Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 84

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 84

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EES GADDIS. This highly respected old gentleman, who has been a resident of the Prairie State for a period of over forty ycars, is widely and favorably known throughout Tazewell County. He is at present a resident of Martiu Township, this eounty, and al- though only having located here since 1885, has fully established himself in the confidenee and es- · teem of its best citizens, to whom his form on the streets has become a familiar figure, regarded with peculiar affection. Mr. Gaddis is a native of Greene County, Ohio, born near Xenia, on the 26th of September, 1807. His grandfather, Rees Gad- dis, Sr., was a Captain in the Revolutionary War. His father, John Gaddis, was a native of Pennsyl- vania and removed to the Buckeye State with his parents when a small lad. The father of our sub- jeet, after rcaelling years of manhood, was mar- ried to Miss Abigail, the daughter of John Sea- man. They settled in Greene County, Ohio, and were there oeeupied in farming pursuits for a brief time only, the deatlı of John Gaddis oceurring when the subject of this history was an infant but six weeks old. Rees Gaddis, Jr., was the second child of his parents, and remained with his mother until . arriving at manhood. After the death of her husband Mrs. Gaddis and her two children went to live with her father in Hamilton

County, Ohio, whose home was on the banks of the Ohio River. This kindly old gentleman, John Sea- man by name, was a native of Virginia, and is sup- posed to have been of Welsh descent. He re- moved from his native State to Ohio as early as 1800, settling in Hamilton County, and was among its earliest pioneers and lived there the remainder of his days. On the Gaddis side, the grandfather of our subject removed from Pennsylvania to Campbell County, Ky., at an early period in the history of that State, after serving as a Captain in the Revolutionary War.

Young Gaddis remained an inmate of his grand- father's house until he reached mature years. When twenty-seven years of age he and his mother went back to Greene County, Ohio, where they re- mained until the spring of 1848. They then came to Illinois,. settling on a farm near Tremont, in Tazewell County, which remained the home of the mother until her death, which occurred at the ad- vanced age of ninety-two years. In 1851 Mr. Gaddis was united in marriage with Miss Martha Ann, daughter of John Bennett, Esq., of Tazewell County, to which he had removed from Clinton County, Ohio. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. G. settled on a farm in Tazewell County which had bceome the property of Mr. Gaddis in 1848. His original purchase was 125 aeres, to which he subse- quently added until he became the owner of 300 acres, a part of which was valuable timber. He made a specialty of hogs and cattle, in the feed- ing and sale of which he realized a handsome sum of money ..

Mr. Gaddis remained on his farm in Tazewell County until the spring of 1885, and then sold out and removed to his present homestead in MeLcan County, on seetion 16, which he has oeeupied sinee that time. This consists of 320 acres of choiee land in a good state of cultivation, on which he has erected a handsome and substantial set of farm buildings, and in all respects has converted it into one of the handsomest homesteads in this eounty. Our subject is now in the eightieth year of his age, and is still hale and hearty, in possession of those faculties which have made such a success of his life and earned for him the admiration and respect of his fellow-citizens. In early life he was a Jeffer-

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sonian Democrat, but after the abandonment of tlie old Whig party by the organization of the Rc- publican party, he cordially endorsed the princi- ples of the latter. He is a strong advocate of tem- peranee and expects to see the cause succeed through the Republican party.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Gaddis, five in number, ineluded four sons and one daughter, of whom John is deceased; William is a resident of Martin Township; Alpheus is married and at home; James is single and at home; Sarah is the wife of A. M. Hicks of Tazewell County, and is the eldest of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Gaddes, together with all their children, are members of the Christian Church.

RANCIS M. JONES. One of the most prominent farmers and stock-raisers in Mc- Lean County is the gentleman whose name heads this notice. He is the owner of 636 aeres of productive and valuable land, is extensively en- gaged in stock-raising, and is pleasantly located on his fine farm on section 15, Towanda Township. The parents of Mr. Jones were Abrahamn R. and Matilda (Noel) Jones, the former a native of Cay- uga County, York State, and the latter of Ken- tucky. He was of Welch origin, and she of Ger- man ancestry. The father's boyhood years were passed in the State of New York, and in 1808 he came to Champaign County, Ohio, with liis par- ents, whence he accompanied them to Clarke Coun- ty, same State, where he lived until he came to this county.

