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 24

Author: Biographical Publishing Company
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 920

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 24

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPINCAL RECORD.

had money enough to build a shop or store, Mr. Blodget would give him the land on which to build. He carried on his own business with most excellent success, becoming quite prosperous until at length he was forced to retire on account of the loss of his hearing some years before he died.

Our subjeet was the first Postmaster of Brigh- ton, the office being established in 1835. He came to Brighton a single man and here married Ellen Jones, a native of England, who came to this country with her parents when a child. the family settling in Brighton Township, Macoupin County, where she grew to womanhood. She was a faithful member of the Methodist Church and at her death which occurred a few years after her marriage, her loss was mourned by many friends. Mr. Blodget was again married in Brighton, to a daughter of Rev. Simon and Elizabeth II. (Hughes) Peter, na- tives of Tennessee, whose people came from Mary- land. After their marriage Mr. Peter and his wife settled in Tennessee where he became a pron !- inent Methodist minister. He was bitterly op. posed to slavery and when the church was divided upon that question he took a decided stand with the Northern church. With his family he came to Illinois in 1829, locating in Madison County, two miles from Monticello, where as a pioneer preacher he lahored for many years, his first district cx- tending from Springfield to Edwardsville. He rode from place to place on horseback and his labors in the cause of Christianity were productive of much good. He and his wife finally retired from active life, taking up their residence in Brighton, where Mr. Peter died April 12, 1877, at the age of eighty-five years. The death of his wife occurred March 4, 1875, when seventy-one years of age. They were widely known for their good works and after long and useful lives passed to their reward. In their family were twelve children, nine of whom are still living. Mrs. Blodget was yet a young maiden when her parents came to Illinois; by her marriage she has two children-Daniel Newton, who wedded Jennie Flanigan who is living in Brighton ; and Samuel Peter, who makes his home with his brother, the two being engaged in farm- ing and dairying.

Mr. Blodget lived an upright life, his public and

private career being alike above reproach. He won many friends but made no enemies. In early life he was a Whig in political sentiment but joined the Republican party on its organization and be- came one of the strongest advocates of the Union cause during the rebellion. Ile predicted at its out- break that the war would not close until slavery had been overthrown. The cause of temperance ever found in him a warm friend and he labored untiringly in its interest, doing much to suppress the liquor traffic. Hle gave liberally of his means to the Band of Hope in Brighton and several years before his death voted the Prohibition ticket. He lived as a Christian and when life's work on earth was ended he passed to his reward November 27, 1889. Like her husband, Mrs. Blodget delights in doing good and the poor and needy have found in her a warm friend. At the age of twelve years she united with the Methodist Church and has since been one of its active and consistent members. Her home is still in Brighton where she has con- tinued to reside since her husband's death.

W ILLIAM G. COLMAN, one of the self- made men and leading farmers of Bunker Hill Township, residing on section 25, is of German birth and the Fatherland has furnished to America no better citizen. He was born in the kingdom of Hanover, on the 15th of May, 1824, and his parents, George and Frances Colman, spent their entire lives there. Both are now deceased, the father having passed away at the age of sev- euty-two years, while his wife attained to the ad- vanced age of eighty-three. They were members of the Lutheran Church and lived the life of farm- ing people throughout their days. They had a large family but only three of the number ever crossed the ocean to America. Our subject was the first to seck a home in the United States and after his emigration two sisters crossed the water-Mrs. Aggie Cooper, a widow, now living in Madison County, and Mrs. Annie Immenga, whose home is in this county.

We now take up the personal history of William

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Colman, in whom the people of Macoupin County are especially interested. The advantages of his youth were limited and during his boyhood he learned the trade of a carpenter which he followed during his residence in his native land. On attain- ing to years of maturity he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Schlacter, who was also born and reared in the kingdom of Hanover, and is a daugh- ter of John and Emma Selilaeter who came to this county and made Illinois their home. The father died in Madison County and the death of the mother occurred in Macoupin County. In religious belief both were Lutherans and by those who knew them they were held in high regard.

