USA > Illinois > Pike County > Past and present of Pike County, Illinois > Part 88
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His maternal grandparents were George and Mary Briggs, natives of New York. George Briggs was also a Revolutionary soldier and dur- ing a battle a spent grapeshot came rolling toward him. He stopped it with his foot, picked it up and carried it home and it has since been pre- served in the Fisher family, also a skillet which is over one hundred years old and which was
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once in possession of Mrs. Briggs. It is now in the home of Michael Fisher, of Bee Creek. Mary Briggs died near Columbus, Ohio, in 1850, but no record of the death of George Briggs exists.
Jacob Fisher, father of our subject, was born and reared at Columbus, Ohio, his natal year be- ing 1808. After attaining his majority he en- gaged in farming three miles south of Columbus on the Chillicothe turnpike. A cedar tree which he planted on the old homestead of his father when he was eight years of age is still living and there is a pear tree upon the place which is over one hundred years old. A thicket of sas- safras was also set out for the purpose of getting the root, from which to make tea. Persons came for miles to get the sassafras and also to get the herbs to make spice tea. Throughout his entire life Jacob Fisher carried on general agricultural pursuits, and he died in Columbus in 1887, at the age of seventy-nine years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Briggs, was born southwest of Co- lumbus, on Big Run creek. This worthy couple became the parents of thirteen children, of whom Michael Fisher of this review was the fourth in order of birth. The mother died upon the old homestead farm in 1874, at the age of sixty-five years.
Michael Fisher pursued his education in the . public schools of Columbus, Ohio, and after put- ting aside his text-books assisted his father in farm work until twenty-one years of age. He then began farming on his own account and was thus engaged in Ohio until September 4, 1861,
months, during which time he was entrusted by his employer with the entire management of the business.
Mr. Fisher then married Miss Nancy Wheeler, a daughter of William and Matilda (Battershell) Wheeler, the wedding being celebrated on the 4th of July, 1864. By this union have been born ten children : Molly, born August 23, 1865; Lillie D., born June 17, 1867; Logan A., March 25, 1869; Oscar, August 5, 1871 ; Ida E., November 29, 1873; Arthur A., July 29, 1876; Freeman, March 9, 1879; William M., February 8, 1881 ; Lee, January 3, 1885; and Oca, April 24, 1888. Of these Logan A. died at Bee Creek, March 19, 1871, and Arthur A. on the 5th of August, 1880; All were born in Bee Creek with the exception of William M. Fisher, whose birth occurred in the village of Pearl.
Mr. Fisher is widely and favorably known throughout Pike county and has ever taken an active and helpful part in interests pertaining to the welfare of the community and state. Throughout his business career he has followed the occupation of farmingand has found in the du- ties of each day incentive for his best efforts and for close and earnest application. Through this means he has acquired a good property and a capital that now enables him to live retired from further active labor.
WILLIAM HUTTON.
William Hutton, one of the enterprising farm- when he went to St. Louis, Missouri, and by . ers of Montezuma township, is residing on section boat proceeded to Louisiana, Missouri. From 3, where he has a fine property of three hundred acres well improved. He was born in Lancaster- shire, England, February 6, 1833, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Hutton, both of whom were natives of Yorkshire, England. The father carried on farming in that country throughout his entire life, and died in Lancastershire in 1847. Three years later, in 1850, his wife also passed away and was laid to rest by the side of her hus- band in Long Ridge cemetery in Lancastershire. that point he continued his journey to the home of Fisher Petty and with him went to his uncle's farm in Calhoun county, Illinois. He then worked for his uncle for three months and he afterward engaged in the operation of steam thresher for a short time. Subsequently he was employed by different farmers until the spring of 1864, when he accepted a position as clerk in the store of John W. Killenberger at Belleview, Illinois, and was also in his branch store in Calhoun county, Illinois, on the Illinois river, remaining there for six
William Hutton spent his early youth in his father's home and attended the public schools. Af-
WILLIAM HUTTON
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.
