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 97
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settled in Macoupin County, during the last part of the decade of the '60s. Her life ended in Scott- ville Township. in August, 1878. Three sons and one daughter blessed her first marriage of whom Robert was the youngest.
The subject of this brief review was born in Clay County, Mo., March 14, 1835, and lived with his grandfather, Isaac Ellis, until he was about nineteen years old. In 1854 he came to Macoupin County and hired out to the late Isom Dalton, in a brick factory, and remained with him for six months. For another eighteen months lie was en- gaged in farm work and then decided to begin independently for himself. He rented land for two years in North Palmyra Township, and in this way prepared for future prosperity.
Mrs. Elizabeth O'Neal, of whom our readers will find a sketch upon another page of this vol- ume, made a wedding for her daughter Saralı at her home in North Palmyra Township. June 13, 1858. This daughter was then wedded to the sub ject of this sketch. Mrs. Tucker was born in North Palmyra Township, April 14, 1840, and there she had grown to a beautiful and attractive young womanhood. Mrs. O'Neal maile the young couple welcome to reside upon her farm for three or four years, after which they settled on section 27, of Palmyra Township, where Mr. Tucker has since been a resident. In the spring of 1879 he built the tile works on his farm and has since car- ried them on in connection with his culture of one hundred and sixty-six broad and rich acres. lle nas erected a pleasant home and has made good improvements upon his land.
Mr. and Mrs. Tucker are the parents of four children: Elizabeth A., Lewis L., Grant UT., Olis C. The eldest son died when seven months old. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker have trained their children according to the doctrines and duties of the Chris- tian religion, and are themselves active members of the Baptist Church, and much of the prosperity which these young people are meeting in life may well be ascribed to the judicious instruction and education which was given them by their parents. Mrs. Tucker is a woman of unusual ability and character and makes her mark in the community where she resides. Mr. Tucker has well filled the
position of School Director and while in that office materially advanced the interest of education. The political doctrines which he endorses are those of the Republican party. Mrs. Tucker is a sister of Mrs. J. P. Gibbs, whose husband is elsewhere re- corded in this volume. Their pleasant home is the scene of frequent and happy social reunions and their hospitality is well-known throughout the township.
G EORGE W. JOHN, a respected citizen of Palmyra, is not at present engaged in any active business enterprise. He has in for- mer years been connected with mercantile and man - ufacturing affairs and he has also had some interest among the agriculturists of this section, as the owner of a good piece of outlying land. Ile is classed among the intelligent, law-abiding and use- ful members of the community, and is known to possess the true public spirit, which is manifested in his connection with those projects which tend to develop the material and civil resources of the country.
The John family was established in America in Colonial times by Owen lohn, a native of Wales. lle set up his home in Chester County, Pa., which was the birthplace of the succeeding generations until the time of our subject. The second of the family in the direct line was William, the next Owen and the next Evan. The last named was a natural mechanic and worked at cabinetmaking and shoemaking. In 1838 he removed to this State, traveling with a team to Wheeling, W. Va., and there embarking on a river boat and via the Ohio and Mississippi, reached Alton. Upon disembark- ing, he resumed the journey with his team, Spring- field being his objective point. That now thriving city was then but a village and the surrounding country was sparsely settled.
After spending six months there Mr. John re- moved to Auburn, where he opened a cabinet-shop and followed the trade until 1816. That year he bought a home on Hart's Prairie, Morgan County, and lived there until 1858, in the meantime work-
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ing in a machine shop at Waller's Mills. His next removal was to Palmyra, this county, where he bought, a lot and built a house. After living in the village a few years he bought land a short dis- tance south of town and resided there until after the death of his wife, from which time he made his home with his children. The maiden name of his wife was Angeline Mercer and she was a native of Maryland. The family included six children, one son and five daughters and four of the household band are row living.
