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 110
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The subject of this notice was in his eighth year when he came to Illinois with his parents. Even in boyhood he assisted on the farm and when he left his mother's roof he worked at similar la- bors. He was nine years old when be went to live with Callow A. Farrow, a farmer of Jersey County, with whom he remained a year, and he then spent two years with Charles Black of Shipman Town- ship, this county. From that time until 1874 he was engaged by the day and month for various parties and he then began working in a flourmill in Greene County. He continued his work there three years, becoming thoroughly conversant with the trade, and he then went to Medora and found employment in a mill owned by J. J. Haycraft.
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In 1881 he left that establishment and became a miller in Alsey, Scott County, where he operated a mill four years. Returning to Medora, he rented n plant for a year, then in May, 1887, bought the Palmyra flourmill. A year later he sold a half interest to Frank Watson and the firm became D. W. Rhoads & Co. In 1890 Mr. Watson sold his interest to John II. Hanshaw, but the firm name remains the same as before.
In 1882 in the month of August Mr. Rhoads was married to Miss Ella V. Haycraft, daughter of James J. and Matilda Haycraft of Jersey County. She was born in the village of Fidelity, received the usual advantages which are open to those of the present generation, and was also the recipient of careful home training and guidance. She is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Rhoads have one son, Wilber W., a bright, active little lad, whose increasing knowledge is a continual delight to his parents. Mr. Rhoads belongs to Palmyra Lodge, No. 463, F. & A. M., and Palmyra Camp, No. 149. M. W. A. In exer- eising the right of suffrage he joins with the Dem- oeratie party, believing that the principles they advocate are the soundest and most applicable to the National needs.
N ILLIAM H. CHAMBERLAIN. Within the bounds of Bunker Ilift Township may be found the homes of many successful farmers, but none more deserving of notice than Mr. Chamberlain, Ile is located on section 11, where he owns one hundred and seventy acres of highly improved and productive land. Ile has a full supply of farm buildings and .. beautiful large residence of modern design. The residence takes the place of one which, with its contents was de- stroyed by fire in September, 1887, entailing a heavy loss upon the owner. Mr. Chamberlain has his farm well stocked, chiefly with milch cows, from which he sends milk to the St. Louis markets.
S. A. Chamberlain, father of our subjeet, was born in Massachusetts and was of English descent. After growing to manhood be carried on an inn for
some years. In 1830, with his wife and two chil- dren, he removed to this State and made his first pause in Alton. Soon afterward he began to farm on a pre-emption claim in Godfrey Township, Madison County, and secured other land until he became the owner of a tract. He lived to see his home well improved and died in 1862 at the age of fifty-six years. He was a successful farmer and a good citizen. He was married in his native State to Betsey Nutter, whose parents were born in this country but whose remoter ancestors were English. She survived him and after his decease lived with her children, finally dying at the home of her son William II., August 16, 1872, when seventy-three years okl. Husband and wife be. longed to the Unitarian Church and Mr. Chamber- lain was first a Whig and then a Republican in politics.
The gentleman whose name introduces these par . agraphs was born in Alton in 1835 and is the see- ond member of the family who was born in this State. lle bas one brother, S. A. Chamberlain, now of Southern Missouri, living. Hlis boy- bood and youth were passed in his native county and he was educated at Shurtleff College in Upper Alton. After his marriage he established his home in the same county. whenee he came hither in the fall of 1866. Ile has put the property in fine con- dition and year by year secures the reward of his industry.
The wife of Mr. Chamberlain was known in ber maidenhood as Miss Wilminia J. Dickerson. She was born in Fredericks, Del., February 17, 1842, and accompanied her parents, Deacon Nehe- miah and Aurelia (Hudson) Dickerson, to this State in 1844. They traveled with other families across the country, camping out where night over- took them, and after a journey of six weeks reached Alton. They secured improved land in Godfrey Township, Madison County, and made a comfortable home, remaing there until carly in the '70s, when they sold out and removed to Brighton, Ill. Mr. Dickerson is now seventy-nine and his wife seventy-seven years of age. The husband was formerly a Whig and is now a Republican. Both have been life.long members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church,
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Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain have two children -- Bradley and Laura, The son was educated at Bun- ker Hill Academy and is a smart, enterprising young man. He is giving his father valuable aid in carrying on the farm. Laura was also edu- cated in the Bunker Hill Academy and has made a specialty of music and is teaching both vocal and instrumental. She still makes her home with her parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain belong to the Metho- dist Episcopal Church in which he has been Trus- tee and Steward. Both are advocates of Prohibi- tion and the husband votes with that party. lie is a hearty supporter of and stockholder in the Bunker Hill Advocate the only Prohibition paper published in the county. Ile would naturally be interested in matters pertaining to farm life and the progress of agriculturists, and he is a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benevolent Association.
