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 92
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111
ILLIAM HEAL, a thrifty and practical stock-raiser and a prosperous farmer resides on section 5, Bunker Hill Township. Ilis farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres, all excellent land and highly improved with a fine set of good, substantial farm buildings. Mr. Heal came to this county a poor man in 1868 and began work as a laborer, saving his money and by careful economy was able in 1874 to purchase the farm upon which he now resides and a view of which accompanies this biographical notice.
Mr. Heal. subject of this sketch, is a native of Somersetshire, England. His natal day was Jan- uary 17, 1848. He comes of an old family of that shire, of pure English stock. His father, Joseph, was an English farmer and lived and died in his na- tive shire, reaching the age of sixty-four years. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Lockyer,
was born and spent her life in the same locality as her husband. She died at the age of sixty years. Both of these worthy people were identified with the Baptist Church.
The subject of this sketch is the fifth child in a family of six sons and four daughters. all of whom are yet living, and all have established families of their own. William and a brother George are the only ones in this country. George is a farmer, occupying one of his brother's farms in this town- ship. William was educated and reared in his native home and was twenty years old when he undertook independent work. lle decided to come to the New World and was the first of the family to make this decision. lie took passage at Liverpool on the vessel "City of Baltimore" and landed in New York City. February 11, 1868. His face was turned Westward and he was not willing to make a home in the East so he came directly to Illinois and set- tled in this county, where he has since accumulated a competeney by his own efforts.
The lady; who became the wife of Mr. Heal bore the maideraumge of Mary E. Lockyer. She was born in Macoupin County, this State, in 1852 and here was reared and educated. Her parents, Rich- ard and Emma (Barnstable) Lockyer, were natives of Somersetshire, England, and after their marriage came at once to America in 1841. After landing in New York City, they came directly to the West. and made their home in Macoupin County where they began life as American farmers. The father died in the prime of life before his daughter, now Mrs. Heal, was born. The mother, Mrs. Lockyer, was a second time married and became Mrs. Henry Baker. Mr. Baker, who is an Englishman and a successful farmer, is now living in Brighton Town ship. this county, at an advanced age. His wife died when fifty-eight years old in the year 1885. They were both earnest and conscientious members of the Congregational Church.
Mrs. Heal was reared by her mother and step- father. She is the mother of six children, one of whom is deceased. Those who are living are Henry J., who is attending the Western Normal College at Bushnell ; George E., Elizabethi D., Walter W., and Charles Edgar are all at home. The parents are earn- estand consistent members of the Congregational
778
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Church of Woodburn, where Mr. Heal is a Trustee. They are rearing their children in the faith and practice of that church. Our subject is a stanch and sound Republican in his political views ; a man of noble bearing, high-minded and bonorable and commands the respect and admiration of all who know him.
ILLIAM S. HARTWICK, a hard-working and skillful farmer of Bird Township, is pleasantly located on seetion 19. Ile has one hundred and eighty .two acres of land which is under excellent tillage and is supplied with a full line of substantial farm buildings and such other improvements as befit the estate of a man of good judgment. A view of his pleasant homestead will be found on another page. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits and has been lo- cated on his present estate since February, 1882. Prior to that time he lived in Jersey County. where he was born June 28, 1850. His educational opportunities, although limited to the district school, were good, and he grew to manhood in pos- session of a goodly amount of practical knowledge and information on various topics. He left the parental home in his twenty- first year to establish a fireside of his own.
The parents of Mr. Hartwick were James and Eliza (Skillman ) Hartwick, natives of New Jersey. They were reared and married in their native State and came thence to Illinois many years ago. Their first home in the Prairie State was in Jersey County, but they removed to Macoupin County and finally made their home in Chesterfield Town- ship. Mr. Hartwick died in Jersey County while
absent from home on business, the date of his de- cease being December 28, 1883. He had attained to the good old age of seventy-two years. The mother who makes her home in Greene County is now (1891) eighty-one years old. William S. is the sixth in a family of seven children.
