USA > Illinois > Adams County > Quincy > Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois > Part 105
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148 | Part 149 | Part 150 | Part 151 | Part 152 | Part 153
CHESTER A. BABCOCK.
In the history of the legal profession of Quiney and Adams county and, indeed, of the state of Illinois, it is imperative that due recognition be accorded Chester A. Babcock, who was one of the leading attorneys at the Quincy bar. He was also a political leader of prominence. As an orator he had few equals, and his prominence in public life was the result of his devotion to the general good and his publie-spirited eitizen- ship.
Mr. Babeock was a native of this state, his birth having occurred in Metamora, Woodford
Cluster FRatok)
661
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.
county, Illinois, January 17, 1849. Ilis parents, Edgar and Julia Babcock, were born in central New York, and there the father engaged in farm- ing, but at an early day removed to the west, settling in Metamora, Woodford county. Illinois, where he followed various kinds of business. At one time he was county clerk of that county. Subsequently he returned to the Empire state. settling in Chenango county, where both he and his wife resided until their life's labors were ended in death.
Chester A. Babcock attended the common schools of his native state and then entered the University of Chicago, where he was graduated in 1870. After teaching for a time, he came to Quincy, where he pursued his law studies in the office of Wheat, Ewing & Hamilton. His active business life was spent in Quincy. He always prepared his cases with great thoroughness, was original in his deductions, strong in his reason- ing, and presented his facts in a elear, coneise and forcible manner in the eourt room. The publie and the profession acknowledged him to be one of the leading practitioners at the Quincy bar, and his law practice grew to be very exten- sive, returning him, therefore, a gratifying in- come. He continued to engage in the practice until his death, and yet he did not confine his attention alone to law, for he found opportunity to inform himself thoroughly concerning the great problems which have divided political opin- ion. He often addressed publie audiences upon the question and issues of the day, and his ora- torical ability, as well as his sound reasoning. enabled him to leave a strong impress upon the minds of his hearers. He was an advocate of democratic principles and was on one occasion a candidate for lieutenant governor of Illinois. He held varions offiees in Quincy, discharging his duties in a most capable and straightforward manner, and his devotion to the publie good was unquestioned.
Mr. Babcock was married in Quincy to Miss Cornelia W. Marsh, a daughter of the Hon. Will- iam Marsh of Quincy. who was at one time a leading representative of the bar. He was of English deseent, his ancestors having come to America at an early period in the development of the new world. His grandfather, Captain Ebenezer Marsh, was born in Hampshire county, Massachusetts, and his father. Zimri Marsh, was also a native of the Bay state. Ile married Miss Creusa Hubbard, a daughter of Caleb Hubbard, familiarly known as Major Hubbard of the "plum trees," who resided in Massachusetts. He participated in the battle of Bunker Hill. Cap- tain Ebenezer Marsh was also a soldier of the Revolutionary war and was one of the minute men at Lexington. When advaneed in years Mrs.
Creusa Marsh came to Quiney, where she died in 1864.
Judge William Marsh was born in Cayuga county, New York, May 11, 1822, and was the fourth in a family of seven children. He at- tended a private school in Tompkins eounty, New York, and was afterward a student in an acad- emy and in Union College, New York, being grad- uated from the last named institution in 1842. He studied law in the office of Judge Jewett, of Skaneateles, New York, and was admitted to practice at the New York har in 1845. He began practice in Ithaca, New York, where he remained until 1854, removing in that year to Quincy, where he entered into a law partnership with William H. Benneson. Three years later Judge Skinner was admitted to the firm under the name of Skinner, Benneson & Marsh, and when Mr. Benneson joined the Union army as colonel of the Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry in 1862 the firm continued as Skinner & Marsh, this relation being maintained until the death of Judge Skinner in 1877. Judge Marsh became a partner of William MeFadon, and in 1885 this partnership was dis- solved by his election to the bench of the circuit court, the district being then composed of Adams, Pike, Brown, Selmyler, Fulton and Hancock counties. For six years Indge Marsh served on the bench, and his record there was in harmony with his record as a man and a lawyer, distin- guished by unswerving fidelity to duty. as well as by an unbiased administration of the law, with due regard to equity as well as precedent. He was recognized, too, as one of the most prominent leaders in the democratic party in Illinois, labor- ing for its interests from the time he became a resident of this state to promote its growth and prosperity. Ile was ever a champion of govern- ment reform and improvement, and he did much to uphold the legal and political status of the state.
