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 35
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Mr. Etter was born in Anderson County, Tenn., May 14, 1820. His father, who was also named Henry Etter, was born in Wythe County, Va., in 1783. The paternal grandfather of our subject was boru of German parentage either in Germany or Virginia. He spent his last years in the Old Dominion, where he carried on the occupation of a farmer.
The father of our subject was young when his father died. Ile was bound out to a hatter in Wythe County to learn the trade, and after serv-
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ing his apprenticeship he made a quantity of bats, and went to Tennessee to sell them. There he met and married Miss Elizabeth Parks, a native of An- derson County, that State, and he settled in that county, following his trade there some years. He bought a home eight miles from Clinton, and re- sided there until 1826, when he sold his property and came to Illinois, accompanied by his wife and nine children, making the removal with a team of four horses and a wagon, camping and cooking by the way at night-fall. He located in Greene County, eight miles east of Carrollton, where he entered eighty neres of Government land, at $1.25 per aere, which took all his money. He erected a cabin of hickory logs, riving the boards to cover the roof, which was held in place by poles, the floor was made of puncheon, and the door made of boards rived by hand. No nails were used in the construction of the cabin, the door was bung with wooden hinges, and its wooden latch was raised by a string.
In 1836 Mr. Etter sold his possessions in Greene County, and coming to Macoupin County, bought a tract of land in Western Mound Township, on which he proceeded to build a home. A log cabin stood on the place, and that with a few aeres of the land under tillage constituted the only improve- ments. He erected good frame buildings, and in time had a valuable farm, upon which he spent his days in comfort and happiness until he departed this life in 1853. Ile was twice married, his sec- ond marriage being with Betsy Griswold. Ilis twelve children were the fruit of his first marriage.
Our subject was five years old when he came to Illinois, and he remembers well the incidents of pioneer life here in those early days of the settle- ment of the State. Ile made bis home with his father until his marriage. Before that time he had bought a tract of land in Western Mound Town- ship, upon which there was a log cabin, and in that humble abode he and his bride began life together. Ilis means were very limited, and as a consequence they had to begin housekeeping on a meagre scale. The house had but little furniture, and all the chairs were made by his hand. The young couple bad no stove, and Mrs. Etter did her cooking be- fore the fire in the fireplace for a number of years.
There were no railways here and the people had to go to Alton to sell their products, and to obtain such supplies as were absolutely necessary, for many articles now considered indispensable were unknown luxuries to the settlers, who were home. livers, subsisting on what they could raise on their farms, and on the wild game that was abundant. Mrs. Etter was an expert in the use of the spinning wheel and loom, and made all the cloth needed by her family.
Mr. Etter resided on the farm in Western Mound Township a few months after marriage, and then sold and bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in South Palmyra Township, going into debt for it to the sum of $800. He had been reared to habits of industry, was well-endowed with a capae- ity for hard and well-directed labor, had an excel- lent knowledge of agriculture, and he had no diffi- culty in paying his indebtedness in due time. He bought other land, and besides owning valuable property has assisted his children in securing homes.
November 11, 1841, Mr. Etter was married to Miss Ashereen Elizabeth Davidson, and in her he has had a true helpmate. To them have been born four sons: George, who married Mary C. McCoy, and has four children; James, who married Julia F. Richie, and has four children ; Smith, who mar- ried .Julia R. Range, and has one child; and Elijah, who married Kate Hulse, and has one son.
Mrs. Etter was born in Barren County, Ky., May 12, 1824. Her father, Ellis Davidson, is sup- posed to have been a native of the same State. Ile was a son of the Rev. Jobn Davidson, who was a preacher in the Baptist Church, and was a pioneer of Greene County, Ill. ; besides pursuing his sacred calling, he farmed in Greene County, until his mortal career was closed in death.
Mrs. Etter's father was reared and married in Kentucky. Ile learned the trade of a gunsmith, and carried it on in his native State until 1828, when he came to Illinois with his wife and two children, making the journey overland. He located in Greene County, of which he thus became a pio- neer, and he bought a traet of land five miles west of Greenfield. He built a camp of rails, in which the family lived a few months until he erected a
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cabin. Wolves were plenty, and used to come close to the camp and make night hideous with their bowls. Mr. Davidson bought other land, and furnished all his sons with homes. lle spent his last years in Christian County, and he and his wife now lie side by side in Grove City Cemetery. The maiden name of Mrs. Etter's mother was Margaret Wright. She was a native of Barren County, Ky., and a daughter of Thomas Wright.
