Past and present of Pike County, Illinois, Part 98

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 98

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Nathan Scranton was reared to farm labor, and in his early life worked at anything that he could get to do that would yield him an honest living,

for from an early age he was dependent upon his own resources. When twenty-three years of age he responded to the country's call for aid and enlisted in 1862 as a member of Company E, Third Missouri Cavalry, with which he served in the Western Army. He participated in the fight at Chalk Bluff, also in the engagements at Pilot ·Knob and Patterson, together with many skir- mishes. He served altogether for three years, one month and sixteen days, and after the close of the war was honorably discharged at Jeffer- son City, Missouri, having done his full duty as a soldier.

When the country no longer needed his aid, Nathan Scranton returned to Pike county and began work on a farm. It was not long after- ward before he sought a companion and help- mate for life's journey, and was married here to Miss Mary Jane Smith, who was born in Nebo. They traveled life's journey happily to- gether for about five years; and there were two children born to this union, of whom one is liv- ing. Following his marriage, Mr. Scranton rented a farm and engaged in operating leased land for several years, after which he bought land in Spring Creek township. He then located thereon and cultivated and improved the place for three years, when he sold that property and invested in a farm in Hardin township, where he lived for five years, during which time he erected a good residence upon the property. Subsequently he purchased his present farm in Pleasant Hill town- ship, and he still owns this property. In 1887 he came to Nebo and erected the house now owned by Dr. Williams. He also conducted a hotel for two years, after which he sold out, re- turning to his farm in Hardin township. Later he purchased his Pleasant Hill township property and afterward bought a neat residence in Nebo- a brick building in which he now makes his home.

On the 12th of August, 1875, in Nebo, Mr. Scranton was married to Miss Nancy M. Crow- der, a native of this county, where she was reared. Her father, James V. Crowder, was born in Pike county, and became a soldier who died in the service of his country while a member of a Mis- souri regiment of infantry. His wife, who bore

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the maiden name of Mahala Allison, survived her husband and reared her family. Mr. Scranton's son by his first marriage is Albert Scranton, who now lives in Nebo, and the deceased son was Francis, who died when a lad of about nine years. By the second marriage of Mr. Scranton have been born two children: Clara Maud, the wife of Harry North, who resides upon the Scranton farm in Pleasant Hill township; and Opal, at home.

Politically Mr. Scranton is a stanch republican, although he was reared in the faith of the demo- cratic party. His wife is a member of the Court of Honor and the Royal Neighbors. Mr. Scran- ton has never been an office seeker, but has earn- estly labored to advance his business interests. His entire life has been passed in Pike county, and he has helped to improve and make the county what it is today, having himself cultivated three farms. In connection with the tilling of the soil he has engaged in raising and feeding stock, handling cattle, hogs and horses. He com- menced life a poor man, but by his own labor and enterprise and the assistance of his estimable wife he has become the possessor of a well im- proved and valuable farm and a good home in Nebo, and is today numbered among the sub- stantial citizens of this part of the state.

MCCLINTOCK BROWN.

McClintock Brown, starting out in life on his own account at the early age of ten years and re- ceiving a wage of eight dollars per month, has from that humble financial position steadily worked his way upward to a position of affluence, so that he is now numbered among the the sub- stantial farmers of Hadley township, his home being on section 31. where he owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of land that is today very valuable and productive. In addition to its cultivation he is also engaged in the business of buying, feeding and shipping cattle and hogs.

Mr. Brown is one of the worthy citizens that the Empire state has furnished to Pike county, his birth having occurred in Washington county,

New York, near Sandy Hill, about four miles from the historic tree at which Jane McCrea was massacred by the Indians. This tree died in 1849. and Mr. Brown has a snuffbox made from a part of the wood. His natal day was October 2, 1847, his parents being Josiah and Maria (Clark) Brown, the former a native of Vermont, while the latter was also born in the east. The father was a physician and minister of the gospel, and also a shoemaker, having learned his trade in early life. He followed shoemaking at an early day in the Empire state, and also engaged in the practice of medicine at Sandy Hill, New York. There his death occurred in 1851, and his widow afterward came with her family to Pike county, Illinois, being accompanied by her husband's brother, Benjamin D. Brown. They settled in Barry and Mrs. Brown later gave her hand in marriage to B. T. Gray, one of the first settlers of the locality. Mr. Gray is still living in Barry, but his wife is deceased. In her family were five children : Josiah and Jane, both of whom have passed away; Henry W., who is living at the Sol- diers' Home at Quincy ; James C., who died in Missouri ; and McClintock.