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ter his father's death he started out to earn his own living and was employed in a tannery at Long Ridge until 1852, after which he followed the same business at Preston, Lancastershire, until 1855. Having heard favorable reports concern- ing America and its business opportunities, he re- solved to try his fortune in the new world, and ac-' companied by his brother, Thomas, embarked for the United States on the 20 of April, 1855. After landing on the eastern coast of the new world, the brothers made their way to the interior of the country, at length arriving at Montezuma town- ship, Pike county, where they have since re- mained, devoting their time and attention to farm- ing. Mr. Hutton of this review has led a busy and useful life and his efforts have been crowned with' success. From time to time he has made judicious investment in property and is now the owner of three hundred acres of very valuable land, which is rich and productive. In fact, his is one of the best improved farms in Pike county, and in the midst stands a fine residence, together with large and substantial barns and other out- buildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He uses the latest improved machinery in the care of the fields and all modern accessories are found upon his place.
On the 23d of January, 1872, Mr. Hutton was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Clemmons, a daughter of Peter and Mary J. Clemmons. Her maternal grandfather was Henry Grimes, a native of Ireland. He came from County Down, near Belfast, to America when but four years of age. His first home was in South Carolina and he af- terward removed to Kentucky, whence he finally came to Illinois, settling in White county. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Clemmons, and was buried in Green Pond cemetery, in Pike county. J. P. Clemmons, father of Mrs. Hutton, was born in Rowan county, North Carolina, and in 1823, when nine years of age, he accompanied his parents on their removal from that state to Illi- nois. Their destination was Pike county, but they did not take up their abode here until about 1825, at which time they settled in Detroit township, where Mr. Clemmons was reared and educated. He afterward took up his abode in Montezuma town- ship, where he carried on general agricultural
pursuits up to the time of his death. He passed away on his farm, October 5, 1882, and was buried in the Clemmons cemetery. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary J. Grimes, was born in White county, Illinois, and gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Clemmons at Milton, this state, on the 13th of July, 1842. Her last days were spent in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hutton, where she passed away on Christmas day of 1895, her remains being interred in the Clemmons cemetery.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hutton have been born a son and two daughters. John P. died June 28, 1893, and was buried in the Douglas cemetery near Milton, Illinois. His death occurred in Vicksburg, Mississippi, while he was learning the business of an engineer on the river boats. His father then went to~Vicksburg and brought his remains back to Pike county, for interment. Mary E. Hutton, the elder daughter, is now the wife of Fred Parks, of Pike county, and they have one living child, Thomas Virgil. They also lost a daughter, Opal, who died February 1, 1899, and was buried in the Douglas cemetery. Ellen Hut- ton is the wife of Joseph Denison, and they have three children: John W., Bennie H. and Lyndell J. Denison, all of whom are living. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hutton hold membership in the Chris- tian church, and are people of genuine personal worth, enjoying in a large degree the friendship and kindly regard of those with whom they have been brought in contact. Mr. Hutton has never had occasion to regret his determination to es- tablish his home in the new world, for here he has prospered, finding good business opportunities, which he has improved until he is now one of the successful agriculturists of his community.
MARY L. HORTON ..
Mary L. Horton is one of the most successful business women of Pike county and deserves more than passing mention in this history. She was born upon the old Horton homestead, De- cember 3, 1860, and is a daughter of Hobart S. and Octavia L. (Udell) Horton. The father was a native of South Glastonbury, Connecticut, and removed to Atlas township, Pike county, in 1832,
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with his parents, Captain Horace and Clarissa (Stevens) Horton. Captain Horton was one of nine children born unto Sampson and Lucy (Phelps) Horton, of whom seven were sons and two daughters. All of the sons followed the sea. Stephen Horton, father of Sampson Horton, was a native of England and became the founder of a family in America, emigrating to the United States before the Revolutionary war. He took up his abode in South Glastonbury, Connecticut, and thus established the family in New England. There he spent his remaining days and at his death his grave was made in a cemetery in South Glastonbury. On emigrating westward Captain Horace Horton settled on section I, Atlas town- ship, and engaged in the cultivation of a part of that land up to the time of his death. Both he and his wife were natives of Glastonbury, Con- necticut, where they were reared and married and in early life Captain Horton commanded a merchant vessel, plying between New York city and the West Indies. He was so engaged for many years and was very successful in that line of labor. He served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812 and patriotism was always one of his strong characteristics. Unto Captain Hor- ton and his wife were born three children, name- ly : Henry, Horace Herland and Hobart. Henry was a cripple and never married. He died on the old Horton homestead in Atlas township in 1881 and was buried in the Episcopal cemetery in Pittsfield, Illinois. Horace Herland emigrated from Pike county to Iowa and thence to Califor- nia, spending his last days in, Plymouth, that state. He married Sophia Treat and both were buried at Plymouth. They had six children, two sons and four daughters. Mrs. Clarissa Horton, wife of Captain Horace Horton and the mother of the above mentioned sons, died in 1841, and the Captain afterward married Emeline Brooks, by whom he had two children, Homer and Grace Horton, both of whom died in infancy and were laid to rest in the Barry cemetery. Captain Hor- ton died in the fall of 1883 in the ninetieth year of his age and his remains were interred in the family lot in the Barry cemetery.
