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 84
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The two children who died are Alice, who was taken away when a little one of three years, and Elizabeth, who was called at the age of twenty. Those children who are still here are John, who took to wife Elizabeth Jones, and who owns and occupies a farm in this township; William, who married Alice Mitchell and lives in Morrisonville,
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Christian County, this State; Ann, the widow of William Colter, who lives on a farm in this town- ship; Jane, Mrs. Charles Ilucklebridge, who lives on a farm near Wellington, Sumner County, Kan .; Clara, Mrs. Edward Huddleston, who lives on a farm in Spanish Needle, this county; Emma, who is at home with her father; Dora, the wife of Charles Trabne, of Alton; Daniel Edward, Effie and Katie, who are at home.
Mr. Perrine was a second time married in this county at Carlinville to Mrs. Mary Barrett nee Raynolds. She was born in Tennessee and in her infancy came with her parents to threene County, Ill., where she was reared. She married Elijah Barrett, who enlisted to fight in the War of the Rebellion and did not live to return home. He left to her a family of eight children, but she has no children by her present marriage. The Methodist Church is the religious home of this valuable couple whose lives of Christian charity and helpful- ness to others, endear them to all their neighbors. Mr. Perrine advocates the principles of the Repub- lican party and casts his vote for its men and measures.
A lithographie portrait of Mr. Perrine accom- panies this biographical review.
h ENRY J. CALDWELL, one of the leading and representative farmers of Staunton Township, resides on section 34. where he has made his home for the long period of thirty-seven years. His residence in the county covers a period of fifty-five years, and thus he is one of its earliest settlers. A representative of one of the pioneer families he well deserves repre- sentation in this volume. His father, George Caldwell, was born in Courty Tyrone, Ireland, near Belfast in 1802, and was of Scotch-Irish de- scent. Ile grew up in the county of his nativity and was there joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Johnson, soon after which they sailed for America, crossing the Atlantic about 1828. They took up their residence in Philadelphia, where some years
before an older brother of Mr. Caldwell had lo- cated-llenry by name. During the Jackson ad. ministration he was officially connected with the Custom House and later came West, making his home for some years in Staunton Township, this county, where he became a prominent citizen and served as Justice of the Peace and Postmaster of Staunton for some years. Ile met his death by a train on the Wabash Road which strnek him while he was standing near the station. There was also another brother of the family who came to this country-Ilugh. He. too, served for a number of years as Postmaster of Staunton and is now living in Missouri.
After spending some years in Philadelphia, George Caldwell and his family finally came West, locating in 1836, on land which his brother Henry had previously entered from the Government. Ile lived to see almost the entire growth and develop ment ol the county. A man of robust health and abundant vitality he was well fitted for pioneer life and enjoyed many of its experiences. When he came here the city of Staunton was a mere hamlet containing only two or three houses and all around was wild, unbroken land. The nearest mill and market was at Alton and it was no easy task during some seasons of the year to make the jour- ney there as the roads were almost impassable. The family experienced . the usual trials and hardships of pioneer life but this mode of living also had its pleasures. It was the day of hospitality which is hardly seen now, when the latchi-string always unng out and every visitor was made welcome. The woods were full of wild game which bountifully supplied the table with meat and one had ample opportunity to indulge a love of hunting. Mr. Caldwell was prospered in his efforts and in the course of time he had become owner of an excel- lent farm. His death occurred at the home of our subject July 6. 1887, at the age of eighty-five years. Thus another of the honored and early pioneers passed away He was one of Nature's noblemen whom everyone respected and esteemed for his sterling worth. In politics he was a Demo- crat but never sought or desired public office. Ilis wife passed away in 1882, at the age of seventy- five years, and like her husband she was a member
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of the Presbyterian Church. Their family num- bered six children but only two are now living: Henry J. of this sketch; and Lavina P'. who re- sides with her brother.
