Portrait and biographical album of Warren County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 18

Author:
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 794

USA > Illinois > Warren County > Portrait and biographical album of Warren County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 18

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UNIVERZITY OF LIBRARY ILLINOIS.

LIBERTY OF THE

RESIDENCE OF COLBY MATTESON , SEC. 3G, LENOX TOWNSHIP.

RESIDENCE OF J. C. LUCAS, SEC. 18, COLD BROOK TOWNSHIP. .

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with Monmouth College as Trustee, and he has filled a similar capacity on the Public Library Board since its organization. He was one of the organizers of the unfortunate First National Bank, and was one of its Directors up to the time of its collapse.

Leaving the old Whig party, Mr. Babcock united with the Republicans, and while no politician, he has served his party in various ways effectively. In popularity as a business man and citizen, it is stating mildly a truth that has passed into a proverb, to say that he is the peer of any man in Warren County. He is not rich in worldly possessions, perhaps, but is opulent in good name.

Mr. Babcock was married at Monmouth, Dec. 22, 1852, to Miss Mary E. Elliott, daughter of the late Rev. Joseph Elliott, of the Baptist Church, and of his three sons and one daughter we have the follow- ing brief memoranda: Edward C., brought up to mercantile pursuits, was quite successfully engaged in business at Leadville, Col., for some years : he is now (October, 1885,) in Butte City, Montana; How- ard resides at Galesburg, Ill. ; and Lucius A. makes his home with his parents. Probably the most pop- ular young lady in Monmouth was Miss Jennie O. Babcock. She is now the wife of A. B. Seaman, a prominent young attorney of Denver, Col.

Like his father, Mr. Babcock is a consistent mem- ber of the Baptist Church, to which he devotes much of his time and money.

lijah Coddington Babcock, deceased, was born in Wales, Hampden Co., Mass., Jan. 16, 1803, where he lived until 1841, and died at Monmouth, Ill., from paralysis, Feb. 13, 1885. He was a son of James and Phila Babcock, who were descendants of that Puritan stock of which Americans are so proud. In early boyhood he manifested a taste for the mercan- tile business and entered a store at the age of 14 years. His thrift and enterprise enabled him to ac- cumulate the means with which he purchased an in- terest in the establishment, which he afterwards bought entire.

On Dec. 17, 1823, Mr. Babcock was married to Miss Cynthia Weld, of Brimfield, Mass. The result of the union was two sons and three daughters, viz .:

Mrs. Persis W. Stapp, now deceased; John Babcock, of Denver, Col .; Draper, of Monmouth (see sketch) ; Mrs. Mary Patterson, also of Monmouth, and Mrs. A. H. Holt, of Washington, D. C.

. In the early part of 1842 Mr. Babcock decided to come West, and some time in April of that year, in company with his brother George, reached St. Louis. Being informed by merchants of that city that there was a splendid prospect for the mercantile business in the locality of Oquawka on the upper Mississippi, they came up the river, but on reaching Oquawka were not pleased with the prospect. They started for Monmouth, riding as far as Olmstead's Mill with Uncle William Hopper and walking the rest of the way. The next day the fortune-seekers rented a room in the building which stood where the Mon- mouth National Bank building now stands, which be- longed to Daniel McNiel, George Babcock being a silent partner. It was not long until they were doing an extensive business, having a stock of general mer- chandise, comprising everything that satisfied the demand of early settlers. In 1851 George Babcock retired and the deceased gave his two sons, John and Draper, interests in the establishment. Mr. Babcock's strict honesty and correct business prin- ciples won for the establishment a reputation for fairness and upright dealing that extended for many miles around Monmouth. He was noted for the correctness of his accounts, but his great trouble was selling on credit. At the time of the great fire on May 9, 1871, his business house was entirely de- stroyed and he sustained heavy losses. He did not again re-open business, but was engaged in the store of his son, Draper.

In the year 1841 the Baptist Church was organized in Monmouth, to which the deceased largely contrib- uted. Mrs. Babcock joined the organization by let- ter in 1843, and Mr. Babcock became a member by baptism during the pastorate of Rev. Miner in 1846. His membership in the Church abounds with liberal contributions and unrelenting interest in its behalf. He often bore half of the expenses of the Church and was the head and shoulders of the con- gregation. He was elected to the office of Deacon years ago, the duties of which he performed until the time of his death.

Mr. and Mrs. Babcock celebrated the 50th anni- versary of their marriage on Dec. 17, 1873. Mrs.

