USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > Portrait and biographical album of Vermilion county, Illinois, containing sketches of prominent citizens of all the governors of the state, and of the presidents of the United States, Volume I > Part 17
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Mr. Goodwine possesses in a rare degree far-seo- ing sagacity and energy, so combined with those useful qualities of prudence and steadfastness of purpose, that he could not fail to increase his wealth
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by legitimate means, and accomplish whatever he attempted. His career in life has been an honor- able one, and his place is among the most useful and worthy of the citizens of Vermilion County. with whose interests his own have been so inti- mately connected these many years, and whose ma- terial prosperity he has greatly extended. He has served on the juries of the State and county, and as an intelligent, observant man is greatly inter- ested in the political issues of the day, giving his support to the Republican party on all questions of National or local importance.
A fine large double page view of the handsome residence and surroundings on the farm of Mr. Goodwine is among the attractive features of the opening pages of the ALBUM. and is a fitting intro- duction to those which follow. It shows what can be accomplished by a life of industry and energy, coupled with a good business capacity.
OUN R. BALDWIN. There are few of the older residents along the western line of this county who are unfamiliar with the name which stands at the head of this bio- graphical sketch. It is that of a man selfmade in the broadest sense of the term-one who in his young manhood resolved to make life a success if it could be accomplished by industry and wise management. Many men who are successful per- haps do not as fully. realize the fact as those around them who have been less so, but the present stand- ing of Mr. Baldwin, socially and financially, should give him an extremely comfortable feeling, for his career has been worthy of emulation. It is main- tained that every man has his hobby, and Mr. Baldwin, a great lover of the equine race, has for many years given his attention to the breeding of and dealing in horses, and in this branch of business can scarcely be excelled. He is an excellent judge of this noblest of the animal kingdom, and while developing their fine points has made of the indus- try a profit as well as a pleasure.
The farin property of Mr. Baldwin is pleasantly situated on seetion 17, Vance Township, and com- prises a homestead furnished with all the modern
improvements, both for agricultural pursuits and for stock operations. Mr. Baldwin is now past sixty-one years old, having been born March 2, 1828, and is a native of Mason County, Ky. Ilis father, George Baldwin, who was born in Virginia, is still living and in good health, although having arrived at the ripe old age of over eighty-six years. In addition to the possession of a strong constitution he has for the last thirty years espec- ially avoided the use of liquor in any form. His life occupation has been that of a farmer, and he is now living at a comfortable home in Fairmount, where he enjoys the acquaintance of a large circle of friends.
The mother of our subject was, in her girlhood, Miss Rebecca Downing. She was born in Ken- tucky, and was married in her native State. where the family lived until 1839. Thence they removed to Ohio, and in the fall of 1865 came to this county, and settled three miles south of Fairmount. They became the parents of seven children. four of whom are living, and the mother departed this life in 1881.
The paternal grandfather of our subject emi- grated from Prince Edward County, Va., to Mason County, Ky .. in 1814, during the period of its earliest settlement. Ile there spent the remainder of his life, dying in 18443. In the meantime he served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and had a son, Pleasant Baldwin, who carried a musket in the War of 1812. The latter died in 1880.
The early education of John R. Ballwin was obtained partly in Kentucky and partly in Ohio, and he remained a member of the parental house- hold until the time of his marriage. This interest- ing event was celebrated Feb. 22. 1850, the bride being Miss Catherine J., daughter of Nathan Glaze. of Maryland. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin settled on a rented farm near Ripley. Ohio, where they lived until 1856. They then re- moved to a farm which Mr. Baldwin had purchased on Straight Creek Ridge, Ohio. and which he partly improved and sold at a good profit two years later. The next two years he operated as a renter, then purchased more land, which he soll at war prices.
At the expiration of this time Mr. Baldwin, de- termining to see something of the Western country,
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came to Illinois, and after viewing the country went back home, published his sale of personal property, established his family in Ripley, and in May, 1865, started out on another tour of investi- gation. This time he was accompanied by his father, they boarding a boat at Ripley which con- veyed them to St. Louis and thence to Roekport Landing, Mo. They were prevented from landing at Lexington on account of the bush whackers, who were unaware that the war was over. They next pursned their travels by stage and hack to St. Jo- seph, thence to Quincy and Chicago, Ill .. and from there by way of Indianapolis and Cincinnati home.