EYE EILERS, one of the successful and well-to-do farmers and stock-raisers of this county, owns and operates a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres on seetion 30, Cahokia Township. He there has a pleasant and comfortable home, good farm buildings, the latest improved machinery and also raises fine grades of stock. Ilis well-tilled fields present a neat appearance and there is not a neglected look- ing corner upon the whole place; everything will bear the closest inspection which is excellent evi- dence of the thrift, industry and enterprise of the owner. He also owns one hundred and twenty acres of land in Gillespie Township, which is like- wise under a high state of cultivation. His entire possessions have been acquired since his arrival in this county. Ile first set foot on this soil Novem- ber 28, 1859, and having no capital had to begin life here as a farm laborer, but perseverance and economy soon did for him what inheritance does for many others and he has worked his way up- ward to an enviable position.
Mr. Eilers was born in East Friesland, in the province of Hanover, Germany, February 23, 1836, and spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the farm of his father, Egge Eilers, who died when the son was a youth, his death occurring June 9, 1849, at the age of fifty-eight years. He had mar- ried in Hanover, Miss Ekhoff Taitze, who lived and died in her native kingdom, departing this life at the age of sixty-one years. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. Ileye Eilers remained at home until the 15th of September, 1859, when on board the sailing vessel "Albert" lie waved an
adieu to his native land and was en route foc America. On the 18th of November, the vessel dropped anchor in the harbor of New Orleans after a pleasant ocean voyage of eight weeks, and he went up the Mississippi to St. Louis, where he spent one day. Coming on to Alton and across the country to Gillespie, he has since made his home in Macoupin County.
Mr. Eilers was united in marriage in this county with Miss Trientje Goesmann, a native of llan- over, Germany, born June 24, 1842. In 1864 she came to this country landing in New York. By their union have been born nine children, eight of whom are still living-Tette is now deceased ; John resides in St. Louis, Mo .; Edward, William, Jo- hanna, Jurgen, lleye, Anna and Tillie are at home. Mr. Eilers, his wife and children are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is independent, voting for the man whom he thinks will best fill the office, regardless of party affiliations. One of his chief characteristics is shown by the fact that during the four years he was working as a farm hand for M. W. Dorsey, he never lost but half a day. The same perseverance and fidelity to duty has marked his entire career, proving important factors in his success.
6 HOMAS W. THIACKER is a gentleman who has attained much prominence in the township in which he resides, because of his broad intelligence, liberal views, public-spirited measures and from the fact that in himself he is a dynamic force stirring others to profitable actions. lle is the owner and resident on a fine farm located on section 7, Nilwood Township and the thorough- ness that characterizes his dealings with mankind in every-day life is also seen in every feature of his well-improved and finely-cultivated farm.
Our subject is a son of Z. Thacker of whom a sketch appears on another page of this volume: Ile was born in North Palmyra Township, Novem- ber 29, 1844, and was reared to manhood in Ma- coupin County, there receiving a good common- school education, after which he attended Earlham
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College at Rielimond, Ind. He is also a graduate of Jones Commercial College of St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Thacker absorbed all the benefits that could be derived from college life and to-day his in- tellectuality and the advantages that he gained from his college life are felt in his intercourse with his less favored brother farmers.
The young man's sense of patriotism was fired when the call was made for volunteers to fight for the old flag. He entered the army August 10, 1862. joining Company II, of the One Hundred and Twenty-second Regiment. He served from that time until Angust 4, 1865 when he was discharged at Springfield, Ill. That bloody period was im- pressed upon his mind indelibly by participation in some of the desperate engagements of the war. He was at Parker's Roads, Tenn., and at Paducah, Ky., also at Town Creek, Ala., Tupelo, Miss., Nashville, Tenn., and at Ft. Blakely, Ala. After the war was over and our subject had received his discharge he returned to his father's home his health being greatly impaired by the privations suffered in the war.
