USA > Illinois > Macoupin County > Portrait and biographical record of Macoupin County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with biographies of all the governors of the state, and of the presidents of the United States > Part 103
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When the War of 1812 broke out John Daniel- son enlisted and while he was absent in service his wife and servants cared for the property. After
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his return he improved his place considerably and remained a resident there until his death. His son. the grandfather of Mrs. Holloway, was a blacksmith by trade and in 1854 went to Johnson County, Mo., and bought a farm of sixty acres near Fay- etteville. on the Warrensburg and Lexington road. where he resided until his death. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Shaer. Her father, Jacob Shaer, was of German parentage and born in Maryland. He was one of the first settlers of Bourbon County, Ky., and spent his last years there. His wife's maiden name was Elizabeth U'nemaher, and she died in Paris at the age of one hundred and four years. The mother of Mrs. Hol- loway still has her home in Johnson County, Mo .. but spends most of her time with her children.
Mr. Holloway has by his first marriage two chil- dren living, George W. and John L. The former married Emma Sims and the latter Mary Holloway and has two sons-Arthur L. and Cleva C. Mrs. Holloway is an earnest and etlicient member of the Baptist Church. To our subject and his wife six children have been born, namely: Etts B., Oliver C' .. Charles A., Mary E .. Myrtle and Nora C. Etta married Mr. August Depheide and has one child, Irma. These children of an honored and honorable family are well sustaining the reputation of their ancestors and are worthy and estecmed members of society.
G EORGE MORRISON is engaged in general farming on section !3, Ililyard Township, where he has made his home for the long period of twenty-two consecutive years. He pur- chased the farm in 1868, and has since resided thereon. It now comprises two hundred acres of valuable land, all under a high state of cultivation. The fields are well tilled and in the barn are found excellent grades of stock. The buildings are such as should be seen upon a model farm and almost all of the improvements are the work of Mr. Mor- rison's hands, standing as monuments to his thrift and enterprise.
The subject of this sketch was born in County
Derry. Ireland. December 22, 1840,and is descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry. His paternal grand- parents spent their entire lives in the north of time Emerald Isle. Henry Morrison, the father of our subject, was also a native of County Derry. and in the usual manner of farmer lads he was reared to manhood in the county of his birth, where he mar- ried Miss Martha Taylor, and in their later years they emigrated with their children to America, sailing from Belfast in 1846, on a vessel which af- ter some weeks reached the harbor of New York in safety. They spent the first year of their residence in this country in Genesee County, N. Y., after which they travelled from Buffalo by way of the Lakes to Chicago, by wagon to Peru, and down the Illinois River to Alton, where they spent one year. They then came to flilyard Township, and for a time lived upon a rented farm until Mr. Mor- rison was able to purchase land. The old home- stend in Hilyard Township is still their place of res- idence. Mr. Morrison has now reached the age of ciglitv-two and his wife is about three-score years and ten. They are Scotch Presbyterians in religi- ous faith and are numbered among the honored pioneers of Hilyard Township where they have many friends. In their family were seven children and with one exception all are living.
Our subjeet, who is the eldest. spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the paternal roof and in the common schools acquired his education. Extensive reading and obser vation have made him an intelligent man and he keeps hinself well in- formed concerning all matters of general interest, also upon the political issues of the day. Whatever success he has achieved in life is due to his own efforts and he need never feel ashamed of the posi- tion to which he has attained for his fellow towns- men and those who know him all speak of him in terms of praise. Ile was married in Carlinville to Miss Rebecca T. Jones, a native of Kentucky, born in Allen County, October 22. 1848. When a child of three years she was brought to this county by her parents, Ambrose and Mary ( Wilson) Jones, who were also natives of Kentneky and on coming to Illinois settled in Greene County. Later they resided in Jersey County for a time and thence came to this county, locating on a farm in Gillespie
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Township, where Mr. Jones died in 1872, at the age of sixty years. His widow still survives him and is living on the old homestead at the age of sixty- nine. She is a member of the Methodist Church, as was her husband and in polities he was a Repub- lican. Seven children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Morrison, five of whom are yet living-M. Burtie, Jessie E., George W., James H. and Flossie R. Nettie and an infant are now deceased,
Mr. and Mrs. Morrison adhere to the faith of their forefathers and are members of the Presby- terian Church, while in politics he is a stalwart Re- publicau. A pleasant. genial man, affable in man- ner, he has won many friends and his wife is like- wise held in high esteem. Our subject enlisted in Company G., One Hundred and Thirty-third Regi- ment Illinois Infantry, and was on . guard duty at Rock Island during his term of enlistment.
