USA > Illinois > Morgan County > Portrait and biographical album of Morgan and Scott Counties, Illinois > Part 44
USA > Illinois > Scott County > Portrait and biographical album of Morgan and Scott Counties, Illinois > Part 44
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George C. Smith, the eldest son of our subjeet, married Miss Eva F. Munson, and is oceupied as a druggist's clerk, at Springfield, this State. During the Civil War he served as a Union soldier in Company K, 27th Ilinois Infantry, fought at Bel- mont and in other battles, and finally on aceonnt of failing health was obliged to accept his honora- ble discharge after a two years' service. He is now in Springfield, Ill .; Joseph C. is unmarried and op- erates the homestead; Charles H. was married to Miss Mary M. Erskine, who died leaving no chil- dren, and he remains at the homestead.
Mr. Smith originally in polities was an Old-Line Whig, but since the day of Republicanism has given his support to the principles of this party. Ile was at one time connected with the Congregational Church, but is now rather liberal in his views upon religious matters.
Le EWIS REXROAT, the owner of 512 broad aeres in township 16, range 11, with his homestead on section 21, has lived on the farm, which he now oceupies since the 20th of March, 1866. He was a poor man npon coming to this county, and has illustrated in a foreible man- ner the results of diligence and frugality. He has practically retired from active labor, but superin- tends the operations of his large farm, which is mostly devoted to stock-raising, there being npou it now about 130 eattle, together with horses and swine.
Mr. Rexroat is a native of this county, having been born in Areadia Precinct, on the 23d of May, 1845. His father, Zachariah Rexroat, was a native of Adair County, Ky., and the son of parents, who
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were probably of German aneestry, if not born in the Fatherland. Zachariah was reared to farm pursuits and remained in the Blue Grass State until reaching manhood. Then eoming to Illinois, he settled in this eounty in the latter part of 1829. He was married after eoming here, in Areadia Pre- einet, to Miss Sarah Bristow, who was born and reared in this eounty, and who was the daughter of an exeellent family.
The parents of our subjeet after their marriage settled on a traet of land and their life thereafter was similar to that of the pioneers of Areadia Preeinct, who endured many hardships and difficulties, as the country was wild and new and there was neither stage route nor railroad. Not far from their home- stead there grew up in time the flourishing town of Areadia, and the father being prospered, beeame the owner of 1,800 aeres of land valued at about $100,000.
The father of our subject began the struggle of life for himself as a day-laborer in this eounty and was most essentially the arehiteet of his own fort- une. He was very active in mind and body, and labored for many years early and late in develop- ing his farm and adding to his possessions. le lived to attain the good old age of eighty-two years and was gathered to his fathers Sept. 7, 1888. The mother is still living at the old homestead, and is now almost eighty years old. She is a smart, bright old lady and for many years lias been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Eight of the thirteen children born to herself and husband are still living-five sons and three daughters.
The subject of this notice remained a member of his father's household until a youth of eigliteen years, and then the Civil War being in progress, enlisted in Company D, 10th Illinois Cavalry, under the command of Capt. G. W. Curry, and remained with his regiment until January, 1866. Ile was most of the time employed as a seout throughout Kansas and Texas, and wlien his ser- viees were no longer required, received his honor- able discharge at San Antonio, the latter State. He was never wounded or taken prisoner and upon returning home resumed the farm pursuits to which he had been bred from boyhood.
The 29th of May, 1866, witnessed the marriage of our subjeet with Miss Catherine Goodpasture. who was born in township 16, range 11, Dee. 5, 1845. Her parents were Abram and Lizzie (Smith) Goodpasture and her mother died when she was but eleven years of age. The father was married a second time and lives on a farm in this township. Mrs. Rexroat has been a lifelong resident of this eounty, receiving her education in the common- school and becoming familiar with all kinds of domestic employments. Both she and her hus- band are members in good standing of the Meth- odist Protestant Chureh, in which Mr. Rexroat is Trustee and Cireuit Steward. Politieally, he gives his adherence to the Prohibitionists, being strongly in favor of temperance and of every measure which will put down the traffie in ardent spirits. Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rexroat, Sarah E., died when one year old. The survivors who are all at home with their parents are named, respectively : Rosa E., William H., Laura A., Rich- ard A., Mary E., Maggie, Zachariah and Robert L.