On March 24, 1867 Mr. Thacker was married near Girard, Ill., to Miss ,Julia A. Lynch, a daughter of the late Alfred and Elizabeth ( Bristow) Lynch. The lady's family were among the first settlers in this section of the country, coming to this State at a very early day. They died in Girard Township. Mrs. Julia Thacker was born in Macoupin County, November 2, 1847 and here passed the early days of her childhood. After the marriage of the young conple they settled a little east of Girard and lived there for about tive years after which they located on a faim where our subject now lives. Ile has improved his place greatly since his advent, hither and has erected good buildings, having a pleasant home that is delightfully presided over by his cul- tured and amiable wife. For two years Mr. Thacker lived in Kansas, this change being made on ac- count of his health. He returned however to his farm where he has ever since lived. He now owns three hundred and eighty acres of good land, to which he unreservedly gives his attention. He en- gages in general farming and stock-raising.
The original of this sketch and his wife are the parents of six children, they are: Nola E. who is
the wife of Joseph D. Francis; William W. Jennie, Julia B., Thomas and John A. Logan. In the fall of 1890 Mr. Thacker was a candidate for County Treasurer on the Republican ticket. He was de- feated by his Democratic opponent, A. Frey. He has filled the office of Assessor, Collector and School Trustee. Ilis symathies and vote is with the Re- publican party. He takes a great deal of interest in all local affairs, especially in those that promise materiał advancement to the locality. Socially Mr. Thacker is a member of Luke Mayfield Post No. 516, G. A. R., of Girard. He is also a mem- ber of the Masonie fraternity. Our subject and his wife are attendants and members of the Baptist Church, of which body he is Superintendent of the Sunday-school.
ON. JAMES B. WILSON, a sketch of 'whose parents appears on another page of this volume, is a resident farmer and stoek breeder of this county, living in Carl- inville Township on section 20. He was born in New York City on the 25th of April, 1810, and was the second son of a family of ten children. When six years old he moved with his parents to Philadelphia, Pa., and three years later he accom- panied them to Southeastern Iowa, where the fol- lowing eleven years of his life were passed. When nearing his majority his father gave him the choice of one hundred and sixty acres of land or a class- ical education. To a brilliant young man of twen- ty who had already seen something of the world, a collegiate course was extremely attractive and with judgment rare in one of his age, he preferred to complete his studies, going to Aurora, Ill., where he spent two years in a preparatory school and entered upon and completed a commercial course at Wyoming College, Pennsylvania. llis thirst for knowledge led him to Hillsdale College, Mich- igan, where be consecrated all his energies to his studies for a period of two years. Ile wished then to study ław, that with a honorable profession be might be able to obtain an independent support. With this object in view he entered the law office
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Francis Lancaster
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of John E. Rosette in Springfield, this State, at that time United States District Attorney. In the meantime, his father, had changed his residence to Macoupin County and settled in Honey Point Township, whither after his sojourn in the capital city Mr. Wilson rested from his arduous studies. After spending a few months at home, he improved a farm of eighty acres in the same township, living there some five years. Ilis next move was the purchase of a tract of two hundred aeres where he now resides. He is thoroughly familiar with all classes of high-grade stock, the breeding of such occupying the greater part of his time and eare.
M :. Wilson was married in St. Louis to Miss Mary M. Eastham, a lady of culture and re- finement and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their children were three in number: Vir- gil D., Alice E., and Mattie L. Mrs. Wilson's death occurred in March, 1884. Mr. Wilson mar- ried in October, 1887. Miss Martha J. Eastham, a sister of his former wife.
Mr. Wilson was selected to represent the consti- tuents in the district in which he lives, in the State legislature of Illinois, in the fall of 1886. He was the first clerk of Honey Point Township after its organization. He is identified with the interests of the Democratic party and has taken an active part in political questions of the day.
RANCIS LANCASTER. Among the Brit- ish-American citizens of Macoupin County, we are pleased to present to our readers the portrait and a sketch of the life of that genial and prominent resident of Bunker Hill Township, who is so well known in the county as Francis Lancas- ter. Ile is a successful and practical farmer and progressive stock-raiser, and lives on a fine farm located on sections 1, 2, and 12, of Bunker Hill Township. This tract comprises eight hundred acres, most of which is in a fine state of improve- ment. His handsome, two-story briek residence and his barns and other farm buildings, are located on section 1, and have been placed there by Mr.
