USA > Illinois > Piatt County > Past and present of Piatt County, Illinois : together with biographical sketches of many prominent and influential citizens > Part 49
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force before the court and jury. His argu- ments are strong, his deductions logical, and he seldom fails to win the verdict desired. Many important interests have been intrusted to his care, and he has thus been connected with the litigation which has awakened much interest and attention in his district. In 1891 he was elected county judge and served for a term of four years. A man of unimpeach- able integrity and with profound learning of the law combined with the ability to put per- sonal prejudices and opinions aside in order to give an unbiased judgment, he took to the bench high qualifications for this responsible office and proved an able jurist.
On the 5th of March, 1874, Judge David- son was united in marriage to Miss Emma M. Reeme, a daughter of William H. Reeme, and unto this marriage have been born four children : Myrtle F., who is a teacher in the city schools of.Chicago; Mabel R., who is at home with her parents; Cloyd O., who is occupying a responsible position as manager of a canning factory in Barron, Wisconsin; and Lois A., who is still a student in the schools of Monticello. The family is well known and prominent in social circles here. In his political views the judge is a Demo- crat, warmly espousing the cause of the party and rendering effective aid in its behalf. He is likewise an active member of the Presby- terian church, of which he has been an elder for a number of years. Universal progress and improvement are causes dear to his heart and he has been a co-operant factor in marty Inensures for the general good.
ANDREW J. DIGHTON.
Piatt county with its splendid agricultural opportunities attracted to this section of the state many men of marked business enter-
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prise, whose qualifications prepare them for the conduct of extensive and important fari- ing interests. Of this class Andrew J. Digh- ton was a representative and he became one of the most successful and honored agricul- turist and stock-raisers of the community. He based his business principles and actions upon strict adherence to the rules which gov- ern industry, economy and unswerving integ- rity, and by constant exertion associated withi good judgment, he raised himself to a posi- tion of affluence and of prominence, and his straightforward career won him the confi- dence and respect of the entire community in which he lived.
Mr. Dighton was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, on the Ist of May, 1822, and was of English lineage. His paternal grand- father was born in England and came to America with Burgoyne's army. He was pleased with the country to which he had been transported for military service, and in- stead of returning to his native land he re- mained in the new republic, and, finally join- ing the Continental army, aided in securing independence to the nation. When the Rev- olutionary war was over he established his home in Watertown, New York, where some of his descendants are still living. John Dighton, the father of our subject, was born and reared in Watertown and after arriving at years of maturity, wedded a lady of that place. He, too, was loyal to this land when the war cloud hovered above the horizon and he took up arms against the British in the war of 1812.
In the state of his nativity Andrew J. Dighton spent his early boyhood days, re- maining there until seventeen years of age. At that time he started out in life on his own account and whatever success he achieved afterward was the direct result of his own
labor, merit and perseverance. He went first to Ohio, afterward to Kentucky and subsequently to Virginia, spending several years in the last named state. He was not only a self-made man, but also a self-edu- cated one and by reading and study greatly broadened his knowledge, and thus became qualified for teaching, a profession which he followed for some time. He afterward com- pleted a course of study in the Transylvania University in Virginia, where he was grad- uated, and also he won a diploma as a grad- uate of the law course. He never practiced the profession, however, although his knowl- edge of law proved of valuable assistance to him in his business career. His own educa- tion being completed, he engaged in teach- ing school in both Kentucky and Virginia, although he spent the greater part of his time as a representative of that profession in the Blue Grass state.
About 1852 Mr. Dighton arrived in Piatt county, Illinois, where he remained until the following year, when he returned to Ken- tucky, where he wedded Sarah C. Netherton, a most estimable lady, who was born in Ken- tucky, on the 26th of August, 1834. Her parents were John and Margaret Netherton, both of whom were natives of Virginia, and the ancestor on the paternal line came from the fatherland. Mrs. Dighton was the second daughter born unto her parents and she continued to reside in her native state un- til her eighteenth year, when she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Dighton, and, .with him went to his new home in Piatt county, settling in Monticello township. Here she has resided almost continuously since, and by her marriage she became the mother of eight children : John N., Elvira, William and Mary, all of whom are living in Piatt county. Elvira is now the wife of F. V. Dilatush.