In the schools of Barry McClintock Brown ac- quired his education, having been brought by his mother to the west at an early age. He was a youth of only ten years when he started out in life on his own account, securing employment at farm labor by the month. His time was thus passed for a number of years, during which pe- riod he received only about eight dollars per month in compensation for his services. Later he received a larger wage, and saving nearly all of his earnings he was at length enabled to pur- chase a tract of land, investing in one hundred and twenty acres when twenty-seven years of age. This constitutes a part of the farm which he still owns, but its boundaries have been ex- tended until within the tract are now embraced one hundred and sixty acres. He is engaged in the stock business, buying, feeding and shipping cattle and hogs, and has found this a very profit- able undertaking. He ships several carloads of stock each year, and his annual sales bring him a gratifying figure. His son is engaged in the butchering business, having a shop at Barry. In

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PAST AND PRESENT OF PIKE COUNTY.

1898 Mr. Brown lost a part of one of his hands and since then has done very little work.

In January, 1872, Mr. Brown was united in . and proves that success is ambition's answer.

marriage to Miss Mahala Pence, who was born in Preble county, Ohio, October 26, 1846, and is a daughter of John and Hannah (Earhart) Pence. Her father was born in Virginia, and when a young man went to Ohio, in which state his wife was born and reared. In 1857 they came to Pike county, settling in Hadley township, where their remaining days were passed, Mr. Pence being called to his final rest in April, 1879, when he was about seventy-seven years of age, his birth hav- ing occurred June 8, 1802. . His wife, who was born November 4, 1810, died on the 25th of April, 1890. In their family were ten children, of whom four are now living, as follows: Mrs. Brown; Joseph Pence, who resides in Kansas City; Mrs. Lydia Emerson; and Mrs. Adeline Furniss. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have one child, L. G. Brown, who married Mell Peck and lives in Barry. Our subject also has an adopted daughter, Minnie, who attended the schools of Barry, was graduated from the high school in the class of 1901 and is now engaged in teaching.

Mr. Brown exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the repub- lican party, and was supervisor of Hadley town- ship for one term in 1898. He has also been road commissioner. He belongs to Barry lodge, No. 336, I. O. O. F .; Barry camp, No. 540, M. W. A .; and the Mutual Protective League. Of the last two he is a charter member. He has been past noble grand, past chief patriarch and also representative to the grand lodge of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife is connected with the Rebekah degree, has filled all of the chairs in that lodge and has been a repre- sentative to the grand lodge. Their home is pleasantly located two and a half miles southeast of Barry, and here they have lived for many years, during which time Mr. Brown has made many excellent improvements upon his farm. His reliability in business has secured for him an in- flexible reputation, while his prosperity repre- sents his fit utilization of opportunities that has made him one of the substantial agriculturists and stock-raisers of this part of the county. His life

record stands in exemplification of what may be accomplished with firm and unfaltering purpose,

HARRISON DAIGH.

It is a noticeable fact that a great majority of the successful men are those who have planned their own advancement and have accomplished it in spite of obstacles and difficulties which they have encountered. Labor, however, in America is unhampered by caste or class, and in due time will find its just reward; and it is by reason of his untiring activity that Mr. Daigh has won a creditable position in financial and social circles, enjoying the good will and trust of all with whom he has been associated.

