USA > Illinois > Montgomery County > Past and present of Montgomery County, Illinois > Part 11
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P. C. WOOD.
P. C. Wood is an honored veteran of the Civil War now living on section 9, East Fork township, where he carries on general farming. flis birth occurred in the locality where he re- sides August 22. 1834, his parents being
Thomas and Anna Wood. His father was born in Darlington, South Carolina, on the spot where the city of Florence is located, in De- cember, 1802, and was there reared. Hle came to Montgomery county in 1823, set- tling in East Fork township at a time when few settlements had been made within the borders of the county. Pioneer con- ditions everywhere existed, much of the land being still in its primitive condition, awaiting the touch of the frontiersman to transform it into productive fields. Mr. Wood began farm- ing and while living in true pioneer style he at the same time made the most of his oppor- tunities and as he found it possible secured the advantages and improvements which were com- mon in the older east. Unto him and his wife were born eleven children. eight of whom reached years of maturity, but P. C. Wood is now the only living representative of this fam- ily. His father died on Christmas day of 1858 and the mother passed away in 1882.
P. C. Wood remembers clearly many experi- ences of early life in Montgomery county, for he has made his home here for seventy years. He acquired his education in the public schools and although his advantages in that direction were somewhat limited his training at farm work was not meager. He started out for him- self when twenty years of age, locating upon the farm where he now makes his home and a part of which (eighty acres) he obtained from his father. He now has one hundred and sev- enty acres of land and he lost two hundred acres by going security for friends. Ile has raised both stock and grain, but at the present time is not very actively engaged in farming, for to some extent he has put aside the arduous laborers of the farm and is enjoying a well merited rest.
On the 19th of April, 1861, Mr. Wood put aside all business and personal considerations that he might aid in the preservation of the Union, and became a soldier of Company H. Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He found the regiment was too full. however, and he was assigned to Company A of the Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he remained for three months. Hle was altogether in active service for three years and six months and he
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participated in many of the most hotly con- tested engagements of the war, including the battles of New Madrid, Island No. to, Iuka, Corinth, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Ilills and the siege of Vicksburg. He was also in many skirmishes and was slightly wounded. but was never in the hospital. In the fall of 1864 he was mustered out at Vicksburg and with an honorable and creditable military record he re- turned to his home and resumed farming.
In April. 1856. Mr. Wood was married to Miss Elizabeth Barry, a daughter of John Bar- ry, of Hillsboro township. Their only child died in infancy. Mr. Wood is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a veteran Republi- can, having been one of the original forty-six members who organized the party in this county in 1856. He remembers when the county was very wild, few improvements having then been made. He has seen as many as fifty deer in a single herd and other wild game was to be had in abundance. He frequently made trips to St. Louis market and camped out along the way. llis mind forms a connecting link be- tween the primitive past and the progressive present, and no man takes a more genuine de- light in what has been accomplished in this county than does Mr. Wood. He has always been spoken of in terms of respect and esteem and as one of the pioneer residents of the coun- ty he certainly deserves mention in this volume, while his record as a soldier alone would en- title him to rank with the valued citizens of Illinois.
J. P. PRICE.
Among the well known farmers of Mont- gomery county is numbered J. P. Price, who is living in East Fork township. He was born in Fayette county. Illinois, October 22, 1849, a son of Thomas and Celia (Duncan) Price. The father, a native of Virginia. remained in that state until about twenty years of age, when he removed to Tennessee, where he car- ried on general farming, becoming one of the carly settlers of that locality. Prospering in his business undertaking he was eventually known as one of the extensive and successful
farmers and stockmen of his community. He died in the year 1861. In his family were eight children, three sons and five daughters, of whom four are now living.
