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 39
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
Mr. Sandusky possesses an abundant and never failing supply of sound sense and sharpness. cou- pled with a faculty of doing well whatever he attempts. so that his success in his chosen calling is not at all surprising. The Democratic party finds in him a steadfast supporter through fair and through foul report. He is a valued member of Catlin Lodge No. 285, A. F. & A. M.
AMES CLIFTON. The results of persever- ance and energy have been admirably illus- trated in the career of this gentleman, who is one of the most prosperous citizens in a prosperous community, who has been the architect of his own fortune and is in the enjoyment of a competence. He is approaching the fifty-seventh year of his age. having been born Oet. 8, 1832, and has spent his entire life in Vermilion County, Ill., in Georgetown Township where he was born. He remembers the time when wild animals abounded in this region and killed deer within the limits of this township as late as twenty-five years ago.
William Clifton. the father of our subject, was a native of Ohio and married Miss Jane Brown, who was born in Tennessee. The grandparents emi- grated to Illinois about 1827, when the parents of our subject were in their youth and the latter were married in Vermillion County, Ind. They became the parents of thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters, and spent their last years in Vermilion County, Ill., the father dying at the age of fifty- seven and the mother when sixty-two years old.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. James Clifton was of English birth. but came to make his home under our Republican form of government. He was married and became the father of two children
ยท
-
368
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
in Ohio. A short time before the birth of his son. William Clifton, he started for his old home in England and was never afterward seen or heard of.
The carly education of our subject was con- ducted in the log school house of the primitive times, upon the subscription plan and carried on during the winter season. In the summer he as- sisted in the development of the new farm, grub- bing out the stumps. chopping, breaking prairie and sometimes flat-boating on the river. Hunting formed his chief recreation-a pastime of which he was extremely fond. He served an apprentice- ship at the cooper's trade, which he followed mostly for a period of fifteen years. In the meantime he was married June 14, 1855, to Miss Martha, daughter of Abraham and Sarah ( Brown) Barnhard.
The parents of Mrs. Clifton removed from Ohio to Indiana at an early date and in that State Mrs. Clifton was born, reared and married. Soon after the wedding the young people took up their abode in Georgetown Township, where our subject oeeu- pied himself at his trade but kept steadily in view his intention of becoming owner of a farm. Ile accomplished his project and is now the proprietor of 205 acres. This was mostly in a wild condition when he assumed possession, but now forms one of the finest farms in the township. It makes a most delightful and attractive home while at the same time it is the source of a handsome income.
Seven children have been born to our subject and his estimable wife, the eldest of whom, a son, William. died when four months old. The others are Ella, Stephen A. D., Olive, Laura, Alonzo, who died at the age of two years, and James. . Jr. Ella is the wife of H. G. Canady, and resides at Ver- milion Grove and has one child, Estella; Stephen operates a fine farm of 305 acres in Georgetown Township; the other surviving children are at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Clifton are prominently connected with the Presbyterian Church and our subject. politically, is one of the warmest adherents of the Democratic party. Pub- lic-spirited and liberal. he is ever found giving his cordial support to those enterprises calculated to benefit his community. and possesses those quali- ties of character which have made him a universal favorite both in social and business circles.
Among the most valuable features of this volume is a fine portrait of James Clifton, which is pre- sented elsewhere.
R. S. A. COFFMAN. physician and sur- geon. is the pioneer of his profession in the the town of Allerton. Ile is a young man of more than average ability and is rap- idly increasing his practice. The growth and development of his adopted town command his earnest and intelligent attention.
Dr. Coffman is a native of Gallipolis, Gal- lia Co., Ohio. His father. Capt. Josiah Coffman, was one of the most prominent river captains and pilots on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, his ae- quaintance extending from Pittsburg to New Or- leans. He ran his first barge down the rivers men- tioned to New Orleans, when he was eighteen years of age and at that time began his popularity as a river man. He purchased a farm in Gallia County but did not remain long in the business of agri- culture. His last boat was the " Pine Ridge," one of the largest steamers that navigated the Ohio River. He died in 1866 at the age of fifty-two years. His wife continued on the farm until her death, which occurred in June 1879. She was born at Shelbyville, Ind.
