USA > Illinois > Montgomery County > Past and present of Montgomery County, Illinois > Part 40
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On the 1st of October. 1861. James M. Truitt married Miss Jennie Blackman, a native of Hillsboro, born on the 4th of May. 1842, and a daughter of George and Hannah J. Blackman.
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They had two children : Earl B., and Ida, who resides with her mother in Hillsboro. The hus- band and father died July 25, 1900, at which time he was serving as census cnumerator of Montgomery county. With a capacity and ex- perience that would have enabled him to ful- fill any trust to which he might have been chosen, he never sought to advance himself in office, but was content to do his duty where he could and left the self-seeking to others. He was a man of very strong convictions and his integrity stood as an unquestioned fact in his career. Ile was always a student with a scope and breadth of knowledge which rendered him a charming conversationalist. Full of sympathy with the great movements of the world about him. he watched the progress of events with the keenest interest. He was recognized by those who knew him well as a man of most kindly heart, of sterling worth and integrity and incorruptible in all his professional and social relations.
Earl B. Truitt, reared in his parents' home, acquired his literary education in the public schools of Hillsboro and in 1896 entered the Ontario Veterinary College, where he was grad- nated with the class of 1898. Ile at once began the practice of his profession and the follow- ing year he also opened a livery stable, which he is conducting. He has just erected a fine new brick stable, three stories in height with a basement. in which are the stalls. The build- ing is fifty by one hundred feet and was com- pleted at a cost of six thousand dollars, being the finest structure of the kind in Montgomery county. His patronage is extensive and well merited, because of his reliable business prin- ciples and his earnest efforts to please his cus- tomers.
In September, 1902, Mr. Trnitt was married to Miss Maude Sims, a daughter of Alexander Sims, a farmer now residing in Butler Grove township. Mrs. Truitt was born on the home farm north of Hillsboro in 1884, is a member of the Lutheran church and is well known in this city and county. Mr. Truitt holds mem- bership relations with the Knights of Pythias and with the Modern Woodmen of America, and he gives his political allegiance to the Republican party.
PLEASANT BRIGGS.
Pleasant Briggs, an intelligent, enterprising and well known farmer of North Litchfield township. is numbered among Montgomery county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Zanesville township, March 15. 1851. Ile is a son of Robert and Penelope (Petty) Briggs, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Tennessee. Mr. Briggs was of Scotch- Irish lineage, and was born in North Litch- field township, Montgomery county, on the 11th of May, 1824, being then a representative of one of the oldest families of this portion of the state. lle became a farmer and owned forty-one acres of land in this township. He married Miss Petty, whose people had come from Tennessee to Illinois, while the Briggs family came from Ohio to Montgomery county. Unto the parents of our subject were born three children, but one died in infancy, and Burd Briggs died December 31, 1901, in Wayne county, Missouri. He married Lucy .J. Brandy, and after her death wedded Mrs. Max- well. of Missouri, who is still living.
Pleasant Briggs largely acquired his educa- tion in the Ritchie school near his home, and he afterward engaged in teaching school for two years there. He then turned his attention to farming and began agricultural pursuits on his own account on his prosent farm, where he owns ninety acres of as fine land as can be found in Montgomery county. It is bottom land. rich and productive, and, owing to his skillful cultivation. he annually harvests good crops, which return to him a gratifying income.
On the 15th of February, 1822, Mr. Briggs was married to Miss Mary Alice Roberts, a daughter of James C. Roberts, who lived in North Litchfield township and belonged to one of the old families of that locality. Two chil- dren graced this union: Harmon E., who at- tended the Beacon school, and spent two terms in the Ritchie school, since which time he has been engaged in farming ; and Anna, who died in infancy.
Mr. Briggs' father was a Democrat in his early life and afterward joined the ranks of the Republican party, and Pleasant Briggs has always been an advocate of the principles of that great political organization. Ile and his
PAST AND PRESENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
wife belong to Phillips Chapel of the Metho- dist Episcopal church and are true to its teach- ings, exemplifying in their lives their Chris- tian faith.
LEMUEL DOYLE.
