USA > Illinois > Pike County > Past and present of Pike County, Illinois > Part 57
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youngest of the family and died June 10, 1882. He was married November 18, 1847, to Drusilla Orr and they had six children.
George Wike, the third son of George and Polly (Essig) Wike, remained with his mother about six months after the death of his father and then made a trip through Canada, where he re- mained eight months, visiting many points of scenic interest, including Niagara Falls. He then returned to Pennsylvania, where after spending a short time with his mother he bound himself for two years to complete his knowledge of the manufacture of woolen goods.' He then joined his brother in the manufacture of woolen goods in Pennsylvania and after about three years they. removed to Erie, Pennsylvania, where they car- ried on business for four years. In. 1838 they sold out there and came to Illinois, settling in Adams county, where they continued in the same business for six years, at the end of which time they disposed of their interests in Adams and re- moved to Barry township, Pike county, where George Wike erected a large and well equipped building, in which he began the manufacture of woolen goods on an extensive scale. This was the first establishment of the kind ever started in Pike county and Mr. Wike was the first person who ever started a spinning machine of any kind in the state of Illinois. He continued in ac- tive connection with the business up to the time of his demise, being extensively and successfully engaged in the manufacture of high grade woolen goods. He was the principal partner in the enterprise, which gained an almost world- wide reputation because of the large amount of its product and the excellent quality of the manu- factured article. This business proved of the utmost value to the community, furnishing em- ployment to a large number of operatives and at the same time proving a gratifying source of in- come to Mr. Wike and the other stockholders of the business.
On the 25th of September, 1831, Mr. Wike was married in Cumberland county, Pennsyl- vania, to Miss Catherine Ann Grubb, who was born July 3, 1813. They traveled life's journey happily together for about eight years and then were separated by the death of the wife, who
passed away at Quincy, Illinois, August 27, 1839. Unto them had been born four children. Ressa- bella, born October 5, 1832, died March 4, 1833. David Scott, born April 6, 1834, died January 15, 1901. Rebecca Jane, born August 13, 1836, died in 1878. William P., born July 26, 1839, died in 1845. Of this family David Scott Wike attained distinction and became a recognized leader in public thought and opinion in Pike county. He was called to represent his district in the state legislature and then further political honors were accorded him, for he was thrice elected to con- gress and for eight years served as first secretary to John G. Carlisle, secretary of the treasury un- der President Cleveland. He was likewise promi- nent in business circles and his private life and public career reflected credit and honor upon the county which honored him. Rebecca Jane, the other member of the family who reached adult age, was married September 17, 1855, to Pliny B. Fuller, who died September 30, 1881. They had two children, George and Scott Fuller.
After the death of his first wife George Wike was married, January 18, 1841, to Mrs. Laura Ann Crouch, who was born October 25, 1821, and died June 14, 1851. They had four children. George Wike, the eldest, was born May 24, 1843, married Miss Rachel C. Baird, January 15, 1865, and resides at Barry. They had two children, Lilla, and George, who died in infancy .. Sarah A., born October 6, 1845, at Barry, was married April 26, 1864, to George W. Perry. Geddes M., born April 7, 1848, was married November 17, 1873, to Dena Whitehead and they reside at Riverside, California. They have one child. Laura Ann, born August 1, 1850, the wife of T. M. Martin, whose sketch is given above. After losing his second wife George Wike wedded Mrs. Alzina C. McDaniel, who was born in 1826. Their wedding was celebrated December 19, 1852, and she now resides at the old homestead near Barry.
The death of Mr. Wike occurred February 28. 1880, at his home near the Barry Woolen Mills, when he was seventy-three years of age. He was fully identified with all matters of public in- terest, was a promoter of many measures for the general good and for many years was prominent
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in connection with the efforts made to secure the building of the Hannibal & Naples Railroad. His credit was unlimited and his reputation unblem- ished. He was one of the charter members of the Masonic lodge at Barry and attained high rank in the fraternity. He was so uniformly esteemed and loved that his death came as a personal loss to the great majority of citizens in Pike county. Perhaps no better account of his connection with Masonry nor indication of the regard in which he was held by his brethren of the craft could be given than by quoting the resolutions prepared by the members of his lodge. The article was headed, "In Memoriam ; An Alarm At the Outer Door of Our Lodge." . It read as follows: "The knock, though not unfamiliar, yet every heart feels an icy chill creeping over it as the ominous sound falls upon the ear. Each knows too well that sentry-guarded doors are no obstacles to the entrance of the 'white-winged messenger,' death. No plea will be accepted that we are in the midst of our work or at refreshments. The gavel and the trowel must alike be laid aside when he si- lently enters our mystic circle. We can not but look one to another, with expressions of sub- dued anxiety when we consider 'who is next to answer his summons?'
