Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 47

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130

USA > Illinois > Knox County > Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois > Part 47

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Mr. Goddard of this notice, politically, is a stanch supporter of the principles advocated by the Repub- lican party. What he has of this world's goods he has made himself.

Artemus W., who is now in South America, is

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chief engineer of one of the railroad lines in Peru. He has held the positions of Superintendent, Master Mechanic, and other places of trust. In the War of the Rebellion he was one of the first to enlist in the service of his country. He enlisted in the rst Ill. Cav., Co. D, Capt. Smith. He was with Col. Mulli- gan and was captured at Lexington, Mo. He was paroled and went again into the rith Ill. Cav., un- der Col. Bob Ingersoll, and participated in the battle of Corinth, after which he took sick and came home. In the meantime he had not been exchanged, so he left the service and went to Massachusetts, and commenced to learn his trade of machinist. He again enlisted, in the 3d Mass. Cav. Regt., and went to Hilton Head, S. C. He was mustered out at Richmond, Va., in 1865.

harles Pister, of the firm of Charles Pis- ter & Co., of Wataga, is among the great number of people from Germany who have found homes in and contributed to the pros- perity of the county and State of their adop- tion. He was born in Rhine Beverian, Germany, Jan. 28, 184r. His parents were Jacob and Catherine (Hoffman) Pister, natives of the same country. The father was by trade a tailor, but fol- lowed this only a short time, when he engaged in the vineyard business, which he pursued through life. He died Nov. 20, 1853; the mother Aug. 20, 1857.

Their family was composed of 12 children, ten sons and two daughters. Three of the brothers came to America-George, Jacob and Charles-settling in Illinois. George and Jacob died in this county in 1868 and 18St. respectively. Charles, the subject of this biography, remained at home with his parents until 13 years of age, when he went out to learn fresco painting, working at the same in Germany un- til 28 years of age. He then came to America in 1869, and settled in Knox County, worked at his trade in Abingdon and Galesburg eight years, when he engaged with F. P. Foltz in the tile business at the former place, where he continued until 1883.

Selling out his interest to Mr. Foltz, in the year above named, Mr. Pister came to Wataga, where he opened a tile manufactory, which is now run by a 40 horse-power engine, turning out tile to the extent

of about $6,000 per annum, and employing ten men. He also manufactures brick and paving, and has a good house and lot in the village of Wataga.

Realizing, as many enterprising young men have previously done, that it is not good for man to be alone, Mr. Pister was united in marriage Feb. 12, 1874, with Miss Amelia Ehrenhart, a native of his own country. This union has been blessed by the birth of seven children, three sons and four daugh- ters, namely: Charles, Amelia, Fred, Katie, Linna, Bertha and Frank.

ohn Ennis, a retired farmer, is a resident of Knox County, whose home lies on section 1, in Salem Township. He was born in Oneida County, N. Y, June 24, 1806, and his grandfather, John Ennis, was a na- tive of England. The father of our subject, Michael Ennis, was an early settler in Oneida County.

John Ennis, Jr., grew to manhood and was reared on his father's farm, receiving his early education in the common schools, but later attending Clinton Col- lege and Whitesboro Academy. At the age of 19 he commenced teaching and continued at this occupa- tion for about eight months of the year, while the re- mainder he devoted to lumbering in Oneida County. In 1828, having saved sufficient means to do so, he made a purchase of land in Verona Township. His marriage occurring about this time, he located on land purchased previously, where he lived until 1846, and, having sold it, resolved to emigrate to Illinois. He started in the month of May, coming via the Erie Canal and the lakes to Chicago. At that city he en- gaged a team to carry himself, wife and eight children overland to Peoria County, and, renting a house in Newburg, he started to seek a location. The fol- lowing June Mr. Ennis bought 160 acres of wild land on section 1, Sulem Township, and in October of that year So more on the same section, upon which the family settled. He continued to buy land from time to time until he owned 1,000 acres. His resi- dence stands on the northwest quarter of section 1, on the land he first purchased. He is well known as a man of superior education as well as of energy and enterprise, and was fortunate in securing a wife

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in all ways worthy of him in native ability and intel- ligence.