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Babcock died Sept. 29, 1878. After a long life of Christian usefulness she sank gently to her rest, bowed under the weight of years. She was a faith- ful and constant member of the Baptist Church for over 40 years. Her last days were soothed by the loving ministrations of her children and friends.

The Rev. Mr. Watson, in his funeral sermon, paid the deceased the following tribute: We have been called together to-day to pay a last grateful tribute to the memory of one long known and felt in your community. Coming to this city in 1842, the de- ceased has been identified with the progress and prosperity of Monmouth during a very important period of its history. Felt in all the enterprises of our growth, he has given his special energies toward the establishing of the Baptist Church of this place. Uniting with the Church in 1846, he ever after took a deep interest in all her struggles. It was owing very largely to his untiring efforts and large-hearted liberality, that this building was ever erected. The regularity of the enterprise manifested in his busi- ness relations was but the exponent of his habits in reference to spiritual matters. Seldom heard in meetings of any kind, he was always seen in his place no matter how fierce the storm; and his beaming eye and hearty grasp of hand, spoke louder than words of his devotion and interest. The encouragement which he gave to the Pastor in his labor by his devoted attendance and earnest co-oper- ation, was worth more than the most eloquent words of some. To show how his heart yearned for the prosperity of Zion during his late suffering, whenever one entered the room he enquired about the meetings and longed to be there.

Such as he, when they are called hence, leave a vacancy which we can not fill. We shall miss him sadly from our midst, but his influence shall abide; and may it prove a lasting incentive to us all, to quicken us and prompt us to greater diligence in every good work, while it is day.

His sufferings, which were so severe, are already passed away forever; and he has joined the in- numerable throng of redeemed ones around the throne. One more added to the treasures in heaven, who shall await your coming with the King. The Savior, who has called him from his labors into rest, stands by your side and whispers, "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in

me." "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you," and remember that " The Lord will not cast off His people, neither will he forsake his in- heritance." Put your confidence and trust in Him.

James Babcock, the first known ancestor of our subject, came from England in 1663, and settled in Rhode Island. His youngest son, Jeremiah, was born at Westerly, R. I., in 1679, and became quite renowned as a soldier. In Monmouth, the Babcocks erected and conducted the first grain elevator. They were also the first pork-packers in this part of the country.

E. C. Babcock led a life which, though quiet, was full of kindness and good words. Poverty and sick- ness found in him a friend. He was a good friend, a good citizen and a good Christian, always openly avowing his convictions yet careful of the feelings of others. His demise was deeply felt throughout the county.

eorge W. Palmer, another of Warren County's farmers, who by his energy and economy has succeeded in obtaining a good title to 135 acres of good tillable land, located on sectio.1 7, Hale Township, where he is actively engaged in the labors of an agriculturist, is a son of Wilkinson and Nancy (Hurd) Palmer, natives of Brighton, Canada West. The parents came from the latter province to White- side County, in 1844, from whence they removed to Hancock County, and soon after became residents of this county, having settled in Monmouth. They lived in the latter city for one year, when they lo- cated in what is now Hale Township, where they lived until their death. The mother died in 1863, and the father in 1878. Their children were ri in number.

George W. Palmer was the eighth child in order of birth of his parents' family. He was born in Canada, Aug. 15, 1838, and was about six years old when his parents came to this State, and is conse- quently a pioneer settler here. He came with his parents to this county and engaged in the active la- bors on the farm, and has continued to reside here until the present time, having, during the meantime, become the proprietor of 135 acres of good, tillable

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land, on which he resides and is there engaged in the vocation which he has followed the major portion of his life,- agriculture.

In Henderson County, this State, Oct. 25, 1859, the ceremony was performed which united for life the subject of this notice with Miss Sarah Haines, the accomplished daughter of Amos and Catherine (Miller) Haines, natives of Ohio. The parents of Mrs. Palmer had six children, of whom she was the second in order of birth. She was born near Colum- bus, Ohio, March, 18, 1842, and has borne her hus- band seven children,-Flora E., James C., Ida M., Emma J., Laura P., Maud A. and Nettie C. James C. died in infancy.

