Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 107

Author: Chapman brothers, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 1222

USA > Illinois > McLean County > Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 107

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James Turner was the eldest son of Joseph Tur- ner, the son of Adam Turner. The latter was a native of England, where he was reared and mar- ried, and after emigrating to the United States, settled in Franklin County, Pa., about the middle of the eighteenth century. Indians were numer- ous then in that region, and the settlers experi- enced from them much trouble and danger. It is supposed that Adam Turner engaged in farming pursuits, and that he died in the county where he first settled. His son Joseph, the grandfather of Mrs. Wakefield, was born and reared in Franklin County, Pa., and married Miss Margaret Porter, whose brother, Nathaniel, was a Colonel in the Revolutionary army, and fought at the battle of Brandywine. Joseph, with his wife, died in Indi- ana County, Pa., where he was engaged as a whecl- wright, after the independence of the colonies was established. Their family included six children, of whom James Turner, the father of Mrs. Wake- field, was the eldest son and second child.

The marriage of James Turner with Miss Mc- Kinney, took place in Indiana County, Pa., April

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2, 1825. Mrs. Turner was the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Bard) MeKinney, both natives of Pennsylvania, her mother being the daughter of Richard and Catherine Bard, whom it is supposed were natives of Ireland, but of Scoteh parentage and descent. Soon after marriage they'settled in Franklin County, Pa., in about 1755. Three years later both were captured by the Indians. The father being threatened with deatlı, made his escape after five days. The mother was held a'captive for two years, but being niade the adopted daugh- ter of the ehicf, she fared better than most of those who fell into the hands of the savages. Her body or her life was offered for sale to her husband a number of times, but when he would send the price demanded they failed in their agreement, but finally released her in an exchange of prisoners, the whites having captured some of their most valuable war- riors. After his capture and escape, Mr. Bard wrote a poem of 101 verses in relation to his thrill- ing experience and that of his young wife. These excellent people spent the remainder of their lives in Franklin County, Pa., bothi living to an ad- vaneed age.

Mrs. Wakefield has inherited in a marked degree the fine qualities of her ancestors, being a lady of much force of character and fine intelligence. She was rcared and educated in Clermont County, Ohio, and received careful home training at the hands of her excellent Christian parents. By her union with our subject she has become the mother of twelve children, two now deceased, an infant unnamed and a son, Willie, who died at the age of five years; Margaret B. is the wife of Fred II. Hill; Alice married N. J. Battershell: James C. married Miss Mary Thompson, and is a farmer of Randolph Township; Porter T. married Anna Miller, of Bloomington, where they reside, this son being en- gaged in merchandising; Minnie and Frank L. arc at home; Jennie B. is attending school at Normal, and Mary at Heyworth, also Herbert L. and An- drew MeCoy. Mr. and Mrs. Wakefield have reared their children in those principles which have been the rule of their own lives, and which have eonsti- tuted them members of the best society of this community. They are members in good standing of the Presbyterian Church, and our subject polit-

ically affiliates with the Democratic party. The homestead is beautifully located, and invariably attracts the attention of the traveler, being one of the prettiest spots in the landscape of Randolph Township.

P ETER WALLACE, D. D. The subject of the following biography isa native of Ken- tucky, born in Mason County on the 11th of April, 1813. He is the son of Thomas and Catharine Wallace, and was but an infant when the family removed and settle'd on a farm in Brown County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, in the meantime receiving what instruction lie eould gather from the limited advantages of the country sehools. Young Wallace, however, was fond of his books and ambitious to excel, and closely applied himself to such books as he eould obtain and which gave in- struction especially in literature and science. At the age of twenty years hc migrated to Illinois, having in the meantime acquired a good knowledge of the earpenter's trade, and locating at Spring- field, became a contractor and builder, which busi- ness he followed with suecess for a number of years. He was of that genial disposition which made him popular with all classes, and among liis warm per- sonal friends and associates were Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, Richard Yates, and many others who afterward became prominent in the eounscls of the nation.