P ETER M. BRANER is one of the enter- prising young farmers of Morgan County, and owns a good farm of 150 aeres on seetion 13, township 16, range 11. Ilere he has spent most of his life excepting seven years in another part of the county. Mr. Braner is a native of Morgan County, and was born on the old homestead where he now lives, and which he owns. His hirth oecurred Feb. 24, 1856.
Peter M. Braner is the son of Peter Braner, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, who was born and reared there. The elder Braner traees his an- eestry to Germany. He eame to Morgan County when its original state of nature was almost nnin- vaded. He began here as a farmer in the fall of 1831, and here he married Miss Hannah Hender- son, who was born in Ohio, and whose parents had come from that State to Greene County, Ill., when that section was almost uninhabited. The Hender- sons later came to Morgan County and located north of Areadia, where the parents both died. They were people who enjoyed the confidenee of
JE Centros
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MORGAN COUNTY.
all with whom they came in contaet. When the old Militia Law was in force. the citizens of the country who were of proper age were obliged to meet and drill, onee during each year. Mr. Hend- erson held the office of Captain, and aeted as mus- tering officer. The early pioneers deliglit to tell of the old training days, and of the sport that was connected therewith, and they never tire in relat- ing these stories.
Peter Braner, the father of Peter M., began life as a farmer, and continued in this occupation until his death, which occurred in Morgan . County, Aug. 4, 1888, at the age of seventy-six years. Po- litieally, he was a Republican, and was always fore- most to do anything for the publie welfare. IIis wife preceded him to the grave, she dying on Jan. 2, 1877, at the age of sixty years. Peter M., of whom we write, received his education in Mor- gan County at the public schools. He was married to Hannah Farmer, who was born in the year 1851. She was the daughter of James Farmer, who had lived a great many years in Morgan County, and who died at a great age. He was married twiee, and both of his wives are also deecased. Mrs. Braner is the mother of four children-Gracie J., Katie L., Walter E. and Cora-all of whom are at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Braner are earnest, hard-working people, and are succeeding well. Mr. Braner is a Republiean in polities, and, as all good citizens should, takes an interest in his party.
HEODORE E. CURTISS was born in Litehfield County, Conn., in the town of Warren, May 28, 1813, and settled in Mor- gan County in the spring of 1835. His ancestors for many generations resided in the New England States, where they came from England. His great- grandfather was an officer in the Revolutionary War, and his son, whose name was Augustine Cur- tiss, was his and during the same war, and subse- sequently drew a pension therefor.
The father of 'Theodore E., after marriage, re- sided in Connectient until he was fifty years of age, when, in 1837, he came to Illinois, passing his remaining days in Waverly. Ile died in the year
1886, laeking but little over a year of rounding out a full century. Ilis wife had died ten years before this. They were the parents of five ehil- dren: Miranda, who married M. B. Strong, and re- sides in Connecticut; Theodore E .; Augustine A., who is a farmer in Morgan County; Lodenia, who married J. R. Godfrey, and is a resident of God- frey, Ill .; and Frederick, who resides in Sangamon, Ill. There have been no deaths in the family, and the youngest member was over fifty years of age when his mother died.
Theodore E., of whom we write, passed his boyhood days on a farm, and reeeived the limited education that was generally obtained in the eom- mon schools of his day. He resided in his native town until 1835, when he eame to Illinois and pur- chased 160 aeres of land, which he improved. In 1836 he returned to Conneetieut, and the following year was married to Laura A. Sackett. She was born in the same town as her husband, and was a daughter of Justus and Polly (Bradley) Saekett. Immediately after marriage they came to Illinois, and settled on land which he had purchased in 1835. Ilis parents, two brothers, and one sister also returned with him. The journey was made via New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, and the Ohio River, occupying three weeks. Waverly was platted in 1835, and our subject assisted in the work, he having come to Illinois with Joseph A. Tanner, father of Dr. Tanner, President of Illi- mois College. Mr. Curtiss gave his entire atten- tion to farming until about 1852, and in addition to his farming operations he was interested in a general store with his brother, Fred Curtiss, and J. W. Ross. The business continued under this firm name for some five years, when Theodore sold out his interest to engage in farming; the firm then dissolved. He now owns 400 aeres of land, all well improved, and resides in Waverly, where he is passing a retired life in his pleasant home. He is interested in the Bank of Waverly.
