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 49
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111
Henry Kitzmiller learned the trades of a black- smith and wagon-maker from his father, but did not follow them. About two years after his mar- riage he located on a farm which his father gave him, situated across the line in Sullivan County, and actively engaged in agriculture until his death in 1843. In early manhood he married Elizabeth Carr, a native of Washington County, Tenn., and a daughter of Richard and Martha Carr, natives re- spectively of Virginia and North Carolina, and the latter of English and Scotch ancestry. The mother of our subjeet died on the home farm in Sullivan County, January 2, 1891, aged ninety-five years. She has reared nine children, namely: Martin V., Martha, Richard C., Mary, Henry, Elizabeth, David, Lovisa and Joseph. David and Joseph are deceased.
Our subject passed his early life in his native State, gaining his education in the local schools. At the age of fifteen he was converted and joined the Baptist Church, with which he has ever since been closely identified. He was licensed to preach in 1844, and continued in the ministry in Tennes- see until 1856, when. for the sake of rearing his children in a free State where ' honest labor was not degrading," he came to Illinois, having ac- cepted a call to the Baptist Church in Girard. He was the first pastor of the congregation which numbered seven ladies and four gentlemen, who owned a one-fourth interest in what was known as the Union Church. During the interval of his pastorate here a neat and comfortable edifice has been erected as a house of worship, and at the time of his resignation the congregation numbered one hundred and eighty-eight members, this being the largest number at any one time from its organiza- tion up to that date. He continued to ably discharge the duties of his holy office until 1888, a period of thirty-two years, when he resigned his charge on account of losing his voice.
Those years of active labor in the cause of relig- ion were fraught with great good, and bore innch fruit in the increased growth of the church not only here out elsewhere. The following concern- ing his work was written for this publication:
"About the year 1863 or 1861 the Rev. Mr. Kitzmiller immersed the first person ever immersed
450
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at C'hatham, Sangamon County, Ill., and as the re- sult of his labors there, a Baptist Church was or- ganized and a house of worship built.
"The house of worship belonging to the Baptist Church at Hickory Point. Macoupin County, was begun and mainly built by bim, and when it was completed he preached the sermon of dedication. During his ministry at Girard be gave one half of his time to various other churches, which like that at Girard were just starting and needing the fos- tering care of a shepherd and leader. The Baptist Church at Auburn, Sangamon County, was one which in that way had his services for a period of from twelve to eighteen years until it became strong. For four years our subject worked in the same way at Carlinville, at Greenfield for two or three years, and at Waverly for six years."
During his ministry Mr. Kitzmiller has baptized about a thousand people, of whom twelve or more have entered the ministry of the Baptist Church. The first person baptized by him was his wife; the second his sister, who soon after became the wife of the Rev. W. C. Newell, who lately died at Mt. Vernon; and the third was a young man, who be- came a Baptist minister of extensive usefulness in Virginia and Tennessee. It is generally believed that our revered subject has performed more mar- riage ceremonies than any other minister in the county. The first man married by him was the Rev. William A. Keane, one of the leading Baptist ministers in East Tennessee.
The Rev. Mr. Kitzmiller was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary Crouch April 29, 1847. Mrs. Kitzmiller is a native of Washing- ton County, Tenn., and a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Keeflaver) Crouch. Mr. and Mrs. Kitz- miller have seven children living, namely: Joseph 11., Martha A., James W., Charles M., David M., Laura E. and Eldredge P. Joseph II. a graduate of Ilahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, is a physician at Taylorville, Ill. Martha married John Lloyd, an extensive farmer and stock-raiser of Franklin County, Ky. James W. is a success- ful farmer and lumber merchant at Medora. David Martin is associated with his brother James in the lumber business Charles is assistant Postmaster at Girard. Laura married G. A. Post, clerk and
book keeper for the firm of Solomon & Martin, of Palmyra. Eldredge is at home with his parents. Mr. Kitzmiller and his family are very pleasantly situated in their suburban home. The grounds around his house comprise seventeen and one-half acres of land, devoted to fruit growing, gardening and pasturing, and are chiefly under the manage- ment of his youngest son. E. P. Kitzmiller.
