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 77

Author: Biographical Publishing Company
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 920

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 77

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Our subject resided with his parents until he be- came of age, and then started for himself, working by the month for two months, and during the winter season chopping wood, for which he received seventy-five cents a cord, his board costing him $2 per week. Ile was very industrious, and prudently saved his earnings, and finally rented land for two years. Ilis father then gave him a tract of seventy acres of wild prairie, on which he settled in the spring of 1863, and where he bas since resided. Ile now has one hundred and nine- ty aeres of very productive land. which is in a fine condition as to cultivation and improvements, and he has thirty-five acres of valuable timber land. Ile has erected an excellent set of frame buildings, and his place has an air of neatness and thrift that betokens good care and fine management on the part of the owner.

Mr. Mitchell and Miss Mary N. A. Williams were married February 28,1861.and their wedded life has been mutually beneficial, and has given them four children, whom they have named Jesse C., Paul, Travis, and Nannie. Jesse married Rosa Perrine, and they have one child, Nona. Travis married Alice Barnstable and they had one child, deceased. Mrs. Mitchell is a native of Knox County, Tenn., and is a daughter of Jesse and Sarah Williams. Both she and her husband are members of the Baptist Church, and in all things in which it is con- cerned for the moral and social advancement of the community we find them active co-operators with

their pastor and fellow-members. They are highly regarded by all who have the pleasure of knowing them for their many sterling characteristics. Poli- tically, Mr. Mitchell is a warm supporter of the Democratic party.

R OBERT R. COOPER. Prominent among the farmers of Barr Township, is the citizen of whom we now write. His excellent buildings and thoroughly cultivated farm are an ornament to this section and are both attractive and profitable. Ilis tract of four hun- dred and forty-five acres is one of the most pro- ductive in the township and in every way shows the hands of a thorough-going farmer, who has de- voted his life to agricultural pursuits and who earries on his work according to business-like methods.

Edmund L. Cooper, the father of our subject was born in Virginia, as was also the mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary M. Perry. When young people they came to Kentucky from their native State, and there became acquainted and were joined in marriage. Their second emigration was from Christian County, Ky., to Greene County, Ill., which place they reached in the spring of 1836. Ilere they lived until the death of the mother in March, 1886, having reached the very advanced age of ninety-three and one-half years. Her aged husband who survives her was ninety-two years old in September, 1890.

The subject of this sketch was the fourth in a family of eight children, being born in Christian County, Ky., January 22, 1828, and came when a little lad of eight years to Greene County, this State in the spring of 1836. He was reared by his parents and given a good district school education and a thorough training on the farm. He remained with his parents until he was married and then settled in Barr Township.

Mr. Cooper was married in Greene County, this State, to Nancy A. Parks, who was born in Tennes- see, October 1, 1829. Their wedding day was December 9, 1850. Three of her seven children

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yours Truly Geo & Brown

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIIICAL RECORD.

died in infancy and those who grew to maturity are: Henry E., who is a farmer in Greene County, this State; Adrian E., who farms in Barr Town- ship; Mary E., who died when nineteen years old; Lney Belle, who became the wife of John W. Olbert and died when about twenty years old. The mother of these children passed from earth in Barr Township, June 22, 1868.

The second wife of Mr. Cooper was Elizabeth Ridings, a native of North Carolina; she became the mother of two children, Frank and Edna, the latter dying in infancy. Mrs. Elizabeth Cooper died in Barr Township, February 3, 1871.

The present Mrs. Cooper bore the maiden name of Mary J. Bacon and she was a Tennesseean by birth. Six children have been granted to her. namely : Ella D., Fred, Edgar, Charlie. Hattie M., Jennie P. Mr. Cooper has not been an office- seeker but at the request of his fellow-citizens has acted as School Director. He takes an active part in local politics and is a Republican in his views and vote. Ile is also interested in religions move- ments and with his excellent wife is an active member of the Baptist Church, where for a number of years he has served as Deacon. Hle is also a member of the Patrons of Industry and is wide- awake in regard to all movements which look to the improvement, socially, financially and indus- trially, of the farming community.

