USA > Illinois > Montgomery County > Past and present of Montgomery County, Illinois > Part 51
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72
Into Mr. and Mrs. Bechtel have been born three children, who are yet living: Samuel M .. Harvey F. and Flora L. They also lost two children: Catherine A., who died at the age of four years. and one that died in in- fancy. The parents are members of the Chris- tian church at Harvel and he is serving as one
MR. AND MRS. HARVEY BECHTEL
J.D.vr
599
PAST AND PRESENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
of its elders and also on its official board. In politics he is a stanch Republican, where na- tional issues are involved, but he has never sought or desired office, as his business affairs have claimed his entire attention. He has worked hard as the years have gone by and as the result of his indefatigable energy he is now the owner of valuable property.
WILLIAM GREENWOOD.
William Greenwood, a resident of Fillmoro township, is one of the most extensive land- owners of Montgomery county, his hoklings comprising eight hundred acres, but it is not alone his posesssions that enable him to rank with the representative men of Montgomery county. He has always commanded the con- fidence and good will of those with whom he has been associated and his business affairs have been conducted along lines which have proven of benefit to the county as well as a source of individual profit. Mr. Greenwood is a native of Germany, born January 1. 1840, and with his parents he crossed the Atlantic to America, the family home being established in New Jersey. He is a son of William and Katherine Green- wood, who were also born in Germany. The father learned and followed the carpenters trade in that country, but after coming to the United States he carried on agricultural pur- snits. Several years were passed in New Jersey and he then came with his family to Mont- gomery county, Illinois, about 1850, but in 1857 he removed to Alton, this state. In 1862, however, he located near Nokomis, where his death occurred in 1813. He had lost his wife during the carly boyhood days of their son. William.
William Greenwood accompanied his parents on their various removals, going to Nokomis in 1867. Since 1881 he has resided upon what is now his home property in Fillmore township He started ont in life for himself on attaining his majority, first earning his living as a farm hand, in which capacity he was employed for four years. He then rented land for two years and on the expiration of that period purchased one hundred and fifty acres on the prairie at
Nokomis. On leaving there in 1881 he came to his present farm, buying a tract of one hun- dred and sixty acres of land from Mr. Landers. This formed the nucleus of his present ex- tensive possessions. His diligence and perse- verance resulted in producing good crops and the profit which accrued from his sales enabled him to invest in more land from time to time until he is now the owner of eight hundred aeres, constituting a very valuable and desir- able property. Hle raises both grain and stock and has a well equipped farm, supplied with all modern conveniences and the facilities that will promote his business along profitable lines. His present desirable financial condition is in great contrast to his surroundings in youth, for he began working as a farm hand at eleven dollars per month. He also worked in brick- yards and on a steamboat and thus by follow- ing any pursuit that would yield him an honest living he gained a good start in life. He has won success in his agricultural operations and he has also assisted his sons in gaining a start, for in former years they aided him to the best of their ability.
On the 11th of March, 1865, Mr. Greenwood was united in marriage to Miss Christine Krum- mell. of Madison county, Illinois, and unto them were born eight children, all of whom are now living: Emma, born May 23, 1866, mar- ried William Bockstruck. a resident of Bond county. and has three children. Henry, born August 21. 1862. married Bertie Boekstruck, by whom he has two sons, and they reside in Bond county. Mary, born October 12. 1869. is at home with her parents. William C., born October 1, 1871, married Rosa Jenserous, by whom he has four children and they live in Fillmore township. August, born January 23, 1843. is mentioned below. Louis, born De- cumber 1, 1844, married Anna Becker, by whom he has three children, and they live in Fillmore township. Otto, born January 11, 1877, was married October 22. 1901. to Dora S. Bracke- Isch, a cousin of his brother August's wife. and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Brackebusch, who are prosperons farming peo- ple of Fayette county. Otto Greenwood fol- lows farming and stock-raising and supports the Republican party, and both he and his wife are
600
PAST AND PRESENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
members of the German Methodist Episcopal church. Bertha, born March 15, 1829, is the wife of August Brackebusch, of Fillmore township, and they have two daughters.