"This time he crosses the threshold, but slowly, and moves silently by the middle-aged and strong, and gently lays his icy fingers upon one in the sere and yellow leaf of autumn, who, like the ripened sheaf, needs but to be garnered. We follow the body of our brother to the tomb and with the sacred rites of our order deposit therein the earthly remains of Brother George Wike. The door shuts and the crypt stands closed till the sound of the gavel in the Great East.
"Brother George Wike, Sr., died February 28. 1880, aged seventy-two years and three months. "The early history of Masonry in Pike county is largely indebted to his zeal and fostering care, and for more than forty years he was a constant worker in our order. Failing health during the past few years prevented his regular attendance at our meetings, but his fidelity to Masonry re- mained until his death.
"He was a man of sterling qualities, and so recognized by his fellow citizens and Masonic
brethren. When so good a man, distinguished alike for his zeal, ability and many virtues, is taken from among us, it is meet and proper that this order pay due respect to his memory, and testify in the most sincere manner that the mem- bers revere his virtues, and deeply mourn his loss. The warp and woof of such lives are made up of golden cords which draw mankind nearer to each other. Therefore
"Resolved, That in the death of Brother George Wike, Sr., this order has lost an honored member, the fraternity a worthy Mason, and this com- munity a good citizen and an honest man.
"We shall miss him in our counsels, in our so- cial relations, and in the daily walks of life. Let us cherish his memory, and unite in extend- ing our sympathy to his family and friends.
"J. J. TOPLIFF, "E. A. CRANDALL, "J. G. MCKINNEY, "Committee."
E. C. WINANS.
E. C. Winans, at one time an active and lead- ing representative of business interests in Pitts- field but now living retired, enjoying in the even- ing of life a well earned rest from labor, was born in New Jersey, May 5, 1830, his parents being Jonas W. and Sarah (Stiles) Winans. The father was born in New Jersey and there resided until fifty years of age, when in 1846 he came to Pike county with his family, settling two miles south of Pittsfield, where he had purchased a farm in 1844. . He had visited the state in that year, after which he returned to New Jersey and then with his family once more came to Pike county in 1846. He owned two hundred acres of fine land, forty acres of which was covered with timber, while the remainder was cultivable, and he converted it into rich fields. For ten years he lived upon that farm and then, selling the property, purchased thirty acres now included within the corporation limits of Pittsfield. He spent the remainder of his days in the county seat, passing away in 1878, at a ripe old age. In his family were five sons and
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three daughters, of whom three sons and two years he was actively and honorably connected daughters are yet living, as follows: Isaac, a resident of Walla Walla, Washington; E. C., of this review ; William Parkhurst, also a resident of Walla Walla ; Mrs. Augustus Dow, who is living in Pittsfield ; and Mrs. Elizabeth Hubbard, whose home is in Springfield, Illinois.
E. C. Winans was educated in the common schools of New Jersey and when sixteen years of age came to the west. At that time he entered upon his business career as a carpenter in the em- ploy of Brown & Lane, leading contractors of Pittsfield. He was identified with carpentering for twenty years and then turned his attention to the furniture and undertaking business as a partner of A. W. Plattner. They conducted the business successfully until 1896, when Mr. Winans with- drew from the firm and has since lived retired.
In 1857 was celebrated the marriage of E. C. Winans and Miss Margaret Rose, of Rensselaer county, New York, born August 31, 1836, her parents being E. D. and Rozena (Allen) Rose. Her father, coming to Pike county, Illinois, in 1839, located in Newburg township a half mile east of Pittsfield, where he owned and cultivated one hundred and sixty acres of land. In his fam- ily were nine children, of whom five are living. namely : Holly, a resident of California, Mrs. Elizabeth Davis, who is living in Hadley town- ship, this county ; Mrs. Charlotte E. Smart, whose home is in Laddonia, Missouri; Daniel, who re- sides in Newburg township; and Mrs. Winans. The mother was a member of the Baptist church, while the parents of our subject held member- ship in the Congregational church.