Hobart Horton, a son, was a young lad when he came with his parents to Pike county, Illinois,
and was here reared to the occupation of farm- ing, which he followed upon the old homestead until about 1880, at which time he removed to Louisiana and engaged in general agricultural pursuits near New Orleans, turning over the home farm in Pike county to his wife, who later joined him in Louisiana and who in turn sold the farm to her daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Hobart Horton continued to reside in Louisiana until 1896, when they returned to the old farm home- stead in Pike county and lived with their daugh- ter Mary. The father's death occurred on the 18th of December, 1902, his remains being in- terred in the Samuel Taylor cemetery near Rock- port. His widow still survives and makes her home with her daughter Mary in the seventieth year of her age. Hobart Horton was twice mar- ried, his first union being with Mary Ann Sar- gent, by whom he had one child, Hiram S. Hor -. ton, who is now living in Dixon, Illinois. By his second marriage to Octavia L. Udell there were born eight children, Horace S., Howard, Jo- sephine, Mary L., William, Frederick, Frank and Benjamin. Of these the living are Josephine, the wife of James C. Gay and a resident of Hor- ton, Illinois, Mary L., William and Benjamin. Howard, Frederick and Frank Horton, who have passed away, were buried in the Samuel Taylor cemetery near Rockport, while Horace Horton, deceased, was laid to rest at Sacramento, Cali- fornia. The Horton homestead, comprising two hundred and seventy acres of finely improved farming land, is known by the name of Split Rock, and is a beautiful place.
Mary L. Horton, now owner of this farm, was educated in the local schools of Atlas town- ship and Monticello Seminary at Godfrey, Illinois, after which she pursued a one year's course in the State Normal Univer- sity at Normal, Illinois. Previous to that time she had engaged in teaching school. Fol- lowing her course in the Monticello Seminary she taught for thirteen years, one year in Atlas, one year in Crozier, one year in the state of Louisi- ana and the remainder of the time at Rockport, Illinois. As before stated, she purchased the home property from her mother and, giving up the work of the school room, she now devotes her
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undivided attention to the supervision of her farming interests. This is a very valuable as well as attractive property and Miss Horton i's en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising, mak- ing a specialty of sheep. She has erected a fine home and large, substantial barn upon her place. Her efforts have been crowned with success and she is now enjoying the fruits of well earned industry.
DE WITT W. GREENE, M. D.
·Dr. De Witt W: Greene, deceased, was at va- rious times connected with professional, mercantile and manufacturing interests in Barry and his life was of signal usefulness' to his fellow townsmen in that he contributed to the general development and progress of his community. He was born January 18, 1826, and passed away on the 7th of April, 1899, being laid to rest two days later with Masonic honors. Hisparents were James and Mary (Madison) Greene, who came to Pike county in 1837, settling in Hadley township, where the father engaged in general agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death, which occurred September 12, 1875. He was born on the 10th of July, 1790, and was therefore eighty-five years of age at the time of his demise. He had long survived his first wife, who was born September 29, 1793, and passed away August 26, 1840. They were the parents of five children but only two are now living : DuWane, twin brother of De- witt, now a resident of Missouri ; and Palmedis, who is living in Berlin, New York. The father was again married in Pike county, January 30, 1851, his second wife being Mrs. Mary Gordon, the mother of Mrs. Dewitt W. Greene.