On the 29th of August, 1848, Judge Marsh was married to Cornelia M. Woods, of Lockport, New York, a daughter of Judge J. L. Woods of that eity. They became the parents of four children, but the third, William, died in infaney. The others are: Mary M., the wife of Don A. Sweet. of Amarillo. Texas, where he is general auditor of the Pecos Valley and the Southern Kansas lines, both southern branches of the Santa Fe system ; Mrs. Babeock; and Lawrenee W., who resides at the old Marsh home in Quincy. Judge Marsh and his family were well known in social cireles of this city. and there his influence, as in other lines of life, was always for good. Ile was elosely identified with many of the interests and enterprises which led to commercial development and the consequent prosperity of Quincy. He was a stockholder in the First National Bank,
662
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.
the Quiney Gas Company and president of the Barlow Corn Planter Company, and other busi- ness enterprises felt the stimulus of his sound judgment and untiring energy. He died April 14, 1894, and his wife died September 14, 1901.
Mr. Babcock passed away August 28, 1899. and his life, like that of Judge Marsh, was worthy of all respeet. De had a wide acquaintance among the best citizens of Illinois, and especially in political and legal cireles his ability and worth commanded the esteem and confidence of all.
JOSIAH RAYMOND KELLY. M. D.
Dr. Josiah Raymond Kelly, who since 1889 has engaged in the general practice of medicine and surgery in Quiney, making a specialty of the treatment of lung diseases and of hay fever. in which department of his professional service he has attained excellent snecess, was born JJanu- ary 11, 1847, in Beverly, Adams county, Ilinois. The family was originally from Ireland. Dr. Kelly being of the fourth generation in this country. His parents were Fraser and Hannah ( Raymond) Kelly. The father was born in Woodbridge, New Jersey, and came to Adams vomty about 1835, thereby becoming one of its early settlers. He was employed by others for many years or until 1852, when he purchased a. farm of his own and he yet resides upon the old homestead, which is now managed by one of his sons. His life has been a busy, useful and hon- orable one, and now at the advanced age of eighty-seven years he receives the respect and veneration of all who know him. He married Hannah Raymond, a daughter of William Ray- mond, who came to Adams county in 1835 from Beverly, Massachusetts, and purchased four hun- dred acres of land. The town of Beverly in this county was originally a part of his tract and his daughters, Hannah and Eliza, at a gath- ering of the early pioneers to establish the town, were asked to give a name to the new place, and they called it Beverly in honor of their old home in the east. For several years William Raymond was engaged in business in Quiney, but eventu- ally returned to his farm, where he died in 1862. Ilis daughter, Mrs. Kelly, passed away in 1852, ten years prior to her father's demise, at which time Dr. Kelly was only five years old. He is the oldest of four children, the others being John W., who was born in July, 1848, mar- ried Lotta Richardson and is a practicing physi- cian of Quincy : Charles W., who is married and operates his father's farm ; and Hannah E., who was born in November, 1852, and is the wife of William Funk. a farmer residing near Beverly.
Dr. Kelly attended the schools of his native town and afterward continued his education in
the Quincy Methodist College from 1867 until 1869. In 1870 he was enrolled as a student in Michigan University at Ann Arbor, and was graduated on the completion of the medical course March 28, 1872. For a year he engaged in practice in Kingston, where he was associated with Dr. J. G. MeKinney, and in 1874 he re- moved to Boone, Hancock county, Illinois, where he practiced for six years. In 1880 he located in Angusta. that county, where he remained for nine years, and in 1889 he came to Quincy, where he has since been located, devoting his time and attention to general practice and at the same time making a specialty during the last seven years of the treatment of lung diseases and hay fever. He has been especially snecess- inl in this department of the science and has built up a good practice, being the family physi- cian in many households in this city. He he- longs to the Hancock County Medical Society and to the Illinois State Medical Society.
Dr. Kelly is a Mason, holding membership in Boone lodge and his political affiliation is with the democracy. He was married June 15, 1874, at Beverly, Ilinois, to Miss Maggie E. Richard- son. daughter of James Richardson, who was then a merchant at Beverly but is now living in Payson, Illinois, and is one of the old settlers of Adams county. Both Dr. and Mrs. Kelly are representatives of old pioneer families of the county and during the greater part of his life. covering fifty-seven years, Dr. Kelly has resided in Adams county and is, therefore, familiar with its history. lle has taken a just pride in its development and his own business career has been characterized by a similar progress leading toward perfection.
