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 37
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In St. Louis, Mo., May 16, 1890, Mr. Ahrens was married to Miss Gertrude JJacobs, who was born in La Grange, Mo., in 1869. When quite young she removed to St. Louis with her parents who are still living in that city, and there she was educated and grew to womanhood, remaining under the par- ental roof until her marriage. The young couple take a prominent part in social and religious inter- ests. They are both active members of the Pres- byterian Church, in which Mr. Ahrens now holds the office of Elder and Sunday-school Superinten- dent, having filled the latter position for eight years. He is one of the leading business men of Staunton and in connection with the interests be- fore mentioned he is the present Secretary of the Retail Lumber Association which was organized in Springfield in June, 1890, he being one of the prime movers of the affair. For two years previons he
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had been a Director of the National Association of Lumber Dealers. One of the public spirited and progressive young men of this community, he man- ifests a commendable interest in all things pertain- ing to its good, and is a worthy and valued citizen
The attention of the reader is invited to a litho- graphic portrait of Mr. Ahrens, presented in con- nection with his biographical sketch.
RS. ELIZABETH SIII'TT, one of the most prominent, wealthy and influential women of Virden Township, resides on section 2, where her excellent farm and pleasant home are an attractive spot to every passer-by. Her business ability and true womanliness, added to her neighborly kindness and hospitality, give to her a popularity which is broad and enduring. Her father was the late Thomas Baldwin, a native of Ohio, and her mother bore the maiden name of Anna Stonebraker, and was also a native of Ohio, where she was united in marriage to Mr. Baldwin. After marriage this couple settled in Montgomery County, Ind., but carly in the '50s they left that State and emigrated to Illinois, where they settled in Greene County, for four years. They then re- moved to Sangamon County. where they spent the remainder of their earthly career.
Elizabeth Baldwin was the third child in a fam- ily of five sons and five daughters, and was born in Montgomery County, Ind., July 21, 1834. She came to Illinois with her parents and here met the gentleman to whom she was afterward united in marriage. She was married in Carlinville, III., April 10, 1856, to John II. Shutt, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth ( Wagner) Shutt, who were married in Kentucky, and emigrated to Illinois, settling in Sangamon County. They made their home in San- gamon County until the death of Jacob Shutt, and somewhat later his bereaved widow passed away while visiting a daughter in Virden.
John H. Shutt was born in Kentucky, January 29, 1822, and was seven years old when his parents emigrated to Illinois. Being so young at that time he called himself a thorough Illinoisian, as he here
received his education and training for life's du- ties. After his marriage he resided for several months in Sangamon County, and then removed to Macoupin County, making his home where his widow now resides, on section 2. Virden Township. Here he was actively engaged in farming until his death, which occurred April 1, 1872.
Mrs. Shutt is the mother of seven children, all of whom are living and have taken their places with credit in the community. They are as follows: Eliza A., who is the wife of John A. Lorton; Will- iam A .; George W., who took to wife Ettie Huston; Elizabeth J., who is the wife of Calvin E. Stowe: John F., who married Miss Martha J. Woodman ; Sarah F., who is the wife of Henry Knoll, and Thomas J.
This estimable lady, is, with the assistance of her unmarried sons, carrying on the farm to the best advantage, and she has kept it in excellent condition since it has come into her hands. Upon it she has a fine set of farm build- ings. ller home is delightful, and within its walls she exercises the graces of hospitality. The barns and outbuildings are finely adapted to farm pur- poses and her stock is in a good condition and well cared for. Her sons are carrying out well the fine reputation which was left them as a heritage by their father, a reputation for integrity, fair dealing, and reliability.
ON. WATSON A. TOWSE, who resides on section 2, Polk Township, is one of the prominent and honored residents of Macou- pin County. For the history of his parents and ancestry the reader will kindly consult the sketch of his brother. Charles Towse, which ap - pears in this RECORD. This son was the youngest of his father's family and was born in Yorkshire, England, November 2, 1843. He was but a little lad of seven years when his parents emigrated to America and he was nine years old when he made his entrance into this country. Here he grew to manhood and became one of the favorite sons of that section.
