USA > Illinois > Pike County > Past and present of Pike County, Illinois > Part 73
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JOHN G. SLEIGHT.
John G. Sleight is a representative of farming interests in Griggsville township and a well im- proved property is the visible evidence of his life of earnest labor, careful management and pro- gressive and practical methods. He was born in Lincolnshire, near Boston, England, June 12, 1840, his parents being John G. and Rebecca
(Walker) Sleight, both of whom were natives of the same country.
John G. Sleight, father of our subject, was born in 1805 and was reared to the occupation of farming and after arriving at years of maturity was married in England in 1826 to Miss Rebecca Walker, who was born near Boston, Lincolnshire. and represented one of the old families of that locality, being a daughter of Thomas Walker, who was reared in the same county and there devoted his life to farming. He was married in Lin- colnshire to Miss Hannah Crawford and they remained residents of that locality until called to the home beyond. The members of the Sleight family belonged to the Wesleyan Methodist church, while the Walkers were members of the church of England. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. John G. Sleight, Sr., remained resi- dents of England until 1857, when they crossed the Atlantic to America, arriving at Griggsville on the 28th of October. The voyage across the water was made in a steamer to New York city, whence they proceeded westward by way of Chicago and took up their abode in Flint town- ship, Pike county, where the father turned his attention to farming. He prospered in his under- takings and at one time was the owner of about five hundred acres of valuable land located on section 6, Flint township. Nearly all of this was wild timber land when it came into his possession, but he wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of the place, bringing much of the property under a high state of cultivation. He continuel to engage successfully in general farm- ing up to the time of his demise, which occurred when he reached the advanced age of eighty-two. years. He held membership in the Wesleyan Methodist church, of which his wife was also a devoted member and his political support was given to the republican party. His wife, who was born in 1802, died in 1862. They were well known residents of Pike county, respected by all who knew them. In their family were two sons and six daughters, all of whom finally came to this country and settled in Illinois. Of this number four are now living: Betsy, who mar- ried John Culley, a resident of Falls City, Nebraska; Ann, the wife of R. N. Long, of Jack-
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son county, Kansas; Mary, the wife of Joseph Wilson, who is living in Flint township; and. Jolın G.
In the subscription and public schools John G. Sleight acquired his education and when seven- teen years of age came to America with his par- ents. At the age of twenty-six years. he started out in life on his own account having up to this time assisted his father in the operation of the home farm. He first purchased eighty acres of land in 1865 and as the years passed and his financial resources increased he added to his prop- erty until he now owns four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, which is well improved. In 1882 he built a fine home, in which he now resides and on the farm are large and commodious barns, carriage sheds and other outbuildings. He and his son breed polled Angus cattle and German coach horses and raise from two to three hundred head of hogs each year. He is well known as a stock-raiser and feeder and his business is extensive and profitable.
On the Ist of March, 1866, Mr. Sleight was married to Miss Ruth Reynolds, who was born in Clermont county, Ohio, September 24, 1837, a daughter of Aaron and Mary Ann (Forsythe) Reynolds. Her father was born in New York, Feb- ruary 17, 1808, and died October 24, 1862. He had been married in Brown county, Ohio, Novem- ber 13, 1828, to Miss Mary Ann Forsythe, whose birth occurred in the Buckeye state, July 17, 1810, while her death occurred in Illinois, August 13, 1886. They came to Pike county in 1847, settling in Griggsville township among its early residents. Mr. Reynolds purchased timber and prai- rie land and became a pioneer farmer, doing his' plowing with oxen, grubbing up the stumps, clearing the fields and ultimately placing under a high state of cultivation the farm of one hundred and twenty acres which he first purchased. He ex- tended the boundaries of his property until it comprised one hundred and sixty-seven acres. He acted as school director for a number of years and was a member of the Christian church, while his political allegiance was given to the democ- racy. In his family were eleven children, of whom seven are now living: Mrs. Rebecca Newman, of Griggsville; Eli, who resides in Coffeyville, Kan-
sas ; John P., of Mounds, Missouri ; Mrs. Sleight; Daniel B., who is living in California; Mrs. Lu- cretia W. Harrington, of Griggsville; and Naa- man D., who is living in California.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sleight have been born two children: Charles Walker, born November 21, 1868, married Jennie June Harvey, and their children are Hazel E. and Harvey L. Mary L., born August 23, 1870, is the wife of Fred A. Clark and has two children, Mary Ruth and Frank J. Mr. Sleight is a member of Griggsville lodge No. 45, A. F. & A. M., belongs to the Baptist church and votes with the democracy. Mrs. Sleight belongs to the Baptist church and is a lady of culture and refinement who, like her husband, shares in the warm regard of many friends in this county. Coming to America when a young man, John G. Sleight readily adapted himself to new and altered conditions and in an active business career has steadily worked his way upward. -
GEORGE M. SMITH.