Peter Wallace was converted at Springfield May 18, 1835, and became an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1853 he was re- ceived into the Illinois Conference on trial, and given charge of the Danville Circuit, which trust he filled with great eredit to himself aud satisfac- tion to his Elder and Bishop. He was subsequently stationed at Edgar, Homer, Camargo, Moweaqua, Macon, Beardstown, Warsaw and Saybrook, being superannuated at the last named place in 1885. From 1867 to 1870, he was Presiding Elder in the Mattoon Distriet, and from 1871 to 1874 served the Quincy District in a like capacity. In 1875, he as agent represented Johnson College, afterward known as Chaddock College. He was also, for six years, President of the Board of Trustees of the

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college, from which institution he received the de- gree of D. D. He was a very foreible pulpit orator, and as he led an exemplary Christian life, thousands were converted by his precepts and example. He did not confine his good acts to the ministry alone, but when the Civil War broke out he at onee de- termined to help save the Union and assist in free- ing from bondage 4,000,000 human beings. Ile soon organized a company of soldiers from Sanga- mon County, and was mustered into the United States service as Captain of Co. I, 73d Ill. Vol. Inf. This regiment was known as the "Preachers' Regiment," as every officer fron General down was a minister of the Gospel.

Dr. Wallace was elected Captain of the company whieli he had organized, and as such commanded them at the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Nashville and many minor engagements. At the battle of Stone River he was in charge of the regi- ment most of the time. Being forty-five years of age when he entered the service, the long marches and severe exposure injured his health to such an extent that he was compelled to resign his com- mand in May, 1864, having served nearly two years, with eredit to himself and honor to his country.

Politieally Dr. Wallace was in early life a Whig and strongly opposed to slavery. He was one of the founders of the Republican party, and is still a staneh supporter of its principles. His first vote was east for Abraham Lincoln, who was then a candidate for the Legislature of Illinois. In 1882, during the administration of President Arthur, without any solicitation on his part he was commis- sioned Postmaster at Saybrook, which office he held until after the change in the National administration, when he resigned. In 1884 he was urged as a candidate for the State Legislature but deelined the honor. although a nomination would have insured his election. He is now seventy-four years of age, still preaches with great power, and attends to con- siderable private business. He is an interesting con- versationalist and good authority in theology and polities. He is connected with Lodge No. 468, A. F. & A. M., Macon Chapter No. 21, R. A. M., and Beaumonoir Commandery No. 9, K. 'T., also a mnem- ber of MePherson Post, G. A. R.

Dr. Wallace has been twice married; his first

wife, who was Miss Emeline Johnson, and to whom he was married at Springfield in 1835, departed this life on the 18th of October, 1860. He was married the second time, July 3, 1861, to Mrs. K. H. (Davenport) Cone, and they have one son, Louis D., aged twenty, who is attending the Northwest- ern University at Evanston, Ill. Mrs. Wallace is a native of Hudson, Mich., and the daughter of John C. and Azubah (Beebe) Davenport, the for- mer a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. Mr. Davenport was one of the pioneer set- tlers of Michigan and became one of the substantial business men of the State, being for many years a heavy contractor for carrying mail before the days of railroads. Mrs. Wallace received a good eduea- tion, mostly from private tutors. In 1854 she moved to Chicago, and resided with her sister, Mrs. . Dr. Cone. In her eighteenth year she was married to Maj. George W. I. Cone, who was a native of New York State, whence he emigrated westward early in life, fitted himself for the practice of law, and was admitted to practice in 1855. He was a gentleman of fine ability and the originator of the now famous "Associated Congress" of Chicago, or- ganized in 1857, and of whichi he was the first Speaker. While serving in that capacity he made many warm friends and-his withdrawal from the Congress was received with universal regret. His death occurred Jan. 21, 1859. Although only twenty-four years of age he had already established a reputation as a business and literary man of more than ordinary merit, and great things were predieted for him in the future.

Nearly three years after his death, Mrs. Cone was united in marriage with Dr. Wallace, as already stated. Mrs. Wallace possesses fine social qualities and exerts a good influence upon all around her. She has made it a study of life to never speak evil of anyone. As the wife of an itinerate preacher'she has resided in many different places, often finding the society in a state of discord, and was often the happy medium by which it was restored to har- mony. She isa great lover of nature, and the trees and shrubbery growing in the seliool-house park are monuments of her enterprise and desire to in- still in the minds of the young, her own admiration of the grand works of nature, which must inevitably

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result in having a good influenee upon them. Dr. and Mrs. Wallace have a beautiful home in Say brook, where they expect to continue their resi- denee. They are given to hospitality, and rich and poor share it alike. During their married life, Viee Presidents of the United States, Bishops, Consuls, Governors, Congressmen and Judges have sat at their table, and yet the welcome was no more to the great than the most humble of their acquaintances.

