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 83
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Mr. Dalby was first elected Supervisor of Barr Township in the spring of 1875, and has served continuously with the exception of one year, from
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that date to this. During one year he was Chair- man of the Board and he has filled the office of School Trustee and Township Clerk. He takes an active part in political movements, and is a promi- nent member of the Democratic party. His thor- ough integrity and judgment give to his opinion full weight among his neighbors who regard him with genuine esteem and respect.
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S AMUEL HALL. Prominent among the residents of North Otter Township, we are pleased to mention the name which appears at the head of this sketch. A view of his charming home is also shown on another page. The beautiful farm, handsome residence and delightful surroundings attract the eye of every stranger who visits this section of the county. Those who enter the hospitable door notice within a harmonious home which corresponds well with the beauty of the exterior, and find a mental and social stimulus in the intelligent society of this household.
Thomas Hall, father of our subject, was born in North Carolina, May 28, 1792. He was the son of George Hall, a native of England, who came to this country in the early Colonial days and died in North Carolina. Mary McVey, tlie mother of our subject was a native of Tennessee, her natal day being February 23, 1797. She lived in her native home until she was married and later the family removed to Illinois. Her parents, however, had died two years previous to this removal, and she has lost much of the records of their lives.
Thomas Hall and Mary McVey were married near Duck River, not far from Nashville, Ten. After their marriage in 1815 they remained in that vicinity for short time, and then emigrated to the Prairie State, coming here in December, 1817, and settling on what is known as the American Bot- toms, which are situated below Alton. They lived there until the fall of 1818, when they came to Greene County, and built a small log house about. five miles southwest of Carrollton. Here for many years they made their happy home until death sev- ered them March 17, 1855, upon which date the
husband passed away from earth. The widow con- tinued to live on the old homestead for about a year, but it was no longer home for her, now that her companion had departed. She has since made her home with her children. and is now living at an advanced age. Of her nine children, seven grew to maturity.
The subject of this biographical sketch was next to the eldest in age in this household, and was born in Greene County, Ill., January 7, 1822. There he made his home through his boyhood and through all the years of his early manhood. His educa- tion was received in the district schools and be was faithfully attentive not only there but in his farm duties, and thus grew to be a young man who was looked up to among his comrades as a progressive and thoughtful citizen. When about thirty three years old he removed, in February, 1855, to this county, settling in North Otter Town- ship, making his home where he now resides.
The marriage of Mr. Ilall in Greene County, Ill., February 27, 1850, united him with Miss Eva- line Reynolds, a daughter of John and Catherine (Clepper) Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds was a native of Virginia, and his wife of Tennessee, although but little is known of their early history, She died near Greenfield, Greene County, about 1836, when her daughter was but a little child; the father survived until the spring of 1858, when he passed from life near Carrollton, Greene County. Of a family of nine children, Mrs. Hall was the fifth and was born at the home in Greene County, Novem- ber 9, 1830, and there made her home until her marriage.
Nine beautiful and promising children blest the marriage of our subject and his wife. Their eldest child, Laura, died at the age of seven years, and was deeply mourned by her affectionate parents. John T .. married Miss Lucy E. Compton, and is a farmer in North Otter; Mary L .. an accomplished and refined lady, still resides at home; Sophronia E. is the wife of Eber Shroyer, a farmer in North Otter. Then came four sons, Charles C., Enoch A., Luther and Robert P., of whom three are living, while Luther died at the age of eleven months and another child, unnamed, died in early infancy.
Mr. Ilall has made farming his life work and 1
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RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL HALL, SEC.13. , NORTH OTTER TP., MACOUPIN CO., ILL.
RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL ENGLAND , SEC. 33., GIRARD TP., MACOUPIN CO., ILL.
RESIDENCE OF WILEY BALLARD , SEC.26., NORTH OTTER TP., MACOUPIN CO., ILL.
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY CE : LINAIN
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with it has mingled stock raising to a considerable extent. In all his work he has been successful, for he has based it upon an intelligent understanding of the soil and its products and on the qualities of the stock he undertook to raise. llis fine farm comprises two hundred acres of rich and produc- tive soil, and it is ornamented and made more profitable by the planting of shade and fruit trees. A comfortable and commodious farm-house and other substantial buildings speak aloud of the thrift and prosperity of the owner.
