Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 19

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 19

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Nathaniel Lash, the father of our subjeet, was reared in his native State of Ohio, where he grew to manhood, in the meantime receiving a fair edu- eation in the publie sehools. He was there married, and continued in that State until 1833, when he emi- grated to illinois and settled in that portion of the State which was assigned afterward to Bureau County, the latter not being then organized. The elder Nash entered a elaim, built a eabin and feneed a few acres. He there established a comfortable home, it being located about one and a half miles north of the now flourishing eity of Princeton. There he spent the remainder of his life and died in June, 1834.

The maiden name of the mother of our subjeet was Charity Short, and she was born in Baltimore, Md. She eame to Illinois with her family and died in Tazewell County in November, 1836. The par- ental household consisted of nine children, four

sons and five daughters, of whom the subject of our sketeh was the fourth in order of birth. He was eight years old when his father came to Illi- nois. After the death of his mother lie lived with Mr. Henshaw and grew to manhood in this eounty.

In 1846, during the progress of the Mexican War, Mr. Lash enlisted as a soldier in the 4th Illi- nois Infantry, Col. E. D. Baker commanding, and went to Mexico. He participated in the battles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo, and engaged in the various other battles and skirmishes, serving until the elose of the war, and receiving his honorable diselarge in March, 1847. At the elose of his mili- tary experience he returned to MeLean County, and in 1851 set out overland for the gold fields of Cali- fornia. He started out from Dale Township on the 3d of April and drove an ox-team aeross the plains in company with a large party. He arrived in Oregon City on the 16th of August following, having erossed the Caseade Mountains, a distance of eighty miles, in four days. After arriving in California he entered the mines, and was oeeupied in digging for the yellow ore until July 15 of the following year. He then set out for home via the Isthinus and New Orleans, and the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Pekin, thenee by stage to Bloom- ington.

Mr. Lash, after remaining in Illinois until 1855, set out in the month of February for Texas, then, returning in April of the same year, settled upon the farm which he has sinee continuously occupied. He was married on the 20th of March, 1856. to Miss Susan Herring, who was a native of Richland County, Ohio, and a daughter of Daniel and Eliza- beth (Ferguson) Herring. Their comfortable home is surrounded by the applianecs of good taste and ample means, and Mr. Lash and his wife are enjoy- ing the good things of this life and the highest esteem of their friends and fellow-eitizens.

Mr. Lash has always been a eonseientions Demo- erat and cast his first vote for Gen. Cass. He has had a large and useful experience in life, and has gathered mueh valuable knowledge from the seenes which he has witnessed during his travels over a large portion of the United States. As a leading representative eitizen of this county we give a por- trait of Mr. Lash on page 220.

Mini Lash

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OHIN M. WILLSON, proprietor of the Maple Grove Poultry and Vegetable Farm, of the West Side, Bloomington, engaged in business at his present farm in October, 1885, and has met with gratifying sueeess. His poultry embraces the Brahima and Plymouth Rock species, and Mr. Willson exhibits some of the fin- est fowls to be seen in the market. His business is on the increase, and he purposes to carry on breed- ing extensively in the near future. Before coming to this loeality Mr. Willson conducted a groeery trade at Lansing for a period of seventeen years and carried on the poultry business for four years. Of this latter he now has a thorough understanding, and the prospects are that he will build up a fine reputation in this department of business.

Mr. Willson is deseended from English and Seot- tish ancestry, and was born in the county of Brant, Ontario, the date of his birth being Dee. 15, 1845. He was reared in his native Provinee, and came to the United States in 1867. His father, Joseph Willson, is still living, making his home with our subjeet. The mother, Eliza A. (Parsons) Willson, died at Lansing, Mieh., July 3, 1879. Of the par- ental union there were born but two children, our subjeet and his sister Clarissa, who died at the age of fourteen years. The parents were born and reared in Upper Canada, and were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church there.

John M. was educated .in Wentworth County, and remained there until nearly grown. When fourteen years of age he visited Cleveland, Ohio, where he was employed as elerk in a store of gen- eral merehandise. Later he returned to Canada, and from there proceeded to Lansing and engaged in the grocery trade, as stated. There he was mar- ried to Miss Minnie Potter, who died after the birth of her first child. The child, Grace B., only survived its mother nine months. Mrs. Minnie Willson was born and reared in Michigan, and was a lady greatly beloved by her husband and friends for her amiable and excellent character.

