USA > Illinois > Pike County > Past and present of Pike County, Illinois > Part 53
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thought, always clear, logical and as brief as the character of the case will permit.
On the Ist of January, 1890, Judge Bradburn was married to Miss Martha Belle Moyer, a native of this county and a daughter of the late Solomon Moyer, of Barry, a pioneer of Pike county and a prominent citizen. Judge and Mrs. Bradburn have two children : Mamie Lenore, born January 3, 1894; and Terrill Moyer, born November 27, 1896. Both are attending the Pittsfield schools. The parents are members of the Christian church and socially Judge Bradburn is a Mason, belong- ing to the lodge and chapter at Pittsfield.
JOSHUA KING SITTON.
Joshua King Sitton is a representative of one of the early families of Pike county and has not only witnessed its entire growth but has been an important factor in developing its agricultural in- terests. . His pioneer labors were well rewarded and his activity continued in later years with gratifying success until he is now living in hon- orable retirement from further business cares in a comfortable home in Pittsfield. Moreover he is a veteran of the Civil war, in which he fought bravely for the defense of the Union.
A native of Missouri, Mr. Sitton was born in Lincoln county on the 25th of November, 1824. His father, Jesse Sitton, was for a number of years a minister of the Baptist church. His birth occurred in Virginia, on the IIth of March, 1783, and he died in Detroit township, Pike county, on the Ist of November, 1832. The history of the family, however, can be traced still further back, for Joseph Sitton, the grandfather, was a native of Scotland. He served as a soldier of the Revo- lutionary war and for a short time was held as a prisoner. Following the close of hostilities he continued to live in the new world and died at an advanced age in Missouri. Rev. Sitton was also a soldier, rendering active service to his country in the war of 1812. He had removed from his old home in Virginia to Tennessee and in the latter state enlisted. He won promotion to the rank of orderly sergeant and continued with the army un-
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til after the cessation of hostilities. In 1816 he removed from Tennessee to Lincoln, Missouri, be- ing one of the early settlers of the locality, where he lived for twelve years upon a farm. He then came to Pike county in 1828 and was one of the pioneers of Detroit township, but his career of activity and usefulness was cut short by his death, which occurred when he was a comparatively young man. In early life he had married Miss Sallie Haney, who was born in Virginia, October 24, 1788, and died in 1851, in Pike county, Illi- nois. She was a daughter of James Haney, a native of Scotland. Twelve children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Sitton, namely: Terrell P., Eliza P., William H., Jehu, Anna M., Jeffrey B., Caroline, Joshua K., Lydia K. and Linnie A., twins, Felix G. and Jesse B. Only one brother of our subject is now living-Jeffrey B. Sitton, who resides in Detroit township.
Joshua Sitton was but four years of age when brought by his parents from his birthplace in Mis- souri to Pike county. His education was ac- quired in the early schools of Detroit township, which he attended through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked upon the farm, aiding in reclaiming the tract of wild land for cultivation. He was married on the 6th of October, 1847, to Miss Mary A. Heavener, a na- tive of Sangamon county, this state, born in 1831, and a daughter of Jacob Heavener, one of the early settlers of Illinois. Her father was a close friend of Abraham Lincoln, who was his captain during his services in the Black Hawk war. Mrs. Sitton had four brothers who were soldiers of the Civil war: John, who also served in the Mexican war ; William, who was killed in the battle ; James D., and Thomas. All are now deceased. She has three living sisters: Mrs. Emily Hanley, who re- sides with Mr. and Mrs. Sitton; Mrs. Nancy Goble, of Detroit township, this county ; and Mrs. Irene Owenby, of San Francisco, California.
