USA > Illinois > Pike County > Past and present of Pike County, Illinois > Part 70
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Isaac N. Winans was educated in the common schools and thus became well equipped for teach-
ing, which profession he followed for two terms. In the periods of vacation he had worked upon the home farm and after 1881 he concentrated his entire time, energies and attention to general agricultural pursuits, operating the farm upon which he now resides. When his labors had brought to him sufficient capital he made pur- chase of the place, becoming owner in 1892, and in 1900 he further extended the boundaries of his property by the purchase of an additional tract of fifty-five acres. In his farm work he is progressive, practical and methodical. He now owns one hundred and sixty acres of good land and has made all of the improvements upon this place. He has a comfortable residence, splendid barns and sheds for. the shelter of grain, farm machinery and stock. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also gives consid- erable attention to stock-raising, having now upon his place fifty head of cattle, seventy head of hogs and several horses.
'Mr. Winans was married in 1882 to Miss Isa- dore Wills, of Pittsfield, who resided in the same school district as her husband, they being play- mates in childhood. She was born in 1861, a daughter of Robert and Mary (Jester) Wills, further mention of whom is made in connection with the sketch of W. R. Wills on another page of this work, Mr. Wills being a brother of Mrs. Winans. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children: Fay, who was born in 1884 and is now aiding in the operation of the home farm; Ada, born in 1890; and Fred, on the 27th of December, 1893.
In his political views Mr. Winans is a republi- can and keeps in touch with the questions and issues which divide the two great parties. He has served as school director of his district but otherwise has held no office, as he does not seek political preferment as a reward for party fealty. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, No. 453, of New Hartford, having attained the Master degree, and he also belongs to the Modern Wood- men camp, No. 532, of Pittsfield. He is in hearty sympathy with the teachings and tenets of these organizations, and he and his wife are devoted members of the Christian church. Mr. Winans is truly a self-made man, having made every cent
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which he possesses, and his life record proves what may be accomplished through determined and earnest effort. He has worked persistently and diligently as the years have gone by and his labors have made him one of the substantial resi- dents of Pittsfield township. Moreover his busi- ness methods are such as neither seek nor require disguise, for he has been straightforward in all his dealings, purposeful and reliable, and is now one of the prominent and valued farmers of the county.
BELA S. WRIGHT.
Bela S. Wright, a farmer residing in Hadley township, was born in Barry township, Pike county, on the 21st of March, 1847, his parents being Abiah and Catherine (Fisher) Wright. The father, who was born November I, 1809, came to Pike county, Illinois, from Ohio about 1846 and located in Barry township. He made the journey in the primitive manner of the times, driving overland with a team. He was a stone mason by trade and followed that pursuit in this. locality, while his sons attended to the active work of the farm, for when his earnings had brought him sufficient capital he made investment in real estate. For a time he leased land but as soon as possible made purchase of his farm. In politics he was a whig in his early political alle- giance and on the dissolution of the party he joined the ranks of the new republican party. In early manhood he wedded Miss Catherine Fisher, who was indeed a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey. Both were de- voted members of the United Brethren church. Mr. Wright lived to the advanced age of seventy- five years, passing away on the 13th of March, 1884, while his wife, who was born in Ohio, March 24, 1813, died December 30, 1896, at the ripe old age of eighty-three years. In their fam- ily were ten children: Joe and Robert, both de- ceased; James, who is now living in Pittsburg, Kansas; Bela S., of this review ; John and Alex- ander, residents of Kansas; Edwin and Eliza Jane, both deceased ; Barbara, who is the widow of Ed Bowers and lives in Barry; and Mary,
who has also passed away. Three of the sons were soldiers of the Civil war, James of Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh *Illinois Volunteers, while Rob served in the Tenth Illi- nois Cavalry and Joe as a member of the Ninety- ninth Illinois Regiment. The last named died while defending the Union cause.
