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 145

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 145

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The father of our subject departed this life in Brown County. Ohio, m 1882. The mother is still

living on the old homestead there. John T. re- ceived a practical education in the district school, and continued on the farm until reaching his major- ity. Upon the breaking out of the late war, he en- listed in Company D. 24th Ohio Infantry, and par- ticipated in the battles of Stone River, Chicka- manga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, and many minor engagements during his three years service. After the war he was employed in a Provost Mar- shal's office at Hillsboro. Ohio. In 1865 he was married, in Adams County, to Miss Susan M., daughter of William and Mary Shepard, and not long afterward they settled on a farm near Pontiac in this county, where they lived until 1882. Mr. Wilson then moved into the city, and the same year was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Livingston County, which position he filled so acceptably that he was elected Sheriff in the fall of 1886. He is Republican in politics, and belongs to the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. He and his family occupy pleas- ant apartments in the county jail building, and en- joy the friendship of the best people of Pontiac. Their two children. Louis B. and Florence V., live with their parents, the son being employed as a clerk in the Sheriff's office.

AMES H. WYLLIE, one of the most enter- prising farmers and stoek-raisers in Union Township, located on section 1. is a native of Illinois, where he was born in LaSalle County, on the 27th of September, 1862, and was the third child in a family of six born to John and Margaret (Hamilton) Wyllie, who were natives of Scotland and a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this ALBUM. The subject of this sketch was a child when his parents moved to Livingston County, where he was trained to farm life, and received a good common-school education.

On the 31st of December, 1885, Mr. Wyllie was married to Jessie MeLeod, who was born in Scot- land on the 16th of May, 1865, and was the fourth child of a family of seven born to John and Agnes McLeod, also natives of Scotland, who came to America when the daughter was about three years old, and settled first in Canada. They afterward

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removed to Wisconsin and thence to LaSalle County, whence they subsequently came to this county, where the father engaged in farming. He was a well-educated man, and well trained in business habits, and for a good portion of his life he followed the occupation of book-keeper and accountant.

Immediately after marriage Mr. Wyllie and his wife settled on the farm where they now reside, and erected a commodious house, which they furnished comfortably and also erected a barn and other farm buildings. Mr. Wyllie is grading up his stock from thoroughbred animals, and in this department of his business has been quite successful. He spares neither time nor expense in accomplishing what he undertakes, and on this account has deservedly ob- tained the reputation of being one of the most enter- prising farmers and stock-raisers in Union Town- ship. Being but a young man, and having made such an auspicions beginning, the future undoubt- edly has much in store for him. They have one child, named Agnes, who was born on the 7th of October, 1886.

Mr. Wyllie is not very active in political matters, but never allows an occasion to go by when he can vote the Republican ticket. He has never been an office-seeker, and has no taste for publie positions. He is thoroughily wrapt up in his business affairs, and feels that he has no time to engage in the seramble for office. Hle is a most excellent citizen and contributes liberally to all public enterprises.

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W ARREN C. MUNRO, a prominent farmer on section I, town 27, range 7, has been a resident of Sannemin Township since 1868, with the exception of twelve years spent in Iroquois County. He was born in Seekonk, Bristol Co., Mass., Oct. 29, 1834, and is the son of Joseph and Olive (Brown) Munro, also natives of the Bay State. They were married in Seekonk, April 9, 1826, and lived there until the death of the father, which occurred on the 23d of April, 1863.

Joseph Munro had been engaged in mercantile. business a long period, but the last years of his life were spent on a farm. After his decease the mother came to Saunemin, Livingston County, and made

her home with her children until her death, which occurred near Watseka, Oct. 8, 1878, The parental householt included nine children, named respect- ively : Melvin, Courtland C., Brown, Joseph, Seneca W., Warren C., Sopater S., William D. and Cornell. The two last named are deceased.

The paternal grandfather of our subject, also Joseph Munro, served in the Revolutionary War, as also did the maternal grandfather, Aaron Brown, while Joseph Munro, Jr., served in the War of 1812. The family traces its ancestry back to the landing of the Mayflower, and is of English and Scotch extrae- tion. Warren C. remained with his parents until reaching his majority, and then started out in life for himself. He journeyed from his native State to LaSalle County, Ill., in 1856, and engaged in farm- ing on rented land until 1860. Then, in partner- ship with his brother, he purchased 240 acres which they sold two years later, and our subject again farmed rented land four years. At the expiration of this time he came to Saunemin Township and purchased a farm of eighty acres on section 36, of which he remained in possession until 1875.

