USA > Illinois > Montgomery County > Past and present of Montgomery County, Illinois > Part 32
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Upon the old family homestead Charles L. Laws was reared, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He acquired his education in the public schools near his home and started ont in life for himself when twenty-four years of age, by operating the old homestead farm, upon which he resides. In former years he was quite extensively engaged in the raising of grain, but now devotes his attention more largely to the raising of stock. He always handles high grades, raises good sheep and horses and also buys and ships stock. He has the reputation of being a very successful, ener- getic and able farmer, and has prospered in his undertakings, and although he had no pecuniary assistance at the outset of his career he is now the owner of two hundred and thirty acres of land. constituting a valuable farm and one which returns him an excellent income.
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
MR. AND MRS. CHARLES L. LAWS
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM LAWS
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
383
PAST AND PRESENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
On the 18th of March, 1886, in East Fork township, Mr. Laws was united in marriage to Miss Mary F. Traylor, who was born in that township, February 18, 1867, a daughter of Joel C. Traylor, whose sketch appears else- where in this volume. The children born of this union are: Effie May, born August 3, 1889; Lena Myrtle, February 23, 1892; Wil- liam Joel, February 23, 1894; Sarah Camilla, June 9, 1897 ; and Mary, July 19, 1901.
Mr. and Mrs. Laws hold membership in the Presbyterian church of Donnellson, and in his political views Mr. Laws is a Republican who has given stalwart support to the party since he attained his majority. For ten years he has filled the office of school treasurer, and he takes a deep interest in everything relating to community interests and to the substantial up- building of his locality. IIe has a wide ac- quaintanee in this part of the state, where his entire life has been passed, and the fact that many of his warmest friends are those who have known him from boyhood is an indication that his has been an upright career worthy of
the confidence that is uniformly extended him: . buildings and has now a well improved property.
JAMES E. CRAWFORD.
James E. Crawford, whose home farm on sec- tion 34, Zanesville township, covers one hundred and fifteen acres of land which is rich and arable, was born January 10, 1865, in the neigh- borhood which is still his home and because his entire life has been passed in this locality he has a wide acquaintance here. Ilis father, James M. Crawford, was a native of Tennessee and a son of James Crawford, one of the early settlers of Montgomery county, coming to Illi- nois from Tennessee about 1830. The father 01 our subject was here reared and after arriv- ing at man's estate he wedded Susan Thomson, who was born in Ohio, but was reared here. In order to provide for his family Mr. Crawford carried on agricultural pursuits, securing a tract of wild land, which he cultivated until he made it one of the good farms of Zanesville township. Prospering in his undertakings he added to his landed possessions from time to time until he was the owner of nearly four hundred acres,
making him one of the substantial citizens of his community. ITis death occurred here about 1882 or 1883 and the county thus lost one of its pioneer settlers, who had long witnessed its growth and improvements and had taken a help- ful part in its substantial development along agricultural lines. Mrs. Crawford survived her husband for a number of years and passed away in April, 1904.
James E. Crawford, one of a family of five children, of whom four are yet living, spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the old home farm and was educated in the Honey Bend school at Litchfield. In early boyhood he was trained to habits of industry and economy and became his father's assistant upon the farm, continuing to render him valuable aid until his death, after which he was manager of the farm for a number of years. Following his marriage he located upon his present farm on scetion 34, Zanesville township. He suc- ceeded to a part of the old homestead. purchased more land and now has one hundred and fifteen acres. He built a good house, substantial out-
In connection with general farming he is en- gaged in the dairy business, milking fifteen cows and making daily shipments of cream to St. Louis. He has followed this business for four years and finds this a profitable source of in- come. In addition to his farming interests he was one of the organizers and is a stockholder in the Farmers' Mutual Telephone Company, fully recognizing the value of telephonic com- munication in rural districts as a help to busi- ness interests as well as social intercourse.
Mr. Crawford was married in Hillsboro on the 23d of December, 1884, to Miss Etta A. Grisham, who was born near Greenville, Illinois, and was reared in Bond county. They began their domestic life upon the farm which has sinee been their home and they have become the parents of the following children: Edith J .; James A., who died at the age of eleven years ; Susan M .: John II .: Mabel E .; Nellie Leora ; Hattie Julia, who died at the age of six months ; Martha E .; Ruth : Gussie Viola ; and James Q.