The offices of Highway Commissioner and School Director have been satisfactorily lilled by our sub- ject, who in his politics is a stiff, old fashioned Jacksonian Democrat, believing that the doctrines which were promulgated by Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, are good enough for these modern days. He is an active worker in his party where his opinions are looked up to and his judgment approved. Both he and his excellent wife are true helpers in the cause of religion, and consistent members of the Baptist Church. The sons of this family are making their mark among the young men of their community. Charles C., is now a physician, graduated at Shurtleff College, Upper Alton, and also a: Rush Medical College, at Chicago, and was honored by being appointed to deliver the valedictory address before his elass at Rush in March, 1891. Enoch A. is a farmer and resides at home. Every mem- ber of this honored household helps to sustain the reputation of the family for intelligence, character and laudable ambition.
S AMUEL ENGLAND, one of the prosperous citizens of Girard, was born in Morgan County, Tenn., February 22, 1820. He comes of substantial parentage. His grand- father, Joseph England. moved fron: Virginia to Tennessee and was a pioneer in Morgan County, where he bought a tract of land and engaged in farming. He sojourned there until 1830, when he came to Illinois, and resided in Macoupin County for a time. Removing thence to Marion County,
he made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Wilkins, until the day of his death.
John England, father of our subject was born in Virginia and reared in Tennessee. IIe bought a tract of land and engaged in farming until 1830, and then with his wife and ten children and his father and mother came to Illinois, making the re- moval by team and bringing the household goods along. After five weeks of travel they landed in Morgan County, and there spent the winter, which was the season of the deep snow. In the spring of 1831, they came to Macoupin County and buying a squatter's claim, entered land from the Govern- ment in the vicinity of what is now known as North Otter.
The new home was in a cabin 14x16, built of logs, and covered with elapboards which were rived by hand. The chimney was of slabs covered with mud and the floor of puncheon split by hand. The family lived there for two years, and then built a larger log house. Neighbors were searee and Mr. England had to go eight miles to get sufficient help to raise the house. He split puncheon for the floor and made the doors of the same material, using wooden pins instead of nails. From the wooden latch the door string hung out. For many years there was no railroad near them and Alton was the nearest market town. Deer were plenty und roamed at will.
The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Lina Hall, was accustomed to spinning and weaving cotton cloth as well as flax, and clothed all her children in home spun. The father cleared quite a traet of his land and continued to reside there until his death in 1858. The mother died at the old homestead in 1841, having reared ten children. In company with his brother-in-law our subjeet purchased land at $2.50 per acre. He built a small house and after residing there one year sold it for $700. He then bought another eighty-acre traet in the same township ( North Ot- ter) for which he paid $500. From that time he was prosperous. Ile improved the land, built upon it, and purchased other land adjoining, and resid- ed there until 1866 when he sold out and bought where he now lives. The farm comprises two hun- dred and twenty-five acres of finally improved
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prairie land, adjoining the village of Girard. Good buildings have been placed upon it and the thrift and enterprise of the owner is apparent at a glance. A view of this pleasant home is presented elsewhere in this volume.
The marriage of our subjeet took place in 1846. His bride was Louisa C. Smith, a daughter of Moses and Permelia Smith. Her death occurred in 1863, mourned by all who knew her. Six children blest this union, namely : Antoinette, Elias M., Mar- shall W., Evelyn, Elizabeth and John. Mr. Eng- land is an active and earnest member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church and his wife was also con- nected with that denomination.
ILEY BALLARD. The well-cultivated farm of one hundred and seventy aeres which is part of section 27, North Otter Township, is owned by him of whom we write. Mr. Ballard is a Southerner by birth, his father being Lewis Ballard, who was a North Carolinian. Ilis mother was Lucy (Pace) Ballard a native of Georgia. They were, however, among the early settlers of Greene County, where they both died. Our subject was born near Whitehall. Greene County, December 27, 1833.
