Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 34

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 34

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

After being relieved from his position as an In- speetor of Defences, Col. Scroggs was sent to New Orleans, thenee to Mobile, where he arrived the morning following the explosion of Dick Taylor's amunition at that city. He was intending to leave New Orleans on a boat which started previously, and which, at the time of the disaster, was blown to pieces. Col. Scroggs has in his possession a fine steel engraving, in the eenter of which is his war record, and which was presented to him by C. B. Davis, a member of the staff of Gen. Thomas, and architect of the Soldiers' Home at Dayton, Ohio.

After his retirement from the army Col. Seroggs was assigned to duty as Assistant Superintendent of the National Cemetery at Ft. Donelson, wliere he remained until April, 1867. He then eame north to Illinois, and purchased the farm upon which he now resides, where he has devoted his attention mostly to stoek-raising. His homestead consists of

328

McLEAN COUNTY.

147 acres, under good cultivation, with a comforta- ble and substantial farm dwelling, a good barn and outhouses, and all the appliances of a first-class ag- riculturist and stock-raiser. Col. Scroggs is Re- publican in politics, liberal in his views, making it his aim to cast his ballot for worthy men, irrespect- ive of party. He has frequently been the incum- bent of local offices, more to please his friends than to gratify his own inclinations, Hc is a member and the Commander of Post 611, G. A. R., and in religious matters coincides with the doctrines of the Baptist Church.

After his return from the army Col. Scroggs was married, in Warren, Pa., on the 3d of January, 1867, to Miss Harriet, the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Orr) Barber. Mrs. S. was born in Niag- ara County, N. Y., Aug. 28, 1840. Of this union there were seven children, two of whom died in in- fancy. Those surviving are Charles R., M. Alice, Richard E., William C. and J. Harvey. Col. Scroggs has taken particular care to give his chil- dren the advantages of a good education, so that they may become honored and useful members of society.

ILLIAM J. BAIRD, residing on section 12, Dry Grove Township, is a farmer, brick- layer and house-builder, and in the prose- cution of his several trades is uniformly skillful and successful. Mr. Baird was born in Fayette County, Pa., in November, 1821, and is the son of Aaron and Margaret (Allen) Baird, also natives of the Keystone State. Aaron Baird was born May 30, 1786, and died in his native State on the 18th of November, 1870, having arrived at the advanced age of eighty-five years. The mother was born April 14, 1786, and died in Pennsylvania Aug. 22, 1834. The father was a farmer by occupation, Republican in politics, and an active Elder of the Presbyterian Church, of which both parents were members for a good many years. Of their family of thirteen children the record is as follows: the first born died unnamed; Maria became the wife of E. Finley; Eliza, Mrs. B. F. Miller, is now de-

ceased; Janc and her husband, William Brown, are both deceased ; John A. married Miss E. J. Wilson ; Robert died at the age of two years and eleven months; Mary died when eleven months old; James P. married Miss Harriet Riley, who is now deceased ; William J. of our sketch was the next child ; Robert A. married Miss Nancy Acklen; George E. died when nine years old; Josiah W. died aged four years; David A. married Miss Elizabeth Ridgeway. Of the second marriage of Aaron there were born three children-Emma C., Sanford W. and Haven E.

William J. Baird of this sketch was united in marriage with Miss Maria Wilkins, in Pennsylvania on the 16th of October, 1845. Mrs. Baird was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hastings) Wil- kins, natives of Pennsylvania, who are both now deceased. Their family of five children is recorded as follows: William, Jane, Nancy, James and Maria. Mr. and Mrs. Baird, after their marriage, remained in Pennsylvania until 1860. They then removed to Montgomery County, Mo., and re- mained through the summer, coming in the fall to McLean County, where he has since remained. The following year he purchased cighty acres of land, and in 1868 another eighty acres adjoining. Upon his homestead of 160 acres, he erected a fine dwelling in 1864, and in 1885 renovated and rebuilt it so that it is now two stories in height and makes a commodious and handsome residence. He is also supplied with all necessary barns and out- buildings and the other appurtenances of a modern country estate.

Mr. Baird learned bricklaying in his native Statc, and has followed it considerably in the last forty-five years. He has now practically abandoned it and gives the most of his attention to the busi- ness of his farm. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Baird included four children, as follows: Aaron died when nine days old; William W. married Miss Landgartha Hayes, and they are living in this county ; Elizabeth J. is at home ; James D. married Miss Ann Eliza McWilliams, and is living in McLean County.

Mr. Baird is Republican in politics and takes a great interest in the success of the temperance movement. He has been a member of and · an Elder in. the Presbyterian Church at Normal for

RESIDENCE OF FRANK KRAFT, SEC . 17 TOWANDA TP.

