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 105
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LEXANDER BUTTERS, of the firm of Steidley & Butters, dealers in general hardware, of Gillespie, is of English birth and comes of a family who for generations have resided in that country. He crossed the water and established a home in the
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I'nited States. He was born in County Durham, in 1826, and there grew to manhood. For a time he worked in the mines of that country, but in 1852, having determined to seek his fortune in America, hie embarked from Liverpool, and on the 16th of September, landed in New York City, whence he made his way to Elizabethtown, Pa. In the mines of that section he was employed until 1856. For fourteen years he was a resident of Car- linville, Ill., and helped to sink the first mines at that place in 1868. On coming to Gillespie lie helped to sink the coal shafts at this place and xas boss of the mine for some time. He was concerned directly in the sinking of the Dorsey shaft, and is one of the prominent miners of the State. It has been his business during the greater part of his life. and he received many communications from differ- ent State and Government geologists and profes- sors of that science for his knowledge of geology, especially of the coal period, far surpasses that of many who have made of geology a special study. Hie gathered one of the finest collections of fossil fish in the United States and has recently sold the saine to the State of Illinois for $1,000. It is now exhibited in the museum at Springfield. Mr. But- ters has also acquainted himself with the mines in the Southern part of Illionis. This State fur- nishes a splendid field for research, and perhaps no one is better informed concerning the mining inter- ests than he. Two years were also spent by him in the mines of Missouri.
While residing in Pennsylvania, Mr. Butters was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Craig, who was born and reared in Cumberland County, England. She crossed the broad Atlantic in 1853, and im- mediately afterward was married, having plighted ber troth to Mr. Butters ere he left his native land. She was born at Garigal Gate, England, on the 13th of September, 1825, and was a lady of many excellencies of character. She was called to her final rest on the 6th of February, 1891, while re- siding in Gillespie, being then sixty-five years of age. Many friends shared with her husband in his great loss. Four children were born unto them- Mary A., Sarah A., John A., and Sarah A .. but all died before the mother.
Mr. Butters is one of the leading citizens of
Gillespie, prominent in all public affairs and found in the front rank of every enterprise calculated to benefit the community. Hle is a sound Republican in political sentiment, and is a member of the Board of Labor Statistics ot Illinois. He has been engaged in huis present business since April, 1890, when he bought out the interest of William Diekey, one of the original owners of the store, and became a member of the firm of Steidley & Butters, dealers in general hardware. They have a full and complete stock and are doing a good business, such as is deserved by gentlemen of their worth and standing.
AMES O. PATTERSON. Among the pros- perous farmers and public-spirited residents of Bird Township, we are pleased to mention the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this brief sketch. His worthy parents, Abraliam and Melinda ( Kirkland ) Patterson, were early set- tlers in Jersey County. Ill., where they remained until the father was called away by death. The mother afterward removed to Greene County, this State where she died. They had seven children. of whom our subject was the sixth. His birth took place, January 25, 1840. in Jersey County, III. Ile was early bereaved of his father, and when ten years old left his home and came to Macoupin County. Since that time he has made his residence here, and has been one of the reliable and respected . citizens of the county. When he was a young man he at one time engaged in the threshing bus- iness, and from the time he was fourteen years old until he was twenty-two, he worked in a saw- mill. Aside from this he has followed agricultural pursuits.
In 1864 Mr. Patterson bought the fine farm where he now lives. This con-ists of one hun- dred and eighty broad and productive acres. Upon this farm he has erected as fine a set of farm build- ings, as may be found in a ride of many miles. The residence is commodious and attractive, and the barns well adapted to farm work. Ile is a man of enterprise and forethought and always strives
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to keep his property in such a condition as will in- crease its value and promote not only his own prosperity but the comfort of bis stock.
The marriage of our subject, November 14. 1861. was an event which opened the way to a life of great domestic happiness. IIis bride, Miss Eliza- beth Doty. is a lady whose beautiful Christian character and sound judgment. make her not only highly respected but much beloved by all in the community. She was born in this county in March, 1839.