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R OBERT DRURY is a respected member of the farming community of Brushy Mound Township, where he owns eighty acres of land, pleasantly located on section 27, and provided with good buildings and other improve- ments, a fine orchard adding value to the place. A Southerner by birth, Mr. Drury was born in Danville, Ky .. April 9, 1841. Ilis father was JJohn J. Drury, also a native of that State, Beardstown is his birth place. The grandfather of our subject was born in Maryland and came of English ancestry. When a young man he went to Kentucky where he married. Ile settled six miles from Beardstown on the Mooresville road, and became a pioneer farmer of that section. His death took place in 1833, from an attack of cholera, he, his wife and three of his children dying within a few weeks.
Jobin Drury was thus left an orphan when he was seventeen years old. He went to Louisville to learn the trade of a carpenter, and followed it for a time. He finally had the great misfortune to lose his eyesight by the formation of a cataract, and has been blind for fifty years. Ile resides in Nilwood Township, this county, and is now eighty years old. His wife was Mary Buckman in her
maiden days, who was born in Marion County, Ky. her father, John Buckmar, was a native of Mary- land, and a pioneer of Marion County, Ky., where he improved a plantation, his land being worked by slave labor. It was close to the town of Ray- wiek, and for many years he was engaged in mer- cantile business there. He died in 1855. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah J. Matingly, and she was also a native of Maryland. She died on the old Kentucky homestead in 1842. The mother of our subject departed this life in January 1875. These six children were born of her mar- riage, John, Robert, James, William, Charles and Mary F.
Robert Drury was twelve years old when he accompanied his parents to Illinois. The family, consisting of the father, mother and six children, started for their new home in October. bringing their household goods with them, and making the journey with two horses and one wagon. They camped and cooked by the way at night, and after eighteen days travel arrived at Honey Point Town- ship. They visited a family in that place for three weeks, during which time Mr. Drury rented a log cabin in Brushy Mound Township, into which they moved, living there until spring, then farming oue year in the same township. The father then bought a farm in Bird Township, and upon that the subject of this sketch was reared. He received his edu. cation in the pioneer schools, which were taught in a log house. In that early day deer were very numerous and were seen in large droves. The people lived in a very primitive way, as the luxur- ies and often the comforts of life were hard to procure, and their dress was mostly of homespun cloth.
Our subject resided with his parents until after his marriage, which occurred December 30. 1863, when he was wedded to Miss Mary F. Pearson, who has rendered him invaluable assistance in the up. building of their home. Their union has brought to them five children, whom they have named Charles C., Mark W., Robert O., Frank N. and Daisy. Mrs. Drury is a native of this county, Gillespie Township being her birthplace.
In 1864 Mr. Drury bought a farm in Gillespie Township, and resided there until 1870, when he
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moved to Missouri. A year later he returned to Macoupin County, and purchased the place where he now lives in Brushy Mound Township. He has devoted his energies to its cultivation and improve- ment with good results, and from its productive soil derives a comfortable income.
Politically, Mr. Drury casts his vote with the Democrates in national elections, but in local elections he is independent, supporting the man he considers best fitted for office regardless of party. Ilis social alfiliations are with the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and he is a member of Elin- wood Lodge, No. 2948. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace, and has served his township as Assessor and Collector.
M ICHAEL SWENK, a retired farmer living at Shipman, is the owner of a fine prop- erty there. Ile moved into town in 1886, being then seventy five years of age, and feeling that he was entitled to ease during the remnant of his days. His career from his early life had been industrious and enterprising, and he had accumulated sufficient of this world's goods to feel no anxiety for his future support. While building up a good home, he had given his family many comforts, and had taken part in such projects as were instituted in the neighborhood for the gen- cral good and promised well for the community. He has been a resident of the county since 1857. and is therefore well acquainted with its progress for considerable more than a quarter of a cen- tury.