J. P. Price remained a resident of Fayette county until sixteen years of age and no event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him during that period. He then came to Montgomery county and started out in life for himself, earning his living by working as a farm hand in the sum- mer months. In the winter seasons he at- tended school. for he realized the value of education as a preparation for life's practical duties, He first rented a farm in Fillmore township, upon which he lived for six years. after which he purchased land in the vicinity of his present home. The boundaries of his farm, however, did not continue the same year after year, but were extended by additional pur- chase as his financial resources increased until he now has six hundred acres of valuable land. being a holder of extensive realty possessions in East Fork township. He has given his entire attention to stock-raising and makes a specialty of registered Hereford cattle and also registered Poland China hogs. TIe raises cattle on an extensive scale for the markets. buying and shipping for many years. The volume of his business has constantly increased and he stands to-day as one of the leading representatives of these departments of in- dustry in the county.
Mr. Price was married December 13, 1872. to Miss Helen Isabel MeNitt, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Cress) McNitt. Her father was born and reared in Pennsylvania and when a young man came to Illinois, where he followed the occupation of farming. He settled in East Fork township among its early residents and there carried on general agri- cultural pursuits on an extensive scale for a number of years. His wife was born in Mont- gomery county, a daughter of Jacob Cress, one of its earliest settlers. Mr. MeNitt died in August. 1860, but his widow still makes her home in Montgomery county, although at this writing. in the summer of 1904, she is visit- ing in California. This worthy couple were the parents of eleven children, of whom four
I.P. Pia
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are living, namely: Saphronia C., Francis, Mrs. Price and Jennie Jackson, of Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Price have three children : Frank F., who is now a teacher in Bay City, Michi- gan; Gertrude, the wife of Clem Laws; and Corwin.
Mr. Price is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, being made a Mason at Fillmore in 1843, and also belongs to the Modern Wood- men Camp and the Mutual Protective League. He served as head council in the former for many years. In politics he is a Democrat and has always taken a deep interest in the questions concerning the county, state and nation, keeping well informed on the issues of the day. He has been school director and supervisor and he served for two years in the state legislature, being elected to the fortieth general assem- bly. Ile has never been defeated for a single office and in the discharge of his duties has been most prompt, faithful and reliable. At present he is a member of the county central committee. Every measure and movement which he deems will prove of public benefit receives his earnest endorsement and support and he is always fearless in the advocacy of his honest convictions. Whether in public or private life his record is alike commendable and his history will bear the closest investiga- tion and scrutiny. Mrs. Price is a member of the English Lutheran church of Fillmore.
JOEL JONES.
Joel Jones, whose well improved farm of two hundred and thirty acres on section 10, Raymond township, is pleasantly located with- in three miles of the village of Raymond, was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, April 11, 1836. His parental grandfather, Rev. William Jones, was a native of Virginia and became one of the first settlers of Illinois. locating in Madison county about 1809, when this state was still under territorial government. He opened up a farm in Madison county and was identified with the substantial improvement and progress of the county. He was a minister of the Baptist church and one of the pioneer
preachers of the middle west. He served as a member of the territorial legislature and exerted strong influence in behalf of public im- provement and upbuilding.
His son, Simeon Jones, was born in Madison county, Illinois, near Alton in 1811 and was reared and educated in Madison county, expe- riencing the hardships and difficulties of pio- neer life. lle was married in his native conn- ty to Miss Dorothy Starkey, whose birth oc- curred in that county in 1812 and who was a daughter of Jesse Starkey, also one of the pioneer settlers who came to Illinois ere the ad- mission of the state into the Union. Simeon Jones removed to Macoupin county, where he opened up a farm, entering two hundred acres of land from the government. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made upon the property. but with characteristic energy he began the development of the land and in due course of time transformed it into rich fields. He reared his family upon that place and made the farm his home until his life's labors were ended in death. His wife survived him for some time and died at the age of seventy-seven years.