RESIDENCE OF GEO. W. BINCHAM, SEC.32, BLUE MOUND TP.

0 0

RESIDENCE OF LUKE CARNELL , SEC. 33. BLUE MOUND TP.

331

McLEAN COUNTY.

a period of fifteen years. He has been an earnest worker in the cause of religion and a cheerful and liberal contributor to the maintenance of the church.

NDREW J. SPRINGER, one of the intelli- gent and progressive farmers of Allin Township, is a native of the Buckeye Statc, having been born in Butler County, Ohio, April 22, 1836. His parents were Christian and Magdalena (Engel) Springer, natives of France, the father born Sept. 18, 1792, and the mother Feb. 4, 1798. Christian Springer was a miller by trade, and with four other brothers, served under Napoleon in the war of 1812, in his native country, for a period of four years and then deserted, for the third time, finally coming to the United States. He arrived here on the 12th of June, 1830, and landed at New Orleans, whence he proceeded to Hamilton, Butler Co., Ohio, There he followed farming upon ninety-four acres of land of which he became the owner and occupied this farm un- til November, 1854. He then removed to this State and county, settling in Danvers, where he lived two years. He then purchased 600 acres of land, upon which he farmned until within a few years of his death, which occurred Oet. 3, 1879. The mother died Sept. 13, 1870. The parents of our subject were married in France on Christmas Day, 1822. Their children were ten in number and recorded as follows: Catherine died in France in infancy ; Joseph E. married Miss Reiser, and lives in Stanford; Peter D. married Miss Brenaman; Christian W. married Miss Stalter; Magdalena became the wife of Mr. Nicholas Reiser; John married Miss Sherbine; Andrew J. of our sketch was the sixth child; Catherine became the wife of Mr. Peter Schurtz; Mary, the wife of Mr. David Habecker; George died in Ohio. The parents were members of the Mennonite Church.

Andrew Springer received a fair education in the common schools and lived with his parents until he had attained his majority. He was then married, July 22, 1875, to Miss Eliza Slaughbougli, and then purchased cighty acres of land in Alliu Township.

His present homestead consists of 146 acres, all fincly cultivated and improved. The children of our subject and his wife, six iu number, were Will- iam E., Daniel A., John Q. (died Fcb. 22, 1887), Mary M., Anna A. and Lucrella; the latter died March 9, 1883.

Mrs. Springer is the daughter of Daniel and Mary Slaughbough, natives respectively of Mary- land and Germany. Her father was born in 1827, and her mother in 1822. They were married in 1849, and became the parents of six children-Eliza, John, Catherine, Mary, Anna and Susan. Mr. and Mrs. Slaughbough live in Danvers Township and are members of the Mennonite Church. Mr. Sprin- ger is Democratic in politics, a temperate and law- abiding citizen and a worthy member of the com- munity.

R REDERICK MEYER, senior member of the firm of Meyer & Martens, merchant tailors of Bloomington, is a gentleman skilled in his trade and occupying a good position in the business community. He is a native of Germany, having been born in Prussia, March 17, 1840. His parents, Christopher and Dora T. Elizabeth (Thiede) Meyer, emigrated to America in 1852, landing in New York City, whence they came immediately West and located in Bloomington, this State, where they settled permanently and spent the remainder of their lives. The mother departed this life Jan. 28, 1881, and the father Nov. 17, 1885. Their four children, all sons, are still living.

Frederick Meyer of this sketch was started to school when six years of age and continued until fourteen. He then commenced to learn the tailor's trade, at whichi he served an apprenticeship of threc years, and then worked as a "jour" while in his native country. After his arrival in Bloomington he continued at his trade, and in 1872 went into business on his own account as a merchant tailor. In this he was eminently successful, having a good knowledge of the business and being skilled in all its departments. He entered into partnership with Charles Martens in 1873, and they have since oper- ated together profitably and harmoniously.

Mr. Meyer was married in 1864, to Miss Dora

332

McLEAN COUNTY.

T. Pagels of Bloomington, and they have three sons : Edward F., in the grocery business; Otto C., a tailor by trade, and Albert W., still a youth and attending the High School. The family residenee is pleasantly located at No. 606 West Jackson street, and our subject and his family enjoy the esteem of many friends. Mr. Meyer is a member of Uhl Lodge No. 305, I. O. O. F., the German Free School Society, Mutual Aid No. 6, the Turner So- eiety, and Rebecca Degree Lodge No. 85. In many of these he has occupied all the chairs and has often represented various fraternities at the meet- ings of the Grand Lodge. He is serving his second term as President of the Turners.

