USA > Illinois > Pike County > Past and present of Pike County, Illinois > Part 58
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Elbridge G. Farrand, father of our subject, was born in Bridgeport, Vermont, November 13, 1814, and left his native state at the age of eighteen years. He went to Michigan, where he remained until 1845, when he removed to Morgan county, Illinois. In 1849 he went overland to California, but in 1852 returned to this state, settling at Griggsville. In 1861 he turned his attention to
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the lumber business, dealing in doors, sash, blinds, etc., his stock being valued at between twelve and fifteen thousand dollars. In 1852 he married Elizabeth J. McWilliams, of Griggsville, and they became the parents of four sons : James A., Mulford K., Harvey L. and Frederick H.
Mulford K. Farrand is indebted to the public- school system of Griggsville for the educational advantages he enjoyed in his youth. For several years he was engaged in the lumber business in connection with his father and afterward went to New Mexico, where he continued in the cattle business on the Black range for three years. On returning to Pike county he took up his abode upon his present farm in April, 1889, purchasing two hundred and sixty acres of land, of which twenty acres is covered with timber. His home is pleasantly located two and a half miles north of the county seat on section I, Pittsfield town- ship, and here he carries on general farming and stock-raising, meeting with well deserved success in his undertakings.
On the 24th of January, 1889, Mr. Farrand was united in marriage to Miss Mary Esther Craven, who was born in Griggsville, Pike county, October 6, 1866, and is a daughter of John and Henrietta (George) Craven. Her father was born near Jacksonville, Morgan county, Illinois, February 13, 1835, and was a son of John Craven, Sr., who was born in Yorkshire, England, Janu- ary 7, 1802, and who in 1831 married Esther Warton. The same year they came to America, settling in Morgan county, which was then largely a wild and unimproved district, their home being six miles west of Jacksonville. There Mr. Craven remained until 1850, devoting his time and ener- gies to farming, after which he removed with his family to Pike county, taking up his abode on section 20, Griggsville township, where he again engaged in farming and stock-raising. In the family were two children, Sarah A. and John Craven. The latter was reared upon the home farm and was educated in the common schools of Morgan county, Illinois. He came to Pike county with his parents in 1850 and was married May 12, 1864, to Miss Henrietta George, a daughter of Samuel George, who came to Griggsville in 1847. Mrs. Craven was born October 17, 1837,
in London, England, and with her husband is now living in Griggsville, Mr. Craven having . retired from active business life.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Farrand have been born two children : Harry C., born December 21, 1889; and George Elbridge, born September 8, 1892. Both are living at home. Mr. Farrand is a republican but without aspiration for office. His wife belongs to the Episcopal church and both are widely and favorably known in the locality where they reside, their circle of friends being extensive. The farm comprises two hundred and forty acres of fine land on section I, Pittsfield township, and is splendidly improved with a good residence, substantial barn and other buildings. All of the improvements have been made by Mr. Farrand and indicate his careful supervision and progressive spirit. He also has twenty acres in Newburg township. He has been successful in his work and the secret of his prosperity lies in his determination and unfaltering diligence supplemented by laudable ambition.
JOHN T. DELL.
John T. Dell, who is carrying on general agri- cultural pursuits in Newburg township, where he is engaged quite extensively in raising and feed- ing stock and also farms from eighty to four hundred acres of land, his own farm comprising one hundred and twenty-two acres of land in New Salem township, was born in Pittsfield township, September 10, 1856. His father, James T. Dell, was a native of Maryland, born in 1818, and was there reared. When a young man he came to Illinois and here he was married to Miss Anna Cooper, a native' of New York. The father located in Pike county in 1850, settling in Pittsfield, where he followed the tailor's trade, which he had learned in early years. Later, how- ever, he purchased a farm in Pittsfield township and spent his last years upon that property, giv- ing his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He died in the year 1900, while his wife passed away in 1899. John T. Dell is one of a family of thirteen children, ten of whom. five sons and five
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daughters, reached years of maturity, while three sons and four daughters are yet living. Mr. Dell spent his youth in Pittsfield township and was educated in the district schools. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until he had at- tained his majority, when he made arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Anna Fearey, whom he wedded in Pittsfield township, September 15, 1887. She was born in that township and is a daughter of John Fearey, a native of England and one of the early settlers of Pike county. Following his marriage he rented a farm in Newburg township, first operat- ing eighty-five acres of land, and he also farmed other fands. He remained upon one farm for twelve years and is still engaged in the cultiva- tion of that place. For five years he has resided upon the place which is now his home and he is one of the active, diligent and prosperous agri- culturists of this part of the county. He makes a specialty of the raising of Aberdeen Angus cat- tle and Poland China hogs and he is quite suc- -cessful as a stockman, feeding about one hundred head of hogs per year.