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Those who have passed away are Morris, Andrew J., Annie and Ida M.
After his marriage Mr. Dighton brought his bride to Piatt county, and upon a farm north of Monticello, they began their domes- tic life. He purchased eight hundred acres of land at fifteen dollars per acre. Few im- provements had been made upon it, but with characteristic energy he began its further de- velopment and cultivation, and in course of years it became a splendid estate. As his financial resources increased he made judi- cious investments in property until his land holdings were extensive and valuable. In all his farm methods he was progressive, was systematic in his work and was determined in carrying out his plans. His opinions were never hastily formed in regard to business matters, but when once reached he adhered to them closely. A man of resourceful busi- ness ability, he readily recognized, appreci- ated and utilized them for the benefit of his own business career. Moreover, in all of his transactions he was strictly fair and honor- able and was never known to take advantage of his fellow men in any dealing. His. word became a synonym ofr integrity, and he en- joyed, to an unusual degree, the confidence of those with whom he was brought in con- tact. About the time of the organization of the Bank of Monticello, he became one of its stockholders, joining the banking firm which was known as Houston, Moore & Dighton.
reside upon the old homestead, but in 1899 removed to the city of Monticello, where she erected a substantial frame residence, mod- ern in all of its appointmens. There she is liv- ing with her daughter, Mary, a most estima- ble young lady, who was educated in Monti- cello Seminary in Godfrey, Illinois. The best thoughts and efforts of Mr. Dighton's life were wrought into Piatt county's pros- perity. He was the friend of education, of justice and of the elements that prove of ben- efit to mankind. Though his early educa- tion was meager, yet he achieved for himself broad learning, and his continuous interest in every great question of the age made him a man of profound thought and scholarly at- tainments. The strong qualities which made him useful in one locality would have insured his eminence anywhere. Though never a seeker for political honors he exerted, through his wide acquaintance, an influence exceeding that of many whose names are fa- miliar in public affairs. He was honored and respected throughout Piatt county, and his life record, indeed, furnishes an example worthy of careful study.
JAMES OLSON.
Prominent among the agriculturists of Piatt county is James Olson, who cultivates a farm on section 25, Goose Creek township. He has resided in the county since 1884, and has by his upright life secured the esteem and respect of his home community.
In public affairs pertaining to the general welfare, Mr. Dighton was deeply and actively interested, and he served as supervisor of Monticello township in a manner which re- flected credit upon himself and was satisfac- Mr. Olson was born in Sweden on the 13th of August, 1842, and is the son of Ola and Annie (Person) Jonsson, who were well- to-do farmers in the old country, and passed tory to his constituents. His political alle- giance was given to the Democracy. He passed away December 25, 1878, and for a number of years Mrs. Dighton continued to their entire lives there, the father dying at the
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advanced age of eighty-nine, April 8, 1903, the mother having passed to her rest several years previously, May 5, 1894, at the age of eighty-one. The children born to them were : James, the subject of this sketch; John, farmer of Goose Creek township, residing on section 26: Betsy, the wife of Peter Nelson. of Helsingborg, Sweden; Kate, wife of Charles Seaburg, of Weldon, Illinois; Peter A., contractor, living in Chicago; and Han- nah, who is the wife of P. Johnson, a mer- chant of Helsingborg, Sweden.
has shown that he is an up-to-date, progress- ive farmer.
In the year 1875 he led to the altar Miss Christina Johnson, who has borne him three children : Oscar, the eldest son, is one of the progressive young farmers of Goose Creek township, cultivating a farm of his own, but still residing at home. The second son, Charles, also owns an eighty-acre farm near hy, while Edgar, the youngest, has marked out for himself a career as a physician in the new line of osteopathy, and is at present at the famous school of Kirksville, Missouri.