Mr. Curtiss, on June Ist, 1867, was called upon to mourn the death of his wife. She was the mother of one child, who died in infancy. On Dee. 22, 1868, he married Augusta L. Tupper, a Massachusetts lady, the daughter of Martin and Persis Lomira (Peek) Tupper. The Tuppers re-
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sided in Connecticut for several generations. Mrs. Curtiss was born Feb. 4, 1832. Her father, Martin Tupper was ordained a minister of the Congrega- tional Church, and preached in several different towns. Ile was a minister for more than forty years, over twenty-five years of this period being spent in Ilardwich, Mass. His wife died at the age of sixty-seven years, but he lived two years beyond the allotted four score and ten. They were the parents of six children. Henry is a minister in the Congregational Church, and is located at JJoy Prairie Church, Morgan Co., Ill; Augusta, the wife of our subject; Emily married Dr. J. C. Nor- ris, of Philadelphia, and died in 1866; James B. T. is an employe of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, in Washington, and was a soldier for three years. Louisa resides in Waverly, and Elizabeth died in 1864.
Mr. and Mrs. Curtiss are the parents of one child, a son, Theodore T. Theodore E. Curtiss, at the time the Whig party was alive, belonged to that organization, but is now an ardent Republican and a supporter of its policy. He is a communi- cant in the Congregational Church, being one of the founders of that society at Waverly. Mr. Cur- tiss has made his way in the world, and achieved his present success through his own persistent efforts.
A portrait of Mr. Curtiss will be found in this volume, and is a valuable addition to an interesting work.
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OHN E. SCOTT is a practical young farmer, who lives on section 22, township 15, range 11, and is the owner of a good farm of eighty acres, which possesses all the requi- sites of a well-improved place. He lives on the old homestead, and here has been his residence since he was five years old.
Mr. Scott was born in the township where he re- sides, on Ang. 14, 1847. llis father, John Scott, was a native of Yorkshire, England, and came of British ancestry. He was the son of Zachariah Scott, who was also a native of Yorkshire, and who married Elizabeth Moody. After marriage, Zach- arial Scott began life in Yorkshire as a farmer, and thore all his children were born-five sous. John
Scott, his son, was fourteen years old when the en- tire family, in 1830, came to America, finding a home in Morgan County, Ill., where they purchased a quarter-section from the Government, which has belonged to the family since. Zachariah Scott lived and died on the farm he secured from Uncle Sam, being at the time of his death about forty- seven years of age. He was brought up under the teachings of the Church of England, and was well known as a good neighbor and a typical pioneer. His wife survived him about ten years, having died in 1847. She was then past fifty years of age. Jolin Scott, the father of our subject, was the cld- est of five children. In 1837 he became of age, and about this time married Miss Elizabeth Denby, who was a native of Yorkshire, England, and daughter of Thomas Denby, and sister of Thomas Denby, Jr. (For a fuller family biography, see sketch of Thomas Denby, Jr.)
Elizabeth Scott was yet quite young when her parents arrived in this county, and she lived here continuously until her death, which occurred in 1878, and left behind her the record which attaches to a good and intelligent woman. She was sin- cerely mourned by all her acquaintances, and died in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John Scott dicd at his home, April 16, 1863. Ile was born Oct. 22, 1816, and was a very successful man of affairs, and a worthy citizen. He was a Methodist, and took great interest in his Church. John Scott and wife had nine children-seven sons and two daughters. John E. is the fourth son and fourth child. Of the family, six are living, and all are married.
John E. Scott was reared and cducated in the township where he now lives, gaining his educa- tion in the common schools. He was married here to Miss Agnes M. Allen, who was born in Jackson- ville, Ill .. June 21, 1856. She is the daughter of Peter F. and Jane P. (Dunlap) Allen, who were natives of Scotland, and there were married, and their first child was also born there. When they came to the United States they settled in this county, and have always lived either at Jackson- ville or their present home, on a farmn, which is sit- nated in township 14, range 11. They have had eight children, two now deceased. Mra Scott was
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MORGAN COUNTY.
the third child of the family, and was well and in- telligently trained from childhood up. She is the mother of three children -- Bessie D., Della M. and Allen E.
Since marriage Mr. and Mrs. Scott have lived at their present home, and here they enjoy life as those do who are conscious of well-doing. Mrs. Scott is a member of the Wesley Methodist Epis- copal Church, while Mr. Scott, politically, is a sound Democrat.
