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 65
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Langley and resides in Nilwood Township. Ile is the father of two children, Ethel R. and Edward R.
Mr. Dickerson was a man who had won the re- spect and esteem of the community in which he lived. Open hearted and generous he was ever ready to do all in his power for any one who might need his aid. He and his estimable wife were con- sidered representative people of the township. He was the owner of two hundred acres of improved land and the home that he made thereon was an ideal one of comfort and rural life.
LEXANDER THOMPSON represents one of the most intelligent families in North Palmyra Township and his fine farm and pleasant home are situated upon section 34. Ile is a son of Samuel Thompson who was born in Virginia, June 12, 1809, and his mother, Artimesia Hettick was born Angust 8, 1813, in Ohio. They first settled in Scottville Township, but after a short residence there removed to Morgan County, this State and settled on Apple Creek. They continued to reside in Morgan County for some time but finally made their home in Scottville Township, where they died, she in 1861, and he in 1870.
Ile of whom we write was the eldest in a family of ten children, and was born in Scottville Town- ship. this county, April 24, 1821. He lived with his father until he grew to maturity and established a home of his own. He was happily united in mar . riage in South Palmyra Township. March 8, 1860, with Miss Elizabeth Crum, daughter of William and Lydia (Coons) Crum, who spent their last years in South Palmyra Township. Their daughter Elizabeth was born in Clark County, Ind., Septem- ber 10, 1838, and she eame with her parents at an early day to Macoupia County.
The seven children of Elizabeth and Alexander Thompson are: Elisha, who married Matilda Zel- mer; Mary J .; John, who died in infancy; Alfred, Frances E., Lydia A., and Clara N. Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson died in North Palmyra Township, March 3, 1882. She had been for many years a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINC
Randal & lack
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which she had labored zealously and in the doc. trines of which she had brought up her family.
Agricultural pursuits have employed the time and energies of Mr. Thompson throughout life and upon his farm le bas erected a pleasant home and commodious barns and outbuildings. He owns one hundred and eighty acres of land in North Palmyra Township, and has rendered it a prosperous and attractive piece of property. He has been School Director for two years and has filled that office to the satisfaction and profit of the district. His political views have led him to affiliate with the party of Jackson and Jefferson and he takes an intel- ligent interest in public affairs. His children are well educated and intelligent and are making their mark in the community. They deserve what they receive, the esteem and respect of their neighbors.
R ANDAL CLARK. For more than half a century this gentleman has resided upon a farm on section 20, Gillespie Township. Since 1839 he has been the owner of a part of his present farm , and during all the years which have since come and gone, has been not only an eye-witness of the growth and develop. ment of the county, but has also taken a promi- nent part in its upbuilding. As one of the pioneers and most highly esteemed citizens of Macoupin County, we are pleased to present his portrait to our readers. Mr. Clark claims South Carolina as the State of his nativity. The date of his birth is November 30, 1815. and the place Greenville County.
Joseph Clark, father of our subject, was also a native of Greenville County, and is of Scotch-Irislı descent. He grew to manbood upon his father's farm, and served as a private during the War of 1812, participating in many important engagements during that struggle. When the country no longer needed his services be returned to his native home, and was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Taylor, who also spent her childhood days in Greenville County. Her father, William Taylor, was one of
the heroes of the Revolutionary War, and under fire at many important engagements, meluding the battle of Cowpens. Ilis fidelity to duty made him a favorite with comrades and officers alike. His last days were spent in Georgia, where after a two- years' residence he died at the age of eighty years. llis wife survived him four years, and she too was well advanced in years when called- to her final rest.
After their marriage Joseph Clark and his wife settled upon a farm in Greenville County, where the husband died at a comparatively carly age, Ran- dal being then about eight years old. Mrs. Clark afterward came to Ilinois and died in Montgomery County, at the age of eighty-seven years. She was a member of the Methodist Church, and a noble Christian woman, whose many graces of character endeared her to the hearts of all.