James Olson was carefully trained in the public schools of his native country, and at During his residence in the county Mr. Olson has evinced a good citizen's interest in public matters, having been for the past fourteen years a member of the local school board, and for the past four years has been road overseer of his community. He and his- wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee and steward. Both he and his wife are earnest and active members, and are always found at the head of any movement which looks to the advancement of the Master's kingdom. The political affiliation of Mr. Olson lies with the Republican party, though the casting of his vote on election day constitutes the ex- tent of his interest in politics. Mr. Olson is. in many respects a model citizen and well deserves mention in these memoirs of Piatt county's representative citizens. the age of twenty-nine came to America. He located first in Menard county, Illinois, where he worked on farms by the month for some two years. He then rented a farm near Farmer City in DeWitt county, which he cul- tivated for one year, thence to Piatt county, where he has since resided. He rented farms for several years, but by thrift and economy was finally enabled in 1884 to purchase eighty acres of the farm which he now culti- vates, and where he has continued to labor successfully. He has added to his original purchase a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, and is now in possession of one of the most productive farms in the county. At the time of its purchase, it was much run down on account of the fact that it had been rented for many years. Under the careful manage- ment of Mr. Olson and at a large expense, the farm has been put in splendid condition, he having tiled it thoroughly, and in 1896 erected a handsome modern farm residence DAVID H. PRINE. and the following year a commodious and well-appointed barn. At various times he This prominent and representative farm- er cultivates a farm of two hundred and for- ship, where he has resided for some years. He is a Buckeye by birth, born in Pickaway has set out new orchards, and has improved his fencing with the best quality of wire. ty acres on section 15, Goose Creek town- fence, has sunk several deep wells, over which he has placed windmills, and in many ways
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county, Ohio, on the 5th of April, 1856. His father, Albert Prine, was also a native of Pickaway county, and died when David was but three years of age. His mother was Nancy Robinson, who was born in Ohio in 1830, and is now an inmate of our subject's home. After the death of her first husband, she went to live with her father, David Rob- inson, with whom she came to Piatt county in 1861, where she later married Robert Du- Vall. To the first marriage three children were born, David being the only one living. To the second marriage were born : Maggie, now the wife of James Perkins, a farmer of Goose Creek township; Isabel, who resides at Monticello, the wife of John Fitzwater; and Nannie, who is the wife of Joseph Fitz- water, a farmer of Monticello township.
David H. Prine passed the early years of his life in Ohio, where he received a good common-school education. Upon his remov- al to Illinois, he was placed in the home of a Mr. Watson until the date of his mother's second marriage, after which he lived in her home. Upon the death of Mr. DuVall, the mother became an inmate of our subject's home, where she has since been tenderly cared for. Mr. Prine's own home life be- gan in 1895, when he was happily joined in marriage to Annie May, daughter of Wil- liam Perkins. Their children are: Edna Amy, six years old : Charles H., four years old; and Homer O., one year old.
The first purchase of land made by our subject was an eighty-acre tract adjoining his present farm, and which he now culti- vates in connection with the farm which came to him through his mother. He has also pur- chased a farm of three hundred and eighty- four acres in Mississippi, as an investment. Mr. Prine's home farm is a model of neat- ness and thrift. It is thoroughly tiled, and
every fence and building on the place shows the master hand of one who understands ag- riculture in its higher lines. He has placed upon the farm several new orchards and many fine shade trees, and is engaged largely in fattening. shorthorn cattle and hogs for the general market.
Mr. Prine takes an active interest in the welfare of society about him. He is a Re- publican in politics and is a thorough be- liever in the fraternal principles, being a member of DeLand Camp of Modern Wood- men and of the Odd Fellows. In religious belief he is a member of the Church of God, his wife holding membership with the United Presbyterians.
DAVID H. DAWSON.