Bela S. Wright was educated in the public schools of Pike county and remained at home un- til twenty-one years of age, assisting in the labors of the farm from the time of early spring plant- ing until crops were harvested in the late au- tumn. On attaining his majority he went to Kansas, where he farmed with his brother-in- law for a time, while later he began working by the month as a farm hand. He was thus em- ployed for a year and a half, after which he went to the Indian Territory, where he spent one year. On the expiration of that period he returned home and soon afterward purchased seventy acres of land near his father's farm, but event- ually he sold that property in 1892 and bought one hundred and forty-seven acres where he now resides, the place being pleasantly and conve- niently located about a mile and a half east of Barry in Hadley township. . Here he carries on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. His farm is well improved and fenced and the buildings are in good repair.
On the 15th of September, 1878, Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Met- calf, who was born in Barry township, March 21, 1847. She was reared in the same neighbor- hood as her husband and they were school-mates in early life. Her parents were Chauncey A. and Sarah M. (Leggett) Metcalf. The father was born in New Hampshire, August 18, 1813, and the mother's birth occurred in Ohio, March 9, 1818. In 1837 he came to Pike county and for many years lived in Barry, where he followed the wagonmaker's trade, conducting for a long period a shop of his own. In November, 1838, Sarah M. Leggett arrived in Pike county and they were married on the 31st of March, 1842. In 1857 they removed to a farm, Mr. Metcalf be- coming the owner of one hundred and two acres of land, which he tilled and cultivated, bringing it up to a high state of productiveness. In the
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family of this worthy couple were eight children, of whom the following reached years of matu- rity and are now living, namely: Mrs. Rose Smith, who resides in Polk county, Arkansas; Mary Jane; Bela S .; Mrs. Zoa Coleman, who resides at Oceanside, California ; Mrs. Sadie Hol- man, living at Riverside, California ; and George W. Metcalf, whose home is in Barry township. The father died May 15, 1898, and the mother's death occurred on the 17th of August, 1883.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wright have been born four children, of whom two are now living. Sarah E., born August 28, 1879, became the wife of William Glecker and died November 19, 1903, leaving one child, Jennie E., who was born in San Juan county, New Mexico, August 26, 1903, and is now being reared by her grandparents. Chauncey A., born March 16, 1882, and now liv- ing near his father, married Orpha Dunham and they have one child, Dallas. Lester A., born March I, 1885, died December 26, 1904. George A., born December 3, 1887, is living at home. The parents are members of the Methodist church at Barry and Mr. Wright has been connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for many years. He and his wife are social genial people, whose friendly spirit is man- ifest in their generous hospitality. Mr. Wright has never joined in any wild search for wealth, but is now comfortably situated, content to pro- vide his family with a good living and have leis- ure time for the enjoyment of some of the pleas- ures of life.
WILLIAM H. GARRISON, M. D., Ph. G.
The name of Garrison has long been found on the roll of the representatives of the medical fraternity in Pike county, and in the practice of his chosen profession Dr. Garrison of this re- view has made an excellent reputation that has been the means of securing to him a liberal pat- ronage. He was born January 23, 1869, in Har- din township, Pike county, a son of Dr. George B. and Sarah (Cox) Garrison. The father is one of Pike county's pioneer physicians, but has now retired from the active practice of medicine,
turning his business over to his son. He was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, August 5, 1839. Among his ancestors in both the paternal and maternal line were soldiers of the Revolutionary war. Dr. George B. Garrison was reared to the occupation of farming and was educated in the common schools. For twelve years he engaged in teaching school in Pike county and has ever been a warm friend of the cause of education. While engaged in teaching he read medicine and attended lectures at the Bennett Medical College in Chicago, Illinois. He also attended the Amer- ican College at St. Louis and following his grad- uation from the college he entered at once upon the active practice of medicine. He has resided in the village of Pearl since 1884 and for many years he enjoyed an extensive practice, but is now retired. He is an active Mason and is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, his life having been actuated by the be- neficent principles of the former and the teach- ings of the latter. On the 7th of February, 1864, he was married to Miss Sarah Cox and un- to this union were born three children, of whom William H. of this review is the eldest. The wife and mother died June 21, 1876, and Dr. Garri- son afterward wedded Lucinda Forkner, by whom he had four, children. Dr. Garrison is a very strong temperance man and does all in his power to uplift humanity and inculcate honor- able principles among his fellowmen. He com- mands the unqualified respect and trust of all with whom he has been associated and is one of the honored and prominent residents of Pike county.
