Past and present of Pike County, Illinois, Part 63

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 63

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CHARLES B. GOSE.

Charles B. Gose, a dealer in general merchan- dise at Kinderhook, where for twenty-five years he has been engaged in business so that his name is inseparably interwoven with the history of com- mercial activity in the village and who is also capably carrying on farming interests, was born

in Pike county on the 4th of September, 1837, and is a son of John and Eliza J. (Bickley) Gose. The father was born in Russell county, Virginia, and was reared to the life of a farmer in his native state. He was married there in March, 1835, to Eliza J. Bickley, also a native of the Old Dominion. Thirty days after their marriage they started for Pike county, Illinois, and came over- land, being a long time upon the way, but event- ually reaching their destination in safety. They located on the northwest corner of section 14, Kinderhook township, securing three hundred acres of land of which Charles B. Goss now owns sixty-eight acres besides other property amounting to four hundred acres. On the father's land a story and a half log house and a good barn had already been built and in this primitive pioneer home the family began their life in the middle west, The father cultivated and developed new land, the demanded activity making his life a strenuous one. In the midst of a busy and energetic career he passed away, dying in October, 1847, when yet in the prime of life. His widow long sur- vived him and was called to her final rest on the 7th of January, 1894. In their family were four children, three sons and a daughter: Abel A., who was born in June, 1836; Charles B., of this review ; George C., born in November, 1839; and Frances E., the widow of Dr. C. C. Sprague, and a resident of Kansas City, Missouri. The parents were both members of the Methodist church.

Charles B. Gose was educated in the old stone schoolhouse near his father's home in Pike county. This structure replaced one of the primi- tive log schoolhouses of pioneer times' which had been destroyed by fire. He mastered the common branches of English learning and when still quite young started out in life on his own account, being left fatherless at the age of ten years. He remained at home until twenty-six years of age, when he began farming on his own account, following that calling until March, 1881. He then entered into partnership with J. C. Col- vin in a general store at Kinderhook, the relation being maintained for two years, after which he purchased Mr. Colvin's interest and has since successfully carried on business alone. He has

C. B. GOSE

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

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a general stock of merchandise and also handles patent medicines and school supplies. In addition to a part of the old homestead which he now owns he has purchased more land from time to time until his possessions at present writing, in 1906, aggregate four hundred and sixty-eight acres of valuable land, about one-half of which is lo- cated on the bottom and the remainder on the bluff. He rents his land, which is all well im- proved. It is divided into several farms and he has good houses and other buildings upon them. He also owns a dwelling in the town.

On the '20th of October, 1863, Mr. Gose was united in marriage to Miss Cynthia J. Jones, who was born in Chautauqua county, New York, February 16, 1840, and is a daughter of H. S. and Elizabeth (Bain) Jones. The father was born in Vermont, while the mother's birth oc- curred in Washington county, New York. They removed to western New York and in 1854 came to Pike county, Illinois, where they remained until 1860, when they went to northwestern Wisconsin, where both died. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gose were born four children, two sons now living, while two daughters have passed away. Bertha, born in April, 1865, died in January, 1866. Bessie, born in February, 1867 died in February, 1871. Ernest B., born November 15, 1868, mar- ried Frances M. Elliott. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, from 1886 until 1890, and was graduated in the latter year. He was recommended to West Point by Hon. J. M. Riggs, of Scott county, Illinois, who was at that time a member of con- gress. He is now a captain in the United States regular army and with his family is stationed in the Philippines. He has one son; Elliott B. Charles J., born December 16, 1871, married Car- rie A. Leach, of Pike county, Illinois, and now lives in Kinderhook. He is a graduate of the Missouri Medical College, of St. Louis, of the class of 1899 but is not now practicing his pro- fession. He has one child, Cynthia F.