ARMON A. ROWE. This gentleman, who followed the plow for forty years of his life, is now a prominent factor in the business community of Saybrook, where he is carry- ing on a profitable trade in agricultural implements. Ile is a native of Ohio, and was born in Fayette County, Dee. 22, 1830, where he spent his early life, attending the distriet school and assisting his father on the farm. He is the son of Willis and Harriett (Lines) Rowe, both natives of Virginia, whose parents removed to Ohio soon after their marriage. Willis Rowe died near Saybrook, Oet. 31, 1876, at the age of seventy years. He was reared in Democratie principles but became identi- fied with the Whig party, with which he remained' until its abandonment and was ever afterward a Republican.

After reaching his majority our subjeet was mar- ried, Aug. 31, 1854, to Miss Mary J. Ferguson, who was born in Pennsylvania, and removed to Ohio with her parents when a mere child. She is the daughter of William and Catherine Ferguson, the former a native of Maine but now deceased, and the latter of Pennsylvania. William Ferguson departed this life in Saybrook, in May, 1884, at the advanced age of seventy-four years. The mother of Mrs. Rowe is still living. Their children were Levi, John, Hiram, Mary A., Cordelia, Naney and Mary J. Mrs. Rowe was born in 1833.

In 1864 Mr. R. removed with his family to Illi- nois and located in Cheney's Grove Township, of which he has been a resident since that time. He has been prospered in his various pursuits and has four valuable lots and a good residence in Saybrook. In addition to his implement trade he handles each

year large quantities of eoal, in which he has built up a profitable and steadily increasing trade. Dur- ing his busy life he has kept an eye upon the pros- perity and welfare of the community around him, and has contributed his full sliare toward the build- ing up of his township and town. IIe has been a firm supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and with his family, is a member and regular attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Saybrook. Socially he belongs to MePherson Post No. 79, G. A. R. During the late war he served as a Union soldier in Co. K, 168th Ohio Vol. Inf., performing his duties as a soldier faithfully and bravely for five months, and receiving an honora- ble discharge when peace was restored.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Rowe are re- eorded as follows: Orin H. died when ten years of age; Etta B. became the wife of H. C. Meyers, and died at her home near Saybrook in 1880; Will- iam H. married Miss Margaret Cheney, and is a resident of Saybrook; Jennie May and Nellie are at home with their parents.

LMON MORROW. The Morrow family history dates back to a time previous to the Revolutionary War. The first mem- bers in this country settled in New York State and are supposed to have descended from Seottish and Irish ancestry. The grandfather of our subjeet, Jaines Morrow, was a native of New York, and engaged in farming and merchandising. He was married in his native State in about 1811, and subsequently removed to Clinton County, Ohio. There he and his wife spent the remainder of their days and there their remains are buried.

The father of our subjeet, William Morrow, was a youth of seventeen years when his parents re- moved to Clinton County, Ohio. A few years later he enlisted in the army, and was engaged as a private in the War of 1812, serving until its elose. He then returned to Warren County, Ohio, and in due time was married to Miss Susan Nieker- son. This lady was born and reared in New York State and died in Ohio while yet a young woman, leaving a family of four children, of whom our sub-

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jeet was the youngest. For his second wife, Will- iam Morrow married Miss Lydia Williams, who is yet living, being sixty-six years of age and making her home in Warren County, Ohio. Of this latter marriage there were born seven sons, five of whom served as soldiers in the Union army. With these our subjeet served also, thus making six sons of one father who gave their serviees to aid in the pres- ervation of the Union. All were content to serve as privates and performed their duties bravely and faithfully, aud in aeeordanee with the principles of honor and truth in which they had been reared. Of these, who were named-Almon, George, Henry, Samuel, Morris and Emmett-Henry and Samuel were killed, the former being shot through the head by a rebel ball at the battle of Resaea, Ga .; Samuel was wounded in the engagement at Gallatin, Tenn., and died in the hospital. The others eseaped un- harmed and lived to return home in safety. All be- longed to different regiments.