Mr. and Mrs. Colman began their domestie life in their native land, where two children were born unto them, after which they determined to try their fortunes in the New World and in September, 1859, having bade good by to home and friends they boarded the sailing vessel "Albert" at Bre- men. which after a long and tedious voyage reached the port of New Orleans. Landing, they secured passage on a boat which bore them up the Missis- sippi River to St. Louis, whence they went to Al- ton. Mr. Colman was then a poor man, having no capital with which to begin life in the New World and as he could not purchase a farm rented land. He had determined, however, to better his finan- cial condition and with characteristic energy he began his work, exercising industry and economy until thereby he secured a sufficient sum to buy a small piece of land. His first purchase consisted of sixty aeres, where he now lives, and to this he added from time to time until at present one hun - dred and thirty acres yield to him a golden trib- ute in return for his care and cultivation. It was at first covered with timber but he cleared and plowed the land, planted crops and in course of time was reaping abundant harvests as a reward for his labor. Every improvement upon the place was put there by Mr. Colman and the well-tilled fields, together with the neat appearance of the farm indi- cates good management and industry on the part of the owner.

The death of Mrs. Colman occurred at her home in Bunker Hill Township, September 19, 1890, at the age of fifty-nine years and four months. She

was a faithful and loving wife and mother, a kind neighbor and a life-long member of the Lutheran Church. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Colman num- bered seven children, one of whom is now deceased, Anna, who died on her twenty-fifth birthday; Frances is now the wife of Christopher Tunker, who owns and operates a brick yard in Bunker Hill Township; Emma, married John Smith and is liv- ing in Kansas City ; Maggie is the wife of Frank Davis, a machinist of Nevada. Mo .; Hannah is the wife of William Dietz, a resident farmer of Bun- ker Hill Township; Mary who remains at home and attends to the household work for her father; and George, who assists in operating the farm.

In political sentiment Mr. Colman is a Demo- crat and keeps himself well informed concerning the issues of the day but has never sought or de- sired publie office, having served only as Highway Commissioner of his township. In religious belief he is a Lutberan. For about thirty years he has resided in this community and his life during all that period has been only such as to win the confi- dence and good will of all.

ARON F. CARTER, now deceased, was one of the prominent and honored citizens of Bunker Hill and the surrounding country. Hle came to this county in 1840 and for thirty years or until his death was prominently connected with its upbuilding. He was born in Morris County, N. J., and was descended from New England ancestry. In the usual manner of farmer lads he was reared to manhood and when he had at- tained to mature years, in the county of his nativ- ity he was joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah B. Smalley, who was born in Somerset County, N. J., December 27, 1810, and is a daughter of David D. and Mary (Blackford) Smalley, who were also na- tives of Somerset County and came of English and French origin. After their marriage they lived upon a large farm in Somerset County until their deaths. Mr. Smalley died at the age of forty years and his wife died in the thirty-fourth year of her age. They were members of the Seventh Day Bap-

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tist Church and took a prominent part in all the af- fairs of the community. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Carter, whose name was David Smalley, was a leading and influential citizen of New Jersey and served as Secretary to Gen. Washington dur- ing the Revolutionary War. At the same time all of his brothers were engaged in the struggle for in- dependence and aided in achieving American lib- erty. He married Hannah Ralph, a native of New Jersey, of Dutch ancestry aud they spent their en- tire lives upon a farm in Somerset County, among a people by whom they are highly honored and es- teemed. Mr. Smalley served his district as Cir- cnit Judge for some years and was a prominent politician in his day. Both he and his wife were members of the Seventh Day Baptist Church.

Mrs. Carter was left an orphan at an early age and in her maidenhood she learned the tailor's trade, which she followed in New Jersey and to some extent since she came to Illinois. In the spring of 1840 Mr. and Mrs. Carter located in Jer- seyville and in a few months later took up their residence in Macoupin County, where he entered land from the Government. After making some improvements thereon he sold and entered land, in HIilyard Township. This he did until he had cleared, cultivated and improved seven different farms and finally he located upon a valuable tract of land just east of the city of Bunker Hill, where he made his home until his death. He also pur- chased an entire block which is now situated near the center of Bunker Hill and has become a valuable piece of property. In October, 1870, at the age of sixty-two years he passed away. In his death the community lost one of its best citizens, his neigh- bors a kind friend and his wife a true and loving linsband. For years he had been a prominent mem- ber of the Methodist Church and had served as Sunday-school Superintendent and exhorter and Class-Leader. In polities he was a Democrat but never sought or desired public office. He led a busy and useful life, was a man of charitable and benevolent impulses and ranked high in the esteem of his fellow-townsmen for his sterling worth.