Like many another adapted son of America,
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young Towse sprang to the help of the Union flag when it was assailed, and enlisted October 27, 1861, in Company C, Thirty-second Illinois Infantry. Ile served three years under the stars and stripes, and took active part in the following engagements : Pittsburg Landing, siege of Corinth, siege of Vicksburg and Atlanta. At Pittsburg Landing he was severely wounded in the left knee. At Vicks- burg he received in his left arm a bullet which still remains. At Nickajack, Ga., he was wounded by a shell in the left hip. He was detailed for quite a long time as Ward Master in the Overton Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. When he was mus- tered out of the service he returned to his old home in Bird Township.
Experience in the field of war, only made this young hero appreciate more keenly the joys of home life, and he now decided to establish a home of his own. Ife chose as his wife Miss Ann Morfoot, daughter of Richard and Isabella Mor- foot, both natives of Yorkshire, England, in which section of the British Isles the lady herself was born. The marriage took place on May 27, 1867. After marriage the young couple made their home on section 2, Polk Township, where they have since continned in the pursuit of agriculture, making permanent and valuable improvements on the farm.
Mr. Towse had always been truly interested in State as well as local political movements and has cultivated a hroad outlook upon the affairs of the State and Nation. He had often been called to serve in local offices of trust and in the fall of 1888 he was elected to the Illinois State Legisla- ture, where he served for the full term. He has held the office of Supervisor of Polk Township, for several years, being Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors for two terms; also Justice of the Peace, which office he still holds. He has also acted as Assessor and Collector, and ever since leaving the army has taken an active part in political affairs, being a member of the Republican party and having for some time belonged to the County Central Committee of that party. Ile is identified with the Grand Army of the Republic and is also a mem- ber of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. He is wide awake to the necessity of promoting the
interests of the farming community and takes great pride in his farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Take him all in all he is one of the most thor- oughly representative men of Macoupin County and with his intelligent and amiable wife is a power in the community. They are earnest and active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in which he has filled important offices.
C APT. JOSEPHI F. BALLINGER, now deceased, was born January 14, 1812, Gar- rard County, Ky., and died at his home in Brighton, on the 16th of February, 1882. Ile was one of the leading citizens of the community and a man held in high esteem by all who knew him. In the State of his nativity he was reared to manhood, the days of his boyhood and youth being passed in the usual manner of farmer lads. During the summer season he worked upon the farm and in the winter he attended school. When twenty- seven years of age he left Kentucky and came to Illinois, being accompanied by his father, 1Jenry Ballinger. They resided in Fayette, Ill., where the death of the father later occurred. The Cap- tain went to Greene County, Ill., where he became acquainted with and wedded Miss Mary F. Peter, who was born in Newcastle, Ky., June 28, 1823. For mention of her family see the sketch of Daniel Blodgett on another page of this work. When a . child of eight summers she was brought by her parents to Illinois, the family locating.in Godfrey, Madison County, where they resided for ten years and then removed to a farm in Greene County.
Captain and Mrs. Ballinger began their domestic life on a farm near Dover, Greene County, where they resided for many years, so developing and improving their one hundred and sixty acres until it was called one of the finest farms in that county. At length, having acquired through his individual efforts and the assistance of his estimable wife a comfortable competence, C'apt. Ballinger resolved to lay aside business cares and in the fall of 1875 they went to Brighton, where he lived in quiet retirement, enjoying the fruits of his labors until
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called to the home beyond. Many friends mourned his loss and in his death the county lost one of its best citizens, the church a faithful member and his wife a loving and tender husband. He was prom- inent in public affairs and in politics supported the Whig party until its dissolution, when he became an advocate of Democratic principles. He was a consistent and faithful member of the Christian Church and it was his daily endeavor to follow in the footsteps of the Master. He won his title while serving in the home militia in Kentucky, being commissioned Captain by Gov. French and his rank was afterward recognized on account of his proficient skill and faithful service as one of the Home Militia in Illinois.
Mrs. Ballinger still survives her husband and yet resides in Brighton in the pleasant home left her by the Captain. The property which he ac- quired in former years is amply sufficient to supply all her wants. She too is a member of the Chris- tian Church and is a noble woman whom all esteem for her many excellencies of character, Generous and free-hearted, charitable and benevolent, she has won many friends.