Our subjeet enlisted in Heyworth, Aug. 8, 1862, in Co. B, 94th Ill. Vol. Inf., under command of Capt. MeFarland. . He participated in the battle at Prairie Grove, Ark .; Vieksburg, Miss .; Ft. Mor- gan and Spanish Fort, which latter was taken by the Federal troops in the spring of 1865. He was also at the evaeuation of Mobile whenee, with his eom- rades, he went to Galveston, Tex., where his regi- ment was discharged on the 9th of August, 1865. During the period of three years he was in the army, our subjeet daily reported for duty, with the exeeption of fifteen days, during which time he was home on a furlough. After his honorable discharge he returned to Heyworth, where he had settled in the fall of 1861.

Almon Morrow was born in Warren County, Ohio, June 20, 1829, and was there reared and ed- ueated. He remained under the parental roof and assisted in the labors of the farm until his marriage. On the 6th of April, 1854, he was united in wed- loek with Miss Ruth H. Templin, who was a native of his own eounty and born Oet. 15, 1836. Her parents were Jonathan and Elizabeth (Henry) Templin, natives respectively of Virginia and Indiana. They were married in Warren County, Ohio, and spent their entire lives upon a farm. Both died at their home in Clinton County, Ohio,

where they had lived for a period of thirty years. The deeease of the father oceurred May 20, 1885, and that of the mother April 16, 1886. They were most exeellent and worthy people and greatly re- speeted in the community where they were known.

Mrs. Morrow received careful home training and was educated in the publie sehools of her native eounty. She remained with her parents until her marriage. Of her union with our subjeet there were born three children, two now deceased-Aliee and Owen, aged respectively six and four years. Mattie M. beeame the wife of Albert B. Fulton of Bloomington; they reside upon a farm and are the parents of one child, Elmer, the only daughter, Maude, having died at the age of three years,

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Morrow first settled upon a farm in Clinton County, Ohio, and removed to the Prairie State the year before the war. After his return from the army he purehased eighty aeres of land in Randolph Township, this eounty, which constitutes a part of their present homestead. To this he subsequently added, and the home farm now contains 120 aeres, being located on seetion 8. Our subjeet has been prospered in his agricultural and business operations and his land is in a fine state of cultivation. The family are eonneeted with the Presbyterian Church, of which our subjeet is Deaeon. Politieally Mr. Mor- row is a staneh supporter of the principles of the Republiean party.

RS. ELIZABETH MORELAND, one of the pioneers of Belleflower Township, is a resident on seetion 9. Her present home- stead was established by Allen Ringo, in January, 1858. Mrs. M. was born in Clermont County, Ohio, Dee. 25, 1831. Her father, Alfred West, was a native of the same State, and her grand- father, George West, of Kentucky, emigrated from the Blue Grass regions to Ohio at an early period in the history of that State, settling in Clermont County. There he cleared a farm from the wilder- ness, which he oceupied for many years, but after- ' ward removed to Indiana, and died in Covington,

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that State, at the home of his son John, having ar- rived at the advanced age of ninety-six years. Ilis son, Alfred, was reared to manhood in Cler- mont County, Ohio, where he lived until the fall of 1833. Then with his wife and five children he went overland to Indiana and located in Clay County, where he was among the first settlers. Hle purchased a tract of heavy timber land and cleared a farm from the wilderness, where he lived until his decease, in April, 1882, when eighty-four years of age. Ile was married in early manhood to Miss Elizabeth Arehy, who was born in Clermont County, Ohio, being the daughter of Chapman Archy, of Kentucky, who removed to Clermont County, Ohio, and there spent the last years of his life. The mother died in Clay County, Ind., in June, 1871.

Mrs. Elizabeth Moreland was not quite two years old when her parents removed from Ohio to In- diana. She remained under the home roof until her first marriage, to Allen Ringo, which oecurred Jan. 25, 1852. This gentleman was born in Ken- tucky, being the son of Major and Elizabeth Ringo. About the time of his marriage Allen Ringo purchased a tract of land in Clay County, Ind., upon which he erected a log cabin, and in that the young people commenced housekeeping. They remained there two years, and in the fall of 1854 started overland with a team of horses and a wagon for the prairies of Illinois. Mr. R. first purchased 160 acres in McDonough County, upon which they remained for the five years following. Ile then came to McLean County and purchased 240 acres of wild land in Belleflower Township. Here he also built a house for his family and con- tinued the improvement and cultivation of his land until his death, which occurred Jan. 31, 1865. He was a member in good standing of the Christian Church and a worthy citizen, highly esteemed by all who knew him.