Following his marriage Mr. Sitton took his bride to the old homestead farm, which had come into possession of his father when the country was new and unsettled. The tract comprised eighty acres of rich land and through years of hard toil, guided by sound judgment, he added annually to his capital and thereby was enabled to increase
his landed possessions until at one time he owned three hundred and ten acres of choice land. He still owns two hundred and fifty acres, constitut- ing a valuble and well improved farm, which is under a high state of cultivation and is equipped with an excellent set of farm buildings. While living on this place Mr. Sitton gave much atten- tion to stock-raising and his labors were well re- warded, so that he became one of the moneyed · men of his township. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sitton was blessed with six children, of whom two are yet living: Lizzie, born in 1855, was married, January 20, 1872, to Daniel Hayes and had two children: Maud, now the wife of Ross Shaw, a resident of Pittsfield ; and Harry, who is married and lives in Detroit, Oregon. Aft- er losing her first husband Mrs. Hayes was mar- ried, in June, 1880, to Frank Sanderson, and they have five children: Lottie, the wife of Roy Ful- liner, of Detroit township; Jesse, at home; Leta, the wife of Lee Heavener, of East St. Louis, Illi- nois; Mary and Joshua, who are also at home. Nettie, the second living daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sitton, is the wife of R. T. Smith, of De- troit township, and they have four children, all at home: J. Wesley, Sallie, Leland and Russell.
Jesse F. Sitton, a son of our subject, died in San Jose, California, October 3, 1887. He mar- ried Eva G. Benedict and they had one son, Louis T., who was born July 15, 1876, and married Pearl Young, of Newton, Kansas, by whom he has had two children, Jesse J. and Myrtle E. This family make their home near San Jose, California.
In the year 1849 Mr. Sitton, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, crossed the plains to the Pacific coast with an ox-team, being about five and a half months on the way. He worked in the mines for a year and then returned home by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New Or- leans. His attention was then given uninterrupt- edly to farm work until 1862, when he volun- teered for service in defense of the Union, dis- playing the same patriotic spirit that was mani- fest by his father and grandfather. He became a member of Company C, Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry, under command of Colonel G. W. K. Bailey. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee and took part in many important
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battles, Mr. Sitton being under fire at the en- gagements of Magnolia Hill, Black River and Raymond. He was also present at the siege of Vicksburg and while in an engagement at that place was wounded in the hip, which disabled him for further field service and he was then discharged on the 6th of February, 1864. During his service he was promoted from the rank of first lieutenant to that of quartermaster, in which capacity he served for about six months. This came to him after he was wounded and no longer able to do active work on the field, but at length his wound caused his resignation.
Mr. Sitton has held many important offices of trust in Pike county, serving as justice of the peace, township enumerator and as school director. In politics he was originally a whig and cast his first ballot for Zachary Taylor, but since the or- ganization of the republican party he has given to it strong and unfaltering allegiance. Mr. and Mrs. Sitton are earnest Christian people and since 1871 have been consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In August, 1887, they re- moved to Pittsfield and he purchased a comfort- able residence which they are now occupying.
His rest is well merited because his, life has been well spent and in his business affairs he dis- played both industry and integrity. He com- mands the unqualified regard and trust of those with whom he has come in contact and his cir- cle of friends is an extensive one.
GEORGE P. PRIESTLEY.
George P. Priestley, one of the early settlers of Pike county and a veteran of the Civil war, has for years been a prosperous farmer and stock- raiser in this portion of the state, his labors being carefully directed by sound judgment. He dates his residence here from 1859 and he claims Eng- land as the land of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Lincolnshire on the 7th of October, 1841. His father, the Rev. Frederick Priestley, was also a native of England, descended from a long line of English and Irish ancestry. He was reared in the land of his birth and became a local
minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. By trade he was a bricklayer and plasterer. Think- ing to enjoy better business opportunities in the new world and thus provide a more comfortable living for his family, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1851, settling first in Arkan- sas. A few years later, in 1858, he came to Pike county, Illinois, taking up his abode in Pleasant · Hill, where he worked at his trade. He became widely known by reason of his industrial interests and also through his work as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and he was held in the highest esteem and regard by all. He spent his last years in this county and died about 1895. His wife still survives him and is now a well preserved old lady of eighty-three years.
George P. Priestley spent the first seventeen years of his life in the county of his nativity and was connected with the poultry business. He is largely a self-educated man, and his advance- ment in business circles is due entirely to his own labor and thrift. He came to Illinois in 1859, joining his father at Pleasant Hill and soon after- ward he entered the employ of Perry Wells. For several years he was employed by the month as a farm hand and on the 7th of August, 1861, in response to the call of his adopted country for aid. he joined the army, enlisting as a member of Company C, Tenth Missouri Infantry. The regi- ment was sent to Missouri and afterward to the south and Mr. Priestley participated in the siege of Corinth and the battle of Iuka. About that time he was taken ill and sent to the hospital at Keokuk, Iowa, from which he was discharged on account of disability in 1863.