His son, Dr. William H. Garrison, acquired his preliminary education in the country schools and afterward attended the graded schools of Pearl. At the age of seventeen years he entered the State Normal high school at Normal, Illi- nois, where he remained as a student for two years. He then engaged in teaching for one year in Montezuma township, but prior to that time he had assisted Dr. C. E. Thurmon, who was conducting a drug store in Pearl. In 1890 he entered the Chicago College of Pharmacy, in which he completed a course, after which he returned to Pearl and bought the drug business
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of Dr. Thurmon. In 1891 he again went to Chi- cago, where he completed his course in phar- macy in the Chicago College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated with the class of 1891. During his senior year in college he served as assistant to the chair of pharmacy and also spent his evenings as a clerk in a Chicago drug store, the salary received from these two positions en- abling him to meet the expenses of his collegiate course. Following his graduation he returned to Pearl and continued in the drug business until 1894, when he entered the Marion Sims Medical College at St. Louis, Missouri, where he pursued a course of lectures. He next en- tered the Missouri Medical College, now the de- partment of medicine of Washington University at St. Louis, Missouri, from which he was grad- uated with honors in the class of 1897 with the degree of M. D. He won the first prize in chem- istry, also special honors in surgery and received honorable mention for his general excellence in all the branches of medical science. Returning to Pearl he has since actively engaged in the practice of his profession and he still retains an interest in the drug store with his brother, H. D. Garrison, this being one of the best and most up-to-date drug stores of any in the smaller cities of Illinois.
Dr. Garrison's practice is not confined to Pearl and vicinity, but extends also to Calhoun, Scott and Greene counties as well as to Pike county, Missouri. He is continually broadening his knowledge through research and investigation and thus his efficiency is advanced, his labors proving of the utmost value to his fellowmen in checking the ravages of disease. He is local surgeon for the Chicago & Alton Railroad and has held the position for four years. While en- gaged actively in pharmacy he became a member of the State Pharmaceutical Association and was active in all lines of its work connected with the progress of pharmacy. He held various posi- tions in the association up to and including that of vice president. He is now a member of the Pike County and the Illinois State Medical Soci- eties and he keeps in touch with the most mod- ern scientific investigation along the line of his chosen life work.
On the Ist of October, 1893, Dr. Garrison was united in marriage to Miss Laura L. French, a daughter of H. C. and Sarah (Long) French. Her father is a native of Vermont and has re- sided in Pike county for about forty years. He served for four years in the Union army and, being captured, was confined in Libby Prison for several months. He is now a prosperous farmer of Montezuma township. His wife was born on the farm where they yet reside. Dr. and Mrs. Garrison have four children: Frank Har- old, George H., William H. and Sarah R. Fra- ternally Dr. Garrison is connected with the Ma- sonic lodge and with the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are both devoted members of the Christian church and are ac- tively associated with its work. He has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for the past fifteen years and has contributed in substantial measure to its upbuilding and also the extension of church influence. Like both his father and grandfather, he has been an active worker in the cause of temperance and had the honor of serv- ing as a member of the first temperance board of the village of Pearl. He maintains a high standard of professional ethics and his position in the public regard is not the less the result of an irreproachable private life than of profes- sional skill and ability.
NATHAN L. BARNES.
Nathan L. Barnes, a retired farmer and stock- raiser residing in Baylis, Illinois, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, March 15. 1833, and is a son of William and Sarah (Law- son) Barnes. The father's birth occurred in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he fol- lowed farming, owning and operating a small tract of land. He was also a shoemaker by trade and engaged in that pursuit to some ex- tent. He came to Pike county, Illinois, in the fall of 1854, making his way down the Ohio river and up the Mississippi to Little Cincinnati, Illinois. He brought with him his household goods and live stock, having four tons of prop-
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LIBRARY Of THE UNIVERSITY OF SLENHUIS.
N. L. AND LYDIA A. BARNES
N. L. AND MARGARET H. BARNES
LIBRARY Of THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.
