USA > Illinois > Morgan County > Portrait and biographical album of Morgan and Scott Counties, Illinois > Part 49
USA > Illinois > Scott County > Portrait and biographical album of Morgan and Scott Counties, Illinois > Part 49
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Our subjeet has practiced medieine in Morgan County for the long period of forty years, and is consequently known to a large proportion of its people. He is amply adapted both by training and education to the responsible duties in connection therewith, and his career has been characterized by that conscientious fidelity to the best interests of his patients and that ready sympathy which has been more effective than drugs and nostrums. Ile is the offspring of an excellent family, being the son of Isaac N. and Sarah (Gregg) Weagley, who were likewise natives of Fayette County, Ky., where the father owned a farm, and also operated as a carpen- ter. He died when comparatively a young man during the infancy of his son, Samuel G. Ile was of German deseent, while the mother of our sub- jeet, whose parents eame from Maryland, traced her ancestry, to England. Besides our subject, there were but two children. The other son, Abraham, married a Miss Cassell, of Fayette County, and is now deceased. The sister, Maria, became the wife of Henry Higgins of Scott County, Ky. They lived there some years, then came to this county, and Mr. Higgins engaged as an upholsterer in Jaek- sonville. He was then provided with considerable means, indeed was quite wealthy, but lost a large
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portion of his property, and died in limited cireum- stances. His widow is still a resident of Jackson- ville, and has arrived at the age of eighty-eight years. She retains all her mental faculties unim- paired.
In July, 1849, Dr. Weagley was wedded to Miss Amanda C. Layton, of Seott County, Ky. She was born March 7, 1830, and came with her parents to this county about 1831. They settled on a farm in the vicinity of Jacksonville, where the death of the father occurred in 1840. The mother is still living, and residing there. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are living. Of these, William T., married Miss Melinda Boyce, and is acting Deputy Sheriff of this county. They have five children-Mattie, Williamı, Nettic, Bessie, and Linda. Sarah E. married Andrew Jackson Morton, of this county; he is now deceased; she is a resident of Jacksonville. Mary F. married Irvin Dunlap, who is quite prominent in local politics, and was Sheriff of this county for eight years; they are the parents of one son, Millard F., and have an adopted daughter, Lizzie, a child of the sister of Mr. Dunlap; she is the wife of Edward Nixon. a railroad man holding a responsible position. Mr and Mrs. Dunlap are now traveling in California, on account of the health of the latter.
The Doctor and his estimable lady are the par- ents of five children: Isaac W .; S, Gregg, who mar- ried Lillie B. Davis; they have one daughter, Katie. Martin H .; Katie L. is the wife of Whitaker M. Grant, formerly of Alabama, but who is now United States District Attorney in Alaska; they have two children, Alice C., and Katie W. Ida May married Robert M. Hockenhull, a banker of Jacksonville, and they have one child, a daughter, Virginia May. Their son, Isaac W., died when a promising young man of twenty one years, and Martin H. was taken from the household circle at the interesting age of fourteen years.
Politieally, Dr. Weagley is one of the most active members of the Republican party in this section, although steadfastly declining to become an office- holder. He is identified with the Masonie frater- nity, being a member of Blue Lodge. Formerly both he and Mrs. Weagley were identified with the Christian Church at Jacksonville. The society was
eventually disbanded, and they have not since as- sociated themselves with any religious denomina- tion. They have made hosts of friends during their long residence in this county, and form a part of that solid and reliable element by means of which it has attained to its present reputation and stand- ing among the communities of the Great West.
ENRY WILKIE is a general farmer, living on section 26, township 16, range 11, and owns a fine farm of eighty acres. If there is one thing in agriculture in which a Ger- man excels. it is in his thoroughness in cultivating his land. On his farm nothing is allowed to go to waste, and everything connected with it denotes thrift and industry. Though Mr. Wilkie's farm is not so large as those of some of his neighbors, it will be a safe assertion to make, that he gets as much from an acre of ground as any other farmer. It is a notable characteristic of his race to do all things well.