Mr. Kitzmiller was formerly a Democrat, but of the anti-slavery type. Since the formation of the Republican party be has been a firm advocate of its principles, and his five sons and two sons-in- law follow in his footsteps as regards their politi- cal affiliations. Not only has our subject been greatly instrumental in promoting the moral and religious interests of the community, but he has aided in advancing education as a valued member of the School Board, with which he was connected nine years. He received his appointment as Post- master at Girard from the hands of President Har- rison, and entered upon the duties of his office January 20, 1890. His selection for this important position gave universal satisfaction, as he is held in great esteem, and it was believed that no more scrupolous, faithful or efficient official could have been found for the place.
A lithographie portrait of the Rev. Mr. Kitzmil- ler is presented in connection with this biographical notice.
OIIN E. PERROTTET, assistant Supervisor of Carlinville Townsbip, was born in Switz- erland, August 11, 1836, where he spent his boyhood days. llis parents were Jolm D. and Anna M. Perrottet who upon their arrival in the United States took up their abode in St. Clair County, Ill., afterward removing to Macoupin County, where they died. In 1857, their son, John E., removed from St. Clair to Macoupin County, and has since resided in Gillespie and Carlinville Townships. Ile has given his attention mainly to the cultivation of the soil, whereby he has gained an independent support. He operates some two hundred and fifty aeres of land situated on sec- tion 12.
451
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Our subject was married in St. Clair County to Miss Anna M. Stahler, the date of whose birth is May 6, 1843. The housebold consists of father aud mother and cleven children-August, Anna, Sophia, Louis, Mary, John, Louisa, Clara, William, Victor and Adella.
Mr. Perrottet has filled the office of Tax Collector of Gillespie Township. Ile is an carnest advocate of the Democratic party and both he and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Perrottet is a man brave and independent in spirit and has fought life's battles as they have come, never knowing fear or shrinking from the duties which fill his every-day life. Ilis integrity and his devotion to his family have won for him golden opinions in the community where he lives.
000
EV. JAMES J. HAYCRAFT. Among the prominent and successful business men of Medora who are selected for representation in this RECORD is the Rev. J. J. Haycraft, whose work as minister and business man has done much to aid the prosperity of the county. llis resi- dence within its bounds dates from New Year's Day, 1844, at which time, a young man of twenty years, he came hither. He was born in Hardin County, Ky., January 20, 1824, his parents being John and Hannah (Parker) Haycraft, natives of Kentucky and Virginia respectively. The father had fair school advantages and was an earnest stu- dent, and became very proficient in mathematics. He taught school for some time, but after his re- moval to this county, in 1846, he gave his attention to farming in Chesterfield Township until he re- tired from active life. In 1863 he sold out and removed to Fidelity, where his wife breathed her last. Ile afterward became an inmate of the home of our subject, and died at Medora. The parental family consisted of eight sons and daughters, all of whom grew to maturity.
Our subject is the eldest member of the parental family. His early education was received with his father as tutor and he subsequently attended school at Elizabethtown, the county seat of his native
county, the school being known as the Robert Hunt Iligh School. From it many statesmen and other leading men of Kentucky were graduated. Among the classmates of the Rev. Mr. Haycraft were George and Ilardin Helm, sons of Gov. Jobn M. Ilelm, and grandsons of the Ilon. Benjamin Hardin, the noted criminal lawyer. After his education was completed Mr. Ilaycraft engaged to teach school but before entering upon his professional labors he came to this State and within two years he was married and had established his home on a farm.
Mr. Haycraft located in Jersey County not far from Medora and gave his attention to tilling the soil and dealing in live-stock. He remained at that point fifteen years and then became a resident of Medora. In 1858 hc built a steam flouring mill at Fidelity, which he operated until July 15, 1863, when it was destroyed by fire, causing a loss of $27,000. Mr. Hlaycraft had no insurance, but friends and bankers offered to raise $5,000 within twenty-four hours after the catastrophe and urged him to accept the money and rebuild. He refused the kind offer, as he had never accepted a dollar, but subsequently bis bankers Dorsey & Cheney of Jerseyville, voluntarily furnished him the money to rebuild and after doing so he operated the mill two years. The mill site was valuable but the bankers would neither take a mortgage or note, so mnuch confidence had they in Mr. Haycraft's honor.
