Past and present of Pike County, Illinois, Part 76

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 76

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John Carnes, grandfather of George Carnes of this review, was born in Harrison county, farming and made that pursuit his life work. He engaged in the tilling of the soil in his native county until 1854, when he removed to Pike county, Illinois, settling on a partially improved farm in Griggsville township. His capital was small but his industry and perseverance were un- limited, and upon those qualities he builded his success, becoming one of the substantial residents of this part of the state. In his native county he married Miss Eliza Nelson, who was also born in Harrison county, Ohio, while her parents were natives of Maryland and were of Scotch descent. Both Mr. and Mrs. John Carnes belonged to the United Brethren church, contributed liberally to its support and aided effectively in its upbuilding and the extension of its influence. His political alle- giance was given to the whig party in early life. He passed away in New Salem township in 1870, having for some years survived his wife. In their family were ten children, but one son was fatally burned in childhood and another son was killed by a log rolling upon him when eight years of age. A daughter is also deceased.

Richard Carnes, the eldest of this family, was reared upon the old homestead in Ohio, and early acquired an excellent understanding of agricul- tural affairs and a comprehension of business matters which resulted in making him a capable and prosperous agriculturist. His entire life

was devoted to farm work, and as his financia! resources increased he added from time to time to his property.

Mrs. Carnes was born in Maryland, May 5, 1834, and in her infancy was taken by her parents to Harrison county, Ohio, and afterward to Adams county, Illinois, whence they came to Pike county. Here her father died at the age of seventy-five years, while her mother reached the advanced age of eighty-three years. They had a large family. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carnes were born the fo !- lowing named: Henry, Eliza, John, George, Sarah, Edward, Mary, Salena and Dora.

Richard Carnes voted with the repub- lican party; and he and his wife held mem- bership in the United Brethren church. His business career furnished an example well worthy of emulation to all who desire to win suc-

Ohio, in 1812, was reared to the occupation of. „cess and who wish to do so along lines of honor-

able and manly conduct. Although he achieved a fortune his path. was never strewn with the wreck of other men's fortunes, for he was straightforward and just in his dealings and his prosperity was the result of his close application and judicious investment. He died in 1902 and is still survived by his wife.

George Carnes spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and at the time of his marriage started out upon an independent business career, giving his attention to general farming and stock-raising. He lived upon what was known as the old Taylor place for seventeen years, having purchased this property soon after his marriage and in 1896 he removed to what is known as the Sharp farm near the Wabash Rail- road at Maysville, where he now resides. For some years he has been extensively engaged in buying, feeding and shipping stock, and associ- ated with his brother, S. E. Carnes, he ships from one hundred and fifty to two hundred carloads of stock each year. Seldom a week passes that he does not ship from two to five carloads, for which he finds a ready sale upon the market, as he never makes shipments until his stock is in excellent condition. He is now farming seven hundred and twenty acres of as finely improved land as can be found in Pike county. He attends all of the state fairs of Illinois and many of the county fairs and

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is now president of the Illinois Valley Fair As- sociation at Griggsville, whereby effort in behalf of agricultural progress is greatly stimulated. Iie is likewise the vice-president of the Illinois Val- ley bank at Griggsville. A lover of good horses, he always has some fine animals upon his place, and at the present time these number about twenty. He also has about one hundred and thirty head of cattle on hand, of which seventy-five head have been fattened and are ready for the market. He has one steer which he expects to exhibit at the fat stock show in Chicago and also one carload lot of fat cattle. He likewise has about one hun- dred and fifty head of hogs at the present writing. In 1903 he and his brother, S. E., made an ex- ' hibit of fifteen head of fat cattle at the Chicago Stock Show, having an average weight of six- teen hundred and sixteen pounds. He received the second premium in a special shorthorn class, and in this bunch was a pair of twins that weighed thirty-six hundred pounds, on which he received a second premium in a special class. He and his brother attend the stock sales in Missouri and throughout Illinois as buyers, and they have a very wide and favorable acquaintance among the leading stock dealers of that state. Both gentle- men are excellent judges of stock, so that they are able to make judicious purchases and profitable sales.