Mr. and Mrs. Winans have a son, Park H., who was educated in St. Louis. He married Miss Mabel Green and they reside in Hillsboro, Illi- nois, where he is engaged in the practice of den- tistry.
Mr. Winans votes with the republican party. He owns a fine cottage in Pittsfield, where he and his wife reside and he likewise has other property in the city. Accompanied by his wife, however, he goes each winter to Florida, where he also has property interests. Their time is now devoted to the enjoyment of life's pleasures and Mr. Winans' rest from labor is well merited, for through many
with commercial pursuits in Pittsfield. A self- made man, he worked his way upward step by step, advancing by reason of his close appli- cation, strong purpose and trustworthy business methods. He has the confidence and good will of his fellow townsmen and the consensus of pub- lic opinion classes him with the representative citizens of Pittsfield.
JOHN W. DORSEY.
John W. Dorsey has a state-wide reputation as a stock-dealer and has engaged extensively in the breeding and raising of sheep and hogs. He has thoroughly acquainted himself with the best breeds of farm animals and has done much to improve the grade of stock raised in Illinois and adjoining states, thus contributing in direct and substantial measure to the general prosperity as well as to individual success.
Mr. Dorsey is a native of Perry township, born March 22, 1853, and is a son of Alexander and Jane (Fox) Dorsey, both of whom have passed away, the father's death having occurred in 1894, while the mother died in 1896. They were the parents of six children, four sons and two daughters, all of whom are yet living.
Mr. Dorsey of this review pursued his education in the public schools and started out upon an in- dependent business career when twenty years of age, giving his attention to general farming and raising fine stock. As the years passed by he concentrated his energies more and more largely 11pon stock-raising and dealing and he has fed a large amount of stock and made extensive ship- ments to the Chicago and St. Louis markets. At the present time he is farming about two hun- dred acres of land, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation. In 1878 he rebuilt his house and in 1904 he made some additions there- to until now he has a fine home. There are also good barns, stock pens and all the latest im- provements upon his place together with the best machinery for facilitating the work of the fields. He was formerly quite extensively engaged in breeding sheep, making a specialty of fine Oxford
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Down, Shropshire, Cotswold and Merino sheep. He continued in this business extensively until 1894, having brought to Pike county a carload of pure bred sheep from Canada, also one from Pennsylvania and one from Michigan. He was engaged in business with his father and brothers under the firm name of A. Dorsey & Sons, and after his father's death, under the name of Dor- sey Brothers, until 1901, and at present with his sons as J. W. Dorsey & Sons. His name has be- come well known in connection with the breeding of hogs and he is today the owner of the pioneer herd of Chester Whites, having continued in this business from 1868, when a mere boy, to the present time. His hogs have been winners of more prizes in late years than any other herd in the world. The firm won eighteen prizes at the World's Fair in St. Louis in 1904, and also won one hundred and eighty-five prizes on their herd of Chester Whites in 1902, including all champion and herd prizes at nine state and national exposi- tions, as follows: All first and second prizes in- cluding sweepstakes boar and sow at the Mis- souri State Fair; at the Iowa State Fair, aged boar first, yearling boar third, under year boar first and third, aged sow first, yearling sow first, under one year first, aged herd first, bred by ex- hibitor first, young herd first, bred by exhibitor first, get of boar first and second, champion boar first, bred by exhibitor first, champion sow first, bred by exhibitor first ; at the Minnesota State Fair, aged boar first, yearling boar first, under one year first, second and third, aged sow first, yearling sow first and second, under year sow first, second and third, aged herd first, young herd first, champion boar and sow; at the Wis- consin State Fair, aged boar first, yearling boar first, under year boar first, second and third. aged sow first, yearling sow first and second. under year sow first. second and third, sow un- der six months first, get of boar first, champion boar and sow; at the Indiana State Fair, aged boar first, yearling boar second, under year boar first and second. aged sow second, yearling sow first and third, under year sow first and third, aged herd first, young herd first, five head get of one boar first, pair under one year old first, cham- pion boar and sow, also Standard Chester
Record Association special; at the Kentucky State Fair, aged boar first, yearling boar second, under one year first and second, boar under six months first, aged sow first and second, yearling sow first and third, under year first and second, under six months first, aged herd first, young herd first, get of boar first, champion boar and sow; at the Illinois State Fair, all first and sec- ond prizes, including herd prizes ; also champion boar and sow; at the great St. Louis Fair, all firsts and seconds, including herd prizes; also champion boar and sow ; at the International Ex- position, Chicago, aged boar first, yearling boar first, under year boar first, boar under six months second, aged sow first, under year sow first and second, under six months first, aged herd first, young herd first and third, get of boar first and second, champion boar and sow. Mr. Dorsey is also agent for south Missouri lands and for Okla- homa and Kansas lands and conducts excursions to those districts on the first and third Tuesdays in each month. He is a man of splendid business ability, executive force and keen discrimination, readily recognizing possibilities and improving these by determined and earnest effort.