That interesting and momentous event-the marriage of William Hartwick and Mary M. Cox- occurred December 29, 1870, at the bride's home
in Jersey County. She is a daughter of John and Rebecca (Sinclair) Cox, now deceased, and her father was a farmer. She was born in Missouri March 12. 1852. To her and her husband two children have come, who are named respectively Edwin and James. They adopted a little girl, Mary E., when only seven months old and she is now a bright child of eight summers. Our sub- ject and his family are members of the Baptist Church in Bird Township. Mr. Hartwick exercises the right of suffrage in behalf of Democratic can- didates. Hle and his wife are held in high esteem, as people of intelligence and kindliness, and they have many warm friends.
R. EV. GEORGE SANDERS. One by one the pioneers of this county are passing to their final rest. Few now remain of those who Oopened the pathway for advancing civiliza- tion, turned the first furrows in the primitive soil, and made an uncultivated section of country "blos- som as the rose." There recently passed from the scenes of earth one of these honored pioneers, whose name is indissolubly associated with the progress of Macoupin County and whose memory will be cherished in the hearts of generations to come. We are pleased to present to our readers a brief biogra- phical review of the Rev. Mr. Sanders, who died July 30. 1891.
The last years of his life were passed retired in Bunker Ihill, whither he removed in 1882. llis residence in the county dates from 1844, and he was therefore a witness of many changes in the ap- pearance of the country. Thriving towns now oc- cupy the pleasant valleys, and where was once wild woodland may now be seen rich estates and com- fortable homes. Mr. Sanders was born in Devon- shire, England, eighty miles north of London, April 21, 1805, and was one of nine children, whose parents, Edward and Mary (Ford) Sanders, were born, reared, married and died in England. The father was a miller by trade and followed that oe- cupation until his death, which occurred at the age of sixty years and was caused by being thrown from
779
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a horse. Ilis wife survived him and died at the age of seventy-two years. They were both members of the Church of England.
In his native land, George Sanders grew to man- hood and during his youth became connected with the Queen's Palace, remaining in the direct employ of her Majesty for some sixteen years, during which time he served in the Yeoman's Cavalry and fre- quently came in contact with the Queen. Ile later engaged in the milling business which he followed until 1841, when be determined to make a home in the New World and set sail for America, taking passage on a vessel commanded by Capt. Taylor. After a voyage of twenty-nine days he landed in New York City, where for four years he was em- ployed in a potash manufactory. On the expira- tion of that time he came to Illinois and ever after ward made his home in Bunker Hill Township. He has led a busy and useful life and one which in many respects was worthy of emulation. While in England he was licensed to preach in 1834, in the local churches and after coming to the United States was again licensed on the 3d of August, 1841. He was a generous giver to the Methodist Church, the religion of his faith, and by example as well as precept led many to a knowledge of the truth. While in London in 1886, he visited the headquar- ters of Gen. Booth, whom be heard preach and whom he regarded as one of the noblest and most consecrated men.
In England, Rev. Mr. Sanders was joined in wed. lock with Miss Elizabeth Paw, who was born and reared in the same shire with her husband. To- gether they emigrated to America and her death oc- curred in Bunker Hill in 1852. at the age of forty - two years. She was the mother of nine children, three of whom are now deceased-William, Maria and Mary A.,all of whom were married and left families. Thomas, who wedded Sarah Nailer, is living in Bunker Hill ; Edward, a prominent farmer of Litch- field, married Louisa Carter; Sarah is the wife of Leon Wilder, who served throughout the late War and afterward became a policeman of Denver, Colo., where he died and was buried with many honors; Amelia, widow of Thomas Bird, is also living in Denver; Stephen, who wedded Ida Brown, is en- gaged in gold mining in Colorado; Sophia is the
widow of Dr. O. (. Stimson, a native of Vermont, who graduated from Ann Arbor I'niversity and later from the Wisconsin Dental College. He was for years a leading dental surgeon of Bunker Hill, where he died in 1885. His remains were interred with all the honors of the Masonic lodge. Ile was also a member of the I'nited Workmen Lodge of Bunker Hill. He had a large and Inerative prac- tice and won a host of friends whose warm sympa- thy was extended to his widow in her bereavement. The tather spent the last two years of his life with his daughter. Mrs. Stimson, where he died, July 30, 1891.