Mr. Crawford exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democracy, of which he is a stanch advocate, never failing to vote for the
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party candidate since casting his first presi- dential ballot for Grover Cleveland. He has never aspired to office, but has given his atten- tion to business. He is a member of the Presby- terian church. Mrs. Crawford belongs to the Free Methodist church. Their lives, in con- sistent harmony with their professions, have won them the confidence and esteem of their many friends.
FERDINAND MORSE.
Ferdinand Morse has a wide acquaintance throughout Illinois because of his active con- nection with the Modern American Fraternal Order. He is serving as its state deputy and his labors in this connection have made him widely known, while the inherent worth of his character has gained for him the high regard of his fellow men. He makes his home in Coffeen and is numbered among the native sons of Illinois, his birth having occurred in High- land. Madison county, in 1855. Ilis parents were Simon and Anna Morse. The father, who was born in Ohio, was a farmer by occupa- tion and came to Illinois about fifty-five years ago, casting in his lot with the early settlers of this portion of the state, his residence here covering a quarter of a century, and his wife. surviving him for some time, died about fifteen years ago. She was reared in Pennsylvania and to the family she proved a devoted wife and mother. They had two children: Ferdi- nand and Charles, who is an extensive land owner in Butler county, Kansas, where he now owns a nice ranch.
Ferdinand Morse entered the public schools of Madison county when but six years of age and mastered the elementary branches of learn- ing there. Subsequently he entered Me Kendree College at Lebanon. Illinois, and on the com- pletion of a scientific course was graduated with the class of 188%. Having enjoyed ex- cellent educational privileges he then engaged in teaching school for several years in Bond and Plymouth counties and because of his ability to maintain discipline and impart readily and precisely to others the knowledge that he had acquired. he was accounted one of the
successful educators of his locality. On leav- ing the schoolroom he turned his attention to merchandising in Macoupin county. conduct- ing a store in Smithsboro and Atwater for five years. On the expiration of that period he began farming, which he followed in Bond county near Greenville, Illinois, for ten years. HIe next came to Coffeen, where he embarked in the lumber business. but after four years he sold his lumberyard to Mr. Morgan and in 1902 he opened a general store which is now managed by his son, Arthur B .. while Mr. Morse gives his attention to the organization of lodges in connection with the Modern Amer- ican Fraternal Order of Effingham, Illinois. He was made state deputy and his labors in founding lodges have been very successful. This keeps him upon the road much of the time and is continually broadening his ac- quaintance. Ile has a deep interest in the fraternal and helpful spirit which underlies the organization and is an able exponent of its principles.
In 1812 occurred the marriage of Mr. Morse and Miss Jane Etta Burnham, of Quincy, Illi- mois. They became the parents of six chil- (Iren. of whom four are living: Mabel M., the wife of Justin Eduards: Arthur B .. who is now twenty-one years of age and manages his father's store: Lela Gertrude, who is thirteen years of age ; and Bernice F .. aged eleven.
All of the family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Morse is also a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. the Modern Woodmen of America, the Modern American Fraternal Order, the Royal Neigh- bors and the Mutual Protective League. Ile takes a deep interest in secret societies and is a strong advocate of fraternal insurance. recog- nizing its value in providing for the families of its deceased members. In his political views he was a Populist and in 1898 he was honored by his party with the nomination for congress on its ticket. on which occasion he received the full party vote. When the Populist party does not have a ticket in the field he gives his politi- cal support to the Democracy. He is a man of very progressive ideas and has never been connected with anything that has proved a failure. Hle carries forward to successful com-
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pletion whatever he undertakes and his bust- has a good medical library at his home. He ness methods are always such as will bear the closest investigation and serutiny. also adds to his knowledge through the inter- change of thought and experience in the connty, district and state medical societies.
