Portrait and bigraphical album of Livingston County, Ill. : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies , Part 106

Author: Chapman Brothers (Chicago) publisher
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 1208

USA > Illinois > Livingston County > Portrait and bigraphical album of Livingston County, Ill. : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies > Part 106

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).

The father of our subject was a strong Repub- lican in his political belief, a radical temperance man, and a leading member of the I. O. G. T., in which organization he took a deep interest. Ile was the contractor and builder of the High School building at Chenoa, the Hamilton Block, which was the first brick structure of importance in the city, and the Presbyterian Church, the first house of worship put up in Chenoa. During the late war his sympathies were entirely with the Union cause, and the care of his family alone prevented his becoming an active soldier, although he was beyond the re- «mired age. He possessed inteuse moral convictions

and had a peculiar abhorence of decit and hypoc- risy. The children inheriting such characteristics and with such an example could scarcely fail to be otherwise than truthful and correct in their habits of life, as the result has proved.

Henry D. Fisk has been a hard student, and for years has given all his leisure time to his books. lIe takes a lively interest in the establishment and maintenance of educational institutions, and regu- larly attends the Teachers' Institutes in order to give and receive instruction in regard to the best methods of carrying on the training of the present generation. Politically, like his father before him, he is a strong Republican, but is so thoroughly ab- sorbed in educational work that he gives but little attention to politics, aside from casting his influ- ence upon the side of good Government, and to as- sist in the election of men best qualified for office.

On the 19th of November. 1879, Mr. Fisk was united in marriage with Miss Estella E., daughter of Jonathan and Lovica (Day) Ilaynes. The two children born of this union were named respectively Josie Dee and Ora Lou, of whom the latter died in infancy. Little Josie is now five years of age, a bright and interesting child and the joy of the household. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fisk are active members in the Congregational Church of Dwight.

ALACIII SHELLY. many years one of the most substantial farmers of Round Grove Township, is now retired from active labor, enjoying the fruits of his industry at a snag home in the village of Campus. He came to Livingston County in the pioneer days, and has contributed his full share toward the development of its resources, and the encouragement of its set- tlement by an intelligent and progressive class of people. He has been a man prominent in all pio- gressive movements, and one regarded by his com- munity with universal respect.

Mr. Shelly is a native of Bucks County, Pa., where his birth took place June 21, 1818. His early life was spent upon the farm of his father, but like many a youth he desired a change, and accord- ingly leaving home, he took up the trade of a cigar ,

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LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

maker, and was thus employed two years. m tett, bent upon seeing something more of the world, he started out on foot from the city of Phil- adelphia and walked to Pittsburgh, a distance of 300 miles, making the journey in nine days. From there he migrated to Beaver County, where he re- turned to farming pursuits, and from thence to Butler County, where he worked by the month two Years, Thence he went over into the State of Ohio, and rented a farm in Mahoning County one and one-half years, and when this contract had expired deterinmed to go farther west.

Mr. Shelly arrived in Gardner. Grundy County, this State. in August, 1856, and remained in that section of country until the following spring In the meantime he had been looking about for a per- manent location, and coming to this county, de- cided there was nothing more desirable, and ae- cordingly purchased 140 acres of land on section 1, Round Grove Township. The appearance of this section of country thirty years ago was widely dif- ferent from that of the present, and Mr. Shelly per- formed his full duty upon the plat of ground which he had selected for the field of his future operations. In due time he had the land all enclosed and laid off into convenient fields. had erected a good resi- dence and the necessary farm buildings, and was looked upon by his neighbors as one of the most valued members of their community. He had en- couraged the establishment of schools and lent his aid and influence to all those enterprises which had for their object the progress and welfare of the people around him. Healsoadded to his first purchase. and finally became the owner of 344 acres. Ile contin- ued to live there and proscente his farin work un- til August, 1883, when he rented the homestead and removed to Whiteside County. He has lived in that and Livingston County alternately. but now makes hi- home with his daughter, Mrs. Emma simpkin -.