Mr. Ennis was married Sept. 27, 1828, to Sally Loomis, who was born in Oneida County, N. Y., Jan. 29, 1807, and is the daughter of Jeremiah and Sally (Higby) Loomis. Her father is a native of Connec- ticut, and her mother of New York. Her grandpar- ents, on both sides, were pioneers of the latter State. Twelve children were born to Mrs. Ennis' parents, seven of whom are living, as follows: Celestia, wife of Chas. Kennedy, of Missouri; Calista, wife of Geo. Parsel, resident of Cass County, Neb. ; Sarah A., wife of La Fayette Rowley, of Idaho Ter. ; Elizabeth married Albertus Bartholomew, and her home is in Peoria County ; Nathaniel S. lives in Peoria County ; Jabez A. lives on the homestead; Emma, wife of Lewis Farmer, lives in Kansas; Edward was a soldier in the 33d Ill. Vol. Inf., and lost his life at Shiloh. Mrs. Elizabeth Bartholomew is the mother of six children, as follows : John B., Orrie Y., Lura H., Charles A., Carrie Maud, Bessie Alice. John B. married Miss Luella Moore, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and has one child, named Albertus F. Ennis. Our sub- ject was a soldier, serving in the 47th Ill. Vol. Inf.

Mr. and Mrs. E. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are faithful working Chris- tians. Mr. Ennis has been for some time Class Leader, and also Superintendent of the Sunday- school. Politically he was a Democrat, but joined the Republican party at its formation, and, being an enlightened, wide-awake citizen, with strong and de- cided opinions, is an acquisition to the county as a politician.

Jabez A. Ennis, the youngest son, who now man- ages the homestead for his father, was born in Verona Township, Oneida County, N. Y., Oct. 29, 1845. He was but an infant when his parents came to Knox County, and in that section grew to manhood, being reared on the farm. He received his early educa- tion in the district schools, in the high school at Elm- wood and in the business college at Peoria. In 1867 he went on a Western trip with a pair of horses and a light wagon, to Lincoln, Neb., returning through Kansas and Missouri, and arrived here about two months from the day he started out. He married Sept. 12, 1871, Susan E. Bishop, of Schuylkill County, Pa., who was born Feb. 23, 1850, and is the daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Brewer) Bishop, natives of England. Immediately after their mar-

riage the couple settled down on the homestead, the management of which has been entirely in J. A. En- nis' hands ever since. In politics he is a Republi- can, is a faithful worker, energetic and industrious, and bears a good reputation both in private and pub- lic circles. He is the father of seven children- John A., Susan E., Eva M., Cora E., Oriel R. and J. Earl.

homas Murdoch is a farmer, residing on section 26, of Cedar Township, and was born in Merrittstown, Pa., March 24, 1812. He is the son of Walter and Sarah (Bivens) Murdoch. His father, Walter, was of English descent, and, emigrating to this country in 1780, resolved on settling here. He died in 1825, having arrived here in his thirteenth year, alone and unbefriended. He first landed in New York City, and then proceeded to Pennsylvania. While yet a little boy he worked his way onward and upward,, educating himself, until finally, graduating with the first honors, he was enabled to become a school teach- er, a profession which he followed during his natural life. His decease took place within six miles of Gal- lipolis, Ohio, where he moved in 1815 and settled in Gallia County. Miss Sarah Bivens, who became his wife, was born in 1775, and died about 1820, her death taking place in Ohio. By the union there were eight children-John, William, Patrick, Eliza, Maria, Covington, Emma and Sally. Two died in infancy.

The gentleman whose name occurs above married Miss Mary Cave, on Aug. 24, 1834. This lady was born in Ross County, Ohio, May 17, 1810, being de scended of an old French family. Her parents (Mr and Mrs. Cave) had seven children -Nancy, Eliz abeth, Thomas, William, Joseph, Benjamin and Dor- cas. Mr. Murdoch himself has had five children, three dead and two living. Those deceased are Joseph, Thomas and Nancy. Those living are Purley and Sallie A. Purley married Miss Louisa Dechant, Dec. 18, 1867 ; they are the parents of one child, Charlie A., born Nov. 5, 1869. Sallie A. mar- ried Miles Morris, and is now living in Iowa. There was one child born to this union, named Charles Henry Morris. Mr. Morris bought 400 acres of un- improved land, which he has improved.