Lemuel Doyle is one of the younger repre- sentatives of farming interests in Montgomery county, and was born on section 3, Butler Grove township, where he yet resides. Ilis birth occurred October 14, 1820, his parents being Isaac and Mary ( Mitts) Doyle. The former was born in Greene county, Illinois. January 14, 1842. and was a son of Thomas and Mary (Coates) Doyle, who were natives of Kentucky, whence they removed to Greene county in the year 1832. Isaac Doyle was reared in the county of his nativity and came to Montgomery county in the '60%. His father purchased this farm and had given it to him several years before. lle began the cul- tivation of the land and continued its in- provement for many years, erecting excellent buildings and adding all modern equipments. On the 15th of September, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Mitts, who was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, March 15, 1844. a daughter of Jesse and Zerelda Mitts. There were two children born of this union : Lemuel and Noah E., the latter a resident of Raymond township. The father died July 29, 1899. Ile was a member of the Masonic fraternity. being connected with the lodge at Butler for many years. In polities he was a stalwart Democrat and he held the office of township supervisor for three terms. He was also trustee for many many years. His time and attention, however, were chiefly devoted to his farm and the stock- raising interests which he conducted upon the home farm about four miles north and one mile east of Butler.
Lemuel Doyle, whose name introduces this record. spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, attended the public schools, and also pursued his studies in Carlinville and the Danville Normal College. He assisted his father in early boyhood days and together they carried on the farm until
the father's death. Mr. Doyle, Sr., was the owner of three hundred and forty acres of valuable land, of which one hundred and sixty acres is comprised in the home place.
On the 6th of July, 1896, Mr. Doyle was united in marriage to Miss Clara Molohon, and they have one son. Edgar, born September 8, 1898. Mr. Doyle belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity at Raymond and enjoys the warm regard of his brethren of that order. He is a young man possessing the enterprising spirit of the age and of the middle west. and in his business affairs is found to be energetic and determined, carrying forward with strong purpose and by honorable methods whatever he undertakes.
SAMUEL A. KIME.
Samuel A. Kime, who has been active in community affairs and is the supporter of many movements for the general good, so that he is mimbered among the valued citizens of Montgomery county, was born in Litchfield township on the 2d of November, 1857. His father, Joshua Kime, was a native of North Carolina, and in early manhood removed from that state to Illinois, settling in Montgomery county. Hle married Miss Cornelia Wagner. and took up his abode in Hillsboro township ahont 1861. There he rented a farm for two years, and on the expiration of that period purchased the farm which is now occupied by George Ferguson, comprising eighty acres of land. To the further development and culti- vation of this place he devoted his energies until his death, and was one of the enterpris- ing agriculturists of his community-a man very reliable in business affairs. He died in October, 1889, when but sixty-seven years of age, his birth having occurred in 1822. His wife survived him for two years and departed this life in 1891, when fifty-four years of age. Both were members of the Lutheran church and were people of the highest respectability. enjoying the confidence and warm regard of all with whom they were associated. They had two children, the daughter being Mary F .. now the wife of George L. Ferguson.
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Sammel A. Kime, the son and the elder child, acquired a common school education and was trained to habits of industry and economy upon the old homestead. When he had arrived at years of maturity he took charge of the farm, which he operated on shares, and there re- mained until his mother's death. He was mar- ried on the 25th of February, 1891, to Miss Mary Johnson and they have two children : Mary I. and Henry Frederick.
Mr. Kime owns altogether one hundred and four acres of land and his property is valuable. His house stands on section 22, Hillsboro town- ship, about one mile west and four and a half miles south of the city of Hillsboro. There he carries on general farming. A glance at his place indicates to the passerby that the owner is a man of enterprise and thrift, care- ful in his work and practical in his methods. Ilis fellow townsmen have called him to pub- lie office and for two years he served as justice of the peace, while for nine years he has been a school director. In politics he is a Republi- can : fraternally is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America; and religiously with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is also a member.
GEORGE W. BATEMAN.
George W. Bateman, who devotes his time and energies to general farming and stock- raising, his home being on section 35, Witt township. was born upon this farm October 24. 1851. his parents being John and Eliza- beth (White) Bateman, who were natives of Delaware. When they came to the west. set- tling in Montgomery county, in the '40s, there were no houses in their immediate neighbor- hood and many of the conditions of pioneer life existed. They spent their remaining days here. the father passing away on the 23d of March, 1897, when he had reached the age of eighty-three years, three months and twenty- three days. His wife died on the 17th of September. 1886, at the age of seventy-seven years, five months and nine days. In their family were six children: James A., who was born April I, 1831, and is now living in
Indian Territory; William, who was born on the 4th of August. 1839, and died on the 1st of November. following: Sarah Ann, who was born May 29. 1841, and died at the age of fifty-nine years; John W., who was born Feb- ruary 19, 1845, and died November 14. 1820; Henry, who was born July 12. 1844, and died January 5, 1864; George W .. of this review.