Mr. Shelly, while a resident of his native State, Was married. in Butler County, in April, 1812, to Mis- Lovina Shelly, who was born in Butler County Ort. 22. 1822, and i- the daughter of Henry and Betsey ( Lamlis) Shelly. also natives of the Key- stone state. Our subject and his wife were play- mates almost from childhood, and have lived to -.

gether harmoniously now for a period of forty-five years. Their union was blessed by the birth of eleven children, the record of whom is as follows: Rosetta, the eldest daughter, is now the wife of William Bauchman, and resides in Franklin County, lowa; Matilda is the wife of B. F. Whitmore, a prosper- ous farmer of Grundy County, Ill .; Absalom mar- ried Miss Mary McLean, and died in Round Grove Township Nov. 28, 1875: Addison married Esther Lapp, and is a resident of Whiteside County, this State; Andrew married Miss Mary M. Ibe, and is carrying on farming in Frontier County, Neb. ; Sa- rah, the wife of Cyrus Miller, resides in Whiteside County, Ill. ; Uriah married Miss Sarah Clover, and is engaged in merchandising in Emington : William married Miss Mary Slade, and is also farming in Frontier County, Neb .; Mary became the wife of C. W. Simpkins, and died in Grundy County, III .. in March, 1882; Lovina, Mrs. Elmer Clover, re- -ides with her husband on a farm in Round Grove Township; Emma married C. W. Simpkins, of Campus, and they have one child, a daughter, Eily May, who was born March 1, 1885.

Mr. Shelly has been a supporter of Republican principles since 1856, a period of thirty years, hav- ing been a Whig before the organization of the Republican party. Ile and his estimable lady, re- ligiously, are connected with the Church of God.

ILLIAM P. JOHNSON, a large land-owner in Livingston and Grundy Counties, resid- ing on a 280-acre farm on section 10, Round Grove Township, is the son of Nicholas and Melinda (Cloud) Johnson. The father was born in Montgomery County, Pa., and the mother was a native of Kentucky. The father of Nicholas John- son was William Johnson, who served as a soldier during the entire continuance of the Revolutionary War. He was a Captain, and expended his entire property in securing funds with which to clothe the men under his command. He died in Montgomery County, l'a., about five years after the war closed. His wife, the grandmother of our subject, was Sa- rah Johnson, who also died in Montgomery County.

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LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

The parents of our subjeet married and settled in Dearborn County, Ind., where they engaged in farming, although in his younger days the father followed the occupation of a butcher. The mother died in Dearborn County, Ind., and the father in llamilton County, Ohio. They had a family of thirteen children, ten girls and three boys, nine of whom are at present living. Our subject was the fifth child, and was born in Dearborn County, Ind., March 10, 1829. Ile was trained to the work of a farmer, and during his boyhood days attended the common schools in Indiana and Ohio. He re- mained at home until he was twenty-six years of age, at which time he was married.

On the 29th of October, 1854, in Hamilton County, Ohio, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Martha A., daughter of Aaron and Margaret ( Pass- more) Simonson. Iler father was born near New- ark, N. J., and it is supposed the mother was born in Ohio. The father and mother died within two days of each other, of cholera, in 1850. The grand- father of Mrs. Johnson was Barney Simonson, who moved with his family from New Jersey to Ohio at an early day. He was a soldier in the Revolution- ary War, and died in Hamilton County, Ohio. His wife, the grandmother of Mrs. Johnson, was Cather- ine Freeman, who was reared in New Jersey and died in lamilion County, Ohio, at the age of ninety-eight years. The parents of Mrs. Johnson had nine children, six girls and three boys, of whom she was the fifth child. She was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, Sept. 7, 1837, and there grew to womanhood.

Two years after marriage, in the fall of 1856, Mr. Johnson came with his wife and one child to Liv- ingston County, and settled in Round Grove Town- ship on section 10, where he purchased eighty aeres of partially improved land. Besides a stable there was a log house on the farm, which they occupied four years, when they built a neat and comfortable farm house, and afterward erected a good and com- modious barn and other out-buildings. Ile began life without means, and has secured to himself a good competeney through the very best management and judicious economy. Beside the farm already men- tioned he owns eighty acres in Grundy County. When he and his family came to Livingston County ;

the transportation was by ox-teams, and they en- joyed the novel trip to the fullest extent.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson became the parents of eight children, who were named as follows: Margaret M., Zarum S., Eliza J., Susan A., John B., William E., Oscar E. and Martha N. Margaret, Eliza and Jolin are deceased. Zarum married Jennie Miller, and resides in Dwight, Ill. ; Susan married Fred Tan- ner, and resides in Gage County, Neb., while Will- iam, O-car and Martha reside at home with their parents. Mr. Johnson is a Democrat in politics, and has ac ceptably filled the office of Assessor of the township. He is devoted to his business affairs, and is a citizen highly esteemed by the people of bis sec- tion, enjoying their confidence to the fullest extent.

C OE W. SIMPKINS, who represents the res- taurant and confectionery business at Cam- pus, is a rising young citizen of good busi- ness ability, and has been located here since the spring of 1884. His straightforward business methods and the creditable manmer in which he con- duets his establishment, have secured for him the patronage of the best residents of the town and vicinity.