Not all who seek success, win it. Some fail because of a lack of persistency of pur- pose, others because of unfitness for the work which they undertake, but the man who chooses wisely his calling and labors persist- ently therein may always gain the compe- tence for which he strives. David H. Daw- son is among the prosperous men of Piatt county, and after long years of active and honorable connection with agricultural inter- ests he is now living a retired life in Bement. The story of the pioneer experiences in this section of the state is familiar to him for his residence here dates from a very early day. He is a native of Sussex county, Delaware, born on the 4th of July, 1824. his parents be- ing Zachariah and Mary (Beacham) Daw- son. The father was a native of Delaware and the mother's birth also occurred in that state. The Dawson family is of Scotch de- scent .. The maternal grandmother of our
PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
487
subject was Celia Beacham, who lived to the extreme old age of one hundred and ten years, and the grandfather also lived to be about as old.
The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation, and throughout the greater part of his active business life carried on ag- ricultural pursuits. After coming to the west he also owned and operated a flouring mill at Winchester, Illinois. He arrived in this state in 1834, locating in Scott county and 1 there he carried on business for a number of years, but the mill was eventually destroyed by fire, and he did not rebuild it. In his life history there is also a chapter of military ex- perience, for he was a soldier of the war of 1812, joining the army as a private in defense of American interests in our second war with Great Britain. His political support was given the Whig party until the organization of the new Republican party, when he joined its ranks and continued to follow its banner until called to his final rest. In business he was successful and honorable in citizenship, was loyal and public spirited, and to the du- ties of his family and friendship he was most faithful. He passed away in Winchester, Scott county, Illinois, when about eighty- eight years of age and the mother of our subject survived for several years. She was born in Delaware, living there until her re- moval to Illinois with her husband in 1834. Called to the home beyond, her remains were interred by his side in the Winchester ceme- tery. This worthy couple were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are still liv- ing, and the eldest brother of our subject is Jesse Dawson, who is now eighty-eight years of age.
David H. Dawson and his brothers early became familiar with the arduous task of de- veloping new land, for they cleared the tim- ber from four hundred acres in Scott county.
They were reared in one of the old log cabins with its primitive furnishings and pioneer surroundings, and David H. Dawson ob- tained his education in a log schoolhouse with greased paper windows and slab seats. The children were clothed in homespun gar- ments, and the shoes for the family were pur- chased of a traveling shoemaker who visited the homes once each year, and made the shoes for the different members of the family. Tallow dips were used in lighting the house and the fires were started by striking sparks with flint. Each Sunday the family walked six or seven miles to church. The farm wag- on owned by the family was but a two- wheeled cart, all made of wood, having ·neither tires or iron in any part of its con- struction. All grain was cut with the old time cradle and scythe, and farm work was carried on in a manner which seems very primitive compared with our modern pro- gressive methods. Mr. Dawson of this re- view has witnessed almost the entire develop- ment and improvement of Scott and Piatt counties, and has seen the progress made in all lines of business activity. In the fall of 1854 he took up his abode in Piatt county, first settling in the edge of the timber in Wil- low Branch township. The prairie' land at that time was completely covered with water during the rainy season, and was considered unfit for cultivation, but draining and tiling has made the tract very rich and productive. There was good fishing in all the streams around, and deer and other wild game :was to be had in abundance. There were many prairie wolves and evidences of frontier life were seen in every direction. The nearest neighbor to the Dawson family lived six miles away, but hospitality in those days reigned supreme, and the latch-string always hung out.
Mr. Dawson first purchased a half sec-
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tion of land in Bement township, but after a few years had passed he sold one hundred and sixty acres, retaining the other quarter section, which he still owns. The purchase . has contributed liberally to the church as he has prospered in his work. He now makes his home in Bement and owns several village lots besides his valuable farm property. Dur- ing long years he has witnessed the growth and development of this section of the state,
price was seven and one-half dollars per acre and he paid one hundred and fifty dollars down, having seven years in which to pay the balance. He broke his land with five yoke of oxen, and purchased all his farming implements on credit from the agent who had sold him the land. Building a house on his land he soon afterward put up a barn and in due course of time developed an excellent home for himself and family. In 1874 he re- placed his first residence by a large brick house, one of the substantial and attractive homes of the county. He has also placed many rods of tiling upon the farm, paying out altogether fifteen hundred dollars in this way. He has erected a large barn and, in fact, his is one of the model farms of the county. He continued its active cultivation until February 1884, when he left the farm and purchased a home in the village of Be- ment, where he has since resided, leading a retired life.