The subject of this notice was born in Maryland, May 7, 1833. He was five years old when he came to this State and he has a vivid recollection of the incidents of the journey and of pioneer life here at, a time when deer and wolves were plenty in Ma- coupin County. He made his home with his par- ents until he was twenty-six years old, although he had been doing for himself some time before he es- tablished a home elsewhere. In 1854 he built a sawmill in Morgan County and operated it until 1858, then removed the plant to Palmyra and ear- ried on the same work here until 1861. At that time he decided to make a change of occupation, and selling the mill he took up a mercantile life. He carried on business two years, then sold out and bought an interest in the flouring-mill. To the operation of this he devoted his attention twenty years and when that period had elapsed disposed of his interest and entered upon a life of leisure. lle still owns a good farm two miles north of the vil- lage, that he bought some years since.
Mr, John was married first in 1859 to Cynthia E. King. That lady was born in North Palmyra Township and was a daughter of Joseph King. She died in 1862. leaving two daughters, Nettie and Cynthia E. The second marriage of Mr. John was solemnized in 1866 and his bride was Mrs. Elizabeth M. Hodges nee Rice. She was a daugh- ter of William and Elizabeth Rice and widow of Samuel Hodges. Her union with our subject re. sulted in the birth of four children, two of whom survive, namely : Myrtle and Charlie. The mother of these children died in 1879 and in 1881 Mr. lohn was married to Rachel D. Yoakley. This lady is a native of Tennessee and a daughter of E. B. and Eliza Yoakley. She is a member in good
standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. John is also identified with that religious body. lle is a member of the Republican party and is al- ways to be found at the polls exercising the right of suffrage, as he thinks every loyal citizen should.
OHIN MONTGOMERY. a retired farmer living in Brighton, has resided in Illinois since her territorial days and has therefore been an eyewitness of her entire growth as a State. With the history of two of her counties, Madison and Macoupin, he has been prominently connected and this volume would be incomplete if his life-record was omitted. lle has seen the broad prairies of the State transformed into excellent homes and farms, towns and villages spring up, countless industries and manufactories introduced, while miles upon miles of railroad have been built, penetrating every nook and corner of this vast State.
Mr. Montgomery has lived in this county for fifty-two years. He was born in Madison County, six miles from Akon. February 7. 1817, and be- longs to an oldl family that had come to Illinois in the early part of the present century and located on territorial land. His father, William Montgom- ery, was a native of Virginia but was reared in Kentucky and when a young man sought a home in Madison County, Ill. Responding to the coun- try's call for troops. he served throughout the en- tire War of 1812, and for his meritorious service was made Captain of his company. When the war was over he returned to his old home where he lived until his death which occurred at the age of sixty five years. The land which he entered from the Government is still in the possession of the family. being now the property of his son, Hamp- ton. William Montgomery was married in Madi- son County to Miss Sallie Ratten, a native of Virginia. Her father emigrated with his family from Virginia to Illinois and became the first white settler on what has since been known as Ratten Prairie, where he lived and died. He was a prom- inent citizen and pioneer. The death of Mrs.
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERCITY ^-
GEORGE W. ADAMS.
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Montgomery occurred some six years prior to her husband's decease. She was to him a true help- mate and a most estimable lady. Our subject was the second in order of birth in their family of twelve children, seven of whom are yei living.
John Montgomery remained under the parental roof until twenty -three years of age, being reared among the wild scenes of pioneer life and then came to this county, where he began work on a new farm. He has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Mercy Love, a native of Cape Cod, Mass., who with her parents came to Illinois during her childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Love were prominent people of this community and here spent the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Mont,- gomery was also a lady of many excellencies of character and her death, which occurred at the age of forty years, was mourned by many friends out- side of her immediate family. By that union have been born four children-Thomas, who wedded Abigail Ebberman, is living in Ft. Collins, Colo., where he formerly occupied the position of County Clerk; Miranda is the wife of Abraham Wood, and their home is in Woodburn, Ill .; John P., who wedded Lena Sanns, is living on his father's farm ; and May is the wife of Dr. Frank Stubblefield.