J OHN R. BENJAMIN a prominent and influential farmer of Padua Township, oe- eupies a fine homestead on section 7, com- prising 230 acres of finely cultivated land, upon which is erected a handsome modern dwelling and all the other. buildings required by the pro- gressive agriculturist. Mr. Benjamin took posses- sion of this farm in 1854, where he lias sinee lived, and has firmly established himself in the confidenee and esteem of his community. He is a gentleman of fine abilities, an extensive reader, and one who takes an active interest in current events whether they concern his eounty, or the State and Nation at large. He is a native of New York, born in Columbia County, Oet. 17, 1824, and is the son of Darius Benjamin, a native of the same county and State, where he followed agricultural pursuits suc- cessfully and spent his entire life. Ile was married in early manhood to Miss Martha Rogers, also a native' of Columbia County, N. Y., who survived her husband several years, and finally removing to the West, died at the home of her son in Old Town Township, this county, in 1884, after arriving at the advanced age of ninety years.

John R. Benjamin was the fourth of six sons born to his parents, and remained under the home roof until twenty-one years of age. Ile then journeyed into Chester County, Pa., where he lo- cated, and three years later was united in marriage

with Miss Sarah Beaver, who was born and reared in that county. Her parents, who were of Penn- sylvania birth and German deseent, after marriage passed their lives in Chester County. and there their remains are buried. Of the union of our sub- jeet and wife there were born six children, two of whom died in infancy. Deborah beeame the wife of T. J. Moore, a farmer of Padua Township; Timothy married Miss Agnes MeBarns, and is car- rying on farming in Old Town Township; by his former marriage he was united to Miss Anna Coole, by whom he had one son, Arthur; Martha, Mrs. Willis B. Mills, resides with her husband in Putnam County, this State, the latter being a tile manufae- turer; George D. operates with his father on the homestead.

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin are active members of the Society of Friends, with which they have been eonneeted for thirty-seven years, being charter members of the first organization in Padua Town- ship, in 1861. Of this church our subjeet is one of the pillars, and has been an Elder for many years. Ile is Republican in polities, and has occupied the offices of Road Commissioner and Overseer of the Poor.

AMUEL H. BROWN, a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Dry Grove Township, owns and oeeupies a fine homestead on see- tion 14. He has been a resident of the Prairie State since 1836, and an interested witness of its growth and development. Our subject is the son of Nathaniel and Dollie (Benediet) Brown, - who were both natives of Vermont. Nathaniel Brown was born in 1784, and died in 1843. He served in the War of 1812, holding a commission as Captain, and was also Captain in the Vermont State Militia. ,He afterward settled down to agri- eultural pursuits in Windsor, Vt., where he spent about forty years, and in 1838 removed to Me- Lean County, where his death oeeurred.

The birth of our subject took place on the 12th of August, 1815, and he was bereft of the tender and affectionate care of his mother when a child

333

McLEAN COUNTY.

six years of age. His earlier years were spent on his father's farm near the town of Rochester, Vt., where he pursued his primary studies at the com- mon seliools. At the age of twenty-one years he eame West, driving a team to Buffalo, whence he took a steamer to Detroit, Mich., arriving after a trip of four days, and walked from there to Chi- engo in company with three others. After two weeks spent in Chicago, our subjeet struck out for Peoria, and from there to Clermont, in Tazewell County, these wanderings taking him late into the fall of the year. He remained in Tazewell County six years, being employed most of the time as a farm laborer. When he landed in Peoria he had but $1.50 in his pocket. At the close of his first two years of labor he found himself the possessor of $400, but the third year he met with misfortune in the loss of his health, and spent uearly the whole of these hard earnings for medicine and in the pay- ment of doctors' bills, being disabled for a period of ten months. As soon as able he resumed his former oeeupation, and soon afterward, in 1843, entered forty aeres of Goverment land in Dry Grove Township, MeLean County, and entered in- dustriously upon its improvement and eultivation. Hle then became interested in a steam sawmill, which he operated for two years and sold at a loss. In 1854 he purchased a half-section of land from the Illinois Central Railroad Company, and sold 160 acres of it at a profit of $100. The 160 acres left he has now converted into a valuable farm, and occupies a fine dwelling, in the rear of which is a good barn and all necessary out-buildings for the storing of grain and the shelter of stoek.