Unto' Mr. and Mrs. Dell have been born ten children, Orien H., Orville B., Dora S., Nellie P .. Elsie E., Pearl E., Nola M., William J., Theo- dore and Elmer F. ' Mr. and Mrs. Dell are widely known and have many warm friends in the community where they reside. Politically Mr. Dell has been a lifelong republican but is without aspiration for office, content to do his public duty as a private citizen. He served on the school board for several years, during which time he did effective work in behalf of the cause of education, of which he is a warm and stalwart friend. His entire life has been passed in this county, where he is recognized as a useful and valued citizen.
LUTHER J. HARVEY, M. D.
Dr. Luther J. Harvey, engaged in the practice of medicine in Griggsville, was born in Warner, Merrimack county, New Hampshire, October 6, 1851, a son of Ira and Mary (Bean) Harvey, both of whom were natives of New Hampshire.
The father, who was born in Merrimack county, December 3, 1809, passed away in 1893, at the age of eighty-three years, while his wife, born in Merrimack county, February II, 1817, died in February, 1902. Although born on a farm and educated in the public schools of Merrimack county, New Hampshire, the father spent his en- tire life as a merchant in Warner, owning and con- ducting business in the same building for nearly fifty years. He was one of the leading business men of that place and he contributed in a large measure to its commercial prosperity. He was was also 'prominent and influential in public af- fairs, was a Jackson democrat and represented his district in the state legislature. Both he and "his wife were devoted members of the Baptist church In their family were five children : Helen. born November II, 1839, married Edwin W. Baxter, a native of New Hampshire, who died in 1892. They became the parents of six children. In the year 1858 Mr. Baxter came with his family to Griggsville, Pike county, where he en- gaged in business as a dealer in meats and later on he conducted a general store, of which he was proprietor up to the time of his death. He served as postmaster under President Lincoln and was one of the leading business men of this city who largely promoted public progress as well as in- dividual success and was respected by all who knew him. Following his death Mrs. Baxter in 1895 became the wife of Charles A. Catlin but survived her second marriage only a few months, passing away in 1896. Mary A., the second daughter of the family, was born in New Hamp- shire, July 27, 1841, and is the wife of Dr. M. S. Wilson, of the old Granite state. They had five children, of whom four are living. Fred, born May 1, 1844, in New Hampshire, died in Griggsville, December 30, 1880. He was assist- tant postmaster of his brother-in-law, E. W. Bax- ter, under President Lincoln. Abbie, born April 19, 1846, became the wife of Louis Chase, and died in December, 1885. Dr. Harvey completes the family.
In the public schools of his native county Dr. Harvey began his education which he contin -· ued in Colby Academy at New London, New Hampshire, from which he was graduated in 1871.
DR. L. T. HARVEY
LIBRARY Of THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.
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In May, 1872, he came to Griggsville and in the fall of the same year cast his first presidential vote for General Grant. In 1873 he went to New York, where he attended Bellevue Hospital Med- ical College, and in the fall of 1874 he went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he matriculated in the medical department of the St. Louis Medical Col- lege and was graduated with the class of 1875. The year following his graduation was spent as interne in the City Hospital at St. Louis, Mis- souri, where he added thorough practical knowl- edge to his theoretical training. He then again came to Griggsville in the spring of 1876 and opened an office for practice. In his professional duties he has displayed marked capability and conscientious endeavor and has ever maintained a high standard of professional ethics. He was one of the members of the Morgan County (Illi- nois) Medical Society acting as president at Jack- sonville. He was also one of the organizers of the Pike County Medical Society, was its first president and is now a member of the State Medical Society and the American Medical As- sociation.
