Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Illinois : containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 55

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 850

USA > Illinois > Henry County > Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Illinois : containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 55

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).

Mr. Deets belongs to the Prohibition party, and has held several minor offices in his township.

adock Elliott, residing on section 22, Clo- ver Township, where he is engaged in the occupation of farming, is a native of Ohio, having been born in Belmont County, that State, April 12, 1823, his parents being Richard and Anna (Reed) Elliott, natives of Maryland and New York respectively. His father was a farmer by occupation, and he, together with his wife, resided in Ohio until their deaths, his occurring in January, 1838, and hers in August, 1873.

Zadock Elliott was an inmate of the parental household until 15 years of age, during which time he received the advantages afforded by the common school and assisted in the labors of the farm. On reaching his 15th year he hired out as a common la- borer on a farm, and for two years followed that vo- cation. He then engaged in the saw-mill, where he continued to labor until he was 26 years of age. On reaching this age in life he rented a farm, which he cultivated with considerable success for three years. In the fall of 1852 Mr. Elliott removed to this State and county, settling in Clover Township, where he purchased 80 acres of land located on section 3. He moved on this land and engaged in the active labors incident to the cultivation of a new farm, and was there resident for 13 years. At the expiration of that time he sold the farm, and in 1866 purchased

160 acres, the same being the tract of land on which he at present resides. By energetic effort and econ- omy, in 1875 he added 80 acres by purchase to his original tract, the same being located on[section 23, and at present is the proprietor of 240 acres of good farming land in this county and a farm of :160 acres in Kansas. Since coming to Clover Township, he has erected a fine residence on his farm, set out trees, etc., and otherwise improved his place.

Mr. Elliott formed a matrimonial alliance Feb. 27, 1849, with Miss Nancy J., the accomplished daugh- ter of James and Mary Grimes. The parents were both natives of Ohio and there died, her father in May, 1879, and her mother March 19, 1878.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Elliott has been blessed by the birth of 13 children,-Mary A., Clarissa E., Francenia E., Damaris, Eliza J., James S., John F., Wallace L., Florence E., Mory, Holly E. and Allen B. One daughter, Sarah Emma, born March 31, 1861, died May 6, 1861, the same year. Eight of the children are married,-Mary A. to Joseph H. Slater; Francenia to Christopher Slater; Clarissa to Albert Perkins ; Damaris married Hezekiah Brown; Eliza J. to Louis Bernard ; James L. to Ella McCung; and Florence E. to Carey Like. John F. is married to Sarah Ida Ramsey.

Mr. Elliott, politically, affiliates with the Demo- cratic party. Religiously, he and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. So- cially, Mr. E. belongs to the |Masonic Order. He has has held the different offices of the township.

ames G. Davis, a farmer and raiser of live stock on section 10, Andover Township, was born in Rockingham Township, Wind- ham Co., Vt., Jan. 31, 1825. His parents were also natives of the Green Mountain State, his father, Hiram being a farmer, and who married Melinda Stephens, in Washington Co., N. Y., and died in Windsor Co., Vt., and his mother died in the township of Geneseo, this county, in May, 1883, both at an advanced age.

Mr. J. G. Davis, the fifth in order of birth of a family of nine children, was educated in the public schools of Washington Co., Vt., and when he became of age he emigrated West, locating in Bureau County,

458

HENRY COUNTY.

this State. From 1852 to 1855 he was in California, where he enjoyed fair success. Returning to this State, he came to Andover Township, this county, and purchased 195 acres of good farming land, where he has since made his home. He also owns over three half sections in Keith Co., Neb., some of which is improved. Mr. Davis breeds the Short-horn vari- ety of cattle, and Clydesdale and Norman varieties of horses.

Mr. D. has been Township Trustee for a number of years, and in his social relations he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of which body he has been a Deacon and is now a Steward.

In Cambridge, March 3, 1859, Mr. Davis married Carrie Simonton, who was born in Portland, Me., Dec. 26, 1830. Her parents, Benjamin, a farmer, and Anna (Buck) Simonton, were natives of New- foundland, and settled in Portland, Me., after their marriage. Mrs. D. was 18 years of age when she came from the last-named point to the West. Her parents afterward died in Cass Co., Iowa, her father in February, 1883, and her mother in May following. There are now five living children in the family of Mr. Davis, besides one deceased, namely: Frank H., a resident of Menlo, Iowa; Fred S., William I., Mary D., Anna L. S., residing at home; Eddie died in infancy.

ev. H. H. Like, a retired farmer and minis- ter of the Christian Church, was born in New York, Sept. 22, 1831. His parents were Henry and Amy (Husted) Like, natives of New York, in which State his father followed the occupation of a farmer, and where both parents resided until their deaths,-the mother dy- ing in 1832 and the father in 1868.