Under the parental roof and amid the wild scenes of frontier life our subject grew to manhood and in the log school, so common at that time, he acquired his education. He was early inured to hard work but thereby developed a self-reliance and force of character which have proved of incal- culable benefit to him in later years. When he had attained his majority he was united in mar- riage near Hillsboro, III., with Miss Nancy Griffith, who was born in Montgomery County, Ill., Septem- ber 6, 1832, and is a daughter of John and Harriet (Pyatt) Griffith, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of North Carolina. During child- hood they came with their respective families to Illinois, where they were married and ever after- ward continued residents of Montgomery County. The mother there died some years ago but Mr. Griffith is still living at the age of eighty-five years. He has been a second time married, his wife having formerly been Mrs. (Skillman ) Bryan. Ile is a member of the Baptist Church and bas made farming his life-work. His children all called in on March 27, 1890, (except Jolin Jr., of Oklaho- mo) and gave him a surprise on the cighty-fourth year of his age. Mr. Griffith is still bale and hearty for one of his age.
Mrs. Caldwell was one of a family of ten chil- dren, five of whom are yet living. She remained at home until her marriage and then came to pre- side over her husband's home which she graces with all the true attributes of a wife and mother. By their union have been born six children but four are now deceased: George W., John F. and Mary died in infancy; and George B. died at the age of nineteen years. Charles E., who married Miss Lizzie Voyles, is living on the old home farm; and James H. assists in the operation of the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell are members of the Presbyterian Church and in polities he is a Prohibitionist. For four years he has served as Justice of the Peace. He deserves to be classed among the honored pioneers to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for the part which they have
taken in the upbuilding and development of the county. Ile has ever identified himself with its best interests and is known as a worthy and valued citizen whose life entitles him to the regard and esteem of all.
W ALLACE HI. BRUCE, one of the exten- sive land owners and prominent farmers of Staunton Township, has in his home farm three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, the whole under a high state of cultivation. Its many excellent improvements were nearly all placed there by himself and stand as monuments to his ambition and industry. The farm is supplied with good buildings, a comfortable and substantial residence, the latest improved machinery and is well stocked. There is not the minutest appear- anee of neglect, but every thing indicates the care- ful attention of a thrifty and progressive owner. He also has a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres elsewhere in Staunton Township and has other possessions to the amount of thirteen hundred aeres of land, the greater part of which is well tilled and yields a golden tribute to the owner.
Mr. Bruce was born in County Dare, Ireland, in 1827, and is a son of Samuel Bruce who belonged to an Irish Protestant family. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads and in the county of his nativity led to the marriage altar Miss Ma- tilda Patters. Accompanied by his wife and sever- al of their children, he sailed from Belfast in 1830, having determined to try his fortune in the New World. Landing in New York City after a long and tedious voyage of more than six weeks, he came on at once by canal and river to Alton, Ill., and with teams overland to Macoupin County. He made a settlement in Staunton Township, near the village of that name which then consisted of only one store and a few houses. Ilis time and attention he devoted to farming until his death, which was caused by pneumonia. He died after a very short illi.ess at the age of fifty-six years and his loss was deeply mourned by many friends. He lived a
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quiet, unassuming and upright life. His wife who survived him for more than twenty years, died in Staunton at the age of seventy. Both were mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church and were active workers, doing all in their power for the advance- ment of the cause.
Our subject was only ten years of age when his father died and his care and training thus devolved upon the mother who faithfully performed her duty, laboring for the interests of her children until they were old enough to care for themselves. Not wishing to tax his mother with his support, as soon as he had attained a sufficient age. Mr. Bruce began to earn his own livelihood, working as a farm hand until he had acquired sufficient capital to purchase land. Ile further completed his ar. rangements for a home by his marriage with Miss Eliza Clark, a native of the Emerald Isle, born in 1830. With her parents she came to America in 1842, and spent her girlhood days upon the old homestead farm. Together Mr. and Mrs. Bruce have labored and her able assistance has been no unimportant factor in securing his success. Their union has been blessed with eleven children and the family circle yet remains unbroken, though some have married and left the parental roof for homes of their own-Charles, who wedded Jennie Sprecher, is engaged in farming in Clyde ; Thomas is now operating his father's farm in Madison County ; Lizzie is at home: Belle is the wife of .James Earley, a farmer living near New Douglas, Madison County: Walter and Edward aid in operating the home farm; Agnes is a dressmaker of Staunton; William, Robert, C'allie and May are at home. Mr. Bruce and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church and in the social world are held in high regard. They have reared a large family of children who do honor to their name and of whom they may well be proud.