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erty which was thus shipped to his western home. He located near Baylis and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres from William Davis on section 24, New Salem town- ship. He brought with him his wife and family of nine children and one of his sons, William Barnes, had come to Pike county the year pre- vious. The father spent his remaining days here and, having purchased some town property in Baylis, occupied his home up to the time of his demise. He was quite widely known as a stock- raiser, making a specialty of cattle and horses, and his business interests were capably conducted and brought to him well merited success. He died September 4, 1884, at the advanced age of eighty-six years, three months and twenty-four days. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1868, at the age of seventy-three years, eleven months and three days.
Nathan L. Barnes was educated in the com- mon schools of Pennsylvania, which he attended through the winter months. During the remain- der of the year, however, he worked upon the home farm, taking his place in the fields at the time of early spring planting and continuing there until crops were harvested in the late au- tumn. He remained at home until his removal to Pike county and made a hand in the fields when fifteen years of age. Following the re- moval to the west he entered upon an independ- ent business career, being employed by the month as a farm hand in this part of the state. Sub- sequently he returned to Pennsylvania and was married. His wife engaged in teaching school and through their united efforts they thus made a start in the business world. Mr. Barnes re- ceived a dollar and a quarter per day for his serv- ices and worked by the month for six months. after which he began farming on his own ac- . Lizzie Cummings and resides upon the old home-
count, desiring that his labors should more di- rectly benefit himself. He continued the culti- vation of rented land for three years and after- ward removed to Harshman Prairie, where he remained for two years. He then returned to his former locality, where he continued for one year, after which he purchased one hundred and sev- enty acres of land a mile and a quarter south of Baylis. To this he has added until he now
owns two hundred and seventy-two acres, con- stituting one of the valuable and productive farms in this portion of the state. He has put all the improvements upon his property, includ- ing a fine residence, large and substantial out- buildings and good fences. The fields are well tilled and he has one of the best farms in New Salem township. He has engaged extensively and successfully in raising hogs and could pro- duce in them a weight of from two hundred and twenty-five to two hundred and fifty pounds at six months old. He was known as the best raiser of hogs in the county and his business proved very profitable.
In 1855, Mr. Barnes was united in marriage to Miss Margaret H. Cunningham, of West Alex- ander, Pennsylvania, and unto them have been born four children, of whom three are now liv- ing: Mary Jane, who is the wife of Mathew Nichols and resides in this county; Lizzie, the wife of Finley Ritchie, a resident of Pike county ; and Robert Y,, who married Nancy Davidson and lives in Baylis. " The wife and mother, died March 3, 1863, and in 1865 Mr. Barnes was again married, his second union being with Miss Lydia Ann Huff, who was born in Pike county, Illinois, and is a daughter of John Huff, one of the early settlers of this part of the state, his home being near Beverly. Unto Mr. Barnes by the second marriage have been born eight chil- dren, of whom seven are yet living, namely: John, who married Effie Mckinney and resides in New Salem township; William C., who wed- ded Amy Moore and resides near Barry, Illi- nois ; Alice, who married Curtis Bowman and is living near Barry, Illinois; Lottie, who resides at home; Frank, who married Emma Palmer and is living in North Henderson ; Sam, who married
stead farm; and Floyd, who is also at home.
Mr. Barnes favors the Presbyterian church and he gives his political support to the prohibi- tion party. He was formerly a republican, but believing the temperance question to be the dom- inant issue before the people he became a prohi- bitionist. He has never sought or desired office but performs his duties to the county and com- munity as a private citizen. He has been very
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successful, for he started out in life empty- handed and has worked his way steadily upward to success. Those who know aught of his pros- perity know that he has been an energetic man, diligent and careful in business and at all times reliable and straightforward. By his capable management and energy he has won the splen- did competence that now enables him to live re- tired, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.
THOMAS POTTER.