Rev. Like remained with his parents on the old homestead until he attained the age of 20 years, having attended the district schools and the Cary Collegiate Institute in Geneseo. After leaving home he commenced preaching, and followed that profes- sion in the East for eight years. His first effort at preaching was in Hermitage, Wyoming Co., his na- tive State. After preaching in the East for the time stated, he came to this State and located in Geneseo, this county, and took charge of the Church at Mor- ristown. He also rented a farm, which he cultivated

in connection with preaching the gospel. In 1863 he purchased a farm of 80 acres, located on section 32, Woodhull Township, near the present village of that name, and cultivated his land in connection with preaching. He was ordained in 1864. In 1875 Rev. Like sold his 80-acre farm and purchased another consisting of 160 acres, located on section 24, on which he moved and resided until 1883. Since that date he has resided in Woodhull, retired from the active labors of life.

Rev. Like was united in marriage, Oct. 11, 1857, with Miss Sarah A. McWain, a native of New York. Their union has been blessed by the birth of four children,-Elizabeth A., born July 16, 1861, died Feb. 26, 1862; Carry H., born Aug. 28, 1863; Jessie A., March 13, 1870, and Gracie M., Feb. 13, 1881. Politically, Mr. Like is a believer in the principles of the Republican party. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic Order, and is a gentleman noted for his worth and respected for his frank and manly dealings with his fellow man.

arren B. Smith, residing on section 10, Galva Township, was born June 28, 1847, in Caledonia Co., Vt. The ancestors of Mr. Smith were of English extraction. His grandfather, William Smith, was born in Vermont, followed the occupation of a farmer in that State, and died there, aged 80 years, his father having been a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He (William Smith) was married in Vermont, to Miss Susan Fry, a native of Caledonia Co., that State, and is yet living in Kewanee, this State, with her daughter, Mrs. Lucretia Chesley, aged 90 years. She is the mother of a large family. Of her children, Frederick Smith was born in Vermont and died in Wethersfield Township, this county, May 30, 1884, aged 61 years. He was a farmer by occupation and came West in 1851, settling in Stark County. He resided there for about five years before his death, when he re- moved to Wethersfield Township, this county, where he died. He married Nancy Way, a daughter of Nathan Way and a native of Vermont. She is yet living in Wethersfield Township, and is the mother of seven children, four of whom survived, namely :

459

HENRY COUNTY.

Albert C., Warren B., subject of this biographical notice, Carlos S. and Della L.

Warren B. Smith, our subject, was reared on a farm in Stark County, this State, receiving his educa- tion in the common schools and developing into manhood. In September, 1864, he enlisted in Co. H, 146th Ill. Vol. Inf., and served in the war until July 11, 1865, when he was mustered out. After the war was over and the cause for which he fought was victorious, he returned home and engaged in the occupation which he had followed all his life, agri- culture. He is now residing on section 10, Galva Township, where he has a farm of 200 acres of land and is meeting with success in his chosen vocation.

Mr. Smith was united in marriage, Feb. 11, 1869, in Wethersfield Township, this county, with Miss Myra Smith. She was the daughter of William Smith, and was born Aug. 14, 1849, in Wabash, Wabash Co., Ind., and has become the mother of three children, -- Fannie E., born Feb. 15, 1870; Elmer W., April 22. 1872, and Forrest F., Dec. 24, 1878. Politically, Mr. Smith votes with the Demo- cratic party. He has held the office of Commissioner of Highways for three years, and is one of the re- spected citizens of his township and county.

A ugustus Sherman, liveryman in the vil- lage of Woodhull, is from the State of New York. He was born in Essex County, that State, June 4, 1841. His parents, Samuel and Azuba (Green) Sherman, were also natives of the same State and came to Illinois in 1850, settling in Galesburg, near which point they pur- chased 200 acres of land ; but in 1874 Mr. S. retired from actual labor in agricultural pursuits, sold his farm, and died in 1875. His wife still resides in that city.