Mr. and Mrs: Greenwood belong to the Meth- odist church and are deeply interested in its promotion and growth. fle is a local preacher, having engaged in the work of the ministry in Nokomis and other parts of Montgomery county. Whatever tends to advance the cause of Christianity receives h's earnest endorsement and in as far as possible his co-operation. The cause of education also finds in him a warm friend and he believes in providing good schools that will give to the children excellent educational privileges. For thirty years he has been a school director. His political sup- port is given the Republican party. Mr. Green- wood is a man whom to know is to respect and honor, for his entire life has been straightfor. ward and unassailable. His history will hear the closest investigation and scrutiny and, in fact, is well worthy of study by those who have rogard for the value of character and who wish to progress in life along lines that not only win success. but also gain an untarnished name.
AUGUST GREENWOOD.
Angust Greenwood, son of William Green- wood, one of the leading pioneer settlers of Montgomery county, was born in Christian county, Illinois, near Nokomis, January 23. 1843, and was a youth of seven years when his parents removed to the old homestead in Fill- more township. He attended school in Van Burensburg and later was a student in Dan- ville College in Indiana and in the Central Normal College, being graduated on the com- pletion of a commercial course with the class of 1893. Ile was reared to the occupation of farming, carly becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and has always carried on gen- eral farming pursuits with the exception of one winter, in which he was engaged in selling books. He then returned home and farmed
with his father until 1899, when he removed to the place upon which he now resides. He and his brother each have one hundred and five acres of land, which was given them by their father and August Greenwood now devotes his attention to the raising of both grain and stock. His fields are well tilled and in his pastures are found high grades of cattle, horses and hogs. On the 6th of January, 1902, he was appointed administrator for the state of Henry Bockstruck, of Van Burensburg.
On the 19th of February, 1899, Mr. Green- wood was married to Miss Emma Brackebusch, a daughter of Henry Brackebusch, of Fayette county. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and. like her husband, she has gained the friendship of many with whom she has been brought in contact. Mr. Green- wood votes with the Republican party and in 1890 he was appointed to take the census for town & in Fillmore township. He is well known, having a wide circle of acquaintance and is classed with the representative young farmers of Montgomery county.
T. IL. EDWARDS.
T. Il. Edwards, who is engaged in coal min- ing and makes his home in Coffeen. was born in Grisham township. Montgomery county, in 1866 and is a representative of one of the old families of this part of the state, his parents being George and Sarah (Clark ) Edwards. Ilis father was also born in Grisham township at Edwards Chapel and during his business career has followed the occupation of farming. owning and occupying a farm which is situated on the boundary line between Bond and Mont- gomery counties, lying partly in Grisham town- ship. The first of the name living in this county was T. H. Edwards, the grandfather of our subject, and since that time representa- tives of the family have borne an active and helpful part in the work of upbuilding here. George Edwards is a Democrat in his political views and affiliations and takes a deep interest in the questions and issues of the day, keeping woll informed thereon so that he is able to give intelligent reason for his political position.
601
PAST AND PRESENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
T. Il. Edwards remained in Grisham town- ship until about sixteen years of age, when he entered upon his business career in the employ of J. W. Majors, with whom he made h's home until his marriage. On the 11th of October, 1891, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Flor- ence Hendricks, a daughter of Dr. Hendricks, of Coffeen, and their home has been blessed with two children, Harry Alfred and Ruby Belle. Mrs. Edwards is a daughter of Dr. Hendricks and Tillie (Coffeen) Hendricks, the latter a daughter of the founder of the town of Coffeen.
Ipon removing to Coffeen Mr. Edwards con- ducted a butcher shop for about a year. He then began work in a coal mine and has since been employed in that capacity. His business career has been attended by success and he now owns seven lots in the town. upon which he built a pretty home on removing to Coffeen. He also owns forty acres of land in East Fork township. Of the Knights of Pythias lodge of this place he is a charter member and in his political views he is a Democrat. At the pres- ent writing he is serving as a member of the school board of the town and is interested in public affairs and this has prompted his co- operation in many measures for the general good.