Mr. Haycraft soon recovered from his losses and engaged in mercantile pursuits, soon having a com- mercial standing of $45,000. When he came to Medora he bought a home, and rented a mill which he carried ou while also running a store and deal- ing in grain and stock. He afterward built a mill which he operated two years, then moved it to Al- sey, Scott County, on the railroad, added an eleva- tor, and there carried on an extensive business. He sold his property after some years and returned to Medora where he carried on mercantile pursuits two years, then removed to Palmyra and for eight- een months was similarily engaged there. lie again came to Medora, and in May, 1889, entered upon the business he is still conducting-the sale of groceries, notions and gentlemen's furnishing goods. lle has prospered in business affairs not-
152
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
withstanding the fact that he has met with some losses, and he has given two of his daughters well- improved farms and purchased for the husband of another a mill in Palmyra.
The marriage of Mr. Haycraft was solemnized October 15, 1846, his bride being Miss Matilda Rhodes, daughter of Josialı Rhodes. The bride was born in Kentucky April 13, 1826. To Mr. and Mrs. Hayeraft nine children have been born, six of whom died in infancy or childhood. The living are Melissa, now the wife of II. C. Kemper; Emma, wife of Francis Watson; and Ella V., who married D). W. Rhodes.
Mr. Haycraft belongs to the Masonie fraternity, having been initiated in Fidelity Lodge, No. 152, A. F. & A. M., in 1858. He was Chaplain of that lodge twelve years. Politically he is a Democrat and he has frequently held local offices. In religion he is a Baptist and in 1876 he was ordained to the ministry and has since given considerable time to the work of the Gospel. Ile had charge of Big Spring Church, Scott County, organized Liberty Church, near Carlinville, and was the pastor in charge there three years. He resigned to go into the field as an evangelist, preaching in different churches, and subsequently with the Carrollton associate carried on one of the most successful meet- ings ever held in the church at Fidelity. Twenty- six members were added and so much life was infused into the congregation that a commodious house of worship was soon undertaken and com- pletcd.
ESHACK T. ALFORD, one of the most important and progressive farmers of North Palmyra Township, resides on sec- tion 30, where his splendid farm and excel- lent buildings are an ornament which attract the eye of every passerby. His worthy father, Charles Alford, was born in North Carolina and his mother, Mary Tipton, was a native of the mountainous re- gions of Tennessee. After marriage this intelligent couple emigrated from Monroe County, Tenn,, to
this county, in 1851. They made their home in Scottville Township and there resided until death called them hence. Charles Alford died March 17, 1858 and his wife followed him to the grave February 18, 1863.
Five sons and two daughters, made up the happy home of this pioneer couple, and our subject is the fifth in order of birth. He had his nativity in Se- vier County, Tenn., May 23, 1825. When he was about three years old he removed with his father to Monroe County, and there grew to man- hood. In that county he found his bride in the person of Rebecca Edwards, and they were mar- ried May 20, 1848. She was born in Roan County, January 17, 1831. The young couple set- tled in Monroe County, T'enn., and in the fall of 1850 migrated with Mr. Alford's family to Mac- oupin County. They settled in Scottville Town- ship and resided there until March, 1867, when they removed to North Palmyra Township and made their home on section 30, where they now resicte.
Nine children were sent to share the parental love and care of Meshack and Rebecca Alford. Those who are now living are: William C., who married Mrs. Ella Helmick; Charles F., who mar- ried Helena Rice; Robert E., who married May Ballard; and Caleb C. The other children died when quite young. The mother of these excellent and worthy young people was taken from them by death at the home in Palmyra Township, June 20,1869.
Our subject was a second time married in Scott . ville Township, November 28, 1869, to Miss Susan M. Searcy, who was born in Spencer County, Ky., August 14, 1846. They have seven children, Sarahı R., who is the wife of William Vogel, Mar- tha A .. Rosa P., Bertha L., Joseph M., John S. and Cleveland II. Mr. Alford linds in his children the comfort and solace of his advancing years. He is the owner of three hundred and seventy -five acres of rieli and arable land upon which he has erected a handsome home and a good set of farm build- ings. The offices of School Director and Highway Commissioner have been offered to him and he has carried on their duties with success, giving therein great satisfaction to his neighbors and the
453
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
community in general. Mrs. Alford is an earn- est and devoted member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Such a family as this is in every way a benefit to the community in which they reside as their industry and enterprise add to its material wealth and their uprightness of character and in- telligence make them leaders of thought and action.
