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 93

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 93

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After marriage the young couple removed to Jersey County and here Mr. Way taught school for four winters, after which he engaged in farm - ing and continued his residence in that county until 1871 when he removed to Macoupin County. settling in Virden Township, which has since been his happy home. Farming has been his chief hus- iness in life, and he now owns two hundred and forty acres of land upon which he had erected buildings of more than ordinary value and attrac- tiveness. Everything upon the farm shows the hand of a practical and systematic farmer and the prosperity of Mr. Way is the direct result of his own energy and enterprise.

Two children blessed the union of George and Lavina Way to whom were given the names of William and Fannie. Their mother was taken away by death while the family home was in Jer- sey County, in 1861. Mr. Way's second marriage took place in that county in November. 1863, his bride being Miss Louisa A. Beeman. They are the parents of eight children, Georgeora, who is now the wife of Alvin Ferguson : Gloster, who married Miss Libby Arnold; Edgar ; Effie; Evart and Earl; Mary died when sixteen months old and Ethel P. died at the age of one year. The mother of these children was called from this earthly life to her heavenly home in June, 1881. Mr. Way is a man

who takes quite an active part in political affairs and is an earnest advocate of the doctrines and policy of the Republican party.

M ILTON Mc CLU'RE, United States Com- missioner for the Southern District of III- inois, is a well known resident of Carlin- ville. He was but an infant when he came to this State with his parents and he has no recol- lection of other than his adopted home, with the interests of which he has been prominently identi- fied for many years. As a farmer, business man and official, he has acted well his part, and while advancing his private interests has been useful to society by setting a good example and faithfully discharging the duties which devolved upon him. He is not at present actively engaged in any busi- ness but is looking after his private interests and discharging the duties of his otlice.

Although a native of Kentucky, Mr. MeClure is descended from an old Virginia family and his ancestors were men of education and merit. His grandfather, the Rev. Allen MeCture, united with the Presbyterian Church and when a young man became a minister in that denomination. Ile re- moved from his native State to Kentucky in an early day and was one of the original members of the first Synod of the Presbyterian Church organized in the Blue Grass State. As a pioneer preacher at Paris, Bourbon County, he did a noble work in that section. Ilis son James, father of our subject, was' borr in Augusta County, Va., and was quite young when the family removed to Kentucky. He was educated for the ministry but did not choose to follow that profession, preferring a mercantile life. Ile was married in Jessamine County to Frances Dickerson, a native of that county and the daugh- ter of Martin and Rebecca Dickerson. Some years later he removed to Shelbyville. Tenn .. and en- gaged in mercantile pursuits there with branch stores in other places. Ile was unfortunate, lost his property, and about 1828 returned to Kentucky, remaning in Jessamine County until 1834.

Mr. MeClure then came to this State, traveling

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

via the Kentucky and Mississippi Rivers to Col- umbiana, Greene County. Ile made his home in Carrollton a year. then joined the pioneers of this county, entering Government land in Carlinville Township. He took up a claim of one hundred and twenty acres on which he built a double log house. His children improved the land and he re- sided upon it until after the death of his wife. which occurred in 1844. The same year he was appointed Clerk in the Land Office at Washington, D. C .. by President Polk, was reappointed by President Taylor and continued in the office until his death. in 1849. In an early day he was Asses- sor of this county and in the discharge of his duties visited every family, and in 1840 he took the county census. Ilis family consisted of six sons and six daughters.

Milton MeClure was born in Nicholasville, Jess- amine County. Ky. in 1832. During his infancy his parents came hither and as soon as he was strong enough he began to assist on the farm. Ile made the best of the limited opportunities offered for securing an education, attending school in the primitive school-house built of logs, with puncheon floor and seats and heated by a fireplace. The first school he attended was taught by his father. Text-books were almost unknown and the primer or spelling book was handed down in the family and made to do service for various members. Writing was done with a quill pen at a desk around the wall. When fourteen years old young MeClure entered school in Carlinville and after studying there two years became a student at Shurtleff Col- lege in Upper Alton. He carried on his work there three years and thus gained so much informa- tion that the faculty gave him a recommendation as a competent teacher. Ile did not, however, adopt the profession but became a clerk in the drug store of his brother-in-law, Dr. L. J. Woods, and when his clerical duties would permit, studied medicine.