CAPTAIN EZRA C. CHACEY.
Captain Ezra (. Chacey, a leading druggist of Hillsboro, and prominent in the military cireles of the state as a member of the Illinois National Guard, was born in St. Louis, Mis- souri. September 24, 1878. His father, Ezra J. Chacey, was a native of Ohio, and was one of a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters. Two of his brothers were soldiers in the Civil war and one of these, P. P. Chacey. is now a member of the state legislature of North Dakota, while the other. Washington, died at his home following the war, his health having been impaired by his service. Both were with Sherman on the cele- brated march to the sea. Ezra J. Chacey was a captain on the Mississippi river throughont almost his entire life and for many years made.
his home in St. Louis. About a year prior to his death he left the river and took up his abode in Hillsboro, where he passed away on the 230 of October, 1896, at the age of fifty years. In his fraternal relations he was a Mason and also a Modern Woodman, and his political allegiance was given to the Republican party. Through his business capacity and careful management he accumulated a compe- tence, and he was ever open-handed and liberal, his generosity being one of the salient traits of his character. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Johnanna Cline, was born in St. Lonis in 1849, and was a daughter of JJohn D. and Nancy M. (Tne. Her father built the first frame house in Hillsboro and was actively identified with the early development and prog- ress of the city. U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Chacey were born four children : Ezra C. : Anna Olive, who was graduated from the University of Illinois with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. and is now assistant in the Hillsboro high school ; Blanche Holmes; and Genova Rhodes. Captain Chavey, of this review, was afforded excellent educational privileges, for after com- pleting a high school course in Hillsboro by graduation he entered the University of Illi- nois, where he spent the years 1895 and 1896. On leaving that institution he entered the engineering department of the Missouri River & Bonne Terre Railroad in Missouri, where he remained for a year. He spent one year in Hillsboro after the death of his father and then entered the service of the Spanish-American war. He was second lientenant of Company E of the Fifth Regiment of Illinois National Guard. This regiment was accepted and, with his command, Captain Chacey went to Camp Tanner at Springfield and afterward to Chick- amanga Park. Tennessee, on to Newport News, later to Lexington, Kentucky, and then ro- turned to Camp Lincoln. When at Camp Tan- ner he was elected by his company to the rank of captain, but owing to his youth-he was then but nineteen years of age-Governor Tanner would not issue the commission. In January. 1899, he was again elected captain of the com- pany, and this time was commissioned, while in 1902, he was re-elected. He is very prominent and popular among the officers of the regiment
602
PAST AND PRESENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
and the men of his own command, is an excel- lent disciplinarian and is thoroughly conversant with the tactics of war. On the 8th of March, 1899, following the return of the regiment Mr. Chacey purchased the drug store formerly owned by Edwards & Company, and is now proprietor thereof. He is conducting a good business, having a well equipped establishment and, through his enterprising efforts, he has se- cured a good patronage.
Mr. Chacey was married on the 24th of April. 1901, to Miss Sarah B. Allen, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William M. Allen, of Pilot Grove, Missouri. Her father was born at Lexington, Kentucky, and was a member of Shelby Cavalry Corps in the Confederate service during the Civil war. Mrs. Chaccy is a cousin of Rear Admiral James E. Jouett, who was known as fighting Jim Jouett. Mr. and Mrs. Chacey have one childl. Sara Menefee. Mrs. Chacey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church there. Fraternally, Mr. Chaccy is connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge, with the Order of the Maccabees and with the Spanish- American War Veteran's Association. His po- litical allegiance is given to the Republican party. Well known in Hillsboro, he is held in high esteem by many friends, is popular with all who know him and, although a young man, he already occupies a notable position in busi- ness and military circles.
RUFUS C. PADEN.
Rufus C. Paden is proprietor of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixteen acres in Wills- boro township and is numbered among the sue- cessful agriculturists of his community. He has placed his dependence upon. the substantial qualities of energy, strong determination and landable ambition and has gradually worked his way upward until he is one of the prosperous residents of his locality. Moreover, he is a native son of Montgomery county and has for almost Half a century witnessed the growth and development of this portion of the state.