Joel Jones, who is one of a family of four sons and two daughters that reached adult age, spent his early youth in Macoupin county upon the home farm near Bunker Hill and in the winter seasons he attended the public schools, while in the summer months he as- sisted his father in the labor of the fields, gain- ing practical knowledge of farm methods. In 1866 he came to Montgomery county and pur- chased eighty acres of raw land and also some improved land. He took up his abode upon the place and kept bachelor's hall for four years, during which time he devoted his ener- gies to general farming and the improvement of his place. He then sought a companion and helpmate for life's journey and in 1871 was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary C. Blackwelder, who was born in Cabarrus county, North Car- olina, where her girlhood days were passed Later Mr. Jones erected a large two-story resi- dence upon his farm, also a good barn and planted shade and ornamental trees. He also set out a good orchard and inclosed his farm with a neat, well trimmed hedge fence. His
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modern improvements constitute this one of the valuable farming properties of the community and its neat and thrifty appearance indicates his careful supervision.
In 1897 Mr. Jones was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 23d of June of that year. There are but two of their seven children living: Alva, who is operating the home farm, was married in Kentucky to Miss Mary F. Hamilton, a native of Macoupin county, who was reared there and in Mont- gomery county. She is a daughter of Andrew Hamilton, a native of Scotland. Alva Jones and his wife and four children: Ruth, Jewell Ross, Elden and Gladys E. After his muar- riage Alva Jones engaged in farming near Hillsboro for several years and then returned to the home farm after the death of his mother in 1891. Emily 1. JJones is the wife of Wes- ley Briggs, who is engaged in ranching in Ida- ho. Mr. and Mrs. Jones lost four children : Herman II., who died in childhood ; Willis, who died at the age of five years; Charles, who departed this life at the age of eighteen; and Jesse, who died at the age of twenty-seven years.
Politically Mr. Jones is a stanch Democrat, who cast his first ballot for Stephen AA. Doug- las in 1860. and has supported nearly every presidential candidate of the party since that time. He has served as a member of the school board and has been highway commissioner three years. He belongs to the Baptist church and his entire life has been in consistent harmony with his professions. Well known in Mont- gomery county he is classed with those who owe their success to their own efforts and who deserve their prosperity because of the honor- able business methods they have ever followed.
B. F. NELCII.
B. F. Nelch, living on section 33, Pitman township, is well known as a breeder of pure- blooded Aberdeen-Angus cattle, having a good herd in his pastures upon his fine farm. Born in Springfield, Illinois, on the 4th of Novem- ber. 1826. he is a son of Henry Nelch, who was also a native of illinois, his birth having
occurred in Menard county. The family, how- ever, is of German lineage. Henry Neleh was reared to manhood in this state and after his marriage he established his home in Spring- field, where he became a prominent contractor on public works, conducting a successful busi- ness there for a number of years.
B. F. Nelch was reared in the capital city, attended the public schools and completed his course there by graduation from the high school. He afterward entered the university at Madison, Wisconsin, taking up the course of study in the Agricultural College, but he had to ahandon this on account of ill health. Returning to Illinois, he believed that outdoor life would prove beneficial to him, and he took charge of his father's farm near Springfield, continuing in its cultivation for two years. In 1889 he removed to Montgomery county and took charge of the farm upon which he now re- sides, his father having a good tract of land here of three hundred and twenty acres. In connection with the tilling of the soil and the production of crops best adapted to this climate he also began the work of breeding and deal- ing in Aberdeen-Angus cattle. He at first had only a few head, but he has increased his herd from year to year by breeding and purchase and now has forty-two fine animals upon his place, including many pure-blooded ones. These are mostly cows, for he sells the male animals from year to year. He is now well known as a breeder of pure-blooded Aberdeen-Angus cattle and he has also been successful as a breeder of splendid-bred horses. He farms two hundred acres of land, while his younger brother, Fred G. Nelch, operates one hundred and twenty acres of the farm.
B. F. Nelch was married in Springfield, Sep- tember 2. 1898, to Miss Josephine Pickel, who was born, reared and educated in Sangamon county and is a daughter of Joseph Pickel, a well known business man of Springfield. They now have two children: Franklin C. and H. Earl Neleh. Fred G. Nelch, brother of our subject, is also married and resides upon this farm. Both are young men of good business ability, practical and progressive agriculturists, who are meeting with success in their undertak- ings here. Politically B. F. Nelch is a Re-
B. F. NELCH AND FAMILY
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publican, and proudly cast his first presidential ballot for William MeKinley. He is a young man, possessing the enterprising spirit of the west, and is a typical son of Illinois, alert, en- ergetie and progressive. With good education and business qualifications, he is so directing his efforts as to win good results, and is now one of the valued younger representatives of agricultural interests in Montgomery county.
