USA > Illinois > Pike County > Past and present of Pike County, Illinois > Part 30
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On the Ist of February 1857, John H. Cooper was united in marriage to Miss Mary Moomaw, who was born October 29, 1839, in Ohio but was reared in Pike county, Illinois, her parents having come to this county in 1843. She was a daughter of Jacob Moomaw, who was born in Virginia in 1706 and when a young man went to Ohio. There he resided and in 1821 was married to Miss Eliza- beth Ohmart, whose birth occurred in Virginia, December 16, 1798. She lived to the advanced age of eighty-seven years. Her father was a
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farmer 'and on removing to this state made the journey by wagon with a four-horse team, being six weeks upon the road, during which time the family camped out at nightfall by the roadside, traveling only during the hours of the day. At length Mr. Moomaw purchased a farm on section II, Martinsburg township and finally became an extensive agriculturist by reason of his capable management of his business interests during the early days of pioneer development here. He died November 16, 1847. His study of the political issues and questions of the day led him to give his support to the democratic party. He was a mem- ber of the German Baptist church and was elected to the ministry and labored earnestly in the cause.
The maternal great-grandfather of George D. Cooper was John Moomaw, a native of Germany who was brought to America by his parents in his infancy, but his mother died on shipboard during the passage. Eventually he became a farmer, liv- ing in Virginia for many years, but his death oc- curred in Ross county, Ohio, at a ripe old age. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. John H. Cooper was Adam Ohmart, who was born in Maryland and was of German parentage. He also was a farmer, devoting his life to general agricul- tural pursuits. In Pennsylvania he was married, after which he lived for a time in Virginia but made his final settlement in Logan county, Ohio. His wife, Ann Weaver, was born in the Keystone state and was of German lineage, her parents hav- ing emigrated to this country from the fatherland. Mr. and Mrs. Ohmart had fifteen children, thir- teen of whom reached adult age. The mother lived to an advanced age, dying in the same country as her husband.
Both Mr. and Mrs. John H. Cooper are mem- bers of the Christian church, interested in its work and taking an active part in its development and progress. Mr. Cooper is a democrat and was township collector in 1873. He has also served as road commissioner and in all matters of citizen- ship is reliable and trustworthy. His Christian character, intelligent mind and enterprising habits have secured for him a high standing as a farmer and a citizen and won for him the respect of all who know him. Since his retirement from the more active labors of the farm he has spent sev-
eral winters in Texas, California and Colorado. In the family were four children, all of whom are yet living, and the parents both survive, their home being seven miles south of Pittsfield. George D. Cooper was educated in the common schools and in Pittsfield high school, being thus well equipped for life's practical and responsible . duties. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age and then removed to a farm which he purchased of his father in Martinsburg town- ship. He had already become familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops and when he removed to a farm of his own he brought to his work excellent experience and sound and discriminating judgment, so that as the . years passed he prospered in his undertakings. Upon the first farm he remained until 1890, when he bought the property upon which he now lives on section 29, Pittsfield township. Here he owns two hundred and five and a half acres of land constituting a splendid property, in the midst of which stands a fine two-story frame residence. In the rear are many good buildings including a barn and sheds for the shelter of grain and stock. His land is under a high state of cultivation and Mr. Cooper is well known as a stockman and an extensive shipper. He also owns one hundred and thirty-seven and a half acres of land adjoining the home farm which was given him by his father and from which he derives the income, but his father still holds the title to the property.
In July, 1879, occurred the marriage of George D. Cooper and Miss Addie L. Barton, who was born in Montgomery county, Missouri, in July, 1862, and was a daughter of M. A. and Mary F. Barton. The parents came to Pike county in 1864, locating in Martinsburg township, where they owned five hundred and fifty-eight acres of land. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have been born five children. Virgil N., born in 1881, married Grace R. West, by whom he has one son, Lindle. They reside upon a farm in Pittsfield township. Elsie W., born in February, 1883, is living at home. She was educated in the high school of Pittsfield and successfully engaged in teaching school for four years. Julia M. Cooper, born in January, 1885, was educated in the Pittsfield high school and is also at home. Emmett J., born March 24,
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1887, was a high-school student in Pittsfield. and is yet with his parents. Elma L., born June 10, 1894, completes the family.