Mr. Paden was born in Hillsboro township on the 4th of Fel ruary, 1856, a son of James and Mary Paden. flis father died in 1871
at about the age of forty-four years, but the mother, who is now Mrs. Mellenry, is still liv- ing, making her home in Hillsboro. Rufus C. Padon acquired a common school education and when not occupied with the duties of the school- room he assisted in the labors of the home farm, becoming familiar with all of the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. When twenty-one years of age he began business on his own account by operating the home farm in connection with his brothers. He was at one time associated with his brothers in the owner- ship and control of a lumberyard in Hillsboro, continuing that business for four years. Later he was connected with the agricultural imple- ment business for two years and about the time of his marriage he took up his abode upon the farm which is now his home. He here owns one hundred and sixteen acres of rich land de- voted to general farming. He raises diversified crops and as the result of modern methods and careful management he has won desirable success.
On the 4th of November, 1885, Mr. Paden was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Lewey and they have one son, Lester Lewey, born November 9, 1890. In his political affiliations Mr. Paden is a Republican and keeps well in- formed on the questions and issues of the day. He has served for three terms as highway com- missioner, but otherwise has not sought nor held office, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs. He was made a Mason in 1882, belongs to the lodge at Hillsboro and has served as junior warden. He is thoroughly in sympathy with the teachings and tenets of the craft and in his life exemplifies its beneficent. principles.
HON. ROBERT MCWILLIAMS.
Robert McWilliams, of Litchfield, is one of Montgomery county's most distinguished citi- zens and has left the impress of his individu- ality upon public interests here. He was born in Dalton, Wayne county, Ohio, in 1830, and. removing to Illinois, joined his brother Amzi Mc Williams in Bloomington in 1854. Just prior to his arrival here be had been admitted to
UNIVE LINOIS
MR. AND MRS. R. C. PADEN.
3
MR. AND MRS. JAMES PADEN.
UNWER M. T PLLINOIS
607
PAST AND PRESENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
the bar in Coshocton, Ohio. At a later date he established his home in Sullivan, Moultrie county, and thence removed to Shelby, Illinois, where he entered into partnership with Judge Anthony Thornton and was engaged in the practice of law for two years.
On the expiration of that period Mr. Me- Williams took up his abode in Hillsboro, where he lived until the outbreak of the Civil war, being at that time associated in a law practice with Judge Jesse J. Phillips. In 1862 he started in a wagon with fife and drum, canvass- ing the county for recruits. A man distribut- ing Union bills preceded him. He succeeded in raising great enthusiasm and raised three companies of men. in Springfield they were mustered into service and Mr. Me Williams was elected captain of one of the companies, which became Company B. One Hundred and Seven- teenth Illinois Infantry. With this connnand he served until the close of the war and in the meantime was promoted to the rank of major. He did loyal and valuable service in the Red River expedition and other campaigns.
Mr. MeWilliams wedded Miss Mary Allen, who was born in Bond county. Illinois, in 1836. a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Burn- side ) Allen. Her father was a farmer by ocen- pation and was a representative of one of the old families of North Carolina and became one of the carly residents of Montgomery county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mc Williams were born three children : Benjamin. an attorney of Chicago; Grace, who died in 1898; and Paul, now city judge of Litchfield.
Mr. MeWilliams' patriotic citizenship has been manifest in days of peace as well as in days of strife and his devotion to the general good was shown by his service as a member of the state legislature, being called to represent Montgomery county in the general assembly. Resuming the practice of law upon his return to Litchfield, he easily maintained a foremost position in the ranks of the legal fraternity and was in active practice until 1898, when he retired from the profession. He has been con- nected with much of the important litigation fried in the courts of his district. was logical in his reasoning and over presented a strong case to judge or jury because of his careful
preparation and his thorough understanding of the facts and the law applicable thereto. in his political views he has ever been a stalwart Republican, endorsing the principles of the party since its organization, and he is a mem- ber of the Grand Army of the Republic. Re- ligiously he is connected with the Presbyterian church and for many years has served as one of its trustees.
JOSEPH MITCHELL.