The parents of Dr. Coffman, had twelve chil- dren of whom eight were boys and nine are now living. The Doctor was born on May, 12, 1858 and was but seven years old when his father died. He was reared in Ohio, where his educational advan- tages were of the best. Ile first attended the com- mon schools at home, then the High Schools. Ile was engaged in West Virginia for two years in teaching. From his boyhood days his inclinations were all toward the medical profession. and during the time he was teaching he was studying to the end that he might some day enter its ranks. His first studies, medically, were under Dr. T. F. Sien- cknecht, of Kingston, Tenn .. with whom he con- tinued his studies for eighteen months, when he became destitute of means. He then came West, spending one year in Missouri and from there he
369
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
went to the Indian Territory, finally landing at Os- sawottamie. Kan., where he engaged in the hospital for the insane. Flere his preceptor was Dr. A. II. Knapp, of that institution. By this time his means were sufficient to take him through the Beaumont Hospital and Medical College from which he grad- uated March 15. 1888, standing near the head of his class, He was married in Kansas to Miss Hat- tie E. Smith, a native of Columbus, Wis. She is the daughter of Asa and Mary Smith, who were pioneers of Sumner County, Kan. Through the influence of Dr. Parks and others, the subject of this sketch was induced to locate at Allerton. which he did in 1887 and where he is achieving success to a large degree. In his practice he has met with no obstructions but has steadily gained the confi- dence of his clients. The Doctor is an ardent Re- publican, and is always ready to do anything to for- ward the interests of his party, that lies in the path of honor. IIe is examiner for the Manhattan Life Insurance Company, and is also a member of the St. Louis Medical Association.
Dr. Coffman was one of twelve children whose names follow: Elizabeth, Joseph C., William, Harriet; Daniel M., Cyrus P., Thomas J., Cunning. ham, Sylvan G., Emma, Sylvester and Ella. Eliza- beth married Henry Irion, a farmer of Gallia County, Ohio; Joseph C. served in the Union Army, enlisting at the age of eighteen years. com- ing out of the service with the rank of Lieutenant. After the war was over he was commissioned in the regular army serving at Ft. Riley, Ark .. and at Fort Union. N. M. He resigned from the army, when he commenced the study of law, graduating at Ann Arbor and is now practic- ing at Quincy, Ill. Ile married Miss Carrie Hawk ; Harriet married the Rev. Rose, who is her second husband, and a pastor in the Methodist Church in Athens, Ohio. She had five children by her first husband, James Hamilton; Daniel M. resides at Rockwood, Tenn. Ile is an attorney at law and married Miss Romaine Blazer, they have one child; Cyrus P., died at the age of eighteen years; Thomas is practicing law at Ilume, Ill. He mar- ried Estasia Kerns. They have four children; Cunningham died in Texas at the age of twenty- eight; William, who was a twin brother to Joseph,
died when one year old; Emina is a resident of Anoka, Minn. ; she married J. C. Willey, a railroad contractor and has three children; Ella resides in St. Paul, and is the wife of W. Thornley, who is a contractor in that city.
. .
OIIN C. SALLADAY. The life-long career of this gentleman is one which his children will love to contemplate in future years. In his make up, he is possessed of modesty, good manners, sound sease and high principles. lle has all the qualities of a good citizen, is a kind husband and father and in all respects approaches the ideal of the Christian gentleman. We find him situated in a comfortable home, the possessor of a pretty farm, and his family relations leave little to be desired. Ilis property is pleasantly located on Section 3 in Vance Township.
Mr. Salladay was the eldest child of his parents and was born in Fayette County. Pa., April 16. 1831. When a little lad of three years he removed with his parents to Ohio and acquired a good edu- cation in the common schools of the Buckeye State, pursuing his studies mostly during the win- ter season until twenty years of age. In the mean- time he became familiar with farming pursuits and remained a member of the parental household until reaching his majority.