Mr. and Mrs. Cooper hold membership in the Christian church and he belongs to Summer Hill camp, No. 1053, M. W. A. He also carries life insurance in the Northwestern Life Insurance Company. He votes with the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him and he has preferred to con- centrate his attention and energy upon his busi- ness interests. He has been very successful and now has a fine place. Moreover he is popular, be- ing well liked by all who know him, a fact which indicates that his life has shown those traits of character which everywhere command respect, confidence and good will. He represents one of the oldest pioneer families of Pike county and the name of Cooper has ever been a synonym for business activity and integrity and for good citizenship.
CHARLES SHADEL.
Charles Shadel, living in Pittsfield, is one of the active business men of the city where for thirty-five years he has carried on a meat mar- ket and a representative of business integrity as well as commercial enterprise. He dates his res- idence in the county from 1867 and, as the name indicates, he is a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in Wurtemberg, on the 9th of November, 1840. There he was reared to man- hood, receiving good educational privileges in his native town but in English he is self-educated. He learned the butcher's trade in his native land and for over fifty years has devoted his time and energies to the business, his success being due in no small measure to the fact that he has perse- vered in the line of business activity in which he embarked as a young tradesman. He emigrated to the new world in 1867, taking passage at Bre- men for New York and in the spring he came to Detroit, Michigan, arriving at his desti- nation on Easter Sunday He spent six months in Jackson, Michigan, and at Ann Arbor and la- ter made his way to Chicago, where he worked
in meat markets. In 1867 he arrived in Pitts- field and afterward spent one fall and winter in Milton. On the expiration of that period he re- moved to St. Joseph, Logan county, where he established a shop, conducting the business for about two years, when in 1871 he sold out and came to Pittsfield. Here he purchased a business and has since been a representative of the trade in the county seat. He had soon secured a good patronage and many of his patrons have given him their business support for years-a fact which indicates that his methods have ever been honorable and his dealings straightforward and reliable.
In 1872 Mr. Shadel was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Yaeger, a daughter of Andrew Yae- ger and a sister of John Yaeger who is men- tioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Shadel have nine children who are living: Laura, at home; Anna, the wife of Joseph Say- lor, of St. Louis, Missouri, who is with the Sim- mons Hardware Company; William, at home; Ida, a stenographer in Dallas City, Illinois ; Ro- sella, Albert, Helen, Flora and Frank, who are also under the parental roof. They also lost a daughter, Clara, who died at the age of six months.
Politically Mr. Shadel is a stanch democrat but has never had aspiration for office, giving his time and attention in undivided manner to his business interests in which he has met with grati- fying success. . He has erected his business house, which is a good brick block, and has also built an attractive residence in the town and in addition owns three other buildings here. He also owns two farms adjoining the corporate limits of the city, comprising one hundred and sixty acres in one and eighty acres in another. He commenced life empty-handed but has stead- ily progressed and his valuable property holdings are the visible evidence of his life of well directed and earnest effort crowned with successful ac- complishment. He belongs to the Masonic fra- ternity in which he has taken the degrees of the · lodge, chapter and commandery and for a num- ber of years has served as treasurer of both the lodge and chapter. He likewise belongs to Pitts- field lodge, I. O. O. F., and he and his wife are
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members of the Lutheran church, having been reared in that faith. They are highly esteemed and worthy residents of the community and Mr. Shadel stands as a splendid type of the German- American citizen who has brought to America the strong and commendable characteristics of his race, and through the improvement of oppor- tunity in the new world has steadily advanced, winning a competence and an honorable name. .
JAMES L. TERRY.