Mr. Montgomery was again married in this county, his second union being with Mrs. Elizabeth Jackson, who was born in Wayne County, Ind., September 7, 1833, and is a daughter of Andrew and Susanna Johnson, the former a native of Indi- ana and the latter of South Carolina. They were married in the Hoosier State, where they resided until 1865, when they came to Illinois, locating in Macoupin County. Here both died when well advanced in years. When Elizabeth Johnson was a young maiden she went to Arkansas, where she mnet and married Peter Jackson, who died in that State at the age of forty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery have a pleasant home in Brighton, where they expect to spend the remainder of their days. They are members of the Methodist Church, in the work of which they take an active interest and by all who know them they are held in high esteem. In politics, Mr. Montgomery is a Demo- crat. He made farming his life-occupation and in this county cleared and improved land, developing
it into an excellent farm. As the result of his in- dustry, perseverance and good management he acquired a handsome property and in his declining years he is now living a retired life, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.
G EORGE W. ADAMS. The name of this gentleman was for many years a familiar one among the people of Macoupin County, where he entered upon and finished a most worthy career. His portrait presented on the opposite page represents a citizen widely known and honored wherever known. Not only was he a witness of the development of Macoupin County from a comparatively unimportant portion of the State to its present position among the foremost coun- ties, but he aided in its progress and his history is closely interwoven with that of the county. Ilis life was a busy one; realizing that we are not here merely to " kill time " he aimed to till his life with useful deeds. It may truly be said of him that he was one of those
" Who comprehend their trust and to the same Keep faithful with a singleness of aim; And therefore do not stoop or lie in wait
For wealth or honor or for worldly state; Whom they must follow, on whose head must fall, Like showers of manna, if they come at all."
The parental history of Mr. Adams is fully given in the biographical sketch of his brother. Giles M., elsewhere in this volume. We will merely relate the most important events in his life and those incidents which most powerfully affected his destiny. Prior to his demise he was a farmer of Brushy Mound Township, and occupied one of the oldest homesteads of the county. Ile was the son of William C. and Margaret ( Ward) Adams. who came to Illinois in 1828, becoming pioneers in what was at that time a wilderness, where wild animals and Indians roamed unmolested. There were neither railways nor free schools, and farming was conducted after the most primitive style. In that sparsely settled section the father made a settlement near Dorchester and afterward improved a farm in what is now Brushy Mound Township.
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In the log cabin which was the pioneer home of his parents, in Brushy Mound Township, George W. Adams was born November 12, 1847. He was reared to a stalwart manhood in his native place and gleaned a common-school education in the schools of his boyhood. flis attention was mainly given to agricultural pursuits and having a predi- lection for rural labors he naturally chose farming as his life vocation. When quite young he was orphaned by the death of his father, after which he continued to reside with his mother on the home farm. This place was his home during his entire life with the exception of four years passed in Montgomery County.
In his wife Mr. Adams found a true helpmite, one who doubled his joys and divided his sorrows. She bore the maiden name of Mary E. Dowdall, and was born in Greene County, this State, to John S. and Ellen ( Witt) Dowdall. The marriage of our subject and his estimable wife was celebrated August 13, 1868, and four children born of the union are living at present. Laura E., Margaret E., Cora B. and George W. Four children are deceased. Politically Mr. Adams was a stanch upholder of the Democratic party. His death occurred May 18, 1891, when only in the prime of a useful life. As a husband, he was tender and devoted; as a father he reared his children to nobly at their part in the battle of life; as a citizen, he was upright and patriotic. Although his large circle of acquaint- ances deeply mourn his untimely demise, they realize that he has left behind him that which can . not fade away - the example of an honorable life.