In his political views Mr. Gose is a stalwart democrat and for twenty-six years served as school treasurer in Kinderhook township. He has also been town clerk, assessor and road commis- sioner. His sons are both members of the Masonic

fraternity. Mr. Gose stands as a splendid ex- ample of the self-made man and his life exempli- fies the term, dignity of labor. He and his esti- mable wife have worked earnestly as the years have gone by and success have attended their efforts. They are both people of genuine personal worth and the history of Mr. Gose may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, showing what may be accomplished by deter- mined purpose when guided by good business judgment and supplemented by indefatigable industry.

JOSEPH WILSON.

Joseph Wilson, a representative agriculturist of Pike county, who is engaged in the breeding of polled Angus cattle and Poland China hogs, was born in Griggsyille township, January 22, 1838. His parents were Joseph -and Elizabeth (Walker) Wilson. The father's birth occurred near Bos- ton in Lincolnshire, England, March 6, 1793, and in his native country he was married. His two children were born prior to the emigration to the new world, which occurred in 1829. They took passage on a westward bound sailing vessel, which dropped anchor in the harbor of New York city and thence they proceeded by stage to Chi- cago and on to La Salle, Illinois, after which they made their way down the Illinois river to Griggs- ville Landing. They settled in Griggsville town- ship, Pike county, where the father built a log house on land belonging to his brother-in-law, Robert Walker. Later he purchased ninety acres of land from Mr. Walker, which was partially wild prairie, while the remainder was covered with timber. Mr. Wilson was one of the frontier residents of this part of the state and shared in all the Hardships, privations and dangers incident to pioneer life. Indians frequently visited the neigh- borhood, wild animals were killed in the forests and there was much wild game, including deer, turkeys and prairie chickens. The table of the early settler was thus often supplied with game if the man of the household could prove himself a good shot and the Wilson family board was oft- en adorned by the fruits of the chase. As the

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years passed by Mr. Wilson prospered in his busi- ness undertakings and wisely invested in more land, becoming the owner of about four hundred acres, the greater part of which he reclaimed from its wild condition through his own labors and the assistance of his sons. He built a frame house and added other modern improvements, while his fields were brought under a high state of cultiva- tion and returned to him good crops. While he led a busy life he also found opportunity to de- vote to the general good, served as school director for many years and assisted in the work of gen- eral development and progress. He helped to raise the first house built in Griggsville, it being a log structure which is still standing. He voted with the whig party and was a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His death occurred at the very advanced age of ninety-six years and eight months, while his wife passed away in 1876 in her seventy-sixth year. They were honored and worthy pioneer peo- ple and their names are inseparably interwoven with the annals of Pike county because of their activity in early days when this region was emerg- ing from pioneer conditions to take on the im- provements and advantages of civilization. After coming to this country the family circle was in- creased by the birth of eight children, the family record being as follows: Rachel ; David; Louisa ; Martha, who married John Scott and is living in Kansas; Jane Ann; Joseph; Isaac; Sarah; George, who married Julia Bell and died in Red- lands, California, November 23, 1905 ; and Eliza- beth.

Joseph Wilson is today one of the oldest native sons of Pike county, his life record, covering six- ty-eight years, being one of close connection with the interests and especially with the agricultural development of this part of the state. In his boy- hood days he assisted his father in the work of field and meadow and in the winter months after the crops were harvested he attended the district schools. When about twenty-one years of age he took charge of the farm belonging to his brother- in-law, who had left this country for Pike's Peak. He remained upon the farm for about six months and then began farming on his own account and also assisted his father. In 1863 he concentrated

his energies entirely upon farm work for himself, raising wheat and corn. He is today carrying on general agricultural pursuits on one hundred and sixty acres of land which is very rich and pro- ductive and in addition to the tilling of the soil he is engaged in breeding and raising polled An- gus cattle and Poland China hogs. Both branches of his business are carefully conducted and are proving profitable.

