USA > Illinois > Montgomery County > Past and present of Montgomery County, Illinois > Part 24
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Richard Lee Wilton is a representative of one of the distinguished families of Montgom- cry county and is well known in business cir- cles in Hillsboro. He was born in Bond conn- ty, Illinois, about four miles north of Green- ville. on the 19th of December, 1858. ITis father, Benjamin Franklin Wilton, was born in Carlisle, Clinton county, illinois, in 1830, while the grandfather, Harry Wilton, was a na- tier of England and was brought to America by his parents in his infancy, at which time the family home was established in Kaskaskia. Benjamin F. Wilton acquired his education in one of the early academies of Illinois and in his boyhood days ho accompanied his parents on their removal to Hillsboro, where the father owned what is now known as the Tillson place. The son became proprietor of the first livery stable in Montgomery county in Hillsboro and continned with good success until 1880. In 1885 he went to Mexico, where he conducted a livery business for a year, but remained in that country for nine years, being interested in min- ing atfairs during the greater part of the time. Ile had been identified with the mining develop- ment of California during the era following the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast, hav- ing journeyed to that far off state in 1850. He prospered in his search for the precious metal and brought back with him a nugget valued at six hundred and seventy-four dollars. He had spent two years in the mines and with a com- fortable competence he returned to Illinois and became a factor in the business life of Hills- boro, where he remained until 1881, when he retired to enjoy the fruits of his former toil.
In 1853 Benjamin F. Wilton was married to Sarah C. Harkey, a daughter of Solomon Harkey, who was born in North Carolina in 1806. He entered upon his business career as a tanner and in 1833 he removed to Hillsboro, Illinois, where he conducted a tanning enter- prise for ten years. He then turned his at-
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tention to farming and became the owner of six hundred and fifty-three acres of land in Hillsboro township, Montgomery county, and two hundred acres in Wisconsin. Ile was also a noted horseman and owned some of the fast- est horses raised in this portion of the state. Ile married Sophia Cress, a sister of Jacob Cress, who had married Mrs. Eleanor T. ( Mc- Ilenry ) Evans. Mr. and Mrs. Harkey became the parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Wilton was the third in order of birth. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Wilton were seven in number, five of whom reached mature years, namely: William, who con- duets a goat and horse ranch in Arizona ; Rich- ard L .: Benjamin, who is a railroad conductor in Mexico; Harry, a commercial traveler re- siding in Hillsboro; and Katherine, the wife of Lewis Whitmore, of El Paso, Texas. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Wilton is a Democrat in his political affiliations. He served for a number of years as constable and has ever been active in support of public measures that have for their object the welfare and progress of the community in which almost his entire life has been passed.
Richard L. Wilton acquired his education in the schools of Hillsboro, and at the early age of twelve years began working in h's father's livery barn. being there employed until 1882. Having then attained his majority he engaged in the livery business on his own account in connection with John Edwards and they built the Harkey barn on Depot street. In the fall of 1882 Mr. Wilton traded his interest in the building to Jacob Harkey, his uncle, for the stock. Mr. Harkey having previously purchased Mr. Edwards' interest. Mr. Wilton then con- ducted business alone in the Harkey barn until 1894. when he purchased the large brick barn, then incomplete, on the northwest corner of the courthouse square, where he is to-day engaged in business. Ile has a fine stable. a large line of modern vehicles of all descriptions and a number of good horses so that he is well prepared to meet the demands of the public in th's line. Ile has secured a liberal patronage and he has also extended his efforts to other business enterprises, being one of the stock-
holders in the Hillsboro Hotel and also in the Hillsboro Electric Railway Company.
tn 1884 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Wilton and Miss Ida Isabel Varner, a daughter of Zachariah Varner, who became a resident of Hillsboro in 1882. Her father was a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Wilton was born in Moul- trie county, illinois, in 1868, and by her mar- riage has become the mother of two children : Foster Lynn and Clara Marie. Mr. Wilton is connected with the Modern Woodmen camp, while his wife is a member of the ladies' aux- iliary. Ile votes with the Democracy and while keeping well informed on the questions and is- sues of the day has never sought public office, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs, which, capably conducted, have brought to him a very desirable measure of snecess.