Our subject came to Illinois, Oct. 28, 1842. He is the owner of 200 acres of prime land, on which is

LIBRARY OF THE L.NIVERSITY OF ILLINA'S

James WKeigham

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erected a very fine dwelling-house. In politics this gentleman is Democratic, while by religious persua- sion he and his wife belong to the Christian Church. The home of the family is always open to friends, of whom Mr. Murdoch can boast a great number.

ames McKeighan. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears on the oppo- site page, was born in Artifarrel, County Antrim, Ireland, June 9, 1803, and was the sec- ond son in a family of 11 children, consisting of nine boys and three girls. His parents were John and Lillie (Gault) McKeighan, and the names of their children are as follows: John; Mary and Esther, twins; James, Alexander ; William, a son who died in infancy ; Samuel, Robert, Daniel, Nancy and Matthew. John, the oldest son, left home when a young man, with the intention of removing to Aus- tralia, but is lost sight of, never having been heard from since. Mary united in marriage with a Mr. Patterson, and died a few years ago in Philadelphia. Esther married Robert Moore ; is now a widow living with her son, Stuart Moore, near Toulon, Ill. Alex- ander died at his home near Farmington, in June, 1878, of paralysis. William, who was never married, died at the old home in Ireland about two years ago, and Samuel at his home in Farmington, in 1860. Robert is a wealthy farmer, who has retired from active life and resides in Toulon, III. Daniel died over 30 years since of heart disease, dropping dead in the streets of Philadelphia. Nancy married Will- iam Farley, and is now a widow, living on her farm north of Toulon. Matthew, the youngest, is living in the State of Missouri.

Our subject at an early age became a linen weaver and worked at that trade until 1835, when he left his native land, bidding adieu to parents, home and kindred, and arrived in the spring of the year at Philadelphia. He brought with him no fortune but his inborn integrity, sound judgment, perseverance and willing hands. He was 32 years of age at that time, with meritorious traits of character firmly grounded, and he entered at once in the new coun- try upon the task of winning a home. Remaining in New Jersey and Pennsylvania until the fall of 1838, he came West and settled at Farmington, Fulton County, this State, working for the home he coveted,

and in a few years was in possession of a farm. He then, in the fall of 1847, returned to Ireland, where he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Rachel (Cunninghanı) Cunningham, in 1848, who survives him, and who mourns the loss of a faithful companion and an affectionate and true-hearted husband.

Soon after his marriage Mr. McKeighan returned to America, accompanied by his bride, and located in Fulton County and remained there until 1855. His property consisted of So acres of land in Farm- ington Township, on which was erected a log house. At the time he located in Knox County, this had been replaced by a neat frame house and many im- provements-so many, that his farm sold for $30 per acre. He next purchased 160 acres of raw prairie land on section 22 of Salem Township, and from it has developed under the skillful hand of the hus- bandman a splendid farm, known as Willow Row. He was a resident of this place at the time of his death. He was well known as a pioneer and early worker in both Fulton and Knox Counties. Asso- ciated with Henry Andrews and Michael McMahon, both residents of Fulton County, he assisted in grad- ing the first railroad ever attempted to be built in the State. He endured all the hardships incident to that day. His first fence was built of sod, and was still doing duty as late as the spring of 1849. James McKeighan ranked high among the most successful and practical farmers of Illinois, and had grown wealthy and influential by actual labor, and in his later days he deeded large tracts of fine farming land to his children. His family consisted of two boys and four girls, of whom two died in childhood, and were buried within a week of one another. The others are R. J. McKeighan; Rachel, oldest daughter, still at home; Elizabeth is the wife of R. R. Steck; and Emma, the youngest daughter, also residing under the parental roof.

In addition to his farming pursuits, our subject was a successful raiser of fine stock, in which he took a deep interest. In politics he was originally a Whig, but on the formation of the Republican party entered its ranks, upholding and adhering to its prin- ciples to the date of his death. He was a man of deep and earnest patriotism, and his affection for the country of his adoption was equaled only by his in- terest in and devotion to his religion. During the Civil War he never lost faith in the final triumph of

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right and justice, and he had no sympathy with those who plotted for the downfall of the country. He was a consistent and zealous member of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and sprang from the old Scotch- Irish stock known as Covenanters. With but three fellow-workers-John and Matthew Simpson, and Mrs. Oliver Smith-he assisted in organizing the first Presbyterian Church of Farmington, in which he was an active member, giving $1,200 toward the building of the new house of worship. Later he presented the church society of Yates City with a house and lot for a parsonage, he having changed his membership from the former to the latter place. He was ever charitable and helpful to those in need, contributing liberally toward the support of all moral and religious undertakings, and his sound judgment and executive ability rendered him a valuable addi- tion to the building committee of the Farmington church. Both himself and wife were noted for their hospitality and kindness, and no one who knew him ever doubted but that his honesty of character and hearty religious principles entered into every relation of life. Toward his own countrymen he was es- pecially kind, and many have cause to remember his welcome on coming to America as strangers in a strange land. He died Nov. 15, 1885, and his burial services took place from his late residence on the 17th. The services were conducted by Rev. Henning, who rendered to him a generous meed of praise, well knowing that his virtues have builded him a monument in the hearts of the people, out- lasting and enduring beyond all earthly structures. His call home came one quiet Sabbath 'evening, and he entered the land of the Redeemed, just as the day was closing. "Blessed are they that die in the Lord."

