USA > Illinois > Morgan County > Portrait and biographical album of Morgan and Scott Counties, Illinois > Part 23
USA > Illinois > Scott County > Portrait and biographical album of Morgan and Scott Counties, Illinois > Part 23
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Miss Elizabeth Ruddick, a native of Jackson County. Ind., became the wife of our subject on the 31st day of May, 1883, the wedding being cele- brated at the home of the bride in Jacksonville, Ill. Mrs. Thompson was born Jan. 2, 1857, and is the daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth Ruddick, who were natives of Ohio. She is a lady of excellent education, and a graduate of the Illinois Female College at Jacksonville, where she completed hier studies in 1878. Of her union with Judge Thomp- son there have been born two children-Mary R. and Perry P.
AMES PORTER. The subject of this notice, who is living in single blessedness on a snug little farm of 120 acres on section 36 in Woodson Precinct, came to this region when a youth of sixteen years, in the fall of 1834. He was accompanied by his parents, William and Sarah (Tingle) Porter, and remained with them until their decease. William Porter departed this life March 7, 1843, and the mother, who only sur- vived her husband four and one-half years, died Sept. 13, 1848.
The parents of our subject were natives of Dela- ware, whence they removed in their youth, prior to their marriage, to Kentucky. After uniting their hearts and fortunes they settled in Scott County, that State, and lived there until their removal to
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Illinois, in the fall of 1834. The father secured a tract of land, and, with the aid of his son, built up a comfortable homestead, where both parents spent their last days. Their household consisted of six children. James, our subject, was born in Scott County, Ky., Aug. 14, 1818, and there received the most of his education in the common school. He grew up a dutiful son and an industrious youth, following in the footsteps of his honored father, and being mostly engaged in farming pursuits. 'The old homestead is now occupied by himself and younger sister Nancy, and our subject secured his farm in 1875. He has erected a neat and commo- dious dwelling, and his barn and other outbuild- ings are well adapted to the purposes of general agriculture. There is no fault to be found, what- ever, with his career as a man and a citizen, ex- cepting the fact that he has never thought best to take unto himself a wife and helpmate. His do- mestic affairs are presided over by his sister Nancy.
Politically, Mr. Porter affiliates with the Repub- lican party, and he has been for many years a member in good standing of the Christian Church. No man has watched with warmer interest the growth and development of his adopted eounty, and he has contributed his full quota in bringing it to its present condition.
W ILLIAM FORSYTHE. It is conceded the world over, that among all the nations of the globe there is none better than that which traces its origin to the Land of the Thistle. The Scotch nationality is the synonym of all that is honorable, high-minded and praiseworthy, and every man who can lay claim to that country as his own, has something of which to be proud. Among these fortunate individuals is the subject of this biography, who was born in Scotland, as likewise was his honored father, William Forsythe, Sr. The latter, a native of Dumfrieshire, was there reared to man's estate, and married one of its mnost estima- ble maidens, Miss Mary Hyslop. They never left their native shire, living and dying in the land
which gave them birth. They were the parents of two children only-Nieholas and William, our sub- jeet; the former of whom is now deceased.
Our subject, like his father, a native of Dum- frieshire, first opened his eyes to the light Feb. 4, 1825, and spent his early life upon his father's farm, coming to America in 1850, when a man of twenty-five years. He landed in New York City, and for two years thereafter was occupied at farm- ing in that State. He then emigrated to the Pa- cific Slope. and spent six years in California, en- gaged chiefly in agricultural pursuits. At the ex- piration of this time he re-visited his native Isle, and after spending a few months among the friends of his childhood, returned to the United States and settled in this county, in June, 1858. For several months thereafter Mr. Forsythe was employed on the farm belonging to the Insane Asylum, then em- barked in agriculture on his own account, renting a farm near Murrayville, upon which he operated five years with such good results that he finally bought a farm near Woodson, and has since de- voted his time and attention to its improvement. He has erected a good set of buildings, which, with their surroundings, form one of the most attractive homesteads in this part of the county. All its be- longings suggest peace and plenty, and indicate in a forcible manner the thrift and industry of the proprietor.