Mr. Willson was the second time married, at De- troit, Mieh., on the 29th of March, 1879, to Mrs. Josie (Bainbridge) Gally, the daughter of Prof. E. D. and Sarah (Piekett) Bainbridge, natives of New York. The father was a professor of music,

a skillful musician, and was ealled one of the sweetest singers in the East. He graduated at Hamilton, N. Y., when eighteen years of age, and two years later began teaching and followed this profession until he rested from his earthly labors. Late in life he went to Detroit, Mieh., and died there on the 29th of May, 1879. For many years he had been a resi- dent of Rochester, N. Y. All his time and talents were devoted to the ealling which he greatly loved, and while his musical talent drew around him a large circle of admiring friends, he was likewise valued for his kindly and courteous disposition and personal worth.

Mrs. Josie Willson was born in Seneea County, N. Y., Aug. 22, 1850. She inherited, in a large degree, the musical genius of her father, and when a child of five years old eould readily play upon the several instruments which he possessed. She still plays skillfully, but without notes or after teehnieal rules. She lived at home until her first marriage in Rochester to Mr. W. A. Gally, who died in about the year 1875. . Our subject and wife are members in good standing of the Congregational Church, of which the former is a Trustee, and in polities he affiliates with the Republican party. Socially he belongs to the Masonic fraternity.

C APT. ANDREW W. SCOGIN, of Blooming- ton Township, whose portrait we give on a preceding page, owns and oceupies a finely improved farin estate of 340 acres of well improved land, pleasantly located on seetion 18. He is car- rying on the business of a general farmer, and in the management of large and important interests is meeting with sneeess.

Capt. Seogin is a native of llamilton County, Ohio, and was born on the 25th of March, 1823. His father, Joel A. O. Seogin, was a native of the same State. and of exeellent Scottish and Welsh deseent. The mother, formerly Miss Hester Wake- field, was a native of the same State as her husband, whom she survived several years, removed to Me- Lean'County, Ill., and died in about 1875, at the advaneed age of cighty-three years. Her husband

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was ent down in the prime of life, and died in his native State and county.

The subject of our sketeli was one of the elder children born to his parents and remained in his native county until he had arrived at the age of fourteen years. He then sought the more western country in company with his unele, Joseplı Wake- field, and they came to MeLean County, Ill., set- tling in Randolph Township, and young Seogin re- mained with his unele until his marriage.' 'This in- teresting event occurred on the 26th of November, 1844, the maiden of his choiee being Miss Eliza- beth Karr, daughter of Thomas J. and Elizabeth (Kitehell) Karr, natives of New Jersey, the father a farmer by occupation. The young wife lived only a short time after the birth of her first ehild, her deeease occurring Oet. 13, 1845. The child also died while young.

Mr. Seogin was the second time married, Jan. 19, 1847, in Bloomington Township, to Miss Eliza Low, who was a native of Lieking County, Ohio, and born Aug. 29, 1829. She became the mother of seven children, one of whom is now deceased, and died at her home in Bloomington Township on the 15th of November, 1863. The children are recorded as follows: Lee, the eldest born, married Miss Nettie Custer, of DeWitt County, Ill., and he is now carrying on farming operations in Dale Township; Jay B. is a farmer and carpenter, resid- ing in Bloomington Township; he was married to Mrs. Vietoria (Grow) Brown, a Kentucky lady. John N., of Bloomington, is employed at draying; he was married to Miss Nannie Kinzel, a native of this county. Frank, a farmer, is unmarried and re- sides at home; Hattie became the wife of Olid Lash, of Dale Township, and is now living with her father; Joseph W. is engaged in farming on the old homestead. These children constitute a fine family, have received a good education, and are all more than ordinarily bright and intelligent.

While yet a young man Mr. Seogin had served a thorough apprenticeship at the earpenter trade, at which he was engaged until after his second mar- riage, sinee which time he has been sueeessfully en- gaged in farming pursuits. The homestead is finely located, and in all its appointments is well fitted for the operations of a first-class agrieulturist. The

soil produces all kinds of cereals for the loeal mar- ket, and there is a sufficient amount of timber for the ordinary uses of the farm. Mr. S. owns valua- ble farm machinery of the latest improved pattern, and his barns and out-bildings are conveniently ar- ranged for the storing of grain and the shelter of stoek.