Matilda Noel was born in 1795. Her parents soon after her birth removed to Maryland, where, after a residence of seven years, they sold their in- terests there and removed to Clarke County, Ohio. It was there that she became acquainted with the father of our subject; there they were married, and there lived until coming to this county, in 1856. In the spring of that year they made the journey overland to this county, and settled on section 10, Towanda Township, where the father continued to follow the vocation of his life, that of farmning, until his death, which occurred Feb, 11,

1865. After his death, his good wife took up her residence in the village of l'owanda, and there died March 7, 1880.

They had a family of ten children, viz: John, Levi, William W., Eliza A., Cyrus, Abraham R., Jr., Nelson, Phebe, James and Francis M. John died in Clarke County, Ohio, aged about thirty-eight years; Levi was a farmer of Clarke County; Will- iam W. resides in Towanda, as likewise does Eliza A .; Cyrus is a capitalist, and a resident of Cali- fornia; Abraham R., Jr., departed this life at To- wanda, April 7, 1878; Nelson is a farmer on see- tion 16, Towanda Township; Phehe is the wife of Martin Arthur, and they reside in Towanda Town- ship; James died in Clarke County, Ohio, when three years old, and Francis M. is our subject.

Francis M. Jones was born in Clarke County, Ohio, March 8, 1833, where his early life was spent. He was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the common schools. Hc also at- tended two terms at Wittenburg College, Spring- field, Ohio. Thus far in life his years have been devoted to agricultural pursuits. Living in Clarke County, Ohio, until 1851, he came to this county on horseback, but remained only a short time when he returned to his home in Ohio. In the summer of 1852, he made another trip to this county, and entered a claim to eighty acres of land on section 11, Towanda Township, and also traded a three- year-old horse for another eiglity aeres, adjoining his elaim, and which was entered by his brother. After entering his land he again returned to his old home in Ohio, and in the spring of 1853 he canic back to this county, and during the summer of that year was engaged in herding cattle. Dur- ing the fall of that year he assisted in driving a drove of cattle to Chicago, and then went back to Ohio, and remained there until the fall of 1855. He then went to New Orleans, and from there to Texas, ostensibly for the purpose of looking at the country, and was absent until the spring of 1856. During the summer of that year he returned to this county, and broke prairie in Towanda Township, and in the fall of the same year formned a partner- ship with his father, for the purpose of farming and stock-raising, and which relation continued until the death of the latter, in 1865.

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McLEAN COUNTY.

Mr. Jones made his settlement in Towanda Township in 1856, and has since made that his home. By labor and economy, together with good judgment, he has added to his landed interests, and is now the owner of 636 acres of valuable and pro- ductive land, on which he has a finc set of farm buildings. IIc keeps about ten head of horses and 150 hcad of cattle on his placc, and fattens about fifty head of hogs for the market annually.

Our subject was married near Clinton, De Witt Co., Ill., Jan. 28, 1858, tbe ceremony being per- formed by Judge J. J. McGraw, to Miss Ann M. Hampleman, daughter of Daniel H. and Sarah (Fletcher) Hampleman. Her father was born in Clarke County, Ohio, and sbe in Greene County, that Statc. There they passed their early life, and there at Xenia they were married, and soon after- ward removed to Perry County, Ill., whence they returned to Clarke County, Ohio, and in the fall of 1851 emigrated to Montgomery County, Ind. Two years later they came to De Witt County, this State, and settled near Clinton, wbere the father engaged in farming. The mother departed this life Nov. 13, 1867. The father is yet living, and engaged in his cbosen calling in De Witt County. They had a family of nine children : Ann M., wife of our subject; Willis, Emily, Persy L., Marion,' Albert, George and Elizabeth. Willis died in infancy; Emily became the wife of John White, and departed this life in De Witt County, Ill., March 25, 1865; Persy L. was united in mar- riage with Charles Davis, and died at Le Roy, tbis' county, Oct. 14, 1876; Marion died in De Witt County, March 19, 1868; Albert departed this life in De Witt County, Aug. 10, 1880, while in the twenty-nintb year of his age; George died Oct. 27, 1854, when one year old; Elizabeth is the wife of J. H. Abbott, and they are living in Towanda Township.