The eight children who have blessed this happy union are as follows: Liona E .. Charles M .. who has married a Miss Stewart; Robert B .; William E .: John F., who died when about eighteen years old: Minnie MI .. Marion Elbert and James M. Mr. Patterson is deeply interested in all matters of public interest, especially in educational affairs, and he always gladly promotes movements for the betterment of his fellow-citizens. especially in the line of education of the young. Ile has held the office of school Director for several years. llis political views are expressed in the platform of the Democratic party and he is carnest and hearty in his advocacy of these, His good wife is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. and this family is respected and admired by their neighbors.
C HARLES M. EDWARDS. Among the most prominent and progressive farmers in Scott- ville, we are pleased to mention this gentle- man who has cultivated the three hundred and twenty acres of land which he entered many years ago and who has made of it a garden spot in the county. He was born on his father's farm in Scottville Township, June 28, 1844. Peter Ed- wards. his father, has been a prominent farmer in Morgan and Macoupin Counties and was a Virgin- ian by birth. He went from that S. ate with his parents and resided in Kentucky until 1825, when he came to Illinois and settled in Morgan County. becoming one of its pioneers there.
When this family came hither the greater part
of Illinois was still in the hands of the Govern- ment. being a true frontier region and the settle- ment for many years was very slow, while deer. turkeys and other kinds of game abounded. The Edwards bought property in Morgan County and resided there until 1839 when they came to Ma- coupin County and entered eighty acres of land in scotiville Township, and there resided until the death of the father on the 17th of May, 1847.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Frances Pemberton and her birth was in Wayne County, Ky., November 12. 1807. Her father, George Pemberton was born in Virginia of Eng- lish parentage, his father having come to this eoun- try during the Colonial times.
The grandfather of our subject was reared in Virginia and after his marriage there went to what is now West Virginia and from there to Kentucky about the year 1800, thus becoming one of the pi- oneers of that State. IIe sett'ed in Wayne County, and bought a tract of timber land and with his ax hewed ont a splendid farm about eighteen miles from Monticello. Ile resided there till his death in 1832 and his good wife, Jane Miller, daughter of Frederick Miller of Virginia come to Illinois in 1834 and there resided for about a year when she died in 1835.
The mother of our subject was born and reared in Wayne County. Ky .. and there had her carly training, learning as did the pioncer girls of that day to card. spin and weave and in her early mar- ried life she used to manufacture all the clothing used in her family. In 1833 she made her first visit to Illinois, traveling on horseback and being fourteen days on the road. In 1836 she returned to Kentucky and after a few months' visit there again made her home in Illinois. Although she is now quite advanced in age ber mind is clear and her disposition is most cheerful and delightful. She now makes her home with her son. Three of the six children of these parents are now living and of the nine children of the father by his pre- vious marriage all have passed away.
He of whom we write had his training and edu- cation in his native township and his home through- out life has been upon the old homestead. His mar- riage in 1868 brought to his home a worthy bride
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in the person of Mercy A. Hill who was born at Connersville. Ind., and is a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Hill. Five children have blessed the home of our subject : Frances. Lizzie. George W., Mary Ella. Charles M. The eldest is now mar- riedl to Mr. John T. Owens. In the early days of the township. Mr. Edwards was active in its organ- ization and government and was its first Assessor. He is a Democrat in his political views and works with that party.
DAM DEAHL. Of German-American par- entage our subject has inherited from the one side prudence. thrift, and intellectual vigor, with a tendeney to analyze and care for detail; from the maternal side he gets the inher- itance of nerve. quickness of perception and prompt flecision. His father was Andrew Deahl. a native of Germany. His mother was Matilda( Shultz ) Deahl. a native of Pennsylvania. The parents resided prior to their coming to this State. in Maryland and removed hither in the year 1865. coming directly to Macoupin County, and settling on sec tion 23. of Shipman Township. whereon their son a: present resides.
Mr. Deahl's parents removed to Nebraska in 1879, and died in Lancaster County of that State. They had a large family of whom our subject was the second. He was born in Allegany County. Md .. March 18. 1840. and his marriage took place in the same county, May 19. 1561. There they lived until the fall of 1865 when with his family and accompanied by his father's family be came to Macoupin County.
