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 85

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 85

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Marcellus Cook wa- reared on his father's farm in Bureau County, Ill .. his parents having come to this State when he was a child four years of age. HIe received a liberal education and remained a member of the parental household until the spring of 1860, after he had passed his eighteenth year. He came to this county in 1868 and took charge of the place where he has continued to live since that

time. It was only partially improved, but is now in a fine state of cultivation and supplied with good buildings. Ile made his home with a family he had living with him on the place until his marriage, which occurred March 17, 1878, his chosen bride being Miss Delia Franey, who was born in Washing- ton, Middlesex Co., N. J., Dec. 5, 1857, and was brought to the West in 1858 by her parents.

Mrs. Cook is the daughter of Michael and Eliza (Phillips) Franey, natives of Ireland, where they were born in 1824. They each immigrated to the United State- when young and after their marriage located in New Jersey, whence they removed in 1858, to Knox County, Ill., locating in Galesburg, where they remained nine years. They then came to this county and purchased eighty acres of land in Pleasant Ridge Township, where they now re- side. They are members in good standing of the Catholic Church, of Chatsworth. Their household included nine children, eight living, who are re- corded as follows: Alice is the wife of John R. Wallace, of Forest; Margaret, Mrs. Asa H. Birch, lives in Chenoa ; James is a resident of Nebraska; Edward, residing in Pleasant Ridge; Delia, the wife of our subject; John died when a promising young man twenty-four years of age; Mary E. is the wife of Thomas E. Ives, of Farnum, Neb: Catherine E. and Mitchell are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have no children.

Mr. Cook has little time to devote to polities but is a strong supporter of Republican principles, in support of which he uniformly casts his vote. So- cially he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being connected with Forest Lodge No. 614. Mrs. Cook is a member of the Congregational Church at For- est, Ill.

R REDERICK HOOBLER, a prominent and well-to-do eitizen, and one who has long re- sided in Newtown Township, occupies the old homestead of his father. To this Frederick came with the parental family when a lad fifteen years of age. The original dwelling was burned with all its contents, but a second one was soon afterward erected. flere the parents lived in the enjoyment of the confidence and esteem of the

Fired

Hoables

Martha

Haabler

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whole community, and here too their eyes closed to the scenes of earth life. In this old home Freder- ick now lives, and has reflected by his life credit upon the family name. He is largely engaged in general farming and stock-raising, on a fine farm of 250 acres of good land. He has, besides the dwell- ing, all the other buildings required for the vari- ons purposes of a progressive and thorough-going farmer. A view of this place we are pleased to present in this volume.

The father of our subject was one of the pioneers of the West. He located, soon after his marriage, in Vermillion County, Ind., to which he removed from Ohio. In the primitive home established there, our subject was born, on the 23d of May, 1836, and lived in that region until a boy ten years of age. He received his early education in the subscription schools of his native county, wherein his father, Rev. John Hoobler, took an active part. The father was a minister of the United Brethren Church, a member of the Indiana Legislature, and otherwise identified with public affairs. The mother of our subject, formerly Miss Rebecca Fetterhoof, was a native of Pennsylvania, and became the wife of Rev. John Hoobler in the spring of the year 1821. There were few idlers either among the young or old of that time and locality, and early in life Frederick was taught to make himself use- ful, assisting in the sowing and reaping of the crops on his father's farm. He officiated as a teamster at the early age of eight years, and had charge of a span of horses upon the overland journey from In- diana to Illinois.

Upon coming to this State, the Hoobler family located in the northern part of Livingston County, where the father purchased a farm, together with a grist and saw mill, the latter two of which he oper- ated three or four years and then turned them over to other hands. Frederick herded the cattle on the unfenced prairie during the warm season, and in winter employed his time mostly with his books at the district school. On the 6th of November, 1857, about noon, the house took fire from a de- fective flue, and with its entire contents, with the exception of one bed, was destroyed. It was soon, however, replaced by another, and our subject re- mained here with his father until the spring of

1872. Then desiring a change of location and or- cupation, he repaired to Blackstone, in Sunbury Township, and engaged in a general store, remain- ing there two years, after which he removed into Champaign County and became a dealer in grain and provision». This latter move was for the ben- efit of his children, he having in the meantime been married, and desired to give them the advantages of the schools of that county. This object accom- plished, the family returned to Newtown Township, where they have since resided.