James L. Terry, whose life of activity has been crowned with success so that he is now living a retired life in Barry, is a native of Richmond, Virginia, his birth having occurred on the 17th of January, 1828. During his infancy his par- ents, Archibald and Nancy (Tombs) Terry, re- moved from the Old Dominion to Kentucky. They were also natives of Virginia, both born in 1799 and the father died in 1851, at the age of fifty-two years, while his wife passed away in 1846 .. They had been married in the state of their nativity and they reared a family of ten children, of whom James L. Terry is the only one now living. The father was a farmer by oc- cupation and following his removal to Kentucky in 1829 he there engaged in the tilling of the soil and raising of tobacco on an extensive scale. He was also active and influential in community af- fairs and served as constable for some time. He held membership in the Methodist church and his life was upright and honorable, being in strict conformity with his professions.
James L. Terry was practically reared in Ken- tucky, where he remained until 1848, when, at the age of twenty years, he came to Pike county, Illinois. Here he worked in a woolen mill for a year and he learned the carpenter's trade under the direction of his wife's father. Throughout the remainder of his business career he was identified with building operations and assisted in the construction of thirteen mills: He was also connected with the building of residences in his part of the county and on many sides are seen evidences of his handiwork and skill. To his
energy and capability in this direction is attribu- table the acquirement of a competence that now enables him to live retired.
On the 6th of November, 1851, Mr. Terry was united in marriage to Miss Alzina Liggett, who was born in Griggsville, August 9, 1835, and was a daughter of Alexander Blair and Mar- garet (Phillips) Liggett, the former a native of Dayton, Ohio, and the latter of Lexington, Ken- tucky. They were married in Griggsville and unto this union were born thirteen children, four of whom are now living, namely: Mrs. Alzina Terry ; George W. Liggett, who resides in Barry ; Mrs. Chloe Coleman, the wife of James Cole- man; and Mrs. Clara Tower, the wife of Joseph Tower. The father was a contractor and builder and at an early day engaged in building steam- boats as well as house building. In later years he engaged in the drug business in Kinderhook and throughout his life was an energetic, enterpris- ing citizen, whose activity contributed to the in- dustrial and commercial progress of the commu- nity in which he made his home. He belonged to Barry lodge, No. 34, A. F. & A. M., Barry chapter, No. 88, R. A. M., and also to the council. His early religious faith was that of the Metho- dist church but in later years he joined the Bap- tist church. Politically he was a democrat. He died very suddenly at Kinderhook in 1871, at the age of sixty-two years, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty years.
Mr. and Mrs. Terry have become the parents of ten children, eight of whom are now living : Helena, the wife of Dr. Watson, of Griggsville ; Lucile, who is living in St. Louis, Missouri ; Mrs. Margaret Yokem, who resides at Atlas, Illinois ; Eugene, living in Oklahoma; Mrs. Anna Meyer, of St. Louis ; George, of Barry; Alice, the wife of James B. Allen, of Denver, Colorado, and a member of the Eastern Star; and Frank, who is living in St. Louis.
James L. Terry votes with the democracy and held the office of assessor for seven consecutive years, while for two terms he was collector of Barry township. His fellow townsmen, recogniz- ing his worth and ability, called him to office and he proved most faithful to the trust reposed in him by reason of his prompt and capable dis-
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charge of duty. He, too, is a worthy and exem- plary Mason, belonging to Barry lodge, No. 34, A. F. & A. M., which he joined in 1849. He is now the oldest Mason in Barry, the lodge here having been organized in October, 1845. In 1850 he became a charter Mason of Barry chap- ter, No. 88, R. A. M. and for nineteen years he has been tyler of the lodge. He also held the same office in Eastern Star lodge. He is thor- oughly informed concerning the teachings of Masonry and in his life has displayed the spirit of brotherly kindness and mutual helpfulness which constitutes the basic elements in this or- organization. He has long since passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten, hav- ing in fact reached the seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey. In a review of his career we find many commendable qualities and personal traits which have made his life an upright one. He has displayed conscientious zeal and activity in citizenship and fidelity in friendship and now in the evening of life he receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one who has advanced thus far upon life's journey.
GEORGE E. PRATT.