Mr. Wilkie has lived on his present farm since 1865, coming here from Sheboygan, Wis., where he had lived from his boyhood days. He was born in Mechlenburg, Germany, on Aug. 7, 1832. He i the son of Charles and Elizabeth (Schmidt) Wilkie, who were also natives of Mechlenburg, and were residents of that city until they came to America. The father was a shoemaker by trade, and a suc- cessful one. In 1849, the father, mother and two sons concluded to seek their fortunes in far-off America, of which they had read and heard so favorably, and after a voyage of seven weeks and three days they landed, without incident worthy of mention, at New York. They immediately started " for Sheboygan County, Wis., where they arrived in due time, and in a few years the elder Wilkie purchased a tract of land. upon which he is yet liv- ing, at the age of eighty-five years, and is enjoying good health. His wife died in 1887, and was then eighty-three years and two months of age. They had celebrated their golden wedding five years be- fore the death of Mrs. Wilkie. She was a member of the Lutheran Church, and her husband also be-
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lieves in the same religion. In their neighborhood none were better thought of than this venerable couple.
Ilenry Wilkie is the eldest of the two sons born to his parents. His brother, William, died, leaving a wife and two children, his death occurring in Jacksonville. Henry was educated in his native city, and was early apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, finishing it at Chicago. He became a good mechanic, and at this business he first got a start in the world. He was married in Wisconsin to Miss Henriette Seibert, who was born in Germany in 1841, and was four years old when her parents came to the United States. Her father, Charles Seibert, is yet living on a farm in Sheyboygan County, Wis., where her mother died when Mrs. Wilkie was quite young. Mrs. Wilkie was educated and lived to maturity in Wisconsin. She is the mother of three children, as follows: Adelia is the wife of Philip Engel, who is a druggist, living in Kansas City, Mo .; Made and Charles are at home, assisting their father and mother in carrying on the farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilkie are well known, in the com- mnnity where they have so long resided, as a worthy couple, and of whom naught can be said bnt words of commendation. Mr. Wilkie, politi- cally, does not affiliate with any party, but prefers to vote and act independently. He cares little for politics, and is only desirous of seeing the best men in office.
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TEPLIEN S. MASSEY, who was one of the prominent citizens of this county, died at his home, located in township 15, range 11 section 29, Oct. 14, 1877, after a very short illness; the date of his death being the thirty- eighth anniversary of his marriage. He was a na- tive of St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and was born Feb. 18, 1814. His father, Silas Massey, was a na- tive of Salem, N. H. The family came from good New England stock. Silas Massey was reared to manliood in his native town, and later removed to St. Lawrence Connty, N. Y., and was married, in the State of Vermont, to Miss Frances Farnsworth, who was a native of the latter State. After their
marriage they began life in St. Lawrence County, and here part of their children were born. At a date which is not known the family came West, and for a time lived in or about Dubuque, Iowa, whence they removed to St. Charles, Mo., finally locating in Morgan County, in 1837, in what is known as Diamond Grove. Mr. Massey improved his farm well, and after seeing his family well started in life he passed away, Jan. 2, 1874, at the age of eighty-seven years and nine months. He left behind him an excellent record; he was an intelligent man, of moral characteristics, bnt not a member of any church. He aeted with the Republican party and took great interest in local polities. His wife died Aug. 7, 1871, in her eighty- third year. She died in the Presbyterian faith.
Stephen S. Massey was the youngest child of a family of four that attained maturity, three of whom are married and have families. Stephen was reared as a farmer, and as he came to Morgan County in 1837 takes rank as one of the pioneers. He was married, in this county, Oct. 14, 1840, to Miss Levina A. Bement. She was born in Brad- ford, N. H., May 10, 1817, and was the daughter of Samuel and Lucy ( Barnes) Bement, natives of New Hampshire and Vermont, respectively. Mr. Bement was a blacksmith and worked at his trade for a long time in Vermont, and after the birth of seven children he removed with his family to Brad- ford, N. H., where Mrs. Massey was born, being the eighth child; she was a twin. Three children were born in New Hampshire, making ten. Her mother died in Bradford, in 1836, and in the fol- lowing year her father also died, both being at an advanced age. They sustained a good reputation and were beloved by all who knew them.
Shortly after the death of her parents Mrs. Mas- sey, when about twenty years of age migrated with some relatives to Illinois, coming by team. They stopped in Michigan for awhile, and in two years after she left New Hampshire she arrived in Mor- gan County, was married, and her husband and she began life on a farm. Mr. Massey from the start was successful in the business of stock-raising and general farming, and in time by industry and shrewd management, built np a good home, along with the many that are located on the Mound
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MORGAN COUNTY.