On the 30th of May, 1876, Dr. Harvey was married to Miss Bella Kenney, who was born October 16, 1852, and died June 1, 1894. Their children were two in number: Ira Kenney, who was. born April 5, 1877, and is now living in Kansas City, Missouri, married Miss Nellie Mc- Mahon and has one daughter, Mary Bella. Florence Mary, the daughter of Dr. Harvey, was born May 23, 1881, and is at home. Mrs. Harvey was a daughter of Charles and Mary (Carnahan) Kenney. Her father was born in Pennsylvania in 1812, and died in Griggsville in 1880, while his wife was born in Delaware in 1814, and passed away in her eightieth year. Mr. Kenney was a leading merchant of Griggsville for many years and although he suffered heavily through loss by fire on several occasions he with resolute purpose and determined will recovered his possessions and was ever recognized as a leading and representa- tive business man, his labors at length being crowned with a comfortable competence. In politics he was a Jeffersonian democrat and his fellow citizens recognizing his worth and ability, called him to represent his district in the state
legislature. He was a very liberal member of the Congregational church and his life of uprightness and honor, activity in business and of fearless advocacy of whatever cause he espoused made him esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. In his family were seven sons and three daughters, namely : William, Mary, Charles, Rob- ert, Lizzie, Samuel, Bella, Clarence, Edward and Preston.
Dr. Harvey holds membership in Griggsville lodge, No. 45, A. F. & A. M. He has been a mem- ber of the city council and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while his re- ligious faith is indicated by membership in the Congregational church. His professional duties give him; little leisure time to take part in public affairs and yet he is never remiss in the duties of citizenship "åndethas given stalwart sup- port to many movements for the general good.
LEONARD B. HAMMOND.
Leonard B. Hammond, a farmer residing on section 17, Hadley township, is a native of Pike county, Illinois; where he was born on the 3d of April, 1840, his parents being Morris and Sa- rah (Decker) Hammond. The father was born in Kentucky, while the mother's birth occurred in Wabash, Illinois. Morris Hammond came to this county some time in the early '30s, when it was an unimproved district, the work of progress and development seeming scarcely begun. He settled about six miles north of Barry, where he made a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of government land. It was still in its primitive condition,' not a furrow having been turned or an improvement made upon the place, and the arduous task incident to the development of a new farm made his life a strenuous one. He added to this property until it comprised two hundred acres, and in addition he invested in several other farms in the county, having more than five hundred acres of good land at one time. In 1864 he removed to the farm upon which his son, Leonard B. Hammond, now resides, there owning three hundred and twenty . acres. For
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some time he was one of the largest landholders of Pike county, and was a very successful man, owing his desirable financial position to his earn- est labor and untiring enterprise. His early po- litical views accorded with the principles of the whig party, and upon its dissolution, he joined the ranks of the democrat party, which he continued to support up to the time of his demise. Both he and his wife were faithful Christian people, hold- ing membership in the Methodist church. Mr. Hammond passed away in 1877, at the age of seventy years, while his wife died in 1893, at the age of eighty-three years. In their family were five children, of whom three are now living: Phoebe, the wife of E. W. Blades, a resident of Barry; Catherine, the wife of Richard Hardesty, of Payson, Illinois ; and Leonard B.
In taking up the personal history of Leonard B. Hammond we present to our readers the life record of one widely and favorably known in this county. He was educated in the public schools, but his opportunities in that direction were some- what meagre because of impaired eyesight. On attaining his majority he started out in life on his own account, and he has since followed farming in Pike county except for a brief interval of two years spent in Adams county. In 1862 he was the owner of a farm of one hundred and twenty acres lying across the boundary line in Adams county, and since that time he has always held farm property; but he sold his Adams county farm in order to remove to his present home in Hadley township. In 1863 he went to Mon- tana, where he spent ten months and then re- turned to his present farm, upon which he has resided continuously since. He owns here one hundred and fifty acres of well improved land, , which is well situated and is a productive tract, the soil being rich and alluvial. The farm is well fenced, and he has made all of the improve- ments on the property. The place is also well stocked with cattle and hogs ; and he raises polled Angus cattle and Poland China hogs, which are either of high grade or thoroughbred.
