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 75
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The marriage of our subject with Miss Rebecca Abbott was celebrated January 5, 1843, and for nearly half a century they had lived happily to- gether, furnishing their friends an example of a true wedded life. To them eight children have been born, four of whom are living-William II., an attorney at Carlinville; Milton R. and Ben- jamin F., merchants at Columbus, Kan .; and Fannie, their only daughter, who married Henry Huskinson, of Shipman.
Mrs. Steward is, like her husband, a native of Salem County, N. J., born May 2, 1819. Her
father, Joseph Abbott, was a native of the same county, and was a son of Joel Abbott, who was born in England of English parents, he being a son of Joseph and Mary (Graysburg) Abbott. Iie mar- ried Mary Graysburg, and died in Salem County. Mrs. Steward's father was a farmer, and his entire life was spent in his native county. He married Sarah Torton, who was also a life-long resident of that county.
Mr. and Mrs. Steward are both devoted mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are people of kindly natures, whose warm hearts prompt them to extend sympathy and substantial help to all who are in trouble or in want, and they are held in affection and reverence by the entire neighborhood. Mr. Steward is a strong temper- ance advocate, but he is no third party man, he being a true Republican in his political views.
ILLIAM H. II. HOKINE, Ex-Mayor of Carlinville, has been carrying on business in this city for a number of years, and has a sound reputation as a good financier and public- spririted citizen. These qualifications for the high- est position in the gift of the people of the city, were strengthened by his agreeable manners and integrity of character, and his friends have had no reason to regret having placed him at the head of the municipal government. He is an old soldier, who fought the enemy on many a famous battle- field and cheerfully bore the hardships of a soldier's life during the memorable Civil War.
Mr. Horine was born in Williamsport, Washing- ton County, Md., August 20, 1840, and his ances- lors for at least two generations were natives of the same State as himself. His father, Henry Alexander Ilorine, was born in Washington County, Md., and was left an orphan at an early age. He then went to make his home with an un- cle on a farm, and remained there until after he had entered his 'teens, when he learned the trade of a carpenter. This he followed until 1850, then bought a tract of land in his native county, and
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gave his attention to farming during the remain- der of his life. His death occurred in 1869. His wife, the mother of our subject, bore the maiden name of Maria Krebs; she died in 1847, when Will- iam was but seven years old.
After the decease of his mother he of whom we write remained with his father, attending the puh- lic schools, and assisting on the farm until he was twenty years of age. He then went to Hagers- town and for a time worked at the machinists' trade. August 8, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Seventh Maryland Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war. He fought at the Wil- derness, Laurel Hill, Todd's Tavern, Spottsylvania, Harris Farm, Jericho Mills, Tatopotomy Church, Magnolia Swamp, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, Weldon Railroad, Jerusalem Plank Road, Chapel House, Hatchie's Run, Dobney Mills, and in the battles around Petersburg from June 13 to July 30, and those of Warren's raid. He was present at the capture of Petersburg and at the surrender of Lee. Mr. Ilorine rose from the ranks to the position of first Corporal, and in 1864 was made Second Lieutenant, and as the Captain and First Lieutenant were sent on detached service, he had command of the company until the close of the war. He was honorably discharged at Arlington Heights. May 18, 1865.
Mr. Horine next engaged in the photographic business at Cumberland, Md., but in 1866 removed to Chicago, where he operated in that art some three years. He then came to Carlinville and opened a studio, which he carried on until 1872. In August of that year he bought a jewelry establishment, and since that time has conducted the business, and has come to be known as one of the reliable dealers of the city. Ile has a good home, which is made cozy and attractive by the housewifely skill and pleasing qualities of the lady who became his wife in 1874. Her maiden name was Anna B. Bell, and she is a native of Alabama. The happy union has been blessed by the birth of two children-a son and a danghter, whose names are William H. and Anna Mary.
As would naturally be supposed, Mayor Horine is connected with the Grand Army of the Repub- lic, and he is a comrade in Dan Messick Post, No,
339. He is also identified with Mt. Nebo Lodge. No. 76, F. & A. M .; Macoupin Chapter, No. 187; and Orient Lodge, No. 95, K. P. Mr. Horine is a stanch member of the Republican party, and on that ticket was elected Mayor in April, 1889.