P ERRIN KENT, an old settler of Macoupin County who is well and favorably known throughout Virden Township, had his ra- tivity in Stock Township, Harrison County, Ohio, February 3, 1835. His father, so far as is known, was.a native of the same State, and the grandfather, Absalom. (a native of Pennsylvania) was one of the pioneers of Ohio, who resided upon a farm in that State for many years. From there he came to Illinois about the year 1830, and set- tling in Macoupin County, bought land west of Carlinville. He was very successful in the conduct of his affairs and eventually owned large tracts of land in different parts of the county. After the death of his beloved and faithful wife he made his residence with his children and his last days were passed in Chesterfield.
The father of our subject received his early ed- ucation and training in Ohio, and resided there
for several years after his marriage. It was in 1838, when accompanied by his wife and five child- ren, he came to Illinois, traveling by way of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Ile located first in Knox County, Ill., and lived there for two years before coming to Macoupin County. He became one of the first settlers of Virden Township, mak- ing his home upon a tract of land given him by his father on section 18.
At the time of this settlement the country was sparsely settled and deer and other kinds of wild game abounded, and where Girard and Virden now stand the land was owned by the Government. He improved his farm and resided upon it until about the year 1863, when he sold this property and bought land in North Otter Township, where he resided until called hence by deatb. llis wife's maiden name was Diana HIevlin. She was of Ohio parentage and birth. her father being Isaac Ilevlin. She died on the home farm in Virden Township, leaving her family to greatly mourn her loss as her faithful devotion and loveliness of character had greatly impressed her life upon theirs.
When three years old Perrin Kent first came to . Illinois with his parents and although he was only five years of age when he first saw Macoupin County he remembers well the incidents of pioneer life here. He received the education granted in the pioneer schools and the faithful home training of the domestic circles, and resided under the par- ental roof until he reached the age of eighteen after which he traveled for awhile. In 1863 he settled upon the farm which he now owns upon section 18, Virden Township.
In 1860 Mr. Kent was happily united in marriage with Martha A. Walters who was born in Jessa- mine County, Ky., and is a daughter of Noble B. and Elizabeth (Davis) Walters, natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively, who came to Illinois about the year 1845. They settled in Sangamon County, making their residence there for some years. The father died while on business in Me- Lean County, Illinois. The mother passed away after coming to Virden Township. Of the child- ren who came to share the love and care of Mr. and Mrs. Kent two only are living, Noble A. and Willie. Ovr subject is truly interested in national
RESIDENCE OF JOHN G. HAGLER, SEC.16., NORTH OTTER TP., MACOUPIN. CO., ILL.
RESIDENCE OF PERRIN KENT, SEC.18. VIRDEN TP., MACOUPIN CO., ILL.
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
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affairs and keeps himself well informed in regard to political movements. His convictions have led him to ally himself with the Republican party with whom he casts his vote and influence.
A view of Mr. Kent's attractive home is shown in connection with his biographical sketeh.
OHN G. HAGLER. One of the most hos- pitable homes in North Otter Township is the beautiful one presided over by the wife of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. They are people of more than ordinary qualities, intelligent and with a rich fund of information on all subjects of interest. The su- perior abilities of Mr. Ilagler make him a man of note in the county, and his long residence here has put him in the way of making a broad ae- quaintance which gives him extensive influence. llis father, Benjamin J. Hagler, was born in North Carolina in 1791, and his mother, Elizabeth Gra- ham, a native of the same State, was born in 1788.
When Benjamin was but thirteen years old his father, John Hagler, Sr., removed from North Car- olina to Tennessee, settling in Stewart County. Here the boy grew to manhood and in Todd County, Ky., he found the lady whom he made his wife. It was there they settled and made their home until 1817, when they emigrated to Madison County, Ill., which remained their place of resi- dence until they were called hence by death. Ilis wife died about 1861, and he followed her to the better world some five years later.
