Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 66

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 66

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The subject of this history was born in Kansas Township, Woodford County, this State, Aug. 22, 1847. He remained on the homestead during his childhood and yonth, and, after an attendance of three years completed his studies in the college at Eureka. The home circle of his parents included twelve children, four now deceased : John G. mar- ried Miss Lucinda Music; Madison P. married for his first wife Mrs. Ewing; his second wife was Miss Nancy Jndy, of Logan County, Ill .; Nancy became

the wife of Thomas Brown, of McLean County ; Sarah was three times married, her first husband being William Allen, the second Squire Marley, of Tazewell County, and the third, George Cranson, of Gibson, Ill .; William B. married Miss Missouri McCart, of Bloomington; Mahala became the wife of Benjamin F. Gaddis; Abraham II. is our sub- ject; Margery married William Puscy, of Bloom- ington; Lavina became the wife of Ira Rowell, of Danvers Township.

Mr. Carlock of this sketch was married, in Bloomington, to Miss Ida Edwards. Jan. 9, 1879. After his marriage he removed to the farm npon which he now resides, and which consists of 205 acres. This is fincly improved and cultivated, and upon it is a comfortable and commodious residence, with a good barn and all necessary improvements. In addition to general farming he is giving much attention to the raising of a good grade of stock. Onr subject is Democratic in politics, and in all re- spects is fulfilling the obligations of a good citizen.

Mrs. Carlock is the daughter of Elisha and Ce- lia (Iledges) Edwards, who were natives of Mor- gan County, Ohio, and were married there in 1856. They came to Illinois that same year and settled in Le Roy, this county, where Mr. Edwards engaged in the grocery trade for five or six years. He then purchased 160 acres of fine farming land, and en- gaged in agriculture for three years. He then re- moved to Bloomington, and is now living retired from active labor. He was an Alderman there for about ten years, and served as Justice of the Peace several years. Mrs. Celia Edwards was born Jan. 3, 1840, and became the mother of two children- Emcline and Orson. By the second marriage there were born seven children, as follows: Mary B., who died in infancy : Ida I., Elmer, Effic, Edwin, Minnie and Myrtle, twins; Oscar dicd in 1873; Emcline became the wife of Byron Covey, and Ef- fic became Mrs. George Winchell.

Our subject and his wife have become the par- ents of three children-Lulu E., born Oct. 25, 1879, Pearl L., Ang. 23, 1881, and Celia Mabel, April 14, 1884. Mrs. Carlock is a member of the Christian Church.

The grandfather of onr subject was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and also in the War of

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1812, and took part in the battle of New Orleans, one of the hardest fought and last battles of that war. The grandfather of Mrs. Carloek was a suc- eessful physician and ininister, and the author of a medieal work of great merit. He died in the prime of life, when but fifty years of age.

A view of Mr. Carloek's handsome residence will be found on another page.

L EVI VINCENT, M. D., represents in a worthy manner the medieal profession at Weston, and socially is regarded as one of its mnost valued eitizens. Ile is a native of Albany County, N. Y., and was born Jan. 24, 1826. His parents, Martin and Hannah (Moore) Vincent, were natives of the same State, where the father was engaged in farming the greater part of his life, and died in Albany County, at the advanced age of about eighty-five years. The mother lived to be eighty years old. - The household eirele in- eluded seven sons and three daughters, all of whom grew to mature years, and nine are still living.

Levi Vineent, the ninth child of his parents, was rearcd upon his father's farin, and received a good literary education in the schools and academies of Greenville and Chesterville, in his native State. He was fond of his books, ambitious to excel, and attained such proficieney that at twenty years of age he commenced teaching, which he followed during the winter seasons until 1870, his summers being oceupied in farm pursuits. In the mean- time, however, in 1856, he came westward to Illi- nois, and for a time was a resident of Marshall County. From his boyhood, however, he had in- tended to become a physician, and read medieine whenever time and opportunity afforded. In the spring of 1870, he determined to delay no longer fitting himself for his ehosen calling, and becom- ing the partner and pupil of Dr. E. E. Williams, an old physician of Streeter, Ill., practieed with him until the fall of 1871. He then entered upon a course of study in Bennett College, Chicago, from which he graduated in the spring of 1872. After graduating, he practiced in Streeter one year, then returned to Marshall County, where he owned a

farm, and upon which he removed on account of the failing healthı of his wife. He, however, gave his attention to his profession, and built up a good practice in the neighborhood where he had previ- ously resided for many years. In the spring of 1879, he sold this farm and removed to another near Fairbury, which he owned, and which he wished to improve. While there, the citizens of Weston, in this eounty, petitioned him to locate in their midst. In response to this he sold this farin also, and in November of the year named, moved into Weston, where he has sinee given his entire attention to his profession. Dr. Vineent, however, believing that real estate was the best investment for surplus funds, purchased in 1883, the north- west quarter of seetion 10, Yates Township, for which he paid $5,000. The land was low, and not considered valuable, but he lias drained and in- proved it so that it is now considered one of the finest farms in this part of MeLean County.