ERNEST C. SELBY.
Ernest C. Selby is engaged in cultivating eighty acres of land and is an enterprising farmer, who in his chosen life work follows progressive and practical methods. He was born in Lima township, Adams county, December 10. 1866, and is a son of Lewis and Anna ( Bolt.) Selby. His father was born in Kentucky. Au- gust 1, 1820. and was taken to Missouri by his parents when four years of age. There he lived until 1838, when he became a resident of Adams county, and in 1841 he located in Lima town- ship. He became familiar with all of the ex- periences and hardships of pioneer life and was actively engaged in the arduous work of developing a new farm. He continued to en- gage in farm labor throughout his entire busi- ness career and spent his last days upon the farm which is now occupied by Ernest C. Selby. Ile
DR. J. R. KELLY
665
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.
died January 10, 1905. His first wife died in 1854 and he subsequently married the mother of our subjeet, who died February 17, 1876. For his third wife he married Milly Orr, who sur- vives him. Three children of the family are yet living, namely : Mrs. Laura Finney, who lives in Keokuk, Iowa: William F., a resident of Lima township; and Ernest C.
At the usual age Ernest C. Selby began his edneation by attending the public schools of Lima township. He has always lived upon the old home farm, working in the fields through the summer months, while in winter seasons he mas- tered the branches of learning that constituted the eurrieuhim of the district schools. He now owns and operates eighty acres of fine land. His home is situated on section 13, Lima township, about one and a half miles southwest of the vil- lage of Lima.
On the 16th of April, 1889, Mr. Selby was married to Miss Sarah E. Crenshaw, a daughter of Benjamin and Martha N. (Ellis) Crenshaw. Her father eame to Adams county when a mere boy, and a few years later removed to Han- eoek county, Illinois, where he has spent much of his life. He is one of the oldest settlers of this part of the state and is now living in Lima town- ship. His wife died in 1904. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Selby have been born four children : Laura E., born January 31. 1890; Ethan E., born Jan- uary 29, 1893; Edith, who was born December 25, 1897, and died November 13, 1899; and Erna J .. boru May 1, 1903.
Mr. Selby is a staneh advocate of the prohibi- tion party, which indicates his attitude on the temperance question. He has served as sehool director for several years and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant church, taking an active interest in its work and doing all in their power to promote its growth. Mr. Selby is a man whose entire life has been actuat- ed by honorable purpose and characterized by manly conduct and thus wherever known he is held in high esteem.
LEWIS L. THORNTON.
Lewis L. Thornton is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Adams county, having a fine farm on which are exeellent im- provements, including all the modern equip- ments that go to facilitate farm work. A native of Kentucky, he was born in Pendleton county, .January 18, 1836, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Smith) Thornton. At an early day the Thornton family was established in Virginia and the grandfather, John Thornton, who was born in the Old Dominion, removed from that
state to Kentucky. His death occurred when his son John was a young lad. The latter was born in Pendleton county, Kentucky, and spent his entire life upon a farm there, his death occurring in 1867. His wife was also a native of that state and was a daughter of William Smith, who was born in Virginia and was a soldier of the war of 1812. She long survived her husband and died in 1891 at the age of seventy-one years. Throughout her entire life she had been a con- sistent member of the Baptist church. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, four of whom are yet living : Henry E., James S., Wil- liam T. and Lewis L.
The boyhood days of Lewis L. Thornton were quietly passed in the work upon the home farm and in attendance upon the publie schools of the neighborhood. The little "temple of learn- ing" in which he mastered the common branches was a log structure with a puncheon floor, slab seats and a huge fireplace. He attended sehool through the winter months and throughout the remainder of the year assisted in the work of the farm. After attaining his majority he started out in life for himself and was employed at splitting rails at fifty eents per hundred. In this way he gained the money that enabled him to come to Illinois, and sinee the spring of 1857 he has been a resident of Adams county. He first rented land in Ursa township, and con- tinued farming until August, 1862, when he re- sponded to the country's eall for aid and joined the boys in blue of Company B, Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry. He was largely engaged in guarding prisoners in Chicago. Because of ill health he was attached to the Veteran Reserve Corps and did not see active service in the field that he otherwise would have done. In Septem- ber, 1864, he received an honorable discharge and returned home. He then resumed farming and sinee 1871 has made his home on section 19, Lima township. He purchased property that year and now has, in connection with his sons, two hundred aeres of land, which is productive and vields them an excellent return. When he ar- rived in Adams county, in March, 1857, his eapi- tal consisted of but three dollars and with that to serve as a nueleus he has added to his posses- sions until he is now the owner of a valuable property representing a large investment.