In politics, Mr. Bruce is a Democrat and keeps himself well informed concerning the issues of the day but has never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his entire attention to his busi- ness interests and this he has done with most ex- cellent success. He is not only industrious and enterprising, but also possesses good management, excellent business ability and is sagacious and far-
sighted. As his financial resources have increased, he has made judicious investments in real estate and as the land has risen in value he has become a wealthy man.
G EORGE H. SEWALL, editor and publisher of the Virden Reporter, is one of the lead- ing journalists of this section of Illinois. Ile is a fine representative of the intelligent and progressive native-born citizens of this county, who may be found in the various walks of life actively promoting its hightest interests. Virden is the birthplace of our subject, and November 8, 1859. the date of his birth. He is a son of William W. Sewall, formerly a well-known resident of this city.
William Sewall is also a native of this State, born at .Jacksonville February 11, 1832. llis father's name was William Henry Sewall, who was born at Augusta, Me., June 17, 1799, descending from good old New England stock, being the son of Gen. Hemy Sewall, a brave officer of the Revolu- tion, who was born at York, Me .. October 24, 1752, and at about the age of twenty-three years took up arms for his country at the very commence- ment of the Revolutionary War, and was appointed Corporal of David Bradish Company, from Fal- mouth, and continuing in the Colonial Army to the close of the war, he rose to the rank of Major, part of the time acting under Washington at the North. After the war he was seven years a Select- man, and thirty-two years Town Clerk in Hallo- well and Augusta. He was seventeen years Register of Deeds and Clerk of the District of Maine from its origin in 1789. He was promoted in the mili- tary service of his State through the subordinate grades to the rank of Major-General of the Eighth Division, He died at his residence in Augusta, Me., September 5, 1845, aged about ninety-three years.
The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was both a teacher and a farmer. In his youth he received a fair education, kept his father's books for several years with success, and about the age of twenty-one went to Washington to accept a Gov-
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ernment position which he had secured, but being shipwrecked on the way and nearly freezing to death, it being midwinter, a long and serious ill- ness followed, after recovering from which his plans were entirely changed, and he taught school for several years in Maryland and Eastern and Western Virginia, and was married August 9, 1820, at Green's Ilotel in Washington City, to a widow lady, Mrs. Elizabeth W. Adams, of Charles Connty, Md., Rev. Mr. McCormack officiating. Mrs. Adams was formerly Miss Middleton, daugh- ter of Samuel W. and Chatham Middleton, and was born July 27, 1795. After marriage this couple came to Illinois and settled at Jacksonville in 1829, where they resided two or three years, and Mr. Sew- all again taught school. They were present at the organization of the first Presbyterian Church in the place, and were among its first members. In 1833 they removed to their farm of six hundred and forty aeres, entered from the Government near the present site of Chandlerville, Cass County, III., then part of Morgan County. Here he organized the first Sabbath school in the neighborhood, helped organize the first church (Presbyterian), and was one of its first Elders. He laid the foundation for a competence for his family, although his life was cut short by his untimely death, April 7, 1846, at the age of forty-nine years. Ilis wife spent her last days with her daughter. Mrs. J. H. Goodell, near Chandlerville, and died there October 5, 1872, aged seventy-nine years, two months and eight days.
The father of our subject was a youth when his father died, and he continued to live with his mother on the home farm for a time. He then went to Jacksonville to complete his education, and was graduated from Illinois College in the Class of '56. Possessing much mechanical skill, he learned the trade of a carpenter, serving his apprenticeship at Jacksonville. le came from there to Virden in the early settlement of the village, and in the exer cise of his calling was an important agent in pro moting its growth.