The marriage of William Forsythe and Miss Jes- sie Wilson took place at the bride's home in Jack- sonville, March 20, 1860. Mrs. F. is the daughter of John and Margaret (Tulloch) Wilson, who were also natives of Scotland, where they spent their en- tire lives. She was the second in a family of three children, and was born in Nairnshire, March 28, 1834. She came to America alone, in 1856. Of her union with our subject there have been born seven children, viz .: John H., Mary N., William D. (deceased), Edwin J., Margaret T., Allen E., and Luella B., deceased. John married Miss Rosa Ungluab, and resides near Woodson, occupied at farming; Mary N. is with the Simmons hardware firm of St. Louis, as stenographer; the three sur- viving remain at home with their parents; William D. died at the age of fourteen months, and Luella when less than two years old.
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MORGAN COUNTY.
Mr. Forsythe, politically, is a sound Republican, but aside from serving as Sehool Director in his district has little to do with publie affairs, prefer- ring to give his tique and attention to his farm and his family. Both he and his excellent wife are members of the Presbyterian Chureli, in which Mr. T. has officiated as an Elder for many years, and has taken an active part in religious work. He is the friend of education, and is uniformly to be found the encourager of those enterprises ealeu- lated to elevate society and build up the county.
YLVANUS SCOTT. This well-to-do citi- zen, the son of Eneas Seott, who is repre- sented elsewhere in this work, is established on a good farm of 120 acres, occupying a part of seetion 34, township 14, range 9. He ear- ries on general agriculture, and has about him all the convenienees and appliances of a well-regu- lated country cstate. He is an upright and reliable eitizen, a sound Demoerat politieally, and a man who prefers to give his best efforts to his farm and his family than to mingle with the turmoil of public life.
Our subjeet was born Sept. 14, 1842, in Eliza- beth, N. l., and eame with his parents to this county in 1854, when a lad of twelve years. They settled in township 14, range 9, where the father carries on farming. Sylvanus was reared to man's estate under the home roof, and was married June 9, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth Dodsworth, a lady of English birth and parentage, who emigrated to Ameriea with her parents in 1854, they settling in this county. Mr. Dodsworth is now deceased, and his widow was subsequently married to Dawson Darley, who is also deceased, and Mrs. Darley oeeu- pies the old homestead in township 14, range 10. To the parents of Mrs. Seott there were born two children-Elizabeth and Thomas.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Seott were named respectively: Edward D., Sarah L., Gilbert W., Ira Eneas, Rhoda H., Winfield W., Annie, and Alfred E. Mrs. Scott is a member in good stand- ing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Durbin,
and both our subject and his wife enjoy the friend- ship of a large circle of acquaintanecs. They have a pleasant home and everything to make life eom- fortable and desirable.
W ILLIAM WAGGONER is a representative farmer and stock raiser of Morgan County. He was born in Perry County, l'a., Aug. 14, 1840, and received bis education at the public schools of that old commonwealth.
William Waggoner, Sr., was also born in Perry County, Pa., Oct. 6, 1805. He lived in Pennsyl- vania until he grew to man's estate, and then re- moved to La Salle County, IN., but becoming dissatisfied with the country he returned to Perry County, Pa., thence removing across the mountains to Cumberland County, in the same State. Ilis wife died at the latter place. In 1856 he came to Morgan County, and purchased a farm of 240 aeres, all improved. This time he removed with the in- tention of making Illinois his future home, an action which he never regretted. William Wag- goner, Sr., was the father of eleven children, six of whom are living. namely: Peter, Catherine, Eliza- beth, Anna, Emma and William., Jr.
Peter married Elizabeth l'atterson, of Morgan County, and is a farmer and stoekman. They have three children-Mabel, Mary and Ruth; Catherine married James Magill, also of Morgan County, who is a farmer and stock-raiser. They have four chil- dreu-Owen, Lloyd, Charles and Alice; Elizabeth married Marshall W. Green. a farmer of Morgan County; Anna married Luther Magill, now de- eeased. Mrs. Magill lives in Jacksonville, and is the mother of five children-Nellie, Louis, William, Leonard and Clara; Emma is single, and lives with William, Jr.
Our subjeet married Annie Grimes, of Greene County, Ill., Dee. 22, 1880. Mrs. Waggoner was born Oct. 16, 1847. Her father and mother, John and Mary Ann Grimes, are of Kentucky nativity, their parents having come from England.