J. M. HOYT, M. D.
Among the successful representatives of the medical fraternity in Montgomery county is Dr. J. M. Hoyt, of Fillmore. In a profession where advancement depends upon individual merit he has steadily worked his way upward by reason of his close application, his compre- hensive knowledge of the principles of medicine and surgery and his correct application of them in his professional labors. Dr. Hoyt was born in Rossville, Kansas, in 1812. and is a son of T. M. and (. D. Hoyt, both natives of New York. T. M. Hoyt became a railroad con- tractor and in that line of business went to Kansas. He built the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis Railroad and was putting in a new road from Memphis, a branch of the Iron Mountain Railroad, when he became ill, sutfor- ing an attack of smallpox. which terminated his life near Gilmore, Arkansas. In his family were four children, of whom three are living.
Dr. J. M. HFoyt spent the days of his youth i. Wisconsin and then accompanied his mother on her removal to Ramsey, Illinois, where he remained for five years. Fourteen years ago he became a resident of Fillmore. Ile attended the schools of this place, also graduated at Hayward's Business College at St. Louis and then. determining to make the practice of med- icine his life work. he entered upon a course of study and for one year was a student in the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Krokuk, lowa. He then matriculated in the Marion Sims College at St. Louis and was graduated on the 10th of April, 1899. Returning to Fill- more, he entered upon the practice of medicine in this place and has built up an excellent business, a liberal practice having been ac- corded him in recognition of his accurate and comprehensive knowledge of the principles of medicine and his skill in diagnosing and treat- ing his cases. He reads broadly concerning the science of medicine, keeps in constant touch with the progress made by the profession and
On the 12th of August, 1898, Dr. toyt was married to Miss Lutie Short. a daughter of Dr. Short, and unto them were born two children, but Marion is the only one now living. Dr. Hoyt is a member of the Christian church and fraternally is connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge at Fillmore. In politics he is a Republican, interested in the success and growth of his party and in 1901 he was ap- pointed postmaster of Fillmore, which position he is now filling, giving general satisfaction in his administration of the affairs of the office. He is a young man of landable ambition and indefatigable energy and already he has won a reputation in his chosen life work that many an older physician might well envy.
J. S. KILLPATRICK.
J. S. Killpatrick, who for more than twenty- two years has resided upon his present farm on section 4. Hillsboro township, which was the old homestead of his grandfather, was born on that section, April 2, 1858. llis father, William Killpatrick, was a native of Macoupin county. Illinois, and in his boyhood days came to Montgomery county, where he was reared and educated and eventually began farming for himself. He married Miss Margaret Hard, and they became the parents of three children : Ella, who married August Yeske and is now deceased ; J. S., of this review ; and Alice, who has also passed away. The mother died in 1868, and the father, surviving her for about twelve years, died on the 10th of March. 1880, when in the fiftieth year of his age.
Quietly, in the usual manner of farmer lads, J. S. Killpatrick spent the days of his boy- hood and youth, but he gained practical ex- perience concerning farm work during that period and was thereby well qualified to en- gage in general farming on his own account when he attained man's estate. He continued with his father until twenty-two years of age and was then in the west for a year. On the
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
5th of March, 1882, he was united in marriage to Miss Carrie L. Seymour, and they began their domestic life upon the farm which they now occupy and which was once the home of his parental grandfather. John Killpatrick. one of the honored pioneer settlers of the county. Our subject here owns one hundred and eighty- six acres of land on what is the old Hillsboro and Litchfield road, about two and a half miles west of Hillsboro, and the place is a valuable property, with its rich pasture lands and well cultivated fields. There is no finer farming land anywhere than is to be found in central Illinois and Mr. Killpatrick owns one of the good farms. Ile feeds cattle and hogs, and be- cause of the excellent condition of his stock never finds it difficult to make a sale when he places his stock on the market. He also produces good crops, and his farm is well improved and valua- ble.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Killpatrick has been blessed with two children: Essie and William Earl, the latter one of the youngest boy graduates to complete the high school course in Hillsboro. Mr. and Mrs. Killpatrick are well known in this county, where they have a large circle of friends, and many of the best homes of the locality extend to them hearty hospitality. Mr. Killpatrick belongs to the Mutual Protection League. In his political views he is a stanch Democrat and has served as highway commissioner for two terms, dis- charging his duties in a prompt and capable manner.