When he had sufficiently recovered Mr. Priest- ley returned home and continued to work for a year or two by the month. He was married in Pike county on the Ist of January, 1865, to Mrs. Mary J. Wells, a widow, the wedding being cele- brated in Pleasant Hill township. They settled upon a farm in this township and for two years Mr. Priestley engaged in the cultivation of that tract of land, comprising seventy-five acres. Dur- ing that time he lost his first wife and on the 19th of November, 1866, he was again married in Pleasant Hill township, his second union being with Sarah J. Mills, who was born at Clarksville,
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Missouri, but was reared in this county. After renting land for a time Mr. Priestley invested his savings in a farm in Martinsburg township about five miles south of Pittsfield, this place compris- ing one hundred and forty acres. He located thereon and carried on general agricultural pur- suits for thirty-two years. His land was placed under a high state of cultivation and the fields returned good harvests. In connection with gen- eral agricultural pursuits he carried on stock- raising, having cattle, sheep and hogs, which he fattened for the market. At length he sold his farm and in 1900 removed to Pleasant Hill, where he yet resides. He was a practical fruit-grower and upon his farm had a thrifty orchard .. In all of his work he was energetic and persevering, realizing that persistent labór is the basis of all desirable success.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Priestley have been born three children, of whom two are living: Mrs. William Edmonds, who resides at Pleasant Hill ; and Frederick, who is married and operates his father's farm in Ross township, a place compris- ing nearly two hundred acres of land with about one hundred and seventy acres under the plow. They also lost one son, Charles P. Priestley, who was married and died May 3, 1904, at the age of thirty-six years.
Mr. Priestly proudly cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1864 and has usually voted with the republican party since that time. He has served as road overseer and has done effective service in improving the condition of the roads. A believer in good schools, he has labored earnestly to advance the cause of educa- tion during his nine years' service as a school di- rector. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Priestley having been connected therewith for over forty years. In church work he takes an active and helpful part and has served as trustee and steward. He likewise belongs to the Grand Army post at Sum- mer Hill. For nearly half a century he has made his home in Pike county and has helped to im- prove it and make it what it is today. Although he commenced life a poor man at the lowest round of the ladder he steadily climbed upward until he reached the plane of affluence. He has
accumulated valuable property, comprising a large and well improved farm and a good home in Pleasant Hill. He fought for the old flag of the Union and his is an honored name in the land of his adoption.
CAPTAIN BENJAMIN B. HOPKINS.
Captain Benjamin B. Hopkins, who has de- voted his life to agricultural pursuits with the re- sult that his labors have been crowned with a well earned and gratifying measure of success, now makes his home on section 29, Griggsville township, where he has excellent farming inter- ests. He is a native of London, England, born on the 2d of January, 1838, and represents one of the old families of that country. His paternal grandfather, Robert H. Hopkins, was born not far from the city of London and spent his active life in County Kent, where he was accidentally killed by a falling tree. His wife survived him for some years, reaching the age of seventy. Their son, Robert Hopkins, father of our subject, was born in County Kent, England, but made his home through most of his life in the city of London. In his youth he learned the trade of a silk weaver, which he followed for some years and then became a confectioner, continuing in that line of business up to the time of his demise. He married Miss Matilda Bazim, who was a native of London but was of French parentage and was descended from Huguenot ancestry. Mr. Hopkins died when sixty-five years of age and his wife passed away in 1888, when about seven- ty-six years of age. They were devoted members of the Wesleyan Methodist church. They had a family of three sons and five daughters, of whom five are living.