Mr. Augustus Sherman, the subject of this bio- graphical notice, was an inmate of the parental home until 14 years of age, receiving a common-school ed- ucation. After leaving the home he was a laborer upon a farm for a period of five years; he then rented a farmi until 1862, when he enlisted in the war for the Union, becoming a member of Co. D, 102d Ill. Vol. Inf., and served two years and ten months in Sherman's army. He participated in all

the principal battles in which his regiment was en- gaged from Reseca, Ga., to Goldsboro', N. C. During his term of service he was taken prisoner at the place last named and was kept in confinement for 39 days. At the battle of New Hope Church he was wounded in the head, but within two weeks after- ward he was again on duty. He carried the flag during all of the Atlantic campaign; was honorably discharged after the close of the war, May 30, 1865.

Returning home, he rented his father's farm, con- sisting of a quarter of a section of prairie land. After cultivating and managing that for eight years, he moved to this county and for three years rented a farm; he then purchased 80 acres of land in Onta- rio Township, Knox County, and occupied it two years ; he then sold that and moved to Altona Township, same county, and for three years con- ducted a farm of 120 acres; next he sold that and purchased 80 acres in Oxford Township, this county, and resided there one year, when he finally sold that and bought his present livery establishment at Wood- hull, where he is enjoying a prosperous business. .

Mr. Sherman was united in the bonds of matri- mony with Miss Jennett Marble, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, March 12, 1842. The four chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Sherman are Minnie E., born Oct, 3, 1861 ; Letta M., April 23, 1870; Merta A., Oct. 11, 1881 ; and Rena B., July 24, 1884.

Mr. Sherman is a Republican in his views of na- tional affairs, he is a School Director, City and Town- ship Constable, a member of the Village Council and of the G. A. R.

SE amuel J. Laird, engaged in the livery business at Woodhull, where he is meeting with success in his chosen vocation, is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in that State June 8, 1847, his parents being Joseph and Sarah (Adams) Laird, natives of that State, where her mother died 1852. Joseph Laird, father of the subject of this notice, came to this State in 1853, and settled in Pike County, where he engaged in mercantile business, which he followed for six years. He then, in 1858, sold out and came to Oxford Township, this county, where he rented a farm, which he continued to cultivate until 1863

460.

HENRY COUNTY.

During that year he purchased 80 acres of land, on which he located with his family, and which he suc- cessfully cultivated and improved for 22 years, and then, 10 1877, retired from the active labors of life, and rented his farm until the date of his death, June 7, 1885. He was married to his second wife, Mrs. Charlotte Grove, in 1862. By his first marriage five children were born,-Margaret E., Minerva J., Kate M., Samuel J. and Thomas A.

Samuel J. resided with his parents until he had attained the age of 26 years, having received a good English education in the district schools of his native county. The major portion of his life prior to his majority was passed on the farm, and until the age last named, when he left the parental roof-tree and went forth to fight life's battle single-handed and alone. He first engaged in the butcher business, which he followed for six years, when he abandoned it and followed shipping stock for a year. He then engaged in the livery business at Woodhull, where he had been previously interested in business. He is still following the livery business at that place, and in March, 1885, in connection with the same, added the butchering business. He is meeting with success in his chosen vocation at that place, and by strict attention to business and honest dealings has estab- lished a good and paying trade in each branch of his business. Mr. Laird was married June 25, 1885, to Miss H. E. Cornell, a native of Ohio. Politically, he is a believer in the tenets of the Democratic party, and socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F.

saiah Richmond, of Geneseo, is one of the pioneer nurserymen of Henry County, whither he came in 1852. He established himself in the business named immediately on his arrival, carrying out the purpose for which he came. In December subsequent to his arrival, he bought 60 acres of land whereon to begin his enterprise, which is now included within the cor- porate limits of Geneseo, and is designated Rich- mond's Addition. He removed his family here in 1854, and in the same year admitted Mr. N. B. Huntington to a partnership. Between two and three years later he bought the interest of his asso- ciate, and continued his operations alone until 1878,

when he sold out to his sons, Joseph and Edwin. The former is still engaged in the prosecution of the business.