The mother of the family and two of her sons, Jay B. and Joseph, are devoted members. of the Christian Church, and the entire family in a marked degree enjoys the confidence and esteem of the community. Mr. S. is Democratie in polities, and has taken a lively intesest in the principles which he advocates and believes in. Some years since he was seriously affected by a stroke of paralysis, which greatly interfered with his former busy and energetie life.

During the progress of the late Civil War Mr. Seogin assisted to organize a company of three months' men and was elected Captain. After they had reached Springfield they were pressed for six months' service or more, but owing to the urgeney of business matters at home, some of the company, who had arranged their affairs for three montlis' absence and not for six, concluded to return home, and did so, with the eredit of liaving the will and desire to serve their country to the best of their ability.

G EORGE O. FULLER, an enterprising farmer living on seetion 4, Old Town Township, is the son of Charles and Eliza (Griffin) Ful- ler, natives of York State. After their marriage the parents settled in Jefferson County, their native State, wlience they removed to St. Lawrence County, and then baek to Jefferson County, and there lived until 1865, the father engaged the while in farming. During the latter year they came to MeLean County, and taking up their residenee in Old Town Township continued to live as man and wife until October, 1882, when he was struck by lightning and instantly killed. She survives him and is a resident of Old Town Township. Their union was blest by the birth of six sons and five daughters, and George O. was the third in order of birth.

Mr. Fuller of. this notice was born in St. Lawrence

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County, N. Y., Dee. 6, 1842. Ile received his edu- cation in the common sehools and worked on the farm in his native county until 1865, when he eame with his parents to this county and settled with them in Old Town Township. Thus far in life his years have been passed 'in agricultural pursuits, in which he has met with moderate suecess. He is at present the owner of an eighty-aere farm, located on section 4, Old Town Township, on which he lias good and substantial farm buildings, and is there engaged in the general routine of a farmer's life.

Mr. Fuller was married in Jefferson County, N. Y., Jan. 1, 1862, to Climena Groat, daughter of Henry and Jane (Gibbons) Groat. Miss Groat's parents had three children, and she was born in Jefferson County, N. Y. The union of our subjeet with Miss Groat has been blest by the birth of two children, Myron and Allie, both living at home. Mr. Fuller became a soldier in the Union army in 1862, enlisting in the 13th New York Heavy Ar- tillery and served three years. Receiving his dis- charge he returned to Jefferson County, N. Y., and there lived until coming here. In politics he is a Democrat.

W. EVANS, a prominent and prosperous cit- izen of McLean County, is one of the stoek- holders and Director of the Bloomington Stove Works, and a lumber merchant, en- gaged in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, and also in contraeting and building. Our subject was born in Cambria County, Pa., on the 12th of February, 1828, and is the son of John and Mar- garet (Jones) Evans, both natives of Montgomery- shire, Wales. Ilis grandparents, John and Jane (Watkins) Evans, were also of Welsh aneestry and parentage, and were engaged in agricultural pur- suits. Of their family of children John was the third.

John Evans was reared to farming pursuits, and attended sehool during his earlier years, and finally learned the blacksmith's trade. in his native county. In 1818 he emigrated to America, and proceeded to Ebensburg, Pa., where he opened a blacksmith- shop, and after getting it fairly under way returned to his native land and was there married. Shortly

afterward he brought his bride back with him to Pennsylvania, where he resumed labor in his shop, and operated it for twelve years thereafter. He then purchased a farm about two miles from the village, which he oeeupied for about thirty years, and then retiring to the village departed this life there in 1877. He was a respected and useful citi- zen, a Deacon of the Congregational Church for many years, and held various offices in the county. He gave to each of his children a good education, and took an intelligent interest in all matters per- taining to the intellectual and moral advancement of his eomnunity. John Evans and his wife were the parents of six children-David, Mary, John W., Morris, Richard and Jane A., all of whom lived to become men and women.