On the 3Ist of March, 1864, Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Mary G. Sleight, who was born March 25, 1838, and was a daughter of John G. and Rebecca (Walker) Sleight, both of whom were natives of England, the former born October 5, 1805, and the latter in 1802. They came to this country in 1857 with their children, all of whom were born in England, and located in Flint township, Pike county, Illinois. The father had nine tracts of forty acres each and one of eighty acres, making four hundred and forty acres in all devoted to general farming. He raised wheat, corn, cattle and hogs, conducting a general farm- ing business. He never cared for public office, although he served as school director and trustee for many years. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and his life was an . honorable and upright one, commending him to the confidence of all with whom he came in con- tact. In politics he was a republican. His death occurred February 13, 1888, when he was in his eighty-third year, while his wife passed away June 19, 1862. They were the parents of six daugh- ters and two sons: Betsy G., who married John Culley ; Sally G., who married James L. Thomp- son and died in 1894; Ann G., the wife of Robert N. Long, a resident of Kansas ; Walker G., who died in 1884; Eliza G., who passed away in 1902 ; Mrs. Wilson, who was born March 25, 1838; John G., who married Ruth Reynolds and is liv- ing in Griggsville township ; and Rebecca G., who became the wife of John Cummings and died in 1871.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born four children, but only one is now living. Elizabetlı F., born January 29, 1865, is the wife of Charles Meyers, who resides on section 6, Flint township. This was her grandfather's home and it was here that Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were married. Wal-

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lace Ross Wilson, born in the fall of 1871, died in the fall of 1874. Rebecca K., born December 23, 1874, died March 5, 1875, and one child died in infancy.

Mr. Wilson has for twenty-five years been treasurer of the Flint Mutual Aid Association, which was organized in 1873. In politics he has been a stalwart republican since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He served as school director from 1872 until 1888 and for seven terms was supervisor. He was also road commissioner and tax collector and in these various offices has been most faithful and prompt in the discharge of his duties. He belongs to Pike lodge, No. 73, I. O. O. F. and is esteemed by his brethren of the fraternity, by his business asso- ciates and by the friends whom he has made in so- cial life. He has a very wide acquaintance in Pike county, where he has always lived, and few men are more familiar with the history of this part of the state or with the events which have formed its annals. His mind bears the picture of early pioneer life as well as of later progress and he has not only watched the growth of the county but has also taken a helpful part in its development."

WILLIAM H. WINDSOR.

The name Windsor has long figured in con- nection with the history and the business prog- ress of Pike county, the subject of this review being the representative of a pioneer family. He is now well known as a merchant and the postmaster of Valley City and he is also farming eighty acres of land. His birth occurred in Florence, Pike county, on the 21st of May, 1871. His father, William Windsor, was born March 4, 1822, and became a resident of this county at an early day. Here he was married on the 27th of April, 1851, to Miss Caroline Evans, whose birth occurred December 28, 1831. He first built a house on a forty-acre tract of land and subse- quently he purchased what was called the Wine- gar Spring farm, which he afterward sold, in-

vesting his money in a farm in Chambersburg township. There he planted an orchard and im- proved his property, but eventually disposed of that place and returned to Valley City. In the early days he operated the old horse-power ferry there for many years and following his return to Valley City he operated a steam ferry there. On selling out that business he went to Detroit, where he lost his wife and several of his children. He afterward spent the winter in the south, engaged in hunting large game and his last days were passed in honorable retirement from labor. His death occurred at Poplar Bluffs, Missouri. He favored the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife was a devoted member, taking a very active and helpful part in its work. He voted with the democracy and was ever earnest in sup- port of political principles and whatever he be- lieved to be right. His death occurred March 12, 1885, when he was sixty-three years of age and his wife passed away July 16, 1874, at the age of forty-three years. In their family were eleven children, of whom the following are now living: John, who resides in Valley City; Sarah E., the wife of George Conkright, a resident of Okla- homa : and Kisebell, the wife of Fred Garrett, of Pueblo, Colorado.

The other surviving member of the family is William H. Windsor of this review, who at the age of five years went to New Hartford to live with the family of John Hoskins, with whom he remained until fourteen years of age. He then started out in life on his own account, working as a farm hand until 1898, when he became ill with appendicitis. After his recovery he en- tered the employ of the Western Union Tele- graph Company as a lineman, being employed in different cities as far east as New York. In the fall of 1902 he returned to Pike county, where he carried on farming until the 24th of August, 1905, when he took possession of a store which he had purchased in Valley City. Here he has since carried on general merchandising and he is also acting as postmaster of the village. At the same time he is farming eighty acres of land, having seventy acres planted to corn.