Mr. Munro now soll ont his property at a good protit, and removing to Iroquois County remained until the spring of 1887, when he returned to Livingston and purchased his present farm of 120 acres in Saumnemin Township. This comprises one of the most valuable bodies of land in this section of country, is very fertile and under a high state of enltivation. Upon it there is a good set of frame buildings, and Mr. Munro keeps a goodly assort- ment of live stock, while he is amply supplied with all the appliances required by the skillful agricult- urist.

While a resident of LaSalle County, Mr. Munro was married. Nov. 4, 1860, to Miss Emma Pearson, who was born in Miami County, Ohio, Feb. 7, 1841. Mrs. Munro is the daughter of Jonathan C. and Naney Jane ( Anderson) Pearson, who were natives of Ohio, and became the parents of eleven children. These were named respectively : Irena, John F., Rosetta, Emma, Abraham C., Mary, Webster M., Amelia H., Elizabeth S., Marintha J. and Lillie. Irena, John F., Rosetta and Lillie are deceased.

To Mr. and Mrs. Munro there have also been born eleven children. Those living are: Rosetta,

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A-a ( .. Lemuel B. Elvira. George W., Ira P. and Esther: the deceased are Edgar. Amanda, Lucy and Nelson. Our subject and his wife are prominent members of the United Brethren Church, while three of their children belong to the Christian Church. In politics Mr. Munro is a Prohibitionist, exerting his influence in behalf of temperance and the general principles enunciated by this party.

E. RIORDAN. of Nevada Township, one of it- well-to-do citizens, is located on a good farm comprising a part of section 32, where he has met with success in tilling the soil and provided himself with something for a rainy day. He is a native of County Limerick, Ireland, where he was born April 16. 1849, and is the son of l'atrick Riordan, a native of the same county.

James Riordan. the paternal grandfather of our subject, spent his entire life in County Limerick, where he carried on farming. His wife, Bridget ( Kelly ) Riordan, was a native of the same county. Their son. Patrick, upon reaching manhood was married to Miss Catherine Shunahan, daughter of James and Julia ( Hanley ) Shunahan, also of County Limerick.

The father of our subject, in 1849, accompanied by his wife and children, emigrated to America and lived for two years following in the Dominion of Canada. Next he took up his residence in New York State. whence, two years later, he came to Illi- mois. and locating in the town of LaSalle remained there a few years, then went onto a farm in Dimmock Township. that county. This land had been pur- chaseel by his son James, and he occupied it until this, in which year he came to this county, and spent the last years of his life with his children in Nevada Township. Hisdeath took place in July, 1xxt. The mother is still living, and makes her home with our subject.

Patrick and Catherine (Shanahan ) Riordan were the parent- of seven children, four of whom grew to mature years. Jeremiah is a resident of Nevada Township: James lives in Dimmock, LaSalle County, and David in Nevada.

Mr. Riordan of our sketch was but an infant when

he was brought by his parents to America. Heat- tended the district school in LaSalle County, Ill .. and the Christian Brothers' School. When not em- ployed at his books he assisted in the labors of the farm. and upon reaching manhood was fully quali- lied to carry on agriculture for himself. In 1875, he was married to Miss Ella Murphy, daughter of Timothy Murphy, and who was born in LaSalle County. Mr. Murphy was a native of County Cork, Ireland, and the son of Bartholomew Murphy, who spent his entire life there. The mother of Mrs. Riordan was Miss Catherine Tookey, of County Cork. where she was reared and married. Patrick Murphy and his family came to America in 1846, and located in Pennsylvania, where they lived seven years. Upon coming to Illinois they settled in Rutland Township, LaSalle County, whence they removed, in 1868, to this county. and located in Nevada Township. Ilere the mother died in 1877. Mr. Murphy is still living, making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Riordan.

Our subject and his wife are the parents of seven children-Mary A., Katie A., John T., Maggie. David A., Nellie B. and Annie N. Mr. R. is Dem- ocratie in politics and has been quite prominent in township affairs, holding the various offices and dis- charging his duties in an intelligent and praiseworthy manner. In 1886 he was the candidate of his party for Sheriff, but the Democrats being in the minority he was defeated with the balance of his ticket.