The first marriage of Dr. Vineent took place on the 12th of January, 1850, at Durham ville, Oneida Co., N. Y., when he was united with Miss Harriett Dor - inan. This lady was born in Albany County, N. Y., and was one of the playmates of his carly child- hood. After remaining his faithful and affection- atc companion for over twenty years, she departed this life at lier home in Marshall County, Ill., May 26, 1873, leaving one daughter, Cornelia N., the wife of Rev. George M. Weber, a minister of the Methodist Episeopal Church.

The second wife of our subject, to whom he was married Dee. 18, 1873, was Mrs. Adaline (Powell) Halstead, who had also been an acquaintance of his , from his early youth. Mrs. Vincent is the daugh- ter of Joshua and Ann (Smith) Powell, natives of Greene County, N. Y. They came West in 1846, and settled in Peoria County, this State, where the mother died at the age of forty-seven years. The second wife of Mr. Powell was Miss Zilpha Hal- stead. Ilis death occurred at Weston, Oct. 14, 1885, when he was in the eighty-ninth year of his age. The second wife died in January, 1885, aged eighty-seven years. Mr. Powell when first coming West, located for a short time in Peoria, whenee lic removed to Marshall County, being among the early pioneers of that section. He lived there ull-

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til 1882, then removed to Weston and made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Vineent. Mrs. Vin- eent by her first marriage with B. W. Halstead, be- came the mother of four children: Joshua P., now a ganger in the employ of the Revenne Depart- ment at Peoria; Finley B., a conductor on the P., D. &. E. R. R .; Annie, the wife of Chaney Myers, a resident of Ellsworth, Kan., and Addie died in in- faney, aged about twenty-one months.

Dr. Vincent politically was formerly an uneom- , promising Demoerat, but has now arrayed himself on the side of the Prohibition party. He has been honored with the local offices of his township, and takes a great interest in educational matters and everything else connected with the welfare and prosperity of his community. Both Mr. and Mrs. Vineent are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Z T. STRAYER, a successful and influential farmer of Padua Township, is a native of Logan County, Ohio, born Jan. 22, 1850, and the son of Nicholas Strayer, a native of Vir- ginia, and of German parentage. The latter, after marriage, removed to Ohio, where his wife died not long afterward. He was then married to Miss Esther Kinnan, who was a native of New York, whenee she removed with her parents to Ohio. Of this union there were born eleven children, our sub- jeet being the youngest of the family. Nicholas Strayer departed this life in Logan County, Ohio, Jan. 21, 1852, when his son, Z. T., was two years old. Two years later the mother with her ten liv- ing children, started for the prairies of Illinois, and coming to this county located in Towanda Town- ship, on what is now known as Money Creek. Two years later they disposed of their land there and re- moved to De Witt County, settling in Turnbridge Township. This also they sold not long after, and the mother and an older son speculated for some time in hogs, but not being quite satisfied with the result of their operations, the mother and a part of the family then went across the Mississippi to Mills County, Iowa, where she is now living, in the town of Glenwood, having arrived at the advanced age

of seventy-five years. Mrs. Strayer has been a re- markable woman in her time, with more than ordi- nary business capacity, and notwithstanding her years, still retains her strength and activity, and the bright mind for which she has always been noted.

Mr. Strayer lived with his widowed mother until he attained the years of manhood, and was then united in marriage with Miss Adelade Diekerson, the wedding taking place in Empire Township at the home of the bride's parents, on the 17th of March, 1875. Mrs. S. is the daughter of Henry C. Diekerson, now a resident of Le Roy, and was born Sept. 8, 1855, in Empire Township, where she was reared and edneated. She remained under the par- ental roof until her marriage with our subjeet, and became the mother of five children, as follows: Libby T., Harry M., George, Walter S. and Henry, all at home.

