USA > Illinois > Portrait and biographies of the governors of Illinois and of the residents of the United States > Part 21
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
On his return from the South, our subject went to Cumberland County, Ill., and for two and a-half years conducted a harness business at Neoga. In October, 1868, we find him in Christian County, located at Taylorville, and carrying on the busi- ness which he has followed without interruption during the most of his commercial career. In 1870 he finally settled in Mt. Auburn and em- barked in general merchandising. He has been very successful as a business man, and the large patronage which he now has is owing entirely to his upright method of conducting his affairs.
Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbelt have two children liv- ing. Minnie Mabel is the wife of Frederick Shue, an agriculturist of this county; and Ada R. is the wife of James Lindsley, a farmer of Mt. Auburn Township. Two children died in early childhood, David Albert and Mary Idabelle. The parents are members of the Baptist Church.
During the administration of President Arthur, Mr. Vanderbelt was appointed Postmaster of Mt.
Auburn, in which capacity he served for about seven years to the thorough satisfaction of his constituents. Since the war he has been a sup- porter of the Republican party, but cast his first vote in 1860 for Ilon. Stephen A. Douglas.
EREMIAH MALIN, a well-known farmer of section 8, Greenwood Township, has been engaged in cultivating the farm on which he makes his home for thirty years, and turned much of the soil upon the place him- self. He has brought it from its original state to what it now is, a well-improved and fertile traet of land. Ile is a native of Ohio, born in Pickaway County June 4, 1836, his father, Jared Malin, being a native of Virginia, though his an- cestors were early settlers of Pennsylvania.
The father grew to manhood in Virginia and went to Pickaway County, Ohio, where he married Elizabeth McDonald, who was born and grew to womanhood in the Buckeye State, but whose par- ents were from Virginia. Mr. Malin improved a timbered farm, and in the fall of 1838 proceeded by team to Illinois with his wife and six children. He settled in Shelbyville, where he rented land for a year and then entered a traet in the neigh- borhood. He never lived upon this farm, how- ever, but came to Christian County in 1840 and took up a claim, on which he settled the following year. This farm was just east of Pana, and there he passed his remaining days, dying in 1871. ITis good wife also passed away on the same farm, and both were buried near Pana. In their pioneer days they suffered many hardships, but accomplished a great deal, as, though coming here poor, they left a good property and plenty to their children. Mr. Malin was a Democrat all his life, was a just man, and one who attended strictly to his own affairs, He was an active and faithful member of the Old- school Baptist Church.
Our subject is one in a family composed of
John Weiser
239
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the following children: Lucinda; Denton, who lives in Rosemond; William, who was a farmer and died near Pana; Thomas, deceased; Amy Ann. now Mrs. Cox, who resides near Pana; Elisha, whose death occurred in this county; Josiah, a farmer, who also makes his home in this eounty; Jared, a resident of Kansas; John, who lives near Pana; Ann E. and Sarah E., the latter of whom is deceased.
The boyhood days of Jeremiah Malin were passed in this neighborhood, and he has been a witness of most of the development of this county. In the early days the wolves often howled around the cabin and wild game was abundant. He saw the town of Pana grow from the start, and helped with an ox-team in grading the Illinois Central Railroad. His education was limited, a- he could attend school only a few days at a time and would then be obliged to work for a number of days to- gether on the farm. What education he obtained was during a six-months term of school held in a log house, which was used as a blacksmith shop. He remained at home until his majority, and learned to swing the scythe and cradle and hew out rails.
. When he embarked in business for himself he first worked for a year on a farm, and then rented land for one season.
In the spring of 1860 our subject was married in this neighborhood to Mrs. Amanda C. Pieree. a native of Sangamon County. Iler father was born in Tennessee, and was an early settler of San- gamon and Christian Counties. She died in the spring of 1870, leaving three sons, and also a daugliter by a former marriage. Asa B. resides in Guthrie, Okla .; James F. is a farmer of Kansas; and Jared N. is engaged in farming in North Dakota. The daughter is Mrs. Mollie Wilkerson, of Kansas.