A year was thus spent and then Mr. McClure became a dry-goods clerk and continued to act in that capacity until 1856, when he was elected Sher- iff of this county. lle served two years, then he- came a merchant and a dealer in live stock. Ile was thus occupied until 1863 and from that time

until 1889 carried on a drug business. He then sold out in order to enjoy more leisure. He has never lost his interest in agricultural affairs and now owns a valuable farm of four hundred and eighty acres. He was appointed United States Commissioner by President Johnson in 1865 and has served continuously.

In 1854 Mr. MeClure was married to Martha K. Neale, a native of Springfield, this State, and a daughter of Gen. Thomas M. Neale. Mr. and Mrs. McClure have two children-James A. and Harriet B. The latter married Thomas Mellersh and their home is in San Francisco. Mr. MeClure is a Democrat and in 1872 was a delegate to the Nation . al Democratic Convention at Baltimore. He has been a member of the village Board of Trustees and was Justice of the Peace about twelve years. In fact he has held some office almost from his majority. In 1872 he assisted in organizing the First National Bank of Carlinville and was elected Vice-President and later President; in May. 1890. he aided in organizing the Carlinville National Bank and was elected Director. It will be scen that Mr. MeClure is- influential and active in pro- moting the various interests of the community, and it is needless to say that he is regarded with re- speet and good will. In 1880 he was elected a member of the State Board of Equalization.

RED G. STORZ, one of the retired merch- ants of Girard, is a good model of a truly self-made man who has by his unaided ef- forts gained a genuine success as a business man. This gentleman had few advantages or opportuni- ties for self-improvement in youth and but little capital with which to begin mercantile business. but by push, pluck and perseverance he has gained a handsome property and a comfortable compet- ency upon which he can retire from the active pur suits of life and enjoy the comforts of his beauti- ful home.

Our subject was born in the village of Benningen in the province of Wurtemberg, Germany, his na- tal day being September 22, 1851. His father, Freiderick Storz, a native of the same province,

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was a farmer and spent his entire life in his native land, dying in 1873. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Ann Marie Schober. Her nativity was the same as the father's, and she preceded him to the other world, passing away in 1865. To this worthy couple were born six bright and promising children, all of whom they brought up and educated, making of them men and women worthy of their excellent parentage. They are by name Freiderick, Michael, Ann Marie, Karl, And. reas, and our subject.

Fred G. Storz is the only member of the family who has ever made his home in America. His elementary education was carefully promoted and his school life lasted until he was fourteen years old. He then set himself to learning the trade of a baker at Ludwigsburg and after serving for three years, he then (as the law requires) pursued his trade for several years. carrying it on, however, in a number of different places. He worked for one year at Heidelberg and then returned to Ludwigs- burg and followed his trade until 1872.

The passion for emigration had now taken pos- session of the young man and he decided to trans- fer his interests to the New World. Hle therefore boarded the steamer " Neckar" of the German Lloyd Line, in June, 1872, and landing in Balti- more, July 6, at once came to Illinois, spending some time in Springfield. He visited friends for a short time and then being attracted to Virden, came here and carried on his trade for two years and then coming to Girard carried on work here for about nine months on another line, after which he decided to open up a bakery and a few months later took a partner and opened a restaurant in connection with the bakery.

This partnership lasted for about five years at the end of which time Mr. Storz bought out the interest of the other man and continued in business until December, 1889. He then retired from act- ive work with the exception of looking after his investments and his private business. Hle has ac- cumulated a handsome property including a beauti- ful residence which is built in a modern style of architecture, elegantly finished and handsomely furnished.

The lady who presides with so much grace and

dignity over this charming home bore the maiden name of Lena Schelb. She was born in Carlsruhe, the province of Baden, Germany, and came to America when she was eight years of age. Her na- tal day was January 6, 1860, and she is a daughter of Wilhelm and Christiana Schelb. She became the wife of Mr. Storz, December 16, 1879. Two children have come to share the affection and par- ental solicitude of this worthy couple: Albert W., born October 29, 1880, and Mabel C., January 6, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Storz are earnest and active members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and this gentleman is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias and also of Lodge, No. 192, I. O. O. F. at Girard.