The homestead of our subjeet is on section 31, and ineludes 115 acres of valuable land, with fine farm buildings, and all the accessories of the mod- ern and progressive farmer. He took possession of this place in February, 1882, and has made great improvements sinee that time. Ile has held the various offices of his township, and politically is ae- counted a first-class Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Strayer are regular attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

C HRISTIAN STRUBHIAR, who is pleasantly located on Danvers Township, on seetion 3, is one of the representative farmers of this seetion who is meeting with success and contribut- ing his share to the agricultural interests of this county. Mr. S. is a native of the township where he is now living, and was born June 13, 1844. He is the son of John and Anna (Schertz) Strubhar, natives of Alsace Lorraine when it was a Provinee. of France. The father operated a farm in his na- tive country until 1833, then emigrated to America and located in Butler County, Ohio, where he en- gaged in distilling for about six years. In 1839, after having come to this county, he was mar- ried to Miss Anna Sehertz. The parents of Mrs.

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S. eame here from New Orleans. After marriage John Strubhar purchased eighty aeres of land, to which he afterward added 650 aeres, and in due time beeame proprietor of one of the finest farms in this section of the country. Upon the home- stead whiel he had thus established, he remained until his death, which occurred Jan. 17, 1884, when he was over seventy-five years of age, being born

in 1809. The mother, born in 1820, is still living. Their ten children were: Mary; Christian, of our sketeh; Anna; Magdalena, who became the wife of C. W. Kinzinger, and they reside in Danvers Town- ship; Barbara married Peter Risser, and they live in Danvers; Catherine married C. R. Stuckey, and they live in the village of Danvers; Maggie, Phebe, , and Peter, who is making his home with his mother. Maggie, Phebe and Mary are deceased. The par- ents were members of the Mennonite Church; the father was a Demoerat until 1856, when he ehanged his views and identified himself with the Repub- liean party.

The subject of our sketch was reared on his father's farm and received a good education in the common sehools. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years old, and was then mar- ried to Miss Magdalena Ehrisman. Their wedding oeeurred in this county, Feb. 22, 1865. After marriage Mr. S. cultivated a part of his father's farm, and in 1877 became the owner of eighty acres, and has added to his homestead until it now eou- sists of 200 'aeres, and is finely improved, with a handsome and substantial dwelling, a good barn, and all necessary out-buildings. Everything about the premises is neat and orderly and indieates the supervision of an intelligent and enterprising man. In connection with his farm Mr. S. owns and oper- ates a large sawmill whiel, in the sawing of lumber for his own use, proves a saving of hundreds of dollars during the year and in sawing for his neigh- bors yields him a considerable ineome.

The wife of our subjeet was born in Danvers Township, MeLean County, Jan. 22, 1845, being the daughter of Christian and Fannie (Barrett) Ehrisman, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. They eame to this country about 1836; the family eon- sisted of nine children-Magdalena, Joseph, Bar- bara, Catherine, Susan, Lydia, Samuel, Jacob and

Benjamin; the latter died in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Strubliar have three children-Lydia, Samuel and Louis A., all at home with their parents. Both parents are members of the Mennonite Church, and our subjeet in polities is 'strongly Republiean.

C IIRISTIAN W. KINZINGER, a gentleman in the prime of life, owns and occupies a fine farm of 160 aeres in Danvers Township, on section 2. He has a fine dwelling and good barn, and all necessary out-buildings and applianees for the earrying on of agriculture in a first-class manner. The subject of this history is a native of tlie Prairie State, having been born in Woodford County, in 1846. His parents were Michael and Magdalena (Nafziger) Kinzinger. They were na- tives of Germany and eame to this country in an early day, loeating in Butler County, Ohio, where Michael K. followed the business of a distiller. He was married in about 1845 to the mother of our subject, and coming to Illinois they located in Woodford County. Here the father rented land the first year and in 1848 entered eighty aeres, to which he soon afterward added 100 more. He was prospered in his farming and business transactions and is still living and in good health. He and his exeellent wife became the parents of twelve ehil- dren, as follows: Catherine became the wife of Joseph Fry ; Peter married Miss Nafziger; Daniel married Miss Mary Schick; Jaeob married Miss Lena Kerr; Christian W. of our sketch was the fifth ehild; Barbara beeame Mrs. David Zook, and Magdalena, Mrs. Jacob Gunda; Anna became the wife of Peter Strautz; Jacobina B. married Joseph Strubhar; Caroline became the wife of George Kirekler; Killian and August were the two young- est and are living in Woodford County, Ill. Both parents have been members of the Mennonite Church for many years. Mr. K. was a Democrat until the administration of Buchanan when he left the party, easting his first Republican vote for John C. Fre- mont, and has affiliated with that party sinee that time. The mother of our subjeet was the daughter of Peter and Barbara (Beek) Naffziger, who be- eame the parents of the following children: Bar-

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bara, Magdalena, Phebe, Catherine, Jacob, Peter and Valentine.