Mr. Swenk is a son of the Buckeye State, born in Montgomery County, October 16. 1811. Ile comes of Pennsylvania families, and his parents were Jacob and Catherine (Hening) Swenk, both of whom were born in the Keystone State. He was but a small boy when his father died, leaving eight children, all now deceased, except Michael and one sister. He lived with a brother-in-law for a time, and at the age of fifteen years began his apprenticeship to a hatter, and from that time lived among strangers. He learned his trade at Frank-
lin. Ohio, and followed it for several years, but in 1853 he went. to Cass County. Mich .. bought land and turned his attention to farming. lle lived there until he came to this State, and settled not far from Shipman, buying one hundred and sixty acres of slightly-improved land. He con- tinued the work that had been begun on the prop- erty, and before he left it had changed it into a well-regulated estate, with every needful farm building and other adornment.
Mr. Swenk was married in Ohio to Miss Sarah Wood, a native of the Buckeye State, who died in Jersey County, IH., leaving no children. The present wife of our subject was formerly Mrs. Charity E. Crane, nee Eaton, and was living in Michigan at the time of their marriage. She is a well-informed, efficient woman, who shares with her husband the respect of their acquaintances. Of this union three children were born, but the parents have been bereft of all. One died in in- fancy, one in childhood, and Samuel J. after he had grown to manhood. Mr. Swenk gives his po- litical allegiance to the Democratic party.
SRAEL CHAPPELL. In noticing the promi . nent and successful agriculturists of Honey Point Township we find Mr. Chappell occupy- ing a front rank. A man of more than ordinary ability and sound judgment, he has exercised no small influence in his community, and at the same time, by his industry and perseverance, has gained a competenec. His residence and surroundings indicate in a marked manner to what good purpose he has employed his time for so many years, he having a most carefully tilled farm, whereon he has instituted all modern. improvements. The buildings and appurtenances are well appointed, and indicate the good taste and ample means of the proprietor.
A native of Devonshire, England. Mr. Chappell was born February 5, 1825. His parents were Bartholomew and Grace (Gean) Chappell, who were also natives of that famous English shire. Their lives were passed there until 1833, when,
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with their eight children, they set sail from Liver- pool in the month of October in an American- bound ship, and after a voyage of nine weeks and four days landed at New York. They came di- rectly to Illinois, and located in JJersey County, where the father purchased a tract of land inelud- ing a part of Gilham's Mound. About fifty acres were improved, and there was a log house on the place. Mr. Chappell erected frame buildings, im- proved his land, and increased the acreage of his farm so that at one time he bad four hundred acres of land. Death closed his career in 1867, and his community was thus deprived of a valued citizen, who had done much to upbuild the township, and his memory is held in respect as one of its early pioncers. He was twice married. and by his first marriage had six children, all of whom came to America, and these are their names: Ann, John, Bartholomew, Elizabeth, Susan and William. His second wife, the mother of our subject, who was the daughter of Richard Gean, survived him, her death not occurring until 1871. when she passed away in the home of her daughter in Jersey County. She reared seven children, as follows: Lucinda, Solomon, Israel, Ephraim, Thirza, Mahala and Richard.
Israel Chappell was in his eighth year when his parents brought him to the United States, and he can remember well the incidents of pioneer life in the early years of the settlement of this State. At that time deer and bears were very numerous in Jersey County, and also coons, wild turkeys, and other game. For many years there were no rail- ways in the county, and Alton was the nearest market for supplies. Young Chappell attended the pioneer schools, the first one being taught in the kitchen of a neighbor, as there were then no free schools. The grain then was eut with a cradle and threshed by a flail. The mother carded, spun and wove wool and linen with which to clothe her children, and cooked the meals for the family before a rude fireplace.
Our subject resided with his parents until 1846, and then commenced life for himself, working on a farm for $8 a month, continuing thus employed until 1850, when he went to California. He left Jersey County the 1st of May and made the entire
journey across the plains and mountains with a mule team, arriving at Sacramento on the 4th of August without mishap. With the exception of the Mormons at Salt Lake City, there were but very few white settlers west of St. Joseph, Mo., until California was reached. Antelope, elk and deer abounded on the plains, and buffaloes were to be seen in large numbers. There were also plenty of Indians, who were hostilely disposed, rendering traveling very dangerous. Upon arriving in Cali- fornia Mr. Chappell engaged in mining, and resided there until 1852, when he returned to Illinois by the way of the Isthmus.