FRANK SPINNER.
Frank Spinner, possessing many of the sterl- ing characteristics of his German ancestry, has prospered in his business career until he is now the owner of a valuable farm of two hun- dred acres, situated in East Fork township. Montgomery county. He was born in Baden. Germany, June 11, 1842, and his parents, Val- entine and Teresa (Walley) Spinner, were na- tives of the fatherland. The former was a farmer by occupation and died in Germany.
Frank Spinner spent twenty-five years in his native country, during which time he attended the public schools and was early taught the force of industry and economy in the active affairs of life. Hearing favorable reports con- cerning the opportunities of the new world he resolved to seek his fortune in America and in 1867 he crossed the Atlantic. He arrived in Montgomery county in 1869 and purchased the farm upon which Amos Frame now resides. He planted every tree and made all of the im- provements upon the place. In 1890, however, he purchased the home place of two hundred acres, which he now occupies. The buildings were in very bad condition and tearing down the structures which were used in the pioncer days he replaced them with modern buildings and now has a good residence, a substantial
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barn and good sheds. He raises both grain 26, 1851, and is the son of Marshall Driskell, and stock and in his fields are seen good crops, while in the pastures are found high grade cattle and horses. He had to pay three hun- dred and fifty dollars for a team in the early days of his residence here, while corn was purchased at one dollar per bushel and oats at seventy-tive cents per bushel. Ile thus started out in life at a time when prices were very high, but he persevered in his undertakings, displayed capable management in his affairs and as the result of his energy and perseverance made steady progress and is now one of the substantial farmers of his county.
In 1864 Mr. Spinner was united in marriage to Miss Mary Welle, a native of Baden, Ger- many, who came to America at the same time Mr. Spinner crossed the Atlantic. They have become the parents of twelve children, of whom seven are now living, namely: Frank R., who is married and resides in this county; Henry; Eva, who is also married : Lizzie, Joseph, Anton and Louis, all at home. The parents and chil- dren are communicants of the Catholic church. Mr. Spinner's study of the questions and issues of the day has led him to give his political support in America to the Democracy. but he has never sought or desired office. preferring to give his attention to his business affairs. The hope that led him to America has been more than realized for here he found the business opportunities he sought, which, by the way, are always open to any ambitious young man and through the force of his character, his un- faltering determination and his capable man- agement he has gained prosperity, being now the possessor of one of the fine farms of the county.
JOIIN W. DRISKELL.
Among the intelligent, enterprising and pro- gressive farmers of Zanesville township is num- bered John W. Driskell, who resides on section 21 and is there engaged in the raising of grain and stock, having a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which indicates his careful super- vision in its neat and thrifty appearance. He was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, March
who is mentioned on another page of this vol- ume. llis boyhood days were spent on his father's farm and he mastered the branches of English learning taught in the public schools when not occupied with the duties of the home farm. His labors are largely given to his father and he assisted in the cultivation of the old homestead until twenty-eight years of age
Mr. Driskell was married in Montgomery county in 1828 to Miss Ella K. Rogers, who was born and reared in Indiana and is a dangh- ter of John Rogers, one of the carly settlers of the Hoosier state, where he spent his last days. Mr. Driskell purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he at once be- gan to cultivate and upon this place made some substantial improvements before he was mar- ried. He took his bride to this farm and as his financial resources increased, owing to his earnest labor and careful management, he bought more land. He also built a good house and barn and planted fruit trees. He placed his fields under a high state of cultivation and raised high grades of stock, making a spr- cialty of feeding cattle and hogs for the mar- ket.
In 1895 Mr. Driskell was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the home farm on the 6th of January of that voar. leaving one son, Cecil, who is now a stu- dent in St. Louis. They also lost two chil- dren. After the death of his wife Mr. Driskell returned to his father's farm and rented a large part of his own land. He now farms his father's place, but also gives his supervision to his own property and is widely acknowledged in this community as an enterprising agricul- turist, whose business methods are practical and at the same time have ever been in keeping with the modern ideas of progress.