A native son of Perry, he was born February 10, 1845, and was educated in the public schools. His parents were James M. and Elizabeth (Pool) Daigh, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of South Carolina. Leaving the Old Domin- ion, James M. Daigh came to Illinois in the '20S, settling in the midst of the wilderness in Chris- tian or Sangamon county. He afterward came to Pike county and was one of the pioneers of this portion of the state, and aided in its early and sub- stantial development. However, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he crossed the plains in 1849. In 1852 he returned to Illinois, but in 1853 again went to California, this time by way of New York city, whence he took passage on a sailing vessel bound for San Francisco. He was engaged in merchandising in the Golden state until the spring of 1855, when his life's la- bors were ended in death, he being then fifty-five years of age. His wife passed away in this county in 1853, at the age of forty-five years. They were earnest and faithful members of the Christian church, and Mr. Daigh was also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political views were in harmony with the princi- ples of the whig party. In the family were twelve children, five sons and seven daughters, but only two are now living, Harrison and Mar-

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tha, the latter the wife of J. J. Smith, a farmer of Chambersburg township.

Harrison Daigh lost his mother when nine years of age, and was left an orphan when a youth of ten. Three years later he left Pike county and went to Dewitt county, Illinois, where he was employed as a farm laborer during the summer months, while in the winter seasons he fed cattle for his board and the privilege of at- tending school. He was thus occupied until 1862, when his patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, and, although only seventeen years of age, he en- listed on the 27th of July as a member of Com- pany F, Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry, remaining with that regiment until honorably discharged in August, 1865, being mustered out at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He took part in a number of impor- tant engagements and manifested valor and loy- alty equal to that of many a veteran of twice his years. He made a creditable military record, and when his aid was no longer needed he returned to his home to resume the pursuits of civil life.

He was again engaged in farm labor up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated on the 25th of April, 1867, Miss Margaret Turner becoming his wife. She was born June 25, 1849, and was a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Haughey) Turner, both of whom were natives of Ohio, in which state they were married. Their children, eleven in number, were born in Ohio. Five of these are yet living, Charles, Isaac, Mary, Jane and Margaret. Elizabeth died January 10, 1906. The wife and mother passed away Sep- tember 21, 1858, and Mr. Turner was afterward again married, his second union being with Re- becca Shelton, who is also now deceased. There were four children of that marriage, George, James, Albert and Laura, all of whom are yet living. On removing from Ohio to Illinois, Mr. Turner settled in Perry township, Pike county, where he secured a fract of land and carried on general farming until within a few years prior to his demise, when he lived retired in the vil- lage of Perry. He was a member of the New Light church in Ohio. His political endorse- ment was given to the whig party until its dis- solution, when he joined the ranks of the repub-

lican party. His death occurred in Perry, Sep- tember 21, 1888, when he was seventy-six years of age.

Following his marriage, Mr. Daigh carried on farming in Perry township until the spring of 1868, when he removed to Dewitt county, Illi- nois, there residing until the fall of 1869, when he returned to Pike county and once more became . identified with its agricultural interests. In 1875 he removed to the village of Perry, where he now lives. At the present writing he is engaged in farming, and he also has charge of the mail route between Perry and Griggsville. At the same time he has been active and influential in community affairs, and has served as constable and town marshal, as street commissioner, as school director and road commissioner.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Daigh was blessed with thirteen children: Estella; Charles; Frank C., who died October 17, 1904, in his thirty-third year; Nellie; Lillian; Harry L .; Clarence ; one who died in infancy ; Russell; Grace; Louise; Jo- seph F .; and Marie. The members of the family are well known in the community where they reside. Mr. Daigh belongs to Perry lodge, No. 95, A. F. & A. M., with which he has affiliated since March, 1878, and he is now a past master. He likewise belongs to Perry chapter, No. 35, R. A. M .; and in politics he supports the men who are pledged to give their allegiance to the re- publican party. Dependent upon his own re- sources from an early age, whatever success he has achieved is attributable to his earnest and in- defatigable industry. He possesses a genial dis- position and kindly nature that have gained him many friends in social circles, as he has a very wide and favorable acquaintance in this part of the county.

SAMUEL WILLIAMS.

Samuel Williams, one of the public-spirited and prominent men of Pike county, has for some years been supervisor of Detroit township, and is the prèsent efficient chairman of the honorary board of supervisors. A native son of the county, he was born in Detroit, April 18, 1868. His father.

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PAST AND PRESENT OF. PIKE COUNTY.