Mr. Simpkins was born in Mercer County, Pa., Sept. 13. 1859, and reared on a farm. Ile was a bright, ambitious boy, and greatly desiring a col- legiate education, he attended closely to his studies in the primary school, and then entered the Normal School at Valparaiso, Ind., where he intended to re- main until he had completed the full course and was graduated. Circumstances, however, over which he had no control, broke in upon his cherished plans, and after two years he was obliged to leave school and return to his father's farm. in Grundy County, Ill. A year later he engaged in the insurance busi- ness, and made his home in Grundy County until the spring of 1883. Then he came to this county and rented a tract of land in Round Grove Town- ship, but the result of this venture not being en- tirely satisfactory, he repaired to Gardner, and was there occupied as a clerk and in the insurance basi- ness until taking up his residence in Campus. The

LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

business in which he is now engaged requires tact and good judgment, and there are indications that he porerer these in a measure equal to the de- mand.

Mr. Simpkins while a resident of Round Grove Township was united in marriage with Miss Mary Shelly. on the 8th of March, 1881. The young wife lived but a little over a year after her wed- ding day. her death taking place in Grundy County, March 23, 1882. The present wife of our subject, formerly Mis- Emma Shelly, was born Oct. 23, 1863, and they were married at Pontiac, Ill., Nov. 15, 1883. Of this union there is one child, Eily May, born March 1. 1885, and now a bright little girl of three years. Mrs. S. is the daughter of Malachi Shelly. a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this ALBUM.

Our subject is a reliable member of the Repub- lican party, and belongs to the Baptist Church of Gardner.

6 HOMAS CUNNINGTON. The traveler in passing through the southeastern part of Livingston County and in noting the line . farms and substantial buildings of that section, particularly observes the property of the subject of this sketch, which comprises 160 acres, and is pleas- antly located on section 29. Charlotte Township. It -peak> for itself as having been under the super- vision of a thorough and intelligent agriculturist, a man of sound sense and refined tastes, who is at- tached to his friends and his family, and has en- deavored to make his home the pleasantest spot on earth. The residence and adjacent buildings are neat and substantial, kept in good repair, and the farm stock and machinery are of excellent descrip. tion. Everything about the premises seems to have been made subservient to the one design of a homestead that should be at once an ornament to the township. and a credit to its projector. In this volume is shown a view of Mr. Cunnington's resi- dence with the adjacent grounds.

Mr. Cunnington is a native of England, his birth taking place in Cambridgeshire in 1829, at the modest home of his parents, Thomas and Susan (Turpitt) ( unnington, who were also of English

birth and ancestry. Their household included seven children, of whom Thomas was the fifth in order of birth. His father was a farmer by occu- pation, and presented the example of an honest and upright citizen who provided comfortably for his family, and performed well the part assigned him in life. He lived to be quite well advanced in years, and looked his last upon earthly scenes in the home where he had lived for so many years and where his children were born. His death occurred in the spring of 1866, aged seventy years. The faithful and affectionate wife and mother survived her husband twelve years, and then passed away when seventy -eight years of age.

Thomas Cunnington early in life became familiar with farm pursuits, and received a common-school education. Ile had always been a serious and re- fleetive lad, and began early in life to think about the future. When nineteen years of age, not being satisfied with his prospects on his native soil, he set sail from Liverpool in August, 1848, and after a rough voyage on an English vessel, arrived in New York llarbor five weeks from the time he started. Ite remained near the metropolis two or three years, where he was occupied as a farm laborer, working in the fields in summer, and chopping wood in the winter. lle then migrated west, coming into Taze- well County, this State, where he had acquaintances, and remained until the spring of 1861. The previ- ous year, however, having been fortunate in saving a snug sum of money, he purchased eighty acres of wild prairie, and now commenced the erection of a shelter for himself and his young family.

Mr. Cunnington while a resident of Tazewell County had met and married Miss Matilda Turpitt, the wedding taking place Dec. 16, 1858. Mrs. Cunnington was born about 1837, and is of English ancestry. She accompanied her husband to the West, and in the spring of 1861 they took posses- sion of their land, where our subject cultivated the soil until 1872, and put up a few necessary build- ings besides the dwelling. Ile then sold out and purchased the quarter section where he now resides. Its natural resources were fair, and through his wise management the land has been brought to a high state of cultivation and is very fertile. IIe keeps good horses and cattle, and has contributed

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in no small degree to the assessment value of Char- lotte Township.