George E. Pratt, who is now living retired, after close connection with industrial interests in which his indefatigable industry brought him a gratifying measure of success, makes his home in Griggsville in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. His birth occurred March 19, 1839, in the city which is still his home, his parents being George and Elizabeth (Wilson) Pratt, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts. The father was born in Cohasset, Massachusetts, August 5, 1812, and was descended from New England ancestors who settled in this country at an early period in its colonization, the first of the name in America be- ing Phineas Pratt, who crossed the Atlantic on the third ship which came to the new world after the Mayflower made the famous voyage in 1620. He had been armor bearer to the king. His son,
who also bore the name of Phineas Pratt, was a surveyor of the early government and a noted lawyer of his day. Zadoc Pratt was a descendant in direct line of 'Phineas Pratt, and his son was the distinguished Judge Pratt, of New York city.
Thomas Pratt, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a farmer in the old town of Co- hasset, Massachusetts, and in early manhood wedded Miss Betsy Neil .. They reared a family of twelve children, including Jobe Pratt, who became a farmer and lived and died on a tract of land given to him by his father at Cohasset. His wife bore the maiden name of Lucretia Oaks, and was a daughter of Haugh and Susan (Lath- rop) Oaks, the former a major in the Revolu- tionary war and afterward was commissioned in the navy. He became captain of a vessel and on one occasion captured a supply ship of the enemy, his portion of the salvage amounting to two thousand dollars. With this money he pur- chased a homestead. His wife was a daughter of Colonel Lathrop, also a Revolutionary officer. Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop, the maternal great- grandparents of Mr. Pratt, reared five daughters, three of whom married and settled in Vermont.
Jobe and Lucretia (Oaks) Pratt became the parents of five children, of whom George Pratt. father of our subject, was the third in order of birth. Of the others, James became a seaman and was promoted until he was an officer of a vessel when but twenty-one years of age and was master of a ship before he was thirty. He died at sea .. Sarah Pratt is the deceased wife of Thomas . Brown, of Cohasset, Massachusetts. Jobe was a mechanic in the service of the gov- ernment and made his home in Cambridge, Mas- sachusetts, up to the time of his death. Thomas Pratt is now living in Alabama. He was a gov- ernment official during the Civil war, was cap- tured by the rebels and being offered the posi- tion of nurse of the rebel prisoners on a parole he took care of a young man who proved to be the son of a rich planter and thus won the good graces of the family. They succeeded in obtain- ing the money which had been taken from him at the time of his capture and also hospitably entertained them in their home. He was a pris- oner of war for a long time but finally was ex-
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changed and came north, returning to the south some years later to engage in business.
After losing his first wife Jobe Pratt was married to Patience Cole, and they had one son, Harvey, who responded to the president's call for troops soon after the outbreak of the Civil war, serving in a Massachusetts regiment throughout the period of hostilities, taking part in many of the most sanguinary engagements. He was at one time wounded. He entered the service as a private but after being paroled be- came a non-commissioned officer. Prior to the war he engaged in farming and after his mili- tary experience turned his attention to speculat- ing and other business ventures.
George Pratt, father of George E. Pratt, ac- quired his education in the public schools of his native state and aided in the farm work until six- teen years of age, when he went to sea, spending, the succeeding six years on shipboard. He then located in Cambridgeport, Massachusetts, but in the spring of 1837 started for Alton, Illinois. He made the journey by stage to Albany, New York, by canal to Buffalo and thence by way of the Great Lakes to Chicago and by stage to his destination. It was his intention to engage in the pork and beef packing business in Alton but not being pleased with the city and its outlook he, came to Griggsville, Pike county, where he established a meat packing business, also doing his own cooperage. He here felled trees to make his barrels and formed and cut the hooppoles and he not only manufactured barrels for his own use but also sold to other packers. In 1845 he joined J. D. Battles in a mercantile enterprise and as he found opportunity made investment in real estate and before long became extensively en- gaged in buying and selling property, in making loans and buying bonds and other securities. He thus continued until about 1880, after which he retired from active life, enjoying a well earned rest throughout his remaining days.