Politically he is a stanch Democrat, support- ing the men and measures of his party, yet never seeking or desiring office. He served however, for four years as township school trustee. Hle is a member of the Christian church and his life has ever been honorable and uprighi. In his business career he has never been known to take advantage of the neces-
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sities of his fellow men, but has been straight- forward in his dealings and his integrity in business transactions has been one of the sa- lient features in his success.
ALBERT FISHER.
Albert Fisher, who is one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers and feeders of Zanes- ville township, owning and cultivating a farm of one hundred and fifty-eight acres on section 16, is classed with the successful agriculturists of central Illinois and is one of the native sons of the state. Ite was born in Greene county. February 9, 1850, and is a son of Reuben and Mary A. (Dabbs) Fisher. The father was like- wise born in Greene county, while the grand- father, John Fisher, was a native of Kentucky. Ile came from the south to Illinois when pioneer conditions existed in Greene county and there he cast in his lot with the early resi- dents. Reuben Fisher was roared to manhood upon the old homestead farm there and assisted in the arduous task of its primitive develop- ment. working at farm labor when the ma- chinery used necessitated much band work, there being few of the highly improved ma- chines that now render the labor of the agri- culturist comparatively easy. He was mar- ried to Miss Mary A. Dabbs and they began their domestic life in Greene county. where he carried on agricultural pursuits for a number of years and where our subject was born. Hop- ing that his financial condition might be bene- fitted by a removal to Montgomery county, he took up his abode in North Litchfield township in 1852, but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home. his death there occurring about 1854 or 1855. His widow, surviving him, reared her children and later married again and she lived for some time after the death of her second husband.
Albert Fisher, whose name introduces this record. spent his boyhood days in Montgomery county, early becoming familiar with farm work. He had fair common-school advantages and his training in the labors of the fields was by no means meager, but brought to him an ex- perience that has proven of much value to
him, as he has carried on agricultural pursuits in later life. Ile commenced for himself in a small way. first purchasing forty acres of land in North Litchfield township, where he located after his marriage. The purchase was made on the installment plan, but in due course of time he discharged the indebtedness and he contin- ned to cultivate his own and also rent land. car- rying on farming there with a fair measure of success for a number of years. At length, how- over, he sold that property and bought one hundred and sixty acres in Zanesville township, where he resided for four years. Then again selling he bought his present farm. which is sitnated on section 16, Zanesville township. Here he has carried on general farming until his fields are highly cultivated and return golden harvests for the care and labor bestowed upon them. He has also engaged in raising good grades of stock and he feeds and fattens stock for the market. The secret of his suc- cess is found in the one word "work." for he has labored earnestly and persistently year after year. When the sale of his crops brought to him a financial return greater than was neces- sary for the immediate needs of his family he would make investment in land and in addi- tion to the home farm he now owns four hun- dred acres of land in Marshall county. Minne- sota, which is also improved.
In 1811 in Hillsboro occurred the marriage of Mr. Fisher and Miss Martha Hughes, who was born in Jersey county. Illinois. They trav- eled life's journey together for about twenty- two years and in 1893 Mr. Fisher was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died, leaving two sons and two daughters. Elmer G., the eldest of the family, was born August 25, 1822, and died January 15, 1879. Those still living are: Hattie R .. born December 17, 1824: Reuben H .. born June 4, 1878: Fred L., born December 19, 1880; and Flora E., born July 28, 1887. All are married and have gone to homes of their own with exception of Flora, who is still with her father.
In November, 1895, Mr. Fisher was again married. his second union being with Miss Emma Osborn, a daughter of James and Mary E. ( Moore) Osborn. Her birth occurred in Kansas, but she was reared in this state. There
ALBERT FISHER
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are two children by this marriage: Ferris, born October 13, 1896; and Fern, born Septem- ber 13, 1900.