In December, 1855, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Mary J., daughter of Daniel A. Rich of Ohio, a prominent farmer in his commu- nity. There were four children of whom Mrs. Sal- laday was the second and she was born in Ohio in 1833. Her childhood and youth passed quietly and uneventfully, during which time she attended the common school and received careful home- training from her excellent parents. The young people after their marriage settled on the home farm of the Salladay's, our subject working it upon shares with his father until 1860. He then purchased fifty acres of land and made his home upon this until 1864 when he sold out and set his face toward the farther West.
Upon coming to Illinois Mr. Salladay purchased
370
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
the land constituting his present farm and com- meneed at first principles to build up a homestead. He was prospered in his labors as a tiller of the soil and added to his real estate until he has now 163 acres in the home farm and 160 acres in Powe- shiek County, Iowa. In connection with general agriculture, he is considerably interested in stock. raising, keeping a good grade of cattle and shipping each year to the eastern market.
Five children eame to bless the union of our subject and his good wife, one of whom died at the age of eight years. Salina and George D. remain with their parents; Florence is the wife of J. HI. Bowen and lives three miles south of the home farm; John B. remains at the latter. Mr. Salladay east his first presidential vote for John P. Hale and is one of the most active members of the Repub- lican party in this section. He keeps himself well posted in relation to current events and votes with his party upon the national issues. In local mat- ters he aims to support the man best qualified for office, irrespective of party. He has officiated as a dlelegate to the county conventions and is a School Director in his district which office he has held for twenty years. He has been Highway Commissioner for six years. He and his estimable wife find their religious home in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in which Mr. Salladay has been an Elder six years and when a younger man labored actively in the Sunday-school.
Our subject is the offspring of an excellent fam- ily, being the son of George and Rebecca (Craft) Salladay, who were natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Grandfather John Salladay emi- grated from the Fatherland at an early period in the history of this country and settled in Pennsyl- vania. Upon the coming of the Revolutionary War he was a baggage master in the Continental Army from the beginning to its close. The ma- ternal grandparents of our subject were born in Pennsylvania but were of German descent. The parents of Mr. Salladay were married in Pennsyl- vania, where the mother died in 1833, leaving two children-our subject and a younger brother. The father subsequently remarried, and in 1834 removed to Ohio where he sojourned for a period of thirty years. Thence he came to this county in the spring
of 1861. residing here until 1877. His next re- moval was to Homer, Champaign County, where he lived eleven years, dying in September, 1888. The mother survives and makes her home with her son-in-law, Mr. Bennett. near Homer and is now seventy-six years old. Both the Craft and the Salladay families were people of note in their com- munity, distinguished for the high principles and sturdy industry which were among the character- isties of their German nationality. They were uniformly well-to-do, industrious and frugal and uniformly exercised a good influence upon the va- rious communities in which they resided. The subject of this sketeh is one of the worthiest of their descendants, perpetuating the name with dig- nity and honor.
LBERT G. OLMSTEAD is a worthy de- scendant of Puritan ancestry, his fore- fathers having been numbered among the early settlers of New England. In a later day and generation his grandparents and parents became pioneers of Vermilion County, and here the most of his life has been passed. He has not only been a witness of the marvelous growth of this section of the country in the fifty years that he has lived here as boy and man, but it has been his good fortune to aid in its upbuilding. For many years he has been intimately connected with the material prosperity of Catlin Township as a progressive and skillful agrieulturist, and as one of its most in- tluential publie officers. He owns a farm on section 23, that in all its appointments and improve- ments is equal to any other in this locality. and here he and his wife have an attractive home, to which they welcome many friends, as they have a warm place in the hearts of the entire commu- nity.
Stanley Olmstead. the father of our subject, was born in the city of Hartford, Conn., to George . Olmstead, Sr., and his wife, Hannah ( Roberts ) OIm- stead, natives of New England. They came to Vermilion County from Ohio in 1839, and he died here two years later. llis wife did not long survive
1
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
371
him, dying in September. 1843. Their son, Stanley. married Ahnira Green. a native of Vermont, and they began the journey of life together in James- town, Chautauqua Co .. N. Y., where he was busily engaged for several years in construeting a farm from the primeval forests of that section of the country. Ile subsequently removed from there with his family to Marietta. Washington Co .. Ohio, but after living there five years, he came with them. in 1839, to Vermilion County, making the journey down the Ohio River, up the Wabash River to Perrysville, and thence going to what is now known as Batestown, and settling in that vi- cinity among the pioneers that had preceded them to this then wild. sparsely settled country. The father operated a sawmill known as Olmstead Mill, and besides manufacturing lumber. engaged in building flatboats, that being the only mill where such boats were built, and the most of those that were made in this section of the country were built there. He was a member of the Masonie fra- ternity, and quite a prominent man in his commu- nity, and his death, in 1848, was considered a loss to the township. Ilis widow was re-married about ten years afterwards, becoming the wife of Thomas W. Douglas, and is still living in Catlin Township at an advanced age. She holds to the Presbyter- ian faith, and is a sincere Christian.