George W. Bateman was a student in the district schools of Witt township, the duties of the school room, the pleasures of the play- ground and the work of the home farm occu- pying his time and attention through hoy- hood and youth. He has always lived upon the home farm and when he attained his majority he took charge of the property and has since engaged in the further development and im- provement of this place. He is an enterpris- ing agriculturist who realizes the value of ro- tating crops and of using the best improved machinery to facilitate his farm work. He has made good improvements upon his place and in its appearance it is neat and attrac- tive.
On the 14th of October, 1875, Mr. Bate- man was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Imcinda Laws, who was born in June, 1856, and is a daughter of Thomas Laws, who was a native of Illinois and is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bateman became the parents of four children, but their first born, Dallas B .. born August 22. 1846, died on the Ist of December. 18:6. Lorenzo Dow, born July 22. 1828, is now engaged in farming in Fayette county, Illinois. Noi Essie, born September 16. 1880, is now acting as her father's housekeeper. Kerna Clement, born March 25. ISS ?. was married September 18, 1904. to Dora Casey. The wife and mother died February 19, 1902. and her death was deeply regretted by many friends. Mr. Bateman belongs to the Meth- odist Episcopal church and has lived a life in consistent harmony with his professions. He has served as a member of the school board for a number of years and the cause of edu- cation finds in him a warm friend. He is deeply interested in everything that pertains to the intellectual and moral development as well as the material upbuilding of his community and because of his sterling worth
MR. AND MRS. GEORGE W. BATEMAN
UNIVER HIV OF ILLINOIS
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
he has gained the warm regard of many with whom he has been associated.
HIRAM B. SPERRY.
Hiram B. Sperry is the owner of a valuable and well improved farm of one hundred and sixty neres, which he has developed from the wild prairie. A native of Ohio, his birth oc- curred November 22. 1833, near Chillicothe, in Ross county. His parents were John and Catherine (Snyder) Sperry, both of whom were of German lineage, the father's birth hay- ing occurred in Virginia, while the mother was a nafive of Pennsylvania. John Sperry spent his early youth in Rockingham county. The grandfather of our subject served in the war of 1812, and removed from Virginia to Ohio in 1815, at which time he was twenty years of age, his birth having occurred in 1595. The grandfather purchased land, which he do- veloped into a good farm, making it the family home, and John Sperry afterward purchased the property, on which he lived for seventy years. Ile then sold out and removed to Greenfield, Ohio, where he died in 1828 at the age of eighty-three years. His wife passed away in 1819 and both were laid to rest in Ohio. Throughout his enfire business career John Sperry had carried on agricultural pur- suits and lived an upright, honorable life. His political allegiance was given to the Dem- ocracy, but later he vofed with the Abolition party, subsequently with the Free Soil party and when the Republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he joined its ranks and continued one of its sup- porters until his death. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist church. In the family were fourteen children, of whom Hiram Sperry was the seventh in order of birth. Eight are still living, four sons and four daughters: Abraham, the eldest, who was a teacher. is de- ceased. Isaac. also a teacher. was a member of the Seventy-third Ohio Infantry in the Civil war and was killed al the battle of Gettys- burg. his remains being interred in the Na- tional cemetery there. Mary has also passed away. Jacob is living in Ross county, Ohio.
Elizabeth and John are deceased. Hiram B. is the next younger. Sarah, who was a teacher, married Steven Whittaker and resides in Pike county. Illinois. Martha married Isaac Gray and lives in Nokomis. Rebecca and Nancy were twins. The former, who was also a teacher, is now the wife of Samuel Wilson and resides in Greenfield, while Mrs. Nancy Baker is living at Chalklevel, Missouri. William, who also followed teaching, was a member of an Illinois regiment in the Civil war. James, a soldier of the Seventy-third Ohio Infantry. was wounded at Lookont Mountain, but recor- ered and is living in Pike county, Illinois. Judson is living af Chalklevel.