Samuel Williams, was a native of North Caro- lina, born in 1829, and the grandfather was An- derson Williams, who removed with his family westward to Illinois about 1835, locating in De- troit township, Pike county, when few settle- ments had been made within the borders of this county. He entered land in this locality and opened up a farm. He shared with the early set- tlers in the hardships and trials incident to pio- neer life and aided in reclaiming the wild land for the purposes of civilization. He also built a sawmill and cut timber for the old plank road and lived a life of usefulness and activity. He reared his family here and later removed to Missouri, settling at Sedalia, where he spent his last years.

Samuel Williams, Sr., father of our subject, came to Pike county when a young lad, and was here reared amid the wild scenes and environ- ments of pioneer life, sharing with the family in the hardships incident to a life in a frontier dis- trict. He gained practical experience in the work of the fields so that he was well qualified to carry on business when he started out in life on his own account. He married Miss Eunice Hatch, a na- tive of this county. Through much of his life he followed merchandising, and was a trader, cap- italist and money-loaner. He reared his family and spent the greater part of his life in Pike county, where he died in 1897. His wife still survives him and now resides in Detroit. In their family were three children: Frances, now the wife of Thomas Hall, a resident farmer of Detroit; Clayton A. Williams, who is engaged in farming in Newburg township; and Samuel A., of this review.

The last named was reared at the old farm home, and in the country schools acquired his education, save that he has added largely to his knowledge through experience, reading and ob- servation in later years. He remained with his father until he had attained his majority, after which he began working by the month at a salary of fifteen dollars. He was employed in this way for five or six years, embracing every oppor- tunity that would improve his business condi- tion. In Newburg township on the 14th of Au- gust, 1894, he was united in marriage to Miss Cora. Jane Eagle, who was born in this county

and was a daughter of John H. C. Eagle, a farmer of Newburg township. After their marriage the young couple took up their abode upon a tract of land which Mr. Williams rented, and there in connection with the work of tilling the soil he engaged in buying and feeding stock, becoming one of the well known stock-dealers of the county, carrying on the business on an extensive scale. He shipped on an average of about fifty carloads of stock a year. He is today justly classed with the active, practical and prosperous farmers of Detroit township. He controls five hundred acres, of which he keeps two hundred acres for pastur- age and he now has about one hundred head of cattle and a large number of hogs, and his annual shipments bring him a gratifying financial return.

Mr. and Mrs. Williams have a family of two children, Inez Fern and V. Elmer. They also lost a daughter, Hazel, who died in infancy. Po- litically Mr. Williams has been a lifelong demo- crat, and his first presidential ballot was cast for Grover Cleveland. He has been elected and re- elected to the office of supervisor until he is now serving for the third term and he is president of the county board. In the discharge of his official duties he has ever been prompt and faithful, and his record in office is one above reproach. His wife is a member of the Christian church; and Mr. Williams belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which he joined at Milton but has since demitted to Detroit lodge. He has served through all of the chairs and is a past grand, and both he and his wife are connected with the Rebekah degree. He is also a member of the Mutual Protective League. Mr. Williams has a wide acquaintance in the county where his entire life has been passed, and where he has so directed his efforts as to win signal success in business, and at the same time gain the honor and respect of his fellowmen. His life record proves what can be accomplished by determined, indefatigable and honorable purpose. While "the race is not always to the swift nor the battles to the strong," the inviolable law of destiny ac- cords to tireless energy, industry and ability a successful career; and the truth of this assertion is abundantly verified in the life of Mr. Williams, who, though he has met many difficulties and ob-

PAST AND PRESENT OF PIKE COUNTY.

stacles, has overcome these by determined pur- pose and laudable endeavor, working his way steadily upward.

WILLIAM ALLEN PECK.