Mr. Sanders for many years followed farming in this county and as the result of his industry, thrift and enterprise he acquired a handsome com- petence which enabled him to live a retired life. Fair dealing characterized his entire business career and he lived a life which won him the warm regard of all with whom he came in contact.
AMES F. NIFONG. Among the influential and public spirited men residing in North Palmyra Township, we are pleased to call the attention of our readers to the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, Ilis father, Jacob Nifong, was of Southern birth, being born in either Virginia or North Carolina, while the mother, Letey Simms, was a native of either Tennessee or Kentucky. Their marriage took place in Madison County, Mo., in October, 1825, and they emigrated thence to Illinois and settled upon section 7, North Palmyra Township, in the year 1828. where JJacob Nilong died February 2, 1844.
The mother of James Nifong was married a sec- tion time to James Patton, of Sangamon County, 111., where she died in 1856. The parents of our subject had nine children, only three of whom lived to years of maturity. James was born in Madison County. Mo., August 14, 1828. Ile grew to man- hood in North Palmyra Township, which has al- ways been his home with the exception of seven years, when he lived in Palmyra village, being en- gaged in the mercantile business in company with
780
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
D. N. Solomon under the firm name of Solomon & Nifong. These two gentleman platted the village of Palmyra and gave it its name.
When Mr. Nifong was a young man he learned the wagon-maker's trade of his father and worked at it one year in Waverly, IHl. He also took up carpen try, although agriculture has been his chief pursuit through life. The first marriage of our subject oc- curred January 9. 1849, in South Palmyra Town- ship. lle was then united with Miss Zilpha A. Solomon, a daughter of Ilenry and Elizabeth ( Prowse) Solomon. This lady was born in Mor. gan County. Ill., October 28, 1829, and became the mother of nine children, three now deceased. The surviving ones are as follows: Jeunie who is now the wife of John J. Wright, of Virden; Lewallyn J. who died when nearly twenty-eight years old; William A. married Ella Rhorer who is now de- ceased ; Henry F. took to wife Ida Malone; Allison 11., whose wife bore the maiden name of Mahet Baker; Leroy M., married Millie Fleteher and Clarence O., who is still at home. These children have all grown up to be an honor and delight to their father who finds in their beautiful affection and upright lives a cheer and comfort in his de clining days. Their mother passed from earth in Palmyra Township, September 11, 1886.
The second marriage of our subject took place in Scottville Township. July 17. 1889, his bride being Lydia A. Coons, daughter of Joseph and Sophia (MeCollough) Coons, who was born in Scottville Township, Macoupin County, June 28, 1850. Mr. Nifong is the owner of two hundred and forty rich and productive acres in North Pal- myra Township and upon this farm are to be found as comfortable and commodious buildings as may be seen in the township. He owned at one time some eight hundred acres but has given away the most of his land to his children. His wealth has been accumulated through his own energy, enter- prise and industry, as he began life by working out by the month, part of the time for the wages of $6 and 89 per month. llis first farm was a rented one and his economy and industry have brought to him the fine property which he has owned. lle was the first Township Clerk in North Palmyra Township after its organization and has acted as
Trustee and School Treasurer. lIe is decidedly independent in his polities but is greatly inclined to aid all efforts in the line of prohibition. The Church of Christ is the religious body with which Mr. Nifong and his excellent wife are connected. He takes a deep interest in the welfare of the farm- ing community and is a prominent member of the Grange, with which he has been connected for twenty years and to which he looks for help for the farmers both socially and intellectually.
REDERICK R. RIFFEY. The owner of the farm located on section 22. North Otter Township, is the gentleman whose name appears above. He is a Virginian by birth and education. llis father was James Riffey and prob- ably was born in Roanoke County, Va. His mother's maiden name was Anna Rhodes, probably a native of Augusta County, also Virginia. The father died in the county in which he was born, where they both made their home until the time of their death, although the mother passed away in Macoupin County, Ill., while on a visit to her daughter-Mrs. Elizabeth II. Brubaker.
Our subject is one of eight children, he being the fourth of the family. Ile was horn in Roan- oke County, Va., October 8. 1849, where he re- mained until he had attained manhood. His mar- riage took place in the same county in which he was born and brought up and January 26. 1869, he was united for better or worse to Miss Martha E. Swartz, who was also a native of Virginia. her birthplace being in Botetourt County, and her advent into the world being on September 21. 1850.