Mr. Waggoner, whose name appears at the head of this sketeh, is now living upon, and owns the homestead purchased by his father, and is making
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MORGAN COUNTY.
a signal suceess of the business of general farming and stock raising. He takes great pride in raising good grades of cattle, horses and hogs, and for these he always receives the highest market price. lle is a thorough farmer and business man, and is well thought of in his community. Ile enlisted as a volunteer in the 101st regiment of Illinois Infan- try, commanded by Col. Charles Fox, Capt. Sylves- ter L. Moore being his company commander. Ilis enlistment occurred in August, 1862, and he was discharged at St. Louis, Mo., in July, 1863, for dis- ability. He was taken prisoner at Holly Springs, Miss., and paroled after being in captivity but a few hours. His regiment was exchanged on the day of his discharge. Mr. Waggoner is a working member of Matt Starr Post No. 378, G. A. R., of Jacksonville. Ile is a Republican in polities. lle was a brave soldier, is a good citizen, well spoken of by his acquaintances, and, in fact, as has been said of another person, "Ile will stand without hitehing."
HARLES A. BARNES, States Attorney, a gentleman young in years, has already a good start in the legal profession and the business world. Ile' is bright and capable, and there is every reason to suppose, j'ist entering upon a successful and honorable career. A native of Il- linois, he was born in the then struggling town of Alton, Madison County, July 4, 1855. Ilis par- ents were Rev. William and Eunice O. Hubbard (Barnes) natives of Massachusetts. the father a graduate of Yale College of 1839, and a clergy man of the Presbyterian Church.
The father of our subject for many years had charge of a congregation in the city of Boston, but on account of failing health he, in 1853, eame to Illinois, and settled in Alton. Ile preached there five or six years, coming to Jacksonville in 1860. Ile is now living in retirement in this eity. The wife and mother passed to hier long home in 1872. leaving a family of four children. The ckdest of these, William H., is now a Judge of the United States Circuit Court in Arizona; Nathan H., a resident of Hartford, Conn., holds a Lieutenant's
commission in the United States Navy; Mary A., wife of Mr. M. V. B. Elison, is a resident of Free- port, Ill.
The subject of this biography after leaving the primary schools, entered the Illinois College at Jacksonville, and later Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, and was graduated from the law department of the latter in 1878. He at onee set- tled in Jacksonville, where he entered upon the practice of his profession in company with his brother, William II., continning there until he was chosen to his present position in the fall of 1884. Ile was first appointed City Attorney in 1882, serving one year, and elected States Attorney in 1884, which position he has since held. Politically, he votes the straight Democratic ticket, and so- cially, is a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a K. of P.
The paternal grand parents of our subject, Thomas and Sarah (Evans) Barnes, were natives of Dela- ware. Grandfather Barnes in 1809 removed to the vicinity of what was afterward Portsmouth, Ohio, where he engaged extensively in farming, and where his death took place in 1818. His esti- inable wife survived him many years, came to Illi- nois in 1834, and was a resident of Marshall County at the time of her death, which oceurred when she was about eighty years old. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are living, namely : Nancy, Mrs. Dever, of Lacon, now ninety years of age; Henry, of Sannemin, Livingston County, aged eighty six years, and Rev. William, father of our subject. who is seventy-two years old. The Barnes family is of Scotcli ancestry, while the Evans' trace their origin to Wales.
OLIN RANSON. In the coming years when perhaps the grandehildren of the pioneers of Morgan County will be gathered together in social intercourse to talk of the old times, it will be gratifying to them to be able to peruse tlie reeords which are now being snatched from obliv- ion, and there will appear to them a certain charm in beliolding the names of their sires in vivid blaek and white, as connected with the incidents of the early settlement of this eounty. The Ranson fam-
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MORGAN COUNTY.
ily from its known prominence and importance cannot properly be left out of this category, and the subject of this notice-one of its most worthy members-deserves more than a passing mention as a man who has redeemed a portion of the primi- tive soil, and built up one of the most desirable homesteads in his precinct. He is recognized as a thorough and skillful farmer, and has added in no small degree to the extent and value of the taxable property therein contained.
The offspring of a good family, our subject is the son of James Ranson, a native of Sheffield, England, who emigrated to America a single man, and later was married to Miss Sarah Richardson, a sister of Vincent Richardson, of this county. After their marriage the young people settled not far from the home of the Richardsons, and the father of our subject since that time has been a resident of this county, and continuously engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. The wife and mother died at the old homestead in Jacksonville, June 18, 1881. The parental household included seven sons and four daughters, of whom John, our subject, was the sec- ond born. He first opened his eyes to the light at the old homestead, near Lyunville, Jan. 27, 1836, and was there reared to man's estate. He remained a member of his father's household until taking up his abode in township 14, in 1862.
