Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 93

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 93

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The subject of this notice was born in Madison County, Ala., Jan. 15, 1817. He accompanied his parents to Wayne County, Ind., when about six years old, and made that his home until the family came to McLean County, in the fall of 1836, when · he came with them. ITis educational advantages were very limited, but he has acquired a fund of practical information by constant observation, and reading as opportunity would permit, is well posted upon the various issues of the day, and has a good knowledge of the vocation which he follows for a livelihood. Early in November, 1835, having re- ceived a horse and saddle from his father, and a "God bless you, my boy," he took to the saddle

and left Carroll County, Ind., and went south of that point about sixty miles. He had no means, but his object was to obtain an education, and in order to pay his tuition he worked two weeks husk- ing corn, for which he received twelve shining half dollars. Proceeding to Covington, Ind., he entered a select school, paying $3 a quarter tnition, and $1.25 per week for board, and to finish paying his ex- penses he cut wood at thirty-one cents a cord. In two weeks he was taken sick with the measles, and confined to his bed for another two weeks. He at- tended school for about five weeks, when he re- turned to his father's home in Indiana, and then came with them, as stated, to this county. He has followed agricultural pursuits and brick-making all his life. 'He made his first kiln of brick in this county, in 1837, in partnership with his brother Anderson. 1

Mr. Bishop is the present owner of sixty acres of valuable land, on which he hasgood improvements. For a year and a half he was a resident of the vil- lage of Towanda, and was the first agent of the C. & A. R. R. at that place. He also engaged in the buying and shipping of grain at Towanda, in connection with a gentleman by the name of T. J. Lancy. He was likewise connected with a grocery store while there, and was Assistant Postmaster. Mr. Bishop was married in Livingston County, Ill., Aug. 10, 1837, to Miss Prudence Barrickman, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Pedinger) Barrick- man, natives of Maryland. Her parents came from Brown County, Ohio, to this State and settled in Livingston County, where her father followed farm- ing until his death, in 1864. His good wife died two years later, in 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Barrick- man were the parents of eight children, all of whom lived to attain the age of man and womanhood. The names are as follows : James, Prudence, Daniel, Benjamin, Jacob, Harriett, Upton and Mary A. Mrs. Bishop was born in Belmont County, Ohio, Feb. 1, 1819. She was fourteen years of age when she came with her parents to this State, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of three children-Francis A., Mary A. and Daniel J. Francis A. was united in marriage with Esther A. Dodson, and they are living in Money Creek Township; Mary A. is the wife of Samuel Cary,

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aud they are living in this county ; Daniel J. and Miss Lizzie MeMillan were united in marriage, and he is a fariner of Money Creek Township. Mr. Bishop has held the office of School Treasurer in his township for fifteen years. He was the first School Treasurer in the township. In polities lie is a staneh Republican. Religiously he and his wife hold fellowship with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Bishop is a liberal-minded gentle- man, his generosity extending almost to a fault, and loved and respected by all who know him. Years ago he divided his large estate among his children, and is at present passing the sunset of life in peace and quiet, with no dark spots upon his past record to trouble his conseienee. In the spring of 1864 Mr. Bishop enlisted in Co. E, 133d Ill. Vol. Inf., for 100 days. The regiment was stationed at Roek Island, but was not called into active service. Daniel J. Bishop, our subjeet's youngest child, was also a soldier in the late war, having joined Co. D, 94th Ill. Vol. Inf., and served his country faithfully and well for three years, returning from the field of confliet unharmed.

ENRY PATTON, an industrious farmer of Dry Grove Township, has been a resident of Illinois since 1854, and is living the life of a peaceful and law-abiding citizen on his comfortable homestead, situated on section 1, Dry Grove Township. Mr. Patton was born in Somerset County, Pa., near Salisbury, on the 9th of May, 1820. He is the son of Robert and Eve (Glotfelty) Patton, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer and shoemaker combined, and lived to the age of seventy-five years, dying in Elk Creek Township, Somerset Co., Pa. The mother died at the age of sixty-two years at the same place. The parental household consisted of three sons and eight daughters, viz., Henry, Elizabeth, Mathew, Mary Ann, Harriett, Sallie, William, Lydia, Charlotte, Louisa and Amanda. The par- ents were members of the German Reform Church and the father in polities was a Republican.

