Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Illinois : containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 83

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 83

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Mr. Cook was married Oct. 24, 1867, to Mary De- morro. Their only child, Lettie, died in infancy. Martha is the name of an adopted daughter.

Mr. Cook is a Republican, and belongs to the G. A. R.

illiam E. Haxtun, President of the Hax- tun Steanı Heater Co., of Kewanee, Ill., (see history of Haxtun Steam Heater Co., this volume) was born at Beekman, Dutchess Co., N. Y., Jan. 20, 1832, and was the only son of Elnathan and Maria (DeLong) Haxtun, natives also of the town of Beekman, and of English and French extraction respectively.

The senior Mr. Haxtun was by occupation a farm- er, and also a civil engineer, and the subject of this sketch, who at various New England and New York

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HENRY COUNTY.

academies acquired a first-class education, followed both the occupations of his father until about 38 years of age. In 1870 he came to Kewanee, and after trading in Western lands for probably two years, became interested in and Vice-President of the Anderson Steam Heater Co., a flourishing manufac- turing establishment of this place, and subsequently merged into the present concern of which he is the head. The history of this large industry under the management and direction of Mr. Haxtun renders all the eulogy of the business sagacity and genius of this gentleman unnecessary, and therefore, if dealt in, in this sketch, would be but fulsome and by conse- quence distasteful.

Mr. Haxtun was married in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Oct. 25, 1858, to Miss Sarah A. Brundige, a native of Chester Co., N. Y., and daughter of Edward Brun- dige, of the same place. Of the children born to this union we have the following brief memoranda : Henry, the eldest, is of the Haxtun Steam Heater Co .; Maria, Annis B., Elnathan, machinist, employed by Haxtun Steam Heater Co .; and Edward B., a student. In politics Mr. Haxtun is a Republican, though not an office seeker, as is shown by his record.

apt. William Irvin, a retired farmer of Henry County, and a former railroad con- tractor, is a resident of Geneseo. He was born Nov. 25, 1816, in Lebanon Co., Pa. His father, John Irvin, was a native of Ireland, and left his country during the Rebellion of

1799. He married Elizabeth Brown, who was born in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Irvin was brought up on a farm and thor- oughly instructed in the details of agriculture. He was mrrried June 19, 1838, to Margaret, daughter of Jacob and Jane Shadel. She was born in Lebanon County, and gave birth to two children. Augustus T. married Ellen Walkey, and is a real-estate agent at Davenport, Iova. Margaret J. is the wife of Aaron Bollman, and they reside in Falls City, Neb.

In 1844 Mr. Irvin came to Chicago, where he ar- rived May 13. · He embarked in mercantile business under the old Tremont House, and he transacted his affairs there one year. At the expiration of that time

he went to Cedar Creek, Stephenson Co., Ill., and there he became interested in the purchase and ship- ment of grain. He continued to operate there until 1868. During the second year of the war he entered the military service of the United States, receiving a Captain's commission from Governor Yates, bearing date of Sept., 1862. He was assigned to the com- mand of Company I, 74th Regt. Ill. Vol. Inf., and was in the service one year, being obliged to resign on account of physical disability. Among the ac- tions in which he was a participant was that at Per- ryville, Oct. 8, 1862, at Stone River, and in the battles at Chattanooga, Buzzard's Roost and Lookout Mountain. He resigned in April, 1863. The ardu- ous character of the work done by his command is shown by the fact that the company was full when it went to the front, and at the date of the resigna- tion of its Captain only 19 men answered to their names at roll call.

Mr. Irvin was connected for some years with the construction of railroads in the State of Illinois. In 1852 or 1853 he commenced making contracts in the interests of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, and operated three years under the management of R. V. Mason, and during the time the road between Freeport and Dubuque was built. In 1856 he took a contract on the line of the Racine & Mississippi Railroad, and after the completion of it he went to Salt Creek and again operated for his former em- ployers. He next engaged with the builders of the Racine & Mississippi Railroad and took a contract on their line working east from Freeport, and after- ward from Freeport to Savannah. In connection with Messrs. George and William Green, he aided in the construction of the McGregor & Western Rail- road, and they also assisted in building the Missis- sippi & Western and the line between Quincy and Keokuk. He was the originator of the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis Railroad, and was largely interested in its construction, and acted as Assistant Superintendent while it was being built. He was also concerned to some extent in the work on the road between Peoria and Farmington, and on the Chicago & Rock Island route.

While he was a resident of Pennsylvania he was a Captain in the State militia, and after his removal to Stephenson Co., Ill., he officiated as Postmaster about two years at Cedarville.