RS. VERNERA E. STRATTON, of Long Point Township, and daughter of J. W. and E. E. (Kingsley ) Miller, owns and occupies a valuable farm on section 24. This com- prises 240 acres under a fine state of cultivation, supplied with good buildings and chiefly devoted to grain and stock raising. In the drainage of the land there has been employed about 750 rods of tiling, and adjacent to the residence is a fine orchard, while the homestead is abundantly supplied with small fruits of all kinds. On another page of this ALBI y is shown a view of Mrs. Stratton's resi- dence with its environments. Mrs. Stratton is a lady greatly esteemed in her community, and surrounded

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by her family and friends is enjoying all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

The parents of Mrs. Stratton were natives of Pennsylvania, her father the son of Jeremiah and Sarah Miller, who spent their entire lives in the Keystone State. The former died in 1860, at An- cona, Ill., and his wife two years later, in Pennsyl- vania. Vernera E. was born in Pennsylvania, Aug. 25, 1835, and came with herparents to this State in 1844. The paternal family included the following- named children : Samantha E., Vernera E., Abigail D., Annie V .. John E., Annie Viola, Merritt W., and an infant who died unnamed.

Mrs. Stratton completed her education in her native State, and continued under the parental roof until her marriage with M. L. Stratton, which was celebrated at the home of the bride, June 24, 1859. The nine children born of this union are recorded as follows: Susan was born July 20, 1860, and is now living in lowa; Martha W. was born Feb. 22, 1861, and died two weeks and three days later: Dighton was born Feb. 21, 1863, and is farming in Iowa; Ralph was born May 6, 1865, and remains at home with his mother; Celia 1. was born Feb. 25, 1868, and being unusually fond of her books, has acquired a good education, completing her studies in the High School at Perry, lowa; Hugh was born March 6, 1870; Flora M., June 28, 1873; Edwin S., June 17, 1875, and Clyde F., July 11, 1878.

L IBERTY LOUDERBACK, general insur- ance, real estate and collecting agent at Cornell, came to this county during the pio- neer days, locating in Amity Township in 1837. He may now proudly boast of a fifty years' resi- dence, during which time he has built up an envia- ble reputation as an honest man and a good citizen. He possesses excellent business capacity, and has been closely identified with the interests of his adopted State since taking up his abode within its limits.

Mr. Louderback was born in Brown County, Ohio, July 4, 1824, and is the son of Thomas and Sarah (Springer) Louderback, natives of the same place, where the former was born in 1803, and

was the son of Michael Londerback, a native of Germany, born in 1770. lle crossed the Atlantic during his youth, just after the Revolutionary War, and located in Brown County, Ohio, where he en- gaged in farming and spent the balance of his days. He built up a good homestead, and closed his eyes upon the scenes of earth in 1832. 1Ie chose for his wife one of the maidens of Brown County, and they became the parents of eight children, namely : Peter, Michael, Andrew, Thomas, Ilenry, Isaac, Susanna and Nancy ; all have now passed away.

In November, 1831, Thomas Louderback left the Buckeye State, and coming to Illinois located in Vermilion County, where he engaged in farming six years. In 1837 he came to Livingston County, and in April of that year located in Amity Town- ship on section 21. He possessed a large amount of sturdy persistence, and with reference to any- thing he had once undertaken, there was in his vo- cabulary no such word as fail. The face of the country fifty years ago presented a vastly different appearance from that of the present, suggesting at once the necessity of men of perseverance and strength of character in order to perfectly accom- plish the developement of its natural resources. Thomas Louderback was in nowise lacking in the essential qualities of the pioneer, and each year sa w something added to his prosperity. In due time, besides various conveniences around the homestead and the necessary buildings pertaining thereto, he had aeeunmlated 250 acres of land and a choice as- sortment of live stock. After having been an hon- ored resident of Amity Township for a period of seventeen years, during which time he had made many friends and secured the respect of the entire community, he departed this life on the 6th of March, 1854. The faithful wife and mother, who had accompanied him to the West and bravely shared his trials and labors, preceded her husband to the silent land Oct. 25, 1842.