Mrs. Riffey's parents were Christian and Cather- ine (Click) Swartz. The mother's decease occurred in Roanoke County, Va, Mr. and Mrs. Riffey had eight children-John W, Josiah C., James H., Rosa E., Frederick L., Gertie R., Melissa A. and Perley C. Gersie died in infancy. Mrs. Martha E. Riffey passed away from this life May 7, 1886, in North Otter Township and was laid away in God's acre, her spirit passing to the better world.
781
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
He was again married in Wayne County, Ohio, April 15, 1888, to Miss Mary E. Eshelman, a daughter of Jacob and Anna (Harshman) Eshel- man. The former was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Ohio. Mr. Eshelman died in Wayne County, Ohio. They had seven children, of whom Mrs. Riffey was the fourth. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio, March 4, 1858. They have an in- fant unnamed.
Ile of whom we write has always been engaged in farming and agricultural pursuits; he owns sev . enty-three aeres of land and has very good im- provements on his farm. Mr. Riffey is a Jackson- ian Democrat in politics and both husband and wife are members of the German Baptist Church. They take a deep interest in the Sunday school work and indeed in all religious matters.
S ALMON TUTTLE HOPSON, a pioneer dairyman of Illinois, residing on his well- appointed farm on section 34, Girard Township, is carrying on a large and lucra- tive business in his line. He is a bright, energetic and progressive man, who is well informed on all subjects of public import and general interest, keeps well abreast of the times, and is in all respects an honor to the citizenship of this county, where he has made his home for more than a quarter of a century.
Mr. Hopson was born in Salisbury Center. Her- kimer County, N. Y .. November 17, 1824. Ifis father, James Hopson, was born in Wallingford, Conn., in 1778. The grandfather of our subject, Ahrarus Hopson, was also a native of that New England State. He went from there to New York, and was one of the early settlers of llerkimer County, where he secured a traet of timber land on what is known as "Mary Johnson's Tract." A little inci- dent concerning that land may be related bere, One time an Indian chief visited Governor Johnson at his home in Albany, and told that gentleman that he had had a dream. The Governor asked him what it was. The Chief replied that he had dreamed that the Governor was to give him a cer-
tain fine horse with all its trappings that had caught the savage's fancy. After a few minutes thought the Governor, as if very reluctantly, said, "If you have had such a dream I must give you the horse, though I regret very much to do so." adding. "you must not dream any more." On his next visit the Governor remarked to the Chief, "} have had a dream." The Indian asked him what it was. Ile answered that it was to the purport that the Indian was to give him all the land lying he- tween the two streams known as East and West Canada creeks. The Indian seemed amazed. But after thinking a few minutes said, "I must give you the land, but don't dream any more."
There were no railways or canals in New York when Abrarus Hopson settled in Herkimer County. nor for several years afterward, and all produce had to be carried to Albany to market, a distance of sixty nine miles. After many years of hard labor he cleared a good farm, but finally lost it through a defective title. He, however, secured another tract close by, and resided thereon until death closed his mortal career.
The father of our subject learned the trades of a shoemaker and tanner in his youth, and carried them on in connection with farming a number of years, lle then turned his attention to mercantile pursuits in Salisbury Center, and contributed to advance its business interests and material pros- perity, until his demise in 1868. Ile married in early manhood, taking as his wife Lucy Tuttle, a native of Wallingford, Conn. She died at Salis- bury Center in 1842, at the age of fifty-four years.
Salmon T. Ilopson was reared in his native town and was carefully trained in all that goes to make a good man and a loyal citizen. Ile was only six- teen years of age when he left his early home and went out into the world to seek fortune's favors, with no other capital than a sound physique. good principles, and a mind well balanced. Hle first went to Ohio, and was employed at the trade of a cooper in that State the two years ensuing. We next hear of him in Maryland, where he gave his time to teaching school until 1847. In that year he made his way to this county, and for two years rented a farm in Chesterfield Township. From there he went to Bird Township, where he estab-
782
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lished a dairy farm. There being no railways there for a time after he settled there, he drew all his produets to St. Louis to market. Six years after locating in Bird Township, he removed to Jersey- ville, where he engaged in the mercantile busi- ness.