On the 5th of September, 1878, Mr. Carnes was married to Miss Margaret White. Her par- ents were Thomas and Rebecca White, who had five children, namely : Andrew, Elizabeth, Sam- uel, Margaret and John. Mr. and Mrs. White were active members of the Presbyterian church of New Salem.

In public affairs Mr. Carnes has taken a deep and helpful interest. He has been president of the school board and a director for the past nine years, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend. His political views are in accord with republican principles and indeed he is one of the stanch suporters of the party, doing all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success, though never seek- ing office for himself. Mrs. Carnes is a member of the Presbyterian church of New Salem. She was educated in the public schools of Griggsville

and Pittsfield and taught her home school for fif- teen months prior to her marriage. She travels with her husband on many of his trips, and they are thoroughly progressive people, keeping in touch with the world's progress and having compre- hensive knowledge of the questions of the day and the subjects of general interest. In his busi- ness career he has made rapid and substantial ad- vancement, and the methods he has followed have been such as will bear close investigation. He has labored along lines that all might profitably fol- low and has achieved through well directed ef- forts and unfaltering perseverance splendid suc- cess, and also gained a reputation which has made him known as a leading stock dealer of Illinois.

SAMUEL EDWARD CARNES.

The student of history can not carry his inves- tigations far into the records of Pike county with- out learning of the close and helpful connection of the Carnes family with matters of public inter- est and benefit. Samuel Edward Carnes is to-day a worthy citizen, who is carefully and success- fully conducting farming interests, owning three hundred acres of valuable land in New Salem township. He was born in Pike county, Illinois, November 30, 1865, his parents being Richard and Guldy E. (Moore) Carnes. His father's birth occurred in Harrison county, Ohio, near Cadizville, June 23, 1832, and he was quite a young lad when the family home was established in Illinois. The great-grandparents of Samuel E. Carnes were Thomas and Elizabeth (Dunham) Carnes, natives of Maryland, in which state they spent their youth. Following their marriage they removed to Harrison county, Ohio, and estab- lished their home in the midst of a district that was then wild and unimproved, but as the years passed by time and man wrought many changes and the evidences of frontier life were replaced by the improvements of an advanced civilization. Both Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Carnes reached a venerable age and were long numbered among the valued citizens of the locality where they made their home. The principles of Christianity found ex-

MR. AND MRS. RICHARD CARNES

MR. AND MRS. S. E. CARNES

LIBRARY Ot THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

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PAST AND PRESENT OF PIKE COUNTY.

emplification in their lives and they were num- bered among the faithful members of the United Brethren church. Thomas Carnes espoused his country's cause in the second war with England, serving as a private.

John Carnes, son of Thomas Carnes, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1812, and, having arrived at years of maturity, was married to Miss Eliza Nelson, whose birth also occurred in that county, although her parents were natives of Maryland and it is believed were of Scotch de- `scent. Mr. and Mrs. John Carnes began their domestic life upon a farm in Ohio, remaining residents of Harrison county until 1834-the year of their arrival in Pike county, Illinois. Here they took up their abode upon a tract of land in Griggsville township but partially improved and although their financial resources were then ·lim- ited their economy, perseverance and prudence in the management of business affairs supplementing their unremitting diligence won for them suc- cess as the years passed by and eventually their property holdings in Pike county were large and valuable. Mr. Carnes voted the whig ticket and both he and his wife were active in the work of the United Brethren church and contributed lib- erally to its support. The death of John Carnes occurred in New Salem township in 1870 and his wife had passed away some years before.