Hiram B. Sperry acquired his education in the public schools of Ross county, Ohio, where he afterward began farming. and throughout his entire life he has carried on agricultural pursuits. He came to Illinois in 1852, settling upon a tract of land in Pike county. The fol- lowing year he was married to Miss Mary .1. Doran, a nafive of Ohio. They became the parents of eleven children. Cicero J .. who was educated in the Danville, Indiana, Nor- mal school and who taught for five years, four years in Illinois and one year in Florida, mar- ried Gillie A. Caraway and is now living at Apalachicola, Florida. He is engaged in busi- ness as a ship carpenter. Norman J. died when fourteen years of age. J. Milo married Margaret Barber and lives on section 31. Au- dubon township. Minnie, who engaged in teaching for seven years in Illinois, is now the wife of Emery Pennypacker, of Nokomis. Mary is the wife of Millard Graden, of Andu- bon. Matfie, who was a successful teacher in Illinois for five years, is the wife of Wilson Huddleston, living in Nokomis township. lone, who was a teacher for seven years, is the wife of Clem Traylor, of Coffeen. J. Clarence married Hattie Webber and is living in Audu- bon. Edward married Carrie Scott, resides in Nokomis township and is engaged in school teaching. Netfie is the wife of William Louns- berry, of Witt township. May, who has on- gaged in teaching for two years, resides at lome.
Mr. Sperry is the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he has devel-
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
oped from the raw prairie, making all of the improvements thereon. ile broke this land, and after placing it under the plow planted his seed and in due season reaped good har- vests. He has since carried on agricultural pursuits and as the years have gone by he has met with a fair measure of prosperity. He tanghit school for eleven years, following the profession in Ohio for five years and in Illi- nois for six years and was thus identified with the early educational interests of this state. Ile has lived to see great changes here, for at the time of his arrival wild animals were vet found upon the prairie, deer being seen in large numbers and many kinds of feathered game were to be seen. As time has passed the pioneer dwellings have been replaced by large and substantial homes, excellent farms have been improved and modern equipments have made Montgomery county one of the lead- ing agricultural districts of this great com- monwealth. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sperry are members of the Baptist church, and he is a stanch Republican. He has now reached the age of seventy-one years and is a hale and hearty man, enjoying life and maintaining a keen interest in the affairs of his county and its upbuilding.
DANIEL CRESS, JR.
Daniel Cress, Jr., living in Fillmore town- ship. was born on the old homestead farm which he now occupies April 29, 1846, his pa- rents being Moses and Crissa ( Barringer) Cress, both natives of North Carolina, the for- mer born May 8. 1800. and the latter November 1. 1804. They were married in that state May 25. 1825. and in 1831 can to Montgomery county. Illinois, being among the early resi- dents of this locality. The homes of the set- tlers were then widely scattered and the work of progress and improvement seemed scarcely begun. The cities were then mere towns and many of the villages had not yet sprung into existence. Pioneer conditions existed through- out the county and there were many difficulties and trials to be mei by the carly settlers. Mr. Cress purchased his land from Pleasant Shep-
herd, the father of Hiram Shepherd, and event- nally became the owner of seven hundred acres, carrying on farming on an extensive seale. He was prominent and influential in commu- nity atlairs in an early day and his name should be recorded on the pages of history devoted to the early and honored pioneer residents. He died on the 12th of September, 1850, and his wife, who long survived him, passed away Sep- tember 6, 1883. in their family were the following children: One, who was born March 5. 1826. and died in infancy; Betsy Lonise, born February 15, 1822; Edward C., born April 10, 1829: Richard D .. who was born August 6. 1831, and was only four weeks old when the family came to Montgomery county: Peggy Maria, born December 8, 1833; George Henry. born January 26, 1836 ; Caroline (' .. born June 3, 1838; Mary Ann, born July 8, 1840; Sarah Catherine, born March 23. 1843: and Daniel. born April 29, 1846. All are now deceased with exception of our subject.
