USA > Illinois > Montgomery County > Past and present of Montgomery County, Illinois > Part 17
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county. Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner began their domestic life upon the farm, where she and her sons now reside. Mr. Waggoner owned a valua- able tract of land of more than five hundred acres, which he developed into a splendidly im- proved place. He was very successful as a general farmer, stock-raiser and feeder. He thoroughly understood the needs of the soil, the effects of the climate and the value of the rota- tion of crops and in all of his farming methods he was progressive. keeping in touch with the advancement that is continually being made by the agricultural class. He also raised and fed good grades of stock and made large annual shipments to the city markets. He possessed excellent qualifications as a financier, was a man of keen discernment and marked enterprise. IIe organized and founded the Bank of Wag- goner in 1896 and served as president of that institution until his death, making it one of the strong and reliable financial concerns of the county.
Unto Horace G. and Sarah Waggoner were born five sons. By a former marriage he had one daughter, Bertha, who is now the wife of W. C. Barnett. There are but two of the sons of the latter marriage now living, Willis and Wallace, twins, having died in infancy, while Ray Street died in his third year. Those still living are Horace Gailen and Loren Stanley, both at home.
Mr. Waggoner was an active member and faithful worker in the Methodist Episcopal church, largely promoting the various church activities and also the work of the Sunday- school. He likewise exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the Masonie fraternity, be- ing a Master Mason with membership in the blue lodge at Raymond. He belonged to the Modern Woodmen camp of Waggoner and was one of the organizers of the Mutual Protective league, in which he served as supreme treasurer until his death. In his busi- ness affairs he was thoroughly reliable and trustworthy, conducting all business transac- tions in a manner to win the confidence and estcem of the public. He was a faithful friend and, in his home a devoted husband and father. finding his greatest happiness in promoting the welfare of his wife and children. He passed
HORACE G. WAGGONER
MRS. SARAH E. WAGGONER
H. G. WAGGONER
MRS. BERTILA W. BARNETT
LOREN S. WAGGONER
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away September 19, 1901. and his loss was deeply deplored. for he endeared himself to all with whom he was associated, whether in busi- ness or social relations.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Wag- goner has taken charge of and carried on the home farm and she also retains her interest in the Bank of Waggoner. being one of its large stockholders. She is a successful business women, her ability being manifest and de- veloped through the necessity which devolved upon her in caring for the estate after her hus- band's demise. She gives careful supervision to her farming interests and the home place presents a much neater and better condition than the great majority of the farms in the county. She is greatly attached to the home, where her married life has been passed and where she has enjoyed the companionsip and love of husband and children. She is a member of the Christian church of Waggoner and is a lady of many excellent traits of character, of kindly spirit and cheerful disposition and her many good qualities of heart and mind have won her the highest regard and friendship of all.
JOHN MCCALLUM.
John McCallum has been a resident of Illi- nois since the spring of 1858 and has been identified with the interests of Montgomery county since March, 1862. He is now classed with the thrifty and energetic farmers and stock-raisers of Raymond township, owning a valuable tract of land of two hundred and forty acres on sections 1 and 12. He is numbered among the worthy citizens that Seot- land has furnished to the new world, his birth having occurred in Ayreshire on the 15th of January, 1833. His father, Archibald MeCal- lum, was also a native of that country and was descended from a long line of worthy Scotch ancestors. He married Cecelia Prentis, also a native of the land of the hills and heather. Mr. McCallum was an engineer, being employed in the operation of a stationary engine for a number of years. Three children were born
unto him and his wife in their native country and in 1858 they bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for America, making their way direct to Illinois. They located in Madison county, where Mr. McCallum joined his uncle and a brother. He began working upon his uncle's farm, being employed there for four years and in March, 1862, he came to Montgomery county, locating in Rountree town- ship, where his uncle owned a farm which Mr. McCallum cultivated for several years. His last days. however, were spent in the vil- lage of Raymond, where he died on the 6th of March, 1904, after a brief residence in the town. His wife died in this county July 7, 1862. In their family were four children, of whom John McCallum is the eldest. The oth- ers are Jeanette, the wife of Joe Kessinger, a butcher of Raymond; Mary, the wife of Charles Peebles, a prominent and influential citizen of Decatur, Illinois ; and Archibald, a successful agriculturist and well-known citizen of Roun- tree township.
