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 73
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A family of six children mourn their father loss. They are: respectively: Frank B., Henry Sty tionary War Hugh Baird served as a faithful mem- Amanda A., Anna M., Jacob and Carrie E. At the ber of the Colonial Army and participated in many hard fought engagements. His death occurred in South Carolina. after which his widow with her ! youngest son, James Baird, emigrated to Randolph County, Ilt., where she died when past the age of eighty years. She was a member of the Covenan- ters' Church, as was also her husband. time of his death the subject of this sketch was the proprietor of two hundred and twenty acres which has since been operated by Mrs. Huber and ber sons. The widow has always been a miost exemplary wife and mother. While her maternal instincts have been in the ascendant. since her hus- band's death she has shown a capacity for business; that is unusual among her sex. She is the wise counselor to whom her sons refer on all occasions. :
The father of our subject was Henry By Ile was a native of Pennsylvania and dient- Clarke County, Ohio. His mother was Elizabet (Shank ) Iluber, also a native of Pennsylvania, a49 like her husband passed away in Clarke Coli Ohio. Mrs. Huber's parent's were Jacob Snell, Barbara (Harchberger) Snell. The former wa born in Virginia as was also the latter. They set- tled near the line of Clarke and Montgomery Coun- ties at an early day and after a life spent in use- fulness and industry they died at that place.
Mr. F. B. Iluber the son of our subject nov operates the farm and keeps it in most excelle order. The buildings are in good repair. Tl:
residence is attractive and well arranged. The farming implements are of the latest improvements and everything about the place indicates a thought- ful oversight that has insured success in the line which he has chosen.
ILLIAN BAIRD is the owner of a fine and well-improved farm of eiglity aeres sit- uated on sections 21 and 22, Bunker Hill Township, where he has resided since 1864. He has made his home in the county since 1846, com- ing here from Crittenden County, Ky., where he was born on the 22d of July, 1823. Ilis father Simon Baird, was a native of South Carolina and his parents, Hugh and Mary (Gibson) Baird, were born on the Green Isle of Erin. When young they crossed the Atlantic to America and were married in South Carolina, where for many years they made their home. In the Revolu-
Simon Baird, father of our subject, was the eld- est of three sons, and he and his brothers, John and James, are all now deceased. In the usual manner of farmer lads he was reared to manhood and when he had attained to mature years he was married in South Carolina, where his first wife died. Subse- quently he emigrated to Kentucky, where he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Mrs. Sarah ( Masters) Bracy, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Jesse Masters. Her father was a Frenchman, her mother born in New Jersey; some years after the marriage, they, with their children, joined a colony of about sixty people who in a very early day emigrated Westward and settled in New Madrid County, Mo. A few years later Mr. and Mrs. Masters died there at a ripe old age. It was in New Madrid County that Miss Sarah Masters grew
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to womanhood and married Solomon Bracy, with whom she afterward removed to Kentucky, settl- ing in Crittenden County. Her husband died leny- ing four children and in a subsequent year she be- came the wife of Simon Baird, by whom she had three children : James, who resides in Talmadge, Mo., at the age of seventy years; William, of this sketch; and Samuel who resides on a farm near Plainview. He is married and has two children. The year 1846 witnessed the arrival of Simon Baird and his family in Woodburn, Macoupin County, Ill., where the husband and father spent the re- mainder of his days. He died at the home of subject at the age of seventy-seven yearse Baird survived her husband some time and tto live with her son James in Madison Countyar here she died when passed the age of three score ars and ten. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bird were mem' :, of the Methodist Church and were highly respected" people whose death was sincerely mourned by many- friends.
Not unlike the manner in which farmer lad Ais- ually pass their time, William Baird spent his boy- hood days. He was a young man of twenty vo years when he came to Macoupin County, and an. der the parental roof he remained until his marriage, which was celebrated November 14, 1850, when Miss Abigail Jones became his wife. She is a na- tive of Bunker Hill Township, and was born April 13, 1831, on a farm which she now owns. Her par- ents, Simon and Dorothy (Starkey ) Jones, were both born in Madison County where they res: led until after their marriage, when they removed to Macoupin County, here making their home ur ! called to the home beyond. Mr. Jones, who wa. born in 1811, and was of Welsh descent, passed way in 1850. His wife who was born in 1812, di . at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Baird, on the I of September, 1889, in the faitli of the Bapt&t Church to which her husband also belongs. Th v were parents of ten children, six of whom are yet living and are married and have families.