Daniel Cress attended school here at an early day. pursuing his studies through the winter months, while in the summer season he worked at farm labor. After the age of sixteen he never attended school. but gave his attention to agricultural pursuits and has remained con- tinnonsly upon the old home place. The Cress farm is now one of the largest in the county and is also one of the best developed. Mr. Cross started with four hundred acres of land and now has over six hundred acres. Much of his father's old homestead has been sold. while he retained possession of the home and also of some land surrounding it. He has made substantial improvements upon the farm. in- eluding the erection of good buildings and his property is neat and thrifty in appearance. His barn is one of the best in the entire coun- ty and the other equipments upon the place are in keeping with the day. He gives most of his attention to the raising of stock and has never sold a carload of corn in his life. He bears a national reputation as a breeder of Percheron horses and he is also extensively en- gaged in raising brown Swiss cattle. Poland China hogs and Shropshire sheep. He owns four stallions all black Percherons and one jack and he raised three of the stallions him-
LIBRARY UNIVE OF MALINOIS
FRANK CRES'S
DANIEL CRESS, JR.
MRS. DANIEL CRESS, JR.
MRS. CRISSA CRESS
LEVI WHITTEN
MRS. JANE WIIITTEN
١٠٠ ج . ر
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
self. ITe conducts a breeding stable in seasons and he has many registered animals upon his farm. including horses, cattle and sheep. lle has not a cheap horse upon the place, nearly all being pure blooded. while thirty are pure bred. He also keeps a supply of young stock of all kinds on hand and he owns the only hord of Swiss cattle in the county. He has built up an enviable reputation as a breeder and has gained success by unfaltering perseverance and earnest labor.
On the 3d of October, 1862, when iwenty- one years of age, Mr. Cress was united in mar- riage to Miss Jane Whitten, a daughter of Levi and Priscilla ( Hill) Whitten. Her father was born in Kentucky, February 1, 1822. and died September 4, 1885, while her mother was born in this county, March 22. 1823, and died De- comber 1. 1888. They were married on the 15th of January. 1841. and were the parents of the following named children: John P., who was born December 31. 1841. and died August 24. 1851: Henry J., who was born November 12. 1843, and also died on the 24th of August. 1851; Anstin F., who was born March 21, 1846: Keziah Jane, who was born November 11. 1848, and is now the wife of our subject ; one who was born June 1. 1850. and died the following day unnamed : Peter W .. who was born November 10. 1853; Chloe Louisa, who was born February 18, 1855. and married Elijah Tackaberry: Stephen C .. who was born August 24. 1857: one who was born and died on the 24th of June, 1860: Thomas. who was born August 21. 1861: and Mary Envona, who was born August 27. 1861. and died June 15. 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Cross have become the parents of three children: Clara Minnie, born July 22. 1868. is now the wife of Alexander Bost. of Fillmore township, and has six children. four sons and two daughters. Myrtio May. born January 7. 1829. died the following April. Frank Edward born Septem- ber 8. 1880. is at home.
Mr. Cress is a supporter of Democratic prin- ciples and in religions faith his wife is con- nected with the Lutheran church. Both are widely known in Montgomery county and have a large number of friends who esteem them highly and accord them a leading position in
the social circles of the community. As a business man Mr. Cress is known far beyond the limits of Montgomery county and he has over enjoyed the reputation for honorable deal- ing that is indeed commendable and gratifying.
ALGY F. STRANGE. D. D. S.
Dr. Algy F. Strange, engaged in the prac- tice of dentistry in Litchfield and thoroughly familiar with the modern methols of this sei- ence, was born at Walshville, Ilinois, in 1812 and is a son of Alexander T. Strange, who is represented elsewhere in this work. To the district school system of the county he is in- debted for the carly educational privileges he enjoyed. He afterward pursued a course in the Litchfield high school and was engaged in teaching for two years. He next entered the dental department of Washington University at St. Louis in 1892. spending two years there and then in order to further prepare for the profession which he had determined to make his life work he matriculated in the Marion Sims Dental College in 1900 and was gradu- ated with the class of 1901. In May of the latter year he opened an office, remaining in Litchfield in active practice until 1902, when he accepted the position of demonstrator of operative dentistry in his alma mater. there remaining until the spring of 1903, when he resumed his practice in Litchfield. He has a well equipped office and has already secured a patronage which is large and profitable. The lines are being constantly tightened around the professions and greater ability is demanded of the men who enter this class of life. The knowledge is being continually broadened, and in order to attain success one must have a comprehensive understanding of important principles and methods and must apply his learning in practical manner to the needs of those who desire professional service. Dr. Strange is accorded a leading place in the ranks of the dental fraternity in Montgomery coun- ty and the work which he has done has given such excellent satisfaction that his patronage is continually increasing.
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