Past and present of Pike County, Illinois, Part 40

Author: Massie, Melville D; Clarke, (S.J.) Publishing Company, Chicago
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 760

USA > Illinois > Pike County > Past and present of Pike County, Illinois > Part 40

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No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for John Craven of this review during the period of his boyhood and youth. He worked in the fields and meadows through the summer months, and in the winter

seasons acquired a good practical education by at- tending the public schools. Soon after his mar- riage he began farming and stock-raising on his own account, and followed that business continu- ously until 1899, when he bought a home in the city of Griggsville, where he has since lived re- tired. In all of his farm work he was practical, energetic and enterprising, and his carefully di- rected labors brought him the competence that now enables him to rest from further business care.

Mr. Craven was married on the 12th of May, 1864, to Miss Henrietta George, who was born October 17, 1837, in London, England, a daugh- ter of Samuel and Mary (Granger) George. The father was born in Northamptonshire, England, in 1797, and was of Quaker parentage, while his wife was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1798. They were married in the city of London in 1825, and in 1847 came to the United States, leaving their native land on Christmas day as passengers on board a sailing vessel bound for New Orleans. Thence they proceeded up the Mississippi river to St. Louis and on to Griggsville Landing, in Pike county, being nine weeks on the way. They arrived in April and soon afterward located about a mile and a half west of Griggsville, where they lived for five years, after which they took up their abode on another farm about a mile and a half farther west, remaining there for seven years. On the expiration of that period Mr. George purchased a farm in Brown county, Illinois, upon which he carried on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, having a fine grade of cattle and hogs. For a long period he lived an active and enterprising life and then retired some years prior to his demise. He never cared for public office, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his business affairs. Both he and his wife were members of the Church of England; and his po- litical allegiance was given to the republican party. In their family were three children, all born in London: John, who was born in 1826, and is now living in Griggsville; Elizabeth, who was born in 1830 and died in 1860; and Mrs. Craven.

Unto our subject and his wife have been born six children : George, who died in infancy; Mary

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E., born in 1866; Annie, in 1869; Maud and Vir- ginia, twins, in 1873; and John, in October, 1876. This name has been handed down to the eighth generation in direct line. Mr. and Mrs. Craven hold membership in the Episcopal church; and in politics he is independent, voting for the candi- date whom he thinks best qualified for office with- out regard to party affiliation. For more than a half century Mr. Craven has lived in this county and throughout the period of his entire life cov- ering three score years and ten, has been a resi- dent of Illinois. While living the quiet life of the farmer, he has always kept in touch with the progress of events marking the history of his community and his country, and in local affairs has given his support to measures for the general good. His mind bears the impress of the early historic annals of the county, and he is familiar with the many changes that have brought about the present condition of advanced progress and prosperity in connection with the business life of Pike county.

ISAAC S. CONKRIGHT.

Isaac S. Conkright, proprietor of a grocery and confectionery store in Salem, also closely connected with agricultural interests in various departments and well known as a breeder of throughbred horses, was born September 28, 1838, on what is known as the Conkright place about a mile from his present home. His fa- ther, Isaac Conkright, Sr., was a native of Ken- tucky, and came to Illinois at an early day, set- tling upon the farm upon which the birth of our subject occurred. The paternal grandfather also bore the name of Isaac Conkright, and on coming to Pike county with his son Isaac, took up land from the government, which has since been in possession of the family. He was a factor in the pioneer development of this part of the state and aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present prosperity and progress of the county. Isaac Conkright, father of our subject, continued a resident of Pike county from the time of his arrival here in pioneer days until his de-

mise, and was regarded as one of the leading agriculturists and corn-raisers in this part of the state. He also owned somtė land in Kansas, and he found that through the utilization of his busi- ness opportunities he could secure a competence. Gradually he worked his way upward, becoming one of the substantial residents of this part of the state. In his family were six children, of whom three are now living: Isaac S., of this review; Mrs. Sarah Preble, who resides in New Salem; and Mrs. Elizabeth Doane, who is living in Colo- rado Springs, Colorado.