Dr. Greene of this review was born in Rens- selaer county, New York, and after completing his early English education took up the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. Baker, of Barry, having been brought by his parents to this county in his early boyhood days. In the winter months he engaged in teaching school and through the summer seasons prosecuted his studies. When he had saved from his earnings a sum sufficient to enable him to enter college
he matriculated in the McDowell Medical School at St. Louis, Missouri. Later he located for prac- tice in Barry, where he followed the profession for three years, after which he entered upon mercan- tile pursuits ; and was also engaged in the erec- tion of the Barry Woolen Mills, with which he was connected for three years as secre- tary and superintendent. His various busi- ness interests were capably conducted; and he found that his untiring diligence, keen business discerment and enterprise were valuable factors in a successful career.
On the 8th of September, 1850, Dr. Greene united in marriage to Miss Caroline Gordon, a native of Indiana, born June 28, 1830, in Wayne county, and a daughter of John and Mary Gordon, who were married in Richmond, Indiana. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother of Tennessee. In their family were eight children, of whom Mrs. Greene was the youngest and is the only one now living. Her parents, on coming to Illinois in 1835, settled first in Scott county, but in the spring of 1836 removed to Pike county, locating in Derry township, where Mr. Gordon followed farming until his death. His religious faith was indicated by his member- ship in the Christian church, in which he served as an elder and superintendent of the Sunday- school for many years. His wife was an active worker in the same church.
Dr. Greene filled the office of township treas- urer for a number of years and was police magis- trate. In public affairs he was deeply and help- fully interested and his co-operation proved a valued factor in promoting the welfare and in- terests of his town and county. He was made a member of Barry lodge, No. 34, A. F. & A. M., March 30, 1855, and acted as its master from 1880 until 1885. He was also the first worthy patron of Pike chapter, No. 20, O. E. S., filling that office for ten years, while his wife served as asso- ciate and in other offices. Dr. Greene was like- wise a charter member of the grand council of Royal and Select Masons organized October 4, 1866, and was a charter member of Barry chapter, No. 88, R. A. M., which was organized October 6, 1865. In all life's relations Dr. Greene won the esteem and confidence of those with whom he
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was associated and he was richly endowed in those sterling traits of character which win strong friendships. He regarded his self-respect and the esteem of his fellowmen as of infinitely more value than wealth, fame or position and yet at all times he was held in kindly regard, so that his death was the occasion of deep and wide- spread regret when he was called to his final rest. Mrs. Greene still survives her husband and is: now living in a beautiful home on Diamond. Hill in Barry.
SOLOMON YOKEM.
Solomon Yokem, one of Pike county's most prominent farmers and stock-raisers, living on section 35, Atlas township, was born on the old William Yokem homestead, October 4, 1842, his parents being William and Catharine { Ferguson) Yokem, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. The father became one of the pioneer residents of Pike county. He left Kentucky in 1816 and was taken to Missouri by his parents, Solomon and Elizabeth (Butler) Yokem. Solomon Yokem was born in Virginia and his wife's birth oc- curred in Kentucky. He was born in Virginia and his wife's birth occurred in Kentucky. He was a blacksmith by trade and after following that pursuit for some years became identified with agricultural interests. The maternal grand- parents of our subject were Henry. and Polly (Briscoe) Ferguson, both of whom were natives . of Kentucky, the former born November . 21, 1794, and the latter on the 4th of December, 1794. They came to Pike county, Illinois, in pioneer times, the father following the occupation of farming until called to his final rest. His wife died in February, 1854, and his death occurred in April, 1854, their remains being interred side by side in Wells graveyard above Pleasant Hill.
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William Yokem, father of our subject, was born in Kentucky, September. 26, 1816, and was therefore an infant when taken by his parents to Pike county, Missouri, coming to. Pike county, Illinois, in 1832. He was reared to the occupa- tion of farming and throughout his entire life carried on general agricultural pursuits. He
wedded Miss Catharine Ferguson, who was born October. 23, 1818. Her death occurred October I, 1878, her remains being interred in Wells graveyard, and there about eighteen years later the grave of Mr. Yokem was also made, his death occurring on the 19th of October, 1895.