On the 3Ist of December, 1903, Mr. Windsor was married to Miss Mariette Remington, who

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was born near Chambersburg, Pike county, March I, 1870, and is a daughter of William A. and Betsey (Davis) Remington, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Griggsville, Illinois. Her father was a soldier of the Civil war, en- listing in Henry county, Illinois, as a defender of the Union cause. He afterward followed farm- ing in Pike county and subsequently removed to Stark county, where he carried on general agri- cultural pursuits up to the time of his demise, which occurred July 31, 1873, when he was thirty- seven years of age. His wife survived him until September 20, 1879, and died in Perry at the age of thirty-seven years. In their family were six children, of whom four are yet living: Wil- liam, Weltha A., Mrs. Windsor and Anthony. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Windsor has been blessed with one son, William Russell, born February 2, 1905.

Our subject and his wife are highly esteemed people of the community in which they reside, having a large circle of warm friends. He be- longs to Valley City camp, No. 4658, M. W. A., and he gives his political support to the repub- lican party .. Starting out in life on his own account when fourteen years of age he has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources and to his labor may be attributed all the success he has enjoyed. He is alert and enterprising, watchful of opportunities promising a business advancement and has already attained a credit- able position in business circles in his native county for so young a man.

CAPTAIN H. B. ATKINSON.

Captain H. B. Atkinson, who has passed the greater part of his life in Pike county and has been a resident of New Canton since June, 1876, closely identified with its business interests and commercial development, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, July 29, 1842, the second son of B. H. and Harriet (Morgan) Atkinson, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively. In the year 1846 he came with his parents to Pike county, the family home being established in Pittsfield, where

most of his youth was passed. He was a student in the public schools, and at the age of twenty years he joined the Pike county regiment which was raised in August, 1862, and became the Nine- ty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted for three years' service and although he joined the army as a private his soldierly qualities soon won for him a commission and toward the close of the war he was given a captain's commission, after which he commanded his company until the close of hostilities. With his regiment he re- turned home at the close of the war in August, 1865, and soon afterward joined his father in business in the city of Pittsfield.

On the 12th day of May, 1868, Captain Atkin- son was united in marriage to Miss Orphie M. Witt. Their wedded life was very happy, and for thirty-one years they traveled down the slope of time, enjoying life and its surroundings, but in 1899 Mrs. Atkinson was called to her final rest. She had been a devoted wife and mother, a faith- ful friend, and was recognized by all as a most estimable lady, so that her death was deeply de- plored in the community, where she had long re- sided. There had been four children born to this union : Fannie M., now the wife of J. L. Dutton ; Laura E., the wife of S. T. Donohoe ; Richard M., who is associated with his father ; and Henry, who. died in infancy.

Captain Atkinson continued a resident of Pitts- field until June, 1876, when he removed to New Canton, where he has since been successfully en- gaged in business. He is conducting a drug store which is well equipped with everything found in a first-class establishment of that character, and his patronage is extensive because of his honor- able business methods and his earnest desire to please his patrons. He has also extended his ef- forts to other lines of business activity, for in 1903 he assisted in establishing the Bank of New Can- ton, a much-needed institution in his home town. He has been president of the bank since its organ- ization and is one of the leading spirits in the very successful management of its affairs. He has also been active in matters of public moment, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public of- fice. He was supervisor from Pleasant Vale town-

H. B. ATKINSON

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ship from 1884 until 1889, and during that period acted as chairman of the board for two years. He was also treasurer of the Sny levee commission for twelve years, and in September, 1901, he was appointed one of its commissioners, and for three years has been president of the board. Captain Atkinson, while not a native son of the county, has spent the greater part of his life here, and has always taken a great interest in its affairs, tending to the good of the community. He has so directed his efforts that his labors have proved of direct benefit to the county, and at the same time has so capably managed his business affairs that his labors have been crowned with success.