On the roster of county officials in Pike county appears the name of George M. Smith with the shrievalty. He was elected to his present office on the Ist of December, 1902, by the vote of his fellow citizens, many of whom have known him from boyhood and thus express their confidence and trust in his public-spirited citizenship and capability. He was born in Perry township in 1862 and upon the home farm was reared. Hs parents were William W. and Frances (Brown) Smith, natives of Virginia. Leaving the Old Dominion they spent a few years in the state of Ohio and came to Pike county, Illinois, in 1857. settling in Perry township. The father was for years prominent among the early residents of the county and was a successful farmer and stock-raiser, who devoted his entire life to agri- cultural pursuits and at the time of his death owned four hundred and fifteen acres of fine farm land, fifty acres of which was covered with an orchard of apples and pear trees. Mr. Smith was a zealous worker in all affairs of church and
GEORGE M. SMITH
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.
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state. After an active life he was called to a well merited rest, January 12, 1901, being at that time sixty-seven years of age, his wife sur- viving him for four years, passing away May 10, 1905. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, exercising an influence for good in the church and also in the community in which they lived. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and he belonged to Perry lodge, No. 95, A. F. & A. M., and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Both he and his wife were early residents of the county and dur- ing the long years in which they made their home within its borders were regarded as worthy and valuable citizens, belonging to that class who uphold the poltical, moral and educational status of the community. There were five children in the Smith family: Ella V., now the wife of William E. James, of Perry township; Harvey D., of Detroit township; George M., of Pitts- field ; and Nettie and Ida May, who died in child- hood.
.At the usual age George M. Smith entered the public schools and pursued his studies until he had mastered the common branches of English learning. Through the periods of vacation he worked in the fields and the greater part of his active life has been devoted to farming. He was thus engaged up to the time of his election to his present office. For several years he lived in Griggsville township, where he was prominent among the farmers and stock dealers, buying stock, which he shipped to the St. Louis, Chicago and Buffalo markets. From his boyhood he evinced a strong interest in politics and in 1899 was a candidate for supervisor of Griggsville township, where his popularity was attested by the large majorty given him. In 1901 he was re-elected but soon afterward resigned to be- come a candidate for the office of sheriff. In 1902 Mr. Smith received his party's nomination and being elected to the position entered upon its duties on the Ist of December, 1902, for a four-years' term. In this capacity he has served his county faithfully through various crises. He still owns a valuable farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres of fine land in Perry town- ship well adapted to farming and stock-raising 28
and his orchard of apple and pear trees covers twenty-five acres.
When twenty-two years of age Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Wilkins, who was born in Warren county, Indiana, February 16, 1864, and was a daughter of Augustus and Elizabeth (Campbell) Wilkins, natives of Indi- ana. By this marriage there were born two children: Granville Odell, who was born Au- gust 10, 1886, and at the age of nineteen years is cashier of the bank at Hillview, Illinois, after having graduated in 1904 from the Gem City Business College at Quincy; and George Wil- liam, who was born August 21, 1898, and is now a public-school student. In 1904 Mr. Smith was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who after several months of patient suffering passed away June 22d of that year. She was a devoted and faithful' member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which ?Mr. Smith also belongs. Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic fraternity, as is also his brother, and the father also affiliated with the craft. The three were members of the chapter, the Royal Arch degree being conferred upon all of them at one time-an unprecedented occurrence in the county. Mr. Smith likewise belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the . Modern Woodmen camp and Pike County Mu- tual Life Association. He has a wide and fa- vorable acquaintance in the county where his en- tire life has been passed and his citizenship has been of a character that has commanded uniform admiration and led to good results.