In 1862, Mr. Hammond was married to Miss Amanda Phinneger, who was born in Barry town- ship, August 9, 1843, and is a daughter of Solo- mon and Nancy (McFarland) Phinneger. The father was born in Pennsylvania, and the mother
in Ohio, and both were of German lineage. Mr. Phinneger came to Pike county in an early day, and followed the 'occupation of farming, owning and cultivating one hundred and twenty acres of land. He was also a carpenter and worked at his trade, being connected to some extent with building operations here. In his family were twelve children, all of whom reached years of maturity with one exception.
Mr. and Mrs. Hammond became the parents of two children: John, who was born October 20, 1863; and Henry, born November 20, 1865. The latter is now at home. The former married Clara Henderson, of Iowa, and they reside in Lyonsville, that state, where John Hammond is engaged in the poultry business.
Mr. Hammond of this review votes the democ- racy, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking or desired political preference as a reward for party fealty. He has given his undi- vided attention to his business affairs, and is a self-made man, who has been both the architect and builder of his own fortunes. He is now one of the prosperous citizens of his community, and his life may well serve as a source of emulation, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do.
GEORGE W. LEGGETT.
George W. Leggett, living on section 17, of Spring Creek township, is a progressive farmer, whose place of one hundred and twenty acres is neat and well improved. It was upon this farm that he first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 4th of January, 1856. His father, John W. Leggett, came from southeastern Mis- souri to Pike county and died when his son George was only about a year old. John W. Leggett was married to Louisa Cannon, a native of Alabama, in 1855. She survives her husband and yet makes her home in this county, having, since the death of Mr. Leggett, become the wife of David Scranton.
George W. Leggett was the only child of his mother's first marriage and was reared to man-
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hood in Spring Creek township, assisting his mother in his early boyhood days, and afterward aiding his stepfather to carry on the work of the home farm. He enjoyed fair school privileges in the district schools, and at the age of nineteen years he started out in life on his own account, since which time his labors have been the source of all the prosperity that has come to him. He was first employed by the month at farm labor for a year, at the end of which time he invested his earnings in forty acres of land on section 18, Spring Creek township, where he resided for two years. He then sold that property, after which he again rented a farm for three or four years, and then bought one hundred and twenty acres on section 20 of the 'same township. A number of years later he traded that property for forty acres, where he now resides, on section 17, Spring Creek township, and as his financial resources have incerased he has extended the boundaries of his place from time to time, adding on two dif- ferent occasions forty-acre tracts, so that he now has a good property of one hundred and twenty acres. He has erected an attractive two-story frame residence and good outbuildings upon his place, has also planted an orchard, and has con- siderable small fruit.
On the IIth of April, 1877, Mr. Leggett was united in marriage to Miss Alice Burbridge, a native of Pike county, and a daughter of George W. Burbridge, who was born in Bath county, Kentucky, in 1822, while his wife, who in her maidenhood was Nancy E. Ben, was also a native of the Blue Grass state. Mr. Burbridge, on leav- ing Kentucky, became a resident of Pike county, Missouri, and subsequently he purchased land and settled in Pike county, Illinois, taking up his abode here in 1842, and continuing a resident of this county up to the time of his death. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Leggett have been born eight chil- dren, of whom two died in infancy. The others are: Lillie Florean, Louisa Elizabeth, Bessie, John W., Dovie Edith and Logan. Mrs. Leggett is a member of the Christian church of Inde- pendence. Mr. Leggett belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp at Nebo; and in politics he has always been a supporter of the men who are pledged to uphold republican principles. He and
his estimable wife have labored together since the time of their marriage,and have now a neat and comfortable home in Spring Creek township, Mr. Leggett being numbered among the enter- prising farmers of the community. His life record proves what may be accomplished by de- termined purpose, self-reliance and laudable am- bition, for these have been the strong and salient elements in his life work.