E LISHA SMITH. The gentleman who resides on the fine farm located on section 25. North Otter Township, is a son of Moses Smith, who was born in Pennsylvania. His mother was Pamelia Aiken in her maiden days, and a na- tive of North Carolina. Our subject's parents came to Macoupin County from Tennessee in 1835, and settled in North Otter Township where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of seven children, there being four sons and three daughters, of whom our subject was third in the order of birth, his native place being Murray, Tenn., and his birthday March 29, 1817.
Our subject came to Macoupin County with his father in 1835, and was married in North Otter Township, JJuly 20, 1837, to Miss Susan A. Eavs, & danghter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Clark) Eavs, the former a native of North Carolina and the lat- ter of Pennsylvania. They came from Kentucky to Madison County, Ill., where the mother of the family died, and in 1834 the father came to Macou- pin County and settled in North Otter Township, which he made bis home until his death, which oc- curred while on a visit to his brother in Madison
County, this State. They had three sons and three daughters, and of these Mrs. Smith is the third child in order of birth, having been born in Madi- son County, this State, January 29, 1816.
Elisha Smith and his wife settled on section 25, North Otter Township, where they have ever since been residents. Our subjeet has always followed the calling of agriculture. Ile has erected a good class of buildings upon his farm which comprises one hundred and thirty-one acres. Of fifteen children born to our subject and his wife, four died in in- fancy, eleven living to be grown whose names are as follows: Elizabeth. Mary, Laura, William B., George W., Fanny, Thomas M., Ella, Mattie M., Allie and Magnolia. The eldest daughter is the wife of Joel Horn; Mary married John A. Wollen; Laura died when twenty years of age; William B. was a soldier in the Rebellion, being a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois In- fantry. Ile died from disease contracted in the army at the age of about twenty years. George W. is a farmer in North Otter Township: Fanny is the wife of Joseph Coy; Thomas is a farmer in North Otier Township; Ella married Jacob Bowersox ; Mattie is the wife of Leander Ames; Allie married the late John W. Ross and died at the age of twenty-nine years. Magnolia is the wite of John Coots.
Mr. Smith has always taken an active part in political affairs. He is a Republican in party preference. Both he and his wife have been mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church for a long term of years.
E NOCHI IIALL. The genealogy of our sub- jects family may be traced in the biography- ical sketch of Samuel Hall, our subject's father, which is given in another portion of this RECORD. He of whom we write is the second in order of birth of a family of nine children. He was born in Madison County, III., July 12, 1818, ' and was an infant of only four months of age when his parents removed to Greene County, same State. There he grew to manhood on his father's farm, remaining under the parental roof until about
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twenty-one years of age, when he left home and engaged in farming for himself in Greene County, having purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land.
Feeling that a helpmate and companion would be more than all else to him, our subject was married November 18, 1840, in Greene County, Ill .. his bride being Miss Louisa Stone, who was a native of Tennessee, and whose natal day was July 9. 1818. They continued to live in Greene County until the fall of 1857, when our subject with his family removed to Macoupin County, and settled on section 13. North Otter Township, where he has since been a resident. lle there procured one hun- dred and sixty acres of land which he improved and upon which he erected comfortable and attract- ive buildings.