Isaac S. Conkright was educated in the com- mon schools of Pike county, and was reared to farm labor, early becoming familiar with the va- rious duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. For forty-five years he engaged in threshing. In 1866 he purchased his present home and has oc- cupied it continuously since. He owns two hun- dred and seventy-one acres of fine land under a high state of cultivation, the place being well improved with all modern equipments and acces· sories. He erected the residence and other build ings upon the place and has kept his farm in a splendid condition, embodying all the rules of the progressive agriculturist. He was extensively engaged in wheat-raising at an earlier day, but afterward turned his attention to the raising of stock, more particularly cattle and hogs. He op- erated a thresher, clover huller and feed mill and in this way added to his income as the years passed by. He is likewise well known as a breeder of horses and now owns two fine thoroughbred stallions, one Blackhawk and one Belgian. He is well known as a horse breeder, and in this branch of his business, as well as in other lines, has met with success. He also owns a grocery and confectionery store and ice cream parlor in New Salem, and is owner of the town hall there.

Mr. Conkright was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Bean, who was born upon the farm where she now resides. She is a daughter of John Bean, who came to Pike county with his father, and entered land from the government in pioneer times, this being the farm upon which Mr. and Mrs. Conkright now reside. They have two sons : John, who married Hannah Chaney and lives near his father; and Bert, who resides upon

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the homestead farm. He married Miss Nettie Slaughter, who died leaving four children, and he afterward wedded Lula, Harris. John Conkright has a family of six children.

In his political views Mr. Conkright is an earn- est and stalwart republican, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his en- ergies upon his business affairs. He and his wife are members of the Universalist church, of New Salem; and in the community where they reside they enjoy the confidence and good will of all with whom they have been associated through social or business relations. Mr. Conkright has never used tobacco in any form, and deserves much credit for what he has achieved. Realizing the truth of the ol'd Greek adage, "Earn thy re- ward: the gods give naught to sloth," he has labored persistently and energetically as the years have gone by, doing much hard work and thus gaining the success which always comes as tlie direct result of earnest purpose and energetic effort. He is widely known in the community and his many friends admire him for what he has accomplished as well as for · his commendable personal characteristics.

DAVID W. STONER.

David W. Stoner, who was for years one of the substantial farmers and business men of Pike county and now owns a well improved farm in Detroit township is a representative of the little band of pioneer settlers who are yet living to tell the tale of early experiences in this part of the state. He has lived within a mile and a quar -. ter of Detroit since 1843, and has therefore wit- nessed almost the entire growth and progress that has been made in this locality. A native of Eng- land, he was born in Yorkshire on the 22d of Oc- tober, 1831, and is a son of Thomas Stoner, who comes of a long line of Scotch ancestry. He was born, however, in England and was married there to Miss Anna Maria Waide, a native of England. Mr. Stoner was a miller by trade and in order to provide for his family followed that pursuit in his native country until after the

birth of five of his children. In 1843 he emi- grated to the new world, landing at New York, whence he made his way westward to Pike county, settling on a farm that is now owned by his son, David W. Stoner. He purchased one hundred and twenty acres of partially improved land and began the further development and culti- vation of this property. Later he removed to the village of Detroit, where his death occurred in 1878. His first wife died in 1861 and he after- ward married Gelina Staples.

David W. Stoner of this review is one of a family of three sons and one daughter. The first eleven years of his life were spent in his native country, and he then accompanied his par- ents on the voyage to the new world and was reared upon the old home farm in Detroit town- ship. As his age and strength permitted he as -. sisted in the arduous task of reclaiming the wild land for the uses of civilization and he shared with the family in the various hardships and trials incident to pioneer life. His educational privi- leges were necessarily limited, owing to the fact that this was a frontier district; but he has greatly broadened his knowledge since attaining man's estate. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until after he had attained his majority, and was then married in Griggsville on the Ist of December, 1853, to Miss Maria Dean, a native of Connecticut, and a daughter of Hiram L. Dean, who was born and reared in that state. He was also married there to Miss Wealthy M. Saunders, a native of the same place. In 1836 Mr. Dean caine to Pike county, being one of the first settlers to aid in the reclamation of a wild and unimproved region. Mrs. Stoner was reared and educated here. In the course of years Mr. Stoner of this review succeeded to the old homestead farm, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits for several years. In 1867 he removed to Polk county, Wisconsin, in order to improve his health, making his way to the pineries. He benefited by the change, and in 1868 he returned to Pike county, where he em- barked in merchandising in Detroit. After two years' connection with this business he resumed agricultural pursuits where he farmed until 1883, when he removed to Detroit and purchased resi-