GEORGE W. CALDWELL, M. D.
Dr. George W. Caldwell is one of the oklest medical practitioners of Montgomery county, where for forty-nine years he has followed his profession, thus devoting his energies to a life work that has proven of the utmost value to his fellow men. The successful physician is always a person of broad humanitarian princi- ples and it has been because of his ready sym- pathy and deep interest in his fellow townsmen as well as his professional skill and knowledge that Dr. Caldwell has gained for himself high reputation and a liberal patronage.
He was born in Morgan county. Ilinois, April 23, 1834. His father, John C. Caldwell, whose birth occurred in Butler county, Ken- tucky, in the year 1804, was a son of George Caldwell, a native of Virginia and one of the first settlers of Butler county, Kentucky. flis life span covered the latter part of the colonial history of the United States and the carly part of its existence as a republie and when the colonists attempted to throw off the yoke of British oppression he joined the American army and fought for American liberties. John C. Caldwell spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the county of his nativity and when he had arrived at man's estate he wedded Miss Louisa Rodgers, also a native of Kentucky. They removed to Illinois in 1822. Only nine years had passed since the admission of the state into the Union and they were pioneer residents of Morgan county. Mr. Caldwell was a tanner by trade and there established a tanyard near Waverly and was known as an active, enterprising business man of his lo- cality. He reared his family in that neighbor-
hood and made his home there throughout his remaining days.
Dr. Caldwell was reared in Morgan county. pursued good educational privileges and, de- siring to enter professional life, he became a student in MeKendree College, in which he was graduated with the class of 1853. To the same class belonged Sammel It. Deneen, the father of Charles S. Deneen, the present Re- publican candidate for governor of the state. Although he prepared for the bar he did not practice to any great extent, but later took up the study of medicine, pursuing a course of lectures in Rush Medical college and finish- ing his course there about 1855.
After his graduation Dr. Caldwell came to Montgomery county, locating in Zanesville township. where he soon built up a very ex- tensive practice that extended for miles over the surrounding country. In the early days a country practice involved much hardships owing to long rides over the prairies in the midst of winter storms or under the hot sum- mer sun, but with conscientious regard for the duties of his calling he never considered his personal comfort if his aid was needed in be- half of the sick and suffering. in 1900 he op- ened an office in Waggoner and he is still one of the active and successful physicians of the county. He belongs to the Macoupin County Medical Society and he has always read along lines which have added to his skill and efficiency.
Dr. Caldwell was married in Morgan county. Illinois, September 18, 1855, to Miss Frances Cloud, a daughter of Newton Cloud, one of the first residents of the state, who came here from Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell have two living children: Bessie is the wife of Samuel Kessinger, of Litchfield, and they have become the parents of four children: Harold Caldwell. Ruth Caldwell, Charles W. and an infant daughter. Georgie Caldwell is the widow of Dr. Charles E. Allard and resides with Dr. Caldwell. She has one child, Elbert C. Allard. The Doctor lost two children : Jes- sie, who died at the age of four years; and Newton C.
Dr. Caldwell east his first presidential ballot for James Buchanan in 1856 and has voted
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for each presidential nominee of the Demo- cratie party since that time. Political honors and emoluments have had no attraction for him, but he has served as a member of the school board for fifteen years. A half century covers the period of his residence in Mont- gomery county and he is one of the oldest practitioners within its border. Hle is familiar with its history from pioneer times, his mem- ory forming a connecting link between the past and present-a period during which great changes have occurred and marvelous develop- ment has been wrought. He has been deeply interested in the county's progress and in as far as possible has aided in its upbuilding. Moreover in the line of his profession he has endeared himself to many families by the able assistance he has rendered in a kindly helpful spirit.