Richard Carnes, father of our subject, was in his youth deprived of educational privileges, but in the school of experience learned many valuable lessons. Practical work soon acquainted him with the duties of the farm and he brought to his business such knowledge and skill that as the years passed a high measure of prosperity rewarded his efforts. There was nothing sor- did or grasping in his nature and though he be- came one of the wealthy agriculturists he was very liberal with his means, giving freely to churchı and charitable interests and to many movements for the public good. His hand was ever down- reaching to assist those less fortunate than him- self and he never judged his friends by their pos- sessions, but gave his regard in recognition to character. He was anxious, too, that his children should have good educational privileges and did much to provide them with a knowledge that

would prove of benefit in life's practical and re- sponsible affairs. He was married to Miss Guldy E. Moore, whose birth occurred in Maryland, May 5, 1834, her parents being John and Sarah (Simpson) Moore, who in her infancy removed from Maryland to Harrison county, Ohio. On coming to Illinois they settled first in Adams county, but eventually took up their abode in Pike county, where the father died at the age of seventy-five years, while the mother passed away at the age of eighty-three. In business af- fairs Mr. Moore had prospered and, moreover, he had gained the respect and good will of his fel- lowinen, who, found him reliable in all his meth- ods and trustworthy in all life's relations. Mrs. Carnes received careful training from her parents in the duties of the household and remained at home until her marriage, when well equipped to take care of a home of her own, she assumed the duties and responsibilities of her household. Mr. Carnes, carrying on agricultural pur- suits, met with prosperity and made ju- dicious investment in real estate until he was the owner of about eighteen hundred acres of valuable Illinois land and his possessions were estimated at about two hundred thousand dollars. He voted with the republican, party and was a member of the United Brethren church, as was his wife. Their family numbered nine children.

Samuel Edward Carnes, having acquired his elementary education in the public schools, after- ward spent four years in Westfield College and was also a student in Gem City Business College at Quincy, Illinois. He became acquainted with the best methods of conducting farming interests in his youth, receiving his business training under his father, who was widely recognized as a most capable business man. He lived at home until his marriage and since that time has lived upon one of his father's farms.

It was on the 21st of October, 1891, that he wedded Miss Birdella May Stone, who was born January 9, 1871, at La Prairie, Adams county, Illinois, her parents being J. R. and Nancy C. (Ellison) Stone, the former born in Pennsyl- vania, September 12, 1830, and the latter on June 6, 1831, near Millport, Pennsylvania, They were married January II, 1870, at Versailles, Illinois.

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The father died in 1889 and the mother's death occurred at Quincy, Illinois, in 1900. Her mother was left a widow with a family of small children, of whom Mrs. Stone was the youngest. She mar- ried again, her second husband having several young children, and in a short time he insisted that she find homes elsewhere for her own chil- dren and her own little girl Nancy was taken by a family by the name of Ellison living just across the Cowanesque river which flowed past her home. The Ellison family had but one child, a son, and they wished to adopt Nancy, but the mother refused to give her up. One morning, however, when the mother arose and looked across the river to the house in which her child lived she, noticed that no smoke curled above the little cabin and when hour by hour went by and she saw no trace of life there she became alarmed. On investigation she found that the family had dis- appeared in the night,« taking the little daughter with them. Of her journey from the old place Mrs. 'Stone remembered nothing, though she did remember their final settlement in Steuben county, New York, their removal to Pittsburg and then their journey to the west. After a short residence in Keokuk, Iowa, which at that time contained only one house, they settled in Pike county, Mis- souri. The Ellison family told the little girl that she had been "bound" to them but at last they received a letter from the mother of the child who had, despite all their wanderings, gained trace of the family and begged them if Nancy still lived to let her know something of her child. The let- ter was never answered but the little girl over- heard the letter read and remembering something of her mother, whom she had seen last at the age of five years, stored the facts away in her memory. She was not treated kindly by the Ellison family and when fourteen years of age she left them and went out to fight life's battles. At the age of eighteen she married and later with the aid of her husband tried to learn something of her peo- ple. At last she secured her mother's address and in 1847 received a letter from her. Several other letters followed and then came one from a half- sister saying that the mother was dead. Mrs. Stone, however, could never overcome her desire to see her relatives and the home of her childhood