The wife of our subject, to whom he was mar- ried Feb. 19, 1860, was Miss Martha Fleshman, who was born in Vermillion County, Ind., in 1843. The wedding took place at the home of the bride, Rev. J. I. Robison, of the United Brethren Church, officiating. Mrs. H. is the daughter of William and Sarah Fleshman, natives of Virginia, who left the Old Dominion to locate in a pioneer home in Indiana. Their household included eight children, six now living and mostly residents of Livingston County.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hoobler are re- corded as follows: Mattie, Susanna, Hattie, Eben Allen, Birdie IT., Myrtie Florence, Freddie J., Jesse and Gussie. Mattie was born Jan. 30, 1862, is the wife of Carlisle Mortland, and the mother of two children-Clarence and Frederick James; they are living in Newtown Township. Susanna was born Oct. 17, 1864, and is the wife of C. A. Powell, a pros- perous farmer of Saunemin Township, and the mother of three children-Freddie S., Bertie A. and Mary M .: Hattie was born Nov. 20, 1866, and died January 20 following; Eben Allen was born Jan. 29, 1868, and with the younger children con- tinues under the home roof; Birdie H. was born June 20, 1871; Myrtie Florence, Sept. 21, 1874; Freddie J., July 31, 1876; Jesse, July 21. 1878; Gussie, July 22, 1884. Two children died in in- fancy, unnamed. Mrs. Hoobler is a lady eminently fitted to be the companion of her husband, and with him takes a lively interest in the careful train- ing and education of their children. They are to be given the best advantages consistent with the means and standing of their father. Our subject, politically, is an independent Greenbacker, and his excellent lady a member in good standing of the

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United Brethren Church, a congregation which was organized by his father upon first coming to this county.

Our subject. as an eye-witness of the great and marvelous changes that have been wrought in this county, State and Nation during the past thirty years, has had opportunities of which he thoronglily availed himself, and has the satisfaction of know- ing that although his part in life may not have been widely different from that of scores of his fellow- citizens. he has secured the good-will and esteem of those around him, and endeavored in all his con- duct to observe the precepts of the Golden Rule. He has held the responsible position of United State- Mail Contractor. Postmaster and Assessor. all of which he has filled with ability and credit, giving entire satisfaction.

It is with pleasure that we include in the galaxy of portraits of leading people of the county, those of Mr. and Mrs. Hoobler.

OHN E. STEPHENSON, a successful farmer and stock-raiser on section 29, Rook's Creek Township, is the son of Theodore and Cath- erine (Powell) Stephenson, and was born in Mason County, W. Va., JJan. 16, 1845. When about seven years of age he moved with his par- ents to near Greencastle, Ind., where they operated a small farm and performed work for other far- mers. In 1852 they removed to Knox County, Ill .. where they carried on farming more exten- sively for a time, and in 1854 went to Peoria County, where they remained until 1863, when they went to Marshall County.

In February, 1864, Mr. Stephenson enlisted in Company C, 77th Illinois Infantry. The most of his service in the army was rendered in Louisiana and Alabama. In August of the same year the Union forces started out to capture Mobile, and succeeded in gaining possession of Ft. Gaines after a three days' siege, where they remained until Oc- tober, when the regiment returned to New Or- leans and guarded prisoners during the winter. In the following March they started out again to effect the capture of Mobile. The 13th Army Corps con-

centrated at Ft. Morgan, Ala., and in conjunction with other troops they moved on Mobile. On the 27th of March they invested Spanish Fort, and the rebels evacuated on the 9th of April after a siege of thirteen days. On the 10th of April the 13th Corps was ordered to be held as a reserve at Ft. Blakesley, but was not called into the charge. After the fall of Ft. Blakesley they immediately returned to Spanish Fort without having had any oppor- tunity for rest, and during that night were or- dered to embark for Mobile, which had been evac- uated by the rebels after destroying their cannon. On the morning of the 13th they started up the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, and overtaking the enemy at Whistler's Station, prevented them from burning the buildings at that point. The troops went into camp for a few days and then started for the Tombigbee River, at the month of which they partly constructed a fort. In May they returned to Mobile, and while in camp there the 77th Regi- ment was mustered out and Mr. Stephenson, whose term of service had not expired, was transferred to Company D, 130th Illinois Infantry. About the 1st of August this regiment went to New Orleans, where he was mustered out on the 15th of that month, and then went to Camp Butler near Spring- field, Ill., where they received their pay. During his service in the army Mr. Stephenson contracted a disease which has clung to him ever since. For this disability the Government allowed him a pen- sion of $2 per month, from the date of discharge, which continued until 1883, when his name was un- justly dropped from the rolls.