Since his removal to Henry County he has be-"

The Prophet

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come extensively interested in real estate, and owns I,000 acres of farming lands in the townships of Hanna, Colona and Edford, and he is also the pro- prietor of considerable city property in Geneseo.

Since the family came West five sons have been added to the household. Jacob H. has operated to considerable extent as a railroad man, and is now a hardware dealer and lumber merchant at Jamesport, Mo. He married Lydia A. Coffing, daughter of Courtney Coffing. He died in Pueblo, Dec. 31, 1878, leaving one child. The latter lives at Came- ron, Mo. William, the second son, married Florence Hill, and is a farmer near Green River. He has three children. John C. married Emma Johnson, and is engaged in farming near Cleveland, Henry County. Charles C. is a railroad man. The next child in order of birth was a daughter, named Mary E., who was born Dec. 28, 1847, and died March 8, 1851.

ames Sadler. One of the pioneers, as well as one of the energetic and progressive farmers of Henry County, is Mr. James Sadler, who is a resident on section 18, Weth- ersfield Township, and a native of England, in which country he was born, April 14, 1830. His parents, William and Anna (Boise) Sadler, came to America in 1853 and located in this township, where they afterwards died. Their family comprised 14 children, of whom James, our subject, was seventh in order of birth. When 20 years of age he left England for the New World, coming direct to Henry County, where he engaged to work out at farm labor, which he followed for three years. He next rented land for a couple of years and then settled on sec- tion 18, his present place of residence. His first pur- chase was 100 acres, where he entered vigorously and energetically upon the task of its improvement, and has since increased his acreage until he now owns 320 acres of valuable land and all tillable. Upon his fine farm he has erected a splendid resi- dence, barn and other suitable outbuildings, besides having fenced his land. Mr. Sadler is well known as a cordial and hospitable gentleman, and well liked by all with whom he comes in contact.

He was married in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Nov. 13, 1861, to Miss Margaret E. Cassidy, who is of En-

glish ancestry, and was born in Canada, Feb. 4, 1842. Her parents were Michael and Susan Cassidy. Mr. and Mrs. Sadler's home circle has been blessed by the birth of twelve children, of whom the following is a list: Hattie L., Myron E, Arthur C., Anna I., George E., Thomas W., Emery C., Mary E., Ellen J., William J., Eva L. and an infant unnamed.

Mr. Saddler has been School Director and Road Commissioner of his township, and politically is iden- tified with the Republican party.

a-bo-kies-shiek, or White Cloud, the prophet of the Winnebagoes, and com- monly called "The Prophet," was the 50 most prominent Indian that was ever in- timately connected with the history of Hen- ry County. He was born about 1790, and made Prophetstown his home. He was a stout, shrewd-looking Indian; sagacity and cunning were prominent traits of his character and essential to the prophetic pretensions by which he imposed upon the credulity of his ignorant followers. It is claimed that he was one of the chief instigators in bringing on the Black Hawk War. He resided at Prophets- town, where there was a large Indian village.

Through the generous interest of Hon. Elihu B. Washburne, while Minister Plenipotentiary from this country to the Court of Paris, Whiteside County was enabled to secure a portrait of this noted chief, which now decorates the walls of the Supervisors' room in the Record building at Morrison. It is painted by P. A. Healey, the distinguished American portrait painter, from the original study of George Catlin, the American artist, and one of the most celebrated of Indian painters. It was painted by Mr. Healey in Europe, at the request of Mr. Washburne, and pre- sented by him to Whiteside County as a historic souvenir. This work was greatly admired while on exhibition in the artist's studio at Paris. It is a full- sized portrait and is a work of rare merit. It repre- sents the Prophet standing erect, in full Indian dress, with his blanket thrown over his left shoulder, par- tially folded over one arm, and hanging with careless grace by his side. He stands upon the brow of a hill, while about are some small trees and shrubbery. In the back-ground is the blue sky. In front is a broad expanse of country, over which his eye rests

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with a melancholy gaze, contemplating a land that is rapidly fading away from him and his race. Mr. Washburne was cordially received by the people of Whiteside County, whom he had formerly repre- sented for many years in Congress. The presenta- tion of the portrait was made Oct. 27, 1877, at the Fair Grounds, which had been fitted up for the oc- casion, and was preceded by an eloquent address from Mr. Washburne, the donor. It was made a grand occasion, and one long to be remembered by the people of the county.