Henry Patton remained a resident of his native State until his marriage, which occurred Feb. 5,

1844. His bride was Miss Annie E. Kinsinger, who was of German birth and parentage and emi- grated to America in 1842. After a brief time spent in Baltimore, she located in Pennsylvania. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. P. located in Maryland, where they remained for a period of nine years. They then 'returned to Pennsylvania, to the old homestead, where they spent one year and then, in 1853, Mr. Patton came to Illinois to look over the country. He was well pleased with the prospects in the Prairie State, and the following year removed his family, loeating in Woodford County. For two years he farmed npon rented land and then came to MeLean County, which has sinee been his home.

In 1864 Mr. Patton purchased 322 aeres on see- tion 1, of wild prairie land, and at onee entered upon its improvement and enltivation. He now has a handsome and commodious dwelling, two stories in height, with an area of 18x36 feet. It is tastefully finished and furnished and the grounds around it are ornamented with shrubbery and shade trees. In addition to this is a fine barn with basement, 56x40 feet in area, and all desirable out-buildings. His stoek and farm machinery are of first-class deseription.

To Mr. and Mrs. Patton there have been born the following children: Robert, who married Miss Mary Eggelton and lives near Lexington, this county; Jacob, who married Miss Elizabeth Eyer and is located in Dry Grove Township; Edward married Miss Sophronia Eyer, the sister of his brother's wife; Catherine became the wife of Peter Welfly; Dennis married Miss Sarah Dougherty and lives in Lexington Township; Thaddeus married Miss Emma Taflinger; Martha became the wife of William Foster, and died March 17, 1882; Saralı J. became the wife of Norman Kinsinger; Josiah W. is unmarried; Barbara E. died Nov. 20, 1874. The family is connected with the German Reformn Church.

When Mr. Patton purchased his present home- stead the country around was but thinly settled, but with true pioneer spirit he labored industriously and courageously and set an example which others profited by in the establishment of homes, the eul- tivation of the soil and the development of the

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country. He has, in all respeets, been one of the valned eitizens of his township and has contributed his full share toward its prosperity and advance- ment. In politics he is a Republican as are his sons. A view of the handsome home place of Mr. Patton is shown elsewhere in this work.

Z ACHARIAH ARNOLD. The subject of this history has been a resident of McLean County sinee 1854, and during a period of over thirty years has firmly established himself as a substantial citizen and useful member of the com- inunity. He owns and occupies a fine homestead in Blue Mound Township, consisting of 200 acres of improved land, with one of the finest dwellings in this section, and agood barn and all other out- buildings to correspond. Everything about the premises is kept in good repair and the stock and farming implements are of first-elass description. Mr. Arnold, by his industry and enterprise, has contributed his full share toward the progress and welfare of his township and oeeupies his rightful position as one of its leading and most highly re- spceted citizens.

Our subjeet is a native of Hampshire County, W. Va., and was born Nov. 7, 1827. He is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Sloan) Arnold, natives of the same locality, where they settled after their marriage and where the father operated on rented land for several years. He then removed with his family to Ohio, but they only lived there eighteen months, being seized with home-sickness, and re- turned to their native county, where they passed. the remainder of their days. Their six children were, Zachariah, Thomas, Richard, George, Ann and Peter. Our subjcet, who was the eldest, was reared to farming pursuits and remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-seven years, old. He then started for the prairies of Illinois, and coming into this eounty kept "bachelor's hall", with his brother Thomas, for three years following. He then purehased a part of his present homestead on section 35, and made preparations for a permanent stay.

Mr. Arnold was married in Padua Township,

this eounty, Feb. 3, 1863, to Miss Matilda H., daughter of John N. and Sarah (Wampler) Dun- ning, who were natives respectively of North Caro- lina and Virginia. After marriage they located in Monroe County, Ind., whence in about 1851, they came to this county, and settling in Padua Town- ship, there passed the remainder of their lives. Their eight ehildren included two sons and six daughters, of whom Mrs. Arnold was the youngest. She was born in Monroe County, Ind., May 27, 1841, and by her union with our subject has beeome the mother of three children-Rosa B., Sarah E. and Ida M. Sarah E. is the wife of Rudolph W. Kreitzer and resides in Padua Township. Mr. Ar- nold is Democratic in politics and has held some of the minor offices of his township. Religiously lie is connected with the Dunkards, and Mrs. A. is a member of the Christian Church.