" Life's duties done, as sinks the day, Light from its load the spirit flies : While heaven and earth combine to say . How blest the righteous when he dies." ""

osiah J. Cochran, dealer in staple and fancy groceries, glass and crockery ware, provisions, wood and coal, established business in Abingdon in 1872. Mr. Cochran was born in Highland County, Ohio, Sept. 6, 1836, and is the son of Andrew and Nancy (Cannon) Cochran, natives of the same State. Our

subject came to Abingdon, Knox Co., with his par- ents, in October, 1837, and has continued to reside in this place since that time. He received a common- school education, and enlisted Aug. 11, 1862, in Co. I, 83d Vol. Inf .; was promoted to Sergeant and mus- tered out of service July 7, 1865. His regiment was in Gen. Thompson's corps, was mounted part of the time and doing much skirmish duty with guerrillas, participating in the second battle of Fort Donelson.

After his return to Knox County, our subject fol- lowed the carpenter's trade for two years, then was employed as clerk for F. P. Foltz for eight years, subsequently embarking in his present business. He selected for his life companion Miss M. J. Shoop, of Abingdon, and the result of this union was the birth of eight children, four sons and four daughters, of whom the record is as follows: Lucia M., born Aug. 13, 1861, became the wife of Chas. F. Coy and they reside in California ; Fannie M., born April 4, 1866; Arthur F., Nov. 20, 1867 ; Carrie B., Dec. 20, 1869; George A., Sept. 22, 1872; Fred. W., May 4, 1874; Josiah H., Aug. 15, 1876; and Mary J., Feb. 6, 1880. Mrs. Cochran died April 24, 1881. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which denomination Mr. C. is also a mem- ber. Politically he is a stanch Republican and is a member of the G. A. R., Post No. 58.

F. Adams. Among the well-to-do and successful farmers of Sparta Township who have succeeded in their chosen vocation without being the recipient of any legacy, but by their own energy and perseverance, is the subject of this notice. He is pleasantly sit- uated on his fine farm on section 4, in the township named, and there continues to follow the vocation of his life, meeting with success in that calling. Mr. Adams has spent all the years of his life in this county, having been born here on the 7th of March, 1842. His father was James and his mother Sarah (Miller) Adams, natives of South Carolina. They came to this county in 1841 and made settlement in Rio Township, on 80 acres of uncultivated land, which he diligently cultivated and improved until his death, in 1879, his good wife having preceded him to the land beyond in 1847. Their family of children, who lived to attain the age of man and

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womanhood, were eight in number, namely : Wil- son (see sketch); William D. P., now in Oregon ; he married Lucina Loveridge and went to that Ter- ritory in the spring of 1865, making the trip over- land. John T. (see sketch); A. F. (our subject). Phelps R., now residing in Santa Cruz, Cal .; he is a preacher in the Congregational Church, and married Agnes Hommon, of Knox County; they have four children. Caroline married Thomas Woodman, and is deceased. Lucinda, deceased, married Joshua Whiteleather. Sarah became the wife of J. C. Nash and resides in Mercer County ; they are the parents of three children.

The father of our subject was one of the first set- tlers on the unbroken prairie land, at that time be- lieved to be unproductive. The family lived in the primitive log cabin of that day, and the appearance of their domicile remained practically unchanged for 20 years. The father was a man of energy and push, and strictly temperate. He experienced all the trials and privations incident to the early settle- ment of a new country, and lived to see Knox County · develop from its primitive condition to one of the best and most productive counties in the Prairie State.