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dence property, adding to and remodeling his house and now has a good home, where he lives retired.

Mr. and Mrs. Stoner had five children, of whom one son, George, died at the age of thirteen years, his death being occasioned by an accident. Anna is the wife of Charles Sneeden, who is op- erating the old home farm; and they have five children. Emma is with her parents. Mary died at the age of sixteen years. They also had one child who died in infancy.

Politically Mr. Stoner has been a lifelong democrat, having supported the party since cast- ing his first presidential ballot for Franklin Pierce in 1852. While living on the farm he served as highway commissioner and also as su- pervisor for one year after which he resigned. He has also been a believer in good schools and the employment of good teachers, and has been an advocate of substantial and practical progress. His wife and daughter are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal church. For over sixty years Mr. Stoner has made his home in Pike county and is numbered among the few remaining old settlers. He is a gentleman of broad integrity and of sterling character and worth and he has witnessed the many changes that have occurred, his mind bearing the impress of the early his- toric annals of the state. He also deserves con- siderable credit for what he has accomplished in the business world for he started out empty- handed and is today in possession of a handsome competence, which now enables him to rest in the enjoyment of a well earned ease.

THOMAS SHOEMAKER.

Thomas Shoemaker, for many years a most prominent and honored citizen of Griggsville, so interwove his interests with those of the city and so endeared himself to his fellow townsmen that his death came as a personal bereavement to the great majority of those who had been associated with him in social, business or church relations. He was born on the 7th of September, 1840, in Pahaquary, New Jersey, his parents being Ben-

jamin T. and Ila (Howell) Shoemaker, both of whom were natives of New England, and the father followed farming in Sussex county, New Jersey, before his removal to Illinois. He was born February 10, 1812, and it was on the 13th of November, 1834, that he wedded Miss Ila Howell, whose birth had occurred January 18, 1809. She died May 3, 1860, and on the 4th of March, 1863, he married Mrs. Ellen (Voorhees) Felmly, of Somerville, New Jersey, who now makes her home in Perry. In 1868 he emigrated westward to Illinois, where he followed the occupation of farming and stock-raising. He was a strong tem- perance man and delivered many lectures in sup- port of temperance principles. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church in Perry and his political allegiance was given to the republican party. Unto Mr. Shoemaker and his first wife there were born seven children, of whom only one is now living, Mrs. E. S. Hoyt, whose husband is cashier of the Griggsville Na- tional Bank. By the second marriage there were four children, all residents of Perry.

Thomas Shoemaker spent his youth upon the home farm in Sussex county, New Jersey, and at the age of eighteen years began teaching, which profession he followed for two years. On the ex- piration of that period he responded to the coun- try's call for aid and enlisted in Company I of the Seventh Regiment of New Jersey Volunteers, which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. For three years he endured the hardships and dan- gers meted out to a soldier and took part in a number of important engagements but came out of the service without wounds. He was in the ' battle of Malvern Hill, the second battle of Bull Run, Bristow Station, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, the second battle of Petersburg and Appomattox. He was also in many minor engagements, skirmishes and raids and though he was never wounded his health was greatly impaired by his arduous service and in fact he never regained his former state of vigor- ous manhood.