Prior to going to the Pacific coast our subject had bought a tract of wild prairie land in what is now Honey Point Township, and the year following his return be settled on it, and has lived here con- tinuously since. The homestead consists of one hundred and sixty acres of choice land, and he has erected a good set of frame buildings, planted fruit and shade trees, and made all modern im- provements. Besides his home farm he also owns one hundred and eighty acres of land in Shaw's Point Township, and eighty acres in Lancaster County, Neb., and is one of the substantial men of his community.
March 30, 1834, Mr. Chappell was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Hunt, who was born in the same shire as her husband. Her father, George Hunt, was also a native of Devonshire. where he married Sophia Willoway, and spent his entire life. Ilis wife was also of Devonshire birth, and was a daughter of Thomas and Charity Willoway. At her husband's death she was left with six children. She afterward became the wife of James Hunt, brother of her first husband, and in 1849, with ten childien, came to America. The family located in the town of Stafford, about five miles east of Bata- via, Genesee County, N. Y., where Mr. Hunt died some years later. The mother of Mrs. Chappell is still living, aged eighty-seven, and resides on the home farm. The children by her first marriage were named Charity, Frances. Thomas, William, Elizabeth and Sophia. Those by her second mar- riage were Mary J., Ann, James and Matilda.
Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Chappell there are five children living : Israel Watson, George Mil-
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ton, Sophia Grace, James Richard and Cora May. Sophia is the wife of Samuel Dugger, of Shaw's Point Township. Mrs. Chappell is actively inter- ested in religious matters, and holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
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G EORGE V. SMITHI, one of the worthy and respected citizens of Shaw's Point Town- ship, was born in Lincolnshire, England, July 16, 1832. Here he passed his boyhood and youth, and when nineteen years old came to Amer- ica, making his home for six years in Huron County Ohio. There he engaged in farming. In August, 1857, be came to Maconpin County, and located in Shaw's Point Township, where he has since been a resident. Hle owns two hundred and ten acres upon which he has made good improvements. Ile carries on general farming.
Mr. Smith was married in Carlinville, February 4, 1860, to Miss Ilarriet Keller, who was born in Henry County, Ky., August 10, 1817, and died April 23, 1891. She came to this State with her parents in her girlhood. Mr. Smith is a public- spirited man who is ever an active promoter of all movements for the improvements of the township and the well being of its residents. He has set a good example for his neighbors in the improve- ments he has placed upon his farm and all unite in praising the condition of his property. Ilis polit. icals views are embodied in the declarations of the Democratie platform, and he is deeply interested in the success of that party ; he has never sought for office and prefers to devote his entire attention to agricultural pursuits.
ALEB CAPPS. There is probably no farmer of North Palmyra Township who has at once a better farm, better buildings and a higher reputation as a man of ability and intelligence than he whose name stands at the head of this paragraph. The beautiful farm attraets the eye of every passer-
by. Its neat and commodious buildings speak well tor the management of the farm and the neatness and productiveness of the land attest thorough cul- tivation and rich soil. Mr. Capps is not content with mere material prosperity, however, for lie de- votes much time and thought to matters of general intelligence, being a great reader.
Jolin Capps, the father of our subject, was a Vir- ginian, and his wife, Sallie T. Gilmer was born in Kentucky. Their marriage took place in Adams County, Ill., where he carried on a woolen factory in Columbus, that county. After engaging in this business for some two or three years he returned to Kentucky on account of failure of health and died there in 1843. Ilis bereaved widow long survived him and finally passed away while with her children in this county in February, 1888.
This son Caleb was born in Winelester, Clarke County, Ky., March 23, 1840. When he was three years old he went with his mother to Adams County, Ill., and lived there three or four years and then came to Greene County, III., and after a few years removed to this county. At the age of fourteen years he learned the trade of machinist, at which he worked until he reached his majority. In 1861, he engaged in farming settling on a traet of land on section 31, North Palmyra Township, farm that was entered by his father prior to marriage. Since his location in this township he has devoted himself exclusively to farming and stock raising with the exception of time which he spent in the army in the service of his country.
