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 29
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The little log cabin was soon surrounded by a nicely cultivated farm, and later, in its stead a pretty house might be seen. There the family lived for ten years. During this time the vil- lage of Denmark, as it is now called, was started. It was a rough frontier town situated near to the house of our subjeet's father. On account of the 'many disadvantages arising from their nearness to Denmark, the father sold his farin and removed to this township, which was better suited to his taste. Here he spent his last days. His death occurred in 1815. Ilis wife survived him by thirty-six years. She died at Farmer's City, MeLean County, in 1881, her daughter being with her at the time.
Hugh Wright was married first in this county to Miss Manerva, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Payne, who came from New York, their native city, to be pioneers in this county. Of this mar- riage there were six children: Margaret, America. Mary, Fannie, now Mrs. Henry Radymaker. Clarissa and Frank. Margaret and America are no longer living; Mary is now Mrs. Samuel A. Oliver, and resides in Southern Texas; Clarissa married Mr. Staunton Foster and lives in this township; Fannie and her husband are living in Armstrong. The whole family are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. of which the father was a Class- Leader for many years. Hugh Wright's first wife
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died in April, 1881. After seven years he was again married to Mrs. Stacy ( Potts) Wikoff. This happy event took place in Nov. 1888. By her first husband she had three children: Thomas. Ellen and James. Wikoff is a name well remem- bered among the old families of Ohio.
Mr. Wright is the proprietor of a fine farm com- prising 400 acres all under good cultivation. This he has made his home, adding yearly to it all the advantages and improvements that suggest them- selves. An important feature in his character is his business accuracy and punctuality. These enable him at any time to command the assistance of any bank with which he does business. Besides the farm on which he lives, he is the owner of 800 acres. all fine farms, in this township. Ilis mill has been improved and an artesian well has been supplemented to the list of conveniences on his premises.
Mr. Wright's father seems to have been consti- tutionally destitute of fear. He was made, as it were, without that peculiar faculty which makes people take danger into the account and try to keep at a distance from it. The full possession of this deficieney (if the phrase is not too direct a contradiction in terms) is now quite uncommon. It was therefore without trepidation that he made a friend of Wapanim, the chief of an Indian tribe. They were in fact on such friendly terms that Mr. Wright did not hesitate to allow his son Hugh, who was then a child, to ride on the Indian's back through the woods. The tribe was at that time a peaceful one.
One day while talking with Mr. Wright the chief requested him to report anything that a mem- ber of his tribe might do which did not happen to meet with Mr. Wright's approbation. This request was soon to be made use of. The occasion was as follows: A stalwart Indian came to the house and threatened to harm our subject's mother for having refused to give him the eggs that he had asked for. This fact was stated to the chief, who had the In- dian whipped most severely. The lash used was a stout one and was plied by a strong hand. The result was that the poor creature's skin was broken and the raw bleeding flesh exposed. Still the pun- ishment was continued so long that fully a pint of
blood maist have been shed. Mr. Wright and his family were called upon to witness the scene.
This little incident is given partly to direct at- tention to the care and assiduity with which this exceptionally good chief guarded the interests of the white families against the barbarous injustice of his own men. Wapinim spoke English well, and for a man of his type was unusually intelligent.
IIngh Wright was seventeen years old when he got his first suit of store clothes, which he bought with the money he himself had earned by tramping out some oats with horses and hauling them to Chiengo, where they sold at ten cents per bushel. Before this his clothes were such as his mother would make by means of the old spinning-wheel. Ile was very proud of his new apparel, which cost him $10, the price of 100 bushels of oats.