-
J OHIN H. ARNETT, Among the public- spirited men of Southern parentage who have helped to make Macoupin County what it is to-day, we are pleased to note the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, who is now Postmaster of Delay and was for some time Supervisor of Bird Township. llis father, Thomas Arnett, was born in North Carolina, and his mother, Elizabeth Reader, was a native of Tennessee, where they were married and made their first home in Overton County. At that time many residents of Tennessee and Ken- tucky were emigrating to Illinois, and they fol- lowed the tide. Coming hither in 1834, after living for a few months in Morgan County, they settled in the spring of 1835, in Bird Township, this county. This they made their permanent home until their death. The mother was called from earth in August, 1864, and her loss was deeply felt, not only by her husband and children, but by her friends and neighbors. Her bereaved husband survived her for nearly ten years, passing away in February, 1874.
Our subject is one of a large family of seven sons and five daughters, of whom he was the seventh in order of birth. His birth took place in Bird Township, this county, September 28, 1838. Here he grew to manhood and has made Bird Township his home continuously, with the exception of a short time spent on the Pacific Coast. In 1863 he went to California and was absent in that State and Oregon until 1865. Hle has made farming his chief business in life and adhered to it until 1888, when he rented bis farm to a tenant and came to Delay, where he engaged in the business of general merchandising. In the spring of that year he received
the appointment of Postmaster, which office he still fills. Ile owns a fine tract of three hundred and nine acres, most of which is in Bird Township.
Mr. Arnett was married May 21, 1874, in Mem- phis, Tenn., to Miss Ilannah Mille, who was born in Carlinville. Her parents were Charles and Mary A. (Castle) Mills, natives of England. Mr. Mills was a blacksmith by occupation and an ex- pert in his calling. Ile and his good wife are now residents of California. Mr. Arnett is a public- spirited man and is ever alive to the interests of the community, and especially active in forward- ing all movements which he believes to be for the best good of the agricultural community. He has filled for three terms the office of Supervisor of Bird Township, and has been Treasurer of the township for twelve years, and Justice of the Peace for two terms. Political affairs interest this gen- tleman deeply and in them he takes an active part, working earnestly for the prosperity and progress of the Democratic party.
E PHIRAIM BELDAM is living on a good farm on section 15, Bunker Hill Township, about one mile north of the city of Bunker Hill, at which place he recently settled and where he owns seventy acres of good land well improved. Dr. Beldam formerly lived in the city of Bunker Hill. He has lived in the county for fifteen years and lias owned different farms and conducted them suc- cessfully. Dr. Beldam came to Bunker Ilill from Kansas City where he was variously engaged dur- ing eight years in the poultry and egg business and dealing for a time in horses,
Dr. Beldam is a native of England, born in Cambridgesbire at Staunton, March 29, 1841. His father, Thomas Beldam, was born in England and was a dealer in swine and successful in that line. The father married an English lady, Ann Smith. After the birth of part of the family Thomas Bel- dam, wife and children left London in 1848, on a sailing vessel. They were out at sea five weeks and five days, landing in New York City and thence coming to Cleveland, Ohio, where they lived for
454
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
some years, coming later to Englewood, Chicago, in about 1860. It was here that the father and mother died, the former from a cancer when just fifty-five years of age. The latter died some years later at about sixty years of age. Mr. Beldam was a Methodist in belief and the mother a Baptist.
Our subject was a boy of only about seven years when his parents came to the United States and he reached his majority after they had settled in Chicago, Ill. He was here a horse-dealer, buying and selling. IIe has a brother George in the city of Chicago who is a prominent liveryman, owning two stables. Another brother, Thomas, is also a prominent horse-dealer. The subject of this sketch was married in Bunker Hill to Miss Sophronia II. Sherwood. She was born October 7, 1850, in the American Bottoms. Madison County, Ill., and was the youngest of the family. With her uncle East- man T. Irish, she moved to Bunker Hill, Macoupin County. Flere she was reared, and educated at Greenville College. She is now the mother of one child, Bertha, who lives at home and is a bright and accomplished young woman. Mrs. Bekam is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Beldam's parents died when she was young and she knows nothing of their history.
