Past and present of Pike County, Illinois, Part 64

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 64

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Joseph M. Dunham was educated in the com- mon schools of New Salem township and in Griggsville. He remained at home until eighteen years of age, continuing upon his father's farm for five years, and since that time has lived upon land of his own. His farming interests today cover two hundred and sixty acres of fine and productive land in New Salem township under a high state of cultivation and improvement with all modern equipments and accessories. He built thereon a beautiful residence, but has now retired from the active management of the farm, remov- ing to Pittsfield on the 30th of August, 1905, while his land is leased to his sons. He always carried on general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of hogs, and in both branches of his busi- ness he met with success that in the course of time brought him a capital sufficient to enable him to enjoy a well earned rest at the present time. He rents a fine home where he resides on East Washington street.

On the 30th of October, 1877, Mr. Dunham was united in marriage to Miss Eldora Koontz, who was born February 14, 1860, and is a native of Schuyler county, Illinois, and a daughter of William and Catherine (Stambaugh) Koontz. The father was a farmer, stone-mason and contractor. In the family were fifteen children, eight of whom reached years of maturity, but only three are now living, namely: Mrs. Dunham; David Koontz, who resides in East St. Louis, Illinois ; and Wil- liam Koontz, who is living near Camden, Illinois. The parents are both deceased, the mother passing away in 1875, while the father's death occurred in 1888.

Mr. and Mrs. Dunham have become the parents of seven children. Harry H., the eldest, born August 24, 1878, married Ida Pence and is a farmer living in New Salem township. They have

1892, and Cloyd W., February 2, 1897, are at home.

Mr. Dunham is a democrat who keeps well in- formed on the questions and issues of the day but has never been active as an office-seeker, al- though he has served as school trustee. He be- longs to the Modern Woodmen camp at New Sa- lem and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he and his wife and their children are mem- hers of the United Brethren church. A worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of Pike county, the name of Dunham has been known here-and honorably so-for many years and Jo- seph M. Dunham of this review is a worthy rep- resentative of the family. He well deserves the success which has come to him and which enables him now to live in well earned ease.

WILLIAM E. JAMES.

William E. James is conducting a profitable business as a general agriculturist, horticulturist and stock-raiser. The property comprises a tract of one hundred and seventy-five acres of rich land under a high state of cultivation and im- proved with the buildings and equipments which indicate the progressive spirit of the owner. There is upon his farm an apple orchard covering from eighteen to twenty acres, also a fine pear orchard of six acres. He raises the various ce- reals best adapted to soil and climate and he also buys, feeds and ships cattle and hogs, which he sends to the St. Louis market. He likewise raises fine horses and is known as one of the most en- terprising farmers and stock-dealers of this part of the county.

A native of Illinois, his birth occurred in Adams county on the 6th of October, 1856. His

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father, Allen W. James, was born in Tennessee, October 13, 1818, and was married in that state to Miss Matilda Clardy, who was also born there. They had two children : Frances A., the' wife of James Thomas, a resident farmer of Tennessee ; and Virginia, the deceased wife of Williamson Bond, a Pike county farmer. Following the death of his first wife Mr. James wedded Miss Eliza- beth Sartain, who was born in Tennessee, Janu- ary I, 1827. They became the parents of five sons and a daughter, of whom four are still liv- ing: Columbus A., of Butler, Missouri ; Harvey C., of Oxford, Nebraska; John A., of Perry, Pike county; and William E., the subject of this sketch. Those deceased are Cordelia and Charles E. In the year 1852 the parents removed from Tennessee to Adams county, Illinois, and some years later Pike county became the family home. In 1888, however, Mr. and Mrs. James removed to Bates county, Missouri, but shortly afterward returned to Pike county, where they remained un- til the death of Mrs. James, which occurred Octo- ber 3, 1895, her husband surviving until April 20, 1898, when he too passed away. Both were mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church and were very loyal to its teachings. Mr. James voted with the democratic party.