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OHN HAGGARD, who owns and occupies a fine farm in North Otter Township, is known throughout this county as a prosper- ous farmer and as an enterprising auction- ecr. His business has brought him an extensive acquaintance and he is universally respected for those traits of character that have made him sue- cessful and have won him a place among our most useful citizens. He is a native of this State, a son of one of its early pioneer families, bis birthplace being two and one-half miles northwest of Waverly, Morgan County, where he first opened his eyes to the light of day, April 23, 1836.
Samuel Ilaggard, the father of our subject, was a native of Tennessee and a son of Edmund Hag. gard, who was born in Pennsylvania. The parents of the latter went to Tennessee in the early days of its settlement and were pioneers of that State. They were massacred by the Indians. The grand- father of our subject was married in Tennessee and lived there until 1829, when he came to the wilds of Illinois, bringing with him his family and all his earthly possessions with teams. Ile entered a tract of land at Long Point, Morgan County, and was one of the first to settle in that region, which was then in its primitive condition, with but few white inhabitants, and deer, wolves and other wild ani- mals were very numerous. In 1850 Grandfather Haggard sold his place there and took up his resi- dence in this county, buying wild land four miles northwest of Virden, which he improved into a good farm. He resided upon it some years and then removed to Virden, where he lived retired until death closed his mortal career. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Andrews, also died at Virden.
The father of our subject was a young man when he came to Illinois with his parents. Ile married
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in Morgan County, taking as his wife Maranda Grant, and for three or four years thereafter he was engaged in the mercantile business three miles west of Waverly. He subsequently turned his attention to agriculture, buying a farm on the south line of the county. Ile lived there seven years and then went to Long Point, where he rented land which he farmed for three years. ITe next bought a place in North Otter Township, which he retained in his possession a few years. He then took advantage of a good offer to sell it, and going to Virden, re- sided there until 1864. From that time until his death, in 1875, he made his home with his son, of whom we write, where he was tenderly cared for in his old age. His wife preceded him in death, dy- ing in 1860 at Virden.
John Haggard passed his early life on a farm, gaining a clear insight into practical methods of carrying on agriculture, and during his boyhood he attended the public schools whenever opportunity offered. He commenced farming on his own ac- count in 1860 and has been interested in it ever since, although he has not given it his entire atten . tion, as he is a man of much enterprise and has branched out into other business. For a time he had a grocery at Virden and for upwards of twelve years he has been the auctioneer of this section. He possesses in a good degree the keen judgment, quick discernment and promptness necessary to make one succeed in that calling and he gives gen- eral satisfaction to all who employ him in that ca- pacity. His farm, which is in a desirable locality, is well managed, its fields are under good tillage and its buildings are in good order.
Mr. and Mrs. Haggard entered upon their mar- ried life January 29, 1863, and it has been blessed to them by two children, Samuel and Mary. Sam. uel, who lives at Virdea, married Ida Loving and they have one child, Oscar Claud; Mary married David A. Richardson, of North Otter Township, and they have one child, Ethel Mabel.
Prior to her marriage Mrs. Haggard's name was Sarah A. Clack. She is a native of North Otter Township, her present home, and she was born February 17, 1846, Her father, James B. Clack, was a native of Kentucky, and his father, William Clack, is also thought to have been. The latter
came from that State to Illinois in a very early day of its settlement and was one of the first to locate at North Otter Township, where he died in 1856. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Bell, died at the home of her son-in-law, John Ilaggard. Mrs. Haggard's father was young when he came wit his parents to their home in this State. He was married in Auburn Township, Sangamon County, to Mary A. Walters, a native of Indiana and a daughter of James and Lydia Walters, who were natives respectively of Virginia and North Caro- lina. Ile entered a traet of Government land on sections 2 and 3, North Otter Township, and bus- ily engaged in its improvement, until death closed his career of usefulness in 1855. Mrs. Haggard's mother spent her last years at Virden.
Our subject and his wife hold a warm place in the hearts of those about them, as they are always kind, charitable and helpful in their intercourse with others. Mr. Haggard is interested in all that concerns the welfare of his county and in his poli- tical views he is a decided Democrat. Socially he is a member in good standing of Virden Lodge. No. 161, A. F. & A M. Mrs. Ilaggard is a con- sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which finds in her one of its most earnest workers.