Mr. Dorsey has been married twice. On the 27th of October, 1872, he wedded Sarah Jane Ham, who was born in Chambersburg township, October 31, 1856, and died in September, 1835. They were the parents of five children, a son and four daughters : Lizzie, born June 29, 1874 : Mary L., July 16, 1876; Minnie B., July II, 1878; Alexander. November 29, 1880; and Leta MI., March 13, 1885. The son was in business with his father and brothers and looked after the ex- hibits at all the state fairs and expositions. He was a very intelligent and enterprising young man and his death, which occurred April 6. 1903. was deeply regretted. On the 10th of November. 1886, Mr. Dorsey was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Ella (Bond) Blake. By this marriage there are five children: Fern F., born September 20, 1887 ; Glen H., October 22, 1888; Otis B., March 23, 1890; Genevieve, Janu- ary 25. 1899; and Dean Wilson, September 6. 1904.
Mr. Dorsey gives his political support to the republican party, but is without aspiration for
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office. He belongs to the Church of Christ, to the Mutual Protective League of Pike county and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Perry-associations which indicate the character of the man, for he is loyal to the teachings of these different organizations. Deeply interested in everything pertaining to agricultural progress and development, he was secretary of the Perry Grange and also its master for two terms and was appointed by Governor Yates one of the delegates to the farmer's congress held in Texas. He is ever watchful for methods for the improvement of the community along agricultural lines and he belongs to that class of representative American men who while advancing their individual suc- cess also contribute in substantial measure to the work of public progress and prosperity.
EDWARD R. RUST.
Edward R. Rust, deceased, who was connected with agricultural interests in this county and by an active, useful and honorable life won the re- spect and esteem of his fellowmen, was born in England, February 15, 1837. His father, Edward Richard Rust, also a native of that country, came to America in 1852, leaving England on the 15th of May of that year. He brought with him his family, including six children, namely : Edward R., then fifteen years of age; Louisa, aged thir- teen ; Martha, ten; Rebecca, eight; Theresa, six years of age; and Charles, four years of age. The father was a well educated man and the son of a lawyer. The family landed in New York and thence made their way to Jasksonville, Illinois, where they resided for seven years and during a part of that time Edward Richard Rust was in an attorney's office. Mrs. Edward R. Rust of this review now has in her possession the pas- sengers' contract ticket that the family had when they came to America.
In the schools of England, Edward R. Rust began his education, which he continued in Illi- nois. He came from Jacksonville to Pike county in 1859, and, having learned the blacksmith's trade, he followed that pursuit until 1863, when
he purchased a farm in Fairmount township near Perry, spending eight years thereon. He bought another farm in Fairmount township, one mile west of his first farm of seven hundred twenty acres, on which he spent his remaining days with the exception of a period of six years, during which time he lived in Baylis. He removed to Baylis in 1887, there remaining until 1893, after which he returned to the farm whereon he resided until 1904. His health then failed and he again took up his abode in Baylis, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred on the IIth of January, 1905.