In June, 1868, Mrs. Ringo was married the see- ond time, to Bernard 'Moreland. Mr. M. was a na- tive of Ohio, and born May 7, 1837. His parents were Edward and Mary A. Moreland. Mrs. M. still occupies the homestead where she first set- tled upon coming to Belleflower Township. The farm comprises 160 acres of good land. Mr. M. is a traveling salesman, representing the business

of H. P. Deuscher, of Hamilton, Ohio, dealer in agricultural implements.

By her first marriage Mrs. Moreland became the mother of three children: Laura, the wife of Alvah Jayns, lives in Champaign County, Ill. ; Leonard and Lillie J. are twins. The former lives in Chiase County, Neb .; Lillie is at home with her mother. Of the second marriage there were born three chil- dren-Mason B., Ambers J. and Walter G. Mrs. M. is a member in good standing of the Christian ' Church, and a lady highly respected in the com- inunity.

RS. LUCINDA HAYS, widow of William H. Hays, is located upon a good farm of 160 acres in Blue Mound Township, upon which she removed in 1865, with her hus- band, and where she has since lived. She is a na- tive of Ohio, born in Fayette County, April 8, 1836, and is the daughter of Hugh and Mary (Hughs) Paul, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. Hugh Paul departed this life on the 4th of February, 1837, in Fayette County, Ohio, Afterward, in 1845, the mother came with her little family to Illinois, and located in Money Creek Township, this county, where she died in .April, 1855. They have only two children-Ma- tilda J. and Lueinda. Matilda became the wife of John Henline, and died in Money Creek Township in 1856.

Mrs. Hays was ten years old when her mother came to this county, and remained under the home roof most of the time until her marriage. On the 23d of December, 1856, she was married to Will- iam II. Hays, in Bloomington, Ill. The parents of Mr. Hays were Henry and Sarah (Smith) Hays, na- tives of Kentucky. They remained for a time in their native State, after their marriage, and thence removed to Illinois, settling in Lexington Town- ship, this county, in 1835. The father died in the spring of 1860, and the mother in 1848, in Lexing- ton Township. Their seven children, all of whom lived to mature years, were, William II., Matilda, IIettie, Ann E., Henry C., Harriet D. and James. William H. was the eldest of the family; he was born in Lexington Township, Oct. 22, 1835, and

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was rearcd to farming pursuits, which he followed during life.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hays, of this notice, first settled in Lexington Township, this county, but in 1858 removed to Kansas, where they lived two years. They then returned, and again became residents of Lexington Township, where they lived until the spring of 1865, when they removed upon the present homestead in Blue Mound Township, and there the death of Mr. Hays occurred. April 22, 1881. Of this union there were born nine ehildren, viz., George W., Henry L., Hugh E., Ella and Della, twins, Graee M., Harry M., Floy A., and one who died in in- faney. George married Miss Maggie Henline, and resides in Lexington, Ill .; Ilenry married Miss Sarah Kraft, and is farming in Towanda Township; Hugh married Miss Emma Campbell, and they are living in Blue Mound Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hays many years ago identified themselves with the Methodist Episcopal Church, cf which Mr. Hays remained a consistent member until his death, and to which Mrs. Hays still belongs. She is a lady greatly respected and esteemed in this com- munity for her exeellent traits of character and kindness of heart. She has managed the farm sinee the death of her husband in a judieious and wise manner, and shows excellent business ability.

HOMAS B. KILGORE, Supervisor of Lawn- dale Township, has a pleasant home on sec- tion 26, where he is pursuing the peaceful vocation of an agriculturist, and attending, as oe- casion requires, to the duties of his office. He has been a resident of this section sinee the spring of 1867, ivhen, after a term of service in the Union army, he came to MeLean County and settled in Lawndale Township, where he purehased 320 aeres of land, upon which he has since resided, and be- came identificd with the interests of his adopted township and county.

The subject of this history is the son of John and Malona C. (Beach) Kilgore, who were natives of Madison County, Ohio, and after marriage set- tled in Franklin County, that State, where they

have since made their home. The parental house- hold ineluded four children, of whom the record is as follows: Sarah A. is the wife of Samuel Stauffer, and resides in Lawndale Township; Albert is de- ceased ; John N. lives in Lawndale Township.

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Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 107

Author: Chapman brothers, Chicago, pub Publication date: 1887 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman brothers Number of Pages: 1222

Author: Chapman brothers, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 1222