The subject of this notice lived at home, assisting on the farm and thereby aiding in the maintenance of the family, until 20 years of his life had passed. In the common schools he received his education, and after leaving home he moved to Sparta Town- ship, and rented a farm and was occupied in its cultivation until the news flashed across the conti- nent that rebel shot and shell had been thundered against the walls of Sumter, when he enlisted in defense of the rights for which his forefathers had fought. He joined Co. B, 138th Ill. Vol. Inf., and was in the service of his country for five months. Receiving an honorable discharge, he returned honie, doffed his uniform, laid aside his accouter- ments of war, and entered upon the peaceful pur- suits of life. He purchased 50 acres of land, and lived on the same, together with a younger brother, until 1880. He then sold it and purchased the farm on which he is at present residing and which con- sists of 98 acres. This farm was originally entered by his uncle, Reuben Robbins, who lived on it until 1863, when he sold it, and our subject purchased it as before stated.

Mr. Adams was united in marriage in 1867, with

Miss Elizabeth Woolworth, a daughter of Newell Woolworth, of York State. She was the third in order of birth of a family of four, viz,: Reuben W., J. G B., Elizabeth M. and Mary L. They all arrived at the age of man and womanhood. The father passed away in 1870; the mother is still living in York State.

Mr. Adams is a Republican in political sentiment, and he and his wife are members of the Second Ad- vent Church, and, as a representative of the agri- cultural class, he is the peer of its best and worthiest. Two children, boys, complete their family-Birney W. and Fred C. Adamıs.

ary J. Boydston. The subject of the bi- ographical sketch given below is known in Knox County as a lady of genial and pleasant disposition and as an active and in- dustrious woman. Her home is situated on

- section 20, of Indian Point Township, where she is nobly battling with life's realities alone, the com- panion of her life being taken. She has nobly shown her capability to cope with the world single-handed.

The deceased husband, John J. Boydston, was born in Woodford County, Ill., Jan. 4, 1831, and died Sept. 2, 1882. His parents were from Kentucky, but were of Scotch ancestry and blood. When John was five or six years of age, his parents removed to Knox County, and settled in Indian Point Township. At the age of 17, he experienced a change of heart and joined the Christian Church, enrolling his name upon the church books, and enlisting under the banner of Christ Jesus. He was warm-hearted and impulsive, deeply interested in the work, and he took an active part in the Sunday-school and also in the church. . 1s he grew up, he filled various offices and was Deacon in that body at the time of his death. He was note- worthy as an enterprising man. and an energetic, hard-working citizen, and was beloved by all for his sympathetic gentleness and kindly courtesy. He was widely mourned at the time of his death, which took place in the State of 'Texas, where he had gone to visit a sick brother. His remains were, however, brought to his home in Knox County, by his faithful wife, and buried from that place, attended by a large concourse of people.

On Dec. 19, 1850, he was united in marriage to

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Miss Mary J. Dawdy, daughter of John and Sarah (Boydston) Dawdy. Her father was born in 1802, and died at the age of 76. Mr. Boydston had filled the office of Supervisor of Indian Point Township, with honor to himself and credit to the people. The union has been blessed by a son and daughter, the son being Thomas Boydston.

Thomas M. was born Oct. 6, 1853, united in hand and heart with Miss Kate P. Morrison, Sept. 1, 1880. She was born Oct. 29, 1860. Thena Belle was born October 6, 1858, and died March 12, 1863. She was a bright and interesting child of five years, and her loss was a severe blow to her parents.

Mrs. Boydston, of this writing, was born Nov. 22, 1831, in Woodford County, Ill. She united with the Christian Church, and has shown forth the beauties of consistent Christianity throughout her entire life since that time. Her name was enrolled on the church books at Abingdon in 1848. She had one sister, now Mrs. A. T. Robinson, living in the same township, and ten half-brothers and sisters. Her father and mother were members of the Christian Church, and active workers in all public enter- prises. He was something of a politician and was Democratic in politics.

Mr. Thomas M., the son, has one daughter, a sweet little girl of two years, by name Nana Pearl, who was born Dec. 11, 1884. Thomas Boydston has in possession 160 acres of finely culti- vated land, and all common grades of cattle. He does a general farming business and is quite success- ful. Mrs. Boydston is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Boydston is moderately interested in public affairs, and is a Democrat in politics.

aniel B. Sargent, a prominent farmer liv- ing on section 15, Salem Township, is one of Knox County's most energetic and in- dustrious citizens, well known and highly re- spected for his native ability and moral worth. He was born in Farmington, Fulton County, Ill., Aug. 12, 1832. His father, Theodore Sargent, was a native of the State of Maine, born Dec. 24, 1795. The grandfather of our subject, by name Charles Sargent, spent his latter days in the same State.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 47

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company Number of Pages: 1130

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130