Mr. Richmond was born in Middleborough, Mass., Aug. 5, 1809, and is the son of Benjamin and Abigail (Dean) Richmond His earliest traceable ancestor, Deacon Joseph Richmond, was of English birth or descent, the progenitors of the family having come to America in ante-Colonial days. The grandfather of Mr. Richmond of this sketch was a soldier of the Revolution, and won commendation for the services he performed. He was a Deacon in the Congrega- tional Church, as was his son. Mr. Richmond was reared on a farm, and was married at Scituate, R. I., Oct. 28, 1833, to Eliza A., daughter of Jeremiah A. Fenner. She was born in the town where the mar- riage took place. []Her father was a near relative of James Fenner, one of the Governors of Rhode Island, and the family to which she belongs isTone of the oldest in the State. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Richmond before their removal to Illinois. Jeremiah, the oldest, was born in Massa- chusetts, Nov. 19, 1834, and died May 5, 1879. The three next younger were born in Scituate, R. I. Joseph married Clara McClelland, and is in the nursery business "at Geneseo. Mary [E. lives at Geneseo. Edwin A. was born Oct. 4, 1842, and died Dec. 13, 1880. He left a widow and three children-two sons and a daughter. The eldest son left a wife and child, who are in California. Abigail was born Oct. 3. 1844, in Tazewell Co., Ill., and died July 12, 1872. Maria L. and Francis E. were twins, and were born Aug. 17, 1847, in Tazewell County. The latter married Mary A. Hopkins, and he is a farmer in the township of Geneseo. His wife is the daughter of S. G. Hopkins, and was born in Connecticut.

Prudence was born March 27, 1850, and died in childhood. Helen A. was born at Geneseo, April 13, 1855. She is the wife of Mortimer Fleet, and they are residents of Munson Township.

Mr. Richmond became a citizen of Scituate, R. I., in 1836. He came to Tazewell Co .; Ill., in 1843, settling in the spring of that year in Groveland. He was there engaged in farming until he came to Gen- eseo in the year named. The former political con- nections of Mr. Richmond were with the Republi- cans, but latterly he has indorsed the tenets of the

HENRY COUNTY.

461

National Greenback party. He is a member of the Congregational Church. Mrs. Richmond died Jan. 21, 1878.

lex. W. Albro, residing at Galva, was born Nov. 22, 1824, in Warren Co., N. Y., and is a son of Samuel and Polly (Green) Albro, natives of Rhode Island and New York re- spectively. They were married in the latter State, where he followed the occupation of a farmer. He was also a soldier in the War of 1812. They came to Medina Co., Ohio, about 1833, and remained there until November, 1835, when they re- moved to Fort Clark, now Peoria, of this State, where they remained a short time. The next spring they came to near where Wyoming, in Stark Co., this State, is located. They erected a dwelling that fall, and in the autumn of 1836 moved to Lynn Town- ship, Knox County, where he entered 160 acres of land with a soldier's warrant. The land was located on Walnut Creek, and comprised both timber and prairie. They located on the land mentioned, and engaged actively and energetically in its cultivation, and continued to reside there until their deaths. Their family comprised eight children, namely : James, Phebe, Stephen G., Benjamin, John, Alex. W., subject of this notice, Deborah and Eliza. Of these children, John, Mrs. Eliza Rounds and our subject are the only survivors.

Alex. W. Albro, on account of the newness of the country at the time in which his parents settled in it, and the necessity which compelled him to assist in the labors of the farm and the maintenance of the family, only received three months' schooling, which was in Knox County. He was reared on the farm, and at the date of his father's death, being 17 years of age, was apprenticed to learn the wagon-maker's trade, at which he worked for about ten years. ' He then again engaged in farming, and followed that oc- cupation five years. In June, 1855, about the time the town started, he came to Galva to live, having previous to this time worked on the Chicago, Burling- ton & Quincy Railroad, grading track. He was then in the mercantile business, from 1855 until 1862, · and was also engaged in buying grain during the same period.

In August, 1862, Mr. Albro enlisted in the 112th

Ill. Vol. Inf., Co. G., as private, and was afterward elected Captain. He served his country until April, 1863. He was stationed part of the time at Lexing- ton, Ky., on provost duty. After returning from the war he again went to Galva, where he engaged in the hotel and livery business, owning what is known as the " Baker House " for many years, and which he conducted for four years. He then leased it for five years, but at the expiration of two years sold it to Brewer & Baker. While the Rock Island & Peoria Railroad was being built, Mr. Albro took a contract for the building of ten miles of its track northwest of Galva, which contract he successfully completed. Having traded his Galva property for Nebraska lands, he has spent the last years of his life princi- pally in attending to his western property.

Mr. Albro has been married twice. His first wife was Miss Esther Wilcox, who died in Knox County, and he was again married to Emily Spalding, a daughter of Dr. Spalding, deceased, and a well known pioneer and surgeon of the noted 1 12th Ill. Vol. Inf., and also a gentleman high in the Masonic Or- der. Mrs. Albro was born in 1827, in New York city, and has borne her husband six children. Of these, Mrs. Esther Babbitt and Hattie H. are yet living ; the four others, Charles O., Florence J., Ella D. and infant daughter, are deceased. Mr. Albro has been a very active worker in the ranks of the Re- publican party, and filled numerous minor offices in the gift of the people of the county, having been Deputy Sheriff on two separate occasions, and hav- ing held other minor offices. He was one of the in- corporators of the First National Bank at Galva, and was a director of the same. From 1868 to 1872, he was Deputy United States Revenue Assessor for Henry County, serving in that capacity for more than four years.

amuel Chamberlain has been a resident of Geneseo (since March, 1856. He is well known throughout a large section of Western Illinois for his efforts in the way of improving the breeds of horses, and has been of more practical benefit in this direction than any other man within this or in adjacent counties.