Christian W. Kinzinger remained with his father on the farm, attending the common schools and as- sisting in the labors of the homestead until lie reached his majority. He was married, Jan. 10, 1871, to Miss Magdalena Strubhar. After his mar- riage he cultivated rented land for five years, and then purchased the land which he had worked and whieli constitutes his present homestead. It is all uuder a good state of cultivation with ten acres of choice timber. Of late years he has been giving considerable attention to the raising of fine stock, including horses, cattle and hogs. He makes a specialty of roadsters and has some fine specimens of Norman and Clydesdales.

Mr. and Mrs. K. have become the parents of three children: Edward, born in 1872; Ophelia in 1873, and Urvina in 1876. Both parents are members of the Mennonite Chureh, and politically our subjeet is a straight Republican. He has held the office of Road Commissioner two terms and was elected a School Director three successive years. He is in all respeets a representative citizen, and is contributing his full share toward the growth and prosperity of his township.

C HARLES J. STRONG, of Danvers Town- ship, is widely and favorably known in this vieinity, and is prosecuting his agricultural pursuits on a fine homestead located on seetion 26, a view of which is shown on another page. Mr. Strong was born in Richland County, Olio, Aug. 27, 1837, and is the son of Abel and Hannah (Ber- dine) Strong; the father was of English deseent, and the mother of French Huguenot extraction. The father of our subjeet was born in Connectieut in 1795, and died in Ohio in 1840. He was a mer- chant and Justice of the Peace, and the Represent- ative of Richland County to the Legislature, be- ing elected on the Whig ticket. Besides a large stock of general merchandise, in which he enjoyed a lucrative trade, he owned 240 acres of fine farın- ing land which, with the buildings thereon, consti- tnted a valuable homestead. The wife and mother

is still living in New York City, and enjoying good health for a lady of advanced years.

The parental household included seven children, of whom the record is as follows: James died at the age of four years, and Orlen when seventeen; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of H. J. Hayes, of Toledo, Ohio, who is now a commission merchant and a member of the Board of Trade; of this union there were born three children, only one of wliom is living; Mrs. Hayes died in 1846. William L. married Miss Mary Aborn, and is a dry-goods mer- ehant of New York City ; he was born in Riehland County, Ohio, March 22, 1827, is a prominent and useful citizen, and a member of the Republican party ; Rhoda married Rev. Benjamin Thomas, a Baptist minister, and died in Bloomingtou, Ill., in 1856, leaving three children; her husband died in Arkansas in 1883; Charles J. of our sketeh was the sixth child; Abel died when two years of age.

Charles J. Strong and Miss Mary Simpkins were 'married on the 3d of September, 1873, in McLean County, Ill. Mrs. Strong was born in Highland County, Ohio, Aug. 28, 1846, and was the danghter of Jeremiah and Margaret (Roads) Simpkins, na- tives respectively of New Jersey and Ohio.' Her father was born Jan. 22, 1823, and the mother April 12, 1827. After the birth of five children, the latter died on the 2d of July, 1857. Mary, Mrs. Strong, was the eldest of the family; Morris was born in 1848; Josephine in 1851; Ida, now de- eeased, was born in 1854, and Emma in 1856. For his second wife Mr. Simpkins married Miss Sarah Jacoby, in 1858. She was a native of Illinois, born in 1835, and is still living. Of this union there were nine children, four of whom died in in- fancy. Those living are Jeremiah, born in 1863; Daniel, in 1867; Julia, in 1870; Jennie, in 1874, and Jessie. The father of these children is still living, and is now in Kansas. He served as a Union soldier in the late war, in the 94th Illinois Regiment for three years as a private, receiving an honorable discharge at the elose. He is now a member of the I. O. O. F. and tlie G. A. R., and in polities is a strong Republican.

Mr. Strong eame to Illinois in 1854, and after re- maining in Bloomington two years went back to Ohio, staid there with his mother a year, and then

RESIDENCE OF C. J. STRONG, SEC. 26., DANVERS TOWNSHIP.