Captain Benjamin B. Hopkins, who was the second in order of birth and is the only repre- sentative of the family in America, spent the first fourteen years of his life in his native country and then crossed the ocean as a passenger on the ship Petersburg, which weighed anchor on the 22d of September, 1852. He landed at New Or- leans and then came up the Mississippi and Illi-
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nois rivers to Griggsville Landing, Illinois. His capital was extremely limited and the necessity of providing for his own support caused him at once to seek employment as a farm hand. Later he was employed as a government teamster on the plains and his experiences included all the priva- tions and dangers incident to such a life. He frequently met Indians on his trips but usually found them friendly and he was careful not to arouse their hostility. Following his return to Illinois Captain Hopkins responded to the coun- try's call for aid, enlisting on the 5th of Septem- ber, 1861, as a member of Company D, Fifth Illi- nois Cavalry under command of Colonel Upde- graff, who was afterward succeeded by Hall Wil- son, while Colonel John L. McConnell was the. third in charge of the regiment. In December, 1862, Captain John A. Harvey, who up to that time had commanded Company D, was succeeded by Captain Hopkins, who held the position until ill health compelled his resignation in August, 1864. He led his troops in many a hotly con- tested engagement, inspiring his men by his own valor and loyalty. He served at Vicksburg and other places, acting as a scout and on outpost duty for some time. Although he was often in the thickest of the fight he was never wounded but on one occasion was injured' by falling through a bridge. However, the hardships and rigors of war undermined his health and eventu- ally compelled his resignation.
Again taking up his , abode in Pike county, Captain Hopkins began farming and stock-raising and has since given his energies to this business. He has been the owner of valuable land and still has a fine farm on sections 29 and 32, Griggs- ville township. Upon the place are good build- ings, well tilled fields and modern equipments, and orchards and groves add to the value and attractive appearance of the place.
In 1864 Captain Hopkins was married to Miss Ann Simpkin, a daughter of Thomas and Ann (Wharton) Simpkin, who were natives of York- shire, England. They were married, however, in Pike county, Illinois, to which place the mother had gone in her girlhood days with her parents. When a young man Thomas Simpkin sought a home in the new world, settling first in Morgan
county, west of Jacksonville. After some years he came to Pike county, taking up his abode on a slightly improved tract of land in Griggsville township and to the further development of the farm he gave his attention. At length he sold that place and bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 28, Griggsville township. In 1859 he returned to his native country, where he died a year later at the age of fifty-two years. In politics he was a Douglas democrat and a friend of the renowned statesman whose princi- ples he advocated, Mr. Douglas often being en- tertained in Mr. Simpkin's home. Following her husband's death Mrs. Simpkin spent most of her time with her children and passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Lasberry, in 1886. She was a member of the Episcopal church. In the family were five children: Vincent, who died in childhood; Sarah, the wife of John Las- berry; Mrs. Hopkins; Mary, the widow of Ed- win Hitch; and Lovina, the deceased wife of Monroe Yates. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins 'have been born eight children, of whom two died in infancy: The others are: Margaret L., Sarah L., Matilda, Benjamin B., Robert A. and Ann S.
Captain Hopkins îs a member of Griggsville lodge, No. 45, A. F. & A. M., having been made a Mason on the 15th of July, 1873. He belongs to Union chapter, No. 10, R. A. M., of. Pittsfield, and Ascalon commandery, No. 49, K. T. Both he and his wife are members of the Episcopal church and Captain Hopkins votes with 'the de- mocracy. He has served as vice president and a director of the Pike County Fair Association and has done much for this institution; which has been a factor in stimulating ambition and effort in behalf of agricultural development in this part of the state.
GEORGE W. WITHAM.
George W. Witham, who for many years was a representative of mercantile interests in Perry but is now living a retired life, found in an active business career that energy and determination constitute the basis of success rather than genius or any fortunate combination of circumstances.
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His life record began at Withamville, Ohio, Feb- ruary 7, 1834, his parents being Nathaniel and Jemima (Lane) Witham, who were married on the 22d of November, 1805. The father was born at Freiburg, Maine, in May, 1785, while the mother's birth occurred in North Carolina, De- cember 12, 1789. They became the parents of twelve children, of whom George W. is the youngest, and eleven of the number reached years of maturity. The father removed to Ohio with his parents in 1800 and engaged in merchandis- ing there and also owned two farms from which he derived a good income. He died July 25, 1847, at the age of sixty-two years, while his wife passed away on the 28th of January, 1842.