Sinee her husband's death Mrs. Carter has lived in Bunker IIill, her home being situated on the block before mentioned. She still retains posses-

sion of the home farm and besides has other valua- ble property which yields her a good income. Her eighty years rest lightly upon her and her hair is but slightly tinged with grey, while she still retains much of the vitality and energy which character- ized her in earlier years. She is a faithful member of the Methodist Church and has taken a promi- nent part in its work. The poor and needy find in her a warm friend and her generous and kind acts have endeared her to the hearts of many. She has never had any children of her own but has given homes to three: Mrs. Della ( Wilson) MeIntosh, now of Omaha, Neb .; Leroy Wilson, who is living in New York; and Hattie L. Wilson. Three per- sons now comprise the Carter household : Mrs. Car- ter, her niece, Miss May Smalley, and her sister's granddaughter, Miss Hattie Wilson. Both are ac- complished young ladies and the latter is now a teacher of recognized ability in the schools of this community.

AMES W. DUNCAN was for several years a resident of this county, and during the latter part of his life was one of the leading farmers of South Palmyra Township, owning one of the best farms in that locality, and his death was a severe blow to its most important industry. He was born in Washington County, Tenn., July 4, 1832, and was a son of James Duncan, who is also supposed to have been a native of Tennessee. Ile in turn was a son of Joseph Duncan, who was a pioneer farmer of that State and spent his last years in Washington County, where he cleared a farm from the wilderness. He was a soldier of the Revolution, and was a pensioner during the latter part of his life.

The father of our subject grew to maturity in his native county, and began his career as a far- mer on the old homestead that was his birthplace, a part of which he inherited, and he bought the re- mainder of the other heirs to the estate. He re- sided thereon many years, actively engaged in agriculture. but in 1856 he came to Illinois to spend his last days with his children, and his life

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was brought to a close in the home of our subject near Girard. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Hunt, died at the home of their daughter near Sulphur Springs, Macoupin County.

He of whom these lines are a brief biographical record passed his early life amid the scenes of his birth, and remained with his parents until he was twenty-one. Ile was of a thoughtful, studious turn of mind, and ambitious to gain an education, he made the best of his advantages at Fall Branch College. When he attained his majority he came to Illinois, and utilized his knowledge of books by teaching in South Palmyra Township two years. He then bought some wild prairie land near Girard, at the rate of $10 an acre, and buying a house moved it to his land for a dwelling. He broke and fenced his land, and lived on it eight years after his marriage. At the expiration of that time he sold and removed to Girard, where he engaged in the grain business the ensuing two years. Af- ter that he bought the farm on section 8, South Palmyra Township now occupied by his family. It comprises three hundred and eight acres of land of surpassing fertility, and with its fine improve- ments ranks among the best in the township.

March 25, 1861, was the date of the marriage of Mr. Duncan with Abigail Proffitt, a native of Tennessee, and to her active and able co-opera- tion he owed much of his prosperity. Three of the children born of their marriage are living: John W., who married Miss Fannie Thacker; Jos- eph B. and James T. Their first-born child, Allen C., married Mary Fansler, and after marriage set- tled in Franklin County, Kan., where he died in 1882.

Mrs. Duncan's father, Daniel B. Proffitt, was a native of the same Tennessee county in which his daughter was born. He was a son of Jobn Proffitt, who is also thought to have been born in that county. Ile carried on his business as a farmer there, improved a farm, and continued to live in that county until his demise. The maiden name of his wife was Mollie Barnes, and she was a life- long resident of Tennessee.