In politics, Mr. Palmer is a believer in and a sup- porter of the principles advocated by the Republican party. Mrs. Palmer is a member of the Christian Church.

olby Matteson. Among the leading ag- riculturists of Lenox Township and War- ren County is the subject of this sketch. He is a son of Norman and Emeline (Matte- son) Matteson, who were natives of Vermont and New York respectively. Norman Mat- teson was a son of the Rev. Isaiah Matteson, and was born at Shaftsbury, Vt., June 15, 1806. At the age of 17 he was converted, and baptized by his father, and was, up to the time of his death, an act- ive member of the Baptist Church. When 21 years years old, he went to Western, New York, where, in 1829, he was married to Mahala Beckwith. One child, a girl, was born to them, but mother and child died in 1833. In 1835 he was married to Emeline Matteson, who died in 1856, the mother of six chil- dran. Their names were Colby, Adelbert, Abner, Caroline, Avery and Florence. Abner, Caroline and Avery are deceased ; Florence became the wife of George Best, now residing in Floyd Township ; Adel- bert is single and lives in Portland, Oregon. He served in the Union army during the late Rebellion, as a member of the 83d Regt. Ill. Vol., and partici- pated in several of the important battles of the war, in one of which-Fort Donelson-he was wounded

in the arm. This being serious, he was honorably discharged.

After his marriage in 1835, Norman Matteson and wife settled in Avon, N. Y., where they lived for a time, then removed to Western, and subsequently to Floyd, N. Y., and from there to Berwick, Ill., in 1838. The elder Matteson was therefore one of the pioneers of this section of the country. From Ber- wick they removed to Roseville Township, but af- terward removed to Floyd Township, where they remained for several years. They then moved to Lenox Township, and in 1865 he made another re- moval, this time locating in the village of Berwick, where he continued to reside, retired from the active labors of life, until his death. His second wife died in Lenox Township,, Dec. 25, 1856. In 1857 he married Miss Elizabeth Schuessler, at Berwick. She is a native of Hamburg, Germany, is a woman of many excellent qualities, and proved to be a devoted wife and a good mother to his children. His death occurred Oct. 17, 1881. His widow still survives, and now lives in Floyd Township, and is highly es- teemed by her neighbors and friends.

Colby Matteson was born in Avon, Livingston Co., N. Y., June 27, 1837, and came to this county with his parents, and has continued to reside here ever since. He acquired a good education in the common schools of this county, and during the sev- eral years which have elapsed, he has been a careful observer and reader of the current literature of the day, and at this writing we find him to be a man of practical views on the many important questions of the times. His vocation is that of a farmer, agri- ricultural pursuits and stock-raising having not only afforded him a pleasing but a profitable occupation. His farm now comprises 240 acres, on section 36, Lenox Township, and is one of the handsomest and best improved farms in the township. His carefully kept lawn, well appointed house, within and without, neat and substantial barn and outbuildings, and well ordered fences and hedges, all combine to show where thrift, enterprise and energy dwell. We in- vite the reader's attention to another page of this work, on which is shown an elegant view of the resi- dence and farm property of Mr. Matteson. In his chosen vocation of life Mr. Matteson is meeting with that success which his energetic disposition, push and tact are sure to bring.

He was married in Roseville Township, this

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county, Jan. 24, 1865, to Miss Harriet A. Dillon. She was the daughter of William and Lavina Dillon, and was" born Sept. 8, 1845, in Kentucky. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Matteson, four children,- Harvey N., Flora E., Alfred and Ida,-have been born to them and are now residing at home. Mrs. Matteson died at her home in Lenox Township, May 12, 1883. She was a member of the Baptist Church, as is likewise Mr. Matteson.

During the late Rebellion he was a staunch Union man. In politics, he is a supporter of the principles of the Republican party.

illiam W. Wilson, a general farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 16, Mon- mouth Township, was born in Perry Co., Ohio, on the 19th of August, 1837. His father, James J., was a farmer and a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch descent. He was a young man when he accompanied his parents to Perry County, the Buckeye State, and while there married a Miss Elizabeth Williams, who was a na- tive of Washington Co, Pa. She was a daughter of a Pennsylvania farmer named William Williams, who came to Perry Co., Ohio, when that county and even all that portion of the State was but little set- tled. They located in the woods of Perry County, where her father engaged actively and energetically in the severe task of clearing and improving a farın. James J. Wilson, the father of the subject of our sketch, also resided with his family in Perry County, and it was there that his children were born. His family comprised nine children, six sons and three daughters, of whom William W. is the seventh child. Six of the children are still living, three sons and three daughters. All are /married and have reared families, and all but one live in Illinois ; four reside in Warren County. James J. Wilson also repre- sented his county in the Ohio Legislature for two terms. In politics he was a Democrat and took an active interest in public affairs. He and his wife were both members of the United Presbyterian Church. He died in December, 1856, and his widow survived him till April, 1863.