The father of our subject was a farmer and on his place the son was reared and remained until he had reached manhood. Ilis life was not unlike that of other farmer boys Ile attended school in the winters and helped with the farm work in the summer season. Early in life be was attracted to a lady of his own county and they were married in Greene County, this State, March 15, 1857. Mrs. Ballard's maiden name was Rebecca E. Brod- markle. She was a daughter of John and Ellen (Bell) Brodmarkle, natives of Maryland. Her parents, however, were early settlers in Greene County and there they died.
Mrs. Ballard was born in Allegany County, Md., December 14, 1831. In the spring of 1857 she came with her family to Macoupin County and in the fall of 1858 settled on the farm where they now live. Our subject has always been a farmer
and is much interested in all the branches of agri- cultural pursuits. For thirty-eight seasons he ran a threshing machine. The family occupy a fine large house which Mr. Ballard erected upon his place at a large cost. It is well located, command- ing a charming view of the surrounding country and is as convenient and pleasant as intelligent arrangement and taste can make it, A view of this beautiful country home is presented on another page.
Mr. and Mrs. Ballard are the parents of three children The eldest child, John II., died when six and a half years old: Mary E. became the wife of Robert Alford, and the youngest son. Charles W., is a student in Brown's Business College of Jack- sonville; he is a bright young man and the expec- tations of his friends are that he will be a central figure, by virtue of his ability and adherence to the course of work he has adopted, in whatever circle he casts his lot.
The original of this sketch favors the economic principles and theories held by the Republican party and casts his vote with them. Although a quiet, unpretentious man, and having no desire for the emoluments of office, the township has recog- nized his judgment aud worth by electing him to the important post of School Director. Mr. Bal- lard's farm is a model of neatness, showing the most painstaking care of every detail in farm life. He has good buildings which are kept in fine re- pair and the implements on his farm are those hav- ing the latest improvements.
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OSEPH P. HEBENSTREIT, Superintendent of the Consolidated Coal Company's Mines at Staunton and Mt. Olive, including shafts numbers 6, 7, 8 and 10, has occupied his present position since September 1, 1890, and makes his home in Staunton, where he has resided almost continuously since 1876. The story of his life is as follows: He was born at Christmulhousen. Prussia, June 29, 1849, and is a son of Philip J. Hebenstreit, who was also born in the same country and learned the miller's trade. Iu his native land
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he married Cathrina Dietrick, and unto them were born two children. Joseph and William. With his family, in March, 1852, the father sailed from Bremen and after a long and tedious voyage of seven weeks landed at New York City. whence he made his way to Belleville. Ill. IIe there engaged in coal mining, being one of the first miners of that place and carried on the business until 1878, when he removed to Staunton where he has since lived a retired life, being now seventy three years of age. His first wife died in Belleville, the same week of her arrival, her death being eansed by cholera, which was then epidemic throughout the country. Mr. Hebenstreit again married, his wife who died some years later in Staunton, leaving tive sons. He was a third time married in Staunton, his last union being with Mrs. Annie Ring, who is still living. The children of his first marriage are Joseph and William, the latter a mechanic of Staunton.
The subject of this sketch was only three years of age when his parents came to the United States and therefore almost his entire life has been spent in Illinois where he grew to mature years and was educated. He entered upon his business career as a miner at the age of fourteen years and his long experience has therefore ably fitted him for the re- sponsible position which he now holds. He locat- ed in Staunton in 1876 but afterward spent four years as a professional miner of coal and minerals in Colorado. He is now Superintendent of some of the leading mines in this part of the State. Of one in particular, No. 6, he has been in charge of for many years, having been its manager when it was Owned by Voge & Seivers; later when it was the property of the Ellsworth Mining Company from 1882 until 1887, and since it has come under the control of the Consolidated Coal Company of St. Louis. This mine is the most productive in this region and the output in 1889 was two hundred thirty-five thousand tons, and in 1890-two hund- red eighty-five thousand three hundred and eight tons of coal the largest output in the State and Mt, Olive, No. 8, with an output of two hundred thirty thousand tons ranks the third.