John McCallum spent the first five years of his life in his native land and was then brought by his parents to America, becoming a resident of Montgomery county when a youth of nine years. Here he was reared and after attending the common schools later spent one term in the Alton high school. lle began earning his own living hy working as a farm hand by the month, being thus employed for two years and on the expiration of that period he began farm- ing on his own account by renting a traet of land in Rountree township. After his mar- riage he continued to operate rented land in that township for about eleven years and then with the capital which he had acquired through his industry, economy and good management, he purchased two hundred acres of land, upon which he now resides. Taking up his abode upon that place he began to farm his property and add to its improvements. He has since built a good house and barn, has planted an orchard which is now in good bearing condi- tion, and has also set out maple, ash, walnut and other Irees, which add to the value and at- tractive appearance of the place. He has great- ly improved his property, making it one of the best farms of the community and in addi-
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tion he also owns eighty acres of land in Roun- tree township.
On the 23d of March, 1882, Mr. McCallum was married to Miss Emma Walters, of Roun- tree township, a danghter of Joseph Walters. They now have three children: Hugh, Bessie and Mandie. Mrs. McCallum is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Mc- Callum attends services there and contributes to the support of the church. although he was reared in the Presbyterian faith. Politically he is a Republican where national issues are in- volved, and since casting his first ballot for James A. Garfield he has supported each presi- dential nominee of the party, but at local elec- tions he votes independently, regarding only the capability of the candidate. In Rountree town- ship he served as collector for two terms and as road commissioner for seven years, but he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to give his time and attention to his farm and the enjoyment of the home. Ile is a member of the Woodmen, a fra- ternal insurance order. During a residence of more than a third of a century he has aided materially in building up and improving the county and has been thoroughly and closely identified with its development, its prosperity and its upbuilding. Ile is a loyal son of his adopted land, a courteous, genial gentleman, an honest yeoman and a credit to the community in which he makes his home.
ROBERT BRYCE.
Robert Bryce, whose position in publie con- fidence and regard is indicated by the fact that for forty-three years he has served as treas- urer of Butler Grove township, is to-day the owner of one of the finest farms of Montgomery county, splendidly equipped with all modern improvements. The tract covers two hundred and sixty acres, part of which is lying within the corporation limits of Butler. Mr. Bryce was born in Doune, Perthshire, Scotland, on the 22d of September, 1821. and is one of a family of ten children, seven sons and three daughters. When sixteen years of age he be- gan working at the blacksmith's trade, serving
a three years' apprenticeship in his father's blacksmith shop. He remained at home until 1849, when, at the age of twenty-eight years, he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, for he had heard favorable reports concerning busi- ness opportunities in this country and believed that he might find better conditions and ad- vantages here. Ile settled first in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the spring of 1850, and there con- ducted a blacksmith shop for six years. In 1856 he arrived in Montgomery county, where lie again opened a shop, which he conducted for a year. Later he built the blacksmith shop in which he has since continuously carried on business, working at his trade in addition to farming. In 1863 he went upon his farin near Butler and there resided continuously until . 1895, when he took up his abode in the vil- lage. Ile owns one of the best farms in the county, and its improvements are of a splendid character and were all made by him. The place covers two hundred and sixty acres of very rich land, and upon this property he was en- gaged in the raising of Holstein cattle, which branch of his business proved very successful.
In 1852 Mr. Bryce was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Heath, and unto them were born three children: Eliza, who died in 1884; Robert, who is now living in California, being a conductor on the Southern Pacific Railroad; and George M., deceased. In 1861 Mr. Bryce was again married, his second union being with Sarah MeMurtry. They had three children : Maggie, the wife of J. A. Wallis: Mamie, the wife of George V. Ware: and Thomas L., a machinist of Springfield, Illinois, who is su- perintendent and director of the Aetna Ma- chine Works of that city.