Daniel B. Proffitt was reared and married in the county of his nativity. He inherited a part of bis father's old homestead, and bought the interest of

the other heirs in it. Ile made it his home until 1854, and then came to Illinois, journeying on a flat boat down the Tennessee River to Paducah. Ky., and thenee by steamer on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Alton, and from there by rail to this county. He bought a home in South Palmyra Township, in which he dwelt until he closed bis eyes in the dreamless sleep of death. Ilis widow spent her last years with her daughter, Mrs. Dun- can. Her maiden name was Sarah Range, and she was born in Washington County, Tenn., a daughter of John and Abigail Range.

Our subject passed away November 24, 1889. Ile left a record worthy of emulation of one who by right living had won the full trust and regard of all with whom came in contact. He conscientiously and unfalteringly strove to do his duty at all times and in all places, and the Baptist Church, which he joined in his youth, found in him one of its most ardent and active members and one of its most useful Deacons, an office which he held for many years, and his place in the church and in his community can never be filled. His wife also be- longed to that church.

ERDINAND BERNARD, dealer in lumber and farming implements, of Brighton, es- tablished business in that place in May, 1884, as the successor of G. H. Aylworth. He car- ries all kinds of plain and dressed lumber and other building materials and also has a complete line of agricultural implements. Ile was born in Nassau, Germany, where his father, William Bernard, was also born and reared and spent his entire life as a teacher. He died in his native land when little past the prime of life. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Schmidt, was born and reared in Nassau, Germany, and in the city of her nativity at length passed away, after having survived her husband over twenty years. In their family were six children, four sons and two daughters.

The subject of this sketch is the only one who ever crossed the water. He received liberal edu- cational advantages and under the direction of his

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father and other noted musical professors, lie ac- quired an excellent knowledge of that art. He de- termined to make America the scene of his career and embarked upon the steamer "Ilerman," which sailed from Bremen to the harbor of New York. Mr. Bernard did not linger long in the East but came at once to the West. Here, however, he stopped at, many of the principal cities and finally made a location in St. Louis, where he was engaged as a teacher of instrumental music. His next place of residence was in Springfield, Ill., where for seven years he was engaged as a German professor and also in teaching music.

A marriage ceremony, performed in St. Louis, united the destinies of Mr Bernard and Miss Mar- garet Paltzer, who was born in Prussia, Germany, and while yet, a young maiden, crossed the Atlantic with her parents. For some time the family made their home in New York City, removing thence to St. Louis, where the father, Jacob Paltzer, died of cholera, in 1865. At the time of his death he was engaged in business at that place. Ilis wife sur- vived him many years, passing away in 1889, at the age of seventy five years. Mrs. Bernard re- ceived a liberal education and is a lady of intelli- gence and culture. The union of Mr. Bernard and his wife has been blessed with six children, all of them seem to have inherited musical taste and ability. In his business life Mr. Bernard is meeting with excellent success.

R. JOHN A. DELANO. For years this gentleman, whose name appears on the opposite page and who is now deceased, was one of the prominent citizens and leading business men of Bunker Hill. lle had an acquaintance which extended throughout the entire county, and the many friends whom he won will be pleased to see his sketch and portrait in the history of the county where he so long made his home. He was born in New Braintree, Mass., April 5, 1816, and was a son of Gideon and Betsy

( Brimhall) Delano, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts and were descended from prominent old families of the Bay State. They began their domestic life upon a farm near New Braintree, where they resided until their children were grown when, wishing to furnish them with better educa- tional advantages, they removed to Amherst. After the emigration of the Doctor to Macoupin County they also came here and spent their last days, each dying at an advanced age.

Our subject was graduated from Amherst Col- lege in the Class of '36, and among his schoolmates was numbered Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. After he had completed his literary education, to fit him- self for the profession which he had chosen as his life work, he entered the Medical College of Phila- delphia, Pa., from which he was graduated. Soon afterward he came West, believing that there was a better opening for an ambitious young man than in the older States of the East where every walk of life seemed crowded. He located in Bunker Hill in 1841, hung out his shingle and in a very short time had all the practice to which he could attend. Ilis services were constantly in demand and his excellent practicc yielded him a good income, but at length, owing somewhat to the long drives he was forced to take, he determined to abandon his profession and embarked in the drug business. In a very short time he was enjoying a fine trade and to secure more commodious quarters be built a splendid brick store store which continued to be his place of business until his death and is still known as "The Delano." It is now oceupied by Ilarry R. Budd, who also carries on a drug store. For many years this was the only drug-store in the place.