Politically Mr. Fisher is a Republican and his reading and study of political issues has enabled him to give intelligent support to the party and to uphold his position by strong argu- ment. His first presidential vote was probably cast for General Grant in 1872, and although he has never wavered in allegiance to the party he has never sought or desired office. Hle and his wife are members of the Methodist Epis- copal church of Raymond. Living in the county which has been his home from his youth down to the present time, he has borne himself as an active and progressive citizen, co-operating in many measures for the public good, while at the same time he has carried on his business affairs in a capable manner that has resulted in the acquirement of a handsome competence.
HENRY H. HITCHINGS.
Henry II. Hitchings is one of the sub- stantial and successful farmers and stock-rais- ers and stock-dealers of Raymond township, making his home on section 14, where he has a valuable tract of land of three hundred and sixty-five acres. Ile also owns five hundred aeres more in different tracts, all in Mont- gomery county, and his property is well im- proved, the land being rich and productive. His has been an active and useful business ca- reer and he dates his residence in the county from 1857, so that he is numbered among the honored pioneer residents of this portion of the state.
Mr. Hitchings was born in Syracuse, New York, December 27, 1837, and was a son of IIon. J. P. Ilitchings, who during the boy- hood days of his son, Henry H., removed with his family from New York to Michigan, set- tling in Jackson county, where he seenred a tract of raw land and opened up a farm. There he reared his family, successfully conducted agricultural interests and at the same time found opportunity to assist materially in the early development and progress of this portion of the state.
Ilis son, Henry HI. H.tchings, was the see- ond in order of birth in a family of ten chil- dren, seven sons and three daughters, all of whom reached mature years, while one sister and five brothers are yet living. The father with his family removed to Illinois in 185%, settling in Montgomery county, where he se- cured a tract of wild land, which he trans- formed into rich fields. He was the first su- pervisor of his township and was influential in shaping the public policy and promoting the early pioneer development of this portion of the state. Ile served for two years as a member of the Michigan legislature. He was a well educated man and served as a teacher in both Michigan and Illinois, his labors prov- ing a marked benefit in promoting the intel- lectual progress of the state at an early day.
Henry II. Hitchings was reared to manhood in Michigan and when a young man came to Illinois, making his way to Montgomery county in 1857. Ile began working on a farm by the month and was thus employed for three years, during which time he saved his earnings and thus accumulated the capital which enabled him to purchase a small place of thirty acres. Afterward he bought forty acres additional of swamp land and at once began to improve his property. After cultivating the traet for some years he sold that property and bought raw land where he now resides, covering a tract of two hundred acres. This land was entirely unimproved, but with characteristic energy he began to break the fields and plant crops and in course of time he gathered good harvests. As his financial resources increased he bought more land from time to time and has become one of the most extensive property owners of the coun- ty, now owning nearly one thousand acres in three different tracts, all of which are well im- proved. He has been engaged in the raising and feeding of stock for many years and an- nually feeds and ships about five carloads of fat cattle. In 1895 he established a store at Harvel, which is now conducted by his dangh- ter. Clara E. ITitchings, who is a partner in this enterprise. Mr. Hitchings displays excel- lent business ability, is quick to recognize op- portunities and through his business foresight
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and energy he has won very gratifying and enviable success.
In 1861 Mr. Hitchings was married in Montgomery county to Miss Martha E. Welker, who was born in Illinois and spent her girlhood days in Montgomery county and her death oc- curred about 1865. There were two children by this union: George Il., who is now a farmer in Nebraska; and Clara, who is her father's partner in the store previously men- tioned. Mr. Ilitchings was again married, his second union occurring in the fall of 1871, when Margaret J. King became his wife. She was born and reared in Indiana and by her marriage has become the mother of seven chil- dren: John M., who is married; Eliza J., the wife of William C. Redham. a farmer of Ray- mond township; John Marshall, who is mar- ried and is an agriculturist of this county ; Ella Jane, the wife of Willis Pope, who follows farming near Harvel: William, who conducts a barber shop in Harvel; and Catherine and Carleton, at home.