In Belleville, Ill., Mr. Hebenstreit, was nnited in marriage with Frances Kiefer, who was born and
reared in Randolph County. She died in Staunton, January 5, 1881, at the birth of triplets, two sons and a daughter who died in infancy. She left three sons to mourn her loss-Thomas Gotleib, an engineer for the Consolidated Coal Company ; Albert J. and Henry E., who are yet at home, The mother was then twenty-six years of age, and many friends mourned her early death. Mr. Hebenstreit was again married in Staunton, his second union being with Mrs. Mary Carlton, a native of Mis- souri, who in that State became the wife of Joseph Carlton, a brakeman, who was killed in a railroad wreck on the Iron Mountain Road in Missouri, at the age of twenty-six years. By that union were born two sons, Fred and Joe, both yet living. Three children grace the second marriage-Carrie, Robert and William.
Mr. and Mrs. Hebenstreit are members of the Catholic Church, and in politics he is a Republican. A practical and skillful miner, he occupies a re- sponsible position, but his duties have never been slighted in the least. He has the entire confidence of his employers whom he has served since 1881, and those with whom social relations have brought him in contaet also hold him in high regard.
R EV. JAVAN GIBSON, the owner of the farm located on seetion 20, North Otter Township, has for some time been the shep- herd of the little flock of the German Bap- tist Church at West Otter Creek. He is a Southerner by birth, his father being Isham Gibson, who was born in Tennessee. His mother, Elizabeth (Gates) Gibson, was a native of Kentucky. They early re- moved to this State, settling in Morgan County in 1829, where they lived until 1846, and then re- moved to Macoupin County, where they lived until 1871. They then went to Bates County, Mo., where they died.
Our subject is one of twelve children, of whom he was the fourth child. He was born in Morgan County, this State, March 5, 1835. He spent his early life in his natal place until he reached eleven
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years of age, and then with his parents removed to Maconpin County, where the years were spent until he reached manhood. Until his marriage he made his home in his father's house, after which he settled in North Palmyra Township.
The first marriage of Mr. Gibson was with Miss Mary Cummings and the bridal ceremony took place March 13, 1856. The lady was a daughter of William and Julia (Davis) Cummings, both of Kentucky. Her father died in Girard, this State; the mother still survives. Mrs. Gibson was born in Palmyra Township March 7, 1836. She presented her husband with nine ebildren who are named as follows: Julia E., Amanda J., Ida A., Emlus N., Sarah B., Albert Q., William M., Lillian M., and Olly B. The oldest child and daughter is the wife of Oscar Carr; the second daughter married J. W. Crump; Ida A. is the wife of Peter Brubaker; Sarah B. died in infancy; Lillian M. is the wife of G. W. Wrightsman. Mr. Gibson's first wife died in North Otter Township, April 2, 1889.
Our subject again married in Montgomery County, this State, December 1, 1890. Ilis bride was Mrs. Elizabeth (Studebaker) Leer, daughter of John E. and Mary (Neff) Studebaker, and widow of the Rev. Abraham S. Leer, who died in Christ- ian County, this State, January 6, 1883. The family comprises four children by that marriage. They are Asa A., who married Leotha Mertz; John W. married Martha E. Shull; Elma N., and Laura E.
Mrs. Elizabeth Gibson was born in Elkhart County, Ind., July 2, 1846. Our subject has taken a deep interest in educational affairs and has he! ! various offices in the school district. He is also an active worker in the church, a member of the German Baptist Church, as is his wife and family. Ile has always been engaged in agricultural work and now owns one hundred and sixty-eight acres in North Otter Township. With the exception of some eight or ten months Mr. Gibson has always resided in Morgan or Macoupin Counties. In that short interval he lived in Jackson County, Mo. For many years he was Deacon in the church and since 1874 has been a preacher. In 1883 he was appointed pastor of the West Otter Creek Church. Mrs. Gibson's first husband, the Rev. Abraham S. Leer, was elected to the ministry in 1870 and in
August, 1876, he became pastor of Bear Creek Church in Christian County, and was thus engagerl at the time of his death. John E. Studebaker, the father of Mrs. Gibson, was for a long time Deacon in the German Baptist Church. The Rev. Isham Gibson was an Elder in the church from 1829 until he removed to Missouri and was a minister for upwards of fifty years.
Our subjeet has a fine place, bearing a good and commodious dwelling. His family are genial, pleasant people who are much liked in the com- munity.
