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 70
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County, whence he removed to Staunton, Macoupin County, in October, 1861. He at once opened an office in that place and soon built up a large and lucrative practice. In connection with his profes- sion he carried on a fine drug store, which is known as the Palace Drug Store and also did a successful business in that line, becoming one of the substan- tial citizens of the community.
Dr. George Bley married Elizabeth W. Davis, of Philadelphia, who was a native of Pennsylvania and of English descent. Their marriage was cele- brated October 1, 1845, and the lady is still living at a ripe old age in Staunton. Their family num- bered six children-Nellie, wife of D. C. Wurtz of Jerseyville, Ill. ; Lizzie W., wife of Thomas Blair, Postmaster of Staunton: David, a physician and surgeon of Staunton; George who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Beardstown ; Robert E. of this sketch ; and Mary L., wife of Dr. C. T. Dripps, a successful physician of Staunton. The father of this family was a member of the Presby- terian Church as is also his wife.
Dr. Robert Bley was only three years of age when he came to Illinois and since he was a lad of six summers has resided in Maconpin County. llis education was acquired in the public schools and when a youth he entered the Palace Drug Store, owned by his father, where he continued 10 act as one of its managers until 1882 when the store was purchased by Buchheit & Westemeyer. The love of the medical profession seemed inbred into him and after studying with his father he en- tered Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in the Class of '77. He at once embarked upon the practice of his chosen profession and in order to keep abreast of the times has since returned to Philadelphia, where for about a year he made a specialty of the study of those diseases which do not come within the range of general practice. His practice is a large and lucrative one. He makes his work a life study and his reputation is justly deserved.
While residing in Staunton, Dr. Bley was united in marriage with Miss Mamie L. Hall of St. Louis, Mo., who was born in Pike County, that State, March 11, 1859. Their union has been blessed with one child -- Robert E., a bright child of three
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years. The Doctor is a member of Bunker Hill Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M., of which he is now junior warden and also belongs to Charter Oak Lodge, No. 258, I. O. O. F. of Bunker Ilill. An enterprising and progressive citizen, he takes an active part in everything pertaining to the ad- vancement and welfare of the community and is esteemed by all who know him as a man of sterling worth and integrity.
M AHLON ROSS, of the firm of Ross & Ross attorneys-at-law, Virden, is not only one of the leading members of the bar in this section of the State, but he is prominent as a public-spirited citizen and an able business' man, whose name is associated with various enterprises that have furthered the best interests of the county. Mr. Ross was born on a farm in Sandy Creek Town- ship, Mercer County, Pa., November 12, 1821. His father, Edward C. Ross, was a native of New Jersey and he was a son of Edward Ross, who was also born in that State. He was there reared and married, and subsequently went to Pennsylvania, where he became an early settler of Washington County. He lived there for a number of years, but the latter part of his life was passed in Mercer County with his son.
The father of our subject grew to manhood in Washington County and was there married at the age of twenty-eight years. After that important event in his life he removed to Mercer County and was a pioneer of Sandy Creek Township, where he purchased two hundred acres of forest land. He erected a log house and in that primitive dwelling his son, of whom we write, was born. The father labored incessantly to clear his land and in due time had improved a good-sized farm. He planted an orchard and erected a cider-mill, which, so far as known, is standing yet, a relic of the past. While a resident there he served as a soldier in the War of 1812. In 1835 he sold his property in that locality and crossing the boundary line into Ohio with teams, he cast his lot with the pioneers of Delaware County, buying land near Delaware.
Ile built an addition to the log cabin that stood on the place, erected a log barn and was engaged in making further improvements, when his busy life was cut short in June, 1836, by his untimely death at the age of fifty-two years, when scarcely past his prime.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Mary Axtel, and she was a native of Washing- ton County, Pa., a daughter of Luther and Ilannah (Conduit) Axtel. By the sad death of the father the mother was left with a large family to care for and nobly did she perform her task. She reared nine of her ten children to maturity and to honor- able lives. The family remained on the home farm in Delaware County until 1839, when they sold the place and removed to the Territory of lowa, making the removal with teams. At that time Illinois was still mostly owned by the Gov- ernment and its fertile land was for sale at a low price. But the Rosses would not settle here on ac- count of the excessive tax incurred by the build- ing of the canal. The mother made a claim to a tract of Government land in Linn County, Iowa, a mile and a half from Marion, and when the land came into the market entered it at the land office. The surrounding country was in a wild, sparsely- settled condition ; there were no railways for some years and Muscatine, sixty-five miles away, was the nearest town to which the pioneers could go to mar- ket their produce or procure supplies. Mrs. Ross in due time had a comfortable home, ber children attended diligently to improving the farm and there her life was closed in death in 1846.