For the first ten years after their settlement here our subject was engaged in carpenter work in ship- man Township. which trade he had learned in his native State. On the parents' removal to Nebraska he traded with his father for the farm where he now lives. It now comprises three hundred and sixty acres and he has erected thereon a fine resi- dence. containing all the comforts and conveniences The parents of our subject were James and Sil- san (Garver) Kable, of whom a sketch will be that modern life considers so necessary. Besides this he has also put up other good buildings. His | found under the name of James Kable on another
barns are commodious and adequate for the de- man is upon them. Mrs. Deall's maiden name was Elizabeth Simon. She was a daughter of John and Catherine ( Peck ) >Imon. The former was born in Germany. the latter in Pennsylvania. Mrs Deahl's father was but six years old when he came to America with his parents. In the fall of 1866 they came to Ma oupin County, and lived one winter in shipman. thence removing to Montgom- ery County where he lives a retired life. Ile has been a farmer by occupation having been success- ful in that line. Mrs. Deahl was one of sev- enteen children. she being the eldest of the family. she was born in what was at that time Allegany County, now Garrett County. Md .. April 25. 1845.
The subject of this sketch and his capable wife are the parents of ten children. six of whom are still living. They are: Matilda C .. Susan E .. Henry ( .. Mary E .. Royal A .. and Virginia. The deceased children were taken away in infancy. Matilda is the wife of Lafayette Clardy. Mary E. is the wife of W. C'lower.
In politics Mr. Deahl is a Democrat. He and his wife sre members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in which they take their place not only as constant and consistent attendanis but as generous supporters and energetic helpers in every measure either philanthropic or religious that may be there broached.
ENRY C. KABLE. The highly cultivated farm of four hundred and eighty acres. lo- eated in North Otter Township, on section 12. is owned by Henry C. Kable. It seems a pity that so prepossessing a man with so fine and extensive worldly possessions, and one who is so fitted to make a happy home for some sweet woman, should spend his days in single blessedness. but such is the case, and although the fact is to be deplored, the domestic arrangement of the house- hold does not seem to suffer for want of womanly care.
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page of this RECORD. Our subject was the fifth child of his father. He was born in Miami County, Ohio, November 8, 1849, and there he lived until 1864, when he came to Maroupin County with his father's family. Since that time he has been a resident of North Otter Township, and always engaged in agricultural pursuits.
Until the spring of 1883 Mr. Kable remained at home with his parents. At that time be pur- chased the farm where he now lives. He settled on the same the following year, and has since been occupied in ils cultivation and in keeping up the buildings ngon the place. lle gives his attention wholly to farming, his favorite pursuit being the raising of fine stock, of which he has a large number.
Iu polities Mr. Kable is a Republican. and al- though his fellow-farmers are not generally in favor of the protective tariff, that appealing more to the manufacturing class than to the agricoltur- ists, he of whom we write feels that in protecting the manufacturer the farmers are making their own market.
ILLIAM I. GATES. We are gratitied to be able to place before our readers the name of one who has not only served the community well as a business man, but has also in his private life been consistently worthy of the ie- gard in which he is held by his neighbors. lle now has charge of the business of the Adams Ex- press Company at Staunton, having had the inter- ests of that company under his personal control ever since the agency was here established. lle was formerly in the grocery business. keeping both a staple and fancy stock. Ile has been a resi- (leut of the city and vicinity all his life, and was bere reared and educated. Since he reached the age of sixteen he has been in some kind of busi- ness.
Our subject was born near Staunton, April 2, 1867, and is the son of Joseph C. and Sarah (Bruce) Gates, natives of Ohio, who came to Illinois before their marriage and settled in this vicinity on a farm. Later they removed into the city, and here
the mother died in 1887 at the early age of thirty-eight years. The father, who still survives, now resides here and has reached the age of fifty - eiglıt.