Our subject is the eldest of five children, and has two sisters yet living-Elizabeth, who resides in Dorchester; and Eunice, widow of Lawson Boyce, living on a farm which is known as the Clark homestead. At the age of twenty years Raudal Clark arrived in this county, and not only was he without capital, but upon him hung an in- debtedness of $50 which he had incurred to pay the expenses of the trip. However, it was not long before he found work as a farm hand, and al- though his wages were very small, be was faithful to his duty, and in course of time became able to purchase a small tract. He entered eighty acres of wild land on section 20. Gillespie Township, which forms a part of his present fine farm, began clear- ing it and in course of time gathered abundant harvests as the reward of his labors. For some years he also devoted considerable attention to stock-raising, breeding good grades of horses and cattle, and in this line materially increased his in- come. As his financial resources were increased he made judicious investments of his capital in real estate, adding to his former purchases until his landed possessions now aggregate more than one thousand five hundred acres in Gillespie Township. Much of this has been cleared and developed by Mr. Randal's own efforts. He has divided it into fields of convenient size, all of which he has sup- plied with good farm buildings and has it well
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stocked. Ile also owns considerable property in Kansas, Missouri and elsewhere.
Not long after his arrival in this county, Mr. ('lark was united in marriage with Miss Lucy 1'. Gray, a Virginia lady, born in the Old Dominion February 25, 1816. She was ouly a child when her parents, James and Marian (Baber) Gray, fol- lowing the course of emigration which was stead- ily flowing Westward, came to Illinois. They traveled overland with teams and spent some years in Sangamon County, whence they came to Macou- pin County, making their home in Hilyard Town- ship until they departed this life. They were members of the old school Baptist Church, and are numbered among the pioncer settlers of this com- munity.
After a long and happy wedded life Mrs. ('lark died at her home in Gillespie Township, July 17, 1887. She was the mother of thirteen children, but five are now deceased: Mary, Elizabeth and James. all of whom were married, have now passed away; and William and Edward died in childhood. 'Those who still survive are: Marian, wife of Will- iam Whitfield, a resident farmer of Gillespie Township; Noah, who wedded Rachel Meadows, and lives in Oklahoma; Josephus, who wedded Jane Walker, and carries on farming in St. Clair County, Mo .; Elijah, who was joined in wedlock with Ella Rose, and is engaged in the same pur- suit in Gillespie Township; Best P., a farmer of Texas, first married Miss Dorcas Walker, and after her death wedded Matilda A. Rockenbaugh; Ann is the wife of Newton Gwin, who is engaged in farming in St. Clair County, Mo .; Lincoln mar- ried Frances Walker, and is a farmer of Gillespie Township; and Isabella completes the family. She is the wife of Orange Walker, and they reside with Mr. Clark on the old homestead.
The name of Randal Clark is inseparably con- neeted with the county's history. . For fifty-six years he has here resided, and has done his part toward promoting its best interests and aiding in its progress. lle has also served as Supervisor of his township, being elected by the Republican party, of which he and his sons are stanch sup- porters. The wild and unimproved prairies he has seen transformed into beautiful homes and farms,
has seen towns and villages spring up, witnessed the introduction of the railroads, the telegraph and telephone, seen countless manufactories established and the whole county transformed from an almost barren wilderness to a blooming garden. His life has been such as to win the confidence and regard of all with whom he has come in contact. He is now living a retired life, and for some time has been confined to his room by paralysis, but be bears his misfortune uncomplainingly, and takes pleasure in the enjoyments yet left to him.
RS. HANNAII MITCHELL is well known throughout Brushy Mound Township, and her home has been here for many years. She is now occuping the old homestead on which her husband carried on his work for years, and where she also labored at those employments that fall to the lot of wives and mothers. Her dwelling is made attractive by her geniality and good taste and the spirit of true hospitality and neighborly kindness that actuates her. She was born in Worcester County, Mass., and came this State with her parents when quite small, living with them until her marriage, in 1849, to Elijah Mitch- ell. This gentleman was one of the earliest set- tlers in Brushy Mound 'Township, and his name is well remembered by those who are familiar with the former history of this section. The reader is referred to the biographical sketch of William T. Mitchell for facts regarding his life and ances- try.