OHN CHURCHILL KING, a prominent farmer of Palmyra, was born on a farm on section 32, of North Palmyra Township, November 14, 1837. His father, Joseph King was born in Todd County, Ky., as was also his grandfather. Joseph King was reared in Kentucky and after bis marriage came from there to Illinois in 1835, accompanied by his wife and two children. They made the entire journey over- land with ox-teams, bringing with them all their
earthly possessions. His financial circumstances were very limited and although most of the land in the county was for sale at $1.25 per acre he could not purchase. Ile rented land for a time and then soon as he had the. means, he entered forty acres of timber and brush land upon section 32, of North Palmyra Township and built a log cabin on the place. He with his own hands rived the boards for the roof and chinked the cracks with chips and clay. At that time there were no railroads through this region and for a number of years, Alton and St. Louis were the nearest mar- kets and the people lived altogether on the product of the farm. Somewhat later Mr. King purchased more land and finally had one hundred and sixty acres of arable land all under a high state of culti- vation.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Abigail D. Floyd. She was born in Virginia, a daughter of Charles and Mary Floyd. During the early years of ber pioneer life she carded, spun, wove and made the garments with which she clothed herself and the children, for homespun was not only the fashion but a necessity of those days. After the death of her husband she resided with her daughter, Mrs. George A. Norvel, and (lied at her home. She reared six children, Charles F., Mary A., James T., Cynthia E., John C. and Lucinda J.
John King attended the pioneer schools in a log school-house. In building this house one log was left out on one side the full length of the building to admit light. Along under this primitive win- dow, boles were bored and pins inserted in them, and upon them laid a board, which served as a desk for the larger scholars. The seats were made by spliting logs and hewing one side smooth. There were no backs to these seats and the heat of the fireplace served in lieu of stove or furnace. He commenced to assist his father on the farm as soon as he was large enough to be of use and resided with his parents until he reached bis ma- jority. He then worked out for others for a year and afterward took charge of his father's farm for two years.
The young man was now given thirty acres of good land by his father, and he removed the log
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house which his father had built to its present location upon this farm and there commenced housekeeping. After four years he sold this property and bought sixty acres in the same town- ship and also a residence in the village of Palmyra. After living there one year he sold the property and bought eighty aeres in South Palmyra Town- ship and made his home there until 1875. He again sold his property and purchased one hundred and sixty acres adjoining the village. He has made an addition to the village for which he platted some forty acres, much of which he has disposed of for residence lots and he is still carrying on the farm with the remainder of the land. In 1890 he platted an addition of four aeres to Oak Ilill Cemetery.
The marriage of John Churchill King to Sarah Elizabeth John was solemnized November 15, 1860. This lady was born in Sangamon County where her parents resided. Her father, Evan John, was a native of Chester County, Pa. Ile was a son of Owen John who, as well as his grandfather William, was a native of the same county. The great-great- grandfather of Mrs. King was also Owen John and a native of Wales, who came to America in the Colonial days and made his home upon a farm in that county. William John the great-grandfather of Mrs. King married Rachel Rodgers. His son Owen was married in Chester County and there spent the remainder of his days, and the father of Mrs. King went to Maryland when a young man and there married Angeline Mercer. She was born in Cecil County, Md. and was a daughter of George W. and Sarah (Everson) Mercer. In 1840 he came to Illinois and made his residence for awhile in Springfield, and afterward removed to Auburn, Sangamon County where he followed his trade of a cabinet-maker.
The father of Mrs. King lived in Auburn until 1846, and then removed to Morgan County and settled on Hart's Prairie buying land and engaging in farming, while at the same time he worked at his trade. He resided there until 1858 and they removed to Palmyra and bought a home, and later bought land half a mile south of the village where they resided until the death of his wife and then made his home with bis children until his own
death which took place, February 22, 1889. He had been bereaved of his wife some eight years previous she passing away in July, 1881.
Mr. and Mrs. King have two children, both sons, Joseph E. and Lewis M. Mr. King is a member of the Palmyra Lodge No. 348 1. O. O. F. Ile is a man who is intelligent and wide awake to all matters of public interest and he casts his vote and influence with the Republican party. lis intelli- gence and natural ability make him a leader among his townsmen and he has been placed upon the Vill- age Board. Ilis family stands well in social circles and is respected and beloved for its intelligence and hospitality.
ILLIAM CARLING, SR. Many of the most prominent citizens of Macoupin County and the most thorough and energetic farmers and business men are to be found among our British American citizens and among them we are pleased to call the attention of our readers to William Carling, who was born in Newcastle, Northumberland County, England, on New Year's Day, 1824. His father, Peter Carling, was born in Dublin, Ireland, and there received his early train- ing and education, but,afterward went to England and was there married in Northumberland County. lle was a sailmaker and followed his trade in that country for several years.