Mrs. Baird is the eldest of the family and in this county has spent her entire life. Eight children graced the union of our subject and his worthy wife, but they lost four. The living are Elizabeth F., wife of Charles Wayne, who resides on a farm
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in Morgan County, Ill .; Joseph G. who married Miss Cornelia A. Adams and is living in Dorsey Station, Madison County, where he follows farming ; Emily A. at home; and Charles A. who wedded Miss Minnie L. Adams, who died eleven months after her marriage. Edward C. died at the age of three years; Amanda J. at the age of three years; Ada F. at the age of thirteen ; and Jesse F. was killed by a bolt of lightning when a lad of fifteen years.
Mr. Baird, his wife and children are all members of the Missionary Baptist Church of Bunker Hill, and are worthy and respected citizens of this com- munity, having many warm friends throughout the surrounding county. HIe and all of his sons are Democrats. llis life work has been farming which he has followed with good success. Until re- cently he was owner of two hundred acres of fine land but a short time since disposed of one hun- dred and twenty aeres.
lle has a pleasant home, good barn, the largest improved machinery and all other conveniences of the model farm and his well tilled fields give evi- dence of the care and management of a thrifty and industrious owner.
C APT. J. F. CUMMINGS is one of the prom- inent business men and leading citizens of Bunker Hill. He is the present Notary Publie and Justice of the Peace and has a large business as an insurance agent, being connected with a number of the old aud tried lines of life and fire insurance. With the business interests of this place he has been connected since 1855, and is one of the most widely known residents of this community.
The Captain was born in Ilillsborough County, N. H., January 16, 1835, and is a son of Samuel and Hannah (Giddings) Cummings, who when our subjeet was a lad of ten years removed from the Granite State to Lawrence, Mass., where the father died at the age of seventy-seven years. Ilis wife is still living and is yet, a resident of Lawrence. She has been a life-long member of the Con grega-
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tional Church and is a consistent Christian woman who has won the love of all who know her. In the family were five children two of whom are now living. Our subject was educated in the city schools of Lawrence and on attaining his majority was united in marriage with llarriet Silver, a na- tive of the Green Mountain State, and a member of one of the old Vermont families. Her parents spent their entire lives in Vermont and she was there reared and educated, going to Massachusetts only a few years prior to her marriage. By their union have been born five children, but three are now deceased-Frank W. and Fred W., twins. who died in childhood; and Mattie, who died at the age of two years. The living are George W., who married Harriet Bishop and resides in Bunker Hill, but is a commercial traveler for a wholesale hard- ware house of St. Louis, Mo ; and Allison L., who is employed as a salesman in the leading drug store of Bunker Hill.
Mr. Cummings was one of the boys in blue of the late war. In response of the first call of Pres- ident Lincoln for seventy-five thousand troops to serve three months, he with others who had been organized as a local State militia company voted to enter the service and were assigned to Company F, Seventh Ilinois Infantry. Mr. Cummings was Captain of the militia and held the same relation with Company F. This was really the first regi . ment organized in Illinois, for the first six regi- ments were formed of regular troops who had served in the Mexican War. The Seventh Ilinois Infantry were first sent to Alton, four weeks later to Cairo and afterward to Mound City but en- gaged in no battles until after the expiration of the three months' term. Mr. Cummings again en- listed at the second call for three years' men and was once more made captain of his old company. With his command he was sent to the Army of the West, serving under Gen. Prentice and later under Gen. Grant. He participated in many hard fought battles, including those of Ft. Donelson, Ft. Henry and Shiloh. Just after the battle of Shiloh his resignation was received on account of sickness. Ile was one of the most faithful of the Union sol- diers, beloved alike by his superior officers and the men whom he commanded. He made for himself
a war record of which he may well be proud and is now an honored member of Dan Messick Post, No. 339, G. A. R., of Carlinville, and is a member and Secretary of the Union Veteran Union.