AMUEL P. SANNER is justly considered one of the best farmers in the county, and the passing stranger least, acquainted with the merits of farm lands, will decide that his property is one of the best in Bunker Hill Township. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres on section 6. and eighty acres adjoining it. located on scetion 1. Brighton Township. The land has been highly developed and first-class buildings have been put up, while the tences are neat and substantial, the orchards well trimmed and every portion of the place subject to careful and orderly control. The property was bought hy Mr. Sanner in 1862, and has been brought by him to its present condition.

Mr. Sanner comes of the old Pennsylvania- Dutch stock that has done so much to advance the agricultural interests of the nation. His grand- father, Jacob Sanner, married Sarah Hannah, and both died in Pennsylvania, where they had spent long and industrious lives. Grandfather Sanner was a soldier in the War of 1812. He and his wife belonged to the Presbyterian Church. Their son Samuel was born in Northumberland County, and grew to manhood there. Ile married Barbara Paul, who was born in Virginia and was of German ancestors.

After the birth of three children Mr. and Mrs.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Sanner came to this State, traveling overland and making their settlement in Madison County in 1833. They secured land from the Government, and bravely took up the round of duties and pri- vations incidental to pioneer life. After some time they removed to Shelby County, settling on a farm in Penn Township, where the husband died at the ripe age of seventy-seven years. He was very prominent among the old settlers, was Justiee of the Peace and held other offices, and was generally respected. He was a Republican from the organi- zation of the party. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his widow is connected with that religious body. Although eighty-two years old, she is still quite active ; her home is now in Decatur.

The family of the good couple just mentioned consisted of twelve children, seven of whom are now living, and all on farms but one. The son of whom we write was born in Moro Township, Madi- son County, February 25, 1836, and grew up in that locality. Ile was married there to Margaret Calvin, a native of the same county, who was bom in Omphghent Township November 13, 1837. Her parents, Philip and Jane (Clarke) Calvin, were born in Pennsylvania, and did not leave that State until they were grown. They were married in Law . reneeburg, Ind., and soon afterward came to this State. They spent a few months in Bureau County, then secured and improved a fine farm in Madison County. Mr. Calvin died when about sixty years old, and his widow lived to be four- seore. They were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Under the careful training of her parents Mrs. Sanner was fitted for the position she was to hold as wife. mother and member of society. Her mar- riage to our subject has been blessed to them by the birth of nine children, and they have been called upon to part with a daughter and a son. Luey died when sixteen, and Samuel C. when eight months old. The living members of the family are: Frank, whose home is at Lincoln Ill .; Anna, wife of Rev. J. G. Miller, a Cumberland Presby- terian minister in Sandy Lake, Pa .; and Sophie, Nellie, Harry, Otto and Julia, who are yet at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Sanner are among the most prom-

inent people in their part of the county. Both are genial, kind-hearted and generous, liberal io their neighbors, and open-hearted even to the pass- ing stranger. Their acquaintances have learned to love and respect them for their hospitality, thrift and intelligence, and they exert a wide influence throughout the community. Mr. Sanner votes a straight Republican ticket.

HENRY BAUER. The name that heads this sketeh is that of an extensive German- American farmer and stock-raiser, who is one of the large land owners and wealthy men of Dorchester Township. The place whereon he lives is one of the finest farms in the southern part of this county, his homestead embracing fonr hundred and eighty acres of fine land, most of which is under a high state of cultivation, and all well stocked with a high grade of cattle and swine.

Our subject has built upon his place a series of farm buildings that compare favorably with any in the county. and the farm as a whole is so thor- oughly well kept up as to excite the admiration and comment of all who see it. He is also the owner of other valuable property in the county, aggregating about sixteen hundred aeres, most of which is in this township, but some being located in Gillespie Township. The greater part of his land is under the plow, or is devoted to stock- raising. When Mr. Baner made his purchase the major part of this land was raw prairie. He first began clearing the homestead in 1853 .. It was originally perfectly unbroken and wild, the town- ship being very sparsely settled and surrounded with wild, unbroken land. It speaks well for the energy of the landowners, and also for the oppor- tunities to be found in the States that our subject came here a very poor man and has amassed the fortune which be possesses to-day, by his own ef- forts alone and nnaided.