Mr. Thornton was married to Miss Priseilla Taylor, of Ursa township, a daughter of Adam and Barbara (Grimes) Taylor, both of whom were natives of Kentucky and were numbered among the pioneer settlers of Ursa township, where they established their home in 1837. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Thornton occurred November 20, 1859, and has been blessed with five children, of whom three are yet living, name-
666
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.
ly: John A .. Elizabeth A. and Lewis A., while James C. and Mary C. have passed away. The eldest son, in connection with his father, is the owner of a fine apiary, containing three hundred hives, and honey is one of the leading products of the farm. They raise Italian bees and have made a close study of bee culture. They sell bees as well as honey and also manufacture their own hives.
Mr. Thornton holds membership in MeCreery post, No. 567. G. A. R., of Lima, and thus main- tains pleasant relations with his old army com- rades. In his religious belief he is a Free Will Baptist and has served as one of the trustees of the church. Politically he is a democrat and has been school trustee, town elerk and justice of the peace. His duty in every office is performed in a capable manner, and in all matters of eitizen- ship he is publie-spirited and progressive. His life record should serve to encourage and inspire others who have to start out for themselves as he did. without capital. His history proves the force and value of earnest, honest labor and shows what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do. At all times he has commanded the good will of his fellow men for he has been straightforward in his business dealings, reliable in citizenship and faithful to the obligations of friendship.
JOHN J. FLYNN.
John JJ. Flynn, who in the development and control of his business has avemulated a com- petence that ranks him with the substantial citizens of Quiney, was born in Blackstone, Worcester county, Massachusetts, April 9, 1854. and from a very early age has been dependent upon his own resources. His parents were Thomas and Rose ( Hoye) Flynn, natives of the north of Ireland. They were married soon after their arrival in this country and for some years they resided in New England and both died in Massachusetts, when more than seventy years of age. The father was a cotton broker.
In the family were eleven children and John J. Flynn. the only son, early had to aid in the support of the family. When but ten years of age he secured employment in a cotton mill and was thus engaged until 1874, when at the age of twenty years he decided to try his fortune in the west, believing that better business oppor- tunities were here offered. He pursued a com- plete course of study in a commercial college here and then became a factor in manufactur- ing cireles of Quincy, turning his attention to the manufacture of spruce and root beer. The new enterprise prospered from the beginning
and with the early sales of his products he se- eured funds that enabled him to enlarge the business in its scope and purposes. He began bottling beer as soon as his limited capital would admit and in 1881 embarked in the soda water business, in which he has since continued. He has made a close and thorough study of every feature of chemistry that enters into the pro- dnetion of carbonated waters. It was his pur- pose to secure absolute purity in the manufae- tured product and from the excellence of his product it seems that he must have attained this. From time to time he began the manufacture of other carbonated waters and the rapid growth of his trade taxed the capacity of the plant to the fullest extent and cansed its enlargement as opportunity offered. The present model es- tablishment was built : filters, distilled water and every modern improvement has been introduced : and Mr. Flynn is now at the head of an impor- tant business, which is conducted under the name of J. J. Flynn & Company, at Nos. 200 to 208 Maine street. There he manufactures soda water, ginger ale, extraets, syrups, ete., and also deals in bar fixtures, glassware and sun- dries, selling to the trade in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. He is a man of business discernment, capable in management and far-sighted in busi- ness. In addition to his soda water business, he has given considerable thought to mechanical processes, and his genius in that direction has found expression in the invention of several im- provements for cotton looms on which he has seenred patents.
In 1877 Mr. Flynn was married to Miss Mary E. Larkin, of Quiney, and they have two sons and a daughter: James JJ., John L. and Lillian M. They have a beautiful home in Park place, and they are members of St. Peter's Catholic church. Mr. Flynn has been the architect of his own fortune and has builded wisely and well.
KLAUS LEENERTS.