In connection with this sketch we give the por- trait of White Cloud, a reproduction of the painting mentioned above.

enneth Murchison, a farmer residing on section 19, Wethersfield Township, was born in Scotland, March 24, 1841. When Io years of age, Mr. Murchison emigrated with his parents, Finley and Catherine (Mc- Lean) Murchison, across the briny waters to this country. Kenneth lived at home until he at- tained the age of 21 years, then he went to Kewanee and engaged in the coal business, and was thus oc- cupied for nearly ten years, at the expiration of which time he returned to his former occupation, farming. He purchased 160 acres on section 19, on which he located and on which he has since lived. He is at present the owner of 1791/2 acres.

The marriage of Mr. Murchison took place in Stark Co. Ill., Oct. 3, 1867, at which time Miss Mar- garet C. McClennan, daughter of John and Flora (Cameron) McClennon, natives of Scotland, became his wife. Her parents emigrated to this country in 1852 and located in Stark County, from whence they removed to Wethersfield Township, this county, where they at present reside. Mrs. Murchison was the fifth in order of birth of a family of six children. She was born in Scotland Nov. 20, 1846, came to this country with her parents and resided with them in Stark County until her marriage. Of her un- ion with Mr. Murchison, nine children were born, seven of whom survive : Donald A., Flora A., Catherine M., Christina H., Margaret A., Bessie M., Mabel, and two who died in infancy.

Mr. Murchison has held the offices of School Di-

rector and Overseer of Highways, and in politics votes with the Republican party. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

acob Fickling, a farmer of Cambridge Township, resident on section 13, was born Feb. 6. 1812, in Wilton, Norfolkshire, England. His parents, Nathan and Mary (Stead) Fickling, were natives of England, and they both died in London. They had eight children, named Jacob, Rebecca, John, Sarah, Jabez, Zenas, Jabez (2d) and one other child who died in infancy. The first Jabez fell when he was nine years old and broke his neck. The second child of the same name lived to come to the United States with his brothers John and Jacob.

Jacob landed at Quebec, in June, 1845, after a passage of 52 days. While he was in the queer Canadian city, the great fire occurred there, and he went thence to Toronto, and after a few days passed there in prospecting he proceed to Niagara Falls, and there he found employ at the trade which he had learned in his native land. He went thence to Buffalo, where he took lake passage for Chicago on the steamboat "New Orleans." The boat crossed Lake Erie, but went down in the river St. Clair, while passing through the straits to Lake Huron; and, instead of going to Chicago, Mr. Fickling went to Detroit. His next removal was to La Fayette, Ind., where he remained until after the Christmas following, working as a shoe-maker. From there he came to Danville, Ill., and there he was married. In 1846 he went to Peoria. Not long after he ar- rived there, he and his wife took possession of a farm a short distance from the city, where they lived about 20 years and where their nine children were born.

In February, 1867, Mr. Fickling sold his farm and removed to Henry County. He bought a farm of 120 acres of an excellent quality of land, of which he took permanent possession and on which he has prosecuted his agricultural projects with satisfactory results.

His wife's name was Susan Draper before her marriage, and their union was celebrated April 9, 1846. Mrs. Fickling was born Dec. 18, 1823, in

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Clermont Co., Ohio. She is the daughter of James and Mary (Peyton) Draper, and her parents were natives of Pennsylvania. They came thence to Vermillion Co., Ill., where their lives terminated. Mr. and Mrs. Fickling have ten children, one having been born to them since their removal to the town- ship of Cambridge. Their names are as follows : William Edward, Mrs. Mary Shreck, Sarah J. (died in infancy), Rebecca, Mrs. Lucy Elliott, Mrs. Alice Wasser, James, Mrs. Ida Wilkey, and a second Will- iam, named for the oldest son who lost his life in the military service of the United States. The latter was a volunteer soldier and enlisted in Co. B, 11th Ill. Vol. Cav. Lucy, wife of Ervin Elliott, is the mother of three sons,-George, Charles and Glenn.

amuel W. Good. The late Samuel W. Good was one of the industrious and pros- perous farmers of Wethersfield Township, where he resided on section I until his death, which occurred Sept. 1, 1885, caused by nerv- ous prostration. He was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, Jan. 28, 1834, and was a son of Doring- ton and Alice (Orr) Good. They came to Henry County in 1851 and settled on section I, Wethers- field Township, where they died five years later. Their family consisted of nine children, of whom Samuel W. was the fifth in order of birth. His ed- ucation was somewhat limited, only having the com- mon-school advantages of that early day. He came to Henry County when about 17 years of age, and was a resident of the same until his death, being engaged in agricultural pursuits He was the owner of 186 acres of good, tillable land. Upon his farm he erected a fine residence of modern style, a suita- ble barn and out-buildings.