The marriage of our subject at Edwardsville, this State, gave him a faithful and devoted wife in the person of Miss Jennie Halliday, who was born near Chesterfield, March 4, 1870. She was early orphaned, as her mother was called from earth when this daughter was only a few months old and the father passed away before she had reached the age of three years, but she was carefully reared by hier paternal grandmother, who is now deceased, and on the death of that faithful and devoted grand- parent, this lady fell heir to a comfortable fortune. She had received a thorough and excellent educa- tion in the public schools of Madison County, and has more than ordinary intelligence and ability as well as refinement.
Mr. and Mrs. Gates are both members af the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Gates be- longs to Lodge No. 685, I. O. O. F., at Staun- ton. and has been prominently identified with all public movements in the city. He is a sound Re- publican, as is also his father, who was a devoted adherent to the Union cause during the war, and fought for three years during that conflict, suffer- ing much from the exposures and privations of army life. Mr. and Mrs. Gates are the happy and proud parents of one son, David Ira, for whose fu- ture they are solicitous, and upon whose training they are willing to bestow unlimited care and ex- pense.
R OBERT HORTON. During the years since Illinois has become a richly cultivated and thickly populated State and especially since her surface has been covered by a net-work of leading railroads, a great business has grown up in the line of shipments of stock and he of whom we write has engaged extensively in this line of business, and has thereby accumulated a handsome property. His father, Oswell Horton, was the son of Augustine, who was born and reared
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in Fauquier County, Va. With his wife. Mary Taylor, he emigrated to Kentucky and settled in Green County, where he died and she somewhat later esme to Macoupin County, where she lived until called from her earthly labors about 1860.
The father of our subject was born in Fauquier County, Va., May 26, 1807, and was about two years old when his father removed to Kentucky where this boy grew to manbood and when he was about twenty-one years old came to Illinois, where he found employment in Morgan County for sev eral years as agent for a stage company, although he resided most of the time at Springfield. Later he took charge of the Springfield and Peoria and Springfield and Terre Haute stage lines, his duties being those of a general superintendent. On ac- count of failing health he decided to devote him- self to a farming occupation and in 1812 he bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in North Palmyra Township, where he continued to live until his death, which occurred in that Township.
Matilda Norvell was the maiden name of hec who became the wife of Oswell Horton in North Palmyra,Township, February 22, 1835. She was born in Sumner County, Tenn., her father being William Norvell and her mother Mary Payne. both of whom were Tennesseans by birth and came from Sumner County, that State, to Macoupin County where they settled in North Palmyra Township, and spent the remainder of their lives. Oswell and Matilda Horton became the parents of four children, two of whom died in infancy, and the only surviving members of their household are Robert and Mary.
Our subject was the eldest of the family and was born in Jacksonville, Ill., December 26, 1836. Hle passed the first six years of his life outside of Ma- coupin County and then came hither with his par- ents and has since made his residence on his father's old homestead where he now resides. Most of his education has been gained in the common schools here. llis marriage with Miss Rebecca J. Rice took place in North Palmyra Township, March 22, 1860. This lady is a daughter of the late Jasper Rice who was born in Green County. Ky., May 13, 1812, while her mother, Mary Jones, was born in Cumberland County. Ky., March 19, 1816. This
couple were married in North Palmyra Township on the 16th day of May, 1833, and made their home permanently here. Mrs. Ilorton was born in this township, May 6, 1813.
Until 1865 Mr. Horton engaged in farming in partnership with his father and became one of the most energetic and successful farmers and traders in this county, devoting himself largely to buying and selling stock. The oldl home farm is supplied with the very best of farm buildings and the home is fitted with every convenience and luxury. Our subjeet and his good wife are the happy parents of four children: Edward L., William II., John L .. and Luther (). William Il. is now married to Miss Elizabeth Rohrer. Mr. Horton makes Chicago his market almost exclusively for his large shipments of stock, which he is able to care for well upon his splendid farm of nine hundred acres. He has filled the office of Ilighway Commissioner, and also that of School Trustee, and in his political views he is in sympathy with the Democratic party. Mrs. Horton is a devout member of the Methodist Epis- eopal Church and an active worker in its charities. Our subject is a member of the Order of Odd Fel- lows and also of the Grange. No. 1629, and also of the Maconpin County Grange and in the fall of 1890, he was chosen a delegate to the State Grange which met at Springfield.