OHN W. ARNOLD. The name of this gentle- man is widely and favorably known through- out the greater part of McLean County as one who has thoroughly identified himself with its interests, and has assisted materially in bringing the county to its present prosperous con- dition. Hc eame to this vicinity over thirty years ago and by his energy, industry and honesty in his business transactions has fully established himself in the confidenee and esteem of both the business and social community. He is at present one of the most prominent bankers of MeLean County, and has all his life been more or less interested in agricultural pursuits. Upon his fine farm, which is located in Martin Township, he carries on the breeding of Norman and Clydesdale horses, and exhibits some of the finest animals in this section of country. His farm estate is in all respects a model of thrift, neatness and convenience, and supplied with all the improvements required by the intelligent and progressive farmer.

Mr. Arnold was born in Culpeper County, Va., Feb. 10, 1828, and is deseended from excellent German ancestry. His grandfather, Humphrey Ar- nold, settled at an early day in the Old Dominion, and there married and raised a family, among them

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being a son, Martin, who was the father of our subjeet. Martin Arnold grew to manhood in his native State and was there married to Miss Patsey Maddox, also a native of the Old Dominion, and daughter of Bennett Maddox. This family removed to Ohio at an early day, as did also the Arnolds, and settled first in Muskingum County and after- ward in Licking County. Martin Arnold remained there until the fall of 1853, then came to Illinois and located in White Oak Grove, Tazewell County, and about twenty years later moved to Woodford County, this State, and departed this life at Eu- reka, in 1872. The wife and mother survived un- til 1886, dying in the seventy-seventh year of her age. They were the parents of fifteen children, seven sons and eight daughters, of whom eleven are still living and John W. is the eldest of the family.

The subject of our sketch remained a resident of Lieking County, Ohio, until he was twenty-two years of age. He then came West to Illinois and this eounty, loeating in White Oak Grove, where he at first engaged in a sawmill and subsequently in farming pursuits. Even at that early age he began to deal in horses, of which he was always very fond, and seemed to have a natural understanding of their habits and requirements, and consequently was successful in this branch of business. After having laid the foundations for a future home and competeney, he was united in marriage, in 1852, with Miss Mary M. Benson of White Oak Grove. Mrs. Arnold was born in White Oak Grove in - 1833, and reared and educated there. They eon- tinued their residenee in White Oak Grove for seventeen years following, where Mr. Arnold first established his reputation as a stoek-hreeder. At the expiration of this time he purchased 320 aeres of unimproved prairie on the Mackinaw River, in Lawndale Township, where he opened up a farm. He resided there with his family three years, then removed to Eureka for the purpose of giving his children the advantages of sehooling. After this was accomplished they returned to the farm, upon which they remained until their removal to Colfax, in 1882. Here Mr. Arnold, in company with his son John P., established a private bank under the firm style of John W. Arnold & Co., which they

have carried on sueeessfully since that time. The stables of Mr. Arnold contain several fine imported Norman horses. He eommeneed importing some twelve years ago and no man in the Prairie State takes more pride in developing the fine points of the noblest of animals than he.

Of the inarriage of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold there were born five children : John P. is Cashier in the bank at Colfax; James R. deals in lumber in Col- fax; Sarah F. became the wife of A. H. Eyman, and resides in Maeon County, Ill .; Olive D. and Lou E. died in infaney. Mr. and Mrs. A. are members of the Christian Church, of which our sub- ject has been Deaeon for many years.

The parents of Mrs. John W. Arnold were John and Penara (Henshaw) Benson. The Henshaw family was originally from Tennessee and the Ben- sons from Kentucky. John Benson emigrated from the latter State to Indiana and thenee to MeLean County, Ill., in the year 1829, being 'one of the earliest pioneers of this region. He settled in the timber in Bloomington Township, south of what is now the present flourishing eity. Seven years later he removed to White Oak Grove, and in 1873 to Eureka, where he died in the seventieth year of his age. The wife and mother is still living and is now in her seventieth year. The grandfather of Mrs. Arnold, John Benson, Sr., spent his last days at White Oak Grove and was a remarkable example of good health and strength. He had never been siek until his last illness and retained his mental faculties until the end. He was nearly ninety-six years old at the time of his death.