. Upon tlic outbreak of the Civil War our subject, then a man of twenty-five years, and full of his plans for the future, laid aside his personal inter- ests, and enlisted as a Union soldier, Sept. 2, 1861, in Company K, 27th Illinois Infantry. After serv- ing four months, mostly in the army of the Missis- sippi, he was obliged to accept liis honorable dis- charge on account of disability. After his return home he gave his attention exelusively to agricult- ural pursuits, in which he has since been engaged. Four years later he was married, May 23, 1865, at the home of the bride, four miles west of Jackson- ville, to Miss Ann E. Killam. Mrs. Ranson was born near Liberty Church, on the 1st of October, 1843, and is the daughter of William and Mary (Hall) Killam, who were natives of England, and are now deceased.
In the spring of 1862, prior to his marriage,
Mr. Ranson settled in township 14, and is now the owner of 440 broad acres, nearly the whole of which has been brought to a high state of cultiva- tion. In addition to general agriculture he is quite largely engaged as a stock-dealer, and from this industry has reaped quite a little fortune. ITis farm buildings are commodious and substantial, and he avails himself of the latest improved ma- chinery in the cultivation of the soil. It has taken years of labor, and involved an outlay of thousands of dollars to bring his homestead to its present con- dition, and it is scarcely excelled by any in Mor- gan County in point of actual value.
Only three of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ranson are now living, viz: James W., Sam- uel E. and Charles L. The eldest is twenty-two years of age, and the youngest fifteen, and they all remain under the home roof. Mr. Ranson, politi- cally, votes the straight Republican ticket, and, socially, is identified with the G. A. R.
ARDIN D. COOPER, a thorough-going and wide-awake business mau, and proprietor of the well-known general mercantile house at Chapin, needs but little introduction to the people of Morgan County. Our subject is the son of John D. Cooper, who first established the busi- ness now so ably carried on by his sou Hardin. Mr. Cooper, Sr., was born in Sumner County, Tenn., on the 20th of December, 1809. Ilis father, George W. Cooper, emigrated to Morgan County, of this State, in November, 1829, and settled in township 16, range 11 (Concord), and was accompanied in this journey by his son, the father of our subject, who was then about twenty years of age.
On the 23d of January, 1836, John D. Cooper married Miss Margaret Willard, who bore him four children, as follows: Martha E., widow of D. M. Brunson, of Eldorado, Kan .; Hester Aun, wife of the Hon. Lewis Hanback, ex-Member of Congress, of Kansas; William M. was a soldier in the late Civil War, and held the rank of Lieutenant on the staff of Gen. N. B. Buford; he was a partner of his father in the store, from 1866 to 1876, at the time of his deatlı. One other ehild, George, died in in-
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MORGAN COUNTY.
faney. Being left a widower he subsequently re- married, on the 28th of September, 1847, the lady being Margery A. Risley, by whom he became the father of the following children: Mary A., Ilardin and Ida. Ilis settlement at Chapin dates from 1847. Shortly afterward he began to do business as men- tioned above, and continued as the sole proprietor until he took our subject into partnership with him, and retaining his interest in the firm until his de- eease, on the 5th of February, 1880.
The subject of this writing was born in Chapin, Ill., Dec. 27, 1849. He received his education and was reared in his native county, becoming his father's elerk and helper in the store at an early age. He attended the High School at Jacksonville, and developed an aptitude for study that has been of great assistance to him as a man of business. In 1888 Mr. Cooper had so progressed in business, and prospered financially, that he purchased the in- terests of all the heirs to the business as left by his father, and became sole proprietor. On Nov. 1, 1877, he became the husband of Miss Belle Neely. There has been given to them a daughter, whose name is recorded as Julia N., and who was born Oct. 11, 1888. She has made the home the brighter and happier by her presence.
The store of our subjeet is quite large, and ear- ries a stock consisting of dry goods of all kinds, also a full line of boots, shoes and hats; there is also a grocery department, and one is sure to find everything in the line of hardware, and in faet anything that is usually carried by similar well- managed stores in the country. The stock earried is at no time of less value than $8,000, and his sales average over $20,000 annually. The reputation of our subjeet as a man of business is in keeping with his high character, previous training, and the ex- ample of his respected father, who established the business.