and though nearly sixty years had passed since she left the east she determined in 1894 to visit those who still remained there. She was accom- panied by her son, Professor J. H. Crafton, of the Gem City Business College,-a son of her first marriage. She found that she had not been for- gotten by her relatives in Pennsylvania and her visit was a very pleasant one. She and her son visited a number of important points in the east and altogether the trip was one of great interest. Mr. Stone had come to the west when a young man and finally settled in northeast township, Adams county, Illinois, where he was living at the time of the birth of Mrs. Samuel E. Carnes. He afterward removed to Tazewell county, where he lived for two and a half years, and then took up his abode in Topeka, Mason county, Illinois, where he lived for twelve years, eventually locat- ing in Quincy, Illinois, where his death occurred soon afterward. He was a blacksmith and fol- lowed the trade throughout his entire life. Mrs. Stone was twice married, Mr. Stone rearing her children of her first union, and Mrs. Carnes has three half-brothers : William M. Crafton, who is living in New Berlin, Illinois; Charles, of Spring- field, Illinois; and J. H. Crafton, of Quincy, Illinois.

Mrs. Carnes pursued her education in the public and high schools of Mason county, Illinois, and for a short time attended Chaddock College in Quincy but impaired eyesight caused her to aban- don her school work.

Mr. Carnes possesses the business instinct, keen discrimination and unfaltering diligence "which have ever been characteristic of the fam- ily and is now the owner of three hundred and eighty acres of fine land in New Salem town- ship, four miles north of Pittsfield and equally distant from Maysville and New Salem. Here he has a beautiful home with fine buildings and all modern improvements. His farm is under a high state of cultivation, being one of the best properties of New Salem township. He is well known as a stockman, he and his brother George being very extensive stock dealers, making ship- ments from Maysville and other neighboring points and handling over one hundred thousand dollars' worth of stock each year. Mr. Carnes is

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likewise a stockholder in Illinois Valley Bank at Griggsville and the Pike County Telephone Com- pany. His interests are concentrated, however, upon his farm and live stock and he carries for- ward to successful completion whatever he under- takes, having the quality of perseverance that enables him to overcome all difficulties and ob- stacles that may arise. Both Mr. and Mrs .. Carnes are active members of the United Brethren church, in which he is serving as a trustee and he is likewise one of the trustees of Westfield College. They occupy a prominent position in public regard and are worthy representatives of one of the leading families of this part of the state, the name of Carnes being inseparably asso- ciated with the history of Pike county.

JOHN WHITE.

John White, deceased, who in his connection with the agricultural interests in Pike county, found that prosperity might be attained through earnest and persistent effort, and won his success along those lines, was born in Londonderry, Ire- land, in 1809, his parents being John and Mar- garet (Glass) White, both of whom were na- tives of the Emerald Isle. In the common schools of that country Mr. White obtained his educa- tion and then, thinking to improve his opportuni- ties in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to America when twenty-two years of age, locating at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he remained for six years. During the greater part of that time he followed weaving, and later removed to Quincy, Illinois, where he engaged in teaming, until his removal to Pike county in 1839. Here he cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers, lo- cating at New Philadelphia.

Subsequently he purchased land, and he further completed his arrangements for a home of his own by his marriage in 1845 to Miss Margaret Smith, who was born in Scotland. They had one child, now deceased; and the mother died in 1846. In April, 1856, Mr. White was again married. his second union being with Mary E. Cunningham, who was born in Londonderry, Ire-

land, March 17, 1833, and is a daughter of Thomas and Isabella (Smith) Cunningham, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Mrs. White came to America with her brother, Thomas, in 1855, sail- ing from` Liverpool to New York, the voyage lasting six weeks. Her parents came to America in 1856, locating in New Salem township, Pike county. Her father was a farmer by occupation, owning and operating eighty acres of land. In his family were seven children, three of whoin are yet living, namely: Mrs. White; Robert, a resident of Canada ; and Samuel, who is living in Pennsylvania.