In 1872 Mr. Stephenson removed to Iowa, and on the 15th of November, 1874, he was married to Sarah E. Woods, and continued to live in that State until March, 1880, when they came to Liv- ingston County, where they have remained most of the time sinee. Six children have been born to them, named as follows: Samuel C., born Sept. 7, 1875; Henry T., Dec. 20, 1877; Mary E., Dec. 9, 1879; the fourth child died in infancy; William C. Il., born July 30, 1885, and Anna A., Feb. 23, 1887.

The father of Mr. Stephenson was born in Vir- ginia on the 22d of March, 1821, and is still living in Long Point Township, Livingston County. His

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mother was born on the 26th of March, 1824, and died on the 24th of March, 1887. Their children are recorded as follows: Mary M. died in youth ; John E. is our subjeet; Albert C. married, and lives in Marshall County, Ill .; James H. mar- ried, and lives in Lancaster County, Neb .; Lydia S., Mrs. John Conro, lives in Marshall County, Ill. ; Sarah E., Mrs. Daniel Y. Talbot, lives in LaSalle County, Ill .; Eva C., Mrs. Edward Roberts, has three children, and lives with her father in Long Point Township; Nancy B., Mrs. Charles Frra, lives in Morris County, Kan .; Virginia A., Mrs. William Curtis, lives in Long Point Township, Livingston County. Mr. Stephenson's paternal and maternal grandfathers were soldiers in the War of 1812. The father of Mrs. Stephenson was Samuel Woods, a native of Ohio.

Mr. Stephenson received a limited common-school education, which he has considerably improved by constant reading and study. His first political vote was east for Gen. Grant for President. He has never sought office, but was compelled to serve as School Director for one term. He takes great in- terest in educational affairs. Most of the family to which he belongs were members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, but he is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

RA M. LISH, one of the rising young business men of Sannemin, established himself as a gen- eral merchant in 1885, in which business he still continues, and carries a large and well-selected stock of everything pertaining to the country and village household, besides many of the lighter im- plements of the farm. His store occupies an area of 24x60 feet with one floor, in which there is usu- ally stowed away $6,000 worth of goods, which are being constantly added to, and from which is transacted a business of $25,000 annually. In con- nection with this, Mr. Lish also is proprietor of the Sannemin creamery, an establishment which has added greatly to the business transactions of the township. Here he has all the modern machinery and conveniences necessary to the successful pros- ecution of the business, and is distinguishing him-

self as a wide-awake citizen, of whom much is ex- peeted in the future.

Our subjeet is a native of the Prairie State, hav- ing been born in Kankakee County at the home- stead of his father, in Essex Township, July 16, 1855. IIe is the son of John and Susan Lish, na- tives respectively of New Jersey and New York. who became residents of Kankakee County during its early settlement. The elder Lish became prom- inent among the leading men of Essex Township, officiating as Township Clerk for more than twenty years, and was also School Treasurer fifteen years, being the incumbent of that office at the time of his death in 1884. The mother is still living, and now a resident of Chicago. Their family ineluded seven children, three of whom are now living.

Mr. Lish remained under the parental roof until reaching manhood, receiving careful home training, while at the same time he pursued his studies at the district school. He was bright and ambitious, and keeping his eyes open to what was going on around him, readily gained an insight into business methods. When twenty-three years old he en- gaged as a clerk in a mercantile establishment at Mazon, Ill., and then set up in business for himself at Essex. Desiring a larger field for his operations and a different locality, he came to this county in the spring of 1885 and established himself in his present quarters. He was soon recognized as a val- ued addition to the community, and now com- mands a patronage comprised of the best people of his section. He purchases his goods mostly in Chicago, and displays that excellent judgment in buying and selling which necessitates the continual renewal of his stock, so that at the end of each year there are few old goods left upon his hands. He takes a genuine interest in the welfare of the peo- ple around him, and votes the straight Republican tieket. In 1884, while a resident of Essex Town- ship, he was elected Supervisor, the duties of which office he discharged with eredit to himself and sat- isfaction to the people who selected him. He also served as School Treasurer, and possesses all the elements which go to make up the leading and in- fluential men of a community.