Mrs. Jones, of this sketch, was born in Clarke County, Ohio, Oct. 18, 1839. Sbe lived at home until her marriage with our subject, and by bim has become the mother of seven children-Price N., Edwin E., Lola, Maurice E., Cyrus G., Stella and Max. Price N. was born in Towanda Town- ship, Oct. 28, 1858; he married Miss Emma Rari- don, and they are living in Towanda Townsbip;

Edwin E. was born in Towanda Township, Aug. 18, 1860; be married Miss Josic Shaw, and is en- gaged in farming in Towanda Township; Lola was born July 28, 1862, and departed this life Dec. 6, 1866; Maurice E. was born Oct. 9, 1864; Cyrus G. first saw light July 31, 1869; Stella was born April 28, 1872, and Max, June 2, 1875, the latter dying Oct. 22, 1876.

Mr. Jones has never been an aspirant for office. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, holding fellowship with Lodge No. 542, of Towanda, and has presided over that body for seven years, as Worshipful Master. In politics our subject votes for the success of the Republican party. His farm is one of the best in McLean County, and during the dry season is made productive by Money. Creck running through it from southeast to northwest. During the drought of 1886, our subject was cn- abled to raise a good crop upon his place, while others, not baving the advantages of location that he has, suffered considerably. The value of his farm is greatly increased by four artesian wells which be bas on the place, and from which are ex- tended two-inch pipes over different parts of the farm, which are constantly filled with flowing water running into tanks for stock purposes.

AMES DODGE, one of the leading hardware mercbants of Normal, has been a resident of the Prairie State since 1878, and established his present business three years later. Hc carries the largest stock of hardware in Normal and is a straightforward business man and citizen in every sense wbich tbe term implies. Mr. Dodge was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., June 1, 1834, his parents being William and Mary Ann (Kelley) Dodge. William Dodge was born and reared in the Empire State, and the mother of our subject was of Irish 'birth and parentage. Their household circle consisted of two children-An- - gelinc, the wife of M. M. Zeigler, of Lancaster, Wis., and our subject.

James Dodge was fully orphaned wben an infant, by the death of both parents. He was tben rc- ceived into the family of his grandfather, John

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Peter Winby

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McLEAN COUNTY.

Kelley, and remained with him until fourteen years of age, during whielt time, in 1850, the family re- moved. to Grant County, Wis. Here our subjeet eommeneed to learn the trade of a briekmason and plasterer, followed this for two years, and then took up the tinner's trade with his brother-in-law, and was afterward associated in business with him until 1857. He then removed to Plattsville, Wis., where he engaged in business for himself, remain- ing there until 1878. That year lie eame to Illi- nois, stopped first four months at Belleflower, then six months in Bloomington, whenee he eame to Normal and engaged with George. Champion until 1881. He then establislied his present busi- ness which he has operated sueeessfully sinee that time.

Mr. Dodge was married, Dee. 16, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth Murphy, a native of Lawrence County, Ill., and the daughter of William V. and Elizabeth Murphy. Of this union there are three children living-Mary Ann, the wife of Lee Stewart, of Bloomington ; Abner M., and James E. Mrs. Eliz- abeth Dodge departed this life on the 26th of March, 1882, and Mr. Dodge was again married, Oet. 16, 1884, to Mrs. Elizabeth A. Witham, of Normal. In polities our subjeet is a staneh Demo- erat, religiously a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Clinreli, and socially belongs to the I. O. O. F. A view of Mr. Dodge's business house is shown on another page of this work.

P REDERICK P. PEASE, formerly a minister of the United Brethren Church, is now en- gaged in agricultural pursuits on the home- stead of his father-in-law, on seetion 31, in White Oak Township. Mr. Pease is a native of the Prairie State, having been born in Pike County in 1849. His par- ents were Alonzo and Maria (Wilson) Pease, natives respectively of New York and Ohio. Alonzo Pease was born in 1818, and removed from his native State to Illinois about 1840. He rented land for four years, and then purchased eighty aeres, upon which he located and spent the remainder of his days, his death oeeurring in the spring of 1872.

Mrs. Maria Pease was born in 1809, and died at the home of her husband in Pike County in 1862. 'The parental' family ineluded three children: William P., who married for his first wife Miss Mary S. Good, now deceased; his second wife was Miss Naney C. Buey ; Zachariah A., who married Miss Rexville White, and Frederiek P. of our sketch was the youngest. The father was Republican in polities and a member in good standing of the United Brethren Chureh.