Not long after the close of the war Mr. Shoe- maker came to Pike county, Illinois, settling in Perry in 1866. There he secured a position in the drug store of Freeman & Dunn and later en-

THOMAS SHOEMAKER

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

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tered into partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. Freeman, which connection was continued until 1872, when Mr. Shoemaker came to Griggsville and from that time until his death his name was a familiar one in commercial circles in this city. He established a store here and continued its con- duct with gratifying success up to the time of his demise. His unusual executive ability, thorough- ness, public spirit and generosity were character- istics which gave him prominence in the com- munity. The Independent Press of Griggsville said of him : "For many years Mr. Shoemaker has been one of Griggsville's foremost citizens, pro- gressive and zealous in business, honored and be- loved in society and ever among the foremost in promoting the public welfare. Few among our citizens have had more devoted friends, and among them he was ever a leader and influential counselor. While he was a close and aggressive business man, and thoroughly looked after the many details of his extensive interests, yet in all public enterprises he was generous and public spirited. He gave freely both of his time and money to religious interests and to all public en- terprises that seemed for the good of the com- munity. In forwarding its material interests, in providing suitable accommodations for public gatherings, in ministering to the intellectual de- velopment of our people, and in practical charity he was always a leader and a generous contrib- utor. Though a reticent .man, his friendships were strong and lasting, and those who were most closely associated with him in business, by the campfire or in social life will miss his helpful com- panionship. Self-control was possibly his strong- est element of character. In all the storm and stress of life, no matter what the provocation, he never lost command of himself, and his unfailing serenity, reasonableness and charity won for him the sincere respect of all."

It was on the 16th of March, 1870, that Mr. Shoemaker was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Vertrees, of Perry, a daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Hobbs) Vertrees, both of whom were na- tives of Kentucky, but were married in Illinois. The father came to this state at an early-day, set- tling in Perry township upon the present site of the village of Perry and there he built the first

house. He was a carpenter by trade and followed that pursuit for a number of years, erecting many buildings in Perry and throughout the surround- ing district. He also bought a farm which he im- proved, transforming the place into a tract of rich fertility, and he carried on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising up to within ten years of his death. He held many public offices and was widely recognized as one of the leading, influen- tial and honored residents of Perry township. He took a very active and helpful interest in temper- ance work, was a member of the Sons of Temper- ance, and both he and his wife were devoted mem- bers of the Baptist church. His political alle- giance, was given to the whig party.

Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker had two children but their son Winfred met a tragic death in 1899. He was married November 8, 1894, to Miss Mary Alice Hoyt, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Hoyt, of Griggsville, and at his death he left two children, Charles Hoyt and Katrina, who re- side with their mother in Griggsville. The daugh- ter, Louise, was married October 9, 1901, to Ar- thur Warren Butterfield, of Griggsville, who now has charge of the store owned by Mrs. Shoe- maker.

While a member of the army Mr. Shoemaker also became a member of the church, uniting with the Presbyterian church at Somerville, New Jer- sey. In 1872 he became a member of the Con- gregational church in Griggsville and he was ever one of its faithful, generous and influential repre- sentatives. He likewise belonged to Griggsville lodge, No. 45, A. F. & A. M., and he was held in the highest esteem by his brethren in the craft as well as in the church. As he found opportunity he traveled quite widely for enlightenment and pleasure and, accompanied by his wife, he several times visited his native state, also traveled through Colorado, California and other parts of the west. He thus broadened his knowledge, gaining that comprehensive culture which only travel can bring. He stood as a high type of American man- hood, quick to recognize the good in others and exemplyfying in his own life those sterling traits of character which everywhere command respect and confidence. He passed away January 7, 1903, when in the sixty-third year of his age, and his

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death was deeply deplored because he had many warm friends who missed his kindly companion- ship, his wise counsel and his helpful spirit. Most of all his death was felt in his own household for the best traits of character were reserved his own family.

EDWARD L. CLAYTON.

Edward L. Clayton has been manager of the Pike County Telephone Company since its or- ganization in 1898, and has displayed excellent business ability in its control. He is one of the native sons of the county, born in Pittsfield on the 2d of March, 1867, his parents being Wil- liam H. and Helena. (Dillingham) Clayton, in whose family were five children, Edward L. being the youngest. The others were: Julia B., William M., Fred H. and Nettie M. Clayton, all of whom are living with the exception of. Nettie, who died in May, 1885. The father was one of the pioneer residents of Pike county, contributed to its commercial development and for many years was actively engaged in the hardware busi- ness in Pittsfield. He died November 6, 1902, and is still survived by his wife, who is yet living in Pittsfield at the advanced age of seventy-three years.