He was born in Charlton, Mass., April 16, 1820, and is the son of Jason and Polly (Gibbs) Chamber-

462

HENRY COUNTY.

lain. He was reared to manhood in the Bay State, and was there married, Nov. 7, 1843, to Delliza Reynolds. Mrs. Chamberlain was born in Charlton, Worcester Co., Mass., and is the daughter of James and Dolly (Vinton) Reynolds. Dulcenia is the name of the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain. She was born in the same place as her parents.

In 1855 Mr. Chamberlain removed to Moline, in the county of Rock Island, and in the year following fixed his residence in Geneseo. Since coming to the latter place he has been continuously engaged in the business in which he is at present interested. The stock he keeps is justly celebrated for its merits and his stables commonly exhibit from seven to ten ani- mals of superior type and pure thoroughbreds of registered and acknowledged ;reputation.

illiam E. Kennish, residing in Galva Township, was born on the Isle of Man, near Ramsey, Great Britain, Sept. 15, 1833. The ancestors of Mr. Kennish were Manxmen. His grandfather, Robert Ken- nish, was a farmer by occupation, as likewise were his descendants. He, Robert, lived to a good old age, but was sorely afflicted before death by be- coming blind. His son Edward was born and died on the Isle of Man. His (Edward's) wife, nee Chris- tine Quale, was born on the island and is yet living there, aged 80 years. She is the mother of six chil- dren,-William E., subject of this notice; Robert, Christian, Anna, Maggie and Edward. Edward is in Manchester, Eng. Christian resides in the north of England, and the others are all living in this country.

William E. Kennish, whose name heads this no- tice, was educated on the Isle of Man. At the age of 22 years he left his native isle and emigrated to the United States. Arriving here, he located in Trumbull Co., Ohio ; lived there nine years, engaged in farming, and then came to Galva, this State and county, arriving here in April, 1865. After a resi- dence of less than two years in the village, he moved on a farm of 80 acres of land, located on section 12, Galva Township, which he had purchased Jan. I, 1866. He entered at once upon its improvement and cultivation, and has continued to reside on the same

until the present time, meeting with success in his chosen vocation, agriculture. He now has 120 acres of land in an advanced state of cultivation.

Mr. Kennish was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary Claque, nee Skillicorn, in 1856, of French ex- traction. She is the mother of nine children, six by her first husband and three by Mr. Kennish. Of the six children born of her former marriage, Mrs. Margaret May and Mrs. Mary Gell reside here. The three children by the latter marriage are Vin- cent W., William R. and Katie E. Mr. and Mrs. Kennish are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Galva, to which denomination all the chil- dren belong. Politically, Mr. Kennish is identified with the members of the Republican party.

W. Shetler,, residing on section 18, Clover Township, where he is engaged in the oc- cupation of farming and stock-raising, is a son of William and Martha (Wolff) Shetler. He was born in Franklin Co., Pa., July 13, 1840.

The parents of Mr. Shetler were natives of Franklin Co., Pa. His father died in that State in 1882, and his mother is still residing there, with one of her sons. J. W. worked on the farm in Pennsyl- vania, and attended the common schools until he was 22 years of age. At this age in life he left home to procure a competency for himself. His first effort on his own behalf was in farming, which vocation he pursued on a rented farm for one year, meeting with some degree of success. In February, 1865, he was drafted and served in the army until the close of the war. On the termination of the war, he returned to Pennsylvania, and remained there until 1866, when he came to Illinois and located in Clover Township, at Woodhull. He rented a farm near that village, on section 22, Oxford Township, and was there occu- pied in farming for two years. He then rented another farm in the same township, and cultivated that for one year. At the expiration of that time, he bought 80 acres of land, on section 26, same township, on which he resided until 1873. During that year he sold his 80 acres, and purchased 134 acres in Clover Township, on which he has resided until the present time. By economy and energetic effort, he has been enabled to purchase 160 acres adjoining, and 160 acres in Andover Township, 100

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.

Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Illinois : containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 55

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 850

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 850