Mr. Wilson, of this notice, was about 18 years of

age when his father died, and afterwards lived with, and was the principal support of, his mother until her death, which took place when he was 27 years old. He afterwards began to learn the trade of tin- ner and purchased a hardware and tin-shop, which he conducted for some eight years in New Lexing- ton, his native county.

He was united in marriage, Dec. 4, 1869, in New Lexington, to Miss Sarah Kelley, who was born in Perry Co., Ohio, March 5, 1831, and was the daugh- ter of Riley and Jane (Jones) Kelley. Her parents were married in Perry County, where her father was for some time engaged in the hotel business and later in life followed the occupation of farmer, and where he died in 1861. Her mother is yet living, in Lex- ington, Perry Co., Ohio, and is about 75 years of age. Mrs. Wilson is the eldest in order of birth of a family of nine children, and of her union with Mr. W. two children have been born, one of whom is de- ceased. Jessie M. is the surviving child and Victor is deceased.

After Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were united in marri- age, they continued to reside in New Lexington, 1 Perry Co., Ohio, for one year. At the expiration of that time they came to McDonough County, this State, where Mr. Wilson followed his trade one year.

- They then came to Warren County in 1871, and three years later, in 1874, located on a farm of 95 acres of improved land, which belonged to his brother, O. P. Wilson, and on which Mr. Wilson, of this sketch, has since resided. Politically, Mr. W. is a strong adherent to the principles of the Democratic party.

homas L. Capps, owning 170 acres of good, tillable land in Lenox Township, and residing on section 24, is a son of Asa and Mary (Brooks) Capps, natives of Kentucky. The parents were married and settled in this county, where the father was an agriculturist until his death, which occurred Dec. 6, 1878. His widow still survives. The issue of their union was nine children, named Thomas L., Nancy E., John L., Sarah J., Lewis M., Lucy C., Orville and Edwin R. Mary E. died when she was about ten years old.

The gentleman whose life's sketch we write, is a

B. H. Forwoods

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native of this county, having been born in Rose- ville Township, June 6, 1843. From childhood his inclination was to become a successful and inde- pendent farmer, and his younger days were passed principally on the farm, alternating his labors thereon with attendance at the common schools, and sup- plementing his education gained here by a five months' course of study at Abingdon College. He is at present the proprietor of a fine and well im- proved farm, and a gentleman possessed of sound, practical knowledge of the vocation of an agricultur- ist, in the following of which occupation he is meet- ing with success.

The lady whom Mr. Capps wooed and won and who, on Sept. 16, 1866, became his wife, Miss Mary Jewell, is a daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth (Johnson) Jewell, natives of New York State and Virginia, respectively. Mrs. Capps was born in this county, March 5, 1844, and was the second in order of birth of a family of 11 children. Her parents, on coming to this county, settled in Berwick Township, where they resided until their deaths.

Mr. and Mrs. Capps have become the parents of four children,-Minnie J., Nettie B, Ada C. and Orton A. The head of the household has held the office of Supervisor of Lenox Township two years and also the offices of School Director, Trustee and Tax Collector. Socially, he is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in religious matters he and his wife both believe in the doctrines of the Baptist Church, to which denomination they belong. In politics Mr. Capps votes with the Democratic party.

enjamin F. Forwood is one of the well- known and prominent pioneers of Warren County. He settled in the township of Spring Grove as early as 1839. He was born in Hartford Co., Md., Dec. 18, 1816. His father, William W. Forwood, was a na- tive of Lycoming Co., Pa., and was a descendant of Irish ancestry. The father of the Mr. Forwood last named was also a native of the State where his son was born, and was a member of the Society of Friends, or Quakers. All the early generations of the family belonged to the same fraternity. The grandfather removed with his family to Maryland

and there bought a farm, upon which William was reared and attained to the estate of manhood, and served his country in the War of 1812. Here he was married to Sarah T. Gilbert. She was a native of Maryland and was of English descent. In 1822 he bought a farm in Hartford County, upon which there were all the facilities for the manufacture of lum- ber. They consisted of a saw-mill and an excellent water-power. He built a small factory on the stream which furnished the motive power for the saw-mill already in order of business. He managed his varied business projects, including a good-sized farm, until 1837, when he sold the place and in the year succeeding set out for the West. He came by the water route from Maryland to St. Louis, where the family passed the winter.