Edward L. Clayton is indebted to the public- school system of Pittsfield for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and which qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. He learned the tinner's trade after putting aside his text-books and was thus engaged for ten years. He then came to Milton as manager for W. H. Clayton & Sons, dealers in hardware, occupying that position for seven years, on the expiration of which period the firm sold out to S. S. Landess. He is now one of the members of the Clayton Hardware Company of Pittsfield and for two years before severing his connec- tion with the hardware trade in Milton he was connected with the telephone company and for the past three or four years. has devoted his entire attention to the management of the business, which under his capable control has steadily grown until telephones have been installed in al-

most every business house on its lines and in many private residences as well.

Mr. Clayton has been married twice. He first wedded Lillie M. Petty and unto them was born a son, Carroll L. Clayton. The wife and mother died August 27, 1897, and Mr. Clayton was married on the 28th of November, 1899, to Dora O. Anthony, a daughter of James C. and Cathar- ine (Jenkins) Anthony. Her father died in April, ' 1903, and the mother is now living in Bethel, Illinois. Mr. Clayton belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to the Modern Woodmen camp and he is honored and respected as a business man of ability, whose advancement and success are attributable entirely to his own efforts. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Clayton is the center of a cultured society circle in Milton and the number of their friends is constantly growing.

JOHN E. DINSMORE.

On the roster of county officials in Pike county appears the name of John E. Dinsmore, who in 1904 was elected to the position of circuit clerk and who in the discharge of his duties has proved a capable and reliable official. He was born in Hardin township, June 13, 1859, his parents being John C. and Priscilla (Barney) Dinsmore. The father was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, in 1822 and when four years of age was brought to Scott county, Illinois, by his parents, who about 1830 removed to Pike county. The father engaged in farming in Hardin township, where he owned a good tract of land, and he also de- voted his attention to raising stock. His business interests were capably managed and he continued to reside upon his farm until his death, which occurred February, 16, 1874. His widow still survives him and is now living in Jacksonville, Illinois, at the age of seventy-three years. When he arrived in Pike county he purchased raw land, which he cultivated and improved, and in due course of time he had developed excellent farming property. He had served in the Mexican war, for which he was given land warrants which he traded for a half section of land. In 1849 he

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went to California, making the overland trip with a company from St. Joseph, Missouri. There were four Dinsmore brothers in the party, but two of them died while on the Pacific coast. Mr. Dinsmore of this review spent a year and a half in California, from 1849 until 1851, and in his mining operations there he was quite successful, arriving home with a goodly sum of money. The return trip was made by way of the Isthmus of Panama. At the time of the Civil war he again responded to his country's call, and in 1863 raised a company of which he was commissioned captain, it being Company E, Ninety-ninth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. He served until he was forced to resign on account of ill health. During his two years' service in the Mexican war he was under command of Colonel Hardin, of Jack- sonville, Illinois, who fell into Mr. Dinsmore's arms when he was shot and died in that way. Mr. Dinsmore was a democrat in his political views and at one time was a candidate for sheriff of Pike county. He served for some time as town- ship supervisor and filled other township offices. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church and were people of the highest respectability, enjoying in large measure the friendship and regard of those with whom they were associated. In their family were eleven children, of whom seven reached years of ma- turity : Virginia, who is engaged in the practice of medicine at Jacksonville, Illinois; Tilla, also residing in that city; Alfred A., who is in the west; John E .; Dora, who died when seventeen years of age; George, a practicing physician of Jacksonville; and J. W., who is a member of the medical fraternity at Nebo, Illinois.

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Past and present of Pike County, Illinois, Part 40

Author: Massie, Melville D; Clarke, (S.J.) Publishing Company, Chicago Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 760

Author: Massie, Melville D; Clarke, (S.J.) Publishing Company, Chicago
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 760