JOHN H. MILLER.
John H. Miller, to whom has been vouch- safed honorable retirement from labor, and who is now making his home in Raymond, was born in Greene county, Illinois, on the 14th of January, 1846. His father, Lemuel G. Miller, was also a native of that county, born August 14, 1820, and was a son of James Miller, one of the honored pioneer residents of that section of the state. Lemuel Miller grew to manhood amid the wild scenes of fron- tier life and assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm. He was married in
his native county to Miss Lucinda M. Lee, who was also born in Greene county. They began their domestic life upon a farm and he con- tinued to engage actively in agricultural pur- suits until his death, which was occasioned by an accident in 1879. His wife still survives him and is now enjoying excellent health at the age of eighty years. They became resi- dents of Montgomery county in 1854 and opened up a farm near the old town of Zanes- ville, but later removed to a farm in the vicinity of Raymond, whereon Mr. Miller spent his last days.
John H. Miller was reared to the occupation of farming and pursued a common school edu- cation. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his youth. After attaining his majority he sought a companion and helpmate for life's journey and on the 15th of September. 1869, he was married to Miss Lizzie J. Mitts, a na- tive of Montgomery county and a daughter of Jesse Mitts. Mr. Miller has owned and oper- ated several farms and in liis agricultural pur- suits he won prosperity. Ilis last farm com- prised two hundred and ten acres of land lying near Raymond, and upon that place he made excellent improvements and built substantial buildings that furnished ample shelter for grain and stock. ITis fields were well tilled and in his pastures were seen good grades of cattle, horses and hogs. He continued to reside upon the farm until 1902, when he sold the property and removed to Raymond, where he purchased a new residence. He also bought a hardware store, in which he installed his son as man- ager, and while he is still financially interested in the enterprise he is not actively engaged in the conduct of the store. He has been very suc- cessful as a farmer and stock-raiser and broeder, and with a comfortable competence to supply him with all the necessities and many of the luxuries of life, he is now living retired.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born five children: Jesse I., a resident of St. Lonis, Missouri; George J., who is conducting a hard- ware store in Raymond; Clifford E., living in Raymond, Illinois; Leonora, the wife of Oscar Edwards, a merchant of Coffeen; and Lemuel G., who is a resident of Raymond.
MRS. J. H. MILLER
J. H. MILLER
MRS. ZERELDA MITTS
L. G. MILLER
MRS. L. G. MILLER
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
389
PAST AND PRESENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Politically Mr. Miller is a stanch Democrat, and was elected and served for one term on the county board of supervisors. Ile has also been highway commissioner and was township school trustee for a number of terms. Public interests relating to the welfare and upbuilding of the entire community always receive his at- tention and he gives to many measures for the publie good his hearty co-operation. Since a lad of eight years he has been a resident of Montgomery county, has witnessed much of its growth and development and has taken great pride in what has been accomplished. ITis ster- ling character and worth have made him widely and favorably known and he well deserves rep- rosentation in this volunne.
LEWIS A. WILEY.
Lewis A. Wiley, who owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 35, Ray- mond township, is a very intelligent and en- terprising agriculturist and is numbered among Montgomery county's native sons, his life rec- ord being a credit to his locality. He was born in Butler Grove township, January 30, 1863, and is descended from one of the old families of North Carolina. His grandfather. Zachariah Wiley, was born in that state and, coming to t- inois at an early day, established his home upon a farm in Montgomery county, where he reared hus family. At the same time he improved his land and although he had only the crude farm- ing implements at that time he transformed the wild prairie into productive fields. His son. John P. Wiley, was born and reared upon that farm, spending his youth amid the wild scenes of frontier life and aiding in the ar- duous task of developing his father's land. Ile married Miss Rachel Scherer, a daughter of Squire Scherer, and they began their domestic life upon a farm in Butler Grove township, while subsequently they removed to Raymond township and there reared their family. con- sisting of three sons and four daughters. Mr. Wiley continued to engage in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred May 23. 1883. llis widow still survives him and now resides with her daughter, Mrs. C. H.