-
OSEPH B. HACKNEY, a successful farmer residing on section 25, Hilyard Township, has a well improved and highly cultivated farm which has been his home most of the time since the beginning of the '50s. ITis military and mining experiences are truly notable. Hle is a veteran of the Mexican War and saw some hard fighting, especially toward the close of the conflict when he was engaged in fighting the bushwhackers, being a member of Capt. Little's Cavalry Company, in which he did excellent service as a private.
Our subject returned home in 1848 after his dis- charge from the army and the following spring he joined a company which was organized in Jersey- ville to cross the plains to the gold regions of the Pacifie Slope. This company embraced some twen- ty-five teams and wagons and their first objective
point was St. Joseph, Mo. From there they took the Mormon trail over the plains to Sonth Pass, and thence to Ft. Hall, and crossing the Humboldt reached a mining camp on Bear River. Here Mr. Hackney spent some time and then went to Sacra- mento, and later to MeCallam River and worked in the Angeles and Murphy mines, Late in the fol- lowing spring he went to the head waters of the Yuba River and there found some good diggings. In the summer of 1850 he returned with his brother who had accompanied him, and coming to Macou- pin County, they invested in land in Hilyard Town- ship, upon which they have since lived and made of it an excellent farm.
March 20, 1829, was the natal day of Joseph B. Hackney, and Troy, N. Y. the place of his nativity. Ilis father, William, who was born in that State, came of Scotch parentage. Ilis father and mother emigrated from the old country to New York and spent their last days there. Their son William learned the trade of a blacksmith and furnace man, and had an excellent reputation as a skilled work. man. He came West in 1836 and settled upon a tract of land in Jersey County, this State, but still continued to carry on his trade. Later he removed to Macoupin County, where he lived until his death, at the age of eighty-six. ITis wife, Margaret Kellogg, a native of Albany, N. Y. was of Holland stock. She came West with her husband, dying in this county when eighty-four years old. She was a true and faithful wife and an affectionate and devoted mother, and her memory is revered by all who knew her. Both Mr. and Mrs. William Hackney were devout and active members of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Hackney was a Jacksonian Democrat in his political views and had been a soldier through all the War of 1812. entering as a pri- vate and later becoming a Corporal.
The subject of our sketch is one of the younger members of his father's family, and his two older brothers were also in the Mexican War, one, James, belonging to the militia, and Matthew being in the navy. They are still living. Joseph was married in Chicago, in 1864, his bride being Mrs. Mary (Hackney) Lyman, a native of New York, of Connecticut parentage. Her first husband William Lyman, to whom she was united in Con-
455
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
necticut, enlisted in the army at the time the War of the Rebellion in 1861, and was one of the first to fall at the battle of Newburn, N. C. He was under the command of Gen. Burnside, and was shot dead by the enemy, being in the prime of life. His young widow was left with one child, George W., now living in Wichita, Kan.
Mr. and Mrs. Hackney are the parents of the fol- lowing children: Fred W., who took to wife Lil- lian Roberts and resides upon a farm in Hilyard Township; Paul, who resides at home, and is a farmer and the Township Collector; and Albert, Raymond and Lotta, who are all three at home. Mr. and Mrs. Hackney are truly representative members of the farming community of this town- ship, being enterprising, intelligent, industrious and successful. Their reputation as worthy and upright citizens and as genial and kindly neighbors, gives them a genuine popularity. Mrs. Hackney is an active and devoted member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, in which she finds a broad field of labor and influence. The Democratic party claims the hearty allegiance and co-operation of Mr. Hack- ney and his adult sons.
C WILLIAM HEIDEMANN, the leading general merchant of Brighton, established business at that place in October, 1868. He began on a small scale and has steadily worked his way upward, enlarging his stock as the volume of his trade increased until he now has the most im- portant business in the place. His store is well supplied with all kinds of merchandise and by his untiring efforts, his pleasant manner and his fair dealing he has secured a liberal share of the public patronage.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.