The original of our sketch first came to this State in 1848, and has ever since lived in this connty with the exception of a few months passed in

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Madison County. He came here directly from Germany, Saxe-Altenburg being his birthplace. His natal day was November 28, 1825. Mr. Bauer's parents were Charles F. and Maria (Geering) Bauer, both natives of Saxe-Altenburg. Soon after the coming of our subject to this country, his parents followed him, and in a short time they with their three living children settled in Macou- pin County. The following year the father and mother both passed away, being victims of an epi- demie which prevailed at the time. They were re- spectively sixty and fifty years of age, and during their lives had been conscientious and consistent members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject and Mrs. Christina Bumann are the only members of the family of four children now living.

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native land. Ile was the oldest of the children and had just reached his majority when he left Germany, sailing from Bremen in August, 1848. He came hither on a sailer, and after sixty-three days landed in New Orleans, and came thenee up the river to St. Louis, Mo. From there he went to Madison County, and later came here.

In Bunker Hill Township Mr. Bauer encountered his fate in the shape of a young lady, whose na.ne was Anna Ehlers. She was born in Holstein, Ger- many, November 11. 1833, and was the daughter of .Joakim and Magdalena (Nicholas) Ehlers, both natives of Holstein. She came to this country with the family in 1851, leaving Hamburg in the fall, and reaching St. Louis, Mo., in January, 1852. They settled at Bunker Ilill, and there the parents lived and died, both having attained an age of three-score years. They were members of the Lu- theran Church. Our subject's wife, Mrs. Bauer, is one of eight children, five of whom are yet living. She was the eldest of her mother's children and was a young woman when they emigrated from their native land to America

Mr. and Mrs. Bauer are the parents of eight chil - tren, two of whom are deceased, Albert E. and Marie. The former died after his marriage in California, leaving a widow and two children. Marie died at the birth of her first child in Tipton, Mo., after her marriage with Esquire Redman. The living children are Matilda, Henry II., Frank-

lin E., Otto F. and Bertha L. Matilda is the wife of Charles F. Weidner, a farmer in Brighton Township; Henry took to wife Frances Weidner; they are residing on a farm in Gillespie Township. The younger children are still attendants at school, being students in the State I'niversity at Cham- paign. Mr. Bauer has given his children all the educational advantages that money could procure, and they have received the best finishing courses in St. Louis.

Our subject and his wife were reared in the Lu- theran Church, but at present hold to no creed. The gentleman takes a lively interest in local poli- ties. He has been elected Supervisor, which posi- tion he has held for some years, and has also satisfactorily discharged the duties of several other offices. Ile casts his vote with the Republican party. Mr. Bauer is a fine illustration of the better German element, who come to this country to build up a fortune in agricultural pursuits. Both he and his wife are kind. hospitable and intelligent people, and their children are bright and highly educated.

RS. ELIZABETH C. O'NEAL. The ex- cellent lady who forms the subject of this sketch is one of the most highly valued members of society in North Palmyra Township. She is a woman of more than ordi- nary executive ability and is successfully conduet- ing the affairs of her farm of three hundred and twenty acres, which is in a high state of cultiva- tion and carries upon it good improvements. Her father, Matthias Crum, and her mother, Margaret (Spangler) Crum, were born in Virginia and Ken- tucky respectively. After marriage they came to Illinois in an early day, and lived in Morgan County until their death. They han fifteen chil- dren, of whom Mrs. ()'Neal was one of the younger members, and they brought up these children to be industrious and economical and to do their duty as citizens and members of society.

Elizabeth Crum was born in Clarke County, Ind., January 13, 1815. She came to Morgan

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,

County, Ill., in her girlhood and was there mar- ried September 8. 1836, to Lewis L. O'Neal, son of Lewis and Nancy O'Neal. Lewis L. was born in Bourbon County, Ky., August 27, 1810. After marriage the young couple settled in Morgan County, which they made their home until the spring of 1837, when they came to North Pahnyra Township and settled on seetion 34. where he died March 23, 1854.

Mrs. O'Neal is the mother of six children : Matthias, who died in North Palmyra Township at the age of forty-six years; Sarah, who is the wife of Robert Tucker; Mary M., who is the wife of John C. Gibbs, of whom the reader will find a sketch in this RECORD: Jane E., who is now the wife of William C. Terry, to whom she was united in marriage June 12, 1888. Florence and Lewis, who died in infancy. Matthias was married to Miss Emma R. Wiley and died August 22. 1883, leaving two children-Lewis H. and Rollo M. Since the death of Mr. O'Neal his widow has car- ried on the affairs of the homestead, and after edu- cating her children and starting them out in the world, she devoted her energies to conducting the business of the farm, in which she has been emi- nently successful.