William E. James was a young lad when his parents removed to Pike county and in the public schools here he acquired his education. Reared to the occupation of farming, he has made it his life work and he began that business on his own account soon after his marriage, which occurred in 1881. In 1885 he removed to Bates county, Missouri, where he spent four years, farming and dealing in stock. In 1889 he returned to Pike county and followed farming in Montezuma township near Milton until 1901, when he sold his property and came to Perry township, locating on the old Smith homestead.

On the 7th of December, 1881, Mr. James was married to Miss Ella V. Smith, a daughter of William W. and Frances (Brown) Smith. Her father, who was born in Page cotinty, Virginia, July 10, 1833, died January 12, 1901. He was married in Illinois, August 21, 1860. In the family were five children, namely: Mrs. James ; George M., who is sheriff of Pike county ; Har-

vey D., a prosperous farmer of Detroit township ; and Nettie and Ida May, who both died when quite young. Both Mr. and Mrs. James are mem- bers of the Pike County Mutual Life In- surance Company and belong to the Metho- dist Episcopal church of Perry. Both take an active part in the work of the church and thus exercise a strong influence for good. Mrs. James was educated in the public schools and the Presbyterian College at Jackson- ville and is an estimable lady, extending to her many friends the gracious hospitality of a pleas- ant and attractive home. Mr. James belongs to Perry lodge, No. 95, A. F. & A. M., and his political allegiance is given to the democracy. The family has long been known in this part of the state and like others of the name William E. James has made a creditable record and secured success in his business affairs.

HENRY GARD.

Henry Gard, who is interested in general agri- cultural pursuits in Pleasant Vale township, . where he owns and operates a good farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres, is a native of Barry township, born on the 10th of December, 1856. His parents, Cyrenius and Nancy (Kid- well) Gard, were natives of Ohio. The father was born near Marietta, that state. In 1833 he made a trip to Pike county, Illinois, but it was not until 1839 that he located permanently here, becoming identified with its early development and improvement. He settled in Barry township, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits, owning and operating two hundred and forty acres of land. In his family were twelve children, of whom six are yet living: Daniel, born March 30, 1837, died September 8, 1859; Charles, born April 15, 1840, is living near his brother Henry ; Lucinda, born February 28, 1842, resides in Pleasant Vale township; Jasper, born February 5, 1844, died in St. Louis, while serving in the army on the IIth of November. 1863; Martha died in 1902; Mary, twin sister of Martha, is the wife of Charles Dodge and resides in New

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London, Missouri; Joel, born December 5, 1848, is living near Mexico, Missouri; Paulina, born October 24, 1850, died October 9, 1852; Paulina, born September 5, 1852, is living in Nebraska; Jane, born September 5, 1854, became the wife of Wilson P. Cochran and both are now de- ceased, the former having died March 18, 1899; Henry is the eleventh of the family; Nancy, born January 22, 1861, died August 25, 1862. The mother passed away January 28, 1861, and the father survived until June 24, 1875.

Henry Gard pursued his education in the schools of New Canton and was graduated from the high school with the class of 1877. Selling his interest in the old homestead property, he purchased where he now resides on section 10, Pleasant Vale township, and has here since made his home. He owns one hundred and fifty-five acres of good land, a part of which is bottom land, while a part lies on the bluff. It is located about a mile from New Canton and is a good farm well developed. He has been engaged in the stock business most of the time and is now raising polled Angus cattle and a good grade of hogs, buying, feeding and shipping considerable stock.

On the 20th of August, 1878, occurred the marriage of Mr. Gard and Miss Olive Seybold, who was born on the adjoining farm, July 6, 1862, her parents being Jacob and Nancy (Jef- fries) Seybold. Her father was born in this county, where her grandfather located at a very early day. Jacob Seybold was a farmer, de- voting his life to general agricultural pursuits. In his family were three children: Edward, a resident of Joplin, Missouri; Mrs. Gard; and Jasper M., who was born February 27, 1865, and died April 12, 1892, at the age of twenty- seven, years.