JOSEPH M. DUNHAM.

Joseph M. Dunham, at one time closely associat- ed with agricultural interests but now living a re- tired life in Pittsfield, was born in New Salem township, Pike county, on the 17th of May, 1859, his parents being the Rev. Abel and Rachel (Har- den) Dunham. The father's birth occurred in Harrison county, Ohio, on the 16th of July, 1819, and his parents were William and Mary (Chaney ) Dunham. Lewis Dunham, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and met all the hardships and privations that fell to the lot of the brave men who won American liberty. At times the army was reduced almost to starvation, but the troops persevered and at length victory crowned the arms of the colonists and the establishment of the republic was an as- sured fact.

William Dunham, the grandfather, was a 'na -* tive of Maryland, in which state the days of his boyhood and youth were passed. Having reached adult age he married Miss Mary Chaney, who was of Scotch lineage, and some years later they removed to Ohio, settling in Harrison county when it was a wild and undeveloped district. They cast in their lot with its pioneer residents and aid- ed in its reclamation for the uses of civilization. In the spring of 1845 they came to Illinois, tak- ing up their abode in what is now Griggsville township, where they spent their remaining days.

William Dunham died September 15, 1845, and his wife passed away on the 2d of November, 1852.

Rev. Abel Dunham spent the days of his boy- hood and youth amid pioneer environments in Harrison county, Ohio, and when he had reached his majority he sought a companion and helpmate for life's journey. He wooed and won Miss Rachel Harden, who was born in Jefferson coun- ty, Ohio, March 7, 1816. At the time of his mar- riage his sole capital was one dollar and one cent and the dollar was given to the minister who per- formed the marriage ceremony, while after the infair a little nephew was made the happy recip- ient of the penny. Thus empty-handed, but with courageous purpose and willing hands, the young couple started'out in life, Mr. Dunham devoting his attention to' farming on a small scale in his native county, when, feeling that he might have better business opportunities in the middle west he removed to Pike county, where he went to work in earnest. His unremitting diligence formed the basis of his prosperity and his labors were ably supplemented by the faithful efforts of his esti- mable wife. Thus he accumulated over six hun- dred acres of valuable land together with other property in this part of the state. In 1840 his wife became a member of the United Brethren church and was a most earnest and faithful work- er. She frequently spoke in the meetings of the church and her words, fraught with the true 'spirit of religion and with intense purpose, thrilled her hearers and had a beneficial influence on many lives. For some years prior to her death she was an invalid, but her mental faculties were unim- paired and she retained her consciousness up to the last, bidding her friends farewell and speak- ing to them words of Christian cheer, comfort and advice. She passed away Sunday, February 28, 1886, in the full assurance of a life to come. Ten children were born of that marriage. Fol- lowing the death of his first wife Rev. Dunham was married to Mrs. Sarah J. Brown, nee Ander- son, who was born near Hillsboro, in Highland county, Ohio, August 23, 1840. Mr. Dunham was a prominent abolitionist, doing everything in his power to suppress slavery, and when the re- publican party was organized to prevent its fur-

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ther extension he became one of its stalwart ad- two children, Paul and Lena. Nellie L. Dunham, born October 13, 1880, attended the country schools and has been educated in music. William R., born January 7, 1883, is living upon the old home farm in New Salem township. David C., born October 22, 1884, is living on the old home- stead in New Salem township. Samuel K., born April 30, 1887, is living at home and attends the vocates. Later he was again connected with a party of reform-the prohibitionist, for he was an earnest advocate of the cause of temperance and in fact his influence was ever given on the side of progress and improvement and for the amelioration of the hard conditions of human life. He died August 18, 1899, leaving behind him the priceless heritage of an untarnished name and an , high school in Pittsfield. Nora E., born May 19, example that is indeed well worthy of emulation.

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Past and present of Pike County, Illinois, Part 63

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