Mr. Cooper as a loyal eitizen is deeply interested in the politieal aspeet, and gives considerable time to the understanding of govermental questions, Ile is a firm adherent and cordial friend of the Re- publiean party, but is first, a man, and afterward a politician, and therefore never sacrifices principle to policy. For fourteen years he was Postmaster of Chapin, and throughout that lengthy period
earned the heartiest esteem of the people, owing to the well nigh perfect manner in which every duty connected therewith was performed. He has re- eently been re-appointed Postmaster, and will again assume the duties of that office.
NN C. CURTS, whose maiden name was Ann C. Parker, is a native of Lycoming County, Pa., and was born May 19, 1832. Iler parents eame to Sangamon County, Ill., in 1837. Iler father, in eonjunetion with his farm, carried on the blacksmithing business. He was born April 21, 1801, and died Sept. 25, 1867, and was interred in the cemetery at Island Grove, Sangamon Co., Ill. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Carson, was a native of Philadelphia. Iler father was a lawyer.
Mrs. Curts, whose name is at the head of this sketch, is proud of the fact that the grandfather of her husband was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and that he lived to the age of one hundred years. The father of Mrs. Curts had a family of eight children, of whom four are living, namely: Ilen -. riette, Sarah J., Emma and Ann C. Ilenriette is single, and is a teacher of the High School in Ilum- boldt County, Cal .; Sarah J. married John Rieh- mond, of Ohio, who is a farmer and stoek-raiser in Brown County, Neb., and they have two ehil- dren-Lulu and John; Emma married James Man- son, of Waverly, Ill., who is a merchant, and they have five children-Clara, William, Eva, Frank, Nellie; Ann C., of whom this sketch is written, married George Curts (deceased) in Sangamon County, Ill., in-1869.
Our subjeet's husband commenced life as a farmer, in Morgan County, this State, and continued in that business until his death, which oeenrred Feb. 12. 1885. He was a very sueeessful farmer, a man of good repute, and a consistent member of the Christian Church. He was the father of eight children, all of whom are dead except George W; he married Miss Nellie Comstoek, who died in 1882, leaving three children-Marriette, Margaret and Oveta; George is now engaged in super- intending the old farm for his mother. Mrs. Curts
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MORGAN COUNTY.
inherited 200 acres of land from the estate of her husband, there being 900 acres in all. It is in a good state of cultivation, with fine buildings; is well stocked, and is a home of which any one might be proud. She is a lady who has many friends, who admire her many good qualities of heart, and her son is looked upon as a model farmer.
Mr. Curts while living was a prominent Demo- crat, and took great interest in public affairs. He was in politics for principle, not office.
F6 RANCIS M. HENDERSON, a son of one of the earliest pioncers of this county, is now numbered among its most prominent and well-to-do citizens. He was reared amid the wild scenes of pioneer life and in that atmosphere imbibed the love of freedom and those sentiments of sterling integrity which have made him a man upright and praiseworthy in his dealings with his fellows, and thoroughly in sympathy with the pro- jects and enterprises which have brought his na- tive county to its present state. By watching its growth and development he has practically grown up with it and contributed his full quota in mak- ing it what it is.
The property of our subject embraces a well- regulated farm of 140 acres pleasantly located on section 36, township 16, range 12. It became liis in its undeveloped condition, and he has expended years of labor and hundreds of dollars in effeeting the improvements upon it and bringing the soil to that fertile condition which has rendered it highly productive and valuable. Nothwithstanding the amount of labor he has accomplished, he is still in his prime, having been born Dec. 15, 1837, and it is to be hoped will enjoy many more years of the comfort and satisfaction to which he is entitled as the reward of his honest toil.
Our subject is the offspring of a good family, be- ing the son of Silas and Sarah (Gorham) Hender- son, the father, a native of Virginia and the moth- er of New York State. Ilis paternal grandfather, was born either in Virginia or Maryland, and emi- grated to this county about 1824-25, settling in
township 16, range 12, and in what is now known as Areadia Precinct. Hle had, however, prior to this resided in Ohio for a short time. When com- ing to Illinois the land in this portion of the State had scarcely been opened for settlement, and was not in the market. Shortly afterward he returned to Ohio to dispose of some property there, when he was taken suddenly ill, and died the eleventh day after his arrival there. He had journeyed the whole of the way from Illinois to Ohio on horse- back. After his death his family remained in Illi- nois, and entered the land when it came into market and about two miles east of which grew up the present village of Arcadia.
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