Mrs. Louisa Hall was taken from her family by death November 29, 1879, and was laid away with great tenderness in God's acre. Our subject has always engaged in farming and its attendant agri- cultural pursuits. Ile has held the office of Super . visor of North Otter Township for eight years, and has been Collector of the township for two years. and Township Assessor for one year. O)nr subject formerly took an active part in all local affairs and is a member of the Democratic party. He united with the Missionary Baptist Church in Greene County, in 1841, but seventeen years later severed his connection with that body and united with the Predestinarian Baptists in 1867 with which body he still worships. He is a man who bas contributed liberally to the support of the Gospel, especially during his early years of membership with the church. Ile has taken a great interest in school affairs and has held various school oflices.
W. WILLIAMSON is the Secretary of the Staunton Milling Company, which was organized April 29. 1889, at which time our subject was elected to the position he now holds. Mr. J. C. Panhorst is President, Mr. Ahrens Vice-president, and William II. Wall Treasurer. The mill has a capacity of two hun-
dred barrels per day, and has fourteen pair of rolls for wheat and four pair for corn. The in - stitution is a very substantially built place that is well equipped with all modern improvements in milling machinery. It was completed in December, 1889, and began active operation January 27. 1890, since which time it has been running sue- cessfully and doing a large business. principally for local trade. The miller in charge is Mr. W. E. Simson, whose reputation is well-known in local mills in this part of the country. Our subject was formerly engaged in Staunton as a hardware merchant for some time and was also doing a busi- ness as coal merchant.
The original of our sketel has been a resident of this city and vicinity since 1862, and was reared and educated on the borders of Staunton. Ile was born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1852, and is a son of Daniel Williamson, who was born in County Donegal, Ireland, and came of Scotch-Irish ancestry. lle emigrated to the United States in 1841, and settled in St. Louis, Mo., where he was engaged in business for some time, afterward com- ing to Staunton Township, Maroupin Connty, where he married his wife.
Our subject's mother was before her marriage a Miss Matilda Patterson, a native of County Derry, Ireland, being a young lady when she came to the United States and settled in Staunton, living there until her marriage. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Williamson lived in St. Louis, Mo., until 1862. when they came to Macoupin County and settled on a farm, where they lived until the death of our subject's father, which occurred in 1875; he was then about fifty -eight years of age, ilis wife yet survives and makes her home in Staunton; she is now about sixty years of age and yet bright and active. She and her husband have been life- long members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Our subject is the eldest of his parents' children now living. On reaching manhood he soon after married in Sedalia, Mo., Miss Esther Consley, who was born in Alton, this State. She was reared and educated in Alton and there lived until about two Mais previons to her marriage. when her parents, James and Ella (McNeil) Cousley, removed to
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Sedalia, where they now live. Mrs. Williamson, the wife of our subject, was well educated in the eity of her birth, finishing at a well-known female seminary. She was afterward a teacher for some time. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a most estimable and refined lady. Our subject is a member of the Reformed Presby- terian Church. Politically Mr. Williamson is a follower of the Republican party. Socially he is one of the leaders of life in Staunton. Ile nas a bright prospect before him, and will doubtless realize his friends' expectation of him.
P. RINKEL, M. D. The gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch is of Dan- ish ancestry, the country of the people that are better known to the majority through Shakespeare's decking of Holinsheds chronicles than even by the works of art with which the Capital City is now enriched by the sculptor Thorswalden. The original spelling of the name of our subject was Rinckel, but after the American fashion, un- necessary letters were in time dropped. The orig- inal of our sketch is one of the leading physicians of Brighton, having come to this place in 1883 and since that time he has built up a large and lucrative practice in the city and a reputation of being a most skillful practioner.
Prior to locating in Brighton Dr. Rinkel was in Buda, this State, for two years, having previously graduated with the Class of '83, taking his di- ploma at the St. Louis Medical College March 3, of that year. He left the institution with a fine record as a student. Prior to beginning the study of medicine he was a teacher in the public schools of St. Clair County and was a student at the Cen- tral Wesleyan College at Warrenton, Mo., from which he graduated when nineteen years of age. receiving his diploma for proficiency in the class- ical course. lle graduated with the Class of '75, after which he was engaged in teaching until 1878, when he entered upon the study of medicine.