On the 7th of November, 1877, Mr. Lish was nnited in marriage with Miss Carrie Spencer,

LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

daughter of Simeon Spencer, Esq., of Troy Town- ship. Her parents were natives of Vermont, and came to Illinois in 1854, before the birth of their daughter, which took place May 28, 1858. Mrs. Lish is a lady of many amiable qualities, the result of careful home training by a most excellent mother, and is well fitted for her present position in society as the wife of an enterprising and intel- ligent young business man. Their only ehikl, Georgia, was born Sept. 9, 1879. They occupy a neat dwelling not far from the business house of Mr. Lish, and have a large eirele of friends and ae- quaintanees.

Mr. Lish. in 1886, identified himself with the Masonic fraternity, of which he still remains a member in good standing, and in 1880 he also joined the I. O. O. F., and is at present Treasurer of the lodge at Sammemin. He is one of the first men called upon to assist in those enterprises which tend to build up a community, and invariably re- sponds in a liberal and cheerful spirit. Should there be a biography of him written twenty-five years from now, he would no doubt be numbered among the men to whom the progress of the present vil- lage of Saunemin would be largely indebted.

ANIEL II. SNYDER, farmer and manu- facturer of dram tile, on section 30, Amity Township, is a native of Ohio, and was born on the 30th of August, 1826. Ile is the son of Frederick and Hannah (High) Snyder, who were of German origin, and natives of Penn- sylvania. They were both members of the Meth- odist Protestant Church, and the father was a Ro- publican in politics. The subject of this sketch lived at home in Ohio with his parents until he was twenty years of age, and came with them in March, 1847, to Knox County, IN. He began his educa- tion in the common schools, and after his marriage and the birth of two children, attended Cherry Grove and the Jay Gould Seminaries, in which institution- he prepared himself for the ministry.

On the 20th of March, 185t, Mr. Snyder was married to Elizabeth Aun Crawford, the daughter of John and Elizabeth ( Howard ) Crawford, natives

of Kentucky. The ceremony was performed at Abingdon, Knox Co., Ill., by Rev. Thomas K. Roach, a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Snyder began keeping house. In the fall of 1854 Mr. Snyder was admitted to the ministry, but at the end of nine years had to abandon that calling be- cause of the loss of his voice from the effects of cold and catarrh. He then engaged in farming on the land which he has now occupied for twenty-one years.

The record of Mr. Snyder's brothers and sisters is as follows: John H. married Angeline Garri- son, and is a farmer in Mercer County, Mo .; James S., a school teacher, died in Des Moines, lowa: Lavinia S. married Mareus Morrow, and had ten children, eight of whom are living; Joseph C. is de- ceased; Elizabeth 1., Mrs. J. C. Van Veleet, of Galesburg, Il. ; Mary E., Mrs. J. W. Crawford, died leaving three daughters; Jefferson was a soldier in the Union army ; it is believed that he perished in a Southern prison. Mrs. Snyder's father was a Cum- berland Presbyterian minister, one who preached for the love of his fellowmen and the good that he might accomplish without hope of reward or salary. His wife was also a member of the same church. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Snyder are recorded as follows: C. H. Crawford is a Cumberland Pres- byterian minister and resides in California; John W. was a Justice of the Peace and stock-raiser in Henry County, Il. ; P. D. is engaged in farming in lowa: C. M. married Mrs. William Kelso; she died leaving three children; Matilda F. married William Myre, who is now engaged in farming in Kansas ; J. L. married Ella March, and is now engaged in the Cumberland Presbyterian ministry in Knox County, Illinois.

To Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have been born five children, four of whom are living: William, born on the 15th of February, 1852, married Margaret E. McKee, and they have four children; Edward was married to Bell Cronce ; they have had three children, and live in Brown County, Kan. John F., born in 1857, lives near his father's residence, and is a partner with his father in the manu- facture of tile; he. was married to Eliza Algo, and they have two children. James L. was born

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Aug. 25, 1865, and resides at home ; he was graduated April 1, 1887, at LaHarpe Seminary, Lallarpe, Ill., with high honors, and is a very bright and promis- ing young man. Mr. Snyder now owns 165 acres of choice land, well drained and under good cultiva- tion. In connection with his son they manufact- ure various sizes of drain tile, and for seven months in the year employ seven men in the estab- lishment. Hle is also engaged extensively in stock- raising, breeding both horses and cattle of the higher grades. Ile devotes as much time to the ministry as the condition of his voice will permit. Ile is an able speaker, and is liberal in his belief, a strong advocate of temperance principles, and a bitter enemy of the liquor interest. He is one of Amity Township's substantial men. a good neigh- bor, and a kind parent : and above all, a man who is not afraid to fight the wrong and reprove wrong- doers wherever he may find them.