OLIN A. WALLACE. The original of this sketch is the owner of one hundred and eighty-two acres of land located on section 24, North Otter Township. Ile is a native of New Hampshire, having there passed his youth- ful days and there remained until after he was twenty-two years old. His father was Amos Wallace who was born in Franconia, N. II .; his mother was Mary (Hildreth) Wallace, who was born in Littleton, N. II. They settled in Little- . ton and there remained until they died. The father was a farmer by occupation and doubtless found his time fully occupied in making prolific the rocky ground of New Hampshire. Que can imagine that the twelve children that the family boasted, found occupation in picking up the stones on the farm and ranging them in symmetrical order as fencing.
Our subject was the eleventh child and was born in Littleton, N. H., November 8, 1835. When he bad reached his twenty-second year he left home and came to Macoupin County, where he has ever since been a resident with the exception of about a year and a half spent, in Sangamon County. He has always followed farming. His marriage took place October 2, 1861, his wife's maiden name being Mary II. Smith, a daughter of Elisha and Susan A. (Eaves) Smith of whom a sketch may be found under the name of Elisha Smith in another portion of this volume. Their marriage took place in North Otter Township at the residence of the bride's father.
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF 1110MIN
Respectfully Danil Perrine
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They are the parents of eight children -- Willie A., who married Mary E. Cable; Edgar E., who ched when an infant; Jesse E., wilo married Myrtie E. Chatfin; Lew E., who died in infancy ; Della A .. Clara A., Leslie, all of whom died when children, and Glenna P. Mrs. Wallace was born in North Otter Township November 14, 1840. Our subject has erected a series of buildings on his place which are complete in every way.
Mr. Wallace has been appointed to several of- fiees in North Otter Township. He has served as School Director for a long time. In his political preference he is a Republican. Our subject and his wife are active members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Socially, Mr. Wallace is an Odd Fellow.
D ANIEL PERRINE. A family which comes of a good and noble ancestry in the genuine sense of the word noble, may well have cause for congratulation. To be descended from lords and dukes it is not necessary to come of no- ble blood, but to he the descendants of genera- tions of pure lives and strict integrity is to have a heritage which stands one well in the struggles of life. Such an inheritance has Mr. Perrine, who is a successful and practical farmer, residing on sections 13 and 14, "Tilyard Township. One hun- dred and eighteen acres of his farm are in this town - ship and most of it is under cultivation, His homestead of ninety acres is especially fine, being highly improved and having upon it handsome and commodious buildings.
Since he came to this place, about 1856, Mr. Perrine has resided continuously upon the same estate. The year previous to his coming here he spent in Brushy Mound Township and passed three years in Jersey County. He was reared in Piek- away County, Ohio, and came thence to Jersey County early in the '50s. He had his nativity in Monmouth County, N. J., July 4, 1822. His father, William Perrine, and his grandfather, Matthew, were both born in that county. The grandfather had reached an extreme age at the time of his death, as had also the grandmother
who survived her husband. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War during the last year of that struggle.
William Perrine, the father of our subject, is one of a family of seven children, who have all passed to the spirit land except the youngest daughter. Hle grew up a farmer in New Jersey and there married Miss Rachel Lippincott, a native of Mon- mouth County. They came from New Jersey to Ohio after their marriage and the birth of four children, and lived in the Buckeye State for some years. The mother was of New Jersey parentage and New England stock. After the birth of all his children and the death of his wife, William Perrine came West and spent his last years with our subject in Illinois. Ile passed away at the age of sixty-seven years. Both he and his amiable wife were persons of true godliness and loveliness of character and were worthy of the universal affection with which they are regarded. They are members of the United Brethren Church.
Daniel Perrine was the second in age of a family of seven, three of whom still remain in this life. After being reared upon the farm in Ilocking and Pickaway Counties, Ohio, and having attamed manhood, he was married in llocking County to Miss Emily Doyle. This lady was a native of Ohio and was there reared in Perry County and eatne to Illinois with her husband. She died at her home in this town ship, September 7, 1884, having at that time reached the age of fifty-five years. She was a most worthy wife and mother and a con- sistent and heloved member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which she had been con- neeted from the time she was sixteen years old. She lost two of her twelve children before her own death, but the others lived and most of them have established families of their own. They are bring- ing up their children to reveie the memory of the grandmother.
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