In August, 1862, he threw aside all personal aims and private business to help fight his country's battles in the great war that was then raging he- tween the North and the South, enlisting in August,
1862, in Company G. One Hundred and Twenty- second Illinois Infantry, and he did good service with his company in all its marches and campaigns. While bravely nighting at Ft. Blakely, he was wounded. Ilis gallant conduct in the various en- gagements with the enemy in which he took part received due recognition by his promotion from the ranks to the position of Sergeant, and he was honorably discharged while acting in that capacity. After leaving the army Mr. Sewall resumed work at his trade at Virden, and was thus employed until 1869. In that year with Simons, Patterson & Co., he erected a flour mill, known as the North Star Mill, and he devoted himself to the manufacture of flour until 1884. In 1885 he went to Carthage, Mo., bought a tract of land close to the town, and established a fruit farm, which he has had in suc- cessful operation ever since. He was married De- cember 9, 1850, to Miss Susan E. Cox, a native of this county, born in North Otter Township, and a daughter of Jesse and Cynthia (Gibson) Cox. For parental history sce sketch of William Cox. Mr. and Mrs. Sewall have four children, namely : George H., Mary E., William J. and Hattie.
Our subject was reared in his native town, and laid the solid foundation of a liberal education in the local public schools. In his youth he became a student at Blackburn University, where he applied himself assiduously to his studies, and was gradu- ated with a good rank for scholarship in the Class of '83. lle was thus well fitted to enter upon the duties of his chosen profession as a journalist, and he became local editor of the Macoupin Enquirer. Six months later he gave up that position to take charge of the Virden Reporter, of which he has since been sole editor and proprietor. Under his able management this publication has risen to a place of importance among the newspapers of this and surrounding counties. It is issued in a neat and attractive form, is bright and interesting, and its editorials on the leading questions of the day keep apace with the times. It is a strict Republican party organ, but always deals fairly with its oppo- nents, and presents their views on national and local polities impartially.
Editor Sewall is a popular man with all classes, and he is prominent in various social organizations.
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Ile belongs to Virden Lodge, No. 161, A. F. & A. M .; is a member of the James R. Freeman Camp, No. 305, S. of V., of which he was the first Captain. Ile was one of the first to join Logan. Camp at Carlinville, which was among the first organized in Illinois. Ile is also Secretary of the Masonic lodge.
A.J. P. C. HUGGINS, of Bunker Hill, is one of the most honored of Macoupin County's pioneers and this work would be incomplete if his sketeh was omitted. No man has been more prominently connected with its history and upbuilding or done so much toward founding its leading towns as he, and we could not, if we would, efface his name from the annals of the county.
In Cornish Township, Sullivan County, N. II., the Major opened his eyes to the light of the day February 28, 1814, and was reared to manhood in the State of his nativity. Ile received a good practical education in the common schools and his business training was acquired as a elerk, in which occupation he engaged at the age of fourteen years. He came West a single man and after two years returned to New Hampshire, where he wedded Miss Mary L. Whittelsey, who was also born and reared in Sullivan County. The wedding journey of the young couple was a trip to their new home in the West and they began their domestic life at this place where Mrs. Iluggins died at the birth of her first child, which is also deceased. The Major was a second time married in Bunker Hill, his second union being with Mrs. Elizabeth S. Knowlton. Her maiden name was Woodard and she is a native of Connectiont, where she grew to womanhood and was married to Samuel Knowlton, with whom she came to Maeoupin County about 1836. Her first husband died on his farm in Bunker Hill Town- ship. Three children were born of that union- Albert, now living in Newton, Kan .; Sarah, wife of D. W. Woodman, a lumber merchant of Litchfield, now living a retired life; and Nellie, wife of S. O. Sawyer, a dealer in stationery, of St. Louis. Mr. Huggins and his wife have two children-Frank
E., who married Laura Spencer, and is Secretary of a coal company in Zanesville, Ohio; and Mary E., wife of Henry B. Davis, an attorney of St. Lonis.