The subject of this biography was reared on a farm, and attended sehool three months each year in the winter, until he was eighteen years old. A year afterward he went to learn the carpenter's trade with his uncle, David H. Roberts, of Ebensburg, where he served three years, and for two years fol- lowing worked as a journeyman there. He then came West, in 1852, and visited Ohio, Indiana, Illi- nois, went north to Miehigan and southwest to Mis- sonri; then returned East to New York, and thence to New Jersey, where he remained a short time and from there went to his old home, having been gone a year. In 1854 he started westward once more by way of Louisiana, where he spent the winter and worked at his trade. From there he went np the river to Quincy, Ill., where he spent the summer, and in October of that year came to Bloomington, where he has sinee remained. He worked at his trade until March, 1855, and then formed a part- nership with J. W. Hayes, and they engaged in contracting for the following eighteen years, until the death of Mr. II. During this time they put up inore buildings than any other firm in the eity, and during the time they operated together established a lumber-yard and built a planing-mill, in 1859. which was destroyed by fire, in April, 1861. They immediately rebuilt and operated the same until the partnership was dissolved by death in 1873, since which time Mr. Evans, who purchased the in- terest of his partner, has continued the business alone. The main office is located on the corner of

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Center and Mulberry streets, where the shops, built of briek, eover an area of 3,500 feet. Mr. Evans gives employment to thirty-five men; the lumber- yards are on the opposite side of the street. Mr. Evans was one of the original organizers of the Bloomington Stove Works, and was President from 1885 to 1887. He has also been Treasurer, and was a Direetor from its organization.

The marriage of J. W. Evans and Miss Martha Williams took place in Ebensburg, Pa., May 20, 1860. Of this union there have been born six children, as follows: Fremont is engaged with his father in the lumber office; Cora, Roland, Fred, William and Susan are at home. The wife and mother departed this life in 1879, at the home of her husband in Bloomington. Mr. Evans and his family oeeupy a beautiful residenee at the corner of Chestnut and Center streets, which was ereeted in 1864, at a cost of $6,000. It is built of briek, and' in furnishing and finishing is indicative of eultiva- ted tastes and ample means.

Mr. Evans eommeneed life single-handed, with- out means or influenee, and his present possessions are the result of his own industry and enterprise. Ile possesses marked business talent, and is well in- formed upon matters of general interest. He has been prominently identified with the affairs of the community sinee eoming here, and among other positions of trust was Alderman of the Sixth Ward for five years, and has always contributed cheer- fully of his time and means for the promotion and · encouragement of whatever was ealeulated to be for the general welfare of the eommunity. He is Republican in polities, and in all respeets a repre- sentative eitizen. Our subjeet is eonneeted withı the Presbyterian Church, of which Mrs. E. was also a member in good standing.

AMUEL W. SUTHERLAND, deceased, formerly a resident on seetion 2, Old Town Township, was an offspring of Dr. John and Maria (Wilbor) Sutherland, natives of Columbia County, N. Y. After the marriage of

the parents they settled in Columbia County, where the father followed the practice of his profession and was also engaged in farming. He died there in 1842. She afterward married Samuel E. Hudson, of Newark, Wayne Co .; N. Y., and in 1858 they emigrated to this State and took up their residence in Old Town Township, this eounty, where he died in August, 1870. She afterward made her home with her son Samuel, and departed this life in Old Town Township, Oet. 20, 1886. She was of a quiet, retiring disposition, and was loved for her aets of Christian charity and kindness. By her first marriage she became the mother of two ehil- dren, who lived to attain the age of man and wom- anhood. Our subject was the elder, and Caroline A., the younger. The latter became the wife of R. P. Layton, and died at Roekford, III., one year after her marriage.

Samuel Sutherland was born at Chatham Center, Columbia Co., N. Y., May 28, 1826. He was reared to farm labor and supplemented his eduea- tion received in the common schools by a course of study at Kinderhook Academy, Kinderhook, N. Y., and still later attended the Rensselaer Institute, at Troy, N. Y., from which he graduated. He, however, aimed to follow none of the professions, but devoted his entire time to agricultural pursuits, and was thus occupied in Columbia County until 1856. In February of that year he came to this county with his wife and one ehild, and located in Old Town Township, purchasing nearly the whole of seetion 2, on which he loeated and followed his ehosen calling until his death, which event oeeurred May 18, 1879.

Mr. Sutherland was married in Columbia County, N. Y., Dee. 26, 1849, to Miss Mary H. Rider, daughter of D. W. and Anna Rider, natives of York State, where the mother died in August, 1852. The father eame to Henry County, Ill., subsequently removing to Iowa, where he departed this life. D. W. Rider, was the father of six children, Mary H. Ilelen, Anna, Wilson, Adeline and D). W. Mrs. Sutherland was born in Chatham, N. Y., July 19, 1829, and has borne our subjeet seven children, three of whom are deceased ; those living are Anna V., Ed ward W., John C. and Aliee M. Anna is the wife of Allan Brown. Mr. Sutherland was Township

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Supervisor, and also held other minor offiees dur- ing his life. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, and highly respected by all who knew him.