Our subjeet enlisted in October, 1864, in Company A, Thirty-second Illinois Infantry in the defense of the old flag. He served about one year and was with Sherman in his march to the sea. During the latter part of his service le was detailed as acting Com- missary Sergeant for his regiment. Ilis marriage in Barr Township, took place January 3, 1872 and made him the happy husband of Elizabeth Maxfield a daughter of Robert HI. and Sarah J. (Petefish ) Maxtield. Mr. Maxfield was a Kentuckian and his wife a Virginian, and they were early settlers in Barr Township, whither they came in the '30s. He followed the earpenter's trade when he was a young man although farming was his chief business through life. Ile died in Barr Township, June 15,
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1876, and his wife still resides at the old hometead, where Mrs. Capps was born February 11, 1841.
The political views of Mr. Capps are in accor- dance with the declarations of the Democratic party and in its progress and prosperity he takes a great interest, for he believes its teaching and policy are those best fitted to insure the welfare of the country and the prosperity of the citizens. Upon his fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres he has erected a good home, excellent barns and such out- houses as are needed to carry on farm work in the best way. Ile has himself done most of the work upon this farm and upon the buildings.
P ROF. CHARLES ROBERTSON. The vital and liberal tendencies of the Prairie State have given fresh impulse and breadth of vision to many a man of Eastern blood and breeding. A man with scientific instincts finds in the West a freedom from traditions and a stimulus to investigate which he might have missed in a narrower sphere. Macoupin County is justly proud of the record of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, as he is acknow- ledged to be one of the leading scientists of our country, having made a special study of botany and entomology and being a discoverer inthe path which Spengel, Darwin and Hermann Muller pointed out.
The subject of our sketch is a native of this county, being born in Carlinville June 12, 1858. llis father, Dr. William A. Robertson, was born near Liberty, Bedford County, Va., October 27, 1803. His father, Dr. William Robertson, was a practicing physician and moved from Virginia to Knoxville, Tenn , in 1803, soon after the birth of his son. He resided there for a short time and then went to Kentucky, where he settled in Lex- ington, but after a short time removed to Harrods- burg and followed his profession there.
The father of our subject was quite young when his father moved to Kentucky. Ile attended school at New London Academy in Virginia, and com- meneing the study of medicine quite early, grad-
uated at Transylvania College. He practiced for a time in Kentucky and in 1830 emigrated to Illi- nois, making his home at Edwardsville, in Madison County. A little later he practiced his profession in Alton, but subsequently abandoned it and en- gaged in'farming. In 1835 he removed to Carlin- ville, where ten years later he engaged in general merchandising. He was a man of rare good sense and of more than ordinary financial ability. He was possessed of considerable literary ability and was liberal with his wealth, his private charities being numerous and his donations to institutions of learning and religion generous. He died Feb- rnary 5. 1880, leaving behind him a precious mem- ory as a heritage to his children.
The father of our subject was married October 18, 1842, to Nancy H., daughter of Rev. Charles Halliday. She was born near Scottsville, Allen County, Ky., November 11, 1821. Hler father, Rev. Charles Halliday. was born in Baltimore, Md. His father, James Ilalliday, was a native of Annan- dale, Dumfrieshire, Scotland, and came to America in Colonial times, making a settlement in Baltimore,
Charles Halliday was fifteen years old when his father died. Ile was educated in Baltimore and Fredericksburg for the ministry of the Presbyter- ian Church, but before entering it he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church and became a preacher in that denomination.
Ile who is now known as Prof. Robertson received his early education in the public schools of Carlin- ville, and finally advanced to Blackburn University and in 1880 became a teacher in that institution, taking up the branches of botany, physiology and Greek. Ile taught until 1886 since which time he has attended to the affairs of his private business and pursued bis independent studies. He is a member of the American Association for the Ad. vancement of Sciences, of the Cambridge Entomo- logical Club, of the Western Society of Naturalists, of the Indiana Academy of Science and of the Entomological Society of France. Ile was mar- ried in November, 1879, to Alice McDonald Ven -. able, a native of Indiana. They have one child named Mary. Prof. Robertson is independent in polities and is a contributor to the following jour- nals: Botanical Gazette, Transactions of the Amer-
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