Mr. S. W. Good was united in marriage in Ke- wanee, May 20, 1858, the lady chosen to share his joys and sorrows, successes and reverses, being Miss Mary A., daughter of Samuel and Alice (Dickinson) Northrup, who came from Philadelphia to Henry County, about 1855, and settled in Wethersfield. He remained for awhile at the latter place and then removed to Kewanee, where he died, in January, 1868. Mrs. Northrup died in Wethersfield Town- ship, May 26, 1871. Of their union were born two

children, -- Charles and Mary A., our subject's wife. She was born in Philadelphia, June 15, 1839.

Mr. and Mrs. Good were the parents of seven children, namely : Charles N., Frank E., Elmer S., Willis E., Alice L. and Daisy S., besides one who died in infancy. Mr. Good held several township official positions, among which he was School Direc- tor for many years. Politically, he was a believer in the principles advocated by the Republican party.

obert Nelson is a citizen of the township of Cambridge, residing on section 18. He was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in April, 1817. The family removed in 1824 to County Donegal, on the " Green Isle," and there made a permanent stay. The parents, Joseph and Bettie (Moore) Nelson, were natives of Ireland, where they passed their entire lives.

The son, who early determined on coming to America to test the promises of that land which were always the subject of discussion in his native country, fulfilled the purpose in the year 1847. He came here in the spring of the year and made his first location in the city of Philadelphia. After pass- ing a summer there, he went to Delaware, and was in the employ of Henry L. Churchman three years as an assistant on the farm. He went from there to the western part of Pennsylvania, and in the autumn of 185 1 returned to Delaware. Later, he went to Davenport, Iowa, and there remained two years and a half. He came thence to Henry County and bought 40 acres of land on the same section on which he still resides. He has brought the best of effort and judgment to operate in the work to which he has devoted his life, and has continued to pur- chase land until he is at present the owner of 280 acres in advanced cultivation and in valuable con- dition for mixed husbandry.

Mr. Nelson has accomplished a great work in making his accumulations under circumstances which would have deterred most men from making any effort whatever. He has practiced the greatest economy and has never tired in industry or perse- verance. In '1858, or about that time, he was seized with lameness in his left leg, which he endured for 22 years, and without much intermission in the way

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of labor. In the spring of 1880 the limb was ampu- tated. He moves about on his crutches and still superintends the management of his estate.

In his political views, Mr. Nelson is in accord with the Democratic party. When he came to America he fell into line with the old Whig element. Mr. Nelson was married in the city of Philadel- phia to Ann Johnson. She was born in County Donegal, in Ireland, and was the playmate of her husband in the " land of the shamrock." Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have eight children : Eliza is the wife of Mr. Slack, of Du Page Co., Iowa; James, David, Alexander, Robert and Samuel were next in order of birth; William is deceased; John is the youngest. The father and mother are members of the Congre- gational Church in Cambridge.

ohn Ringle, a farmer on section 6, Cam- bridge Township, was born May 20, 1841, in Armstrong Co., Pa. He is the son of Joseph and Mary Ann (Whitesel) Ringle, and his parents came to Henry County in 1857. The grandfather of Mr. Ringle, Mathias Ringle, was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and set- tled in Westmoreland Co., Pa., where his son Joseph was born. The marriage of the latter to Mary Ann Whitesel occurred in 1836. He was a farmer in the township of Osco, where he operated as a renter of land on his removal there. He then became the owner by purchase of 80 acres of land, on which he prosecuted the business of a farmer with success until 1880, when he transferred his family and inter- ests to Cambridge. The senior Ringle continued to add to his estate until he owned a large acreage, which he still retains.

The son who is represented by this personal . ac- count was reared in his native State and accom- panied his father's family to Henry County. Four years later the business of all classes was thrown into confusion by the advent of the War of the Re- bellion, and during the issues of the first year of the struggle, Mr. Ringle entered the military service. He enlisted Sept. 20, 1861, in the Ninth Ill. Cav., and was enrolled in Company C. He enlisted at Geneseo, and when the regiment was filled went thence to Camp Douglas, Chicago, where the com-

mand remained through the winter of 1861-2. In February it went to St. Louis, and after passing two weeks there, proceeded to the seat of war. The first time Mr. Ringle heard the music of the rebel bullets was in the engagement on the Waddell farm, in Ar- kansas. Early in 1862 he was taken sick and passed nearly nine months in the hospital, and was most of that time on provost duty. He continued in the service through the war, and after receiving his dis- charge he returned to Osco Township. A short time after he went to Caldwell Co, Mo., where he spent four years, and during that time was interested in farming. At the expiration of that time he came back to Henry County and bought a farm in the township of Osco. He operated with satisfactory results until he was the proprietor of 150 acres. He sold his possessions in the spring of 1883, and bought the farm in the township of Cambridge on which he has since prosecuted the business of a farmer. The place contains 117 acres and is located half a niile north of Cambridge.