When eighteen years of age Mr. Bryce he- came a member of the Presbyterian church. with which he was connected until 1850, when he united with the Associated Reformed church. In 1856, when the Presbyterian church of But- ler was organized, he became one of its origi- nal fourteen members and was ordained a rul- ing elder, in which position he has since served. The church has found him a liberal supporter and active worker, and he has put forth every effort in his power to advance its interests and promote its activities. In polities he is a very
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stanch Republican, unfaltering in his support of the party, and in 1861 he was elected town- ship treasurer of Butler Grove township, which office he has since filled, covering a period of forty-three consecutive years. Certainly no higher testimonial of his faithfulness could be given than the fact that he has been so long retained in office. He is now well advanced in years, having reached the eighty-third mile- stone on life's journey, and his has been an honorable career, actuated by high principles and worthy motives. There are in his life record many elements that are worthy of emu- lation and should serve as a source of encour- agement and inspiration to those who desire success and at the same time have a just regard for the value of character.
HON. EDWARD A. RICE.
Hon. Edward A. Rice, whose intelligence and well directed energy have led to substantial successes in business, is also equally prominent in political circles, his recognized ability and . personal popularity winning him high honors so that he is now serving for the second term as a member of the Illinois legislature. To trace the history of a successful life, be it in the elcetrical world of business where competi- tion is rife: in the intellectual field where devotees open up the wider realms of knowl- edge : or in a public sphere, where is directed the course of government and where are formed the policies that sway state and nation, must ever prove profitable and satisfying indulgence. for the history of the individual is the history of the community and the history of the com- munity is the history of the state. Under the initial element of this category may we dircet attention to the life of him whose name initiates this review. He has achieved desirable success in commercial circles, has gained high reputa- tion in his political career and at the same time his private life has been exemplary and worthy of emulation.
Mr. Rice was born in Gillespie, Macoupin county, Illinois, in 1863. ITis father, Hugh Rice, was a native of Ireland and came to the United States in 1833, locating first in Alton,
where he remained until 1849. Then at the time of the gold excitement in California he made his way to the mines upon the Pacific coast, but on the expiration of two or three years he returned to Illinois and invested the money which he had obtained in his "diggings" in a farm near Gillespie and, turning his at- tention to agricultural pursuits, he continued to cultivate the property until his death. IIe possessed excellent business ability, keen fore- sight and energy, and while he was always straightforward in his business transactions he yet conducted his affairs so as to win large successes, and at his death was the owner of about fifteen hundred acres of valuable land. Ile was a Catholic in his religious faith and a Mason in his fraternal relations. He served as a soldier in the Mexican war and was one of its pensioners. Bis political allegiance was given the Democracy. lle married Christiana Boosinger, who was born in Pennsylvania and whose father was a farmer and one of the early settlers of Macoupin county, Illinois. Mrs. Rice was an Episcopalian in religious faith, and her death occurred in 1879, when she was fifty-two years of age, while Mr. Rice, surviv- ing her about twenty years, died in 1899, at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. They were the parents of eleven children : Emmet, a farmer of Gillespie, who is now serving as treasurer of Macoupin county ; Mary, the wife of William Steidley, an insurance man of Den- ver. Colorado: Henry H., a resident farmer of Gillespie : James, a miner of Joplin, Missouri ; Kate, the wife of Louis D. Zonor, an account- ant of Los Angeles, California: Edward 1 .; Laura, the wife of M. J. Gainy, a merchant of Gillespie : May, deceased ; William H .. a farmer of Gillespie: one that died in infancy; and Maude, the wife of Edward Ibbetson, a real- estate dealer of Los Angeles, California.
In his native town Edward A. Rice pursued his education and afterward went upon a farm, being engaged in agricultural pursuits at No- komis, Illinois, for ten years. In 1892 he came to Litchfield and was engaged in the lumber business for eleven years, conducting the en- terprise with good success. He then sold out and had no active business connection for two years. In 1903, however, he embarked in the
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grain trade, which now claims his attention. His business furnishes a good market for the grain producers of this locality and his annnal purchases and sales are extensive and are so judiciously conducted that his business has proved a gratifying source of profit.