W ILLIAM BARR BROWN, a young man of more than ordinary ability, is one of those destined to make his mark in his community, being wide-awake and enterprising, endowed by nature with fine capacities, and having the ad- vantages of a good education, completed at Jack- sonville College at the spring term of 1881. He was born in Lexington, Ky., Sept. 27, 1860, and is the son of Dr. Lloyd W. Brown, an eminent phy- sician and surgeon, who was a resident of Jackson- ville for a period of ten years prior to 1881, then removed to his country residence, remaining there until 1885. He then returned to the city, and is now President of the Illinois Savings Bank, while at the same time he looks after the operations of the farm carried on by our subject. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat, and in religious matters a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mrs. Rebecca C. (Warfield) Brown, the mother of our subject, was born in Lexington, Ky., and died at the homestead in this county, in the fall of 1881. The parental household included ten chil- dren: Edward W. married Ruth Smith, and with his father and our subject carries on the farm in Sangamon County ; Rebecca C. resides in Jackson- ville with her father; Lloyd W., Hattie B., Ruth, Mary ; Lloyd 2d and Mary 2d are deceased.
The subject of this sketch remained a member of the parental household until his marriage, which occurred Nov. 8, 1882. His bride was Miss Fanny E. McCoy, who was born in Kentucky, Oct. 20, 1860. Of this union there are two children-Will- iam Barr, Jr., and Eleanor May. Mr. McCoy came to this county in its pioneer days, amassed a
fortune, and died here. The mother is still living in Jacksonville. The maiden name of the mother was Corington, and Mrs. Brown is their only child. In Sangamon and Morgan counties Mr. Brown and his sons own and operate 4,500 acres of land, and make a specialty of graded Percheron horses, of which they have on hand at present (May, 1889) 125 head. They are mostly grade and imported animals, and are the source of hand- some returns. They also deal largely in Short- horn cattle.
Our subject and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Brown holds the office of Steward. Ile officiates as School Trustee in his district, and both he and his accomplished wife enjoy the esteem and friend- ship of a large circle of acquaintances. They have a delightful home, and are surrounded by all the comforts of life.
G EORGE W. GRAHAM, junior member of the firm of Hysinger & Graham, is with his partners engaged in general merchandising and represents a first-elass firm, which enjoys an extensive patronage. They do business on a capi- tal stock of $26,000, and are well known through- out this part of the county, not only for their upright business methods, but as first-class citi- zens generally. Mr. . Graham is a man of more than ordinary abilities-one who, at first glance might seem a little austere, but who upon aequaint- ance is found to possess fine conversational powers, broad and liberal views, and a large degree of culture.
Our subject, a native of this county, was born in Meredosia Precinct, July 18, 1837, and is the son of Lorenzo D. and Elizabeth ('Taylor) Graham, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Ile pursued his early studies in the subscription sehools, and in the fall of 1855, when a youth of eighteen years, entered Mckendree College, in Lebanon, St. Clair County, where he took the scientific course, attending the greater part of three years. Ile taught some during college vacation, in order to obtain means for his further education,
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and for several years taught and studied alternately, bearing most of his expenses. although oceasion- ally assisted by his father. IIe may, however, properly be ealled a self-educated man, not only in a finaneial point of view, but by his persevering efforts with his books.
In 1859 Mr. Graham established himself at Meredosia, and in partnership with George Rea- riek engaged in the drug, groeery, and hardware business, under the firni name of Graham & Rea- rick. This partnership continued until the death of Mr. Reariek, which oceurred in about a year's time. Owing to limited capital Mr. Graham was obliged to elose out, and he then resumed teach- ing. On the 10th of January, 1864, he was mar- ried in Meredosia Preeinet, this county, to Miss Elizabeth Lnsk, who was born in this precinet April 2, 1842, and is the daughter of IIon. Edward Lusk, who at one time represented this district in the Illinois Legislature. Mr. Lusk eame to this eounty as early as 1832, and for a number of years en- gaged in the dry-goods trade at Jacksonville. Later he engaged in steamboating on the Illinois River.
Mr. Graham, after his marriage, ehanging his oeeupation somewhat, settled on a farm in this preeinct, and engaged in agricultural pursuits until Sept. 18, 1867. lle then associated himself with his present partner, and they established their pres- ent business. They give employment to three clerks in ordinary seasons, inereasing the foree when necessary. They began with a capital of 88,000, and have gradually arisen to their present finaneial standing by strict attention to business and square dealing.