BRAHAM CRAMP. There is nothing more truly charming to one who appreci- ates the genuine harmony of life, than the beauties of old age when life has been spent in the discharge of duty and the practice of the Christian religion; and such a life we have he- fore us in the subject of this sketch who has now retired from farming and is living upon his home on seetion 21, Ililyard Township, where he has re- sided for many years. When he took this farm of one hundred acres in 1841, it was all will land and he has made of it a thoroughly equipped and richly cultivated estate and has been a successful farmer. Besides this property he has owned and improved a number of other farms.
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Mr. Cramp came to this county in 1838 and since that date this has been his home. He bad his birth January 20, 1807, in Kent County, England, and came to this country in 1832 when he was twenty- five years old, making his first home in ('anada. Ile had previously been married to Miss Sarah Pel- latt who was born in Surrey, England. They had three children when they left their native land, but on the voyage one of them sickened and died, and they had the inexpressible grief of burying it be- neath the waves. After living for some time in Quebec they removed to Prescott, N. Y., and sev- eral years later came to Illinois, where they have led uneventful but most worthy lives.
In this township Mr. and Mrs. Cramp lahored together with success, and sixty-three years of mar- ried life had passed over their heads before the death of the heloved wife and mother which took place May 9, 1888. She had reached the age of eighty-two years. The memory of her noble, kindly and truly lovable character is a precious memorial which her children and friends would not barter for the proudest lineage of European nobility. She was one of the first members of the Methodist Episcopal Church when it was formed in this county, being one of a class of six who initiated that movement, and her bushand is the only one of the charcer members now living. Mr. Cramp is one of the venerable men of his township who are truly beloved by all who come within the scope of his influence because his character is unclouded by stain and his kindly heart has made him the friend of every man, woman and child.
Our subject came to this country a poor man without a dollar, and he is now in possession of three hundred and forty acres in the richest section of Illinois, besides one hundred and sixty acres which he has disposed of to his children. Six of his ten children are now living. Charles, who is now a retired farmer and stock-raiser, living in Bloomington, Ill., married Henrietta Hopkins.
William took to wife Miss Cora Rawson, and now lives on a farm in Montgomery County, this State. Sarah M., who has ever remained at home and has acted a daughter's part most faithfully in the ten- der care of her aged parents, still lives with her father. Ruth R., the widow of Thomas Case, is
now in the asylum at Jacksonville, having for some years past lost her mind. Samuel took to wife Miss Susannah Reed and is a prominent minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church in East St. Louis. Ezra. who now resides at Raymond, Mout- gomery County, Ill., married Miss Olive Calloway. Not only the parents but all the members of this family are earnest and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
S OLOMON N. SANFORD, of Bunker Hill, has been a resident of this county since 1857, and claims the honor of being a na- tive-born citizen of Illinois. Ile was born in Menard County, near Petersburg. September 14, 1846, and when six years of age accompanied his parents to St. Paul, Minn. His father, Ira Sanford, was born in Vermont in 1800, and belongs to one of the old New England families. When he was young, he went to New York and was there mar- ried, emigrating with his wife in 1834 to Illinois, locating in Springfield where he embarked in the mercantile business. While there he took a con- tract on the Jacksonville & Springfield Railroad, which was the first road built in the State, but the company failed and his fortune was somewhat im- paired thereby. His wife died during his residence in Springfield in 1839, and in sangamon County he married Miss Emeline Mattoon, a native of Am- herst, Mass., where her parents and grandparents had both resided. Her grandfather, Gen. Mattoon, was a Revolutionary sollier and a prominent citi- zen of the Bay State. His portrait, painted by Trumbull. now adorns the walls of one of the lead- ing historical halls of Boston. Mrs. Sanford's father, Ebenezer Mattoon, was born and reared in Amherst and became a leading farmer of that part of Massachusetts. He married Lucena Mayo, and with their family in 1846, they came West to Illi- nois, settling near Bunker Hill, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Mattoon died at the advanced age of eighty-eight years on the old farm and his wife, who survived him some years, died in Bunker Hill, in 1883, at the very ad-
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