Mr. Rust had been married on the 5th of Oc- tober, 1861, to Miss Margaret N. Robison, who was born October 17, 1841, and was a daughter of Henry and Margaret (Taylor) Robison, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, and were of Irish lineage. The father came to Pike county at a very early day, when this country was little else save an unbroken wilderness. However, he cleared a tract of land and in the midst of the for- est built a log cabin and added other improve- ments to the farm. Settlers were very few in this part of the county at that time and the family . lived in true pioneer style. For some years Mr. Robison carried on farming near Pittsfield, but later removed to Adams county and subsequently took up his abode in Clayton, Illinois, where about 1855 he built a brick store. He afterward re- turned to Pike county and located near Perry, where he spent his remaining days, his death oc- curring in March, 1867. He was a very success- ful man and accumulated much wealth. In the family were five children.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rust were born seven children. Henry R., born November 17, 1863, married Hattie Tripplett, and they have eight children. He is a farmer and resides in Fairmount township. Mary Ann, born in January, 1867, is the wife of William Henthorn, a resident farm- er of Fairmount township, and they have three children. Emma H., born in January, 1870, mar- ried Wilson Potter, a farmer residing in Fair- mount township, and they have seven children. Rebecca, born October 16, 1872, is deceased. Charles E., born November 14, 1875, has passed away. Alice G., born September 15, 1879, is
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also deceased. Myrtle, born December 16, 1885, is the wife of Kyle Seaborn, a resident of Fair- mount township.
Mr. Rust was the owner of seven hundred and twenty acres of fine land at the time of his death and left this property to his wife and children. He was a very successful man, and did everything in his power to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of his family. He regarded no per- sonal sacrifice on his part too great if it would benefit those depending upon him. During the time he lived in Fairmount township he was su- pervisor there for several years. His good quali- ties won for him the respect of all with whom he was associated and in his business life he dis- played integrity, close application and unfaltering diligence that resulted in the acquirement of a handsome competence. His widow still survives and is well known in the community where she makes her home. She belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church of Baylis, is interested in its work, and is widely and favorably known in so- cial circles here.
MULFORD K. FARRAND.
Mulford K. Farrand, who follows farming on section 1, Pittsfield township, was a native of Griggsville, Pike county, born December 28, 1856, his parents being Elbridge G. and Elizabeth J. (McWilliams) Farrand. His maternal grand- father, Hon. James McWilliams, was one of the early legislatures that this county sent to the gen- eral assembly of Illinois. He was born in Bel- mont county, Ohio, March 12, 1802, and was a son of Alexander McWilliams, whose birth oc- curred on shipboard while his parents were sail- ing to America in the year 1776. The family is of Scotch lineage and the ancestral home was at Brownsville, Pennsylvania, in which state Alex- ander McWilliams acquired his early education. He was married at the age of twenty-two years to Miss Jane Paxton, of Fayette county, Pennsyl- vania, and of their three children James was the youngest. Mrs. McWilliams died about the year 1803 and afterward Mr. McWilliams mar-
ried again having eleven children by his second wife. For some years he was a resident of Ohio and there died at the age of sixty-five years.
Hon. James McWilliams was a public-school student in Ohio and gave his attention largely to the work upon his father's farm up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated in 1824, Miss Margaret Latimer becoming his wife. Her fa- ther was Alexander Latimer, a native of Scot- land. Unto them were born eight children. In 1834, Mr. McWilliams became a resident of Naples, Illinois, and in the spring of 1835 took up his abode on a farm near Griggsville, in Pike county. There his wife died on the 28th of December, 1838, and in June, 1839, he wedded Miss Lucretia Prescott, a native of Groton, Massa- chusetts .- Mr. McWilliams was a man of strong mentality and marked force of character, well fitted for leadership. His ability was recognized by his fellow citizens, who in 1838 chose him as their representative in the state legislature and for a term of two year's he sat upon the democratic side of the house. The first session was held at Vandalia and the second at Springfield, following the removal of the capital to the latter city. In 1848 Mr. McWilliams became connected with the lumber trade, continu- ing in the business for some years. Dur- ing the period of the Civil war he was a stanch supporter of the administration and advocated the prosecution of hostilities until the preservation of the Union was an established fact. He was one of the original stockholders of the Griggsville National Bank and in fact was one of its principal promoters. The bank was opened for business August 1, 1873, with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars and has since been profit- ably conducted, Mr. McWilliams serving as presi- dent for many years during the earlier period of its existence.
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