USA > Illinois > Morgan County > Portrait and biographical album of Morgan and Scott Counties, Illinois > Part 80
USA > Illinois > Scott County > Portrait and biographical album of Morgan and Scott Counties, Illinois > Part 80
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HOMAS J. BRONSON, a highly respected resident of Jacksonville, and one of its en- terprising and prosperous citizens is a native of Avon, N. Y., where his birth took place in 1842. To his parents, Samuel C. and Lueretia (Rogers) Bronson, there were born twelve children, of whom only four survive.
Samuel C. Bronson was a native of Conneetient and born in February 1800. In his youth he learned the trade of a tanner, also that of a boot and shoemaker. These he followed a number of years, but finally became interested in farming and, abandoning the beneh, oeeupied himself in agrieul- tural pursnits until his death, which occurred in June 6, 1881. Ile was a good man in the broadest sense of the word, a Jacksonian Demoerat, a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church and a prominent brother in the Masonie fraternity. To the princi- ples of Masonry he was warmly attached and defended them with all the strength and eourage of his eharaeter.
The subject of this sketeh left the parental roof
on the 24th of March, 1862, when a young man of twenty years, and entered the employ of the Tole- do & Wabash Railroad. Six months later he changed his residence to Springfield and for a period of four years was in one of the ofliees of the Great Western. Thence he went to Omaha, Neb., and entered the service of the Union Pacifie Com- pany with whom he remained until 1866. We next find him in Jacksonville, Morgan County, as an employe of the St. Louis, Jacksonville & Chicago Railroad Company, with which he remained two years.
Upon leaving the railroad Mr. Bronson beeame the employe of W. F. Iluntley & Co., engaged in . the saddlery, hardware and harness business and with them lie remained five or six years. He then commeneed business for himself at his present lo- cation. Ile earries a full and fine stock of every- thing in his line and enjoyes an extensive and con- stantly inereasing patronage.
One of the most important events in the life of our subject was his marriage with Miss Mary Gilbert Snyder, which took place at the home of the bride Oet. 19, 1870. Mrs. Bronson was born in Jack- sonville, Feb. 25, 1842 to Gilbert and Eliza Snyder, and was the youngest of their four children. Her sister Sarah, died when about two years old; Wes- ley S. is associated with Thomas J. Bronson, our subjeet, in the harness and saddlery trade. lle married Miss Sally Sanders, of Jacksonville, and is the father of five children.
John M. Snyder was graduated from a business eollege at Chieago and was engaged in the gro- eery trade at Jacksonville until the outbreak of the late Civil War. He then enlisted in the 101st Illinois Infantry, was promoted to Quartermaster, but later resigned his commission and returned to Jacksonville; assisted in organizing the 6th Illinois Cavalry and was promoted to Quartermaster also in that regiment. He continued thereafter in the service until 1863. Then again resigning his com- mission he returned to Illinois and became the pri- vate Secretary of Governor Richard Yates at Spring- field. He now holds the position of Colleetor of toll at the Copperas Creek Loeks. He participated in many active engagements while in the army and acquitted himself in a most creditable manner in
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connection with his responsible duties. After be- coming a resident of Springfield he was married to Miss Maggie Walker, of Ohio, July 20, 1864. This lady was employed as a teacher in the Spring- field public schools and has a fine edueation. Of this union there have been born three sons, Fred- erick II., Willie P. and Ralph M.
Mrs. Bronson entered the primary department of the Illinois Female College, and was graduated from that institution in the class of 1860. Of her union with our subject there are three children-Anna M., born March 24, 1872; Eliza Lucretia, Feb, 9, 1874, and Kittic, Oet. 31, 1879. They are a bright and interesting trio and continue with their parents in their pleasant home at No. 420 East State street.
Mrs. Eliza Snyder, the mother of Mrs. Bronson, was born in Ireland, Nov. 1, 1816, and was one of a family of four children, the offspring of Wesley and Eliza Drennon. The brothers and sisters, John, Mary Ann, and Wesley emigrated to Ameri- ea and settled in Lexington, Ky., whence they re- moved to Illinois. Eliza became the wife of Gil- bert Snyder on the 13th of March, 1834, and this family in due time embraced four children. Mr. Snyder was a millwright by trade and assisted in placing the machinery of the first mill in Morgan County. His death took place Oct. 14, 1841. Ifc was a member of the old Whig party, politically, and in religious matters, identified with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. Ilis native place was Rochester, N. Y.