G EORGE S. BROWN. One totally unac- quainted with the details of farm life, the value of different soils or the modifying influence of forests, hills and prairies, can still judge of the worth of an estate and the capability of its manager at a glance. Fields wherein weeds fill every fence corner and lift their heads between the rows of grain, inadequate shelter for stock and crops, tumbled down fences and a general air of disorder give conclusive proof that the land is poorly managed. On the other hand the appear. ance of neatness and order prevailing throughont every part of the estate is an equally conclusive evidence of good management, industry, and fer-

tility of the soil. The farm of the gentleman above named belongs to the latter class, the buildings being most excellent and every improvement kept np in good shape. It is located on section 15, North Palmyra Township. We are pleased to pre- sent a brief review of the life of the owner to our readers, and invite their attention to his portrait on the opposite page.

The immediate progenitors of our subject were Bedford and Caroline (Springer) Brown, both na- tives of Kentucky. They came to Morgan County in the fall of 1828 and there spent the remainder of their days, Mr. Brown dying about 1873 and his wife passing away about 1879. Of their eight chil- dren our subject is the eldest and was born in Franklin County, Ky., December 11, 1823. Ile accompanied his parents to Morgan County in 1828 and grew to manhood upon a farm there, assisting his father until his marriage. When the war with Mexico broke out he enlisted as a soldier in de- fense of our country. Ile was a member of Com- pany D), First Illinois Regiment, and was present at the battle of Buena Vista. With three other men he was taken prisoner. They were shot down while Mr. Brown made an almost miraculous escape.

The marriage of our subject in Morgan County October 23, 1848 united him with Mary S. Wood, a daughter of Thomas and Lucretia (Fry) Wood, both natives of the Blue Grass State. They re- moved to Morgan County in 1829 and lived there and in other parts of the State, dying finally in that county, he about 1845 and his wife about 1883. Of of a family of seven children, Mrs. Brown was the eldest, she being born in Bourbon County, Ky., July 7, 1829.

After their marriage this young couple settled down to make their new home in Morgan County and engaged in farming there until about the year 1881, when they removed to Sangamon County and made it their home for four years. After that they came to Maconpin County and made their home on section 15, North Palmyra Township. At. one time Mr. Brown owned fully one thousand acres of land. Six children came to cheer their hearts and three they have seen grow to years of maturity two of them having established homes of their own. William T. married Miss Anna Thomp-

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son and makes his home in Jacksonville; Cordelia ('., is the wife of Henry J. Myers; Leonard G. is a gradnate of the Business College at Jacksonville. The children whom they lost were taken from them in infaney. The surviving members of the family belong to the Presbyterian Church.

In political movements our subject ever takes an active interest and is a worker for the Republican party in whose principles and success he has great faith. He has held school offices but prefers the quiet life of a farmer. Both he and his excellent wife are carnest members of the Presbyterian Church, and he has contributed liberally to the support of religious objects, and also for the build- ing of churches, not confining his donations to his own denominations. In 1889, with two brothers, he donated $7,500 to the Illinois College at Jack- sonville and this is known as the Brown Endow- ment Fund.

As a man of wealth Mr. Brown has gladly used his possessions both for the good of others and the comfort of his family. Ilis beautiful residence embodies many valuable and modern improve- ments and is furnished with exquisite taste. Ilis brothers, Reuben and Charles Brown, are residents of Pawnee Township, Sangamon County, and are men of influence in that section of the State. Mr. Brown was one of the organizers of the bank of Modesto, Brown, Nevins & Co., constituting the firm. Together with the other members of the family, Mr. Brown is highly esteemed in the com- munity and his influence is always given toward a true manner of life and the uplifting of humanity.

- LBERT I1. MCALISTER. Prominent in the farming community of Maconpin County is this gentleman, who is known as the owner and operator of a fine farm of three hundred acres on section 18, Shaw's Point. Township. Although not one of the oldest settlers of this connty he has for many years been identified with its progress and has contributed his quota to its development. He enjoys an enviable reputa- tion not only as a capable, energetie farmer but has

made a good record as one who works well for the public. In various offices he has demonstrated his ability and judgment and in business and political eiscles is spoken of as a man of honor and tact. Ile is now serving his second term as Supervisor of the township, and has been School Director, Trustee and Township Clerk, besides holding several minor offices. Believing the interests of the people are best subserved through the principles of the Dem- orcratic party, he gives his influence and casts his ballot for those candidates who are pledged to its support. An active worker in the ranks of his chosen party, he is well informed and takes an id- terest in the progress of affairs. not only near at hand but in the remoter regions of the earth.