OHN MORROW, a prominent resident of Chenoa Township, is at present engaged as a dealer in agricultural implements at Che- noa. He is a native of the Prairie State, and was born in Peoria County, Oct. 5, 1836. His father, Thomas Morrow, removed from Indiana to Illinois in 1832. The Morrow family were of ex- eellent Seottish aneestry who, after coming to the United States located in the South, the grandfather of our subjeet settling in North Carolina. From there lie removed to Indiana, and there Thomas

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Morrow, the father of our subject, was married to Miss Eleanor MeMillin of Parke County. They be- came the parents of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, of whom one died in infaney. The balance, with one exception, lived to become men and women. Thomas G. died when fifteen years of age, and six of the family still survive. Thomas Morrow removed with his family to this State in the spring of 1832, locating on a farm near Prinee- ville, Peoria County, where his death occurred in 1848. The mother survived her husband, dying in Princeville, at the old homestead.

Our subject was thus left without a father at an early age, and assisted his mother to carry on the farm until the date of his enlistment. He re- mained in Peoria County until the outbreak of the late war, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Co. K, 86th Ill. Vol. Inf., and remained in the service nearly three years. He participated with his com- rades in the battles of Perryville, Ky., Cliekamaugua and Mission Ridge, Tenn., and marehed with Sher- man through the Atlanta campaign to the sea. While amid many scenes of danger and death he eseapcd unhurt, being neither wounded nor taken prisoner. He was mustered in as Second Ser- geant, and received the commission of First Lieu- tenant at Alexandria, Va., in 1863. After receiv- ing his honorable discharge, in June, 1865, near Washington City, he returned West to his old home and engaged in farming pursuits.

·Nov. 8, 1866, Mr. Morrow was united in mar- riage with Miss Margaret, daughter of David G. Ilervey, Esq., of Peoria County, Ill. They . re- mained in that loeality until the spring of 1869, then coming to this eounty settled on a farm in Chenoa ' Township, where they remained until 1885. Mr. Morrow then purchased the stock of goods owned by George W. Jewell, which eon- sisted of a full assortment of farm implements, and sinee that time has been carrying on a thriving and profitable trade.

Mr. and Mrs. M. became the parents of three children, one daughter, Laura, who died in in- faney, and two sons, William C. and David T. The former is assisting his father in the store, and the latter is still attending school. Our subject and his wife are members in good standing of the Pres-

byterian Church, Mr. M. being one of the ruling Elders. Besides his village property lie still owns his fine farm, which consists of 160 acres, with all suitable farm buildings, and is located on sec- tion 24, Chenoa Township. He was elected Super- visor in 1883, was Road Commissioner of the township three years, and also officiated as Town- ship Trustee. He has contributed his full sharc toward the prosperity of this section, and is widely and favorably known as one of its most enterpris- ing men. He is a Demoerat in politics, and dur- ing the Rebellion was what might be called a war Democrat.

ANIEL C. SNOW, an honored resident and retired farmer of McLean County, is a native of West Brookfield, Worcester Co., Mass., and was born on the 24th of June, 1822. His father, Joseph Snow, was a na- tive of Bridgewater, Mass., and was reared to man- hood in his uative town, in the meantime engaged in the labor of the farm. When he was twenty- one years of age he removed with his father to West Brookfield, Mass., where the latter had pur- ehased a tract of land. He divided this between his two sons, and on the farm which became his portion the father of our subject located and re- mained until his death, which occurred after he had arrived at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years.

Joseph Snow was united in marriage with Miss Persis Knights about 1810. She was born in Wor- cester County, Mass., and reared in New Braintree, that State. This lady remained the constant and af- feetionate companion of her husband until they were separated by death, her decease having occurred at the home of her daughter in West Brookfield, Mass. She was the second wife of Joseph Snow, and there were seven children by each marriage. His first wife was a Miss Richards, a native of Bridgewater, Mass.