Mahlon Ross was in his eighteenth year when the family went to Iowa. At that time Linn County was on the Western frontier and deer, ante- lopes and buffaloes roamed over the prairies in the western part of the State. Our subject witnessed much of the growth of the country from its prime- val wildness and he can well remember shucking corn on the present site of the most densely-settled part of Cedar Rapids. He carried the chain in the survey of the Territorial road that led through Marion from Davenport to Iowa City, the survey being made in 1840. There was then but one building where Cedar Rapids now is and that was a log cabin owned by a man named Shepard, who
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was holding the land as a claim. Three men of the names of Green, Roach and Brown, bought the claim of Mr. Shepard and laid out the town of Ce- dar Rapids, which is now a flourishing city.
Mr. Ross laid the foundations of a sound educa- tion in the pioneer schools of Pennsylvania and Ohio, which were conducted on the subscription plan in log houses that were furnished with slab benches and had greased paper windows. In 1842 he went to Quincy to enter Mission Institute, a Presbyterian school, and was a student therein four years. After leaving school he utilized his educa- tion for a while by teaching, making that vocation a stepping stone to the legal profession, as so many of our famous lawyers and statesmen have done. Ile taught one summer in Missouri, and then com- ing to Illinois, had charge of a school at Bluffdale, Green County, one winter. In the meantime he had studied law and in 1850 he was admitted to the bar. He opened an office in Hardin, Calhoun County, whence he went to Carrollton, where he engaged at his calling one year. In 1854 he came lo Virden and has ever since been in active prac- tice in this city. He has risen to prominence in his profession by the exercise of his talents and by pur- suing only the most honorable methods, and his numerous clients place the most implicit confidence in him, feeling that their affairs are safe in his hands.
Mr. Ross was united in marriage to Miss Harriet E. M. Roberts, in 1857, and their home is among the most attractive in Virden. Mrs. Ross is a na- tive of Kirtland, Ashtabula County, Ohio, born June 27, 1825, a daughter of Joel and Tabitha (Fellows) Roberts. Her father was a native of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have two children, Alva and Ellie. Alva received his early education in the public schools of Virden. He became a stu- dent at Jacksonville Business College, where he pursued an excellent course, and after that he en- tered the Law Department of the Northwestern University at Chicago, from which he was gradu- ated in 1890. In June of that year he was ad- mitted to the bar and commenced practice with his father. He is a member of the Phi Delta Phi, and he has a bright and promising future before him in his profession.
A man of ripe intellect, of a clear and vigorous
mind and broad outlook, with a keen understanding of all subjects of public import, Mr. Ross wields an unmistakable influence on the social and civic life of his community. He ranks high as a lawyer of stainless character. who possesses the courage of his convictions and is fearless in their expression, botli with tongue and pen. He is very liberal in his religious views and is the author of a thoughtful and well-written work entitled, "The Substantial Theology," which is a valuable contribution to the literature of modern Christianity and has received favorable comment from the leaders of the liberal movement in religion.
Our subject is honored and trusted by his fellow- citizens, who know Inm as a wise and able counsel- lor, who is pure, honest and perfectly upright in his life and they have often elected him to responsible positions. While a resident of Carrollton he was elected Justice of the Peace, and he has held the same office at Virden three terms. He has served one term as Police Magistrate of the city and six terms as City Attorney and he has also been Presi- dent of the Village Board.