AMES IIOGAN, who departed this life at his home in Seott County in July, 1879, es- tablished one of its most valuable home- steads and beeame the owner of 240 acres of land, which he brought to a fine state of eulti- vation and upon which he effected modern im- provements. Ilis carcer was a fine illustration of the results of energy and perseverance, and he came to Illinois at a time when men possessing those qualifications were most needed. Ilis widow, Mrs. Permelia Ilogan, carried on this large farm for about two years after the death of her husband, then divided the property with her children and
now has her homestead of eighty acres on section 14, where she is surrounded by all the comforts and conveniences of life.
Mr. Ilogan was born in County Tipperary, Irc- land, in 1803, and came to America when twenty years of age. He sojourned for a time in New York City, then came to Morgan County, this State, and purchased 100 acres of land, the neleus of the present estate. He was one of the earliest pioneers, of this section, coming at a time when wild game was plentiful and when sometimes as many as fifteen deer could be seen in one herd. He battled with the difficulties attendant upon life on the frontier, and for a series of years labored early and late in the building up of his homestead and the accumulation of a competence.
Mrs. Ilogan was born in Christian County, Ky., Aug. 10, 1824, and is the daughter of Peter and Mary ( Williams) Chrisman. Iler paternal grand- father, George Chrisman, was a native of Christian County, Ky., and served in the War of 1812. Ile carried on blacksmithing and farming combined, and lived to be eighty-eight years old. The Chris- man family is of German descent and George Chrisman was one of the carliest settlers of Mor- gan County, this State.
The father of Mrs. Ilogan, upon reaching man- hood, engaged in farming and sawmilling. He also operated a gristmill and a distillery, and became well-to-do. He died at the early age of thirty. four years. The mother was born in Christian County, Ky., where she was married. Iler father did good service in the Revolutionary War and was killed in the battle of New Orleans.
The mother of Mrs. Hogan, after the death of her husband, went to Arizona and spent her last days with one of her daughters, passing away in Inne, 1887, at the age of seventy-nine years; she was a member of the Presbyterian Church. The parental household included five children, of whom Permelia was the eldest. Catharine is a resident of Chicago, Elizabeth lives in Salt Lake City, Henry is engaged in mining in Colorado, Barbara is de- ceased. Miss Permelia came to Illinois with her parents and was reared to womanhood in the viein- ity of Lynnville, Morgan County. She was but nine years old at the time of her father's death,
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and remained at home with her mother until her marriage with Mr. Hogan, which occurred in 1842. Of this union there were born ten children, the eldest of whom, a son, Thomas, died when a prom- ising young man of twenty-one years. Frank is a resident of Springfield. During the late Civil War he enlisted in the 18th Illinois Infantry, in 1861, and served until the close, receiving a wound which crippled him for life. Elizabeth is the wife of Ilenry Bingham, a resident of Springfield and employed as an engineer on the Wabash rail- road. Catherine is the . wife of Thomas Sidles, who is a fireman on the Wabash railroad and resides in Springfield. William is farming. John remains at home with his mother. Peter was killed on the railroad. Della and Mary are both dead. George is at home. Mr. Ilogan, politieally, was a Democrat, and belonged to the Catholic Church. The residence of Mrs. Hogan is situated within one mile of Chapin, and forms one of the most attractive spots in that seetion of country, everything being kept up in good shape and de- noting cultivated tastes and ample means. She is a lady universally respected, and has reared her children to become honest and praiseworthy citizens.
OHIN HI. COATS, the leading grocery mer- chiant of Winchester is a native of Peters- burg, Pike Co., Ind., and was born Sept. 23, 1843. llis father, William T. Coats, emigrated to Pike County, Ill., in 1844, thence to Scott . County, where he died in 1855 at the age of sixty-one years. The maiden name of Mrs. Coats, the mother of John HI., was Amelia Barrett. She died in 1862. Both she and Mr. Coats were natives of North Carolina, and they reared a family of four sons and two daughters, John HI. being the young- est. It will thus be seen that our subject was left fatherless at a tender age; his mother was an inva- lid, and he had no resources except a brave spirit and a courageous heart.