Mr. Gard exercises his right of franchise in support of republican men and measures and for three years filled the office of road commissioner. He belongs to Masonic lodge, No. 821, at New Canton, and to camp No. 1148, M. W. A. He is highly regarded in the community where he resides and in which he has so directed his efforts that he is now classed with the successful farm- ers. There have been no especially advantageous circumstances in his life nor has he received any

great assistance through inheritance, but with a just realization of the value of unremitting et- fort he has so labored as to gain valuable and desirable farming interests and his life record is an exemplification of the term "dignity of labor."

ALBION SHINN.

Albion Shinn is well known as a representative of extensive and important business interests in Pike county, where he is largely engaged in rais- ing sheep. His life record is well known to his fellow townsmen, for he is a native son of Pike county, having been born in Pittsfield township on the 2d of December, 1848. He has since lived in this part of the state and has so directed his energies as to find his labors a good source of income. His parents were William and Mary Jane (Lytle) Shinn. The father was born in At- las township, Pike county, on the 7th of January; 1827, his parents being Daniel and Mary (Hack- ett) Shinn, who were natives of New Jersey. The family is of English descent, having been founded in America by three brothers who came from Eng- land at an early day. The grandparents were married in New Jersey and removed from there to Ohio, where they remained for seven years, coming to Illinois in April, 1820, only two years after the admission of the state into the Union. They were indeed pioneer residents of Pike coun- ty, settling within its borders when the work of improvement and progress had scarcely been be- gun. Daniel Shinn brought with him the first wagon ever in Pike county and he had to cut and make a road for forty miles in order to reach his destination. On arriving here he bought one hun- dred and sixty acres of land on section 12, Atlas township, and built thereon a log cabin, beginning life in true frontier style. As the years passed by he improved the place, spending his remaining days thereon. The country was wild and the seeds of civilization had scarcely been planted. He helped to make the first road from Pittsfield to Atlas and assisted in building the first courthouse and jail at Atlas, both structures being made of logs. As the years passed by success attended his

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efforts and he became the owner of seven hundred acres of land and was recognized as a wealthy man and farmer. He gave all of his children some land and as the years went by he prospered in his undertakings and took an active and help- ful part in the work of development, so that he was known among the honored and valued pioneer residents. He reared thirteen children, two of whom are living, namely: William Shinn and a sister who resides in Iowa. Daniel Shinn died in March, 1852, having for several years survived his wife, who passed away about 1846.

William Shinn was reared amid the environ- ments of pioneer life, sharing with the family in all the hardships and difficulties incident to the es- tablishment of a home and the development of a farm upon the frontier. He was educated in the common schools and when quite young began work in the fields and was but a youth when he provided for his own support by working as a farm hand in the neighborhood. He was married at the age of twenty years to Miss Mary Jane Lytle and lived with his father until 1850, when · he went to California, spending one year upon the Pacific coast. He made some money while there and then returned, after which he began farming on his own account, cultivating different farms in this part of the state. He would buy and after- ward sell the land and in 1856 he invested in the farm which he now owns and occupies and which has been his place of residence continuously since. He has been engaged in the sheep industry since 1866 and has owned from six hundred to two thousand sheep. He now has about five hundred sheep and he has also been extensively engaged in raising cattle for the last thirty-five years, keep- ing from two hundred and fifty to three hundred and fifty head of cattle upon his farms at one time, although at present he has only about one hundred head. He is, however, known as one of the prominent stockmen of Illinois and has be- come one of the wealthiest residents of Pike coun- ty, a position to which he has attained through well directed and earnest effort, through judicious investment and capable management. The suc- cess that has come to him is well merited and now in the evening of life he is enabled not only to enjoy its necessities and comforts but also many

of its luxuries and his example should well serve as a source of emulation and inspiration to others, showing what may be accomplished through de- termined and earnest purpose. In the year 1846 William Shinn was united in marriage to Miss Mary Lytle, whose birth occurred in Ross county, Ohio, in March, 1827, and who came to Pike county, Illinois, with her father, Andrew Lytle, in 1832. He lived in Pike county and owned eighty acres of land, but later removed to Cal- houn county, where he died. The death of Mrs. Shinn occurred December 24, 1904. She was a woman of many excellent traits of heart and mind, well liked by all who knew her because of a gen- ial and kindly disposition and genuine worth, so that her death was deeply deplored by her friends as well as immediate family. She was a devoted member of the Methodist church and took an ac- tive and helpful interest in its work. Mr. Shinn is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at New Hartford and he, too, belongs to the Methodist church. His life has been per- meated by his belief and although he has become one of the wealthiest men of the county his path has never been strewn with the wreck of other men's fortunes but has been gained in the legiti- mate channels of trade.