In Bunker Hill the Doctor was united in mar- riage with Mrs. Anna W. (Williams) Ring, who was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., and is a daughter of William P. and Asenath (Skiff) Williams. Iler parents were natives of Massachusetts where they resided until after their marriage, when they re- moved to Dutchess County, N. Y. There they resided for many years, Mr. Williams dying within the borders of that county at the age of sixty. He had spent most of his active life as a teacher and was one of the popular and well-known educators

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of the Empire State. After her husband's death Mrs. Williams came to Bunker Ilill and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frances Carlisle, at the age of sixty-nine years. She was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. Unto Dr. Delano and his wife were born three children, but Julia and John both died in infancy. The only surviving member of the family is Annie who was educated in the schools of Bunker Hill, and was graduated from Monticello Seminary. She is a fine musician, an accomplished young lady and makes her home with her mother.

Dr. Delano was of Huguenot descent and inher- ited all the virtues of the best type of the people that figured so prominently in a most momentous epoch in the history of civilization. He took a leading part in all that pertained to the npbuilding of the community and was a prominent worker for the social, educational and moral interests of the city. In 1852 he was elected Secretary and Treas- urer of the Cemetery Association, which position he held until his death, and he gave his most zealous efforts to the work in hand. To the Doctor more than anyone else, President J. HI. Pettingill alone excepted, is due the admirable condition of this magnificent property and certainly he is entitled to the greatest credit for the erection of the soldier's monument which was erected in 1866 and is the chief ornament of the cemetery. While he was endeavoring to secure this tribute to the memory of the honored soldiers he was, all unconciously to himself. erecting a monument of love and grati- tude in the hearts of many.

The cause of education ever found in him a warm friend and he was an active member of the Acad- emy Association, while to the building fund he was a liberal contributor. For many years he was clerk and trustee of the Congregational Church and contributed liberally of his means to its support but he held to no particular creed, endorsing the doctrines advocated by the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. In politics he was a Republican and beld several local offices, the duties of which he ever faithfully discharged. It was in the home circle that his true life shone out and it seemed that he could not do too much to enhance the happiness of bis family and promote their welfare. Near his

place of business he built a fine residence which is still occupied by his widow and daughter. His death occurred April 14, 1887, and was sincerely mourned by many warm friends.

B ENJAMIN F. CLARK, a member of the the firm of Clark & Deck, proprietors of an extensive mercantile establishment at Girard, devoted to the sale of drugs, books, stationery, groceries, hard and wooden ware, etc., has long been connected with the business interests of this county, and has contributed to its financial prosperity. Ile was born in Wayne County, III., April 29, 1829, his father, the Hon. Benjamin A. Clark, being a pioneer of that section of the State and one of its prominent citizens during his life- time.

The father of our subject was born near Lexing- ton, Ky., and was a son of James Clark, a native of Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, who came to this country during the Revolution, and casting in his lot with the Colonists, fought bravely with them for freedom from British rule. After the war was ended he resided for a time in Virginia, and then followed the tide of emigration to Kentucky. He bought a tract of timber land near Lexington, aud settling down to the life of a pioneer in the forest wilds, he lived there many years. He came from there to Illinois in territorial days, locating in the wilderness in Wayne County, in 1817, being one of the earliest pioncers in that section. He bought timber land, on which he erected a log house, and at once entered upon the hard task of clearing a farm. Hle continued to reside in the southern part of that county some years, and then sold and moved to the northern part of it, where he made his home until he closed his eyes in . death. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Jones. She was born either in Wales or in America of Welsh parentage. She died on the home farm in Wayne County. Both were stanch Presbyterians in their religious belief.

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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 24

Author: Biographical Publishing Company Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 920

Author: Biographical Publishing Company
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 920