Ilaving seen so many different places, and all with some advantages, our subject now found him- self in a dilemma as to where it was best to settle. He finally concluded to remain in Ohio until he could get all his money together. Ile rented a farm and commenced dealing extensively in horses and cattle, shipping to Cincinnati and realizing handsome returns. The fall of 1868 again fouad him Westward bound, and passing through this county. From here he went to Southern Missouri by way of Kansas City, and gravitated back to this county via St. Louis and the Illinois Central Rail- road. Ile found nothing in his opinion superior to this region, and accordingly rented a house in Fairmount, and returning to Ohio had collected, by the 11th of March, 1869, all his money, and re- turned to this county. Ile did not then intend to invest his capital here, and in less than two weeks had loaned about $4,000. lle finally purchased the land comprising his present homestead, and which was embellished with the best dwelling on the prai- rie. llis stoek shipping operations have extended as far East as Boston and Albany, N. Y., and he has probably sold more young horses than any other man in his neighborhood, these being shipped largely to Pennsylvania buyers, who come to him and make their purchases at first hands.
During the last ten years Mr. Baldwin has operated as a breeder, and sold four colts of his own raising to Pennsylvania buyers for $850. Hle does no more shipping, but since abandoning this. has sold sixteen head of horses for over $3,400, be- sides three carloads at from $150 to $190 each. One remarkable circumstance in his career is the
fact, that in Ohio he never lost but $10 in his horse operations. Sinee coming to Illinois he has handled large numbers of valuable horses without loss. In one carload he lost $262, but made it all right on the next shipment.
Of the twelve children born to our subject and his estimable wife nine are living: Charles N., the eldest, married Miss Susie Gunder, is the father of three children, and lives two and one-half miles southwest of Danville; Mary JJ., the wife of Bar- ton Elliott, is the mother of three children, and they live a half mile east of Fairmount; J. Henry married Miss Lizzie Price, is the father of six chil- dren, and lives three miles south of Fairmount; Emma Belle, Mrs. William Hill. lives in Oakwood Township, and is the mother of one child; Laura E. married Edwin North, and they live in Sidell, without children; Cora L., Mrs. Lincoln Smith. bas no children, and they live three and one-half miles northwest of Fairmount; Lizzie, Oscar G. and Rob- ert L. remain at home with their parents.
Mrs. Baldwin was the fifth child of her parents, and was born Aug. 31, 1829. in Brown County. Ohio. Iler father, a prominent man in his neigh- borhood. eame to Illinois in the spring of 1866, and died in Hancock County, in 1883, in the nine- tieth year of his age. The mother survived her hus- band five years, dying in 1888, in Hancock County at the advanced age of ninety-two. Their family consisted of four daughters and six sons. Mrs. Baldwin's people on both sides of the house were largely represented, many of them living to a great age. Her grandfather on her mother's side was the father of nine children, four of whom lived to be from eighty to eighty-eight years old; their united ages being 332. Her father, Nathan Glaze, served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and was a pensioner at the time of his death. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian Church for the long period of sixty years. Mrs. Baldwin has been a member of the Baptist Church. .... ' ,
Conservative in polities, Mr. Baldwin votes the straight Republican ticket, and recalls the fact that the largest and most enthusiastic politieal meeting which he ever attended, was one held in the inter- ests of William Henry Harrison, in 1840, at Ripley, Brown Co., Ohio, when Mr. Baldwin vas a lad of
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twelve years. He has mixed very little in public life with the exception of serving as School Di- rector twelve years. Ilis interests have chiefly centered in live stock, and he has been a prominent worker in the County Fair Association. Ilis con- neetion with this in Ohio extended from 1853 to 1867, and in Illinois from 1869 to 1886. IIe was for four years a member of the Board of Directors of Vermilion County Agricultural and Mechanical Association at Danville, and took an important part in the discussion of the matters pertaining to its best interests. He is a Royal Arch Mason, be- longing to Homer Lodge Chapter, and in Fair- mont is a member of lodge number 590, in which he has served as Master for two years, having passed all the Chairs. IIe is a stockholder in the Homer Agricultural Fair Association.