The subject of this history was reared on his fa- thier's farm and received his primary education in the publie sehools. When twenty years of age he entered Westfield College, in Clarke County, Ill., where he took a seientifie course and graduated five years afterward. He was then married, Nov. 6, 1876, to Rozina Wintz, and commeneed his la- bors as a minister and devoted his time irregularly, with his eustomary zeal, in his Master's cause for several years. He was very successful as a pastor, and especially efficient in revivals. He pursued his pious labors at Canton, Ill., Farmer City and Say- brook, three years, and preached at different times after coming into White Oak Township. During one series of meetings under his ministration 150 persons were gathered into the fold.

The wife of our subjeet is the daughter of Peter and Catherine (Fry) Wintz, the father a native of Virginia, and the mother of Ohio. Peter Wintz, one of the most highly respected citizens of the county, and whose portrait will be found on an aecompany- ing page, was born in Loudoun County, Va., Sept. 5, 1825, and is the son of Henry and Sarah (Fry) Wintz, who were both of German deseent. The mother was born in Virginia. When Peter W. was four years of age his parents removed from the Old Dominion, first to Warren County and from there to Preble County, Ohio, and in the district schools of the latter their son Peter was educated. He remained there until his marriage with Miss Catherine, daughter of Jonas Fry, their wedding oeeurring April 8, 1852.

Shortly after his marriage Mr. W. started with his bride for Illinois. A year later he settled on the homestead where he still resides. This is one of the finest in White Oak Township, comprising a handsome residenee in the midst of beautiful

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grounds, and in all respeets indicating the culti- vated tastes of its proprictor. Mr. and Mrs. Wintz became the parents of three children, two of whom are now living: Rozina, Mrs. Pease, and Moses, who married Miss Ida Robison, and is located near Wichita, Kan. Silas E. died wlicn six years of age. Mrs. Catherine Wintz passed to the other life in 1885.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Pease, five in num- ber, are as follows: William Henry, Thomas Shep- ley, Ida Belle, Nellie Pearl and George Elmer. All are living: Mr. Pease is greatly interested in the success of the tempcrance movement and has identificd himself politically with the Prohibition- ists. IIc is still in the prime of life, and undoubt- edly has many years in which to exert his influence on the side of truth, temperauce and justice. Nature endowed him with rare gifts, among which is intel- leetual ability of a high order, logical, discriminat- ing and comprehensive. He is a elose reasoner, an impressive, and occasionally an eloquent speaker, and wields great force on the side of right and in the cause of temperance.

R OBERT HIGGINS, a highly respected far- mer of Mt. Hope Township, is pleasantly located on section 7, where he owns and occupies a good farm ánd is engaged in the pcaccful pursuit of farming. As a representa- tive agriculturist of this splendid agricultural country, as well as a worthy and esteemed citizen, the publishers present the portrait of Mr. Higgins in this volumc.

Mr. Higgins is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born in Licking County, Ohio, on the 28th of December, 1824. He is descended from excellent Irish ancestry, his father, James Higgins, having been born in the city of Belfast and his grandfather was also a native of the Emerald Islc. The latter was a successful linen draper in the city of Belfast, where he spent the last years of his life. In that eity James Higgins, the father of our sub-

ject, was reared and received his early education in the public schools. Being the fourth son in order of birth, as the elder son would inherit the property, James Higgins early learned that he would have to depend upon his own resources for his living. At the age of eighteen years, not being satisfied with the condition of his prospects in his native country, he determined to emigrate to Ameri- ea. He possessed somc means and after arriving here did not for some time engage in any particu- lar ealling. He went into Westmoreland County, Pa., and in due time took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Mary McClelland, a native of said county and of German ancestry. Soon after marriage they procceded to Ohio and located upon a farm in Lieking County, which they rented from its owner, Dr. Taylor, and upon which they re- mained until the spring of 1825. They then re- moved to Perry County, same State, where James Higgins purchased 160 acres of timber land, put up a log cabin and commenced elearing a farm from the wilderness. In due time their humble dwelling was replaced by a commodious stone house and Mr. H. also crected a substantial hewed- log barn. They established a comfortable homc there, upon which they remained the balance of their lives, the mother resting from her labors in 1848, and the father, surviving her for a period. of fourteen years, folded his hands for his final rest in 1862. They were bothı devoted members of the Lutheran Church and highly estcemed in the com- munity where they had for so many years made their home and illustrated in their lives the princi- ples of honor, honesty and kindness.