Mr. Hopson was successful as a merchant, but he still retained his taste for the dairy business. and in 1862 he purchased the farm that he now owns and occupies in Girard Township. This was well adapted to dairy purposes, and formerly well stocked with good grades of sleek, well-kept cattle, his herd being among the best dairy cows in this section. Ile carries on an extensive and well reg- ulated business, shipping a large quantity of milk to St. Louis, where he has established a first-class retail trade, his shipping bills on the railway amounting to upward of $700 a year. In the fall of 1890, he shipped his stock for the St. Louis trade to that city, where he has built up a business computed to be worth $25,000.
Mr. Hopson has been twice married. Ir 1855 he was wedded to Miss Susanna R. Cundell, a na- tive of this county, and a daughter of John R. and Mary A. Cundell, who were natives of England and early settlers of Macoupin County. Mrs. Hopson departed this life after a happy marriage of ten years duration, October 2, 1865, leaving three children-Mamie, John J. and Carrie. Mr. Ilop- son was married in October, 1866, to Elizabethi Vanarsdale, a native of Somerville, this county, and a daughter of William II. and Margaret G. (Carson) Vanarsdale. Seven children have blessed the felicitious union of our subject and his present wife, namely : Katie, Bartie, By- ron, Charlie, Cora, Herbie, and Lotta. Mr. Hop- son's daughter Mamie, is the wife of Alvin Van- natta, of St. Louis; Carrie is the wife of James Rice, a merchant of Champaign County ; and Katie married Daniel Bell, of St. Louis.
Our subjeet has always been a great reader and stu - dent of economic questions, and is widely and prom- inently known as a leader in the movements that have resulted in the establishment of the Grange, of the Farmers' Alliance and Farmers' Mutual Ben- efit Association, being one of the principal organ- izers and leeturers of the various societies. Ile is
a forcible and ready speaker, never at a loss for words, and seems to possess an unending fund of information on whatsoever topic is under discus- sion. As an instance of his wit and aptness in re- ply, we will relate a little conversation that took place between him and Senator Palmer, while he was riding one day with that gentleman, during the latter's campaign for the governorship. As is well known the General is as fond of a joke as any- body, and he asked Mr. Hopson to tell him hon. estly what proportion of water he put into his milk. Our subject replied that he would tell him confidentially, that it was in the same proportion that he (the General) watered his speeches, and that at times both were very thin, whereat the ex- governor was highly amused, although the joke had been turned back on himself.
Mr. Hopson was in early life a Whig, and cast his first vote for President for Gen. Scott. In 1860 he gave strong support to Stephen A. Dong- las in his candidacy for the Presidential chair, and since then has worked with the Democrats, being one of the most earnest and intelligent supporters of his party in this part of the State. As a lecturer and organizer of the various societies mentioned he has had opportunity for an extended acquaint- ance with public men, who recognize his worth and ability, and unite with his fellow-townsmen in ac- cording him the respect due to his merits.
G EORGE B. WAY. The prosperous farmers of Virden Township have been the prime factors in the development of that portion of Macoupin County. Their industry and enter- prise have added weightily to the commercial value of the landed property, not only their own but all in that section. Their persevering efforts to in- crease the market facilities of that. portion of the county, have added greatly to the possibilities of success for their more struggling neighbors, and we can heartily congratulate such men as Mr. Way on having done good work not only for himself but also for the county.
The father of our subject was U'riah B. Way,
783
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
who was born in Madison County, N. Y., and his mother, a native of the same county. was Fanny McBride. They married and settled in their na- tive home but somewhat later removed to Genesee County in that State, which became the last earthly home of the mother. After his bereavement the father removed to Illinois, and in 1855 settled in Fulton County, but afterward made his home in MeDonough County, where he died.
The subject of this sketch was the first born of his parents and is the eldest in their family of five children, being born October 25. 1832, in Madison County. N. Y. Most of his early years were passed in his native State, and he was a young man before the family emigrated to the West. Ile came to Illinois with his father in 1855, and it was in Ful- ton County that he found the woman whom he made his wife. Iler maiden name was Lavina Nelson and she was born in Ohio.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.