8 AMUEL R. STEIDLEY, of Palmyra, is a native of this county, who was one of the brave citizen-soldiers that it sent to the front during the late war, and who has also borne an honorable part in promoting its ag- riculture, and has been prominent in its public life. He was born on a farm in South Palmyra Town- ship March 25, 1838. His father, Josepn B. Steid- ley, was a native of Virginia, and resided near Fredricksburg many years. After marriage he re- moved to Ohio in 1830, and spent the ensuing six years amid the wilds of that State. In 1836 with his wife and six children he came to Illinois, mak- ing the entire journey by land, and bringing their household goods with them. Mr. Steidley bought a tract of land located four miles from the present site of the village of Palmyra, and in the log house
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that stood thereon our subject first saw the light of day. A few acres of land were cleared and fenced, and the father busied himself constantly in making improvements until his death in January, 1861. The maiden name of his first wife, mother of subject, was Elvira Rowland, and she was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Va., a daughter of Samuel Rowland. She died on the home farm in 1849. Eleven of the children born of her marriage were reared to manhood and womanhood, namely; Dan- iel G., Mary Elizabeth; Solomon J., Sarah Ellen, Lucy Ann, Elvira V., Samuel, Joseph S., James William, Luzetta Jane and Thomas J. Mr. Steid- ley's second wife was Elizabeth Cherry, and she bore these four children,-Henry M., La Fayette, Harriet J., Wilmer L.
The subject of this biography was reared to man's estate in his native township, which at the time of his birth was sparsely settled, and the sur- rounding country was in a wild condition. For some years Alton was the nearest market, where the farmers sold their produce and obtaired their supplies. Deer, wild turkeys and other game helped to eke out the scanty fare of the pioneers, as the people had to live on what they could raise on their farms, and many things now considered indispensable were then unknown luxuries. The mother of our subject used to cook before the fire in the open fireplace of old times, and her busy hand spun and wove the cloth with which she clad her children.
Mr. Steidly obtained his education in the prim- itive pioneer schools of that day that were con- ducted on the subscription plan, the first that he attended being held in a log house. As soon as large enough he became useful on the farm, and continued to assist his father until he had attained his majority. His father gave him his time when he was twenty years of age, and he continued to help him a few months, and then worked for others a few months. After that he worked land on shares until the war broke out.
In the month of September of the opening year of the rebellion, when he had settled up his affairs preparatory to joining the army, our sub- ject threw aside all personal aims and ambitions to aid bis Government as a soldier, enlisting in Co. A,
Thirty-second Illinois Infantry and he served nine- teen months with credit,, retiring from the ranks only because he was no longer able to do military duty on acount of injuries received in battle. He helped capture Ft. Donelson and was present at Shiloh. He was twice wounded in the first day's battle by a bullet striking the right breast and coming out under the right shoulder blade, and while lying on the field after that he was hit in the shoulder by a piece of shell, and while suffering mortal agony he was captured by the enemy. The next day he was rescued by the Union soldiers and was taken to the hospital at Mound City, where he was honorably discharged from the army March 25, 1863 on account of disability from his wounds. His brother, James W., was in the same company as himself, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh.
As soon as he was able after his bitter experience of military life, our subject resumed farming. buy- ing a farm in Barr Township, which he retained in his possession until 1869, when he sold it at a good price and bought another in Bois D'Arc Township, Montgomery County. Ile actively engaged in agriculture in that locality for several years, but in 1887 he retired to Palmyra, where he has a pleasant home, replete with comfort and abound- ing in contentment and happiness.
Mr. Steidley and Miss Susan E. Range were united in marriage April 7, 1864. Mrs. Steidley was born in Washington County, Tenn., and is a daughter of Jefferson and Elizabeth (Hall) Range.