The parents of Mr. McAlister were natives of Ontario, Canada. The father, Wellington by na.ne, still resides in Brant County, that province, but the mother, whose maiden name was Samantha Brown, has been dead for many years. The family was small comprising only two children and of these our sud- ject is the younger. Ile was born in Brant County, Ontario, March 4, 1840, and passed the first eigh- teen years of his life on his father's farm, where he aided in preparing the lan I for cultivation and ac- quired a thorough knowledge of agricultural affairs. He had few of the educational advantages enjoyed by the youth of to-day, but being an intelligent oh- server and thoughtful reader, he is well informed on all important topics and current events.

At the age of eighteen years Mr. MeAlister ae- companied his uncle, Capt. Owen McAlister, to III- inois and located in Macoupin County. Ilere for a time he worked at different occupations, farming, carpentry and also taught school for three terms. Since he first came here he has been a continuous resident of this county, with the exception of six years passed in Montgomery and Christian Counties. He has devoted his attention principally to gen- eral farming and stock-raising, from which he de- rives a satisfactory income. He was married in Bunker Hill Township, this county, to Miss Char- lotte Brown, daughter of Daniel and Sarah Brown, This lady died in Carlinville, Ill., October 12, 1879. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church.

Mr. McAlister was again married April 26, 1880,

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choosing as his wife Miss Sarah Chapin, who was born in Brant County, Ontario, December 16, 1842. Mrs. McAlister is the daughter of Lyman and Ma- tilda (Fairchild) Chapin, both of whom died in Brant County, Ontario. She is a devoted member of the Baptist Church, and an active member in that organization. Her fine character, intelli- gence and hospitality win for her many warm friends and with her husband she is held in the highest es- teem wherever known.

ATHAN R. SMITH, a thrifty farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 26, Dor- chester Township, where he owns and oper- ates a good farm of one hundred and fifty-three acres, is numbered among the honored pioneers of the county of 1841, and has therefore been a wit- ness of almost its entire growth and development. A native of Illinois, he was born in Greene County, December 5, 1838, and is the eldest son of Thomas and Mary (Chatam) Smith. His paternal grand- father, Nathan Smith, was born and reared in North Carolina in the usual manner of farmer lads and for many years resided near Raleigh. Ile served his country as a private during the Revo- lutionary War and died at the age of sixty-three years. He had been twice married, both times in North Carolina to ladies of that State. His second wife survived him and died at a very advanced age. Thomas Smith, father of our subject, was born on the old homestead near Raleigh, N. C., in 1813, and was the eldest of quite a large family, seven of whom came to Illinois, while one is yet living, being a resident of Irving, Ill. At about the time when Thomas attained his majority his mother died and soon afterward with other mem- bers of the family he emigrated to the West and made a settlement in Staunton Township. Macou- pin County, Ill. A short time afterward he re- moved to Alton where he wedded Miss Mary Chatam, a native of Virginia. Her father died when she was nine years old and subsequently she accompanied her mother to Tennessee, where the latter died some years afterward. Miss Chatam

came on to Illinois and located in Alton, where she met and married Mr. Smith. They settled on a farm in Greene County, and after the birth of their first child removed to Madison County, whence, after some years, they came to Macoupin County. In Staunton Township Mr. Smith made his first purchase of land, the tract being now situat- ed within the corporation limits of the city, which, however, was then a mere hamlet. Upon that farm the father resided until his death, which oc- curred May 29, 1852. In politics he was a Whig and was a worthy citizen. His widow afterward became the wife of a Mr. West, and unto them was born a son, with whom she is now living. For her third husband she married a Mr. Knight, who died some years ago. The lady has now reached the advanced age of seventy-one years.