Besides his eity interests Mr. Graham is the owner of 524 acres of good land, and a one-third interest in the mereantile business carried on by the firm of Hysinger & Graham, with a silent part- ner, T. L. Weeks, at Arenzville, Cass County, this State. His enterprise and energy have placed him on a solid footing financially, while the sterling qualities of his character are fully appreciated as a citizen and a member of this community. Mr. Hlysinger is a resident of St. Louis, Mo.
To Mr. and Mrs. Graham there have been born nine children, six of whom are living, namely:
Augustus G., Flora, Julien, Elma G., Walter. and Lueien. Julien was graduated on the 6th of May, 1889, from the Meredosia High School, and was the valedictorian of his class. Those deceased are Minnie L. and two who died in infaney. Mr. Graham has given his children superior educa- tional advantages, and they are well fitted to take their rightful position as the offspring of a repre- sentative eitizen.
In politics our subjeet votes the straight Demo- eratie tieket, but has very little to do with public affairs, his business interests consuming his time and attention. Socially, he belongs to Meredosia Benevolent Lodge No. 52, and is a Royal Arch Mason, identified with Chapter No. 11. In 1887 he was elected President of the Farmers and Tra- ders Bank, organized at Meredosia, which position he holds at the present time. This bank has be- come an institution indispensable to the people of this region, and its affairs are conducted in that wise manner which has placed it upon a sound basis.
OBERT Y. PARK. This highly respected old eitizen of township 16, range 11, is nearly sixty-one years of age, and has been a resident of this eounty since a small boy. Ile is a life-long farmer. and has a snug homestead of seventy-five aeres on section 35. Ilis industry and perseverance, have resulted in the aceumula- tion of a competenee sufficient for his deelining years, while his life has been that of an honest and upright man who enjoys the esteem and confidence of his neighbors in a marked degree.
Our subjeet first opened his eyes to the light in Todd County, Ky., Sept 20, 1828, and is the seion of an excellent family, his parents being Thomas " and Jane (Maben) Park, who were both natives of South Carolina, and both born of Irish parents who traeed their aneestry to Scotland. The Park family was first represented in this country prior to the Revolutionary War. The Mabens were from the same part of Ireland, and Henry Maben, the maternal grandfather of our subjeet, served as a private during the Revolutionary War. After his marriage in South Carolina he removed to
ARK HOMESTEA
1835
RESIDENCE OF R. Y. PARK, SEC. 35. T.1G-R.11. MORGAN CO.
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Todd County, Ky., where he died a very old man, and left a family of seven children.
John Park, the paternal grandfather of our sub- ject, sojourned a few years in Kentucky, than came to Sangamon County, Ill., where he was a pioneer settler. Ile took up a tract of land from which he made a comfortable homestead, and died at the advanced age of eighty-five years, leaving a fam- ily of eight children. His son, Thomas, the father of our subject, was reared and educated in his na- tive county, where also he was married and where he lived until after the birth of seven children. Then disposing of his interests in the Blue Grass State, he came with his family in 1828 to Illinois, and they lived for three years in Sangamon Connty. In 1829 they came to this county and entered a tract of land on township 16, range 11, where Thomas Park and his estimable wife lived and la- bored together and died when quite well advanced in years. Mr. Park departed this life in March, 1850, when sixty-two years old. The wife and mother survived . her husband until December, 1871, and was then eighty-three years old. Both were members of the United Presbyterian Church. in which Mr. Park had been an Elder for many years. In politics he was an Old Line Whig.
The subject of this sketch was the youngest son in a family of six sons and two danghters. ' One daughter died in childhood before the removal from Kentucky. Henry M., died May 17, 1889, aged seventy-two; the survivors are John J. aged seventy-four years; James A., aged seventy; Eli- jah H., sixty-eight; William R., sixty-four; Ro- bert Y., our subject, sixty-one, and Sarah G., fifty- nine. With one exception they are all married, have families of their own, and are in comfortable circumstances. Robert Y. like his brothers and sisters, was trained to habits of industry and thus was laid the foundation of a character which has made of him a reliable man and a good citizen.
After becoming of age, Robert Y. Park was mar- ried in the township where he now lives, to Miss Malinda A. Scott, a native of his own county in Kentucky, and born Nov. 27, 1832. The parents of Mrs. Park were David and Elizabeth (Bean) Scott, the former born in what is now West Vir- ginia, and the latter, it is thought, a native of Todd
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