The parental household of our subjeet consisted of ten children, nine of whom grew to become men and women. To each of his children James Higgins gave the advantages of a good education and those who wished availcd themselves of a col- lege course. Most of the boys became professional men, and Robert of his own choice became a far- mer.

The subject of this history was the ninth child of his parents' family. He was rcared on the farm, attended the district schools and assisted his father in his agricultural operations until his marriage. The father then built another house on the home

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MCLEAN COUNTY.

farm where our subject and his wife took up their abode and managed the operations of the farm until 1855. They then came to Illinois and rented a farm in Mt. Hope Township for two years. In the spring of 1858 Robert Higgins moved to the Darnell Farm and occupied it for the following ten years, and in the meantime also purchased the farm which he now owns and occupies. When it came into his possession there was upon it a frame house 14×20 fect in dimensions and sixty-five acres of land were broken. There had also been planted a few fruit trees and the land was partially fenced. In the spring of 1868 the old frame house was re- placed by the present comfortable family residence, and thic farm of Mr. Higgins, which comprises 160 acres, is now all under an excellent state of culti- vation. He has a good barn and all other necessary out-buildings and is now enjoying the fruits of early toil and cconomy.

Mr. Higgins was married, April 4, 1847, while in Perry County. Ohio, to Miss Jane Allen, daughter of Oliver and Mary Allen, natives of Rhode Isl- and. Of this union there were born four children, of whom three only are living: Clarence Eliner, who is a native of Perry County, Ohio, now lives in Stanford, this county; James lives in Okley, Kan .; Laura J. married John E. Joues, and they live in Nuckolls County, Neb. The mother of these chil- dren departed this life Dec. 6, 1856.

Mr. Higgins was the second time married, in 1858, to Mrs. Sarepta. (Brookes) Darnall. Mrs. Higgins was a native of Kentucky and was first married to Nicholas Darnall. ' Of her marriage with our subject there was born one child, Emma B., who became the wife of David Stephey and lives in Nuckolls County, Neb. Mrs. Sarepta Higgins died in September, 1872, and Mr. Higgins was mar- ried the third tinic on the 9th of October, 1873, to Miss Samantha Clayton. This lady is a native of Perry County, Ohio, and the daughter of Thomas and Catharinc Clayton. Of this union there have been born three children-Edgar H., Minnic E. and Lucy May. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In carlier years and during the existence of the Whig party, Mr. H. affiliated with that political organization,' but since thic abandonnent of the old party by the

formation of the Republican party he has cordially indorsed the principles of the latter and with it uniformly casts his votc.

L UCIUS ROGERS. Among the fine farms in Arrowsmith Township which attract the attention of the passing traveler, is that of the subject of this sketch, which consists of 120 acres of finely cultivated land, and is at present de- voted largely to the breeding of high grades of Short-horn cattle. In addition to other modern improvements, Mr. Rogers has a handsome and substantial dwelling, with a good barn and fences, and the estate in all respects indicates the intelli- gence and industry of its proprietor. He has been a resident of the Prairie State since April, 1860, landing first in Bloomington, where he worked three months and spent the following four months teaching in Du Page County. He had received an excellent education, and took a course of one year at Oberlin College, Ohio.

Lucius Rogers was born in Washtenaw County, ' Mich., Oct. 22, 1840, and is the son of Thomas H. and Louisa (Tuley) Rogers, the latter a native of Phelps Tp., Wayne Co., N. Y. Thomas H. Rogers was born at Saratoga Springs, Aug. 15, 1802, and re- mnoved to Michigan in 1832, settling in Ann Arbor, where he died in 1853 or 1854. When a young man he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he became very skillful, one of his specialties being the manufacture of grain cradles in the early times of that county. He became connected with the Masons while in his native State, and lived up to the principles of that fraternity until the day of his death. He was a man of much force of character and prominent in the affairs of his township, where he held the various offices. His wife, Louisa, was born in 1810, and died in Michigan in 1845. Of their five children the record is as follows: Darius died when twenty-one years of age; Annie, who became the wife of Calvin Colburn, died in 1877; Lucius of our sketch was the third child; Oliver enlisted in the Union army, becoming a member of the 12th Indiana Infantry, and died, of fever in 1863; Martha died in childhood. The mother of

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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 84

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