The marriage of Samuel H. Brown and Miss Fidelia Munsell took place June 22, 1840. Mrs. Brown was a native of Vermont and remained the companion of her husband only five short years, dying on the 1st of April, 1845, leaving three chil- dren-Sarah, George and Angeline. On the 25th of December, 1850, Mr. Brown married for his see- ond wife, Miss Mary E. Henry, and they beeame the parents of six children-Norman E., Charles E., Fred S., John J., Lincoln H. and Truman E. Mrs. Brown was born in Butler County, Ohio, March 23, 1828, and came to Illinois with her par- ents when a child four years of age. Mr. and Mrs.

Brown are members of the Methodist Episcopal Chureli.

Mr. Brown has held the office of Justice of the Peace for twelve years, and was Assessor three years and School Trustee eighteen years. Politi- cally, in former times, he affiliated with the Whig party, and now votes with the Republicans.

George Brown, the eldest son of our subject, served as a soldier in the Union army in the 94th Illinois Infantry. He was mortally wounded at the siege of Vicksburg on the 16th of June, 1863, but lived until the 11th of November following. Of the children of our subjeet there are now only two living-Fred S. and Angeline. Fred S. mar- ried Miss Ella Stevens, the daughter of Mrs. Kep- ner by her first husband. They carry on the liome farm. Angeline married George Brown.

OSEPH BAKER, a prominent and highly re- speeted resident of Funk's Grove, eame to the Prairie State in September, 1835, aceom- panied by his parents, after an overland journey from Ohio with horses and wagons. Mr. Baker was born in MeConnellsville, Morgan County, that State, Feb. 21, 1834. Ilis father, Samuel C. Baker, was also a native of the Buckeye State, born in Washington County, in 1807. The grandfather of our subject, Samuel Baker, Sr., was a native of Connectieut, born April 25, 1775, and removed to Ohio at an early day, being among the pioneers of that State. He first located near Marietta, and in company with other settlers made his home in a block house so as to be protected from the Indians. After removing to Illinois he settled in DeWitt County, on a tract of wild land, from which he im- proved a farm and established a comfortable home, where he remained until his death, which occurred June 21, 1852, at the age of seventy-seven years, one month and twenty-one days. The grandmother died Nov. 3, 1870, aged ninety-six years and three days.

Samuel C. Baker, the father of our subject, grew to manhood in Ohio, and was there married to Miss Mary Murphy, a native of Virginia. Ile learned the cooper's trade in early life, at which he worked

334

MCLEAN COUNTY.

a part of the time, and when not in demand at that, ehopped wood, and was employed at the salt works near his home. In September, 1835, accompanied by his wife and two children, he removed from Ohio to Illinois, purchasing land in what is now known as Waynesville Township, De Witt County. There were two log cabins on the land and the family took up their abode in one of these, which was equipped with homemade furniture. Mr. Baker kept the eabin in good repair, enlarged it as was necessary, and occupied it with his family until after the war, when he ereeted a frame house. He was prospered in his agricultural and business pur- suits, and at one time was the possessor of 280 aeres of land. Both himself and wife are still living, and make their home with one of their sons near Waynesville. Four of their five children are now living: Rhoda A., the wife of Joseph Robb, lives in Waynesville Township, De Witt Co., III. ; Joseph, our subject, is the next eldest; William died in 1839, when six months old; Isaae and John live near Waynesville, Ill.

Joseph Baker was the eldest son of his parents, and was one year old when they removed to Illi- nois. After becoming of suitable age he attended the pioneer school at Roek Creek Grove. The school-house was built of logs with puncheon floor and seats; the chimney was built outside, of dirt and sticks, and light was let into the strneture through panes of greased paper. His education was carried on mostly during the winter season and in the summer he assisted his father on the farm. When seventeen years of age he bought four yoke of oxen and commeneed breaking prairie. This he followed four seasons, and in the meantime was also occupied in assisting to grade the track of the Illi- nois Central Railroad. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, and afterward pur- chased a traet of school land in Barnett Township, De Witt County, from which he improved a farm and lived there until 1860. He then sold out and purchased 120 aeres on seetion 11, of Funk's Grove Township. This land was partly feneed, and upon it stood a small frame house into which he removed with his young wife and lived there until 1865. Ile then sold ont and purchased the farm which he now owns and oeeupies. This

contains 209 aeres all in one body, enelosed with good fences. Mr. Baker has also put up a good set of farm buildings and keeps everything in good shape. The homestead is a model of neatness and taste.