He was married to Mary A. Humphrey. She was born in Brooklyn, N. Y. They have three children, -Anna L., Ida A. and Kate L.

Mr. Ringle is a member of the G. A. R., and was formerly connected with the Union League. He is a Republican.

tephen M. Williamson, residing on section I, Wethersfield Township, where he is en- gaged in the vocation of a farmer, is a son of Peter and Rosanna (Shafer) Williamson, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Ger- many. They settled in Scioto County, Ohio, and afterward removed to Delaware County, Ind., where they resided until their deaths.

Stephen M. Williamson was the fifth child in order of birth of a family of ten children. He was born in Delaware County, Ind., Aug. 1, 1835. His early years were passed on the farm and in acquiring an education at the common schools. He continued to reside under the parental roof-tree until he attained the age of 23 years. when he came to Bureau Coun- ty, this State. He resided in the latter county until the spring of 1871, when he sold his farm there, which occupation he had followed, and purchased 160 acres of land in Wethersfield Township, this

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HENRY COUNTY.

county. In 1878 he built a frame barn on his place, and in 1883 erected as fine a residence on the same as exists in Henry County, and consists of nine rooms, together with halls, etc. In addition to his home farm, Mr. Williamson was the owner of 120 acres of land in Neponset Township, Bureau County. He keeps about 35 head of cattle, 15 head of horses and fattens about roo head of hogs annually. The appearance of his place is indicative of energy, per- severance and economy on the part of its proprietor, and he is living to-day amid pleasant surroundings, the outgrowth of his own toil, good judgment and labor, and meeting with success in his chosen vo- cation.

Mr. Williamson entered the state of matrimony in Bureau County, this State, Jan. 13, 1859, with Miss Mary J., the accomplished daughter of Timothy and Elizabeth (Russell) Bennett, natives of Ohio. She was born in Wilmington, Clinton Co., Ohio, Sept. Io, 1840., They became the parents of six children, four of whom are living, "namely : Arrinda, Elmer C., Arthur B. and Rosanna. Willby and Mary are de- ceased. Arrinda is the wife of Rufus D. Lyle, and resides in Neponset Township, Bureau Co., this State. The remaining children are all residing at home. Mr. W. has held many of the minor offices of his township. Politically, he is a believer in the principles advocated by the Democratic party.

aleb Jewett Tenney Little, retired busı. ness man, resident at Kewanee, dates his ancestry upon this continent back to the year 1640, and to the person of George Lit- tle, who in that year landed at Newbury, Mass., from Unicorn Street, near the great London bridge. Tracing the subject of this sketch through the male line, taking the eldest of each re- spective generation, we find that Moses Little suc- ceeded George of Unicorn Street ; that Tristram suc- ceeded Moses ; that Henry succeeded Tristram ; that Henry was followed by a son named for himself, and he by Abner Bailey Little, who was born at New Sa- lem, N. H., and married Nancy Tenney, of Hollis, N. H. They reared four sons and seven daughters. Abner B. began life as a merchant, but abandoned that occupation and ever afterward devoted himself

to farming. His son Caleb, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, was born at Goffstown, N. H., July 13, 1811. At the common schools of his native State he acquired a fair English education, and when 16 years of age was apprenticed to a black- smith, which trade he learned and followed until about 24 years of age. In 1837 Caleb Little came to Wethersfield, Henry Co., Ill., and the following year brought his wife whom he had left behind until he should prepare a home for her. During this year Henry County was organized, and as he intended this to be his future home, he resolved to attend the meeting for the organization of the county, which was held at the house of Geo. Brandenburgh, which was located near the village of Colona, on the banks of Green River. He made the journey from Weth- ersfield to the place of meeting riding a colt without a saddle! His father had preceded him by about one year, and lived in Peoria County up to the fall of 1837, when he too removed to Wethersfield, where he spent the remainder of his days, dying Sept. 16, 1863, in the goth year of his age. The elder Mrs. Little had died 19 years before (in 1846) aged about 66 years.

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Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Illinois : containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 83

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