The eleven children born to Thomas and Sarah Louderback were named as follows: Susanna, Lib- erty, Mary, Mills, Levi (see sketch), William, Co- lumbus, Thirza, Mahala, Thomas and George. Susanna, Columbus and George died in infancy : most of those now living are residents of Living- ston County. The mother of this family was born

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in Brown County, Ohio, June 12, 1805, and was the daughter of Uriah and Naney (Long) Springer, natives of Virginia. Nancy Springer was born July 23, 1779, in Brown County, Ohio, and de- parted this life July 24, 1838. Her husband, Uriah, was born in the State of Virginia, March 31, 1780, and surviving his wife nine years, died Oct. 29, 1847. Our -ubjeet has in his possession a fine family record dating back through several genera- tions. By this it appears that his maternal ances- tors were natives of Sweden and residents in or near the city of Stockholm. Grandfather Springer, after his marriage in the Old Dominion, removed with his family to Brown County, Ohio, and subse- quently, in 1837, to Illinois with his children, locating in Amity Township, where he and his ex- cellent wife spent their last years. They were the parents of thirteen children. Mary, the eldest daughter, died when forty-three years of age, in Amity Township; Hannah died a year younger; Nathan lived to be seventy-one years of age ; Sarah, the mother of our subject, was the fourth child; William died at thirty-three years of age; Joseph at forty-seven: Zadoek at twenty-two; Levi at twenty-seven : Drusilla makes her home at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and is seventy-three years of age; Naney died at thirty-nine years of age ; Mahala at twenty-eight ; Uriah lived to be only twenty years old, and Thirza passed away at the age of fourteen.

The subject of this biography spent his child- hood and youth under the parental roof, making him-elf useful in various ways upon the farm. As may be supposed, considering the section of country in which his early years were passed, his schooling was exceedingly limited. embracing only about eight months to the time of reaching his majority. He possessed good natural ability, however, while he was a keen observer of what was going on around him, and by the perusal of instructive books, has attained a good knowledge of business methods, besides po-ting himself upon subjects of general interest. He was a lad of thirteen years upon coming to thi- county, and developed into manhood amid its pioncer scenes, securing many friends and becoming admirably equipped for the struggle of life.

The most important event in the life of our sub-

ject was his marriage, which took place April 25, 1849, shortly before he had reached his twenty- fifth birthday. The young lady chosen to share his future life was Miss Mary Jane Corbin, who was born Oct, 9, 1827, in the Old Dominion, and is the daughter of David and Catherine Corbin, na- tives of Virginia. They continued in the Old Dominion until about 1831, and then took up their residence in Livingston County. The paren- tal household included five children-Jacob, Obe- dience, Ellen, Harriet and Mary Jane ; of these but one is now living.

Mr. and Mrs. Louderback after their marriage located in Amity Township, and in due time their household included six children. The eldest son, John H .. was born March 25, 1850, and on the 11 th of May, 1873, was married to Miss Mary King, of Amity Township, where they are still living on a farm, and have four children; George W. was born Oct. 9, 1851, and married Miss Ella Gates, of Amity Township; he is also engaged in farming in that township, and is the father of three children. Chester W., a painter by trade, was born April 9, 1854, and married Miss Amanda Young, May 12, 1878; they have four children, and reside in Paw- nee City, Neb. Julia was born Oet. 18, 1856, and is the wife of Thomas J. Gregory, of Cornell, and the mother of four children, one of whom is de- ceased ; Hersie Jane was born Sept. 28, 1863, and was married, Dec. 27, 1882, to Harry L. Mallory : they have two children, and are residents of Strea- tor. Harriet C. was born April 26, 1868, and is the only child at home.

Mr. Louderback's business transactions extend over a large tract of territory, and he has been made the conservator of important interests. He is independent in politics and has for years been warmly interested in the success of the temperance movement, being essentially a Prohibitionist. He was elected Justice of the Peace in November, 1855, which office he has since held, and has served as Township School Treasurer eight years, and rep- resented Amity Township in the County Board of Supervisors three years. He has been a resident of Cornell for the last ten years, and is recognized as one of its most valued citizens. Our subject, with his excellent wife, many years ago connected

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himself with the Protestant Methodist Church, of which he has now been an honored member thirty- six years, much of this time serving as Trustee, which office he holds at present. lle has now passed his threescore years, and has made for him- self a record of which his children will never be ashamed.

OHN ZEIGLER, a retired farmer of Sun- bury Township, was born near Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Pa., April 3, 1821, and was the eldest in a family of five children, the offspring of Henry and Sophia (Frye) Zeigler, also natives of the Keystone State. His paternal grandparents were Henry and Barbara Zeigler, na- tives respectively of America and Germany. Henry Zeigler was Captain of a company in the Revolu- tionary War, serving all through the conflict until its close.