Ridge road. Sinee his death Mrs. Massey has op- erated the farm of 115 acres, and has exhibited her good management by making a sueeess of it. She is highly respected for her many good qualities and is deserving of the home she now owns and oeeupies. She is the mother of eight children, two of whom are deceased -- Emily J. and Ettie. The former died at the age of sixteen months, while Ettie passed away a few days before her contemplated marriage. The following are living : Maria L., wife of Edward Ayers; they are residing on a farm at Emporia, Kan. Henry H. is living in Los Angeles, Cal., and is engaged as a fruit merchant; he married Miss Mary Barber, who died in Chicago, leaving three children. George W. married Mary DeHaven, of Beardstown; they now live in Kentwood, La. Anna F. is the wife Jefferson Ketner, a farmer who lives in Jacksonville; Clara E., is the wife of Robert D. Moffet, and they are now residents of Chicago; Silas married Ida L. Verry, of this county, and now manages his mother's farm. He is one of the young and progressive stoek-breeders of this State, and makes a specialty of Poland-China hogs, and he has been very successful. He is also interested in Per- cheron horses. It is his intention to ultimately make his farm a model one, and to raise Poland- China stoek exelusively. He also raises fine poul- try of the Plymouth Rock breed.
Mrs. Stephen S. Massey is a Presbyterian, and is interested in all social affairs. Her husband, po- litieally was a strong Republican, as also are his sons.
R ICHARD HEMBROUGH, one of the old set- tlers of Morgan County, eame from Eng- land in search of a better country, and he found it here. IIe owns and occupies the old homestead, which is located on seetion 15, town- ship 15,range 11, and here he has lived sinee 1829. (A fine view of this home place appears on another page, which with its attractive environments forms a pleasant seene in the surrounding landseape.) Ile owns 240 aeres of well-improved land, adorned by first-elass farm buildings, and is also the owner of timber property in another township.
Mr. Hembrough was born in West Riding, York-
shire, Nov. 6, 1814. His aneestry on both sides are English, and the family is noted for being phy- sieally of a stalwart mould. His father, John HIem- brough, was a native of Yorkshire, and a weaver by trade, as was his grandfather, whose name was Riehard Hembrough, and who died in his native shire when about eighty-two years old. John Hembrough married Annie Terver, also a native of Yorkshire and of English parentage. After the birth of five children, John Hembrough and wife sailed from Hull on April 14, 1829, and landed in Quebee, after a journey of six weeks and four days. Thence they eame to Morgan County and purchased from the Government the farm now owned by Riclı- ard, the deed being distinguished by the signature of Gen. Andrew Jackson. This became the home of the parents of the subject of this sketeh until death called thein away. The father died in 1868, aged about eighty-three years. He was an active Whig and Republican, and a member of the Church of England. He was one of the old settlers of Mor- gan County, and was an honor to the land of his adoption. He came here with the laudable object of living in a free country, and at the same time was desirous of procuring land for his children. He knew if he remained in England the only herit- age lie could bequeath to his posterity would be life-long poverty, so he made a resolve to improve his finaneial condition; that he did . so, the posses- sions which he left his heirs is ample testimony, and over and above all this and what is far better, he left a good name for his children and his entire eirele of acquaintances to honor and emulate. His wife died in 1845, when she was fifty-five years old. She was a member of the English Church and a consistent christian. Those who enjoyed the honor of her acquaintance say that she was a good wife and neighbor.
Richard Hembrongh was the eldest of a family of ten children, seven of whom were born in Eng- land and five of whom are yet living. Ile was first married in Greene County, Ill., to Sarah Bains, a lady of English parentage. She emigrated to this country with her parents while young, and died a little over two years after her marriage, leaving no children. Mr. Hembrought's second marriage was in this county to Miss Rachael Rawlings, who was a
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MORGAN COUNTY.
native of Yorkshire, England, and whose birth oe- eurred in 1816. In 1840, she eame to the United States with her parents, who located near Franklin, Morgan County. Here her father, William Raw- lings died in 1856, at the age of eighty-two. Her mother, Mary (Wilson) Rawlings, died at her home, being over fourseore years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings, were members of the Methodist Episeo- pal Church and were good christian people. Mrs. Hembrough was the third ehild of a family of nine children. She is the mother of four children, two of whom died young, and Mary died when seven- teen years of age. Sarah is living and is the wife of James Seott. They live on a farm, which is their own property, and have five children: Rieh- ard A., James E., Ida M., Franees M., and Hattie.