[Ie of whom we write was among the older ones in a large family of children, seven sons and seven daughters, and his birthplace was Todd County, Ky. Here he made his advent, November 26, 1816, and was therefore about a year and a half old when his parents removed to Illinois. In the Prai- rie State he received his education and his practical training upon the farm, both of which he fully improved and thus obtained a foundation for the noble and intelligent manhood, which is his to-day. Hle remained in Madison County until he was about twenty-two years old when he made the removal
which proved permanent and settled on section 16, North Otter Township, Macoupin County. Agri- cultural pursuits was his early choice for a life work and he has carried on farming and stock- raising most successfully and prudently through- out life.
The marriage of John G. Hagler and Miss Eliza- beth Steveson took place in North Otter Town- ship November 15, 1838, and thus began a life of more than ordinary domestic happiness and pros- perity. This lady was also a native of Todd County, Ky., being born there in 1818. To her were born six children, all but one of whom grew to years of maturity. Little Martha, the youngest, was snatched from the arms of her parents at the age of four years and Elizabeth, the third child, died when a beautiful young lady of twenty years old. James G. lived to be thirty-six years old, and John F., who was a member of the One Hun- dred and,TyAnty-second Illinois Infantry, died at Jackson, Tenn., from: wounds received at the bat- tle of Parker's Cross Roads, Two useful and prosperous sons now survive, and have established homes for themselves in North Otter Township, namely: Benjamin, who married Miss Sarah Al- derson, and Harvey T., who took to wife Miss Mi- nerva Young. Mrs. Elizabeth Hagler died August 15, 1854.
The second marriage of Mr. Hagler took place in North Otter Township November 23, 1854, and at that time Sarah J. Wilson became his wife. She was the mother of three children: William B .; who married Miss Susan Gunn and resides in Ne- braska. Sarah Emeline, who is the wife of Will- iam Gooch, and Iliram, who died in infancy. The mother of these children was called away from her family by death, March 10, 1863.
Our subject was again married in North Palmyra Township, November, 19, 1864, to Miss Sarah T. Young, who was born in Morgan County, this State, November 7, 1827. They have had two chil- dren, one of whom has died. The surviving son, Wallace C., is a farmer at home and has married Miss Julia E. Steele. The high esteem in which Mr. Hagler is held by his friends and neighbors is shown by the responsible position in which he has been placed. For a term of sixteen years he has
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held the onerous post of School Treasurer and has performed the duties incident to that office in such a way as to still further enhance his reputation for integrity and honorable dealing. Ile has also been School Director for a long term of years and in this way has done much to advance the educational in- terest of the township, and to place the schools upon a substantial and progressive basis. As Su- pervisor of North Otter Township for four terms he has done excellent service and given genuine satisfaction to those who have placed him in office. He has ever taken an active part in political affairs and is a strong Jacksonian Democrat, faithfully upholding the principles of that party.
Mr. Hagler has been a member of the Methodist Church for fifty years and in its service and ordi- nances he has been faithful and consistent. Mrs. Hagler is also an earnest and active member of the same church. Upon his beautiful farm of two hun- dred and five acres, this progressive farmer has erected a fine set of buildings. On another page of this volume appears a view of his delightful home. His barns are well arranged and thoroughly constructed, and the outbuildings in general, as well as the fences and fields show the hand of a systematic and painstaking agriculturist.
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OSEPH F. CLARK. Among the repre- sentative farmers of Macoupin County is this gentleman, who is the owner of a fine. large farm on section 36, Brushy Mound Township. He has erected a commodious brick house, frame barn and other outbuildings, replete with modern improvements, and surrounded with well-kept grounds, beautiful shade and fruit trees, the place presents a most pleasing appearance indi- cative of the enterprise and progressive spirit of the proprietor.