ENRY LEMONS. The honest and industri- ous class of agriculturists form the bone and sinew from which the body politic is made. This is the element upon which we must depend not only for a healthful growth in country communities but also for the best material of which our great financiers are to be made. A city which depends upon a prosperous and virtuous farming community has before it years of prosperity, while it would sink into hopeless disaster without that r source from which to draw. We therefore take great pleasure in describing the homes and lives of the sturdy agriculturists who make up the bulk of the community in the country.
Our subject, a well-known farmer and a stock- raiser of Girard, was born in the city of St. Louis, Mo., February 1, 1852. At the age of seven years he went to reside with the family of Mrs. W. C. Roach, who was then residing on a farm near Carl- inville, and here the boy grew to manhood, gain-
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY CE !".
t
JAMES P. PEARSON.
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ing his education at the district schools and learn- ing the minutia and drill of farm life. He lived witlı Mrs. Roacli until he reached the age of fifteen years and then worked by the month on a farm for Mr. Thacker, of Nilwood Township, continuing working for him until he obtained a home of his own.
The marriage of Henry Lemons and Mary Etta Roach was solemnized in 1877. She lived in Girard and was a daughter of John F. and Martha II. (Cherry) Roach. After marriage the young couple went to housekeeping upon a farm belonging to Mrs. Lemons' father, and there they made a happy home until 1881,carrying on the farm and devoting their attention also to the raising of good grades of stock. When they removed from that farm they set- tled upon one hundred and seven acres, two and one- half miles northwest of Girard which still consti- tutes the bome farm. To this worthy couple five children were granted, namely: Ethel, John R., Henry McCoy, Calvin C. and Roscoe Harrison.
Mr. Lemons takes a lively interest in political movements and his convictions have led him to ally himself with the Republican party. He is well- read and intelligent in regard to the history of the party and honors its leaders, as is shown by his bestowing the names of the two most prominent leaders of that party upon his youngest son. He is an earnest and active member of the Baptist Church, in which he finds a broad field of influence and effort. Ilis wife is connected with the Pres- byterian Church, and unites her labors with those of her fellow. members to forward its interests, and do worthy work for the Master.
AMES P. PEARSON. Among the honor- ed pioneers of Macoupin County, where he located in 1835, was the gentleman whose portrait accompanies this sketch. He was accounted one of the best citizens of the commu- nity and his death was deeply mourned by many friends. The record of his life is as follows: lle was born in Yorkshire, England, March 29, 1816, and was still a young lad at the time of liis father's
death. With his mother and stepfather he crossed the Atlantic to America, the family settling m Ohio, where our subject was reared to manliood. On coming to Illinois he settled in Macoupin County, in 1835, where he secured a wild and un- broken tract of land upon which not a furrow had been turned and began the development and im- provement of a farm.
Not long after this Mr. Pearson led to the mar- riage altar Tabitha Gwin, a native of Tennessee, born near Nashville. Her parents, Elias and Tabi- tha ( Weatherford) Gwin, were natives of Southi Carolina and Kentucky respectively and were married in Middle Tennessee, where they began life upon a farm. The wife and mother died in that locality, after which Mr. Gwin with his family of ten sons and daughters left Tennessee in 1830 and emigrated westward to Macoupin County, Ill., where he spent the remainder of his life. Ile was born September 11, 1783, and died April 5, 1853. In polities he was a life-long Democrat and in rel- igious belief was a Methodist.
Mr. and Mrs. Pearson were married in 1837, and after a happy wedded life of eleven years the wife was called to her final rest. At her death she left six children, two of whom have since died, namely: Elizabeth, wife of Franklin Jolinson and Elias who died in boyhood. Rebecca is now the wife of Edward Huddleston, a resident of Kansas City, Mo. ; Martha A. is the widow of Nelson Pope and also makes her home in Kansas City; Mary is the wife of Robert Drury, who is living on a farm in Brushy Mound Township; James M., who mar- ried Susie Rose, is the youngest of the family and ocenpies the old Pearson homestead.