Klaus Leenerts is one of the native sons of Adams county, horn on the 7th of October, 1873. Ilis father, Oltman Leenerts, was a native of Germany and at an early epoch in the develop- ment and improvement of Adams county he took up his abode here. Ile was twice married and by the first union had the following named chil- dren: Frank, who is living in Northeast town- ship : Klaus: Anna, the wife of Pleasant Brown, of Macomb, Illinois: Eda, the wife of Rekus Block, of Cozad. Dawson county, Nebraska ; Mary, the wife of Ulfert Block, of Nebraska : and Etta, wife of William Block, of Gothenburg, Nebraska. By his second marriage Oltman
667
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Leenerts had five children : John, at home ; Hat- tie, the wife of William Gronewold, of North- east township : Oltman, Henry and Bertha, all at home.
Klaus Leenerts was educated in the schools of Northeast township, early becoming familiar with the common branches of English learning. and when his education was completed he turned his attention to farming. He is now the owner of thirty-six acres on section 5, Clayton town- ship, where he is engaged in raising stock and in the breeding of full-blooded Plymouth Rock and rose eomb white leghorn chickens. He is sending eggs to all the breeders of fine chickens throughout the country and is likewise very sue- eessful in raising fine stoek. His farm is well equipped for the purpose for which it is used and its neat and thrifty appearance indicates his careful supervision.
In 1897 Mr. Leenerts was married to Mattie Buss, born in Adams county in 1874, and they have three children : Hattie, who was born Oe tober 14, 1897. and died May 25, 1901: Ella. born October 8, 1900: and Hilka, born March 22. 1904. The parents hold membership in the Lu- theran church and Mr. Leenerts gives his polit- ical support to the republican party.
WILLIAM HUGHES.
William Inghes, who owns a farm on section 35, Concord township. was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, September 17. 1827. his parents being Jacob and Jane (Gunn, Hughes. the former born March 6, 1784. The parents came to Adams county. May 9. 1840. arriving in Quincy after a trip by water that covered nine days. They located near Burton, Illinois, where they lived for seven years and in 1847 removed to McKee township, where the father followed the occupation of farming. He served as a soldier of the war of 1812 for three years and participated in the battle of the Wilderness under General William Henry Harrison. Ilis death occurred April 18, 1868, when he was eighty-four years of age.
William Hughes pursued his eduration in one of the old-time subscription schools. He was only twelve years of age at the time of his pa- rents' arrival in Adams county and here he was reared amid the environments of pioneer life. early becoming familiar with the difficulties and hardships which were borne by all who made early settlements in this locality. After reach- ing manhood he operated rented land for some time and in 1856 be purchased sixty-one acres on seetion 3. MeKee township. Ile is to-day the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of land
in Concord township, constituting a valuable property.
On the 5th of October, 1851, Mr. Hughes was married to HIelen F. Keller, who was born Feb- ruary 12, 1835, in Adams county, Illinois, near Quiney, her parents being John Henry and Anna ( Snyder) Keller. Her father was born in North Carolina, May 13, 1784, and the mother's birth occurred in that state, March 27. 1798. They came to Adams county, in October, 1831. driving across the country from North Caro- lina. and they reached Camp Point at the time the Indians were there eneamped-a fact which gave the name to the place. Proceeding on their way to Quiney, however, they spent the winter in the city and then removed to a farm. The father assisted in building the first mill in Quincy and afterward purchased three hundred acres of land, on a part of which the town of Kellerville now stands. He died Angust 31. 1586, at the age of ninety-two years, while his wife passed away May 11, 1872.
Into Mr. and Mrs. William Hughes were born eight children, of whom five are now living: Jacob, who was born Fine 13, 1852, married Julia Grady, and resides in California: Corne- lins A .. born March 24, 1854, married Emma Davidson, and resides in Dodge City. Kansas; Sylvester, born February 12. 1856, died Novem- ber 2. of the same year: Amanda C., born De- cember 19, 1858, died March 1. 1881: Eva S .. born April 19, 1866, became the wife of Thomas Hendrickson, and died March 2, 1895: Dorothy .I., born February 11, 1868, is the wife of Guy Davidson, of Concord township: Edgar, born September 2, 1869. married Gertrude Huffman. and lives near his father: and Ralph, born No- vember 30, 1875, married Myrtle Huffman, and lives in Kellerville.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.