The maiden name of Mrs. Mitchell was Hollings- worth, and her parents came from England. Her grandfather, George Hollingsworth, + migrated with his family and spent his last years in Connecticut. John Hollingsworth, father of Mrs. Mitchell, also came this country. Ile came some five years before his wife and two children and afterward sent for them. Ile found employment in the woolen mills of New England until about 1838, when he came to this State and settled in Brushy Mound Town- ship, this county. After a few years he sent for family to join him, they having remained in the
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East, and their home was here for several years. During the Civil War Mr. and Mrs. Hollingsworth removed to Minnesota. and the remnant of their days was spent in McLeod County. Mrs. Hollings- worth was in her mnaidenhood Miss Sarah Hearst, of England.
The children born to Mrs, Mitchell were nine in number, and the following lived to manhood and womanhood; Mary, Ansel, Archibald, Nancy. Clinton, Ira and Rietta, all married but Ira, who lives with his mother. Both parents have endeav- ored to govern their lives aright. being members of the Honey Creek Baptist Church, and every possible opportunity was afforded their children to fit themselves for usefulness in the lines of life they adopted. Mr. Mitchell died August 17, 1877.
OHN E. IIART, is a man who bas a reputa- tion in the vicinity in which he lives for a zeal and enthusiasm in whatever he under- takes that usually procures for him the ob- ject for which he is working. Ile is a man in the prime of life with worlds before him to be con- quered, and as he is ambitious and able, doubtless he will attain whatever he desires, be it in mental, moral, or financial standing.
Our subject comes from strong and able families on both sides of the house. His father was John C. Hart who was born in Morgan County this State. His mother was Martha Bull, who was born in North Carolina. They were married in Morgan County, and there settled. From there they came to Macoupin County and located, about 1844, in North Otter Township, where they died during the War of the Rebellion. They left a family of ten children, of whom our subject is the fourth.
Mr. Hart was born in North Otter Township, February 8, 1855. On the death of his parents he went to live in Morgan County with relatives and remained with thein until he reached his majority. Ile soon after married Miss Sarah M. Cherry, their nuptials being celebrated in North Otter Township, June 1, 1876, Mrs. Hart was a daughter of the
late Pleasant Cherry, and was born in North Otter Township. She presented her husband with four children, two dying in infancy. Those living are: Nora A. and Moses A. Mrs. Sarah Hart died February 7, 1883, deeply mourned by her husband and children.
For a second time Mr. Hart united himself in marriage, his choice being Miss Laura Hunt, their wedding taking place in South Otter Township, December 7, 1884. The present wife of. our sub- ject was the daughter of Amiel and Mary J. (Bat- tershell) Hunt, who are residents of South Otter Township. Mrs. Hart was born in Pike County, Ill., September 27, 1865. They have three chil- dren whose names are, Bessie L., John W., and Fred D.
When our subject was first married he lived for a short time in North Otter Township and in 1876, settled on the farm where he now lives. He owns two hundred and nineteen acres of good arable land which is in a fine state of cultivation. Good buildings have been erected thereon and the neat- ness and taste with which they are kept up speak well for their owner. Mr. IIunt is a successful and progressive farmer.
Our subject affiliates with the Democratic party giving them the weight of his vote and influence. Ile has held several positions of trust in the gift of the county, having been Highway Commissioner and School Trustee.
C HARLES II. KLAUENBERG, druggist at Carlinville, is one of the popular and enter- prising young business men of this county. Ile is a native of this city, and a son of Charles Klauenberg, one of its former well-known residents. " Ilis father was born in Grossen Flocthe, Hanover, Germany, in June, 1829. Ile in turn was a son of Conrad Klauenberg, who was born in the same lo- cality, as was also his father, whose given name was David, who was a farmer, and a life-long resident of his birthplace. The grandfather of our subject was a stone and plaster mason by trade, and carried on his occupation in the Old Country until 1854,
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when he emigrated to America, and coming to this county made his home in Carlinville his remaining days, following his trade during his active life.