In addition to his business interests already men- tioned Capt. Cummings is also connected with va- rious other industries and enterprises. He is Sec- retary of the Bunker Hill Nail Company, which was recently organized and is also one of the stock- holders. He is Secretary of the Building, Loan and Ilomestead Association and is Secretary and Treas- urer of the Bunker Hill Cemetery Association. IIe occupies the position of President of the Library Association, which was organized in 1867, and has filled a number of official positions. Bunker Hill had him for her first Mayor after the first city charter was granted and he was re-elected to the same office but declined to serve longer. Ile was for a number of years Clerk of Bunker Ilill Town - ship, during which time he resided just outside of the city limits, where he made his home for thir- teen years. lle is a stanchi Republican in politics and has frequently served as a delegate to the county and State conventions. Ile is also num- bered among the members of the Masonie Lodge of Bunker Ilill and no enterprise calentated to np- build the community of promote the general wel- fare has failed to receive his hearty support and co- operation. lle ranks among the most promi- nent citizens of this community and his genial manner and accommodating ways have won him many friends who hold him in high regard.
OIIN A. LEE. This prosperous and enter- prising farmer came to Macoupin County in his youth, where he has since lived. He was born January 15, 1846. His parents were George and Mary ( Andas) Lee, botlı natives of Yorkshire, England. They were married in Morgan County, 1H., February 24, 1835. To them were born three daughters and four sons. Mr. Lee, the father, died April 20, 1882, after a resi- dence of twenty-one years in Carlinville Township, to which place he removed after the death of his
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wife, which occurred near Jacksonville, January 8, 1855. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lee worshiped at the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our enbject received a good education, was earn- estly devoted to his studies and was an exemplary young man. Immediately upon leaving school he took up the pursuit of agriculture and at the pres ent time owns, in company with his sister, one hundred acres of valuable land in Carlinville Township.
The birthplace of Jolin A. Lee is identical with that of his brothers and sisters, all having been born in Morgan County. Ill .- Sarah A., born July 12, 1836, died April 10, 1891; Thomas, born July 4, 1838; Elizabeth II., who is the widow of Alfred Killam, was born August 8, 1810; George, Novem- ber 3, 1843; Mary J., December 25, 1849 ; and Will iam H., March 19, 1854. Of the last two, Mary died August 17, 1850, and William H., August 27, 1854. The father of our subject after the death of his first wife was married to Mrs. Sarah (Leach) Killam. After her death he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth ( Plason) Bristow, also deceased.
ILLIAM CHISHOLM is one of the sturdy Scotch-American citizens, who, having made his home in the New World, brought bither with him the habits of industry and frugal- ity and the iron constitution which is the heritage of the Scotch. His father was Robert Chisholm, and his mother, Isabella Patterson. The father was a shepherd by occupation, and lived to complete his ninety-third year. His worthy wife died in her eighty-fourth year.
The subject of this sketch was born in Scotland, September 26, 1820. llere he was reared to man- hood. Through his boyhood he served as a shop- herd boy and herded his sheep. Later he was employed on the public works, and afterward en- gaged in fishing on the coast of Scotland. He re- mained in the Northland until 1848, when he came to America. Ile landed in New Orleans upon In- dependence Day, and made his way to Alton, Ill.,
where he was employed in assisting the civil engi- neers on the Chicago & Alton Railroad. He fol- lowed this line of work for a few months, and then went to Morgan and Sangamon Counties. Here he felt much at home for he found beautiful flocks of sheep awaiting the service of a shearer. At this work he was an expert, and he entered the employ of a sheep farmer for several weeks, clipping some days over one hundred head of sheep. He was also employed upon the farm.
This young man now took to himself a wife in the person of Sarah Killam. The marriage was sol- emnized in Macoupin County, October 24, 1850. The lady was born in Yorkshire, England, Decem . ber 5, 1825. Her father was Samuel and her mother Mary ( Morris) Killam. They emigrated to Macoupin County, and there spent the remainder of their days. Their daughter was about three years old when they came from the old country. The subject of this sketch settled near Chesterfield, this county, and there he lived for about three years. They then made their home on section 7, Carlinville Township, where they have since been residents. The greater part of his life has been oc- cupied in agricultural pursuits.