Sinee their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hembrough have lived on their farm, and are now serenely ap- proaehing the evening of their life. They can look back over the past years with the pleasant concious- ness of having done what is right to every one. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Ilembrough being Superintendent of the Sunday-sehool. Politieally, he votes and works for the Republican tieket.
ACOB A. BOSTON is a native-born citizen of Illinois, Cass County being the place of his nativity, and July 3, 1840, the date of his birth, He is now eonneeted with the farm- ing interests of Morgan County, and sinee 1876 has been industriously and prosperously pursning his voeation in township 16 north, range 8 west, where he has a well-developed, highly improved farm, that is second to none in the neighborhood in point of eultivation and in regard to its neat buildings and orderly appearance.
He comes of an old Kentucky family, who were pioneers of that State. and his paternal grandfather, John Boston, was born there, Jessamine County being his birthplace, and there he was reared to the life of a farmer. Ile married and reared a family of children, and died in the home of his nativity at the venerable age of ninety-five years. His son, .Anthony, father of our subject, was brought up on
the Kentucky homestead, where he first saw the light of day, and was married in the county of his birth to Miss Lonisa, daughter of James Stephenson, and soon after marriage in 1836, they eame to Illinois and located in Cass County among its pioneers. They resided there until 1856, and then removed to Jacksonville to pass their deelining years, where the father died in 1881, at the ripe old age of seventy-two years. The mother is still living, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Andrew Baeon, and she is now seventy-three years old. Mr. Boston was a man of fine physique, possessing a sound constitution, and had vigorous health until within a short time before his demise. He was a member of the Baptist Church for many years, and died strong in the faith. Mrs. Boston also united with that ehureh many years ago, and is still a eon- sistent member. To this worthy couple the fol- lowing children were born: James W., Mary A., now Mrs. William Patterson; Jacob; John W .; Robert, deceased; George E. died in 1881 ; Martha C. married James L. Dyer, and died in Kansas ;. Franees L., now Mrs. Andrew Baeon; A. Judson; and Charles C.
Their son, Jacob, was reared on the homestead that had been his birthplace, and was edueated in the publie schools of Cass County. He was eare- fully trained in agricultural pursuits by his father, who was a skillful and successful farmer, and on arriving at years of diseretion, ehose that occupa- tion as the one by which he eould best make a liv- ing, and the years that have sinee ensued, have justified the wisdom of his ehoiee, as he is now one of the substantial and prosperous citizens of his community. He has a fine farm of 105 aeres of as fertile and highly produetive land as is to be found in this preeinct, and it is all under good eultiva- tion, and has many valuable improvements. He has not always lived here, however, sinee leaving his native eounty. In 1865 he bought a farm in Menard County, having lived prior to that time for a few years in Morgan County. Ile resided on his Menard County property until 1870, then returned to Morgan County. After staying here one year. he went to Missouri, and thence to Kansas, near Kansas City, where he remained a year. In 1876 he came back to Illinois, and bought his present
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farm in Morgan County, and has since been a valued resident of this township.
Mr. Boston is in every respect a good and law- abiding citizen, who has at heart the highest inter- ests of his native State, and of the community where he now lives, and for that reason he is a con- scientious supporter of the Democratic party. He is a member of the Anti Horsc-thief Association. He and his wife arc zealous supporters of the Gos- pel, and are considered to be useful and estimalile members of the Christian Church.
Mr. Boston has not been without the able assist- anee of one of the best of wives, whose hearty eo- operation has been an important factor in bringing about his present prosperous circumstances. Mrs. Boston's maiden name was Louisa Ransdell, and she is a daughter of Eli and Ann (Graff) Ransdell, formerly of Kentucky. She was born and reared in this eounty, whither her parents came in the early days of its settlement, and her union with our subject was solemnized in November, 1865. Two children have been born into their pleasant home, May and William. The latter is a student in Illi- nois College.