George W. Witham was fifteen years of age at the time of his father's demise. His youth was passed upon the home farm and he supple- mented his early education by study in Clermont Academy in Ohio. He was married when twenty- one years of age and, having acquired a liberal education, he afterward devoted twelve or thir- teen years to school-teaching, which he followed through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he gave his attention to farming. He was a capable educator and taught for nine years in one district, his services giving entire satisfac- tion throughout the community. In 1864, how- ever, he sold his farm and entered the employ of A. S. Whittaker & Company at Barry, Illinois, with whom he remained for ten years. He then formed a partnership with D. S. Rickett and later bought his partner's interest. He was then alone in business until 1898, when he turned his store over to his son and daughter and is now living a retired life. He made a creditable record in busi- ness as a thoroughly reliable merchant who was honorable in his dealings and put forth every le- gitimate effort to increase his trade, thereby win- ning a gratifying measure of prosperity.
On the 28th of October, 1855, Mr. Witham was married to Miss Mary Ann Downer, of New Salem. Her parents, George W. and Sarah (Mills) Downer, were married December 16, 1838. Both were natives of Pennsylvania and the former died in 1857, while the latter passed away at the age of seventy-eight years. In their fam- ily were five children, all of whom have passed
away with the exception of Mrs. Witham. Her father. devoted his attention to general agricul- tural pursuits in Ohio until 1851, when he re- moved to Pike county, Illinois, settling in New Salem. He afterward purchased a farm in Fair- mount township, but his death occurred in New Salem. Mrs. Witham was born February 19, 1841, and with her parents same to Illinois in a prairie schooner, being sixteen days upon the road. Mr. and Mrs. Witham have become the parents of seven children, of whom six are now living: Charles J., who was born January II, 1857, died August 28, 1865. Collins M., born November 20, 1859, and now living at Perry, wedded Mary Lee and has three children. Effie E., born September 3, 1862, is the wife of 'Wil- liam Hardy, of St. Louis, Missouri, and has one child. Ellen S., born September 16, 1864, mar- ried Russell Dunston, of Baylis, and they have two children. Sarah, born May 16, 1867, is the wife of James Akins. Joseph M., born June 22, 1871, married Alice Smith, who died after two years and he later wedded Mary E. Winter- botham. Harvey D., born February 1, 1874, married Myrtle Walker, who died leaving three children and later he wedded Minnie Randall.
Mr. Witham was appointed township treasurer and filled that position for more than . thirty years, when he resigned. He was also township collector and treasurer for one term and in the discharge of his official duties was ever prompt and faithful, recognizing his obligations to citi- zenship. He belongs to Perry lodge, No. 95, A. F. & A. M., and to the Modern Woodmen camp of Pittsfield. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party and he is ever fearless in defense of whatever he believes to be right.
CHARLES P. ROBB.
Charles P. Robb, a prominent representative of real-estate interests living in Pleasant Vale town- ship, was born on the 3Ist of August, 1855, about a mile and a half west of Pleasant Hill in Pike county. He was the eldest of the five sons of
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Randolph and Elizabeth Robb and is the only one now living. His parents were natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively and they moved from their Pleasant Hill farm to Kinderhook township in January, 1867. The mother died in September of the same year and the father was afterward again married in' 1872. At that time he decided to sell out and remove to Kansas and Charles P. Robb, not desiring to go to the west, watched his chance and ran away from home. He afterward went to live with an uncle, James Demoin, who took a great interest in him and sent him to school, so that he acquired a good English edu- cation, displaying a special aptitude in his studies. He afterward engaged in teaching school in the winter and farmed in the summer up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated on the 26th of March, 1879. Miss Sarah Mygatt, the young- est daughter of Joseph and Mary Mygatt became his wife.
The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm in Kinderhook township, where Mr. Robb carried on general agricultural pursuits un- til March 1, 1883, when he removed to Pleasant Vale township, where he purchased the farm which had been the childhood home of his wife. Through his excellent management and keen judgment as a farmer and dealer in stock he was soon able to pay for his farm and also have some surplus capital. In 1889 he was appointed agent for Colonel Price, of Quincy, Illinois, to have charge of and look after all of his lands in Pike and Adams counties. To this work he assiduous- ly applied himself and gained much of the expe- rience which has contributed so largely to his success as a land dealer in later life.
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