Albion Shinn was educated in the common schools, mastering the branches of learning us- ually taught therein and through the periods of vacation assisting in the work of the home farm. He remained at home until nearly thirty years of age and has always had the strongest attachment for agricultural life, finding in it a pursuit more congenial to him than any other. He worked for a year and a half for his father after attaining his majority and then entered into partnership with him and so continued until his marriage. His first purchase of land comprised a farm south- east of New Hartford and later he bought where he now resides on section 36, Eldara township. He and his son now own two hundred- acres of land and alone he owns seven hundred ad twenty- five acres, so that he is one of the extensive prop- erty holders in Pike county. For thirty years he has been extensively engaged in sheep-raising, keeping about thirteen or fourteen hundred head of sheep. He makes a specialty of the Southdown

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and Oxford breeds and although they are high- bred animals they are not registered, but he buys registered stock for breeding purposes. He is also keeping about one hundred head of cattle for feeding and is well known as a stockman.

In 1878 Mr. Shinn was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Wolfork, of Missouri, and they have one child, Claude. He was born in 1881 and after attending the common schools of the neighborhood he became a student in the Union Business Col- lege at Quincy, Illinois. He is now associated with his father in business and the parents and son are all members of the Christian church, while the latter is also a member of lodge, No. 453, A. F. A. M, at New Hartford. Mr. Shinn is a republican but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs, in which he 'has been very suc- cessful. He has a beautiful residence and all good buildings and improvements upon his farm and is one of the prosperous and influential agricultur- ists and stock-raisers of Pike county, energetic in his business, thoroughly reliable in his dealings and progressive in his methods.

JAMES M. GREENE.

James M. Greene is the owner of a good farm of one hundred and twelve acres in Barry town- ship and is well known as a breeder of Shetland ponies, Chester-White hogs and brown Leghorn chickens. A native of Pike county, Illinois, he was born June 13, 1845, of the marriage of P. D. S. and Lucinda (Sweet) Greene. The father was born in Rensselear county, New York, De- . cember 8, 1814, and was a son of James Greene, whose birth occurred in the Empire state, July II, 1790. He came to Pike county in early pio- neer times and secured a tract of government

land near Barry, when it was uncultivated prai- rie and uncut timber. There he developed a good farm, being one of the energetic and capa- ble agriculturists of his community and a man who was much respected for his genuine worth as displayed in all life's relations. He reared a large family of children and died September 8, 1875.

His first wife, Mrs. Polly Greene, was born No- vember 2, 1793, and died.August 26, 1849. His second wife passed away March 24, 1866, at the age of seventy-four years and twenty-six days.

P. D. S. Greene was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life in Pike county and was married in the vicinity of Barry to Miss Lucinda P. Sweet, who was born in New York, April 12, 1824, and was a daughter of Job Sweet, whose birth occurred February 4, 1798. He came to Pike county, Illinois; at an early day, locating near Barry, where he entered govern- ment land. At that time it was covered with native timber or with the wild prairie grasses. Resolutely he set to work to transform the land into cultivated fields and was recognized through- out the community as a capable and energetic farmer, highly respected by all who knew him. He reared a large family and died January 21, 1852. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. P. D. S. Greene was blessed with nine children, five sons and four daughters: Ackland, who was born August 30, 1839, and is now living in Oklahoma ; Artalisa P., who was born July 15, 1842, and is the wife of J. C. Jackson, a resident of Roches- ter, New York; James M .; Mary, who was born August 29, 1849, and is deceased; William, who has also passed away; Charles E., who was born February 9, 1852, and is deceased; Emma L., who was born October 18, 1856, and is the wife of Henry McDaniel, of Rochester, New York; Clara W., who was born September 12, 1858, and is the wife of John D. Miller, of Pittsfield; and John, whose birth occurred October 9, 1860, and who is now living in California. The father was the owner of a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres adjoining Barry and although he started out in life empty-handed he became well- to-do, possessing a deeply religious nature. He was greatly interested in all matters that per- tained to the moral development of his commu- nity, took an active part in the work of the Chris- tian church, in which he held membership and for many years served as one of its elders. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. He resided in Pike county until 1899 and then went to Rochester, New York, where he has since