G EORGE WHEELER JONES, M. D .. one of the foremost physicians of the State of illi- nois, and who has a fine professional reputa- tion beyond its borders, was born in Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., in February. 1839. Dr. Jones' father. John S. Jones, also a physician, was born in High- land, Kings Co., N. Y., and his father, John Jones, was born in or near New York City. They were of Welsh ancestry. Dr. Jones, father of George W., commenced the study of medicine while quite a young man, and was graduated from the medical college at Albany, after which he practiced his pro- fession in New York State until 1847, when he re- moved to Indiana and settled in Covington, practi- cing there many years. He removed from Coving- ton to Danville. where he died in the fall of 1871, but a few months after his last removal. Dr. Jones, Sr., married Charlotte Wheeler, a native of Steuben County, N. Y. Her father, George Wheeler, was a native of Connecticut, and they trace their ancestry to England. The mother of the subject of this article still resides in Danville. There were seven children born to her: George W., James S. (deceased), Lydia, Frank and Caleb (deceased), Mary S. and Lottie E. James enlisted, at the age of eighteen, in the 634 Indiana Infantry, and was mustered in as private, but was
5 .- 1/2 SEC.33. IROQUOIS CO.
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RESIDENCE AND FARM PROPERTY OF JOHN LEEMON , ON SECS . 4. 8. 10. (23 .= 12.) AND SEC'S 33. (24 .- 12.) VERMILION & IROQUOIS COS.
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rapidly promoted through different grades until he reached the rank of Quartermaster. Ile served until the close of the war, and is now deceased.
Dr. G. W. Jones attended the public schools in New York State and later in Covington, and finally completed his literary studies at Wabash College. and also began the study of medicine with his father and uncle Caleb Jones. at Covington. le attended several courses of lectures at a medical college in Chicago, during which time he received private instructions from Dr. Byford, of that eity. In March, 1862. he was graduated, and imme- diately entered the army as Acting Surgeon of the 26th Illinois Regiment. After a few month's sery- ice in that capacity he was tendered a commission with the rank of Major and Surgeon of that regi- ment, but preferred to be with his brother in the 63d Indiana, and accepted the position of Assistant Surgeon of that regiment, where he served until the close of the war. For two years he was one of the Surgeons in charge of the field hospital of the third division of the 23d army corps. He served with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, and also in the operations against Hood's army in Tennessee. Ile carries the sears of the wound received at Pumpkin Vine Creek, caused by the explosion of a shell. After being mustered out of the service in 1865 he came to Danville, and at onee inaugurated a successful practice. Dr. Jones has a brilliant war record, and one of which he can justly feel proud.
The subject of this sketch was married in 1865, to Emelyn K. Enos, of Cincinnati. Ohio, and a daughter of Benjamin and Susan Enos. She is the mother of one child, Hubert W. Dr. Jones and wife are members of Holy Trinity (Episcopal) Church. Politically, the Doctor is a stanch Repub- lican, and for many years has served as a member of the Pension Board, a position he has filled with marked ability. Ile is a member of the following medical societies: The Vermilion County Medical Society, The Illinois Central, Chicago Medical So- ciety, Illinois State Medical Society, Mississippi Valley, and the American Medical Association. He was a delegate to the meeting of the Inter- national Medical Congress which met in Washing- ton, D. C .. in 1888. and which was composed of many of the scientific men of the world. While
Dr. Jones stands at the head of his profession in bis portion of the country, he is reckoned as one of the best of neighbors and citizens. The Doctor is a member of Lodge No. 69. I. O. O. F., of Danville, and also a prominent Mason. officiating with Ori- ental Consistory of Chicago, and several other secret societies.
OHN LEEMON. The man who has flowing through his veins the blood of an honor- able ancestry has occasion for being proud. for he has thus been endowed with that which is better than silver and gold. If he has like- wise been endowed with the wisdom to improve his talent, he is doubly fortunate, for no matter what circumstances surround him, he is usually able to fight his way resolutely to success. Some men are met with seemingly more than their share of aud- versity, while the course of others is comparatively smooth, but in either event men usually have about all they wish to contend with of trouble and toil. Those who have succeeded in breasting the waves are naturally looked up to by their fellow-men. among whom they become captains and leaders.