Mr. Chisholm has a beautiful farm of ninety- four acres, upon which he has made good improve- ments. He is a thorough and progressive farmer, and is ever awake to the interests of the farming community. To him and his intelligent and worthy companion have been given four children, whom they have reared to maturity and launched upon the world. These children have all established homes of their own, and are living lives which are a credit to their parents and a benefit to the com- munity in which they reside. None of them are far removed from their childhood home: Mary A. is the wife of John W. Carson; Isabella is the wife of Henry Foltz; Robert A. married Margaret A. Killam ; and Sarah E. is Mrs. Charles D. Solomon.
The political views of this sturdy Scotchman are expressed in the platform of the Republican party. Hle takes a quiet but intelligent interest in local and national affairs, and is ever ready to cast his ballot for the principles which he endorses, al- though quiet in his defense of them. He has oc- cupied a position upon the School Board, and is
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earnest and aggressive in promoting the educational interests of the community. The Methodist Epis- copal Church is the church of his choice in which both he and Mrs. Chisholm are active and efficient members.
G EORGE OSTERKAMP, a worthy citizen of Honey Point Township, who is prosper- ously pursuing agriculture within its pre- cinets, was born in Hanover, Germany, September 16. 1852. Ile is a son of Ilarmon Osterkamp, who was a native of the same place and was born in the same house that was the birthplace of his father, John Osterkamp. The latter was a farmer by oc- cupation, and with the exception of serving in the French army in 1817, he spent his entire life in the land of his nativity.
The father of our subject was reared and edu- cated in Germany and was there married. In ae- eordance with the laws of the country he joined the army when he was twenty-one years old and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service. In 1864 he came to America, bringing his wife and four sons with him. sailing from Bremer Haven and landing at New York. From that city the family made their way to Al- ton, Ill., where the father found employment on a farm. From there he went to Bond County, where his death took place at a ripe age, in October. 1875, four years after that of his wife.
The parental family included five children- John, George, Harman, Fred and Rachel. George Osterkamp attended school quite constantly before coming to this country. Ile was then a sturdy, self-reliant lad of twelve years, quite capable of supporting himself. He worked out by the month, receiving $10 a month for his wages, and thus con- tinued until his marriage. By that time, as he had been industrious and had wisely saved his earnings, he had the wherewithal to buy a farm and became the proprietor of his present homestead which comprises eighty acres of land in Honey Point Township, on which he resides, and another eighty- acre tract across the road in Cahokia Township. He bas erected a good set of buildings and made
other improvements, and from his well-tilled fields makes a good profit.
In the upbuilding of this comfortable home Mr. Osterkamp has had the assistance of a faithful wife, to whom he was married September 15, 1878. They have four children, of whom the following is the record: Weye was born August 7, 1879; Gratie, April 20, 1882; Mata, July 12, 1884; and Herman, March 18, 1887. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Osterkamp are connected with the Lutheran Church, of which they are exemplary members, and they are in every respect good neighbors and thoroughly Christian people.
Mrs. Osterkamp's maiden name was Mary Weyen. She is a native of this State, born in Madison County. December 10, 1855. She is a daughter of Weye and Mata (Johnson) Weyen. Her father was born in Germany and was a son of Heie Weyen. Ile passed bis early life in the Fatherland and when a young man came to this country. Ile was reared to agricultural pursuits and contin- ned to follow farming while he lived. For a few years he resided in Madison County, IH., and then came to Macoupin County, and settled in Cahokia Township. He was very successful in his business, acquired a large amount of land and assisted his children to homes. His last years were spent in Cahokia Township. His wife survives him and is still living on the home farm. She is also German by birth and is a daughter of John Johnson.
ILLIAM G. ROSS is a son of one of the early pioneers of this county, which has been his home since his earliest recollec- tions, and for many years has been actively identi- . fied with the farming community as a practical, wide-awake agriculturist, owning and oocupying a desirable farm on section 18, South Palmyra Township. Mr Ross was born in Sumner County, Tenn., December 26, 1827. His father. whose given name was Robert, was a native of North Carolina. He was a son of Reuben Ross, who is thought to have been born in Maryland, and was of Scotch antecedents. He went from his native
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State to North Carolina, from there to Tennessee, whence he came to Illinois in 1829, and was one of the carly settlers of Morgan County, where he im- proved a farm, which was his home the rest of his life.