CALEB T. BROWNING.
Caleb T. Browning, who after many years of active and successful 'connection with farming interests in Pike county, is now living a retired life in Perry, was born in Pendleton county, Kentucky, June 23, 1827. His parents, Caleb and Penelope (Powers) Browning, were also natives of the same state, the former born October 19, 1800, and the latter January 5, 1805. In Novem- ber, 1833, the father left Augusta, Kentucky, with his family and journeyed to Illinois by way of
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PAST AND PRESENT OF PIKE COUNTY.
the river route, arriving at Naples in the month of December. There was only one house in Perry at that time and all of Pike county was but par- tially improved, only here and there a cabin in- dicating the advance of civilization. Mr. Brown- ing entered eighty acres of timber land and eighty acres of prairie land and built thereon a log cabin nineteen feet square. He split the clapboards him- self and made the floor of oak timber. He cleared the first season a tract sufficient to raise thereon.a crop of corn, gathering enough for his own use and also some to sell. In the spring of 1837 he re- moved to his prairie land whereon he had built a house, living there until 1845. He then burned brick, from which he erected a fine residence, continuing to make it his home until 1850, when he removed to Kansas. He owned at one time about four hundred acres of Illinois land. Fol- lowing his arrival in the Sunflower state he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he improved and on which he spent his remaining days. In 1839 he was chosen justice of the peace in Pike county and filled the office until the spring of 1843. In early life he was a member of the Baptist church but afterward united with the Christian church. His political support was given to the whig party. He passed away in Rice county, Kansas, August 25, 1880, while his wife died January 25, 1841. Their mar- riage was celebrated near Germantown, Kentucky, October 6, 1825, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom five are now living, namely : Caleb T .; J. M., who married Mrs. Gardner; William P .; Sarah; and Abigail, the wife of Joseph Horton.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Caleb T. Browning in his boyhood days. He pursued his education in Perry and worked in his father's fields from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the autumn. In 1848, when twenty- one years of age, he started out in life on his own account upon a tract of forty acres, which his father gave to him. He cultivated that place until 1854, when he sold out and bought the old homestead of ninety acres, on which he con- tinued to reside until 1881, when he purchased the Peter Brower farm, continuing its improve-
ment and development until the 4th of Novem- ber, 1904, when he left his farm and took up his abode in the village of Perry. Mr. Browning still'owns a farm of one hundred and sixteen acres in Perry township.
Mr. Browning has been married twice. On the 10th of February, 1853, he wedded Mary Ann Carpenter, who was born February 6, 1837, and died May 27, 1872. She was a daughter of Teilman and Elizabeth (Cooper) Carpenter, the former born in 1805 and the latter in 1818. Mr. Carpenter was a pioneer settler of Pike county, coming to this state from Tennessee, while his wife was a native of Kentucky. They arrived here prior to the advent of the Browning family in this part of the state and Mr. Carpenter died in 1841, while his wife passed away in 1886.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Browning were born nine children, of whom five are yet living: Fannie, who was born October 9, 1857, and is the wife of Jacob Riley; Frank, who was born March 27, 1860, and was married in 1886 to Edith Bolton; Lula, who was born May 31, 1862, and is the wife of C. M. Bradbury; Harvey who was born December 7, 1865, and married Ellen Lacksheide; and Allie, who was born March 9, 1864, and married Melissa Herring. After losing his first wife Mr .. Browning was again married, the second union being with Miss Gillie LaRue, whom he wedded April 1, 1874. She was born February 24, 1844, and was a daughter of Thomas R. and Margaret (Williams) LaRue. They were married in Missouri, where they lived for a number of years and then came to Perry, Pike county, Illinois, where the father was a black- smith and conducted a shop, spending his re- maining days in Perry. At one time Mrs. Gillie Browning was a school teacher. Her death oc- curred March 14, 1905, when she had reached the age of sixty-one years. By the second marriage there were six children, of whom four are yet living : Edna, Maggie, May and Maud. Of these Maggie is now the wife of Ralph Walker and has two sons. One child of Mr. and Mrs. Brown- ing died in infancy, while Roy died December 10, 1903.