The father of our subject attended school steadily in his native town until he was eighteen years old, thus obtaining a good education. lle then learned the trade of a barber, and as was the custom used to practice as a surgeon in connection with his calling. In 1852 he came to this country, and for a time was a resident of New Orleans, whence he came to Carlinville in the spring of 1853. Carlinville was then bus a small place, and the business as a barber that he established here grew with the growth of the village. In 1854 he had made money enough to warrant him in purchasing a lot on West Main Street,the same that our subject now occupies, and here he erected the first building ever put upon the street, the city jail excepted. Ile had started with one chair, but his business in- creased and he put in another chair, and soon bought a stock of cigars.
In 1861 he turned his attention to the drug busi ness, which he carried on successfully until his death in 1873. During his many years residence in this city, he had won his way to an honorable place among the solid business men, and there were none more worthy of respect than he. He was a single man when he came here, but he soon met and wooed for his wife Miss Catherine Zengle, a native of Marjoss, Hesse-Cassel, Germany. She came to America when a young lady, bravely setting out in the wide world alone, unaccompanied by any of her friends or relatives. She landed at St. Louis with but a few dollars in her pocket, and there she married Mr. Klauenberg, and proved herself a worthy helpmate and truc wife. She died in 1888. She was the mother of two children, Lillie and our subject. Liltie is the wife of II. A. Steinmeyer.
Charles Klauenberg gained the preliminaries of his education in the city schools, and at the age of fourteen entered Blackburn University, where he pursued a fine course of study. When not in school he assisted his father, and at the age of seventeen commenced business for himself, and has been ac- tively engaged since that time, with the exception of three years when he was in ill health. During that time his building was burned, and he erected
the two story brick that he now occupies on the spot where his father first built. Ilis store is neatly and tastefully fitted up, and he carries a full stock of drugs, stationery, school books, etc., and com- mands an extensive trade.
Mr. Klauenberg and Miss Maggie Winter were married in June, 1876. Mrs. Klauenberg is a na- tive of Keyport. N. J., and is a daughter of Conrad and Mergerch Winter,natives respectively of Ger- many and Ireland. Our subject and his wife have two children living, Leo and Grace. Nellie, their second child, died at the age of two years.
Our subject is wide-awake and progressive, and is an important factor in helping to carry forward the business interests of his native city. Ile is a man of social prominence, and is a member of the following organizations: was charter member of Orient Lodge, No. 95, K. of P .; Silver Lodge, No. 924, K, of II .; and belongs to the camp of Modern Woodmen of America.
ILLIAM N. BUDD. It is always pleasant to record the success attending upon the efforts of an intelligent and energetic man. One of the most successful business men in Bunker Ilill Township is William N. Budd. He was born of English parents in Brighton Township, this county, in the year 1853. Ile has lived for the greater part of his life in the county with the ex- ception of four years, when he enjoyed the unu- sual advantage of school life in an English university town. He is the owner of the leading drug house in Bunker Ilill. This business was originally established in the fall of 1874 under the firm title of Budd Bros., succeeding that of Dr. S. F. Hale, who had conducted the business for twelve years prior to this time. In July, 1889 our sub- ject hought out the brother's interest since which time he has conducted the business single handed. Mr. Budd has a large and fine assortment of drugs, school books, stationery, paints, oils, perfumes and toilet articles. Ile is indefatigable in his attention and efforts in a business way.
Mr. Budd's wife was Mrs. Julia B. Dorsey, nee
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Hornsby, daughter of one of the prominent phy- sicians and old settlers, who is still living in this place. Mrs. Budd's family is from old Kentucky, that land of fine horses, Bourbon whisky and beau- tiful women. She was reared, however, in this county. By her former marriage she has one daughter, Lydia C. Dorsey. Socially, Mrs. Budd holds a place among the most prominent ladies of the city. She is a well-educated and charming woman, presiding with grace and dignity over the beautiful home that her husband has built in Bunker Hill. It is one of the finest restiences in the city, a two-story briek, with wide verandas and all the modern conveniences that the present style of liv . ing demands. A beautiful lawn stretches away in front of the house and is gay with many colored flowers.
Mr. and Mrs. Budd are prominent members of the Episcopal Church of which they are liberal sup- porters. Our subject has been Junior Warden of his church for some years. In politics he is a sound Democrat and in 1884 was elected the Col- lector of the Township. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Charter Oak Lodge, No. 251 and of the Encampment, Barry Lodge, No. 51, both of Bunker Hill. Mr. Budd has been honored by being elected successively to the Chair of each of the orders.