E NEAS SCOTT, a leading land owner of this county, a fine portrait of whom is to be found on the opposite page, lias the war- rantee deed to 612 acres, all of which is under a good state of enltivation, and upon which he trans- aets a general farming business. He makes a spe- cialty of stock-raising, and keeps a goodly assort- ment of horses, eattle, swine and sheep. He also raises eaeli year a large quantity of grain and other products common to the Prairie State. Personally, he is a fine old English gentleman, master of all the courtesies peculiar to his nationality, and is a man who, from an humble beginning in life. has attained to a high position, socially and financially, by hard work and good management. He is one of those whom. the biographer loves to meet, as illus- trating what may be accomplished by a steady course of industry and those sterling qualities of character which invariably elevate a man in the estimation of his fellow-citizens.
Somersetshire, England, was the early tramping
ground of .our subjeet, and there his birth took place June 25, 1813. His father, Jonas Scott, of Somersetshire, was born in 1780, and lived there until 1816. He then emigrated to America, ship- ping on a sailing vessel from Liverpool, and after an ocean voyage of twelve weeks landed in New York City. Thence, accompanied by his family, he proceeded to New Jersey. and settled about fif- teen miles from New York City, on a farm. There the parents spent the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1848 and the mother in 1857. 'The latter was, in her girlhood, Miss Catherine Bond, also a native of Somersetshire, and born in 1785. Both father and mother were laid to rest in Newark Cemetery, on the banks of the Passaie River.
The parental family of our subject comprised four children, viz: Charles, Jonas, Asenath and Eneas. Charles married Miss Williams, of New Jersey, and is now deceased; they had two chil- dren-Charles and Adam; the widow remains a resident of Newark. Jonas came to the West, mar- ried a Miss Carlisle, of this county, and by her be- · came the father of two children-Ezra and Mary; the first wife died, and he was then married to a Miss Grimsley ; they live in Jacksonville, and he occupies himself as a carpenter, although he also owns a farm. Asenath became the wife of Richard Jacovis, a mason and bricklayer; they have three children -- John, Pierson and Elijah; the wife is dceeased.
· Our subject received a limited education, and lived in New Jersey until reaching man's estate. He was there married to Miss Anna Garrison, of Trenton, who became the mother of two children -- George and Eneas G., and who died in 1840. The son George married Phebe Taylor, of this county, and is occupied as a dairyman in Norfolk, Va .; he is the father of nine children. Encas G. married Jane Smallwood, of DeWitt County, Ill., and is farming in Vernon County, Mo .; they have six children.
Eneas Scott was a second time married, Nov. 20, 1841, to Miss Lois Iland, of New Jersey, and there were born to them five children. of whom the record is at follows: Sylvanus married Lydia Dodsworth, and is farming in this county; they have eight children-Edward, Sally, Rhoda, Gilbert, Ira, Win-
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MORGAN COUNTY.
ifred. Anna and Fred. Anna married William Dalton, of this county, but now farming in Vernon County, Mo .; they have three children-Hattie, Lois and Samuel. Johnny married Fannie Favord, of Philadelphia, and oceupies a part of the home- stead; they have three children-Thomas, Jewel and Minnie. Evaline became the wife of David Rawlings, a farmer of this county, and they have four children-Henry, Grace, Nellie and Arthur. Horton H. married Katie Dodsworth, of this county ; they have no children.
Mr. Seott, when approaching manhood, learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed six years, and after that was employed in a foundry for a period of twenty years. Ten years of this time he was foreman in a Cincinnati establishment. In 1856 he resolved to change his location and oeeupation, and coming to this county, invested the money lie lad earned by the labor of his hands in 200 acres of partially improved land. He was prospered in his operations as a tiller of the soil, and added to his real estate by degrees until he attained to his pres- ent broad possessions. Mr. Scott is not a member of auy religious organization, but endeavors to do by his neighbors as he would have them do by him. He is a Democrat, politieally, and belongs to the Masonic Fraternity and the 1. O. O. F. Ilis life has been passed quietly and unobtrusively, and aside from holding the township offices, lie has mingled very little in public affairs. Notwithstand- ing this, he is widely known throughout this county, and is held in universal respeet.
OHN VASEY. The farmer who depends wholly upon raising grain, as a rule, is not successful. When a erop fails it is a disas- trous blow to him, and so, many Illinois farmers have taken up diversifled husbandry, and are not dependent wholly upon one kind of a crop. Many have gone extensively into stock-raising, and this is a business that rarely ever fails. The grain that is raised is fed upon the farm, and two profits are made, one on the grain and the other upon the stock. Mr. Vasey has a farm of 165 acres, eonsist- ing of the best of land which he inherited from his
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