Mack, who is mentioned on another page of this volume. The children of the family are Mary J., the deceased wife of I. Van Wright; Laura. the wife of Calvin Mack, who is men- tioned elsewhere in this volume; Lewis A., of this review : Charles R., a prominent farmer of Barber county, Kansas: Frank, an electrician of Chicago; Ella. the wife of Jesse 1. Miller, of St. Louis, Missouri; and Nellie, a twin sister of Ella and the wife of James Osborn, of Butler Grove township.
The boyhood and youth of Lewis A. Wiley were quietly passed. He was reared to man- hood in Butler Grove and Raymond townships, performing such duties as were allotted to him on the home farm until he had become familiar with agricultural pursuits in every department. He continued upon the old home place until twenty-five years of age and worked the farm both before and after his father's demise. After his marriage he rented a tract of land, which he cultivated for ten years and in 1889 he bought the place where he now resides and built thereon a comfortable residence, taking up. his abode here in March, 1900. He has also built a good barn and other substantial outbuildings and has made modern improve- ments which constitute this one of the best farms of the locality. He has planted fruit trees until he now has a fine orchard and has set out forest and ornamental trees, which make his farm attractive in appearance and which also add to its worth.
On the 4th of April. 1888, Mr. Wiley was married to Miss Alice J. Mack, a sister of C. HI. Mack. They now have four children : Rosella, Warren, Hazel and Esther.
Mr. Wiley votes with the Democracy and though he has never been an office seeker he was elected as township clerk, serving for three consecutive years. He has also been a member of the school board for twelve years and has been district clerk. His wife is a member of the Ware Grove Lutheran church and he is an ad- vocate of all that tends to benefit his com- munity along material. social, intellectual and moral lines. His life has been a busy and use- ful one and this is indicated by the fact that within four years' time he has put all of the buildings upon his farm and made the many
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substantial improvements that are there seen to-day. He now has a neat home as the result of his frugality and industry and the years are bringing to him creditable success which will undoubtedly increase as time goes by, because he possesses the elements so essential to pros- perity-willingness to work and careful man- agement in the control of his investments and business interests.
JOIN B. TURNER.
John B. Turner is the owner of extensive landed interests covering eleven hundred and eight acres and upon his farm he is en- gaged in the breeding and raising of Here- ford cattle. fle was born in Jacksonville, Ulli- nois, January 6, 1838, a son of Jonathan Turner, who was born in Pendleton, Massa- chusetts, and there spent his early years. In the '30s he came west, settling at Jacksonville, and was prominently identified with the carly educational development of the state. A Yale graduate, he accepted a professorship in Jack- sonville College, and he was afterward one of the organizers of the Champaign Agricultural College. His time and energies during the greater part of his life were devoted to educa- tional work along agricultural lines and his labors proved of the utmost value in the devel- opment of Illinois. He married Miss Adolpha S. Kibby, and they became the parents of seven children. Professor Turner. who was born in 1805, reached the very advanced age of ninety-three years, and his wife, who was born in 1808, passed away on the 6th of Janu- ary, 1880.
John B. Turner, born and reared in Jack- sonville, is a graduate of the Jacksonville Col- lege of the class of 1860. The following year he engaged in teaching school, and in 1861 he and his brother William came to the farm upon which John B. Turner now resides and which had been purchased by their father in the '50s. The brothers continued in the part- nership until the death of William Turner in 1883. Ile was also a graduate of Jacksonville College and was a gentleman of good business ability and enterprise. Together they began
the raising of Hereford cattle, and to this branch of business Mr. Turner has devoted his energies for many years. He now has a very fine herd, bred from thoroughbred animals, and has also given considerable attention to sheep-raising, making a specialty of Shrop- shires. and annually breeds three hundred ewes. His ranch covers eleven hundred and eight acres of fine land. This is. indeed, one of the best farms of Montgomery county, and is pleasantly located in Butler township, a mile and a half west and one mile north of the village of Butler. There has been no ele- ment of chance in his life record, for every move has been carefully studied and thought- fully made, and he is thoroughly familiar with the best methods of caring for stock and keep- ing them in excellent condition for the mar- ket. In addition to his property in Mont- gomery county Mr. Turner owns a ranch of five thousand acres in Coleman county. Texas.
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