A native of Logan County, Ky., Mr. Clark was born December 4, 1825. His father, Samuel B. Clark, was, it is thought, a native of the same State, and his father was a pioneer of Logan County, where he resided many years, coming thence to Illinois, where he spent his last years with his chil-
dren. Ilis son Samuel was reared and married in Kentucky, and lived there until 1828, when, ac- companied by his wife and eight children, he started for Illinois. Their mode of conveyance was by wagons, one being drawn by oxen, and the other by one horse. They brought all their house- hold goods with them, and camped by the way at nightfall. Mr. Clark first located one and one-half miles from Edwardsville, where he rented land for one year, then removed into that town and engaged in teaming, residing there until 1832, when he re- moved to a farm a mile and a half west of Brighton, which he rented for a year. Hle then bought a tract of wild land in the same locality, and built a hewn log house, splitting shakes for the roof. In 1835 he sold that and removed to a farm near Car- linville on which he lived one year, and in 1836 settled in Brushy Mound Township.
At that early day wild game was to be had in abundance, deer and turkeys being very plentiful. There was then no railway here and Alton and St. Louis were the nearest markets for supplies. In this section the gristmills were mostly operated by oxen. The wives and mothers did their full share towards lightening the labors of the sterner sex and the spinning wheel and loom were in constant requisition. The mother of our subject dressed ber children in homespun cloth that was the pro- duct of her own deft hand.
In Brushy Mound Township the father purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 26, forty acres of which were under improvement, and a log house was standing thereon. On this place he resided the remainder of his life, passing away in 1840, leaving a worthy record as a useful pioneer and a good citizen in every way. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Floyd, survived him only one year. She was born in Pennsylvania, and is thought to have been of Ger- man aneestry. She was the mother of eight chil- dren, of whom these are the names: Mary Mar- garet, James II., Robert B., John J., Benjamin F., Joseph F., Samuel N. and Susan B.
Joseph Clark was but two years old when his parents brought him to Illinois, and he was reared in this State under pioneer influences to be self- reliant, manly and capable of doing any and all
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kinds of work that fell to his share as a farmer's boy. Ilis education was received in the primitive schools of the early years of the settlement of Illinois that were taught in log houses, and pro- vided with rude, home-made furniture, the seats being made by splitting saplings and hewing one side smooth, and inserting wooden pins for legs. Each family paid for tuition according to the num- ber of scholars that it sent, there being no public money to expend for educational purposes at that time, and the teacher usually boarded "around."
At an early age Joseph was left an orphan, and then worked out by the month, in the winter work- ing for his board and attending school. When twenty-one years old he received his inheritance from his father's estate, the home farm having been sold for $8 per acre, his share being $130. This, with what he had saved, was his entire capital with which to face the world. He first purchased thirty acres of prairie land on section 25, also ten acres of timber on section 24. He erected a frame house, 14x16 feet in size, with a lean-to t0x16 feet in dimensions. He rived and shaved the shingles by hand, and also the weather boards.
In 1846 our subject laid aside his work to enlist in the army to take part in the Mexican War, and he served with credit until he was honorably dis- charged, when he returned home and quietly re- sumed farming. In 1855 he removed to Gillespie Township, where he was engaged in the grain busi- ness until 1860. During that time he sold his farm and bought the place where he now resides. As before stated he has improved the land, and added all modern conveniences until it is now regarded as a model farm and an ornament to the township. He has been remarkably successful in his operations, and altogether he is the owner of six hundred and forty acres of fine land, all included in Brushy Mound Township.
March 4, 1850, Mr. Clark was united in marriage with Miss Melinda Huddleston. She is a native of this county, Cahokia Township her birthplace, where she was born to John and Nancy Huddle- ston. For her parental history see sketch of R. W. Huddleston. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are the parents of eight children -- Mary J., Albert F., Charles W., Emma Elnora, Nancy E., May, Hettie, Minnie O.
and Harvey W. Mary is the wife of Charles Boosinger, and has five children living. Albert married Mary Reed, and has four children. Charles married Minnie Williams, and has one child. Nancy is the wife of Thomas Ilargess, and has five children. May married Arthur Loveless, and has one child. Hettie is the wife of Frank Hoehn, and has two children.
Mr. Clark is a man of sound mental calibre, whose judgment in regard to business matters is keen, and thrift, energy and foresight are also among his characteristics, and have gained him the important place that he occupies among the pros- perous men of his community. Ile is just, hberal and sagacious in his views on all social and religious subjects, and though not identified with any church, he is a generous supporter of all enterprises which tend to uplift and purify the people regardless of denominations.
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