Mr. Browning belongs to the Christian church and in politics is independent, voting for men and
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PAST AND PRESENT OF PIKE COUNTY.
measures rather than party. He has now reached the seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey and for long years has been a resident of Pike county, few of its settlers antedating his arrival here. He is therefore familiar with its history. his mind bearing the impress of the early historic annals of the county. He has borne the usual hardships of pioneer life, has undergone the vicissitudes that are typical of frontier settle- ment, and as the years have passed has won pros- perity through well directed effort and now is enabled to enjoy a well earned rest in honorable retirement from further labor.
WILLIAM THIELE.
William Thiele, extensively engaged in the raising of Poland China hogs and Shropshire sheep, was born in the village of Perry, April 4, 1853, and is of German descent, his parents, William and Katharine (Wetzel) Thiele, having been born in Germany, in which country they were reared and married. The father's birth occurred October 25, 1822 ; and, believing that he might better his financial condition in the new world he made arrangements for leaving his native country in 1849, sailing from Bremen, Germany, to New Orleans on a sailing vessel, which re- quired thirteen weeks to make the trip. He af- terward proceeded up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, where he remained for a few months, and then crossed the river to Quincy, Illinois. He came to the village of Perry in 1852, and hav- ing learned the shoemaker's trade in early life., he there followed that pursuit during the early period of his residence in Pike county. In 1858, however, he located on a farm south of Perry, where he spent his remaining days, giving his attention to the tilling of the soil and to stock- raising. He never cared for public office, but kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, and gave his political allegiance to the republican party. He held membership in the Baptist church, while his wife was a member of the German Lutheran church. He took a very active part in church work and contributed gen-
erously to its support. He was one of the mem- bers who built the present house of worship in Perry at a cost of six thousand dollars; and he did everything in his power to promote the va- rious church activities. He passed away April 10, 1903, while his wife departed this life August 4, 1890, at the age of seventy-one years, two months and twenty-six days. In their family were eight children, of whom three yet survive, namely : William; Amelia, the wife of Frank Vose, of Perry township; and Mary E., the wife of Herman Reese, of Perry township.
In his boyhood days William Thiele of this re- view attended school and assisted his father upon the home farm. When twenty-one years of age he entered upon an independent business career by working as a farm hand and later renting part of his father's farm. In the fall of 1878 with the capital that he had acquired from his own earn- ings, and with his father's help, he purchased one hundred acres of land. There was a small house upon his place, which he occupied until 1890, when he erected his present commodious and comfortable residence. He feeds between eighty and one hundred head of hogs each year, and is engaged in breeding Poland China swine. He also breeds Shropshire sheep, and has sixty head at the present time. His farm comprises one hundred and forty acres of rich and produc- tive land, and the place is well improved.
On the 25th of August, 1874, Mr. Thiele was married to Miss Loretta Beavers, who died April 24, 1878. She was born in Scott county, Illi- nois, in February, 1852, and by her marriage be- came the mother of two children, but both are now deceased. On the 8th of March, 1880, Mr. Thiele wedded Clara Wendling, who was born February 17, 1859, in Perry township. They have become the parents of eleven children, of whom nine are yet living: Edward; Orilla, the wife af Percy Chenoweth, of Perry; Leona ; Wil- liam R .; Charles F. ; Herman J. ; Oliver W .; Frede- rick L .; and James L. A daughter of the first marriage, Lillie, was born September 21, 1875, became the wife of Fenton Robinson and died May 15, 1898, leaving an infant daughter. She possessed many sterling traits of character, and won the love and esteem of all with whom she
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came in contact, so that her death was deeply de- plored not only by her immediate family, but by many friends. The parents of the present Mrs. Thiele were Michael and Sophia (Thiele) Wend- ling, both of whom were natives of Germany, whence they came to America at an early day. The father was a cooper by trade and lived in Perry for about two years, after which he re- moved to Quincy, Illinois, and subsequently to the vicinity of Hannibal, Missouri, where he. followed coopering. In his family were eight children, all of whom are yet living, namely: Mrs. Thiele, Julia, Mary, Della, Victor, Amiel, Paulina and. Oral.