Our subject had received the rudiments of his education in the public schools of the city of St. Louis and in St. Clair County, IN., in which he
was a resident from 1865 to 1875, and while there was a student under Dr. Hugit, of Summerfield, a prominent local physician and politician. Ile of whom we write was born near St. Louis, Sep- tomber 26, 1855. His parents were of German birth, his father, Jacob Rinkel, being a native of Baden, Germany, and only thirteen years of age when with his parents he emigrated to the United States, coming here in 1837 from Ilavre de Grace and landing after a voyage of several weeks in the port at New Orleans. The family came from that point up the Mississippi River and found a home in St. Louis, and there the mother of Jacob Rinkel died of cholera during the epidemic in the latter part of the '40s, she being then in middle age. Her husband later came to Warsaw, Ill., and there died when past seventy years of age.
Our subject's parents were, while in the Father- land, members of the German Evangelical Church but after coming to this country were communi- cants of the German Methodist Episcopal Church and died in that faith. On reaching manhood our subject's father met and married a lady who was then residing in St. Louis, although of German birth. Her maiden name was Flora Grison; she was born in Bavaria, Germany, but came of French Huguenot stock. Her mother died in Bavaria aad after some years the father came to the United States with his two sons in order to join his daughter. While on the sea the father sickened and died and was buried at sea. After Joseph Rinkel and wife were married they lived for a time in St. Louis and then moved to St. Clair County, Ill .. but afterward returned to St. Louis and are now retired from active life. Mr. Rinkel had been a successful mechanic, his trade being that of a cooper, and for many years he was Superintendent of shops keeping this position until ten years ago, at which time he retired from business, and although he and his wife are becoming advanced in years they still preserve perfect strength of mind and body. In their church relations they have for many years been identified with the Methodist Episcopal body, their membership extending over a period of fifty years, during which time the father has been one of the church officials. Politically he is a stanch Republican.
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With a keen appreciation of the advantages that an educated man possesses in America over one who is not so favored, our subject's father was above all ambitious that his sons should have every advantage. Of these three are now living and all are highly educaled and cultured men. John M. is now Professor of German Literature in the Cen- tral Wesleyan College at Warrenton, Mo .; he has a pleasing and helpful companion in his wife, who was formerly Miss Lottie Ney; Edward H. is the leading physician in Bunker Hill and a graduate of the Medical College at St. Louis; he took to wife Miss Annie Koenecke.
Our subject was married in Missouri to Miss Julia B. Kessler; she was born in St. Louis County, Mo., November 2, 1858, and was carefully reared and educated in the public schools of that county, finishing at the Warrenton Central Wesleyan Col- lege. Her parents are Louis and Emma (Goldman) Kessler, who are well known and prominent people of that vicinity, where they were early settlers and are now regarded as pioneers.
Dr. and Mrs. Rinkel are prominent young people of Brighton and are leaders in the society of the place. Both are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which our subjeet is the Re- cording Secretary. The Doctor is a Republican in his political faith and was at one time a member of the Council of Brighton.
G IDEON FORWOOD. The name at the head of this sketch is that of one of the most substantial farmers of the township. His place is located on section 2, of Shipman Town- ship. It is conspicuous for the class of good buildings that it has, and also for the manner in which it is improved. He was born in the State of Delaware, September 14, 1833, in Newcastle County, Brandywine Hundred, where he was reared until he reached manhood's years. When lie reached his majority, in company with three of his brothers he came to Illinois and settled in Ship- man Township, this county.
On coming into this State, the four Forwood
brothers clubbed their resources and engaged in farming, first renting land. They continued in this way for about six years, afterward purchasing eighty aeres. which they together cultivated until our subject was married, October 19, 1865, to Miss Melissa B. Armour. The lady was a native of Madison County, where she was born November 25. 1848. Iler parents were John and Ann Eliza ( Rhodes) Armour. Her paternal grandfather was William Armour, a native of Kentucky. and her grandmother, Elizabeth ( Watkins) Armour, was also of Kentucky. Her paternal great-grandpar- ents came from Greyson County, Ky., to what is now Greene County, Ill., early in the '30s. They then removed to Madison County, and thence to Macoupin County, where they passed away from this life.