Mr. and Mrs. Cunnington became the parents of three children-Annie Elizabeth, Alvin T. and Will- iam Henry. Annie E. was born Feb. 5, 1860, and was taken from the household circle by death on the 27th of March, 1879, when an interesting young girl of nineteen years; she suffered greatly, being ill about three weeks, and in their deep affliction the parents received the sympathy of the entire community. As an only daughter she was the pride of the household, and a chikl of whom they had great hopes for the future. Alvin T. was born Dec. 23, 1863, and William Il., Dec. 25, 1867. Mr. Cunnington has given to his two sons a good education, performing in this respect all that his means would justify. They are bright and prom- ising young men, and if their lives are spared, will without doubt prove an honor to their parents.

Mr. Cunnington has been quite prominent in the affairs of his township, serving a number of years as School Director and Road Commissioner. Ile came to the township while it was still a part of Pleasant Ridge, and as one of the early settlers who made good use of his time and interests himself in the welfare of the people around him, enjoys in a marked degree the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens.

OHN II. BEATTY, a farmer and stock-raiser, living on seetion 2, Broughton Township, is the son of William and Eliza (Smith ) Beatty, and was born in Londoun County, Va., Nov. 10, 1847, of which State his parents were na- tives, and where they spent their entire lives. His father, a farmer, was born about 1811, and was probably of English descent. lle at one time owned a few slaves, but at the breaking ont of the Rebellion he espoused the cause of the Union, and realized the terrors and cruelties of war, living as he did in the section of the country which witnessed the marching and counter-marching of armies, and a constant succession of battles. He experienced many hardships, having his horses taken, and his buildings set on fire, though the flames were extin-

cause of the Union never wavered, however, and he lived to see his country at peace and his State again restored to the Federal Union. His death took place in July, 1883.

The eller Beatty was the father of fourteen chil- dren, eleven by the first wife and three by the second. There are seven by the first wife still living, all of whom are married and doing well. There are six- teen grandchildren. The mother of our subjeet was of German descent, and died in October, 1871, aged about fifty-six years. Our subject was too young to do military service in the army, but be- fore the war was over he joined the Home Guards. an organization designed for the protection of pri- vate property from the enemy, and has in his pos- session a revolver given him by Gen. Stephenson, who told him to keep it as a memento as long as he shouldl live.

In November, 1869, our subjeet made his first migration to the West. going to Kansas, where he engaged in various occupations. Apparently not suited with that country, he returned to his father's home in Virginia, where he remained until Jan. 21, 1873, at which time he was united in marriage with Miss Aimie Arnold, daughter of Martin L. and Elizabeth (Smith) Arnold. Her parents were of German deseent, but were natives of Virginia, where she was born in Loudoun County, May 20, 1851. The Arnold homestead, which has been in the family for several generations, is still owned by the Arnokl heirs.

In 1874 our subject moved to Maryland, where he engaged in farming for one year, when he mi- grated to his present home, which consists of 160 acres of as fine land as can be found in Livingston County. That he has met with abundant success in his western home, is evidenced by his well-filled cribs, his good farm buildings, and the excellent character of his live stock. Ile is an intelligent, progressive and wide-awake citizen, and is deeply interested in educational matters, having served as School Director for several year -. He is the kind of man whose presence in any community tends to its improvement and upbuikling, morally and so- cially.

Mr. Beatty is the seventh child in a family of guished by two of his sons. His loyalty to the i eleven, seven of whom are still living: Samnel re-

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sides in Virginia; Charles in Broughton, Ill .: Mary is the wife of Thomas Slater, and resides in Round Grove. as does also James: Jennie is the wife of Theodore Grazen, and live- in Virginia; George Town-end lives in Broughton Township. The wife of our subject ha- one brother, Amerieu-, who was born June 29. 1849, and lives in Ohio.

S AMUEL BARLOW. Many of the men of strong hands and resolute will, who came to this section of country during the carly days. had emigrated from foreign countries, and bent their energies to the development of the great West. Among these was the subject of this sketch, who is now the owner of a beautiful farm on section 28. in Nebraska Township, where he has established one of the pleasantest homesteads in the western part of Living-ton County. In this con- nection is shown a view of Mr. Barlow's residence with its surroundings.

Our subject, the son of Samuel and Ellen ( Wrig- ley ) Barlow, was born in Lancashire, England, Ang. 18. 1849. and seven years later crossed the Atlantic with his parents, landing first in New York City. Thence they immediately proceeded westward to Peoria County, this State, where the father farmed on rented land for a period of seven years. They then went into Woodford County and purchased a tract. where they made their home until their death. They were both natives of Lancashire, where they were born in 181t, the father in March, and the mother in May, and they were married about 1830. The mother passed away in March, 1866, and the father nineteen year- later, on the 31st of July, 1×85. Their remain- Hie side by side in Clayton Cemetery, Woodford County.