Mr. Thiele is a stalwart republican, and has served for one term as assessor while for the past fifteen years he has been school director, the cause of education finding in him a warm and stalwart friend. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Modern Woodmen camp, also to the Anti-Horse Thief Association, and in the last named he has held all of the offices. He is re- garded as a wide-awake, alert and enterprising man, watchful of oportunities, and ready in his recognition of all indications pointing to success. Moreover, he is thoroughly honest in his dealings, and his good name and prosperity are equally creditable.
THOMAS B. GRAY.
Thomas B. Gray, who since 1863 has resided upon his present farm in New Salem township, is now the owner of three hundred and forty acres of valuable land, which is the visible evidence of a life of well directed effort and thrift. He is a native of Clermont county, Ohio, the date of his birth being July 13, 1837. His parents were Thomas and Catherine (Bennett) Gray, who came to Pike county in 1846. The father was born in Ohio in 1812, and the mother's birth oc- curred in Maine in 1798. The paternal grand- father was a native of Virginia, and both he and his son, Thomas Gray, Sr., now rest in New Salem cemetery. On coming to Pike county, Thomas Gray, settled in New Salem township after a three months' residence in Griggsville.
He purchased land from the government; and his son Thomas still has the patent to that land, signed by Martin Van Buren, then president of the United States. Mr. Gray owned three hun- dred and twenty acres, and was extensively en- gaged in farming, and also conducted a black- smith shop upon his place. He improved his land, made additions to the house and developed an excellent farm not far from the present home of Thomas B. Gray. His attention was largely given to the cultivation of wheat; and he also raised hogs. He was practical in his methods, systematic in his work and therefore successful in his accomplishment. In community affairs he was deeply interested, and did all in his power to promote public progress and improvement. He served as county treasurer about 1870; and his influence was ever given on the side of progress, reform and general advancement. In his family were five children: Thomas B., of this review; Marion, who is living in California; Ann, de- ceased; Theodore, a resident of Pittsfield; and Alabama, who has also departed this life.
Thomas B. Gray was a youth of about nine years when brought by his parents to Illinois, and in the common schools of Pike county he ac- quired his education. He was reared to farm la- bor, early becoming familiar with the work of field and meadow, as he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm. He purchased a part of his present property in 1862, and has since lived thereon, developing a splendid farm, the boundaries of which he has extended until he now owns three hundred and forty acres of valuable land in New Salem township. He erected a two- story residence, constituting one of the most beau- tiful and attractive homes in the township. In the rear of this are good barns and outbuildings, and these in turn are surrounded by well tilled fields. His farm is under a high state of cultiva- tion and is well improved. He raises sheep, hogs and mules, and is well known as a stock dealer. He also gives personal supervision to the opera- tion of his farm, and annually sells good crops, which add materially to his bank account.
In 1863 Mr. Gray was united in marriage to Miss Martha A. Tedrow, who was born July 10, 1844, in New Salem township, not far from the
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birthplace of her husband. She is a daughter of Asa and Sarah (Davis) Tedrow. Her father came to Pike county in 1836, thus casting in his lot with its pioneer residents; and he, too, gave his time and energies to farming. In his family were five children, of whom three are now living, namely : Mrs. Gray; Samuel, who resides in New Salem township; and Mrs. Mary Bradbury, who is living in Pike county, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have a family of eight children : Al- fred R., who married Sarah Shaffner and is liv- ing in New Salem township; Iva E., the wife of Samuel Laird, also a resident of New Salem township; Edgar F., of California; Ora M., the wife of Charles Bennett, a resident farmer of Griggsville township; Ralph B., who married Mabel Wood and lives upon the home farm; Ev- erett E., who is now in California; C. May at home; and Vera Pearl, who is also under the pa- rental roof. The children have been afforded good educational privileges, and are thus well quali- fied for life's practical and responsible duties. Al- fred attended business college in Jacksonville, Illinois. Ralph was a student in Whipple Acad- emy at Jacksonville. Everett learned the jew- eler's trade in Peoria, and May was for two years a student in the Woman's College at Jacksonville.
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