The subject of this notice presents a fine illus- tration of the results of perseverance, and what man may accomplish from a very humble begin- ning. Commencing in life without other resources than his own energy and resolution. he climbed his way steadily upward until he is now a man of property and importance, owning one of the finest farms in Central Illinois. This comprises 1.080 aeres in one body, occupying the greater portions of sections 4 and 10, township 23, range 12, the residence being on 4, and the balance in Iroquois County on the north, in township 24. range 12 In Fountain Creek he has 520 acres, and 120 acres near East Lynn. In Scott and Christian counties he has an interest in 1,785 acres. The home farm. which has naturally been under the especial over- sight of the proprietor, has been brought to a high state of cultivation, and mainly devoted to general farming together with stock-raising. The residence with its surroundings, which are represented by a lithographie engraving on another page, give it
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the air of plenty and comfort which is delightful to contemplate. The buildings and machinery are all that is required for the successful prosecution of agriculture.
Mr. Leemon was born of Scotch parentage in County Armagh in the North of Ireland, May 8. 1829, and emigrated to America when he was twenty-two years old, coming directly to Illinois and settling in Jersey County. He worked out by the month, first at $12, and during the winter sea- son husked corn at fifty cents per day and board. His wants were few, and at these small wages he managed to save a little money until he had enough to buy a team. This accomplished. he rented a tract of land in Jersey County, where he carried on farming until 1856. In the meantime he had come to this county and purchased 414 acres of wild land. As soon as possible he commenced its improvement and cultivation at a time when there was not a house in that vicinity, excepting the one occupied by Mr. Iloopes, with whom he boarded, going back and forth to his place, two and one- half miles, night and morning.
In the fall of 1857 Mr. Leemon put up a small house on his farm, and, like the bachelor of old. "lived by himself," until he judged it prudent to take unto himself a wife. In the meantime he planted forest and fruit trees, set out a goodly amount of hedge. and instituted the improvements winch, as time passed on, resulted in making his farm a very valuable and desirable piece of prop- erty. He has now two windmills and a feedmill, his barn being underlaid with water-pipes which lead to various tanks wherever required for the convenience of stock. The wet land has been thoroughly drained with tiling, which was con- veyed from Bloomington. When Mr. Leemon settled here wild animals of all kinds were plentiful, especially deer and wolves. He has seen as many as seventy-five deer in one herd. while men fre- quently got together to hunt the wolves. which hunger made altogether too familiar to suit the settlers, sometimes stealing . the deer meat from their doors.
When the time came that Mr. Leemon felt that he could justifiably assume the responsibility of a family, he was united in marriage with Miss Lodema
Brown. of Butler Township, the wedding taking place at Rossville Aug. 26. 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Leemon commenced the journey of life together in their own home. and in due time they became the parents of six children, the eldest of whom. a daughter, Izele. died at the age of twelve years. The survivors are Lida, Robert A .. John A .. Charles N. and Edith, and they are all at home with their parents, being given the training and education which will fit them for their proper station in life. as the offspring of one of the first families of this county.
Upon becoming a voting citizen Mr. Leemon identified himself with the Democratic party, but in local or State politics. votes independently, aiming to support the men whom he considers best qualified to serve the interests of the people. He has been the incumbent of nearly every office in Fountain Creek Township. He served as Justice of the Peace eight years, also as School Director, and Trustee, and Supervisor for four years, and has uniformly distinguished himself as a man of progressive and liberal ideas-one willing to give his time and influence to those enterprises calcu- lated for the general good. He was reared in the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church. During the early days he labored early and late. frequently plowing all night long and resting a part of the day, on account of the flies. Notwithstanding this he took good care of his health, never abusing himself by using liquor, and is consequently still a well- preserved man and able to enjoy the fruits of his labors, now that he is in a condition to retire. Many of the enterprises of Hoopestown have found in Mr. Leemon a substantial friend and benefactor. Ile is Vice President and Director of the new bank.
Thomas Leemon, the father of our subject, was likewise a native of the North of Ireland, to which his forefathers had been driven during the times of religious persecution in Scotland. He married Miss Elizabeth Thompson. and they reared a fam- ily of six children, all of whom followed our sub- jeet to America in 1854, three years after his arri- val here. They sojourned for a time in Jersey County, this State, then removed to Christian County, where the father died in 1862. The mother survived her husband some years, and
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spent her last days with her son John. passing away in 1883. Samnel and William Leemon, the two brothers of our subject, are residents of Chris- tian County. Mrs. Leemon was born near Lock- port, in Niagara County, N. Y., and when about seventeen years old emigrated with her parents to Indiana, where she lived until about twenty-two years old. They then removed to East Lynn, this county. Her father, John Brown, spent his last days in Marysville. East Tenn., where he died some years ago. The mother, Mrs. Catherine (Bears) Brown, still lives, and makes her home with her daughter. at the advanced age of eighty-one years.