Of the ten children that blessed the union of Stanley Olmstead and wife. our subject was the see- ond in order of birth. He was born in the vicinity of Jamestown. Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1831. He was a lad of about eight years when he accompanied his parents and grandparents to this county, and the remaining years of his boyhood and his youth were passed in Danville and Catlin townships. His education was obtained in the old log schoolhouse of those early days. He early be- gan life for himself, as he was but seventeen years of age when his father died, and the main charge of the family devolved upon him, he renting land and working at farming to support those depend- ent upon him. When he was twenty-four years old he married and rented a farm in Catlin Town- ship the ensuing seven years, the place belonging to Ilarry Sandusky. After that he bought a small place in Catlin Village, and continued renting land
for three years. The second year after the pur- chase of the County Farm in 1867. he was ap- pointed Superintendent of it, and he was found to be the right man in the right place. faithfully and conscientiously discharging the duties of that oner- ous position, by his skillful farming improving the land. and treating the poor people un ler his charge with firmness and kindness. He retained that office eight years, and then tendered his resignation. as he desired to invest some of his money in land and go to farming on his own account. Soon after he took possession of the land he now owns and op- erates, it having been the homestead of the parents of Mrs. Olmstead. of which she inherited a portion. The balance was purchased by Mr. Ohinstead. His present farm consists of 180 acres of land, exceed- ingly rich and productive, and he has been con- stantly making improvements till the place is considered one of the best in the neighborhood. He has erected a good set of farm buildings and a pleasant residence, finely located somewhat back from the highway.
This homestead formerly belonged to Mrs. Olin- stead's parents, Thomas N. and Mary Brown (San- dusky) Wright. early pioneers of Vermilion County, and here she was born and bred, and on this spot, under an apple tree in the yard. her marriage with our subject was solemnized July 22, 1855, and here her life has thus far been spent happily and se- renely. She has never been very far from this home of her birth, and has never ridden in the cars, or been beyond the limits of the county. Mrs. Olmstead is a notable housekeeper, and is well versed in the art of making those about her com- fortable, and every one who crosses her threshold is sure of a cheerful welcome. Her parents were born in Bourbon County, Ky., and when the father was nineteen years old and the mother twenty, they came to Vermilion County, and were united in trarriage six weeks later, in the year 1831. near Indianolia, and immediately settled on the farm now owned by Mr. Olmstead. Mr. Wright built a log cabin, and in that humble abode they began their wedded life. May 31, 1851. Mrs. Wright died, leaving five children. of whom Elizabeth Ann. Mrs. Olmstead. was the eldest. The father was afterwards married to Nancy Dougherty, and
.
372
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
he died Nov. 18, 1872, on the homestead that he had eliminated from the wild prairies. Mrs. Olm- stead was born Sept. 22, 1832. In this home of her girlhood and womanhood five children have blessed her wedded life with our subject, namely: Mary B .. the wife of John Il. Palmer; Charles, who married Agnes Emmett, who died Nov. 17. 1887; William C., who married Miss Eva Beck; George E .; and Albert C.
Mr. Olmstead has been a valuable citizen of this section of Vermilion County since attaining man- hood, as he is a man of good personal habits, is just and honest in his dealings, wise and safe in counsel, and has always exerted his influence to advance the interests of his community morally, socially and educationally. Ile has taken an active part in the public life of this township. has held the office of Supervisor two terms, and for eleven years was School Trustee. Ile is a valued member of Catlin Lodge, No. 285, 1. F. & A. M. Ile has been Master of the lodge. In polities he sides with the Democrats, and is a strong supporter of party principles. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, and the acts of their daily lives show them to be consistent Christians.