The subject of this sketch was educated at the common sehools, advantages being denied him that would aid in proeuring a higher education, and be- ing of a studious and religions turn of mind, at the
age of seventeen years, in 1860, he united with the Baptist Church, and was in that church until 1869, when on account of ecrtain doctrinal views of the Baptist denomination, Mr. Coats withdrew from that organization and became identified with the Christian Church, and was ordained and began preaching at once for that church, and was so sue- cessful that in twelve years he baptised into that faith over 1,400 persons. Very much to the regret of himself and the members of his congregation he was unfortunately forced by an irreparable failure of his throat and voiee to abandon the pulpit in 1884, since which time, and for a year previous, he has been engaged in his present business exelus- ively, at Winchester.
In May, 1861, Mr. Coats entered the army as a private soldier, in Company A, 68thi Illinois Infan- try, which regiment was called out by President Lincoln for the period of three months. Afterward as a member of Company K, 14th Illinois Infantry he served gallantly until the elose of the war. Ile took part in the battles of Champion Hills; in the campaign in front of Atlanta; Big Shanty, and other engagements. At Big Shanty his regiment was captured by the rebel General Hood, and in conse- quenee Mr. Coats partook of the overwhelming and consuming hardships at that prison-hell, Anderson- ville. During his confinement he made two in- successful attempts at escape, the third one prov- ing a success.
Being detailed by Capt. Wirz, under whose im - mediate charge the prison was, and who afterward paid the penalty of his many misdeeds at the end of a rope, to make out exchange rolls, Mr. Coats by answering to a dead man's name flanked his way ont, and on to Vieksburg, where he was permitted to go free. Returning to Glasgow, Mr. Coats engaged in the ministry as stated above, and at merchandis- ing, which ealling and ocuupation he followed for several years. In 1873, being then elected County Treasurer, he removed to Winchester, which has ever since been his place of residence. IIe served three full terms as Treasurer by election, and held over one year by reason of a change in the law regulating the tennre. In 1880 he was a prominent candidate before the convention at Springfield for the office of State Treasurer, and in 1882 repre-
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sented Scott County in the Legislature. In almost every State Convention held since the war by the Republican party he has been chosen as a delegate, and in 1884 he was the alternate delegate from this congressional district to the convention that nom- inated James G. Blaine.
Mr. Coats has always been an active, influential and conscientions adherent of the Republican party, and an enthusiastic worker in its ranks, and is now a member of the Republican State Central Committee. He is a forcible and pleasing publie speaker ; unselfish in his devotion to principle; a man of the highest integrity, and a citizen whose daily life reflects honor upon his community. He is a Knight Temp- lar Mason; an Odd Fellow, and an enthusiastic worker in the ranks of the G. A. R., and a member of the Mutual Aid Society.
On the 8th, of October, 1865, at Winchester, Mr. Coats was married to Miss Tamme MeEvers, the accomplished daughter of James McEvers, Esq., of Glasgow, and to this union there were born three children, whose names follow : Charles B., Lillie and J. Harry. The first-named died in 1879 at the age of twelve years.
G EORGE E. DOYING, one of the proprietors of the Illinois Courier, the Illinois Legal Index (both of Jacksonville), and of the Quincy (Ill.) Herald, and editor-in-chief of the first-named paper, was born in Lower Canada, June 22, 1839. In'1854 he located at Charleston Hol- low, Vt., and there learned the printing business. At the outbreak of the late war he was attending school in Pennsylvania, and gave up his studies to become a member of Co. B, Third Pennsylvania Reserves, with which command he remained three years, participating in the meantime in the historie battles of Dranesville, McClellan's Peninsula Cam- paign, Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, South Mountain, Antietam, etc.
Leaving the army, he worked a while in the government Printing Office at Washington, and in 1866 came to Illinois. For ten years, ending in 1876, he was in the printing business at Carlisle, this State, For two years of the time, associated
with others, he published The Constitution and Union, and in 1874 was one of the organizers and promoters of the Clinton County Pioneer, a Ger- man paper yet published at that place.
In 1876 he came to Jacksonville, where he has since become interested, as indicated, in the papers named in the introduction of this sketel. The Courier is & flourishing paper, with a wide and growing circulation. Its tone is neat and ele- gant, and although its mission would appear to be principally local, its leaders show a broad range of thought and a versatility of current and general information. . Of the Legal Index the writer has no information, and of the Quiney Herald it is not his province to write in this volume.
Mr. Doying is a Knight Templar, an Odd Fellow, a Knight of Pythias and a Knight of Honor. At Carlisle, Ill., Dce. 2, 1869, he married Miss Hattie Norris, and to this union have been born nine children, two of whom died in infancy.