ON. J. H. ROWELL, Congressman from the Fourteenth Distriet of Illinois, having his residence at Bloomington, is a native of the Old Granite State, where he was born in 1833, and among the New England hills, in addi- tion to a natural inheritance, imbibed those strong and worthy principles of character which have con- tributed to his suceess in life and to the building up of an honorable record. He is the son of J. B. and Cynthia (Abbott) Rowell, also natives of New Hampshire. The grandparents on both sides were natives of Massachusetts, and after the Revolu- tionary War, removed from their native State into New Hampshire. Both the great-grandfathers of our subject served on the side of the colonics in their struggle for independenee, and were among the early settlers of the Bay State. They descended from a long line of honorable Englishi aneestry, who were good citizens and straightforward busi- ness men, and mostly engaged in agricultural pur- suits.

The parents of our subject removed from New Ilampslire in 1849, to MeLean County, Ill., and settled in Danvers Township. The father lived only one year after coming here, and his eldest son, Ira, took np a tract of 160 acres of land, upon which he built a house, improved a farm, and es- tablished a comfortable home, where the family lived for a number of years.

The subject of this history remained with his mother , and her family until he was twenty-one years old; at sixteen years of age he eomineneed teaching school winters while employed on the farm during the summer seasons. He had made the most of his advantages, and given good attention to his books while in school. After leaving the farm he entered Eureka College in Woodford County, Ill., as a student, and remained for the following six years. In 1860-61 he was Professor of Mathemat- ies. The Civil War being now in progress he en- listed in Co. G, 17th Ill. Vol, Inf., being elected

First Lieutenant, and after a year was given a Captain's commission, which he retained until his term of serviec expired. He was engaged with his regiment in the battles of Fts. Henry and Donel- son, Shilolı, Hatchie, the sieges of Corinthi and Vicksburg, and also in Meridian campaign. Inter- mingled with these were various skirmishes, in all of which he performed his part as became a soldier and a leader.

After receiving his honorable discharge from the army Capt. Rowell commenced the study of law in Chicago University, in which he made such rapid progress that he was admitted to the bar that same year, 1865, and commeneed the practice of his pro- fession in Bloomington, Ill. His evident talent re- ceived ready recognition, and he was elected to the office of State's Attorney from 1868 to 1872. He was a member of the Board of Education for six years, and Master in Chaneery of MeLean County for three years, in the meanwhile occupying other positions of trust and responsibility as a citizen and valued member of society.

Capt. Rowell was elected to represent the Four- teenth District in the United States Senate, first in 1882, and is now serving his third term as a na- tional legislator. During this time his eourse has been straightforward and upright, and his influence has been exerted for the best good of the greatest number. He is by no means a party politician, but in his high position strives to follow a line of strict integrity, which shall refleet not only honor upon himself, but upon the judgment of those who have placed him there.

The subject of our sketch was united in mar- riage with Miss Maria Woods at Bloomington, in 1866. Mrs. Rowell was born in Alton, Ill., and is the adopted daughter of J. C. and Maria Woods, of that place. She is an accomplished and eduea- ted lady, being a graduate of Denmark Academy. Their household circle has been completed by the birth of five children, as follows: Chester H. and Cora M. are attending the Michigan University at Ann Arbor; Lawrence W. is a student at the High School in Bloomington; Elmer and Laura are at home. The family residence is pleasantly located at the corner of Walnut and Evans streets, and its inmates are surrounded by all the refinements of

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modern life. They number among their friends the most cultivated people of the city.

Capt. Rowell is a member in good standing of the Christian Church, and socially belongs to the I. O. O. F., K. of P. and G. A. R. Ile has attained to his present high position solely by his own mer- its. He is social and genial in his disposition, a man who is faithful to his friends, strong in his sense of honor, and possesses hosts of friends, who rejoice in his prosperity as the just reward of his excellent qualities of mind and heart. Capt. Row- ell has accumulated a comfortable property, is a stockholder in the National State Bank, and has an interest in the Home and Loan Association of Bloomington.

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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 19

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