The mother of this family was a noble woman and a member of the Methodist Church. For a second wife Mr. Pearson wedded Mrs. Rebecca (Gwin) Little, their union being celebrated in 1859. She was born near Nashville, Tenn., Janu- ary 15, 1808, and is a sister of the first wife. Soon after her father came to this State she was married November 23, 1831, to William Little, the mar- riage taking place in Mt. Vernon. He survived less than four years, dying March 15, 1835, in this county, in the prime of life. Two children were born of that marriage, but Margaret, wife of Hus-
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ton Mayberry, is now deceased. James, the son, follows farming in Orgeon. He wedded Hannah Fay, who is now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pearson was born a daughter, Tabitha, who died at the age of seven years.
The subject of this sketch followed farming on the first land which he purchased for some years, but in 1850 removed to what is known as the Pear- son homestead on section 3, Gillespie Township. His land he soon placed under the plow and as the result of his industry and enterprise his farm soon beeame one of the best in that locality, three hund- red aeres of highly improved land paying a golden tribute to his care and cultivation. He died at the old home on March 27, 1890, at the age of seventy-four years; in his death the county lost one of its best citizens, his neighbors a kind friend and his family a loving and faithful husband and father. Mrs. Pearson still survives her husband and is one of those old ladies whom every one loves for her kindness, charity and many excel- lencies of character. She is a sincere Christian woman and a faithful member of the Methodist Church.
ONATHAN L. WOOD. The late Jonathan L. Wood had many acquaintances in this and the adjoining counties, as he had lived here for many years and was one of the pio- neers of Bunker Hill Township. He was horn in Washington County, Tenn., January 18, 1803, and was past two years old when his parents re- moved to Kentucky. Our subjeet was a son of Thomas and Mary ( Bayless) Wood who were na- tives respectively of Virginia and probably Ten- nessee or North Carolina. Hle grew to manhood there and learned what is necessary to promote the interests of an agrieulturist, together with the principles on which to base his conduct. He also learned the trade of a wagon-maker, and thus gained a thorough equipment for the battle of life. In 1829 he eame to this State with a cousin, Thomas Wood, and in March of that year located in Madi- son County, and in a short time was engaged as a
journey man in Edwardsville. He followed his trade for eight years and later learned that of a mill- wright under "Boss" Lineoln, a prominent worker in that line. He was in the employ of that gentle- man eight years, during which period they put up large flouring mills at Hillsboro, Naples, Beards- town, Alton and other places.
As carly as 1830 Mr. Wood entered some Gov- ernment land in Maeoupin County and he finally turned his attention to farming here. The house that he built on the farm and his first habitation is still in good shape, but it is preserved only as a land-mark of former days. Mr. Wood acquired a good property, consisting of about three hundred acres, most of which he himself placed under im- provement. He lived here honored and respected until November 20, 1887, when he was called from time to eternity. When the Republican party was organized he was in sympathy with the movement and he helped to organize it in this section, going as a delegate to the first convention. He was always opposed to any form of human slavery and was a sineere believer in the rights of all men to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." He was one of the first three School Trustees in Bunker Hill Township and in faet was one who organized this division of the county. His religious home was in the Baptist Church.
In Madison County, this State, the marriage of Mr. Wood and Miss Aurora B. Foster, was solemn- ized. The bride was born in Maine, September 5, 1811, and was descended from an old Massaeliuseits family. Her parents Oliver and Hannah (Eldred) Foster left their native State in 1818, and started west, stopping for a time in Pennsylvania and thence coming down the Ohio River to Shawnee- town, where they landed about January 1, 1819. February 22 they passed Edwardsville for Alton and in 1826 they removed out on a farm in Madison County. There was an immense amount of wild game in the section, in which Mr. and Mrs. Foster were among the earliest settlers. They lived to be very aged and were widely known as the oldest pioneers of Southern Illinois, having outlived all others who had come hither as early as they.
Mrs. Wood was carefully reared, and having naturally fine traits of mind and character, she be-
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came a noble woman and for well nigh half a cen- tury was a true wife to her husband. She has been devoted to her children, of whom she has two liv- ing and has lost three. Oliver P. died in infancy, Hannah M. when eight years old, and Fred F. was cut down in early manhood, when twenty-two years old. The surviving members of the family are Reuben O. and Thomas G. They are partners in business and occupy the undivided homestead in which they have an equal interest. Reuben O. married Jenny Howell of Bunker Hill Township, but has no children; Thomas G. married Margaret Rinker of Madison County and they have four children-Hannah M. L., Fred R., Edna and Inez. Mis. Wood, widow of our subject, is living in Woodburn. She is a consistent member of the Baptist Church and has many warm friends.