Mr. and Mrs. Armour had seven sons and one daughter; John was the fifth of the family and his birth took place in Hart County, Ky., August 1, 1820. Ile started out in life for himself when six- teen years of age, and for eight years was employed in making brick at Alton, 111. He was married to Ann Eliza Rhodes who was the eldest daughter of the late Jesse Rhodes. In 1814 they settled in Chesterfield Township, where they remained for two years, then removed to a few miles distant from St. Louis, where they lived from 1846 to 1849. John Armour was then persuaded to return to Chesterfield Township, where he has since been a resident. Ilis wife died in June, 1887.
After the marriage of our subjeet he settled in Chesterfield Township, where he remained for five years, and then located on section 2, of Shipman Township, where he has since been a resident. Mr. and Mrs. Forwood have been the parents of six chil- dren. They are: Virginia, George, Anna E., William G., Oscar and Elmer O. Of these the eldest daughter died in infancy. George instituted his own home and fireside, making mistress of it Miss Maggie Rice. Anna E. became the wife of Hubert Hay- craft. Oscar died in infancy.
The gentleman of whom we write has made agri- culture his calling during the greater part of his life. His farm has good buildings that are kept in excellent condition. He is the fortunate owner
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of three hundred as fertile and well-cultivated acres as are in the county. In politics our subject, is a Democrat. Both he and Mrs. Forwood are members of the Baptist Church, but are liberal in their views.
ACOB M. RHOADS. This general farmer residing on section 7, Cahokia Township, is one of the most successful agriculturists and stock-raisers and has one of the most de- liglitful homes in the township. His residence is commodious and attractive and his stock are all of best breeds and in excellent condition. He has lived here since February, 1859, and has made all the improvements which are to be scen on his estate of one hundred and sixty acres.
When our subject came to this county he had been living in Greene County for a number of years although he was born in Macoupin County, and lived here in childhood. His birth occurred Octo- ber 24, 1835, and his father, Richard Rhoads, was a native of Kentucky and a son of John Rhoads, who came with his wife and family to Illinois, when his son Rieliard was still a young man and unmarried. His first home was in Medora and he was the first settler of that place which is situated in Chester- field Township. It was there that John Rhoads died having reached a good old age ; he had been twice married but had no children by his second wife. He was an exhorter in the Baptist Church with which his wives were also connected.
Richard Rhoads grew to manhood upon the farm and was married in this county to Hulda Stout. a native of Ohio, who came of pioneer stock and was no doubt related to the frontier family of that name who suffered so much at the hands of the In- dians. Miss Stout had come to Illinois with her parents who settled in Greene County at an early day, and there these parents, Elisha and Margaret Stout, died after reaching the ages of sixty-five and
seventy years respectively. They were Baptists in their church connection and devoted Christians in life and belief.
The parents of our subject moved from point to point during their early married life but spent the greater number of years, especially in advanced life, in Greene County, where they were living when called from earth's activities. They were well- known throughout that county as pioneers of cour- age and endurance, and as devoted Christians and efficient members of the regular Baptist Church. Mr. Rhoads was a Whig in his political views.
Our subject is one of a large family and most of his boyhood days were spent in Greene County. After he became of age he was married to Miss Eliza Ward, a native of Tennessee who was born Jannary 12, 1835, and was but a young child when her parents William and Lucinda (Duncan) Ward moved from that State to Ilinois about the year 1838. They were a couple of truly religous faith and life and both died in middle life upon their farm in Greene County. Their daughter received every advantage which they were able to give her and was thoroughly equipped for the responsibil- ities of life and her work as a wife and mother. She is more than ordinarily devoted to her duties and efficient m their fulfillment and conscientiously trained her children throughout childhood and youth.
The children of our subject are Alvin W. who married Mary Huddleston of De Witt County, and assists his father in managing the home farm. Wil- liam M., who took to wife Nettie Stanton and is farming in Montgomery County; Lucy E. who is at home; Jasper M., who took to wife Mollie Cal- lenborn and lives in Missouri, and Lilla M. wife of John Mercer, a farmer in this township. Mr. Rhoads has been for some time both Steward and Trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church. with which he and his wife are connected. In his political belief he is in sympathy with the Democratic party and while he has never sought office he has ever taken an active interest in public affairs and served at one time as Township Collector.
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