G EORGE VANIMAN. Broad-minded and intelligent men who can take a just view of the possibilities of their section of country, and who are intelligent enough to work from the outset for those principles which will tend to the ultimate prosperity of the State, are of great value in any community. Such men are public-spirited enough to lay aside petty differences and be willing to adjust matters upon a sound basis which will be for the good of all, and they thus work most effec. tively for the benefit of the section of country in which they make their homes.
Such a man is George Vaniman, who resides on section 16, Virden Township, the son of Jacob Vaniman, a Pennsylvanian, and Mary Bowman, a
native of Ohio. These parents settled in Mont- gomery County, Ohio, and it became their home through life. They carefully brought up and edu - cated to the best of their ability the nine children who were granted to them, and the fourth among that number was our subject, who was born Octo- ber 18, 1832, in Montgomery County, Ohio. There he was reared to a sturdy and efficient manhood, and there he continued to live until the spring of 1866, when he came to this county and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of riel and fertile soil, situated in Girard and Virden Townships. His life.training and life work have been upon the farm with the exception of about three or four years, when he was engaged in milling in Montgomery County, Ohio. With general farming he has also devoted himself largely to stock-raising.
The happy marriage of George Vaniman and Louisa Decker, was celebrated in Goshen, Ind., early in the summer of 1864. The bride is a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Alwine) Decker, who made their home in Elkhart County, Ind., and there spent their later years. Their daughter, Louisa was born near Johnstown, Pa., April 26, 1843.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Vaniman lived upon the old home farm in Montgomery County, , Ohio, until 1866, when they came to Macoupin County. Upon their beautiful farm they have an excellent set of farm buildings, most of which Mr. Vaniman has placed there. These are not only pleasing to the eye, but most conveniently arranged and well adapted to the purposes for which they are intended. The house is an attractive one, the barns are first-class, and the smaller buildings are snug and comfortable.
Four sturdy sons have come to Mr. and Mrs. Vaniman, whom they have trained carefully through their childhood years, and upon whom they may well hope to lean when they have to go down the shady side of life. They are: Chester C., Eliner E., Calvin and Vernon. Chester C. is a teaelier of mu- sie in Indiana, where he is making his mark among the young professional men of the day; Elmer is still a student, and a bright and capable one, in McPherson College at MePherson, Kan .; Calvin and Vernon are still at home under the parental roof, and are carrying on their education in the
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local schools. The office of Highway Commis- sioner is one which Mr. Vaniman has filled well and acceptably, and much to the gratification of his neighbors. Perhaps few men have more fully the solid endorsement of their fellow-citizens than this able and public-spirited man.
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S EPTIMUS S. WOODWARD. One of the successful business establishments in Carlin- ville is that of which Mr. Woodward is is President, It is the S. S. Woodward Hardware Company, well stocked with a carefully- selected assortment of goods, and business there is conducted according to honorable methods and straightforward principles. The store is well-known to all who trade in Carlinville, as it has been estal)- lished sinee in 1861, and the proprietor can look back over a successful career. Mr. Woodward is a Kentuckian by birth but has lived in this State since his infancy and has no recollection of his birthplace. Ilis natal day was January 28, 1833, and his parents were llenry and Mary (Bell) Woodward. Both were born in Kentucky and the mother died in Winchester, Scott County, in 1849. The father closed his eyes in death in 1853, in Pittsfield, Pike County, this State, where he was engaged in the grocery trade. The father was one of the pioneers of that county and until 1842 was engaged in farming, first near Griggsville and later at Winchester. He also gave some attention to the trade of a tobacconist, which he had learned in his native State.
As the parents of our subject were in limited circumstances it was necessary for the lad to aid in the support of the family as soon as he was strong enough. He worked on the farm until he was six- teen years old, then began working out by the day, receiving seventy-five cents and boarding himself. After spending a year in this manner he became an apprentice at the tinner's trade in Winchester. After a few months he changed to Naples, where he completed a three years' apprenticeship, receiv- ing bis board and $35 the first year, and each suc- ceeding year 85 more than the last. He clothed
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