Solomon Yokem, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the country schools of his native township and afterward continued his studies in Jacksonville, Illinois. He was reared upon the old homestead farm and in the summer months assisted his father in its development and improvement. After reaching the age of twenty- five years he took charge of all matters pertain- ing to the farm and his father practically retired from business at that time. In the control of his business interests Mr. Yokem has prospered in large measure and from time to time has made. judicious investment in real-estate until he is now the owner of about fourteen hundred acres of good farm land, of which six hundred acres is in pasturage. The old home place comprises one hundred and fifty-five acres, and is a. well im- proved tract, being equipped with all modern con- veniences and facilities for the. capable and suc- cessful management of farming interests. Mr. Yokem is widely known as an extensive stock- raiser, raising horses, cattle, mules, sheep and hogs, all of good grades.
On the 5th of March, 1902, was celebrated the marriage of Solomon Yokem and Mrs. Margaret (Terry) Neubauer, a daughter of James and Al- zina Catherine (Liggett) Terry. The father was born in Virginia and was a son of a planter of that state. In early life James Terry came to Pike county, settling among the pioneer residents of Barry township. He was a millwright by trade and followed that pursuit for a long period, but for twenty years has lived retired. He and his wife both reside in Barry and have attained a ripe old age. The latter is a daughter of Alex- ander Liggett, one of the old settlers of Pike county. In early days here he was a farmer and in later years carried on a drug business at Kin- derhook, Illinois, continuing in that line up to the time of his death. His wife was Margaret (Phil- lips) Liggett, whose father was a pioneer of Pike county and Phillips Landing on the Illinois river
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was named for him. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Yokem have been born a son and daughter: William Clay, born August 30, 1903 ; and Catherine, April 24, 1905. They have a nice home and are sur- rounded by every comfort that goes to make life worth the living and adds to human happiness. Mr. Yokem has prospered in his business under- takings by reason of well directed effort, keen discernment and unfaltering integrity and is to -. day classed with the large landowners of the county.
JOHN REED.
John Reed, owner of one hundred and eight acres of fine land on section 7, Pittsfield town- ship, is classed with the leading and enterprising agriculturists of his community and has made a creditable name in business circles. He is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Griggsville township in October, 1864, his parents being Nicholas and Catherine (Raftery) Reed. The father was born in Ire- land and came to America in 1853, settling first on the Illinois river. He afterward removed to Eldara, Illinois, where he resided for a few years and then took up his abode in Griggsville. Later he purchased one hundred and eight acres of land on section 7, Pittsfield township, where his son John now resides, and upon that farm he spent his remaining days. He was energetic and indus- trious, realizing that labor is the basis of all suc- cess, and as the years passed by he accumulated a comfortable competence as the result of his earn- est endeavor. He was called to his final rest in 1899 and is still survived by his wife, who is now residing in Pittsfield. In their family were ten 'children, eight of whom are yet living.
John Reed is indebted to the public-school sys- teem of the county for the early educational privi- leges he enjoyed. He worked by the month as a farm hand for some time in his youth, having gained practical experience concerning the best methods of tilling the fields through the assist- ance which he rendered his father. After being employed for some time in this county he went to the south, where he remained for several years
and in 1899 he came into possession of the farm which was formerly owned and occupied by his father. This is a valuable tract of land compris- ing one hundred and eight acres on section 7, Pittsfield township. Here he has a good resi- dence in the rear of which are substantial barns and other necessary outbuildings and these in turn are surrounded by well tilled fields which give promise of golden harvests. He raises stock, making a specialty of cattle, and this branch of his business as well as the cultivation of his fields returns to him a good income. Recently a gas well has been sunk upon his place to the depth of ninety-three feet and there is good pressure.
In February, 1890, Mr. Reed was married to Miss Amanda Irick, a daughter of Jacob Irick, who at one time was a wealthy citizen of Pike county and one of its early settlers. He became the owner of twelve hundred acres of fine land here and was regarded as a leading business man and progressive agriculturist. In . his family were nine children. He is now deceased, but his wife is still living, maintaining her home in Derry township, Pike county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reed have been born the following children: Frank, Katie, Nellie, Nora, Charles Carson, Bessie, John and Joseph.
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