Our subject is the eldest of six children, all of whom are now married and reside within the bor- ders of this State. The greater part of his life has been passed in Macoupin County and he was carly inured to hard work. As his father died when he was young much of the labor of the household de- volved upon Nathan Smith and he had to assist in providing a maintenance for the family. Thus he was deprived of many advantages which most youths share, but he has become a man of good judgment and by reading and observation has ac- quired an excellent knowledge of matters of gen- eral interest. He was married in Staunton to Miss Serrelda Walker, who was born and reared on a farm near the city in which their union was cele- brated. She died in their home in Dorchester Township, May 13, 1874, leaving four children, one of whom, Carrie E., has died since the mother passed away. The living are: Charles W., who married Elizabeth Hutchinson and resides on a farm in Dorchester Township; Thomas HI., who wedded Mattie Jones and is also a farmer of the same township; and James A., who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Dorchester Township and married May Alexander. Mr. Smith has again been married, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth Cornelius, and the ceremony was per- formed by the Rev. Asa Snell in Stannton. The lady was born in Bond County. Ill., February 14, 1843, and is a daughter of L. M. and Matilda

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(Askew) Cornelius, natives of Maryland and Illi- nois respectively. They were married in Jersey County, this State, where Mrs. Cornelius was born, and upon a farm in Bond County began their do- mestic life. removing thence to Dorchester Town- ship, Macoupin County, where they spent the remainder of their days. M :. Cornelius died in 1865 at the age of forty-five years and his wife, who had passed away seven years previous, was thirty- five years of age at the time of hier death. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born three children: Nathan C., Dollie V. and Cornelins H.

For the past fifteen years Mr. Smith has resided on his present farm, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and to which he has added many improvements. Both he and his wife are held in high esteem throughout the community. Their home is the abode of hospitality and they are pleasant, sociable people who easily win friends and as easily retain them. In politics Mr. Smith is a Democrat and is a member of the National Lodge, No. 4105, F. M. B. A. He has held several of the offices in the gift of the people of the Township, was for fourteen years Commissioner of Highways, is the present Supervisor of Dorchester Township and served as Township Clerk one year. Every trust reposed in him is faithfully discharged and he has proved an efficient officer.

P HILIP FLOOD, a lumber merchant and dealer in hardware, agricultural implements, etc., is a well-known and respected resident of Girard. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, December 29, 1832. His father, who bore the same name as himself, was also a native of that city. He, in turn, was a son of another Philip Flood, who was born in England, where he was reared, and in his youth learned the trade of a silversmith. He went to Dublin when a young man, followed his trade and spent the remainder of his life there. He married in Ireland a Miss Kate Doyle, who was a native of Donny brook, that country. Her father, James Doyle, was also born there. He was a contractor and builder and

passed his entire life in the place of his birth. The mother of our subject came to America in 1848, and her last years were passed in Cincin- nati. A daughter, Kate, married William Worth- ington, and always lived in Ireland. James was also a life-long resident of his native country, his family still living there. Edward came to this country in 1848, and later settled at St. Louis, where he spent his remaining days. Ile left a family of three daughters. George came to Amer- ica in 1855, and landed at Philadelphia. From that time all trace of him is lost.

The father of our subject learned the trade of an upholsterer and decorator, which he always followed during his active life, continuing to live in his native city until death. He was in limited circumstances and his son Philip, of whom we write, had to begin to assist in the support of the family at the age of twelve years. October 2, 1848, ambitious to better his condition, Philip de- termined to emigrate to America. Accordingly, he set sail from Liverpool in the ship "Sir Charles Lapeer," and after a voyage of thirteen weeks landed at New Orleans. lle went directly to Cin- cinnati, and there began an apprenticeship to the firm of Mitchell & Rammelsberg, furniture manu- facturers, binding himself for three years, at $3 a week for wages. At the end of that time he began journey work with the same firm, and in 1855 his employers, establishing a branch factory at St. Louis, he was sent thither. He was finally promoted to the position of foreman, and later to be Superintendent of the entire business. The fact that he continued in the employ of that same firm thirty-one years speaks well for his ability and fidelity, and shows that his employers held him in the highest esteem and confidence. During that long period of years he rose from an apprentice- ship at $3 a week to be Superintendent, with a salary of $3,500 a year, and a $10,000 interest in the firm and one of its directors.