RANCIS M. MORTON, a man of more than ordinary ability and enterprise, proprietor of the celebrated Morton Stock Farm, one mile cast of Jacksonville, in township 15, range 10, devotes his time to breeding high-graded stock and fast horses, and is one of the leaders in his line in Morgan County. He owns two of the best road stallions in the county, and has some of the finest and swiftest blooded horses in this part of the State.
The subject of this biographical review was born on the farm where he now lives, Oct. 8, 1841. He is a fine representative of one of the oldest pioneer families of Morgan Connty. In 1819, a daring, high-spirited, self-reliant youth, over whose head but eighteen summers had passed, penetrated to the wilds of this part of Illinois, animated partly by a desire for adventure, and in part to select a suitable spot whereupon he might build a home on this virgin soil. This bold, stalwart youth, Joseph Mor- ton by name, who thus early sought his fortune in a wild, unsettled country, and became one of its first settlers, was the father of him of whom we write. Himself the son of a pioneer, he was born in Tennessee in 1801. Upon coming here he lo-
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eated on the first farm west of this, and after a time went to Madison County. But during the year he spent there, he was making arrangements to locate here permanently. In after years he accu- mulated a large amount of property, and owned 800 acres of fine farming land, the most of which he brought to a fine state of cultivation. Ile be- came prominently identified with the stock-raising interests of Morgan County, and engaged exten- sively in raising thorough-breds. He was an im- portant factor in developing the vast agricultural resources of the county, and aided greatly in its upbuilding. He was an interested witness of the early and entire growth of Jacksonville, from the time when he used to chase the wolves over its un- peopled site to the present size and importance as the metropolis of a wealthy, populons region. He lived on his old homestead, and venerated by the whole community, until his eyes closed to the scenes of earthı, in 1880. In his early days he had the help of a devoted wife, whose maiden name was Mary Odele, and they reared a family of five children.
The son of these worthy people, Francis M., who forms the subject of this sketch, received a sub- stantial education at Jacksonville, and on his fa- ther's farm a sound training in all that pertains to agriculture. After leaving school he engaged with his father, who was at that time breeding thoroug- bred stoek. In 1865 he bought the homestead of his father and now has a valuable farm of 360 acres of well-tilled soil, amply provided with commodious, well appointed buildings; and he also has a half- mile race track on his land. In 1868 he sold all of the thoroughbred stock and engaged in general farming, continning it until 1885, when he once more turned his attention to raising thoroughbreds. At that time he bought Pepper, registered in the stud book as No. 2361, who comes of the most fa- mous trotting stock in the world, and has a fine record as a colt getter in Morgan County. He was sired by Harold, No. 413, who was the sire of Maud S., the Queen of the trotting turf, whose wonderful rocord of 2.08 3-4 has never been lowered. Ist dam Lelia, by St. Elmo, No. 375, record 2.30 twenty-one years ago. 2d dam, Frazier's Camden thoroughbred. Through his sire Harold, Pepper traces his blood back to imported Messenger, an
English thoroughbred, brought to this country in 1790, the founder and sire of the American trotting horse, of whom it is said that "when that old gray came charging down the gangplank of the ship which brought him over, the value of not less than a hundred millions struck our soil." Harold was by Rysdyk's Hambletonian (the celebrated son of Abdallah, who was in turn the grandson of imp. Messenger), dam Enchantress, by old Abdallah. St. Elmo by Alexander's Abdallah. Pepper is a bay, height fifteen and three-fourths hands, weight 1,250; he is powerfully built, with excellent limbs, heavy bones and great substance, has fine action and gen- tle disposition. Mr. Morton's stud is headed by Motor, registered No. 7411, a beautiful bay six- teen hands high, weight 1,180, with a high standard of individuality. He is considered a remarkably fine horse. He was bought in Frankfort, Ky., South Elkland Street Farm for $7,500. Ile is a three-year- old, sired by Onward, No. 1411, record 2.25 1-4; Ist dam Griselda, by Win. Rysdyk; 2d dam by Amos, Cassius W. Clay. Mr. Morton keeps a fine lot of high bred mares and is constantly inercasing his stock and bids fair to have the finest stud in the country.
January 27, 1863, Mr. Morton was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Orear, daughter of George Orear, and to them have been born two children, Gilbert and George, both of whom are still members of their household. Gilbert married Miss Nellie Mathews, and they have two children --- Louisa and Franklin. Mrs. Morton's parents were carly settlers of Morgan County, and she was born on their homestead eight miles east of Jacksonville, and lived there until her marriage.