The father of our subject chose for his wife Catherine Duncan, who was born in Kirkendlight, Scotland, and died in Northumberland County, having become the mother of three children, John, William (our subject) and James. This son, Will- iam, had been reared in his native county and at twelve years of age had been apprenticed to a tailor, with whom he remained for fifteen months, and then traveled for a time and afterward engaged in mining. Ile made his first visit to America in 1848 and remained here for eighteen months, after which he returned to England and resided there until 1853.
The subject of this sketch again decided to try his fortune in the New World, and with his wife
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and two children set sail in the fall of 1853 from Liverpool, making his ocean voyage in a sailing vessel named "The Philadelphia." They landed in the city for which their vessel was named after seven weeks and three days speut upon the briny decp. They located near Akron, Summit County, Ohio, where they engaged in mining and re- mained until 1857, when they came to Ilinois and made their home in Belleville. Here they remained for three months only and then went to Alton and after eight months they came to this county and settled on the farm where he now resides,
The emigrant was now prepared to purchase a home and in 1863 bought a tract of land composed of two hundred and twenty acres, one hundred and sixty of which was improved and the rest in pas- ture land. He had been married in 1848 in the old home across the sea. His bride bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Moulter. She was born in County Durham, England, and was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Chambers) Moultor, the former being a native of Scotland and the latter of County Durham. England. Mrs. Elizabeth Carling died May 4, 1890.
The second wife of our subject was Mrs. Sarah (Dixon ) Fay and she is a native of County Durham, England. Mrs. Carling's grandfather, Ralph Dixon, was a blacksmith by trade and spent his entire life in his native land. Her father, Robert Dixon, followed mining in his native land until 1833, and then came to America and located at Pittsburg, Pa., where three years later his wife and three children joined bim. In 1837 the family re- moved to Ohio, where they resided until 1857, after which they spent one year in St. Louis. In 1858 Mr. Dixon removed to Point Precinct, Cal- houn County, and purchased eighty acres of land in the forks of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. Here he died February 14, 1859. The maiden name of Mrs. Dixon was Margaret Hay. She was born in County Durham and is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Turner ) Hay. She still resides on her home farm in Calhoun County.
Mrs. Carling was eight years old when she came with her mother to America. They journeyed on the sailing vessel "Shakespeare" and landed in New York after what was considered a short voyage of
twenty-seveu days. This lady was first married in Armstrong, Pa., in 1851. being then united to Mr. William Fay. They lived in Pennsylvania until 1857 and then after a year's residence in St. Louis, bought a farm in Point Precinct, which Mrs. Carling still owns. Mr. Fay engaged in agricul- tural pursuits and resided in Calhoun County until his death, which took place on Christmas Day, 1884.
Mr. Carling has three children living, namely: William, John and Sarah Ellen. Mrs. Carling has eight children: Robert, James. Elizabeth J., Mar. garet A., John F., George Edward, Nettie and Nellie, the two last named being twins. Mr. Car- ling has been a life-long Democrat, but was strenu- ously opposed to slavery, and although surrounded by many who sympathized with the pro-slavery clement, east his vote in our national crisis for Abraham Lincoln and Gen. Grant. Ile has served for eight years as Justice of the Peace and for six years has represented his town on the County Board of Supervisors. This in a few words gives a sketch of the life of one of the worthy citizens of Scottville Township.
R. BUDD. He of whom we write is a sue- cessful druggist of Bunker Hill where he has been doing a large and paying business for a good many years, located on the southwest corner of Washington and Warren Streets, known as the "old drug store." It was originally established by John A. Delano in 1852. He and his heirs were succeeded by H. R. Budd in May, 1890, who still continue to keep the large trade of the house that is well known as the prin- cipal drug store in the city. Mr. Budd had form . erly been a member of the firm of Budd Bros., druggists, of this place since 1874, and this part- nership existed until 1879, when the company dis- solved and the subject of this sketch became the head of the busines where he now is. It is a thor- oughly well-equipped store with a main floor, second story and basement.
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