Mr. and Mrs. White were reared in the same neighborhood in Ireland, their homes being sepa- rated by a distance of only about twelve miles, but they became acquainted in this country. Mrs. White lived with her aunt until her marriage. There were ten children born of this union, of whom seven are yet living : Joseph, who was edu- cated in the common schools and is living upon the home farm, is a member of the Masonic lodge, No. 218, of New Salem, and the Odd Fel- lows lodge, No. 834, of New Salem. Robert, who acquired a common-school education, also belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at New Salem, in which he has passed through all the chairs. Emmett, who was educated in Jacksonville, Illi- nois, married Lena Steinback and lives on his mother's farm. He is also affiliated with the Odd Fellows lodge at New Salem. Frank, who was educated in Baylis and assists in the operation of the home farm, is likewise an Odd Fellow. Mrs. Margaret Wray, now a widow, resides in Quincy. Anna Belle became the wife of Elliot Motley, and both are now deceased, their three children now living with their grandmother, Mrs. White. Mary Jane is the wife of John Jacob, a resident of Kansas. Emily Alice is the wife of Jacob Irick and lives near the home farm.

At the time of his marriage, Mr. White owned one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which he added from time to time until his landed pos- sessions comprised eight hundred and sixty acres He was a most industrious and energetic man, whose economy and frugality also proved an im- portant element in his prosperity. He was a great stockman, and engaged quite extensively ir.

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the raising of stock. He gave his political alle- giance to the democracy; and for over twenty years served as a school director. He held mem- bership in the Presbyterian church and died in that faith on the 10th of June, 1880, respected by all who knew him, because of his upright life and what he had accomplished. He never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for he found here the opportunities he sought ; and by the judicious use of the advantages, which surround all, he worked his way steadily upward, becoming one of the prosperous and representative citizens of the county.

Mrs. White is also a devoted. member of the Presbyterian church. Her home is pleasantly situated about four miles south of Baylis, and her postoffice is New Salem. She owns a large amount of land, and each of her sons owns a farm, They operate their own land and their mother's land, comprising eight hundred and sixty acres; and they also own one hundred and thirty head of fine shorthorn cattle, one hundred and fifteen head of hogs of the Chester White and Poland China breeds and twenty-two head of horses ; and they are recognized as leading stock- men of the community.

JOHN F. BERRY.

John F. Berry residing on section 5, Pleasant Hill township, is one of the prosperous farmers and stock-raisers of Pike county. In his home place he has two hundred and fifty acres of good land, and in addition he owns another tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Martinsburg township. He was born in the house which is yet his home, his natal day being December 12, r848. His father, Willis F. Berry, was a native of Kentucky, born in 1808 and there he was reared to manhood. He afterward removed to Pike county, Missouri, where he married Arretta J. Wells, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of George Wells. In 1840 Mr. Berry removed with his wife to Pike county, Illinois, and began farm- ing here in the midst of the forest, clearing the

land, building a home and developing a good farm. He owned here one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he transformed into highly cultivated fields. He had first a little log cabin, which he afterward replaced by a commodious and substantial modern residence. He also built good barns and added other modern improvements. He remained upon the old family homestead here up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1883. His wife had died some years previously, and he afterward married again. By the first union he had seven children who reached years of maturity, while four are yet living.

John F. Berry, of this review, was reared and educated in Pleasant Hill township, his common- school advantages being supplemented by one term of study in McKendree College. Through sev- eral winter terms he engaged in teaching in Pike county. He remained with his father and as- sisted in carrying on the farm until he had at- tained his majority. He was first married in 1878 to Miss Mary E. Oxley, a native of Linn county, Iowa, where she was reared, and for several years, prior to her marriage, she followed teach- ing. As a bride she was taken to the home farm on which Mr. Berry yet resides. He took charge of the place and carried on the work for his fa- ther. In March, 1883, he lost his first wife, who died leaving three children: Dr. Orland H. Berry, a practicing physician of Belleview, Illi- nois ; Mary R., who has been a successful teacher of the county; and Frank S., at home. In this county in May, 1886, Mr. Berry wedded Libbie Briscoe, who was born in Martinsburg town- ship and spent her girlhood days in this county, acquiring her education in the public schools. She is a daughter of Jeremiah Briscoe, an enterpris- ing agriculturist of Martinsburg township. By this union have been born four children, of whom three are living : Everett B., who is now pursu- ing his education in Pittsfield; Emma A., attend- ing the home school; and Henry Burdette Berry.

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Past and present of Pike County, Illinois, Part 76

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