The father of our subject was young when his parents sought the wilds of Tennessee, where he grew to a strong and vigorous manhood. He mar- ried and resided there until 1829, when he too became a pioneer, coming to this State with his wife and three children, making the removal with teams, and camping oy the wayside at noon and night. He first located in Morgan County, and raised a crop. He then came to this county and bought a squatter's claim to a tract of Government land in South Palmyra Township. At that time there were but few white settlers within the county, and the land, which was owned by the Govenn- ment, and has since been sold at priees varying from twelve and a half cents an acre to $1.25 an aere, was chiefly in its primitive condition, while deer, wild turkeys and other kind of game were plentiful and helped to furnish the table of the pioneers with many a good meal, at a time when their fare would otherwise have been seant, as they had to live mostly on what they could raise on their farms. The women spun and wove wool and flax, and made all the cloth in use in their fam- ilies.
Mr. Ross resided on his claim three years, and then sold it, and bought the farm on sections 8 and 9, now owned and occupied by his son in-law, E. W. Richie. He improved the place and resided thereon until he closed his eyes in the dreamless sleep of death. His first wife, the mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Elizabeth How- erton, was born and reared in Tennessee, and died on the home farm in Sonth Palmyra. His second wife was Mary Sanfield, prior to her marriage.
He of whom these lines are chiefly written was hut an infant when he was brought to Illinois by his parents, and he has no remembrance of other than his pioneer home here. Ile attended the primitive schools of those days whenever oppor- tunity offered. The schools were taught on the subscription plan in a log house, furnished with seats made by splitting legs, hewing one side
smooth and using wooden pins for legs. Our sub- jeet was carly taught to make himself useful on the farm, and in time became of great assistance to his father. He continued to make his home with his father the most of the time until he married. In 1848 he engaged with a man to drive a team to Texas, a distance of about nine hundred miles. He passed through the wilds of Missouri and Arkan- sas, and made the journey and return trip in three months.
After he had taken unto himself a wife, in 1862, he settled on a farm in South Palmyra Township, that he had previously bought. He resided there- on one year, and then sold it and returned to the old homestead of his father. Two years later he bought and removed to the place he now occupies on section 18. South Palmyra Township. He has added to his original purchase at different times, and now has two hundred and thirty aeres of val- uable land, the greater part of it tillage and pas- ture land. Here he has a well-ordered farm, amply provided with buildings, and the income that he derives from his well cultivated fields shows that he understands well how to carry on agriculture to a good advantage so as to garner in good harvests.
Our subject is blessed with a wife who is a true helpmate, and does her share in maintaining the prosperity of the family. She was formerly Mary C. Proffitt, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of Daniel and Sarah Proffitt. Her marriage with our subject has brought them eleven children, namely-Sarah F., Robert T., John A., Mary E., James W., Joseph E., Charles A., Abigail J., Julia A., Albert and Morrison R.
AMES A. MCCLURE. The name which beads this sketch is well known among the citizens of this county as being synonymous with honesty, integrity and industry, that of a man who has done his share towards develop- ing the agricultural resources of this section. Though he is living retired from active business in his pleasant home on College Avenue, Carlin -
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ville, he still owns the fine farm of two hundred acres a short distance from the city, which origin- ally belonged to his father.
Mr. MeClure is a native of Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tenn., where his birth took place April 12, 1820. Ilis father, who bore the same name as himself, was born in Augusta County. Va., and was a son of the Rev. Allen MeClure who, so far as is known, was also a Virginian by birth. Ile re- moved from there to Kentucky and was a pioneer of Bourbon County. Ile was a Presbyterian miu- ister and preached in several places, including Paris. His last years were spent in that State.
The father of our subject was very young when his parents took him to Kentucky. He was edu- cated for the ministry, but as he had no taste for the profession did not pursue it. His marriage took place in Jessamine County, Ky., and after that event he removed to Tennessee and engaged in the mercantile business at Shelbyville, with branch stores at other places. About 1828 he returned to Kentneky and resided in Jessamine County until 1834, when he came to Illinois with him his wife and twelve children. They started by boat and floated down the Kentucky River to Louisville and thence went by steamer to Columbiana, Ill.
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