In 1885 Mr. Rice was united in marriage to Miss Stella Durdy, who was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1866, and is a daughter of Alex- ander C. and Josephine ( Burbach ) Durdy. Her father was a grain dealer at Ohlman in Montgomery county. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have six children : Rual, Cleo, Emmet. Addis, Ralph and Josephine. Mrs. Rice is a member of the Catholic church and Mr. Rice holds member- ship relations with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Ile is recognized as one of the leaders of the Democracy in Montgomery county and has been a member of the board of education of Litchfield. In 1900 he was elected to represent his distriet in the state legislature and in 1902 was re-elected, being the third representative from the county that has ever been chosen for a second term. In all of the positions of honor and trust either of business or political nature to which he has been called he has distinguished himself. Ilis honesty and integrity have been unquestioned. while time has proven the soundness and wisdom of most of the measures which he has advocated. In the general assembly he has been an earnest, zealous and untiring worker, and the publie good and not self-aggrandizement has domi- nated his course.
BAXTER HAYNES, M. D.
In the practice of medicine Dr. Baxter Haynes has become widely known and his pro- fessional skill and personal worth have won for him an enviable position in the publie re- gard. lle is now living in Fillmore township, and is a native of Barren county, Kentucky, born December 20. 1827. His parents were William and Annie ( Henley) Haynes, His paternal grandfather. John Haynes, was born in England, and when sixteen years of age came to America, settling in this country when it was still numbered among the colonial pos-
sessions of Great Britain. He served for three years during the latter part of the Revolution- ary war. He was married in North Carolina to Miss Mary Stice, who was born in Germany and was brought to the new world when thir- teen years of age. They removed from the Old North state to Kentucky at an early period in its development. He followed Warming throughout his entire life and lived to be one hundred and two years of age, while his wife passed away in Kentucky when in the nineties.
It was in North Carolina that William Haynes was reared. He was born there, and when a youth of thirteen accompanied his par- ents on their removal to the Blue Grass state. He was a farmer by occupation, and also be- came a minister of the Baptist church. In 1829 he left Kentucky and removed to Illinois, settling in Morgan county among its early resi- dents. Like his neighbors he had to face the hardships and trials incident to pioneer life, but he made the most of his opportunities and succeeded in laying the foundation for a good home for his family. He there died in 1831. He had married Miss Annie Henley, a daughter of Timothy and Mary ( Mosler) Henley. They were of Irish birth and were married in North Carolina. Timothy Henley was killed two years after his marriage, and was supposed to have been murdered in the Blue Ridge mount- ains. His widow afterward became the wife of William Totty and removed to Kentucky, the family home being established upon a farm there. Mrs. Totty spent her remaining days in that locality, passing away when more than ninety years of age. Rev. and Mrs. Haynes were the parents of twelve children, but only three are now living.
Dr. Haynes was only about two years old when taken by his parents to Illinois, and was reared upon a farm in Morgan county. He afterward began life on his own account on a tract of land which he secured from the gov- ernment and there he carried on general farm- ing until twenty-eight years of age. He then studied under Dr. P. L. Baustick, of Scottville, Illinois, and having prepared for the practice of medicine he opened an office in Dallas county. Texas, where he remained for one year. or until the fall of 1856. He then returned
DR. AND MRS. BAXTER HAYNES
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to this state and settled in Montgomery county in 1863, since which time he has practiced within its borders. He attended lectures at Rush Medical College in 1864-5 and was gradu- ated from the College of Physicians and Sur- geons at St. Louis thirty years ago. He has read broadly concerning his profession. has kept in touch with the improvements and prog- ress that have lwen made in connection with the medical science and in his practice has been very successful, carrying comfort into many a household as he ably ministered to the needs of the sick and suffering.
On the 4th of January, 1849, Dr. Haynes was united in marriage to Miss Susan Bull, who died in March, 1863, and on the 20th of February, 1864, he was again married, his sec- ond union being with Margaret J. Brown, of Hillsboro. He had five children by the first marriage and four children by the second mar- riage, and seven of the number are now living, namely: Moses, Mrs. Jane Nichols, Mrs. Annie Lynn. Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, William, Mrs. Carolyne Estella Smithfield and Mrs. Ethie May Jett.