In 1875 Mr. Flood became interested in the lumber business at Girard, and in 1880 removed here to take charge of the business, of which he is sole proprietor. Besides car:ying an extensive stock of lumber and builders' materials, he deals in hardware and agricultural implements. He does

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a large and flourishing business, and is deservedly prosperous, as he is always strictly honorable and upright in all bis business transactions.

Jannary 1, 1853, Mr. Flood and Mrs. Christina Robbins (nee Case) were united in marriage and have since lived happily together, establishing a pleasant home that is the center of true hospi- tality. Mrs. Flood is a native of Butler County, Ohio.

Our subject was reared in the Episcopal Church, but he and his wife are now valued members of the Christian Church, and are liberal in their con- tributions to its support, as well as toward all worthy objeets that will in any way enhance the welfare of the community. Mr. Flood is promi- nent in social circles as a member of various or- ganizations. In 1853 he joined the Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3, I. O. O. F. At the present time he is a member of Wildey Lodge, No. 2. I. O. O. F., at St. Louis. In 1873 he became a member of the Pride of the West Lodge, No. 163, A. F. & A. M. He is also identified with Girard Lodge, No. 171, A. F. & A. M .; is a member of Girard Chapter, No. 132, R. A. M .; belongs to St. Omer Com- mandery, No. 30, K. T .; and is a member of the Council at Springfield. R. & S. M.

AMES D. PADEN. The agricultural com- munity is the foundation for true prosperity in the State, and in the homes of the farm- ers we may read the future of the country. The family which is represented by the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, constitutes one of those industrious and enter- prising households whose intelligence and integrity, common sense and true neighborliness influence all about them, and conduce to the prosperity of the section in which they live. Their excellent farm, upon which are situated a pleasant home and good farm buildings, is located upon seetion 20, Nilwood Township.

Leroy M. Paden, the father of our subject, had his native home in South Carolina, and was born August 28, 1808. Ile took to wife Maria J.

Fletcher, who was born in Todd County. Ky., July 23, 1818. In their early married life they settled near Hillsboro in Montgomery County, which re- mained their home until February, 1852, when they removed to Macoupin County, and settled in Nilwood Township, making their home there for the remainder of their lives, with the exception of about a year and a half, when they lived in Virden. The father was called from earth October 26, 1883, and his wife survived him until March 17, 1890.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Leroy M. Paden were active workers in the Presbyterian Church, to which they were attached and where they took a prominent part in religious affairs. Their work and influence were highly prized in the community, as they were ever ready to lend a hand toward every movement for the moral, intellectual and material progress of the people among whom they lived. Agriculture was the life work of Mr. Paden, and he was active in it until about six years prior to his demise, when he retired from the business of carrying on the farm, and lived a quiet life. lle had ereeted good buildings on Ins farm, and at the time of his death owned some three hundred acres of rich and well- cultivated soil.

Four children had blessed the home of this ex- cellent couple, namely: Rebecca J., who is the wife of Harvey Madison; John P., who is carry- ing on a farm in Nilwood Township; JJames D., who is the subject of this biographical sketch; and William Il., who died when about two and one-half years old. James was born in Nilwood Township, February 16, 1854. In this pleasant and prosper- ous portion of Macoupin County, the boy took his training in the active duties of farm life and at- tended the district sehools, which gave him an ex- cellent foundation for an intelligent and progressive life. Ilere he grew to manhood and has made his home continuously.

The happy marriage of our subject with Miss Lunetta A. Gates was solemnized January 11, 1882, at the home of the bride in Nilwood Township. Her father, the late Albert K. Gates, was a Ken- tuekian by birth, and her mother, Mary E. (Stam- per) Gates, was born in Tennessee. Their early married home was in Sangamon County, Ill., and

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from there they removed to Macoupin County, where they resided in Shaw's Point and Nitwood Townships. Mr. Gates passed away from life March 2, 1882. In a family of thirteen children Mrs. Paden was the second, and she early under- took the reponsibilities of an elder sister, and was of great value to her parents in the home duties which thus devolved upon her. Iler natal day was April 1, 1862, and her birth took place in Sanga- mon County, Ill.

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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 77

Author: Biographical Publishing Company Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 920

Author: Biographical Publishing Company
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 920