LADY HAWTHORN PRINCE IMPERIALE

RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL A. DEAL , SEC. 30., DRY GROVE-TOWNSHIP.

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went to his brother in New York City. In 1859 lic enlisted in the Regular army for five years, be- ing quartered at Carlisle, Pa., for three months, and upon the opening of the Rebellion went into active service. He participated in the seven days' fight at Gaines' Mills, Va., at Gettysburg and An- tietam, and at various other general engagements, At Gaines' Mills hc was wounded by a bayonet thrust through the right hand, but not so scriously as to be sent to the hospital .. After brave and faithful service he received his honorable dis- charge on the 3d of March, 1864. In 1880 he took possession of his present farm in this county. This consists of 160 acres under a good state of cultivation, with. a substantial dwelling and all convenient and necessary outhouses. He is a straightforward business man, greatly respected by his fellow-townsmen, and in politics is a firm ad- herent of the Republican party.

The father of our subject was a Captain in the War of 1812, having command of a company of Connecticut militia, serving throughout the con -; flict until the treaty of peace was signed, and was among the sturdy spirits of the old colonial times.

W ILLIAM L. SMITH, senior member of the firm of Smith & Warner, merchants at Cooksville, has been a resident of Blue Mound Township since the spring of 1857. When a lad of fifteen years old he came here with his par- ents, Jacob T. and Eliza (Williams) Smith. The former was born in Jessamine County, Ky., and the latter in Clark County, Ind. After marriage they settled in Floyd County, Ind., where they lived until April, 1857, then came to this county and settled in Blue Mound Township. Here the father died in the spring of 1863; the mother is still living, and resides in Cooksville. Their seven children included five boys and two girls.

The subject of this history, the eldest of his par- ents' family, was born in Floyd County, Ind., Aug. 27, 1842. He attended school in his native county until the time his parents removed to. Illi- nois. IIc remained under the home roof until he reached his majority and in August, 1862, the

Civil War being then in progress, enlisted as a soldier of the Union in Co. E, 94th Ill. Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the war, in the mean- time being promoted Corporal. After leaving the army he at once returned to Blue Mound Township, and soon afterward commenced taking the census of Gridley, Money Creek and Towanda Townships.

When Mr. Smith was taking the census in To- wanda Township an incident occurred which is worthy of mention. In the course of liis travels he had occasion to call at a certain house where the people were expecting daily the return of a brother who had been recently discharged from the army. Mr. Smith, who had still retained a part of his old uniform, was taken for the brother, and as he approached the door a young lady, sister of the expected wanderer, rushed out to meet him ready to embrace him and bestow upon him the sisterly tokens of affection. Just as she reached him, however, shie discovered her mistake, and to say that her cliceks were suffused with blushes would scarcely describe her situation. Mr. Smith who fully appreciated the "joke," did his part in easing it off, and was cordially invited, into the house by the father of the young lady, who had witnessed the occurrence and was rolling on the floor convulsed with laughter.

He afterward engaged in farming and carpenter- ing and also dealt considerably in live stock, until 1883. He then decided to change his occupation and go into mercantile business in Cooksville. He formed a partnership with Hugh W. Warner, and they have operated since that time under the firm style of Smith & Warner. They carry a com- plete stock and are doing a profitable and steadily increasing trade.

Mr. Smith was married in Bloomington, Ill., on the 10th of March, 1870, to Miss Mary E. Powell, sister of the wife of Hugh W. Warner, of whom a sketch will be found in another part of this work. Mrs. Smith was born in Madison County, Ohio, July 14, 1845. Of this union there is one child, a daughter, Eliza, who was born March 20, 1871. Our subject was appointed Postmaster of Cooks- ville in February, 1884, which office he held until after the change in the administration. He is Re-

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publican in polities, and belongs to G. A. R. Post, No. 146, and also to the Masonie fraternity, Lexing- ton Lodge No. 482. He has held the office of Township Clerk, and is a gentleman of sound judg- ment whose opinion is uniformly held in respeet, and one who takes a genuine interest in the welfare of his eounty and community.

J. LUCAS, whose parents were among the early pioneers of Illinois, eame to McLean County with his parents when a child of three years old, in 1823. He has been en- gaged in farming pursuits the greater part of his life, but is now retired from aetive labor and enjoy- ing the comforts of a pleasant and attractive home, located at No. 615 East Walnut street, Blooming- ton.

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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 66

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