William Allen Peck, residing on section 20, Hadley township, is a native son of Ohio, his birth having occurred near Chillicothe, Pickaway county, May 27, 1842. His parents, Jesse and Jane (Reeves) Peck, were both natives of Vir- ginia and were married subsequent to their re- moval to Ohio. The mother was married three times, her first husband being Mr. Shanton and her second, Mr. Hines. The father of our subject was married twice, and it was after losing his first wife that he wedded Mrs. Hines. By this marriage there were born five children, two sons and three daughters, namely : Mrs. James Davis, who is now living in Barry; Mrs. Ella Sweet, whose home is in Denver, Colorado; Jesse F. Peck, who is living in Little Sioux, Iowa; Wil- liam A .; and Minnie, the deceased wife of Arthur Gillum. The parents came to Illinois in 1847, settling south of Pittsfield. They had traveled across the country with a wagon and team, and they remained at their first location from the fall of 1847 until March, 1848, when they removed to a farm near which the subject of this review now resides. Later they bought the farm where William Allen Peck lived for fifty-six years, its location being one mile east of his present place of residence. Jesse Peck was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land, which, owing to his care and cultivation, became a very pro- ductive and valuable tract. He spent his remain- ing days thereon, passing away in 1876, at the age of eighty-five years, while his wife died Janu- ary 25, 1881, in her eighty-fifth year. Mr. Peck was a democrat in his political views, and both he and his wife held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.

he worked in the fields from the time of early spring planting until the crops were harvested in the late autumn. He continued to reside upon the old home property until October, 1905, when he removed to his present place of residence. Here he carries on general farming and stock- raising, making a specialty of the raising of hogs and cattle. He and his son are now managing and' improving the farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of arable land. In all of his work he is systematic and methodical, and his labors have been attended with the success which crowns active, persistent and practical effort.

In 1864 occurred the marriage of Mr. Peck and Miss Jessie B. Wilson, who was born in Scot- land, May 27, 1840, and came to the new world when fourteen years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Peck have been born eleven children, but four died in infancy. The others are as follows : Arena, now the wife of John McTucker, a resi- dent of Hadley township; Minnie, the wife of John McConnell, who is living in Jacksonville, Illinois; Willie, who resides in Oklahoma; Katie, who became the wife of Elmer Furniss, and at her death left five children; Mell, who married Louis Brown and lives in Barry; Harry, who is as- sociated with his father in business, and is now serving as supervisor of Hadley township; and Charles, who is living at home.

Mr. Peck is a member of the Modern Wood- men camp and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while his wife belongs to the Baptist church. He is a genial, whole-souled man, well liked by all, upright in his business dealings and has the cultured, genial nature that wins warm friendships. He has long been known as a lead- ing representative of agricultural interests in this county, and as such deserves mention in this volume.

ALEXANDER COUCH.

Alexander Couch, who follows farming on sec- tion 14, Spring Creek township, was born in Har- din township, Pike county, April 26, 1858, his Couch. The mother of Lewis Couch was a native

The educational privileges which William A. Peck enjoyed were quite limited. To some ex- tent he attended the public schools, but his serv- parents being Lewis and Sarah J. (Daniel) ices were largely needed on the home farm and

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PAST AND PRESENT OF PIKE COUNTY.

of Kentucky and lived to the very advanced age of ninety-two years, spending the last fifteen years of her life with the parents of Mrs. Alexander Couch. Lewis Couch was a native of Hillsboro, Highland county, Ohio, born July 4, 1827. He engaged in dealing in poultry, sheep, hogs, etc., for ten years and afterward gave his time to farm- ing until his demise, which occurred in Spring Creek township, this county, on the 10th of June, 1894. when he was in his sixty-seventh year. He married Miss Sarah Daniel, who was born De- cember 23, 1837, and was a daughter of James Daniel, who was a native of Tennessee, and in that state was married, his first wife also dying there. He afterward came to Pike county with his two children, and later was married here to Polly Bristo. For many years he was a resident farmer of this part of the state, and died in Spring Creek township in 1888. His wife passed away several years later. In their family were the fol- lowing named: William, Albert, Sarah, Mrs. Jane Couch, Martin Van Buren, Mary, James J. Polk, Martha Rebecca, Caroline and Clarke. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Couch were twelve in number, namely: John, Alexander, Al- phonso Hunter, Mary E., Lewis G., Eliza, Rosie A., Dora L., Alva, Ora, and Eddie and Charlie, twins.

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Past and present of Pike County, Illinois, Part 98

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