Samuel Barlow continued under the parental roof until twenty-seven years of age, farming and buying land in partnership with his father and brother. In the meantime his affection- had been captured by the daughter of a neighbor, near whom his father's family had lived for a number of years, namely, Miss Mary T. R. Valven, who became his wife March 28. 1877. She is the daughter of William and Mary ( Richards) Vilven. natives of England. the I

father born July 11, 1824, and the mother in June. 1817. The latter died at her home in Woodford County, Feb. 20. 1886. Mr. V. is still living in Woodford County. Mrs. Barlow was born in Dev- onshire. England. April 29. 1848, and came to America with her parents when a child five years of age. She is the second in a family of six, namely : John Richards, Mary, Richard T., William Richards, Elizabeth E. and Malora R. William and Malora are at home with their father.

After his marriage Mr. Barlow continued in Woodford County, farming for himself about six years, when selling out, he purchased eighty acres in Nebraska Township, this county, where he has since resided. His land is remarkably fertile and well cultivated, and the low places have been thor- oughly drained with tile. Amid his other bless- ings have come four bright children, all living, and born as follows: Mary Ellen, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 1879. in Woodford County; Addie V., Sunday, Oct. 2, 1881 ; Frank T., Thursday, Aug. 14, 1884; mid Lawrence Guy, Friday, March 25, 1887. The last two were born in Livingston County.

Mr. B. was the seventh in a family of eight chil- dren, who were named respectively : William, Rob- ert, Ann Jane, Stephen Thomas, Sarah M., Ellen, Samuel and James H. These are all residents of Illinois, are all married, and with the exception of Stephen, all have children.

R OBERT A. GRAHAM. One of the later valuable acquisitions of Livingston County in the way of enterprising citizens is the subject of this sketch, who is a farmer lo- cated on section 3, Long Point Township. Ile was born on the 8th of February, 1855, and is the son of William and Mary (Jefferson) Graham, the former born in Ireland and the latter a native of England, who came from that country to Canada, thenee to Michigan, and afterward to Illinois. Roh- ert Jefferson, her father, was abont ninety years of age when he died in Newtown, Livingston County. William Graham was born on the 20th of Febru-

· RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL BARLOW, SEC. 28. NEBRASKA TOWNSHIP. 4

KATE, VIII, 29/92

BIG BONE, 10547.

PREMIUM EMMA, XVI 31414

BODINE, TY. 27334.

RESIDENCE OF ROBT. A. GRAHAM, (BREEDER OF POLAND CHINA HOGS), SEC. 3. LONG POINT TOWNSHIP.

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LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

ary, 1811, and was a farmer by occupation. He came from Ireland to America about 1838, and par- tieipated in the Mexican War. He was married, on the 27th of March, 1845, to Deborah Evans, Rev. S. B. Brown officiating. By this union there was born one child, Margaret J., on the 3d of Feb- rnary, 1846; she died Aug. 23, 1847. Deborah Graham, the wife, died on the 12th of September, 1846. After coming from the Mexican War Will- iam Graham took up a claim in Reading Township, Livingston County, in 1848, and soon afterward married Mrs. Mary Smith, widow of George Smith, the Rev. Fletcher Royal performing the ceremony on the 24th of June, 1849. In the same year she died of milk-sickness, and Mr. Graham was again married, on the 6th of July, 1851, to Miss Mary Jefferson, by Isaac Painter, Esq. She was born June 7, 1835, and bore to her husband the follow- ing-named children: John A., William, Robert A., Emma -and George W. John A. was born April 23, 1852, and died Sept. 3, 1852; Will- iam was born June 19. 1853, and died Sept. 2, 1875; Emma was born Jan. 26, 1857, and married Benjamin G. Miller, from whom she obtained a di- vorce after the birth of two children; in 1886 she married Frank Muller, has one child, and they re- side in LaSalle County. George W. was born Feb. 12, 1859, married Miss Cordelia Law, of Bruce, LaSalle County, in September, 1880; they have two children, and live in Bruce Township, LaSalle County. William Graham died Oct. 20, 1858, and his widow, Mary, married Frederick Richards Sept. 16, 1859; he had been married twice before, first to Miss Grotey in Germany, by whom he had one son, born Dec. 25, 1852, and one daughter, who died in infancy. By his second wife, Miss Greener, he had one child, who was born Dec. 11, 1854, and died Jan, 22, 1855.

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Portrait and bigraphical album of Livingston County, Ill. : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies , Part 106

Author: Chapman Brothers (Chicago) publisher Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman brothers Number of Pages: 1208

Author: Chapman Brothers (Chicago) publisher
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 1208