OHIN FRANCIS. The name of John Fran- cis stands conspicuous among those on the roster of pioneers of Forest Township. Our subject was born in County Cavan. Ire- land. Feb. 13, 1812, and is the son of Edward and Eleanor (Wilson) Franeis. In 1817 the family left their nativeland and migrated to St. John, New Brunswick, where they were transferred to an American vessel, on which ship fever was preva- lent. The landing was effected at Perth Amboy, N. J., instead of New York, in order to escape the rules of quarantine. They went to Philadelphia, where they purchased team> and journeyed west- ward, settling first in Brown County, Ohio, where they were numbered among the pioneer of that section. The mother died in 1826, and the father in 1850. There were five boys and three girls in the family, the four eklest being born in Ireland. The subject of our sketch is the oklest child of the family, and grew to manhood in Brown County, __ Ohio, where be obtained his education in the com- mon schools, and learned the rudiments of farming. On the 17th of August. 1837. Mr. Francis was married to Margaret Ross, who was born near the present site of Georgetown, Ohio, Jan. 14. 181 1.

Mr. Francis was a cooper by trade, but after his marriage he was engaged in farming, which he pros- eented with success until 1860. when he sold his property in Brown County, Ohio, and came to Illi- mois, where he purchased 277 acres of land in For- est Township, and followed farming. During the intervening years he added very materially to his original purchase, but within the past few years has divided his lands among his children, the only con- dition of this division being that they give him a support during his life. To Mr. and Mrs. Francis have been born seven children-JJames G., Ed- ward R., William W .. Joseph S., Albert, Emma J. and Lydia E.

Mr. Francis was in the early years of his mian- hood an old-line Whig, and was a moderate anti- slavery man from the beginning of the slavery agi- tation in this country. He naturally joined the Re- publican party when it was organized, and is to-day as strong in the faith of that party as ever. He has served in this county two terms as Justice of the Peace, and while yet a resident of Ohio, held vari- ons local offices. Hle and his wife have been for years active members of the Methodist Church.

On Wednesday, the 17th of August, 1887, the venerable Mr. and Mrs. John Francis celebrated their golden wedding at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Ilurt. All of the children and their families were present, and cordially assisted in mak- ing the occasion one of unalloyed enjoyment. Be- sides the members of the family, there were also present many of their neighbors and old friends from other localities. They were the recipients of many valuable presents. including numerous gokl coins of large value. During the afternoon a musi- cal programme appropriate to the occasion was ren- dered, and various persons made short, impromptu speeches, after which refreshments were served to all present.

Twenty-eight years ago, when Mr. and Mrs. John Francis came to Forest Township, their worklly possession> did not exceed $5,000, but by industry and strict attention to details, the Francis family are now possessed of 1,000 acres of good land, and a large amount of personal property, Mr. and Mrs. Francis have reared a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters, all of whom are living

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and enjoying the blessing of good health. They also have twelve grandchildren. two adopted grand- children and one great-grandchild. All the chil- dren reside within a radius of less than three miles from the home of our subject. During the past tifty year- there have been but three deaths in the family of Mr. Franci-, namely : Allen A. Burton. the former husband of Mrs. Nathan Hurt; a son of W. W. Francis, and an infant son of J. S. Francis. Intellectually and religiously Mr. Francis is a deep thinker. His greatest ambition and interest in life have centered in his family and church. 1Je is now in his seventy-sixth year, while Mrs. Francis, who is in her seventy-fifth year, has kept even pace with her husband in all his religious pursuits. They are faithful and exemplary members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. When a husband and wife have seen their fiftieth wedding day they may well be said to have reached the golden age of matrimony. Time has not changed the hearts of Mr. and Mrs. Francis, though it has scattered its snows in their hair and traced here and there its furrows on their brows. Within the period which has elapsed since these venerable people have been one, nations have been divided, empires overthrown, and in many parts of the world the very face of Nature has changed. But there has been no change with Mr. and Mr -. Francis, ave that which years produced upon the outer shell of humanity. All their friends join in the wish that they may have a tranquil sea before them and that, as they draw nearer and nearer to the haven to which we are all bound. the "peace which passeth all understanding" may be theirs.

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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 85

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