Lancaster. Ile has owned and lived on the home- stead since 1848, and procured most of the land when it was in its unbroken state.
Mr. Lancaster did not have a dollar of capital when he entered this county in 1844, and has made his fortune out of the soil by the help of his pluck, push and perseveranec. He came to the United States in 1841, voyaging on a three mast sailor, the "Ontario," being on the ocean seven weeks and two days, and landing in New York City, March 7. It was three years later before he was able to send back for his wife and children whom he had left at the old home. He had, in the meanwhile, earned the money for their transportation, and to give them a suitable welcome in the new home. His wife has ever been a faithful and efficient helpmate in his struggle for the attainment of a comfortable fortune.
Our subjeet was born August 7, 1813, in Buck- inghamshire, England, and came of a good, old yeoman family, who were for generations residents in that shire. It was there that the father and mother of our subject lived and died, passing away after they had both completed the limit of three- score years and ten. The father, Joseph Lancaster, was a brickmaker and fruit dealer by occupation, and the mother, Harriet (Downey.) Lancaster, was also of an old English family. She became the mother of fourteen children, and four of her sons came to the United States, two of them now hav- ing died.
Our subject learned the trade of a briekmaker, and after he became of age, married a wife in his native shire. She was Miss Elizabeth Collins, who was born in 1812 in the same shire; she was reared there by her parents who came of good old English stock, and who lived and died in their native home. She followed her husband to this country, helped him to gain the splendid property which he owns today, and died at her home May 12, 1883. She was a woman of unusual intelligence and a lively Christian faith, which was shown forth in a life of unpretentious goodness. She was brought up in the church of England, and was always strongly attached to the Episcopal service.
She was the mother of ten children, four of whom have passed to the other world. Frank died after
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his marriage, and the birth of his six children. His wife bore the maiden name of Caroline Hooker, and is now living in Kansas City, Mo. The others who died passed away when young. One was an infant unnamed, and the others were Harriet and Albert. Those who are living are as follows: Will- iam, who took to wife Mary Ilovey, and lives at Girard, where he is a farmer and stock-raiser; Elizabeth the wife of Ilenry Wise, a miller at Bunker Hill; Mary, the wife of Esop Barnes, a dentist of Girard; John, a farmer in Buuker Ilill Township, who married Hannah Parmeter; Matilda the wife of Joseph Barnes, a farmer of Sumner County. Kan .: the second son, Joseph, is a heavy stock dealer in St. Joseph, Mo., and married Miss Mary Parmeter. This valuable family stands high in the social and industrial circles of Macoupin County, and its members have done much to de- velop the resources of this section of the country.
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NDREW J. CRI'M. Among the attractive farms and homes of North Palmyra Town- ship, the traveler is sure to notice those belonging to the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. His property is located on seetion 20, and bears every mark of the hand of a thorough and systematie farmer, who takes pride not only in making his acres yield a profitable income but also in providing for his family and his stock, suitable and comfortable ac- commodations.
The father of our subject, Joseph Crum, was born in Clark County, Ind., and his mother, Maria L. Burnett, was a Kentuckian. Their marriage took place in Macoupin County and they settled in North Palmyra Township at first but afterward removed to South Palmyra where they spent the remainder of their days. Their son Andrew was one of the older in a large family of children and was born in South Palmyra Township JJuly 13, 1846, and there was reared to manhood.
September 9, 1873, was the happy wedding day of Andrew J. Crum and Phoebe E. Allmond, daughter of Dr. R. J. and Ann G. (Talley ) All-
mond. For further historical facts in regard to the family of this well-known physician we recom- mend our readers to peruse the sketch of Dr. All- mond to be found upon another page of this volume. His daughter Phobe had her nativity in Ohio, May 5, 1851.