On the main traveled road between St. Louis and Springfield, Ill., more than a half a century ago was a little village, one of the chief stopping places on the road. It was in a thriving condition and gave promise of future growth. Such a place was likely to attract the attention of an enterprising and ambitious young man who wished to make a successful life. Being pleased with its prospects, Maj. Huggins there located in 1838, securing a small tract of land upon which he built a cabin and has there made his home continuously since, al- though the first house has long since been replaced by a commodious residence which is now situated on Main Street, in the heart of the little city. Af- ter a short time he put in a small stock of general merchandise and began to sell goods, which place of business was the first permanent one of the kind in Bunker Hill. Not long after a postoffice was there located, called Lineoln and a Mr. Phillips, an old Boston gentleman, was made Postmaster. On his death the Major succeeded him, having to take the office first as bondsman and later was appointed the regular Postmaster by President Polk, although he was a Whig. He held the office for some years, during the time when high rate of postage was charged on all mail matter.
The usual experiences and hardships of pioneer life form a part of Mr. Huggins' history. The country around about Bunker Hill was in those days all wild and unsettled and game of all kinds, including prairie chickens, turkeys, etc., was to be had in abundance. However, as time passed set- tlements were made in the timber or along the streams mostly east and south of Bunker Hill, which was known for years as Wolf Ridge, from the faet that a den of wolves was there found. Wonderful are the changes which have occurred since that time and the transformation which has been wrought. To the early settlers is due a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid for they laid the foundation of the county's prosperity. Mr. Huggins has been prominently identified with the business ·interests of Bunker Hill and in order to
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make it a business center he established a castor- oil mill, the first in the county, which had the de- sired effect of bringing people into the town. So well did his enterprise succeed that a large mill of the kind built some time before at Edwardsville, found in him a competitor who was drawing much of their trade, so that the proprietors sought to buy him out, offering him a large profit on his invest- ment. In the meantime, by an accident, he had discovered a successful process for purifying the oil. Snow had blown into his kettles and he found that soft water was the needed article. Having concluded his sale with the Edwardsville firm Mr. Huggins launched into the flouring-mill business, establishing what was known as the Red Mill near Bunker Hill. It was the first one in successful op- peration in the county and drew enstom for more than twenty miles around. He continued to ope- rate it for some years and in the meantime became interested in another enterprise. He saw that the introduction of a railroad would prove of immense benefit to Bunker Hill and began operations to- wards securing the construction of the Alton & Terre Haute Road through this place. After a long and hard struggle and much engineering on his part the road was secured to this point and he be- came one of its first directors, a position which he held seven years and during that time he located a number of depots and laid out the towns of Litch- field. Gillespie, Pana and others. The history of the introduction of railroads into lilinois is famil. iar to him. The schemes and intrigues worked by the various roads became known to him and he de- serves great credit for circumventing these and se- euring the road to Bunker Hill.
From the organization of the Republican party, Major Huggins has heen one of its supporters and by it in 1869 was elected to the county judgeship, which position he filled during the "courthouse fight." He had many intricate questions to settle and had to use every effort to prevent further in- trigues by those who had worked up the great tax imposition. He labored hard to prevent expenses being heaped up upon the people and in this way made some bitter enemies but at the same time he won hosts of friends by his efforts and sacrifices in defense of the rights against malicious intrigues.
His rulings were always wise and just and he proved one of the ablest and most efficient judges which Macoupin County has ever had.
Between 1855 and 1860, Maj. Huggins with a number of others of the leading citizens of Bunker Hill determined to improve the educational intel- ests of the city and builded what has since been known as the Bunker Hill Seminary, he becoming one of the Trustees and President of the school, which has had a varied experience and is now run as a private school under the direction of Prof. Stiver. In his social relations the Major is a Mason and a demitted Odd Fellow and both he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church at Bunker Hill, of which he was one of the organizers and of which he is a liberal supporter. The public and private life of Maj. Huggins is alike above re proach and he is honored as one of the pioneer fathers of the county, where for more than a half a century he has made his home.
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