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lived. His wife passed away on the 14th of January of that year)

James M. Greene, having acquired his prelimi- nary education in the schools of Pike county, entered Lombard University at Galesburg, Illi- nois, where he pursued his studies in 1862-63. When his education was completed he began business life as a farmer and soon afterward turned his attention to buying and selling stock, which business he followed for many years, or until his health became impaired, since which time he has been living more quietly. In 1895 he began raising Shetland ponies and yet has a number of fine animals. He first bought a mare of J. Murray Hogue, of Maquoketa, Iowa. She was the best saddle and driving pony in the world and won the blue ribbon at the World's Colum- bian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. She is now twenty-three years old. She would pace a mile in three minutes. In addition to breeding Shet- land ponies Mr. Greene is also breeding and raising Chester-White hogs and brown Leghorn chickens. He resides upon his farm of one hun- dred and twelve acres, twenty-nine acres of which are included within the corporation limits of Barry. This is a well improved property, the greater part of which is seeded to blue grass. He has erected a fine home and all of the improve- ments and equipments upon the farm have been placed there by Mr. Greene, who is practical in all of his methods, systematic in his work and energetic in all that he undertakes.

On the Ist of June, 1866, occurred the mar- riage of Mr. Greene and Miss Adda Hollem- beak, of Ohio. She was born October 5, 1847, a daughter of A. C. Hollembeak, who for a long period was postmaster at Barry. He was very active in political work and was an unfaltering advocate of republican principles. He brought his family to Pike county when his daughter, Mrs. Greene, was a young girl. By her mar- riage she became the mother of two children, but Corinne, who was born May 21, 1867, died Sep- tember 4, 1871. The other daughter, Nora, who was born September 8, 1869, is the wife of Ed- ward Taylor, a resident of Trinidad, Colorado. Mrs. Greene passed away on the 13th of Septem- ber, 1871. Mr. Greene has since married Han-

nah M. Tilton, of Swanton, Vermont, who was born September 23, 1849, and came to Pike county with her mother and sisters about 1869. By this marriage there were two daughters: Gretta, who was born September 2, 1881, and was married April 21, 1901, to G. H. Wike, of Barry ; and Della M., who was born July 27, 1887, and is at home.

For many years Mr, Greene was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Amer- ica, while his wife is a member of the Court of Honor. A self-made man he deserves all of the praise which that term implies for his persistent and energetic labor has been the basis of his success. The acquirement of wealth has not been, however, the sole end and aim of his life, for he has never allowed this purpose to crush out the kindlier elements of his nature and his considera- tion for the rights of others but on the contrary 'his character has developed with the passing of years along lines that at all times command re- spect and regard and he is frequently spoken of in terms of confidence and good will.

CHARLES W. WILLARD.

Charles W. Willard, devoting his time and ener- gies to general agricultural pursuits, giving per- sonal attention to the cultivation and development of eighty-six acres of land which he owns in Hardin township and also another tract of forty acres, was born in this township which is still his home, his natal day being November 23, 1877. His father was Jasper Willard, a representative of one of the pioneer families of Pike county, for his birth occurred here about 1855. The grandfather, O. L. G. Willard, took up his abode in this county about 1839, coming to Illinois from Pennsylvania. Few improvements had been made in this section of the state at the time of his ar- rival. He found here uncultivated prairie land and uncut forests. The streams were unbridged, much of the land was unclaimed and the work of progress and development seemed scarcely begun. In the work of progress and improvement he took an active and helpful part and has always

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Past and present of Pike County, Illinois, Part 64

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