The young married couple settled at once in North Palmyra Township, and engaged in farming which they made their life business. They owned one hundred and eighty aeres upon which they had erected a good house and made various sub- stantial improvements. They have been the par- ents of nine children, namely: Nellie M., Edwin W., Lee B., Joseph R., Robert R., Golda T., Ola B., Carl C., and a baby whose name is Glen P. Two of the sons, Lee and Joseph, died in early childhood.
The offices of Collector and School Director have been bestowed upon Mr. Crum. He takes an active part in political matters, his sympathies and vote being with the Democratic party. Religious move- ments find in this couple hearty support, and al- though they are not united in their church connec- tion they are in their sympathies in all good works, Mr. Crum being an active and efficient member of the Church of Christ and his wife a devoted worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. This inter- esting family make a bright spot in the social and business life of the community in which they re- side, as they are universally esteemed and justly so.
OHN GELDER. One of the most successful farmers in Maconpin County and the owner of one of the most delightful homes in Vir- den, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He is the possessor of thirteen hundred and ninety-five acres of splendid farming lands located in the counties of Macoupin, Sangamon, Montgomery and Christian. This property is di- vided into nine farms which are placed in the hands of responsible and efficient tenants. Ile was born in Chesterfield Township, this county, August 11, 1837. Ilis father, Thomas S. Gelder, was born on a farm near Snaith, Yorkshire, England, and was
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the son of John Gelder, who was engaged in farm- ing in his native home until 1831, when accompan- ied by his wife and three of his five children, he emigrated to America and located in Chesterfield Township on a farm adjoining his son's, where he died at a ripe old age. His son Thomas had pre- ceded him to this country. John Gelder, Sr., pro- ceded at once to build a home and his log cabin was at the time of its constructio n the largest log buiding in the county with the exception of the court house. lle died. December 20, 1851, having passed his three-score years and ten. His wife, and the grandmother of our subject, bore the mai- den name of Elizabeth Shearburn. She was born in England, and died in Chesterfield Township March 24, 1847. Both she and her husband were members of the Church of England, and after com- ing to this country assisted in organizing the Epis . eopal church at Chesterfield, of which John Gelder was Warden from its organization to the date of his death.
The father of our subject secured his early edu- cation in his native shire in England, attending the common parish schools and also a boarding school at Whiston. He emigrated to America in 1830, landing at Baltimore July 16. He reached Greene County, Ill., in November of that year and the following summer he enlisted in the army for service in the Black Hawk War. Soon after his re- turn, to Carrollton, Captain Gelder had the pleasure of welcoming his parents and the other members of his family. He was shortly afterward naturalized and was the first person of foreign birth to make application for citizenship after the organization of of Macoupin County.
The first wife of Thomas S. Gelder was Ann Quarton, a daughter of Thomas and Lydia Quar- ton, of Yorkshire, England. By this marriage there were nine children, five of whom are living. Our subject, Elizabeth Ann, the wife of Lewis Ter- rel, of Jersey County; Mary Frances, wife of Charles Lewis; Sarah Ellen, now Mrs. F. W. Shear- burn, and Clara, who married Peter J. Randolph, of Morrisonville, Christian County. The mother of these children died, December 12, 1855, at the age of forty years. Mr. Gelder's second marriage occured May 14, 1857, to Ruth Louisa Chapin,
daughter of Daniel Chapin. She was born at Newport, N. H., and was a lady of more than ordi- nary culture and refinement. She was a mem- ber of the first class which graduated from Monti- cello Seminary, and was for seven years a teacher in that institution. Capt. Gelder had the honor of voting twice for Abraham Lincoln, with whom he was on terms of personal acquaintance, and with whom he served in the Black Ilawk War. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gelder have passed away, his death occurring November 25, 1881.
John Gelder commenced when very young to assist npon the farm but was also given the best advantages for obtaining an education. He first attended the pioneer schools which were taught in a log school house, the benches upon which he sat being slabs with pin legs. At one end a board was placed against the wall, and served as a desk for the larger scholars. Ile advanced his education by attendance at Chesterfield Seminary and enjoyed for two years, the privileges of Shurtleff College. After leaving college be spent fourteen months in Europe, traveling in England, Holland, Belgium and France, visiting during 1862 and 1863 all the principal places of interest in these countries. Re- turning home in 1863 he went to farming in Ches- terfield Township.
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