BRAHAM FREY, who is now acting in the capacity of County Treasurer. has been variously occupied since he set up his home in this part of America. He was born in the village of Oggersheim in Bavaria, Germany, August 8, 1833. His father, Jacob Wilhelm Frey. was born in Donnast and learned the trade of a butcher, which be followed a part of each year, devoting the rest of his time to farming. In April, 1847, he took passage at Manheim on a steamer for Havre and then embarked on a sail vessel, landing at New Orleans after an ocean voy- age of sixty-two days. He was accompanied by his wife and five children, the eldest being the sub- ject of this sketch. From New Orleans they came up to St. Louis, where the mother died ten days later. The father eame to Staunton, this county, and leaving his children in care of their maternal uncles, Jacob and John Hausam, went to look for work. It was not long ere he fell ill and died, leaving his children orphaned in a strange land.
Abraham Frey at once sel about earning his own living and first found employment on a farm at 84 per month. He spent two years at this work and then began to learn the trade of a harness- maker and served an apprenticeship of two years
and a half in Alton. He then returned to farm- ing, at which he worked industriously until the war began, when he resumed his trade in Staunton. Hle did journey work two years, then engaged in business for himself at Gillespie, which was his home until the fall of 1890. Since that time he has been living in Carlinville, to whichi place lis reputation had preceded him.
The wife of Mr. Frey was known in her girlhood as Armindy Grant. She was born in Madison County, this State, in 1843, and is a daughter of Thomas Grant, who is numbered among the pion- cers of that county. She entered upon the duties of wifehood in 1864 and has been faithful to the obligations which she then assumed. Her home has been brightened by the presence of five child- ren, whose respective names are Emma, Edward, Charlie, Lewis and David, Mr. Frey belongs to the Democratic party. He is identified with Gill- espie Lodge, No. 214, F. & A. M .; and with Lodge, No. 220, 1. O. O. F. His thorough honesty and interest in the financial condition of the county led to his candidacy for County Treasurer and to his election to that responsible office.
b ENRY SNELL is one of the sagacious, skillful farmers who are actively helping to carry on the agricultural interests of this county, and he is the fortunate proprietor of a fine prairie farm, comprising the northeast quarter of section 28, Girard Township. In Bethel Township, Miami County, Ohio. he first opened his eyes to the light of the world June 18, 1836, in the pioneer log house that was the home of his par- ents, Jacob and Barbara (Harshbarger) Snell. His father, who was born in Rockingham County, Va., in 1806, was reared in his native county, and there carried on his trade as a carpenter in connection with farming until his removal in 1831 to Ohio, the journey being made with teams. He bought a tract of land in Bethel Township, on which stood a log house, in which he and his family took up their abode. In the intervals of pursuing his trade he gave his attention to improving a farm, and in-
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creased its size by the purchase of land adjoining. He lived there in peace and comfort, respected by all who knew him, until death called him hence in 1855 when he was scarcely past the meridian of life. Ilis wife, who was a native of the same county as himself, and was a daughter of Henry and Eliza- beth Marshbarger, also died on the home farm, her death occurring in December, 1860. They reared a family of five children, named as follows: John, Elizabeth, Henry and Susan (twins) and Annie.
Our subject began to assist his father on the farm as soon as he could make himself useful. Ilis edu- cation was conducted in the local public schools. Hle remained with his parents until their death, and after that purchased the old homestead, which he occupied until 1864; be sold it then and bought a mill in the same township, which he operated until 1867. In that year, wishing to resume farming, and feeling satisfied that this county offered him better chances of profit than the more worn soil of his native State, he took up his residence in North Otter Township on a farm that he bought. Eigh- teen months later he sold that and bought the place upon which he has since lived in Girard Township. Its fields and pastures are very fertile and are un- der careful cultivation, while substanial buildings adorn the place, which bears every indication of a thrifty, energetic and capable manager at the head of affairs.
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