The wife of our subject was formerly Miss Mar- garet Taylor, and they were married on the 25th of September, 1856. Mrs. Baker was born in Perry County, Ohio, April 1, 1836, and is the sister of Mrs. HI. Baker, of whom a sketeh is given in another part of this volume. Of this union there were born ten children. The record is as follows: Rhoda A., Mrs. W. J. Rayner, and Letha Ella, Mrs. Frank Stout, live in Funk's Grove Township; George C. married Miss Anna Larison, and lives in Funk's Grove. The remainder are-John .W., Samuel, Benjamin, Hattie, Arthur and Joseph Howard. .

Mrs. Baker belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. B., formerly a Whig, now casts his vote with the Republican party. He has filled vari- ous offices of trust in his township and held the of- fiee of School Director many years. He has al- ways taken an interest in educational matters and in every enterprise which has had for its object the welfare of his eounty and community. He was Township Collector two years and a member of the Board of Supervisors for the same length of time. Besides the home farm he owns 200 acres on seetion 34 of Funk's Grove Township, and devotes his at- tention principally to the raising of grain and graded stock.

AMES McTWIGGAN, Superintendent of the Bloomington Electrie Light Company, in which he is a stoekholder, is a gentleman well fitted for the responsibilities which de- volve upon him in this eapaeity, having a thorough knowledge of the requirements of his position. He is well posted on all matters connected with the eleetrie system, having been associated with some of the best works in this and other States. He has had the supervision of the plant in this eity sinee the works were started, and is probably the most

335

McLEAN COUNTY.

competent man in the eity for the office which he ocenpies.

Mr. MeTwiggan is a native of Scotland, and was born in August, 1847. His parents emigrated to America, and after arriving at suitable years James returned to his native country, where he learned the trade of a millwright and pattern-maker. After re- turning to the United States he spent some time in the eity of Boston, among the leading firms, repre- senting his trade, and in eonueetion with this ae- quired a good knowledge of the eleetrie light sys- tem. In 1884 he came to this county and began the construction of the Bloomington Eleetrie Light Works. After getting everything in running order they started by furnishing 100 lights, and continued until they had 240, of which 211 were exelusively for the lighting of the eity. The works now have a capacity of 300 lights. They are put up in the best style and equipped with the latest improve- inents.

Mr. MeTwiggan beeame interested in the elee- tric light system when it was first brought to the no- tiee of the publie, in 1877, and sinee that time has given it his elose attention. The result of this has been that he has beeome an expert in all its depart- ments, and possesses the best of judgment in his capacity as Superintendent.

C OX BROS., dealers in general merchandise at Hudson. Harry W. and Herbert M. Cox are twin brothers and youngest sons of James H. and Mary A. (Chadbourne) Cox, and were born in Bloomington, July 17, 1861. After receiving sueh instruetion as is afforded by the · common sehools they attended the Iligh School de- partment of the Illinois State Normal University three years. Their father being engaged in gen- eral mereantile business, they grew to manhood ae- eustomed to and experienced in the same in eonnee- tion with completing their seliool studies. In 1881 they became associated as partners with their father, and carried on the business under the firm style of J. H. Cox & Sons until Jan. 1, 1884, when they became sole proprietors, and are now eonduet- ing an extensive trade sueeessfully and profitably.

The "Cox boys " are upright young men, of ex- eellent chiaraeter and habits, and enjoy the eonfi- denee of the people among whom they have lived . their entire lives. In polities they are Republicans, the friends of law and good order, and are rapidly becoming important factors in the business inter- ests of this seetion. Harry W. a is member of Cus- ter Division, No. 22, Uniformed Rank, Knights of Pythias; Herbert M. is a member of Company G, 4th Regiment I. N. G. The latter was married on the 1st of October, 1885, to Miss Downey, the daughter of William H. and Laura W. Downey, of Atlanta, Logan County, where she was born. They have one daughter-Edith M. Mr. and Mrs. Cox are members in good standing of the Baptist Church.

OHN J. MITCHELL, a highly respected and sneeessful farmer of Dale Township, is pleasantly located on seetion 23, where he is carrying on general agriculture after the most approved methods. Mr. Mitehell is a native of the Dominion of Canada, and was born on the 28th of October, 1832. While still a youth he re- moved with his parents to Ohio, where they lived until about 1838, and then proceeded still further westward, to the prairies of Illinois, stopping in Paris, Edgar County, and from there moved to MeLean County. (See sketch of Isaae P. Miteh- ell.) Soon after arriving in this State the subjeet of our sketeh began to assist his father in the labors of the farm, driving a breaking team of four yoke of oxen, and being otherwise employed as eireum- stanees demanded. In the meantime he also at- tended the pioneer school of Bloomington, then an humble hamlet of a few houses, pursuing his ednea- tion mostly in the winter season. He remained with his parents until after his marriage, and with his brother Andrew managed the home farmn.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 34

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