E DMUND P. JONES has a valuable farm in Danville Township, pleasantly located four miles southeast of the city in the center of a rich agricultural region. Ile is a tine type of the sturdy, intelligent, self-reliant natives of Ver- milion County who were born here in the early days of its settlement, reared amid its pioneer scenes, and after attaining a stalwart manhood. took their place among its practical, wide awake citizens and have ever since been active in devel- oping and sustaining its many and varied interests.
The subject of this sketch comes of good pioneer stock, and both his paternal and maternal ancestry were carly settlers of Kentucky, and there his fa- ther and mother, William and Jane ( Martin) Jones were born, the former in Harrison County, Feb. 24, 1796, and the latter April 15, 1795. They were united in marriage Jan. 23, 1816, and con- tinued to reside in their native State till 1828, when with their six children they came to Illinois with a team and cast in their fortunes with the carly pioneers of Vermilion County, locating near Danville, in Danville Township. They lived a short time on section 16, and then the father bought a tract of land on section 11. It was heav- ily timbered, and the family lived in a rail-pen for a time as a temporary shelter, and then Mr. 1
Jones built a log house on the place, and in that humble abode the subject of this sketch was born Jan. 13, 1830. The father improved a part of his land, and a few years later removed to another place, and resided in different parts of the town till his demise. Oct. 30, 1850. A faithful citizen was thus lost to the community, one who had led an honest, sober-minded life, and was deserving of the respect accorded to him. Ilis worthy wife survived him till Sept. 10, 1867, when she too passed away at the home of our subject. The fol- lowing is recorded of the eight children born to them: John P. is deceased; Elizabeth is the wife of Henry Sallee, of Oakwood Township; Joseph M. is deceased; Sarah A. married Dennis Olehy. and is now deceased; William Perry and Mazy J. are deceased; Edmund P. is the subject of this sketel ; Thomas J. lives in Oakwood Township.
The subject of this sketch remembers well the wildness of the country around about as it first ap- peared to him when he became old enough to observe his surroundings, and the beautiful scene presented by the virgin prairie and primeval for- est before civilization had wrought its marvelons changes, is indellibly impressed on his mind. Deer, wild turkeys and other game were plentiful and roamed at will, unless brought down by the uner- ring aim of the hunter anxious to replenish the scant larder in his humble pioneer home. There were no railways for many years after our subject's first recollection, and the nearest market was at Chicago, 125 miles distant, till after the canal was finished, and then produce was taken to Perrys- ville. Ind. The farmers of those days had to con- duct their agricultural-operations in the most prim- itive manner, and Mr. Jones says that when he was young grain was cut with a sickle, and when the cradle came into use that was considered a great improvement, and the present harvesting machine was undreamed of. Threshing machines were then unknown, and the grain was either trampled out hy horses or else whipped out by flails. The plows in use had wooden mold-boards, and all corn was dropped by hand and covered with a hoe, while grass was out with a seythe and hay was pitched with a wooden fork. Nor was the work of the busy housewife lightened by modern improve-
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ments. The good mother cooked the food before the fire in the old-fashioned fireplace, and used to spin. weave and make all the cloth for the family. The intelligent pioneers early sought to give their children educational advantages, and the first schools were conducted in rude log school-houses provided with seats made of puncheon with wooden pins for legs, and the window comprising an opening from which a log had been removed and greased paper inserted through which the light had to penetrate, and a large fireplace. the chimney of stick and elay, for heating purposes. In such a structure our subject gleaned his educa- tion. He commenced in his boyhood to assist his father on the farm, and gained from him a thor- ough practical knowledge of farming in all its branches. He remained an inmate of the parental household till he attained man's estate and then started ont in life for himself by renting land and carried on agriculture thereon for a while. At the time of his marriage he went to Iroquois County and settled on a tract of wild land there. remaining till 1859, when he returned to Vermil- ion County, and in 1861 he bought forty acres of land on section 13 of Danville Township. It was partly fenced and a few aeres had been broken, but aside from that no improvements had been made, not even any buildings had been erected. lle built a frame house on forty acres adjoining his original purchase, and has since bought other land, till he now has 220 acres, under excellent cultiva- tion and capable of producing large crops. His residence, a well built house, is located on section 12, and he has other substantial buildings. and everything about the place is conveniently ar- ranged and well ordered.