The subject of our sketch was the fifth child of the second marriage of his father. He was reared on the farm. educated in the district school, and made his home with his parents until he had ar-

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rived at the age of twenty years. His father then gave him his time, aud for the following two years he was employed in a boot and shoe factory, then at the request of his father he returned home, and he gave him the farm, with the understanding that Daniel was to support the parents during their life- time. He remained with them until 1852, and then, leaving a brother-in-law in charge of the homestead, went to Westborough, Mass., as Super- intendent of the State Reform School, in which po- sition he remained until the spring of 1853. He theu made his arrangements to remain in North- borough, having charge of the business of a gentle- man who spent the most of his time in Boston. Mr. Snow was thus occupied for three years, when he returned to Westborough and took charge of a farm there for two years. He then sold the home farm to a younger brother, purchased a farm near Westborough and occupied it until 1861, and then sold out and came West to MeLean County, Ill., accompanied by his brother, Dwight M. They rented a farm in Mt. Hope Township, purchased seventy-five eows and were engaged in the manu- facture of cheese for one year; then the farm upon which they operated was sold and they rented an- other of the same party, in Funk's Grove Town- ship, upon which they operated for two years.

At this time Mr. Snow purchased 244 aeres of land on seetion 1, in what is now Mt. Hope Town- ship, and immediately sold 100 aeres to his brother. He then continued the manufacture of butter and cheese two years, and selling his farm purchased five aeres in town and eighty acres just outside of the limits. He made his residenee in the town and carried on the farm for one year, when his health failed and he was disabled for sev- eral months, He then sold out and returned to his old home in Massachusetts, spending one year in the Water Cure Institution of Dr. Hero, at West- borough. There he partially recovered his health, and in February, 1869, returned to MeLean County. He now purchased 100 acres of land of his brother, the same which he had formerly sold to him and which is located on seetion 1, Mt. Hope Township, half a mile east of MeLean. There were no buildings on the place when it came into his possession the second time. He ereeted a good

residenee and necessary out-buildings and engaged in the dairy business until 1877. In that year he introduced Jersey eattle into MeLean County. He erossed Jerseys with Durliams, producing a fine breed of dairy stoek, and continued this braneli of business with his son Willis D. until 1882, when he sold out the stock and tools and rented the farm to this son, and removing to town practically re- tired from aetive labor. He had added to his farm since the last purehase from his brother and it now comprises 130 aeres.

D. C. Snow was married, on the 24th of June, 1845, to Miss Louisa D. Riee, a native of Charle- mont, Mass., and the daughter of Artemus and Asenath (Adams) Riee. Of this union there were born three children: Charlotte L., the wife of Mathew Haughey, a resident of McLean County, and Willis D., who oeeupies the home farm; their seeond ehild, Maria R., died in Mt. Hope Town- ship at the age of sixteen years.

D. C. Snow has been connected with the Congre- gational Church sinee he was seventeen years old. He has always been recognized as a man of ability, and held various offices of trust in his native State. He is a member of the Board of Seleetmen in West Brookfield, was Overseer of the Poor in Westbor- ough, and has been Sehool Trustee and Road Com- missioner in Mt. Hope Township. In the winter of 1883-84 he went South to Florida for his health. In polities he is a staneh Republiean.

P ELEG SOULE, who is spending the sunset of life in quiet retirement at No. 204 East Jefferson street, Bloomington, is a native of Fulton County, N. Y., and was born April 18, 1815. His parents, Peleg and Betsey (Warren) Soule, were natives of Rhode Island, and the father a carpenter by trade. His grandfather, Joseph Soule, was a sea captain, but during the lat- ter years of his life followed farming; his death oe- eurred in Fulton County, N. Y. Peleg Soule, Sr., by his marriage with Betsey Warren became the father of eighteen ehildren, of whom the subject of this sketch was next to the youngest, and is the only one now living. Both parents died in New

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York State after reaching fourscore years. Peleg Soule was a skilled mechanic, and when difficult jobs were required in the community where he lived, he was always the one to be called upon, and he took pride in exeelling both as a carpenter and at other fine work requiring the use of edged tools, a steady hand and a practiced eyc.

The subject of this notice left the parental home- stead when fourteen years old, having up to that time only attended sehool two months. He after- ward learned the earpenter's trade, at which he worked for four years. In 1835 he was married, and then engaged at lumbering in his native county. He erected a sawmill there, which he oper- ated for five years, but not meeting with sueeess in his undertaking, he abandoned it, subsequently disposing of it by sale for $400. In 1840 he left Fulton County and went into Genesee County, where he purchased a farm, which he conducted a short time, and then bought 104 aeres, occupying the latter for five years. Afterward disposing of this by sale, he purchased another farm of 204 aeres, which, after residing upon seven years, he sold and went to Batavia, Genesee County, where he purchased 170 acres and upon which he lived for three years.

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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 93

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