In public affairs Mr. Pratt was quite, promi- nent, acting as supervisor for many years and do- ing effective service for the county as a member of the board. He was also county commissioner and acted on the school board for several years, discharging all his official duties with credit to
himself and satisfaction to his constituents. An active and earnest member of the Congregational church he served as deacon in Griggsville for many years, joining the church here on its or- ganization. He contributed most generously to its support and in fact was liberal in his dona- tions to all church and benevolent work. His political allegiance was given to the democracy until Abraham Lincoln became the candidate of the republican party, after which he espoused the principles of the latter organization. He died · May 25, 1893, in his eighty-first year, and thus passed away one of the honored pioneer resi- dents of the county whose labors contributed to public progress and improvement as well as to individual success. On the 12th of June, 1838. George Pratt had been united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth B. Wilson, the wedding taking place in Griggsville. Mrs. Pratt was a native of Boston, and died in March, 1849, leaving a son and daughter: George E., who is living re- tired in Griggsville; and Elizabeth, the wife of E. W. Plummer, of Scio, Rollins county, Kan- sas. After losing his first wife he was again married, Emeline J. Battles, a native of Boston, becoming his wife. She was a daughter of Dr. J. D. and Catherine (Johnson) Battles. Her death occurred June 28, 1868, and she is sur- vived by two sons: Albert J., now of Jackson- ville; and Franklin Pierce, of Griggsville. On the 18th of November,, 1869, Mr. Pratt married Miss Anna M. Tyler, a daughter of Aaron Ty-' ler, who was born in Bath, Maine, and passed away in July, 1887.
In the public schools of Griggsville George E. Pratt acquired his education and in his youth he learned the cooper's trade, thus working with his father until eighteen years of age, when he be- gan clerking in a store for seven dollars per month. He was advanced in recognition of his capability and faithful service until he was paid one hundred dollars per month. He continued in this business until 1880, when he went into business for himself. erecting one of the best store buildings in the town. This he still owns and he conducted his store until 1893. His part- ner. E. W. Baxter, died in 1892 and the 'follow- ing year Mr. Pratt retired from business and has
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since enjoyed a well earned ease. He is the vice president of the Griggsville National Bank, presi- dent of the Opera House Company, one of the directors of the Illinois Valley Fair Association, . and a trustee of the Griggsville cemetery but is not active in the management of any of these enterprises.
On the 23d of July, 1864, Mr. Pratt was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Bennett, who was born July 12, 1844, in New York, a daughter of Emanuel and Martha (Burdick) Bennett, the former a native of Maine and the latter of New York. Both are now deceased. The father came to Illinois at an early date, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Griggsville town- ship in the '40s. He purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and was one of the in- dustrious agriculturists and stock-raisers of the community, carefully managing his farming in- terests until within twenty years of his death, when he lived retired in Griggsville. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in politics was a democrat. His son, Dr. Mor- gan Bennett, now deceased, was a Methodist Episcopal minister. In his family were three sons and four daughters, of whom four are now living: Mrs. Pratt; Joseph, who married Ann Patton and resides in Griggsville; Lucy, who is the widow of Richard Wade and is living in Griggsville: and Minnie, the wife of William Russell. a resident of Denver, Colorado.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pratt have been born six children but only two are now living: Minnie A., born January 26, 1865, is the wife of M. M. Lasbury, of Griggsville. Fay M., born March 8, 1883, is the wife of Don C. Sanders, living in Fort Worth, Texas.
Mr. Pratt has served as alderman of Griggs- ville for twenty years, a record equalled by no other citizen, and it is safe to say that no one has rendered more effective and valuable service in behalf of community interests. He was also school director for twenty years. He holds membership in Griggsville lodge. No. 45, A. F. & A. M., and was made a Mason in 1863. For a long period he was treasurer of the lodge and has ever been most faithful to its teachings. In politics he has always been a democrat. A life
of activity has been crowned with a gratifying measure of success. He is wholly worthy, the respect which is freely tendered him and his name is synonymous with honorable dealing and with all that is beneficial to the city and county.
WILLIAM B. GRIMES.
Among the residents of Pittsfield who are thor- oughly acquainted with the development of Pike county and have been prominently associated with its progress and improvement for many years is William B. Grimes, at one time county judge for four years, having been elected in 1894. He has filled other public offices with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents and is one of the most prominent Masons of this part of the state. He took up his abode in Pike county when only eight years of age.
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