In the spring, the father, mother and seven chil- dren once more took passage on the river and landed at Oquawka. In company with a inan named Joseph Plum, Mr. Forwood entered 640 acres of land on sec- tions 15 and 22, in what is now the township of Spring Grove There was a vacant log house on section 23 and, although not owning the land, the family took possession and it was their abode until the father could erect a stone house, better suited to their needs, which he located on the northwest quarter of section 22.

He was assisted in the improvement of the farm by his sons, and was the occupant and owner of the place until 1850, when he went to California, ac- companied by his sons, Philip G. and Shadrach R. They operated for a time as miners and afterwards built a saw-mill at a point known as Yankee Jim's, in Placer County. They carried on . a profitable lumber business until the death of the father, which occurred July 9, 1853. His wife died in April, 1859, at the residence of her son, the subject of this per- sonal narration, in Spring Grove Township. The latter is the oldest child of his parents. The family record reads as follows : Hannah R. is the wife of L A. Cunningham, of Oquawka; Cordelia Ann is the widow of R. P. Tinkham and resides in Kirk- wood, Warren County ; Philip is a resident of Wash- ington Territory ; Shadrach lives in Nevada ; Sarah J. married L. H. Gilmore, of this township; Harriet married R. P. Barnes, of Spring Grove Township, and is his survivor.

Mr. Forwood resided with his parents until the

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year in which his father went to California. He then took possession of the farm and assunied the entire charge. In the year 1840 he bought the southeast quarter of section 23, which was then un- improved, and it is now his place of abode and field of operations. The usual improvements have been made and the place, which consists of 168 acres of fine land, is in excellent order for successful cultiva- tion. His other property, however, increases his entire acreage to 369 acres. The proprietor is en- gaged in mixed farming. The buildings on the farmi are of the necessary type on a farm of advanced im- provement. A view of them is given in this vol- ume.

In political connection, Mr. Forwood is independ- ent. He commonly finds the best man to receive his vote in the Democratic party, but is untram- meled in opinion. He has held the position of Township Treasurer of Schools since 1846. He was the second Clerk in the township and has also served as Supervisor. He is a member of Mon- mouth Lodge, No. 37, A. F. & A. M., Warren Chapter No. 30, and Council No. 14, of the same order. Mr. Forwood's portrait appears on another page of this work. It is giyen as that of one of the representative men of the county. As a pioneer he was known here nearly half a century ago, and is also regarded as one of the leading agriculturists of his township.

enry Teare, a farmer, owning 80 acres of good land on section 22, Lenox Township, where he has resided since 1858, is a son of Charles and Ann (Cane) Teare, natives of the Isle of Man, where they resided until their death. The parents' children were six in num- ber, named Charles, John, Robert, Thomas, Eliza- beth and Henry. The latter is the youngest of the family, and was born on the Isle of Man, Feb. 17, 1839. He lived ou his native isle until 18 years of his life was passed, when, hearing of the glowing ac- counts of a country across the waters called tlie United States, and hoping to better his financial con- dition in life, he immediately set sail for that land of promise. Soon after landing at an Eastern seaport,

he came to Peoria County, this State, where he re- sided for one year. In 1858, he came to this county and located in Lenox Township, and since that time has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. His farm is well cultivated and improved, and re- flects credit upon its owner.

Mr. Teare was married in Lenox Township, Jan. I, 1868, to Elvira A., daugliter of Chambers and Catherine (Foster) Wick, natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Warren County in 1858 and first set- tled in Lenox Township. Here Mr. Wick died. His widow, the mother of Mrs. l'eare, still survives and resides in Stark County. They had a family of eight children,-Theo. F., Elvira A., Nancy E., Thos. J .; James M., William R., Belle, Curtis R. Elvira A., wife of our subject, was born in Armstrong Co., Pa., April 23, 1847, and lier home circle was blessed with the birth of two children, Cora E. and Flora B. The former died Jan. 14, 1884, at the age of 16 years. Mr. and Mrs. Teare are members of the Methodist Church, and, socially, he belongs to the Order of Odd Fellows. In politics, he affiliates with the Republi- can party.

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Portrait and biographical album of Warren County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 18

Author: Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros. Number of Pages: 794

Author:
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 794