OIIN R. THOMPSON. Few men are het- ter known throughout Oakwood Township than Mr. Thompson. He owns a good farm of 600 aeres, on sections 2 1 and 25. where he has effected most of the improvements upon it. erecting the barn and other buildings. and himself clearing 150 acres. Ile has made a specialty of sheep-raising-Shropshires and Merinos-and has probably had a larger experience in this industry than any other man in the county. In this he has been uniformly successful, and maintains that the only money he has ever made and saved, he has accumulated in this manner. Ile has also dealt largely in cattle. swine and general farm produce, and cultivates 250 acres, which, from its soil and location, is classed among the best land in the township. He is a lover of the equine race like- wise and has four fine specimens of thorough-bred Kentucky running stoek, two of Harkaway, one of Gloster, and one from Laurence, promising young horses, who will probably make a line record. Mr. Thompson proposes retiring from active labor in the near future, which he can well afford to do, having an ample competence.
The eighth in a family of eighteen children, our subject was born April 12. 1880, in Washington County. Pa. His parents were Joseph and Nancy (Stoughton) Thompson, natives respectively of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather was a native of Wales, whenee he emi- grated to America at an early day. Joseph
Thompson and his wife spent their entire lives in their native State. the father dying in 1865. and the mother in 1880. Thirteen of their children lived to mature years. and ten are still living. mak- ing their homes mostly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illi- nois and Kansas.
The boyhood days of Mr. Thompson were spent in his native county and his education was acquired in the district school, after which he engaged in farm work until 1851. Then, having reached his majority. he started for the farther West. landing in this county and for six years thereafter operated as a shepherd, thus gaining his knowledge of the proper care and treatment of sheep. Ile watched his flocks on the wild prairie when the settlers were few and far between and occupying farms within a mile of the timber. In coming to Illinois Mr. Thompson drove a flock of 1,300 sheep for another man, being sixty-six days on the way. He attended these until the spring of 1852 then returned to his native State and returned with a flock of 1,500 to this county, making the entire distance on foot and consuming seventy-two days.
On the 27 of November, 1856. our subject was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of David C. Wright, who had died previously. The young people commenced the journey of life together on a rented farm which they occupied three years, Mr. Thompson still maintaining his inter- est in sheep, which he began to raise in goodly numbers and which brought him handsome returns. In due time he purchased 160 acres of land adja- cent to that which he now owns. He lived upon this four years, then sold it and purchased 190 aeres, partly improved and near the timber. Three years later he sold out once more and purchased his present farm.
To Mr. and Mr. Thompson there were born twelve children, Que of whom died young. The survivors.form an unusually bright and interesting group, of which the parents are justly proud. The eldest. Joseph Morton, married Miss Molly Steen and is a leading member of the G. A. R .. of Dan- ville. D. Lincoln married Miss Melissa Hall and is senior member of the firm of Thompson Bros .. general merchants at Fithian; he has two children. Annie, Mrs. Elijah Board. is the mother of one
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child and lives in Oakwood Township; Nellie F .. John R., Gertie E. Ulysses S .. Franciena, Maude, Harrison and Dollie. are at home with their pa- rents. The firm of Thompson Bros., is conspicuous for its admirable business abilities and has few equals in this part of the country. The children of our subjeet have all been given an excellent edu- eation, four of the six eldest receiving first-grade certificates. Joseph M. was graduated from the l'niversity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. receiving special instruction from Judge Cooley.