Mr. Hitchings was one of the organizers of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company in 1892, formed as an insurance protection for residents of Montgomery and Bond counties. He was elected and has served as one of its directors from the organization and is also treasurer. Politically he is a stanch Demo- crat, supporting the party since casting his first presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas in 1860. He was elected and served as su- pervisor for one term, but has never been ac- tive in political circles as an office-seeker, pre- ferring to give his time and attention to his business interests. He has proved himself a successful farmer and capable business man and is well known in Hillsboro. Litchfield and Montgomery county as a gentleman of in- tegrity, whose word is considered as good as any bond that was ever solemnized by signa- ture or seal. He stands as a man among men, having led an active, useful and honorable life and through unremitting diligence and care- ful management he has become one of the wealthy agriculturists of his community. A Master Mason, he belongs to the lodge at Ray- mond and he is a member of the Baptist church, which receives his earnest endorsement and lib-
eral support. Mrs. Ilitchings is a member of the Methodist church,
G. E. GAINS.
G. E. Gains, well known in Montgomery county, is engaged in the manufacture of lum- ber and also in general farming in East Fork township. He is a native son of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Bond county, May 18, 18:3. his parents being George and Louisa Almira (Hamilton) Gains. His father was born in Andersonville, Kentucky, but was reared in Montgomery county, illinois, becom- ing one of the early residents of this part of the state, being brought here by his parents. He followed farming for many years and grad- ually added to his income through his strong purpose, indomitable energy and business abil- ity. In politics he was a Republican, but al- ways refused office. He died in 1884, but his widow still survives him and is now residing in Donnellson. They were the parents of three children, two of whom are now living, G. E., of this review ; and Lillie, wife of John Wright, of East Fork township.
Although born in Bond county. G. E. Gains was reared in East Fork township and he pur- sued his education in its district schools. When not engaged with the duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground his time was largely occupied with the work of the fields, for he received practical training in farm labor and had close and intimate knowl- edge of agriculture and its various depart- ments when he started out in life for himself at the age of twenty years. He now manages his mother's farm of one hundred and thirty acres in East Fork township. He has recently completed a new barn. Ile raises grain and stock and he also has a portable sawmill. to the operation of which he gives considerable time and attention. His life record has been char- actorized by indefatigable energy and he has never jumped to hasty conclusions, but has given due consideration to all business mat- ters that have come up for settlement and has made therefore few mistakes in his career as an agriculturist and lumberman.
MR. AND MRS. GEORGE GAINS
G. E. GAINS
MRS. G. E. GAINS
MR. AND MRS. JAMES SNOW
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On the 20th of September. 1893, Mr. Gains was married to Miss Anna Snow, who was born in this county, December 23, 1826, her parents being James and Catherine ( Kimbro) Snow, both natives of Bond county, Ilinois. They came to Montgomery county in 1902 and now reside in Coffeen. In their family were ten children, six of whom are still living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gains have been born five chil- dren : Beatrice C., born March 14, 1895; Ruby A., born October 29, 1896; Harry E .. who was born August 30, 1898. and died July 18, 1900; May, born March 12, 1901; and Ruth, born September 2. 1903.
Mr. and Mrs. Gains belong to the Methodist Episcopal church at Donnellson and are inter- ested in its work and progress, bearing a help- ful part in many of the church activities. As every true American citizen should do, Mr. Gains keeps well informed on the political questions and issues of the day and as his ideas are in harmony with principles of the Republican party he gives to that organization a stalwart support. Although yet a young man, he has gained a success that many an older one might well envy and he has made in this county, which has so long been his home, an enviable reputation for straightforward dealing.
MARVIN THUMB.
Marvin Thumb now occupies a fine brick residence situated on a farm on section 19, Witt township, and the home with its surround- ings is indicative of the enterprising and pro- gressive spirit of the owner, who is a native of the Empire state. His birth occurred in what was then Montgomery county, New York, but is now Fulton county, New York, March 14, 1830. Ifis parents, Levi and Mary ( Flan- der) Thumb, were also natives of New York. but were of German descent. The father was a farmer by occupation and in the spring of 1855 he removed from New York to Mont- gomery county, Illinois, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits in Witt township. About ten years prior to his death he retired from business life and removed to Irving, where he passed away in 1889 at the age of eighty-
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