A fine lithographic view of the handsome home and surroundings of Mr. Olmstead is shown else- where in this volume.
---
W ILLIAM CESSNA, SR., who is well known throughout Vance Township as one of its most prosperous men financially, is now approaching the sixty-seventh year of his age, hav- ing been born Nov. 7, 1822. He is a native of Bedford County, Pa., where his father, Evan Cessna, was also born. The latter, when approach- ing manhood. learned the trade of a blacksmith. Later he turned his attention to agricultural pur- suits, and became owner of a good farm. He mar- ried Miss Mary Motelena Fenstermaker, also a na- tive of the Keystone State, and whose ancestors were from Germany.
The parents of our subject continued residents of
Pennsylvania for several years after their marriage. The father carried on blacksmithing and farming combined. and operated with fair success. lle finally decided upon a change of residence, and in 1812 set out for Ohio with his family, settling in the Western Reserve in what was then Trumbull but was afterward changed to Mahoning County. There the parents spent the remainder of their lives. The household circle originally comprised nine children, eight of whom grew to mature years, and six of whom are now living. William was the third child of the family, and like his brothers and sisters, acquired a limited education by attendance in a log school-house, under a system of instruc- tion in keeping with that time and place. Upon approaching manhood he learned the trade of a tanner, also that of a brick and stone mason. Since a boy of twelve he has been mainly dependent upon his own resources, and assisted his father con- sidlerably until his marriage. Evan Cessna was very nearly blind for many years, having a cata- raet over each eye. and losing the sight of one en - tirely.
The 18th of May, 1850, marked an interesting epoch in the life of our subject. as on that day he was wedded to Miss Sarah Jane, daughter of Rich- ard Hawkins, a farmer and mechanic of Stark County, Ohio. The young couple commenced the journey of life together in a manner corresponding to their means and surroundings, and Mr. Cessna for several years thereafter followed his trade in Mahon- ing County. Finally he removed to Stark County, sojourning there probably two years, and then, in 1856, changed his residence to Marshall County, Ind. In the latter place also he followed his trade, and purchased 300 acres of land, the cultivation and improvement of which he carried on until 1868.
During the above mentioned year Mr. Cessna moved into Champaign County, Ill., and about twelve months later purchased the farm upon which his son William now lives, in Vermilion County. Later he added forty acres to it. then traded forty acres for that which he now occupies. Upon this he has lived for a period of thirteen years, and ef- fected very many improvements, planting a 10- acre orchard, putting the fences in repair, and add-
373
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ing the necessary buildings. He has invested his surplus capital in additional land, and is now the owner of 500 broad acres. His possessions are the result of his own industry and perseverance, and he has delved from the soil an ample competence for his declining years.
Mrs. Sarah Jane ( Hawkins) Cessna departed this life Sept. 15, 1861, at the early age of thirty-three years, four months and eleven days. Of her union with our subject there were born five children, four of whom are living: Jolin W. married Miss Myra Nichols, who is now deceased; he is the father of five children, and lives in Mineral Point, Kan .; Sarah Amelia is the wife of Wallace A. Yazel; they live four miles northwest of Homer, and have five children; Martha Ellen married Marion Tibbetts, and is the mother of four chil- dren; they live four and one-half miles southwest of Fairmount; William L. D. married Miss Sally O'Shea; they have one child, and live one mile west of Mr. Cessna.
Our subject contracted a second marriage Jan. 29, 1865, with Mrs. Lucina Melser, who was the mother of two children by her first husband. The result of this union was three children-Rosa I., Charles M. and Mary M., who are all living at home with their parents. Mr. Cessna has always taken a lively interest in polities, and keeps himself fully posted upon all matters of national interest. Ile is one of the warmest supporters of the Repub- lican party, believing it the party of progress and reform, and the party upon which the prosperity of America depends. In Indiana he served as Pathmaster three years, and in the district where he now lives has been a School Director nine years. Formerly he belonged to the I. O. O. F.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.