Our subjeet's patriotism and the value of his citizenship has been proven no less since the war by his conduct as a civic official and in all the re- lations of life, than when he helped to defend and preserve the Union. He is an influence for good in the public life of his community and in promoting its special and moral status. He was formerly a Democrat, but since the war, the Re- publican party has found in him a strong advocate. lle served three terms as Justice of the Peace in Bois D'Are Township, but resigned that position when he removed to Palmyra. In 1890 he was the choice of his fellow citizens for the important otlice of Mayor and he gave the city a good ad- ministration. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since he was eighteen
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years old, and his name is associated with its very good work. Hle served as Class-Leader eighteen years, and he has also been Trustee, Steward, and teacher in the Sunday-school. Ilis wife has been been a life-member of the American Bible Society since 1875.
W ILLIAM WHEELER, of Bird Township, is a son of John Wheeler, whose biograph- inal sketch is found elsewhere in this REC-
ORD. This son was born in Rush County, Ind., April 15, 1833, and he was an infant of six months only when his father removed to Greene County, and one year later when he came to Macoupin Connty, and made his home in Bird Township. Here he grew to manhood and here he has always made his home.
llis marriage took place in Western Mound Town ship, in February, 1856. His bride was Mary J. Lee. IIer parents were Obediah W. and Rebecca T. (Sullivan) Lee. Mr. Lee was a native of North Carolina, and Mrs. Lee was born in Tennessee, There they spent their early married life and came thence to Illinois in the winter of 1830-31 and made their first home in Jefferson County. this State. Thence they removed to Greene County, and afterward to Macoupin County, where the father died in Western Mound Township. Mrs. Wheeler is the fourth in a family of twelve ehil- dren. She was born in Greene County, this State, September 21, 1834.
Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler are the happy parents of six living children, namely: Jasper W., who mar- ried Emma Loveless; Arthur C., who married Miss Dora F. Jackson; John, Mary E., the wife of Allen Bar, Alvin L., and Ollie L. E. Two of their children have passed before them to the better world: Lydia M., who died when a beautiful young lady of nineteen years and Edgar E., who was snatched from their arms at the tender age of five years.
Mr. Wheeler's interest in educational affairs, has been shown in bis efficient service as School Di- rector and School Trustee. His political belief is embodied in the platform of the Democratic party,
and he takes an active part in local politics. Both he and his good wife are earnest and zealous mem- bers of the Shiloh Baptist Church. Here he has filled the office of Trustee and also that of Deacon. lle is a member of the Chesterfield Farmers Mu- tual Fire Insurance Company and is ever awake to the interests of the farming community as he has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. His home farm consists of seven hundred and twenty- four acres of rich and productive soil, two hundred and sixty-two of which lie in Bird Township. Upon these he has erected a handsome residence and excel- lent farm buildings, and the whole property shows by its neat appearance that it belongs to an enter- prising and thorough farmer.
n A. NIGHBERT, a prominent and influential citizen of Barr Township, has his pleasant home on section 10. He is of Southern parentage: his father, George, having been born in Botetourt County, Va., October 27, 1789, and his mother, Nancy Albright by name, being born in Virginia in May, 1795. She died in Botetourt County, June 9, 1831. Mr. Nighbert emigrated from the Old Dominion to Eastern Tennessee and after a residence of six years there came to Illinois in the fall of 1840 and settled in Scottville Town- ship, where he died October, 1865. They had a large family of children, of whom our subject is the youngest, being born in Botetourt County, Va., September 29, 1827.
Young Nighbert was but seven years old when he journeyed on foot with his father from Virginia to Eastern Tennessee. The family carried with them their household utensils, and this little fellow's share of the burden was the family coffee pot. It was in 1840 when he came to Macoupin County, and since then he has been a resident here with the exception of one year which he spent in California, in the mines at the time of the gold-mining fever.
The marriage of this young man, September 11, 1851, took place in Scottville Township to Miss Margaret Ann Crum, daughter of the late Gordon Crum who was born in Clark County, Ind. Her
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERS(1".
A. H. Eldred
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mother was Sedonia Rueker, a native of Woodford County, Ky. They were married in Morgan County, Ill., and from there came to Macoupin County early in the '30s and settled in Barr Township, where they lived the remainder of their lives. Of a fam- ily of nine children, Mrs. Nigbbert was the eldest, being born in Morgan County, IN., March 26, 1834. Since their marriage our subject and his wife have always resided in Scottville and Barr Townships.
