 1889: Mary E., born October 21. 1891; Willie R., born June 15. 1894; and Ilelen Pauline, born Angust 30, 1903.
Mr. Shaver, who is a Democrat in politics. never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his attention to business affairs. He has. however, served as school director for about twenty-seven years and the cause of edu- cation finds in him a warm friend. He be- longs to Tanely lodge, No. 203. A. F. & A. M., having been made a Mason about twenty years ago, and throughout this time he has exempli- fied in his life the beneficent and helpful spirit of the craft. He attends to some extent and supports the Presbyterian church. of which his wife is a member. His is one of the fine farms of the county. he owning nine hundred and seventy-two acres of valuable land within the borders of Menard county and one hundred and sixty acres in Logan county. He has upon his place the finest walnut grove in the state of Illinois. Modern equipments and accessories there indicate his progressive spirit and also the success that has attended his efforts and he stands to-day among the reliable buiness men. respected and admired for what he has ae- complished and also for the honorable methods that he has followed in winning his prosperity.
RICHARD GATES SPEARS.
Richard Gates Spears, engaged in the ope- rating of two hundred and seventy-five aeres of land, on which he carries on general farm- ing and stock-raising, was born October 30, 1869, a son of G. C. and Elizabeth Frances Spears, who are represented elsewhere in this volume. He was reared on the old homestead about a mile and a half northwest of Tallula. and he pursued his education in the district schools and in Tallula. In the months of va- cation he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm and after he had finished his education he began farming on his own account upon his grandfather's farm, northeast of Tallula. When his father removed to his
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
present farm Richard G. Spears also took up his abode upon the farm which is now his home and conducted the place until his father removed to the town.
About that time Richard G. Spears was mar- ried to Miss Mary V. Washburn, a daughter of George O. and Ann Elizabeth ( Burns) Wash- burn, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Virginia, while both were of English and Scotch descent. Mr. Washburn was a farmer and school teacher. He removed to Saline county, Missouri, and not only became active and prominent in connection with its educational and agricultural interests, but also became a recognized leader in public thought and action and at one time served as county judge of Saline county. He was born March 19. 1827. and is still living in Marshall, Mis- souri. at the advanced age of seventy-seven years, while his wife was born December 3, 1827, and also yet survives. Their daughter Mrs. Spears was born in Saline county. Mis- souri, and is the fourth in a family of six children, the others being as follows: William, a farmer living near Blackburn, Missouri, mar- ried Flora Strader and has four sons. Eliza- beth is the wife of Dr. Joseph W. Campbell, formerly of Neodosha. Kansas, and is now liv- ing with her father. Rev. G. L. Washburn is pastor of the Presbyterian church in Washing- ton. Missouri, and married Miss Mary Barron, by whom he has two sons. He was educated at home by a governess and in a Presbyterian school, and was married November 1. 1894. Albert L., living on a farm near Blackburn, Missouri, married Miss Mattie Owens and has three daughters and one son. Laura Burns Washburn is at home in Marshall, Missouri.
Since his marriage Mr. Spears has contin- uously engaged in farming and stock-raising and operates two hundred and seventy-five acres of land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He also raises and sells stock and both branches of his business are proving profitable. Mr. and Mrs. Spears have no chil- dren of their own but have adopted a pretty little girl of six years, Bertha Grady, who is now attending school. He is a Republican, but aside from exercising his right of franchise takes little interest in politics. He belongs lo
the Baptist church, while his wife is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church. and in the com- munity where they reside they have made many warm friends through the possession of sterling traits of character. He has never divided his business energies over many lines. but has con- contrated his efforts in one field of activity with the result that he has prospered and is now classed with the substantial agriculturists of the community.
RICHARD B. RUTH.
Richard B. Ruth, publisher and proprietor of the Petersburg Observer and also owner of two other papers. making three out of the five papers published in Menard county, has throughout his entire business career been con- noeted with journalistic interests. working his way upward by consecutive stages from the humblest position in the office to that of editor and owner. Born in Mason City, Mason coun- ty. Illinois, August 12. 1867. he is a son of Frank B. Ruth, who was born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. November 2. 1831. of Pennsyl- vania-German parentage, and married Margaret R. Bell. a daughter of James C. and Ellen Bell. Mrs. Ruth. now living at Aurora, Illinois. was born October t. 1843. at Bell's Mills, Ohio- a small town named in honor of the brothers. Peter. Dawson. James and Joseph Bell, who in the early days of Ohio were the leading business men of that little business center. The name of the place has since been changed to Beach City.
At the usual age Richard B. Ruth began his education in the schools of Mason City. where he continued his studies until sixteen years of age and then put aside his text-books in order to learn the printer's trade and assist in the support of his widowed mother, one brother and five sisters. He entered the office of the Mason City Independent as as appren- tire. in August, 1883, and worked at his trade for three years there. In the spring of 1888 he entered upon his first independent newspaper venture, becoming the publisher of the Mason County Record. the only Republican news- paper in the eastern part of Mason county.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MENARD COUNTY
This he contina.d until August, 1890, when it was consolidated with the Mason City In- dependent, under the firm name of Ruth & Roach. Thus seven years after entering the newspaper field Mr. Ruth became one of the proprietors of the paper on which he had served his apprenticeship. He continued this connection for twenty months, when he sold out to his partner. S. B. Roach. and in April. 1892, he purchased the Mason City Banner. continuing its publication until November 1. 1902, when ho sold the paper and plant to Warren Milley, its present owner.
Removing to Petersburg. November 15, 1902. he took possession of the Petersburg Observer, the only Republican paper in Menard county, and has since been identified with jour- nalism in this county as its editor and pro- prietor. He has since extended the field of his labors by becoming the owner of the Ath- ens Free-Press and the Tallula Record. three of the five Menard county papers, and through the columns of these journals he has contrib- uted in substantial measure to many measures and movements of benefit to the general pub- lic, using his influence to further every good cause. flis offices are well equipped and he keeps abreast with modern progress in the newspaper field.
On the 2d of October, 1886, at Peoria. Mr. Ruth was married to Miss Julia Ann Woll. a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Woll. of San Jose, Illinois. They have two sons. Harrison Harrold Ruth, born June 19. 1888 -the week in which Benjamin Harrison ro- ceived the nomination for president from the Republican national convention, hence his first name. It was in the same week that the father brought out the first issue of his first news- paper and hence the name of Harreld was also given to the little son. The second son. Thomas M. Ruth, was born November 2, 1899. The parents are members of the First Proshy- terian church of Petersburg and Mr. Ruth he- longs to Wilfred lodge. No. 213, K. P., of Mason City, which he joined in November. 1892. He has always supported the Republi- can party and has as a private citizen exerted a strong influence in its behalf in central Illi- nois. In 1901 he was appointed by Governor
Richard Yates press representative of the Illi- nois commission of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. Strong and com- mendable purpose and unfaltering diligence. as shown through the analyzation of his char- acter and life work, have been the salient fra- tures in the snecess he has achieved. With- out advantageous circumstances or inheritance to assist him. he has steadily advanced in those walks of life demanding intellectuality. business ability and fidelity, and today com- mands the respect and esteem not only of his immediate community, but of all who know him throughout the state.
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