EDWARD GRIMES.
Edward Grimes, who is engaged in general agricultural pursuits on section 9, Raymond township. is a native son of the Prairie state, his birth having occurred in Jersey county, on the 24th of May, 1843. His father, JJarrett T. Grimes, was born in Madison county, Illinois, January 21. 1820, and was a son of Philip Grimes, a native of Tennessee, in which state he spent the days of his boyhood and youth. Ile was married there and then, removing north- ward, became one of the early pioneer residents of Madison county, Illinois. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and was acquainted with Andrew Jackson, the hero of the battle of New Orleans. Jarrett T. Grimes, the father, was reared in Illinois and wedded Miss Charity Brown, whose birth occurred in St. Charles. Missouri. In order to provide for his family he followed the occupation of farming and stock-raising and spent his life in Jersey county, although the district in which he lived was at different times within the boundaries of three different counties. Ile always lived, however, upon the same farm and it is still his place of residence. Hte owns one thousand acres of valable land. having become a wealthy agri- culturist of Illinois. He has reached the ad-
vanced age of eighty-four years and is one of the honored pioneers of the state.
Edward Grimes spent his boyhood days un- der the parental roof, working in field and meadow when not engaged with the duties of the schoolroom. His early educational privi- leges were supplemented by a course of study in Shurtleff College and after completing his studies he came to Montgomery county in 1866 and located on his present farm, having here one hundred and sixty acres of raw land. He at once, however, began to place the fields un- der cultivation and transform the unbroken prairie into a rich and productive tract. He built fences, also erected good buildings and added modern equipments, such as are seen upon a model farm. As his financial resources increased he also extended the boundaries of his place until it now comprises two hundred and eighty acres. His home is a commodious two-story frame residence and nearby are two large and substantial barns and other neces- sary outbuildings. Upon the place is a native grove and he has planted many ornamental trees. For some years he has made a specialty of the grazing and feeding of cattle and raises no grain. He ships his own stock and annually sells from six to eight carloads of fat cattle and hogs. In 1868 he left the farm and removed to Butler, where he engaged in the lumber busi- ness for three years, but subsequently returned to the farm where he is now living, occupying his pleasant and attractive home, which is situ- ated within a mile and three-quarters of Ray- mond.
While in Butler Mr. Grimes was united in marriage on the 7th of October, 1868, to Miss Emma Sammons, a native of New York and a daughter of Clement Sammons, of Hillsboro, in which city Mrs. Grimes was reared. Seven children have been born of this marriage, of whom two sons are now living: Ernest Robert, at home: and Dr. Leroy Grimes, who is prac- ticing medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. They lost five children: Eugene, who died at the age of nineteen years on the home farm: Charles E., who died at the age of twenty-two years while pursuing a medical course: Frankie, who died at the age of three months : and two daugh- ters who died in infancy.
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EDWARD GRIMES
J. T. GRIMES
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The political views of Mr. Grimes are in accord with the principles of the Democracy and he has supported all of the presidential candidates of that party since casting his first vote for General George B. MeClellan in 1864. Hle was elected and served as a member of the honorary county board of county supervisors on several different occasions and he acted on numerous important committees. He was also township trustee for a number of years and has been president of the board of school di- rectors, in which capacity he has done able service for the cause of education. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church and he is a charter member of the Masonic lodge at Raymond, of which he served as master for a number of years. He also belongs to Litchfield chapter and commandery. has represented the blue lodge in the grand lodge of the state and is an exemplary Mason, portraying in his life the beneficent spirit of his craft, which has as its basic element the prin- ciples of brotherly kindness and mutual help- fulness, Mr. Grimes takes quite an active and prominent part in the work of the Montgomery County Farmers Instituto, of which he is now serving as treasurer, and he has exerted a wide influence in its behalf. He is also prominently identified with the Illinois Farmers Institute and at present is a member of the finance com- mittee.
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