Mr. Dawson has been twice married. He first wedded Caroline Malissa Elliott, who is now deceased. They became the parents of eight children, of whom two died in in- fancy, while six are still living, namely : Belle, who married Joseph Medaris, of Be- ment, by whom she has three children; George, who wedded Emma Ragland and resides in Missouri; Clara, who is the wife of E. Deatheridge, of St. Louis; William Zeb, who is married and resides near St. Louis, where he is in the railroad service; Kate, at home ; and Frank E., who is living in Louisi- ana. For his second wife Mr. Dawson chose Mrs. Ella (Holderman) Madden, who, in her early life was a successful school-teacher.
Mr. Dawson is a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, and his life has ever been in harmony with his profession. He
and has borne an active and helpful part in the work of improvement. He certainly de- serves to be mentioned among the honored pioneers, and his life history, if written in detail, would present a faithful picture of the early conditions in this section of the state. He has now " almost reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey and because of his fidelity to principle, his honor and integrity in all life's relations, he can look back over the past without regret. He now receives the veneration and respect which should have ever been accorded to one who has lived up- rightly and has reached an advanced age.
JOHN OLSON.
John Olson is another member of the family elsewhere spoken of under the sketch of his brother James. He is one of the stir- ring citizens of Goose Creek township, culti- vating a large farm on section 26. He was born in Sweden, June 3, 1845. His educa- tion was such as could be secured in the local schools of his home community, after which he dutifully helped his parents on the home farm until he was twenty-five years of age. He preceded the coming of James to Menard county, Illinois, by a year, and as in his case, worked as a farm hand for the first few years. He finally rented a farm of two hun-
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dred and eighty acres on the line between Piatt and DeWitt counties, but after pro- ducing one crop came over into Piatt county, where he rented a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Mansfield, and where he con- tinued to reside for four years. By close economy he had by this time saved enough to purchase the first forty acres of the farm on which he now resides, and for which he paid thirty dollars per acre. He later at dif- ferent times added an eighty and a forty to the original purchase. He is also the owner of a quarter section in Greene county, Iowa, which he purchased in 1901. . The original purchase of his home farm was largely of ' wild land, and Mr. Olson has gone through the usual trials of the pioneer farmer in bringing order out of chaos. The farm has at present over two thousand rods of tile and is well ditched, making it one of the good farms of the county. In 1892 he erected a handsome new residence and later added a large barn. The farm is equipped with sev- eral good wells ,with the usual windmill pump, several fine orchards and many hand- some shade trees, and the entire place is un- der good wire fence. Mr. Olson gives spe- cial attention to the breeding of cattle for the market and is also specially engaged in the raising of thoroughbred horses.
also educated at Normal and is a successful teacher in the county schools; Clark, the youngest child, is a sturdy farm lad aiding his father at home.
Mr. Olson and his family are highly re- garded in the social circles of Piatt county. In political belief he ascribes to the tenets laid down in the Republican platform and has served his community in several of the unpaid local offices, having been on the township board for the past two years, school director of his district, and for seven years has been drainage commissioner of district L, Goose Creek township. His re- ligious affiliations lie with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he and his fam- ily are active members and in which he is a trustee.
The hope of the Republic is in its well- ordered homes. The early inculcation of a love for home intensifies the spirit of patriot- ism in later life and cements the bond which exists between people and country. This principle is exemplified in the homes of M. James and John Olson, whose citizenship has always been of the highest character and received the deserved enconiums of a large circle of friends and neighbors.
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