Mr. Thompson votes the straight Republican ticket, being the only one of seven brothers who east his lot with this party-the other six and the the father being staunch Democrats. Ile has ofli- ciated as School Director most of the time since coming to Oakwood Township and has been Path- master for many years. Socially, he belongs to the 1. O. O. F. at Fithian and has passed all the Chairs and through the Encampment. A man never idle when there is anything to do, he has made for himself a good record in point of industry and perseverance. One of the most fortunate . things which has fallen to his lot is his estimable and sensible wife. a lady greatly esteemed in her community for her excellent qualities of character and her devotion to her family.
Mrs. Thompson was the eldest child of her pa- rents and was born Dee. 26, 1837, in Champaign County, Ill. Of the four children born to her pa- rents three are now living, one residing in Iowa and one in Nebraska. Her grandfather, John B. Wright, of Pennsylvania, removed lirst to Indiana and then to this county of which he was one of the pioneer settlers.
ILLIAM WILSON BUCHANAN, junior member of the firm of Crimmins & Bucha- nan. is with his partner operating the liv- ery stable at Sidell. and is highly popular among the residents of this well-regulated little village. Ile also operates considerably as an auctioneer and salesman. He is a man of undoubted ability, and fine personal appearance, and possesses those correct ideas in relation to both public and private life
from which spring the better elements of society. lle was born in Gentry County, Mo., March 17, 1859.
The parents of our subjeet were Enoch and Su- san ( Beard) Buchanan, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Kentucky. The paternal grand- father removed from the Buckeye State and settled in Edgar County, Ill. about 1845, bringing his family with him. Ile and his father both served in the war of 1812. The Buchanan family is of Scotch ancestry and upon coming to this country, settled in Pennsylvania where they carried on farm- ing. They were a large, muscular set of people and usually thrifty and well-to-do. Enoch Bucha- nan was reared to manhood in Edgar County, this State, but was married in Vermilion County, whence he moved to Missouri about 1854, settling on a farm near Fairview. The troubles during the Civil War induced him to return to Illinois and in the meantime his property was destroyed. Ile was thius left without resources, but set himself to work and was prospered, finally becoming the owner of a farm in Carroll Township. He departed this life in 1878 after an active career of fifty years. The mother is still living and makes her home with our subject ; she is now fifty-eight years old. Their four children were named respectively, Sarah, John, William Wilson and Elizabeth. The eldest daughter is a resident of Carroll Township; John died at the age of one year; Elizabeth became the wife of Benjamin Black, one of the leading citi- zens of Carroll, Township.
Our subject acquired his education in the com- 'mon school and as his father's business called the latter away from home, William W., being the only son, necessarily assumed the responsibility of looking after the family, although but twenty years of age. In 1878 Mr. Buchanan engaged in the sewing machine business which he followed un- til the spring of 1889. At the same time he super- intended the operation of his farm. Ile was married in 1881 to Miss Alice C. Gilroy at her home in Carroll Township. Mrs. Buchanan is the daughter of William and Elizabeth ( Beard) Gilroy, whose parents came to this county in 1815 and were among the pioneer settlers of Carroll Town- ship. The mother is still living and makes her
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home in Butler County, Kan. ; she is about fifty- two years old. Of her first marriage there was born one child only-Mrs. Buchanan. After the death of her first husband she was married twice, having three children by the second husband and one by the third.
Mrs. Buchanan was reared to womanhood in Carroll Township, this county, and completed her studies in the High School at Indianola, Of ber union with our subject there have been born four children-Essie, Leila, Floy E. and Elma. Mr. Buchanan, politically. votes the Democratie ticket and socially belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp at Indianola, The firm of which he is a member was organized April 17. 1889, but not- withstanding the business is comparatively new, is in the enjoyment of a good patronage. They have put in an excellent stock of new buggies and harness, have good horses, and, in fact, conduct their enterprise in a manner which makes it ex- tremely popular among the people of this region. They are consequently justified in their expectations of the future.
Aside from his livery business Mr. Buchanan is recognized as one of the leading auctioneers of this county, operating principally along its south- ern line. He has been in practice for the last five years, his transactions being principally in live- stock deals. He is thus widely known throughout Western Indiana and Northern Illinois. He also officiated as Constable of Carroll Township.
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