Mr. Jones has been twice married. He was first wedded Oct. 19, 1854, to Sarah A. Cox, who was, like himself, a native of Danville Township, born May 5, 1831. She closed her eyes to the scenes of earth after a brief and happy married life. dying in Iroquois County, Nov. 11, 1858. Mr. Jones was married to his present wife, formerly Mary E. Villars, Feb. 21, 1861. Mrs. Jones is a native of Clinton County. Ohio, born Dec. 11, 1840, to William and Ruth ( Whitaker) Villars (see sketch uf William Villars for parental history). Mr. and
Mrs. Jones have had six children, four of whom are living, as follows: Rosa Belle married Joshua Olehy, of Danville Township; John W.married Mary J. Rouse, and they live in Danville Township; Lillie A. married Albert E. Villars of Newell Township; Clark S. is at home with his parents.
Mr. Jones is a man of self-respecting, energetic character, well dowered with firmness and decision, and his conduct in all the various relations of life is such as to inspire the trust and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact either in a busi- ness or in a social way. He and his wife belong to the Pleasant Grove United Brethren Church, and are active in aiding their pastor and fellow-mem- bers in any good work. and they are always to be found on the side of the right. In him the Dem- ocratie party in this section of the country find a stanch ally.
HOMAS LEE. Among others who came to Central Illinois during the period of its pio- neership was the sturdy English-born citizen with the substantial traits of character handed down to him by his ancestors, the qualities of industry and perseverance, which were bound to win. Ile as- sisted in the development of the soil, in the build- ing up of communities, and almost without an ex- ception acquired a competence. Mr. Lee is one of the representative men of his nationality and an early settler. Hle came to Illinois in 1856 and took up his residence in Vermilion County in 1874 on section 32, township 23, range 12. During the pe- riod of his fifteen years' residence here he has opened up a good farm of 120 acres and secured himself against want in his old age.
Our subject was born in Devonshire, England, Sept. 17. 1838, and lived there until approaching the eighteenth year of his age. He was the first child of the family to leave home, and the occasion was one naturally mixed with regret and some ap- prehensions. Embarking at Liverpool, he made the long voyage across the Atlantic in safety, land- ing in New York, and proceeded directly to Illinois, locating first in Peoria County. He worked on a farm there several years, and about 1860 changed
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his residence to Woodford County. In that county he purchased wild land, where he opened up a good farm and lived about twelve years. During this time he put up good buildings, planted an orehard, fenced his land, and, in fact, effected the improve- ments naturally suggested to the progressive agri- culturist.
In Woodford County, Ill., our subject was mar- ried, March 8, 1862, to Miss Grace Huxtable. The young people began life together on the new farm, and after selling out, Mr. Lee traveled all over the West and the Pacific Slope, but came back to Illi- nois, not being able to find any section of country which suited him better. He then came to this county and purchased the farm where he now lives. There were no buildings upon it to speak of, but he soon provided a shelter for his family, and here he has since remained, carrying on general farming and stock-raising successfully. He east his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and has since been a staneh supporter of the Republican party. IIe believes in the doctrines of the Baptist Church, of which he is a member, attending serviees at Iloopes- ton.
Seven of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lee are still living-Herschel J., Lizzie, Clarence, Delmer, Norton, Jennie and Morris. The eldest son has been in the farther West for the past four years. Lizzie became the wife of Loren Briggs, and they live on a farm west of the Lee homestead; they have two children. Clarence married Miss Ada Redden and lives in Butler Township. The other children are at home with their parents. Mrs. Lee was likewise born in Devonshire in 1843. and came to America with her father when a child of nine years, the family settling on Kickapoo Prairie. The father farmed there for a time and then re- moved with his family to Woodford County, where Mr. Lee made the acquaintance of his future wife. Mr. Huxtable, also a native of Devonshire, came to America in 1852, and carried on farming in Wood- ford County until 1887. Then, retiring from active labor, he took up his residence in Benson, Wood- ford County, where he now lives and is married to his second wife. His first wife died in England.