Dr. Haynes proved his loyalty to the gov- ernment in two wars, serving his country in the war with Mexico, as a member of Company G. First Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and in the Rebellion he was captain of Company E. One IFundred and Twenty-second Ilinois In- fantry, with which he served for two years. Ile organized this company in 1862, and with his command he participated in the battles of Parkers Crossroads, Tupelo, Fort Blakely and many skirmishes. lle was never wounded, nor was he in the hospital, and after three years of honorable and active service he was mus- tered out in 1864. He has always been as true and loyal to his country and her best interests as he was when he followed the old flag upon the battle-fields of the south.
Both Dr. and Mrs. Haynes are members of the Baptist church and he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being made a Mason in 1866 at Donnellson, Illinois. His political al- legiance is given to the Democracy. When he arrived in Montgomery county he purchased forty acres of land and is now the possessor of three hundred and thirty-sven and a half
acres, constituting one of the valuable farms of the county. Ilis wife also owns forty acres in her own name. Dr. Haynes has made most of the improvements upon his property and has capably conducted his agri- cultural interests as well as his profession. He has long been accounted one of the suc- cessful physicians of this portion of the state and he has kept informed concerning ad- vanced ideas relative to the medical practice through his membership in the county, dis- triet and state medical societies. He is now the second oldest practitioner of the county, and although he has now passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten he is yet to some extent engaged in practice, responding to the calls of many who have for years been num- bered among his patients.
W. IL. IL. BLACKBURN.
W. Il. H. Blackburn, who carries on general farming in East Fork township, is one of Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred in Clark county, August 5, 1836. flis parents were George W. and Ann ( Fuller ) Blackburn, the former a native of Virginia, where he spent his boyhood days and was reared to the occu- pation of farming. In early manhood he ro- moved to Ohio, where he was married, and sub- sequently he went with his family to Indiana, whence he afterward came to Illinois, settling in Montgomery county. This was in 1840 and he was one of the early pioneer residents of this portion of the state. For more than a half century he remained in Illinois and his mind bore the impress of many pictures of pioneer experiences and conditions.
W. H. Il. Blackburn was reared upon the old family homestead in East Fork township, working in the fields and meadows through the summer months, while in the winter seasons he mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools. When twenty-one years of age he entered upon his business career, being first engaged in the manufacture of lumber in a sawmill. He devoted six years to that in- dustry and then began farming upon the place where he now resides. He broke the sod and
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after turning the furrows planted his crops, which in course of time brought forth good harvests. Year after year he continued his labors, working from early morning until late at night. He has one hundred and eighty acres in the home place, and one hundred and eighty acres in Fillmore township, and also forty aeres in East Fork township, so that his landed pos- sessions now comprise four hundred acres, which is the visible evidence of his life of thrift and industry. He has been the builder of four houses, two in Coffeen and two in Fillmore township. In the early days he hauled rails over the wild prairie when there were few roads and when fences had not been built to indicate the individual owner of property. Mr. Black- burn received five hundred dollars from his father to aid him in starting out in life, but with this exception all that he now possesses, both realty and personal property, has been acquired through his own labors.
In 1859 Mr. Blackburn was united in mar- riage to Miss Miranda Wood, who died in 1824. leaving three children: Frank, who is living in Missouri ; Annie, who married Hardy Gates and resides in Montgomery county; and Flora, the wife of Martin Mason, a merchant of Fill- more. Mr. Blackburn was again married, his second union being with Tabitha Gates. of North Carolina. They have four children, who were reared in Montgomery county : John Em- mett : Addie, who in 1904 married Willet Nich- ols and resides at Coffeen: Harry; and Fay. Mrs. Blackburn is a member of the Cumber- land Presbyterian church. Mr. Blackburn votes with the Democracy and keeps in touch with the questions and issues of the day, but has never sought or desired office as the reward for party fealty. His attention is chiefly given, however, to his business affairs and he is rais- ing both grain and stock with good success.
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