Mr. and Mrs. Nighbert were blessed by the birthi of seven children, all but one of whom have lived to prove a comfort and joy to their parents. They are: George G .; James D., who married Miss Lillie Malone; Joseph W., who married Miss Flora Cline; Louie S .; Ella L., who died in infancy ; Adah B., and Erasmus Manford. Our subject has filled the office of Highway Commissioner in Scottville Township for three years, and being a Republican in politics and a public-spirited man of decided opinions, takes a lively interest in political move- ments. He is an active and earnest member of the Universalist Church. lle bas a fine farm, well improved, comprising five hundred and forty- eight acres and he has devoted himself largely to agricultural pursuits, his judgment and experience making him more than ordinarily successful in his life work.
A DDISON H. ELDRED, who lives in retire- ment from active business after a life spent in agricultural labor, resides at his home on Johnson Street, Carlinville, where he enjoys the results of his early labors. Mr. Eldred is descended from worthy ancestors and his life has been such as to add lustre to an honored name. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Moses Eldred who came at an early day from Connecti- ent to New York, and settled in Herkimer County, where he died. The father of our subject, Moses S. Eldred, was born of New England parents about 1804, and after a brief life spent in usefulness his decease took place about the year 1833. The mother of our subject, Clarissa ( Brace) Eldred was
born in New York, and she still survives. Our subject is one of a family of four children,as follows: Moses S., Addison II., Julius A. and James L.
Mr. Eklred first saw the light of day in Greene County, Ill., the date of his birth being December 1, 1828. He remained in the county in which he was born until he had arrived at years of manhood. This period was occupied as are the lives of farmer lads, with incidents of school life and farm work. Ilis attention has been given to agricultural pur- suits during the greater part of his life, and he has acquired a thorough, practical knowledge of the best methods of farming.
Mr. Eldred was married in Greene County, Ill., March 3, 1851. Ilis wife, whose maiden name was Laura Woolley, a native of Greene County, this State, her birthday being September 27, 1829. Her parents were David an ! Laura (Hodge) Woolley, both natives of Washington County, N. Y. After their marriage the young couple resided in Greene C'county for five years then removed to Polk Town- ship, Macoupin County, and settled on a farm which continued to be their home for a long time. In company with his brother, Moses S., the origi- nal of our sketch, erected a fine series of buildings on the farm which comprised three hundred and sixty acres.
By strict economy and industry on the part of Mr. Eldred and his wife, they have been able to accumulate more than a competency, and their labors, directed by intelligence, have been crowned with success in every direction. From the time our subject was a young man he labored in com- pany with his brother, Moses S., who in company with him owned the farm mentioned above.
Mr. Eldred and his estimable wife became the parents of two children: Myron II., who died when thirteen years old; and Milton R., who passed away in infancy. Politically Mr. Eldred inclines to the Republican platform, of which he is an ar- dent adherent. Ile is liheral in his religious views, his belief being rather in the religion of humanity. Since removing to Carlinville he has erected a fine brick residence, and here, retired from the active duties of life, he with his family is spending the afternoon of life in enjoyment of the more agree- able features of life, Mrs. Eldred is a fine type of
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womanhood and presides with grace and dignity over their hospitable home which is full of evi- dences of culture.
In connection with his sketch a lithographie por- trait of Mr. Eldred is presented to our readers.
M AJ. FLETCHER H. CHAPMAN, of Car- linville, is a fine representative of the native-horn citizens of this county who have excreised a marked influence on its affairs, and have in various ways contributed to its social, educational and material advancement. Ile was an officer in the Union Army during the late war whose military record added lustre to the fame of the brave and efficient soldiery of his State, and he has since won honors at the bar that entitle him to a leading place as a lawyer.
Maj. Chapman was born in Staunton Township, Macoupin County, April 15, 1828, and is a son of one of the oldest pioneer families of this section of Illinois. His father, Richard Chapman, was born in North Carolina, and was a son of Joseph Chapman, who is believed to have been a native of the same State. The father of the latter was a Virginian by birth, and removed from the Old Dominion to North Carolina prior to the Revolution, settling in Tyrrell County, of which he was a pioneer, and where he pursued his occupation as a farmer, and there died in the fulness of time.
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