Mr. Morton possesses in a rare degree a well-bal- anced intelleet, aeumen, foresight and business fac- ulty so necessary to success in life, and added to these are force and decision of character, so that his success was assured from the start, and his place is among the most prominent and prosperous citi- zens of his native county. The characteristics mentioned as belonging to him have made his ad- vice invaluable in civic affairs, and he has held responsible township offices. He has carefully avoided politics, although he does his duty at the polls, voting with the Democratic party.
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AMES BURBANK. a well-to-do farmer and stoek-raiser of Seott County, is one of - the highly respected, self-made men of that county. His commodionis residence and fine grounds are an ornament to thie township. His resi- denee is beautifully situated on the "Old State Road." His father was Cyrus Burbank, a native of Massachusetts, where he was born in 1801. llis grandfather, Samuel, was also a native of the Bay State, removed to New Hampshire, and later to Canada.
Cyrus Burbank was a young man when his father went to Canada. Here the son married, bought and cleared a farin from the forest, and became a well- to-do farmer. Ilere he resided until his death and was recognized as an honored and respected citizen and a devoted member of the Baptist Church. Ilis death occurred in August, 1888, at the age of eighty-seven years. His wife was Eliza Sanborn, a native of Maine. John Sanborn, grandfather of our subject, was born in Maine, moved to Canada, engaged in farming there, and made it his home the remainder of his life. The mother is also now deceased.
To Cyrus Burbank and wife were born seven children, namely: George, Lewis, Elias, James, Jesse, Cyrus, and l'esris. James, the fourth child, was born in Canada, Feb. 15, 1834. Ile was reared on the home farm, where he lived until he was twenty-two years old. In the fall of 1836 he came to Illinois and located in Seott County where lie worked on a farin until the following year. The next eight years he rented land, and in the spring of 1836 bonght his present place. Ile lived in a log house at first, and worked diligently in improv- ing the land he had bought. Ile has since added to this until he now owns 355 acres, and has made over two hundred acres of it out of the forest. He has set out orchards, made hedge fenees, planted all kinds of fruit, erected all necessary farm build- ings and a splendid residence, and as above stated has one of the finest and best improved farms in Scott County.
On Mr. Burbank's farm are some splendid animals. Among these are some fine Polled-Angus stock, and Poland-China hogs. He takes a special delight in raising the latter.
Mr. Burbank was married in Canada in October, 1857, to Miss Luthera Ellsworth, also a native of Canada, and where she had taught school prior to her marriage. They have a family of four children, namely: Irwin, Edwin, Oscar and Joseph.
Mr. Burbank has been a hard working man, and with his excellent judgment has not only been able to make life a success for himself and family, but has
been a publie-spirited citizen and one who has ever proved valuable to the entire neighborhood in which he has so long lived. Politically he is a Republican.
C ALEB PERRY, one of the earlier residents of Seott County, departed this life March 5, 1884, after having reached his more than three score and ten years. He was born near Win- chester, Frederick' Co., Va., in 1812, learned the trade of a carpenter, and after his marriage re- moved to Exeter, Scott County, where he oper- ated as a contractor and builder. He there pur- chased a residence and other property, and was quite prominent in local affairs, officiating as Con- stable and Collector for many years, also as School Director and Village Trustee. Ile was a Demoerat iu polities, and a member of the Christian Church.
Our subject was married Nov. 6, 1848, to Mrs. Jane McCormick, daughter of John Hill, a native of North Carolina, and widow of Richard Me Cor- iniek, a native of Tennessee, a farmer by occupa- tion, and who died in Merritt Precinet in 1844. Jolm Ilill was born in North Carolina in 1791, and removed to Hickman, Tenn., in 1812, where he was one of the earliest settlers. Ile came to Illi- nois in 1828, loeating near Lynnville, where he eu- tered land, improved a farm, and lived there until 1842. He then removed to North English, Iowa, where he bought a large farm and resided until his death in 1864. Ile was a member of the Christian Church. The maiden name of his wife was Mar- tha Carlin, a native of North Carolina, and a rela- tive of Gov. Carlin, of Illinois. The Carlin fam- ily is of Scotch descent. Mrs. Hill died in Maeou- pin County, Ill. There were seven children in the family, namely: Mary Arizona, Emily and Lizzie, deceased; Jane, Mrs. Perry; Frank, deceased; Ad- aline and John, the latter deceased.
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