Joseph Mitchell, who is engaged in general merchandising in Paisley, and whose influence in behalf of the moral development of the community has been far-reaching and effective was born in England on the 20th of October, 1824. lle was brought to the United States in his infancy and his education was acquired in the common schools of Montgomery county and in Nokomis, He remained at home until, twenty-one years of age, and then began farm- ing for himself on a tract of land a half mile west of Witt. After a year he removed to a place about two and a half miles west of that town and continued its cultivation and improve- ment for three years. ile next sold that prop- erty and took up his abode in Paisley, where he became identified with commercial pursuits as a general merchant. His busines here has grown and he carries a large and well selected line of goods, such as is demanded by the gen- eral trade. His success is well merited. because in his business dealings he has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellow men and he also puts forth earnest effort to please his customers.
On the 26th of January, 1896, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth May Settle, a daughter of John Settle, of Oconee, Illinois. They have one child. Mildred E. who is now six years of age. Mr. Mitchell and his wife belong to the Presbyterian church and he has taken a very active and prominent part in its work, serving as Sunday-school superin- tendent for the past three years, and also as president of the Christian Endeavor for that period. He is likewise president of the town- ship Sunday-school Association and he con-
608
PAST AND PRESENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
tributes generously to the support of the church and does everything in his power to promote its activities. le belongs to Quinn City lodge. No. 622, K. P., and he is now a school trustee of Witt township. In politics he is a Ro- publican and in all matters of citizenship he is progressive and enterprising.
W. A. BOYD.
W. A. Boyd is the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred acres situated on sretion 22. East Fork townhsip, and to the property he has added all modern improvements and access0- ries, which constitute one of the best farms of the locality. He was born in Coles county, Illinois, in 1854, and is a son of A. J. and Sarah Boyd. His father was a native of Kon- tucky, spending his boyhood days in that state and in Indiana. Removing then to Ilinois. he settled in Coles county. where he engaged in carpentering and in 1824 he removed to Kansas, where he died. He led a useful. active and honorable life, although he never sought to figure prominently in public affairs.
W. A. Boyd was reared in Coles county and pursued his education in the schools of Mat- toon, Ilinois. When he was but eleven years of age his mother died and about the same time his father lost all that he had by going security for a supposed friend. It was thus necessary that the subject of this review carn his own living and at that tender age he started out in life for himself, securing employment on a l'arm. Ile worked in the fields, fed and handled fancy horses, being employed by the month. In 1880 he came to his present home where his wife owned eighty acres of land. Mr. Boyd purchased eighty acres additional, erected a good residence and barn and added other modern equipments. He now owns two hundred acres of rich land. well improved, his farm being in excellent condition. I'pon it is found good machinery to facilitate the labors of the fields and he annually harvests good crops as the reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon his place. However, he is giving much attention to the raising of stock, making a specialty of fine horses and he has a half
mile track upon his farm, on which he trains h's horses. Ile now owns a three-year-old, Highlander, which is registered in class A, Vol- ume 1. He has gained a reputation throughout this portion of Illinois as a breeder of fine horses and has made sales of some very valuable stock. Everything about his place is neat and attractive in appearance, giving indication of the careful supervision of a progressive owner.
In 1829 Mr. Boyd was united in marriage to Miss Ida Edwards, a daughter of William Allen Edwards, and they became the parents of three children, of whom two are now living. Iva and Nellie, both at home. The parents belong to the Methodist Episcopal church at Coffeen and Mr. Boyd is identified with the Court of Honor. Deeply interested in political questions and the success of the Republican party he gives to it an unfaltering support and does everything in his power to promote its growth and insure 'ts success. He has never sought office, how- ever, as a reward for party fealty, preferring to give his time and energies to his business affairs, which are now crowned with prosperity. fle certainly deserves great credit for what he has accomplished and he may well be called a self-made man, for he owes his prosperity not to any fortunate combination of circumstances i ut his own determination, capable manage- ment and business foresight. He has perse- vered in the face of obstacles and by the utiliza- tion of his opportunities he has steadily worked bis way upward from a humble financial posi- tion to one of affluence.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.