HIRAM S. CHURCHILL.
Hiram S. Churchill is the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred acres of fine land on sec- tions 14 and 23, Kinderhook township, in the midst of which stands a beautiful brick residence sur- rounded by a well kept lawn. The barnyard con- tains good stables, sheds and cribs and stock of good grades is found in the pastures. There is every evidence of the careful supervision of a painstaking and progressive owner, whose labors are actuated by a progressive yet practical spirit.
Mr. Churchill was born on the farm where he now lives, his natal day being November 25, 1853. He is a son of Almon S. and Mary (Hunn) Churchill. The father was born near Batavia, New York, in 1812, and was reared to the life of a farmer in the place of his nativity, remaining in the east until 1833, when at the age of twenty-one years he came to Pike county. In 1835, however, he returned to the Empire state and was there married to Miss Mary A. Hunn, who was born in 1812 in Hartford, Con- necticut, in which city she made her home until fifteen years of age, when she accompanied her parents on their removal to Batavia, New York. Following his marriage Mr. Churchill brought his bride to Pike county, making the journey with a span of ponies and wagon. This was long before the era of railroad building in Illinois and all travel was done by private conveyance, by stage or by means of water transportation. Mr. Churchill and his bride, however, drove across the country and on reaching Pike county settled west of Kinderhook, where they lived for a year, after which they took up their abode upon the
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farm which is now the home of Hiram S. Churchill. The father, in connection with Mr. Dilly, secured one hundred and sixty acres of land, which was the nucleus of his extensive pos- sessions, for at one time he owned twelve hundred acres, all of which was on the bottom. He en- gaged extensively in trading in horses and mules and was an excellent judge of stock and also a practical, energetic farmer who in the tilling of the soil produced large crops. He became a prominent and influential resident of his commu- nity, his opinions carrying weight in matters of the general welfare. After accumulating con- siderable property he retired from active labor and spent his last years in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. On election days he was found at the polls giving his support to the candidates of the republican party. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Epis- copal church and an earnest Christian spirit char- acterized all they did. Mr. Churchill died in 1886, having for about fourteen years survived his wife, who passed away in 1872. Their mar- riage had been blessed with three sons and a daughter, and with the exception of one son all are yet living, namely : Hiram S., of this review; William E., who is living in Kansas City; and Nancy M., the wife of Jacob R. Fox, a resident of California.
Hiram S. Churchill was educated in the schools of Kinderhook and remained upon his father's farm until 1888, when he went to the village, where he was engaged in the grain business for ten years, owning and operating the elevator at that place. In 1898, however, he returned to the farm, where he has since resided and he is now the owner of three hundred acres of very pro- ductive land on sections 14 and 23. Kinderhook township, most of which is bottom land. He has an excellent farm here, well fenced, and its equip- ments are in keeping with all modern ideas of agricultural progress. His residence is a fine brick house, tastefully furnished, and he has good buildings for the shelter of grain and stock. The fields are carefully tilled and he also raises good grades of cattle, horses and hogs upon his farm, which is conveniently situated about a mile north- west of Kinderhook, thus bringing railroad facili-
ties within easy access together with all of the advantages of town life.
On the 27th of December, 1874, Mr. Churchill- was united in marriage to Miss Martha C. Smith, who was born in Pike county, Illinois, June 12, 1854, and is a daughter of Charles and Lizzie (Hull) Smith. The father was born in Vir- ginia and came to Pike county at an early day, after which he carried on general farming in Kinderhook township up to the time of his demise, which occurred in 1870. His widow still resides in that township. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Churchill has been blessed with four sons and three daughters ; D. A., born in September, 1875, and now living on the home farm, married Essie Likes. Bessie, born in August, 1876, is with her parents. Fred, born in August, 1877, and now living at Payson, Illinois, married Ethel Tooley. Charles, born in December, 1879, married Ada Mckinney and lives on his father's farm. Frank, born in July, 1882, died in Wyoming at the age of twenty-three years. Nellie, born in July, 1886, is the wife of Harry McGuire, bookkeeper for the Swift Packing Company of Chicago. Uldene is at home.
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