William Lee, the father of our subject, also a na- tive of Devonshire, England, spent his entire life
there. Ile married Miss Susanna Davey, and they became the parents of five sons and three daugh- ters, all of whom, with the exception of two daugh- ters, came to America, together with the mother, who died in Benson in January, 1888.
W ILLIAM DICKINSON, an honored resi- dent and well-to-do farmer of Catlin Town- ship, is numbered among the far-sighted men of practical ability and cool judgment, who have been instrumental in promoting its growth, and making it a rich agricultural centre. He owns a well-ordered farm on section 26, every acre of which is highly cultivated, and, with its neat build- ings and other appointments, it does not compare unfavorably with the many other fine farms of which Vermilion County can boast. Here Mr. Diekinson has passed thirty-six of the best years of his life, coming here while yet in the prime of a stalwart manhood, and that these years have been well spent in diligent and cheerful labor, is shown by the substantial home that he has built up, in which, now that the infirmities of age are upon him, he can rest from his toils, and enjoy its comforts with- out the necessity of labor and drudgery.
Our subject is of English antecedents and birth. llis parents, John and Hannah Dickinson, were both natives of England, and they died in Lincoln- shire. Their son, William Dickinson, of whom this sketch is written, was born in the old home in Lin- colnshire, April 27, 1819, and amid its pleasant surroundings, he grew to man's estate. Ile early engaged in farming, and became quite a farmer before he left the old country to try life in the new world, coming here in 1853, landing in New York city the first day of May. Ile came directly to Vermilion County in this State, having previously heard of its wonderful agricultural resources, and has been engaged in tilling the land in Catlin Town- ship ever since, though on account of his advanced age he has retired somewhat from the active duties of the management of his estate. His farm com- prises 197 acres of choice land. well cultivated and supplied with all the necessary buildings and ma-
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chinery, and is indeed one of the most desirable places in the vicinity.
Mr. Dickinson was a married man when he emi- grated to this country. he having been previously wedded in the historical old town of Boston, in Lincolnshire, to Miss Emma Barker, a native of that shire. Ten children were born of their union. as follows: Harriet A., wife of Frederic Jones, whose sketch appears on another page of this vol- ume; Elizabeth M., wife of George Stonebraker; William, who married Callie Latlen; Emma, the wife of Arthur Jones, whose sketch appears on another page of this work; James; Matilda, the wife of James Bentley: Henry, Hannah B., John and Joseph.
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Aug. 14, 1888, she who had walked by the side of our subject many a year, leaving, for his sake, home and friends in the dear old England, and for many a year cheering and strengthening him in his work, passed out of his life, and entered into the rest that passeth understanding.
"Her work is compassed and done; All things are seemly and ready And her summer is just begun."
MES DICKINSON -- OBITUARY.
Mrs. Emma Dickinson, to whose memory this notice is inseribed. was born in, Boston, Lincoln- shire, England, Sept. 22. 1823. making her age at time of death. sixty-four years, ten months and twenty-two days. Her maiden name was Emma Barker. She was married to William Dickenson, March 2, 1817. They emigrated to this country May 14th, 1853, and located within three miles of where the family now reside. Her sister, Mrs. Ma- tilda Clipson came over at the same time. She was the mother of ten children, tive girls and five boys, of whom the following were born in England : Harriet A., wife of Frederie Jones; Mary E .. wife of George Stonebraker; Emma. wife of A. Jones. and William, the eldest son. The following were born in America: James, llenry. John. Joseph and Matilda, wife of James Bentley. and Hannah 1. the youngest daughter. The children are all of mature age, and the family have never before been bereaved by death. The deceased was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in England, and
although she did not identify herself as a member here, she was an attendant on divine services, and lived an exemplary and Christian life. Hler illness dates back several years, however. she was not con- fined to her bed until about the beginning of Sep- tember, since which time she was unable to help herself. Her sufferings were very great, but were borbe with a resignation which none but a Chris- tian woman could possess. She was a devoted wife, a faithful mother. the light of the home and the pride of the family. While we must bid her a fond farewell. her virtues will not be forgotten.
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