Thomas Potter, who follows farming in New Salem township, his home being about a mile east of Baylis, was born in this township July 5, 1839, his parents being David and Mary (Lawson) Potter. The father, a native of Pennsylvania, was born February 21, 1800, and the mother's birth occurred in the same state November 17, 1799. Journeying by water to Illinois in 1833, David Potter landed at Quincy, where he built a frame house, making his home in Adams county for three years. He then came to New Salem township, Pike county, where he purchased land that was wild and unimproved, being largely covered with timber. He at once began to clear and cultivate the place, however, and built a log cabin near New Salem, in which Thomas Potter of this review was born. Various wild animals were frequently killed, and wild game was plenti- ful in the neighborhood at that time, while all the conditions of pioneer life were seen and there was little promise of rapid development and im- provement. Mr. Potter was the owner of two hundred and forty acres, which he transformed into a valuable and productive farm, his labor being crowned with success as the years went by. He was recognized as an influential and leading citizen of the community; and he held member- ship in the Methodist church. His death oc- curred in 1876, while his wife passed away in 1878. They were the parents of ten children, of whom three are living: Thomas; Mrs. Ma- hala Burke, of Baylis; and Frank, who resides near the home of Thomas Potter.
Thomas Potter pursued his education in the lo- cal schools of New Salem township, and remained at home until twenty-one years of age. Follow- ing the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in the Union army in August, 1862, as a member of Company K, Ninety-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Isaac Cooper, with whom he served for three years, when he was mustered out on the 12th of August, 1865. He served in Missouri, also in the siege of Vicksburg, and was in every battle with his regiment. He was never in the hospital nor has he asked for a pension. He gave his service willingly and freely to aid his country, did his full duty as a soldier, and when the war was over returned to his home, rejoic- ing that the Union had been preserved, but rot seeking further reward for the aid which he gave to the cause.
In the spring of 1866 Mr. Potter was united in marriage to Rachel Ann Jeffers, who was born in New Salem township, and is a daughter to Elijah and Hannah (Pine) Jeffers, who came from Ohio to Illinois, settling in Pike county in 1837, among its poineer residents. The family home was established in New Salem township, where Mr. Jeffers followed the occupation of farming, becoming the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land, which he converted into a good farm. He was the father of ten chil- dren, eight of whom are now living. The par- ents have both passed away, the father in 1883. and the mother in 1888.
Mr. and Mrs. Potter have had no children of their own, but have reared seven or eight, having cared for all who have applied to them for homes. Mr. Potter is the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of well improved land in New Salem township, where he resides. Upon the place there are substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock; and the careful cultivation be- stowed upon the fields makes the farm a valuable one. He is extensively engaged in the raising of stock, giving his time largely to cattle, which brings him a good income. In his political views Mr. Potter was formerly a republican, but dur- ing the past decade has given his support to the prohibition party, which embodies his belief con- cerning the temperance question. He has never
PAST AND PRESENT OF PIKE COUNTY.
1 547.
cared for office, perferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests which have brought him signal success. He and his wife are both members of the United Brethren church, to which he contributes liberally ; and their acquaint- ance in the county where they have so long re- sided is wide and favorable. With limited educa- tional privileges and no financial assistance, Mr. Potter started out in life on his own account, and has worked his way steadily upward, placing his dependence upon the substantial qualities of energy, determination and unfaltering industry; and these have served as a strong foundation upon which he has builded the superstructure of his success. He has for two-thirds of a century been a resident of the county, and is perhaps as well known as any man within its borders.
THOMAS M. WATSON, M. D.
Dr. Thomas M. Watson, engaged in the prac- tice of medicine and surgery in Griggsville, was born in Barry, Pike county, November 25, 1851, his parents being John and Agnes (Begg) Wat- son, both of whom were natives of Paisley, Scot- land, the former born November 23, 1805, and the latter March 4, 1813. They were married No- vember 24, 1849, Agnes Begg being his third wife. His second wife was Isabelle Begg, a sis- ter of Agnes. In his native country Mr. Watson was a designer of Paisley shawls. Coming to America he first located in Quincy, Illinois, and later removed to Barry, where he engaged in teaching school. He also served as postmaster there, and in 1850 embarked in merchandising. which he conducted for a number of years, being one of the leading early merchants of the county. He also contributed to its educational progress, and was a prominent member of the first teach- ers' institute held in Pike county. His name was a synonym for honesty; and he could never be tempted into doing anything which he believed to be wrong, so that he left to his family the price- less heritage of an untarnished name and an ex- ample that is indeed worthy of emulation. He died in August, 1862, while the mother of our
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