Henry Zeigler followed the occupation of a far- mer in Pennsylvania until 1856, then removed to Fountain County, Ind., and from there, in 1877, to this State. His wife had died in Pennsylvania. He spent his declining years with his two sons, al- ternately, and died in 1881. John, of our sketch, was educated in the common schools, and at the age of twenty engaged in teaching. On the 6th of October, 1842, he was married to Miss Sarah Dunkelbarger, who was born in Perry County, Pa., Aug. 4, 1825. Her parents were Jonathan and Maria Dunkelbarger, natives of Pennsylvania, where they spent their entire lives.

Our subject after his marriage farmed for a time in his native State, and upon his removal to Indi- ana, purchased a farm in Fountain County, upon which he operated three years. In the spring of 1852 he came to Illinois, making the journey over- land in the same manner in which he had removed from Pennsylvania, and driving his stock before. In this manner he brought sheep and hogs, but the price for these being very low he lost money on them.

Mr. Zeigler upon coming to this county entered 160 acres of land on section 25, in Newtown Town- ship, with forty acres of timber. Here he built a house, and with the exception of two families had

no neighbors for many miles around. Deer, wolves and wild turkeys were plentiful, and there was only one school-house. between him and Pontiac. Mr. Zeigler assisted in laying off roads and school dis- tricts, locating the boundaries of the township, and was otherwise prominent in its development and progress. During his residence there of twenty- nine years he built up a fine farm, but finally took up his residence on his farm in Sunbury Township.

Mr. and Mrs. Zeigler became the parents of seven children, of whom but two are living-Benjamin and George. The former is farming in Newtown Township, and the latter is living at the homestead. Jesse R. Brown, a grandson, also makes his home with our subject. Mr. Zeigler contemplates mak- ing his future home in New Michigan, where he has already purchased property. He has been active in politics the greater part of his life and votes the Republican ticket. Religiously he belongs to the United Brethren Church, in which he has officiated as Class-Leader for twenty years, and also as Trustee.

LVIN GEORGE CLARK was born in La- Salle County, Ill., Oct. 4, 1842, and was the oldest child of Charles and Olive (Slater) Clark, who were natives of Ohio and New Hampshire respectively. His parents came to LaSalle County probably in 1838, and remained there until the close of the war, when they removed to Missouri, and settled in Johnson County. The father remained in that place until his death. He enlisted in the 104th Illinois Infantry on its formation, and served until the close of hos- tilities, and participated in many battles, including those of Shiloh, Lookont Mountain, Corinth and Island No. 10. Ilis death was due to disease in- curred while in the service.

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. At the age of twenty-two he left home and began life for him- self, having been married Nov. 25, 1862, to Miss Susan Withrow, who was born in Toronto, Canada, Feb. 22, 1841. She is the daughter of James and Mary (Harley) Withrow, the former of whom was a school teacher. Alvin and his young wife com-

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menced life on a farm in LaSalle County, where they remained two years. but in 1865 they removed to Livingston County. where they have lived ever since. He has been engaged all this time in farm- ing. Ile and his wife are the parents of four chil- dren-Thomas A .. Ada E., Della M. and Francis C. Thomas died in childhood. Ada is the wife of W. W. Chapman. Mr. Clark is a Republican in poli- tics.

ATTHIAS TOMBAUGH. late a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Odell Township, was born in Washington County, Pa., June 11. 1835, and was the sixth chikl in a family of ten born to Matthias and Rachel (Spohn ) Tombaugh. He was reared on a farm and received a good education, spending some time in Mt. I'nion College, Ohio. When twenty years of age he en- gaged in teaching in his native county and followed this profession ten years, in which he attained to considerable prominence, officiating as Principal in different cities.

During the late war Mr. Tombaugh was anxious to enter the ranks, but could not do so on account of ill-health. Ile came to the West in 1865, with his wife, formerly Miss Elvira J. Letherman, to whom he was married Jan. 30, 1862. She was also born in Washington County, June 11, 1838, in the township adjoining that of her husband. She was the youngest of the nine children born to John and Christina (Myers) Letherman, also natives of Penn- sylvania. Her father served in the War of 1812, and spent his life in his native State.

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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 145

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