Le UCIAN C. M. CLOWER. The owner of the farm located on section 33, Shipman Township, is he whose name is at the head of this sketch. lle was born in New Jersey, De- cember 6, 1830. and when quite young he accom- panied his parents to Ohio, where be lived until he was twenty years of age. During this time he remained on a farm, receiving a practical training in agricultural pursuits. His early opportunities in an educational way were those of country boys in Ohio, which has a reputation for its district schools.

In 1850 Mr. Clower came to Jersey County and lived there nearly three years. Thenec he removed to Sangamon County where he sojourned until the spring of 1861, the date of his removal to Macou- pin County. Settling in the township where he at

present resides, he has remained here almost con- tinuously since the time of his advent.

Our subjeet was married in Shipman Township, April 18, 1854, to Miss Ann Tompkins, who was a native of New Jersey. Mr. Clower and his amia- ble wife are the parents of seven children, who are: George, William, Eva, John, Edward, Annie and Edna. The eldest son was married early in life to Miss Fannie Roady; William chose as his wife Ella Deahl; Eva is the wife of Charles Hills ; John married Miss Phebe Huekelbridge. Edward mar- ried Liflian Wilton, of Medora. The children are all bright and interesting, being potent factors in the township as men and women of energy and intelligence.

Oui subject has always followed the calling of agriculture having made a decided success therein. Ile has erected a good set of buildings on his farm and the improvements placed upon it speak well for the man, did we not know anything else in his favor. He has now two hundred and forty acres. 1Ie has been elected to the office of School Trustee, which position he has filled for some time to the satisfaction of his constituents and the honor of the district. The platform of the Republican party is the one that appeals most strenuously to Mr. C'lower's sense of the intelligent government of a great land. Both be and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, of which they are generous supporters.

The parents of Mr. Clower were William and Re- becca (Howell) Clower, natives of New Jersey. The father died April 4, 1891, having reached the advanced age of eighty-nine years. The mother died in Christian County, this State. Mrs. Lucian Clower's father was William Tompkins, a native of Morris County, N. J .. and her paternal grand- father was Natl.miel Tompkins, also a native of New Jersey, who passed away from this life in Shipman County in May, 1860. Her mother was Rebecea Vaughn, born in Mercer County, N. J., January 14,1814, and the daughter of John Vaughn, who died in Shipman Township in February, 1861. Mrs. C'lower belongs to a family the members of which lived to almost a patriarchal age. Her father died in Shipman Township, January 28. 1890. Her mother still survives at an advanced age. Mrs.

RESIDENCE OF I. N. JOHNSTON, SEC. 7., NORTH OTTER TP., MACOUPIN CO., ILL.

SON'S RESIDENCE SEC 27

RESIDENCE OF L. C. M. CLOWER, SEC. 33., SHIPMAN TP., MACOUPIN CO., ILL.

IMBRARY THE

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Clower's maternal grandmother was Nancy Garri- son, who was of English ancestry and passed away from this life in the State of New Jersey. Her paternal grandmother was Naney Bedford. Mr. ('lower's maternal grandmother was Lear Swim.

Elsewhere in this volume appears a view of the cozy rural abode where Mr. and Mrs. Clower are comfortably domiciled.

I ISAAC N. JOHNSTON. Throughout all this section of Illinois, we find many families who are of Southern birth, but whose ancestors in the last generation came north to find for their children better educational advantages, and to make their home in a free State, where they would not be under the blight of slavery. Isaac B. John- ston, the father of our subject, was born in Ken- tucky and came to Macoupin County about the year 1835 from Madison County, this State, where he had previously resided for a short time. Ile settled in North Palmyra Township, where he met and married Elizabeth Berry, their wedding day being January 25, 1843. This lady, the mother of our subject, was the second wife of Isaac Johnston, his first wife being Elizabeth King, who had died in North Palmyra Township, May 2, 1842. The family home remained in North Palmyra Town- ship until about the year 1851, when they removed to North Otter Township, and settled on section 16, where the father died April 20, 1856. The mother survived until December 31, 1887, when she was called to her heavenly home at Edgar, Neb.

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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 93

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