The present wife of our subject, who was form- erly Mrs. Miller, became Mrs. Malin on the 13th of December, 1874. Mr. Miller was killed while in the army. The maiden name of Mrs. Malin was Biemer, and her birth occurred in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. She grew to womanhood in Van Wert County, the same State, and after the war came with a sister to Illinois. Our subject and his wife have one daughter, Minnie B., who is an ex-
ceptionally intelligent young lady and is pursuing her studies in the public schools, where on nine of her studies she recently made an average of nine- ty-five and three-fourths.
The first Presidential ballot cast by Mr. Malin was in favor of Douglas in 1860, and since that time he has been a leading Democrat in this region, having been a delegate and committeeman in the conventions of his party. He supports churches and is foremost in all publie advancement. His farm is finely improved and comprises some eighty acres, which are under good cultivation. In this county, where he has spent nearly his entire life, he has won the respect and regard of all.
OHN WEISER, one of the prominent and representative agriculturists of Christian County, who is now practically living a re- tired life in Sharpsburg, Buckhart Town- ship, was born in Darmstadt, Germany, November 30, 1828, and is a son of Philip and Mary M. (Kimberling) Weiser, who were also natives of the same locality. The father was a farmer by oc- cupation, and carried on that business in his na- tive land until 1838, when he crossed the briny deep to the New World, locating in Pennsylvania, where he spent two years. In 1811 he came to Illinois. locating in Cass County, where he entered land from the Government and began the devel- opment of a farm. His death there occurred at the age of sixty-two years. His wife survived him for a number of years and reached the ad- vanced age of eighty-four.
This worthy couple had a family of nine chil- dren, numbering five sons and four daughters, of whom our subject is fourth in order of birth. Ilis earliest recollections are of the Fatherland, but when he was a lad of ten summers his parents left the Old Country, and he has since known no other place of abode than his American home. Since his thirteenth year he has lived in Illinois. Upon his father's farm in Cass County he was reared to
240
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
manhood, acquiring his education in the publie schools of the neighborhood. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey, Mr. Weiser ehose Miss Anna D. Musch, a native of Germany. Their union was celebrated in 1852, and has been blessed by four children, of whom only two are yet liv- ing: Louis P. and Otto N.
Mr. Weiser's residence in Christian County dates from 1859. On his arrival he located upon a par- tially improved farm on section 33, Buekhart Township. and began its further development and cultivation. lle labored with untiring zeal, and his industrious efforts soon transformed it into a traet of rich fertility. It now comprises three hundred and forty-five acres, of which twenty- five acres are timber-land, while the remainder is divided into fields of convenient size for raising the cereals adapted to this climate. Recently Mr. Weiser has removed to Sharpsburg, where he is living retired in the enjoyment of the rest which should follow years of active labor. Through his own efforts he has acquired a handsome eompe- tency, which now enables him to lay aside business cares and surrounds him with all the comforts that go to make life worth the living. In politics he is a supporter of Republican principles, but has never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his time and attention to business interests and the enjoyments of the home circle.
II. MARTIN, who carries on farming and stoek-raising on section 34, Buckhart Town- ship, is numbered among the early settlers of the community, and for more than twenty years he has resided upon the farm which he now makes his home. Ile was born in Law- renee County, Ind., November 3, 1838, and is the sixth in order of birth in a family of eight chil- dren. His paternal grandfather, Abram Martin, who was of English deseent, was born in Kentucky, and served in the War of 1812. The father of our subject, Lewis Martin, was a native of the
Iloosier State. He married Rachel Garrison, who died when I. Il. was quite a small lad, after which he again married.
Mr. Martin whose name heads this record came with his father and step-mother to Illinois when a youth of ten summers, and remained with them until he had attained his majority. In 1861, a marriage ceremony was performed which united his destiny with that of Lucy J. Jones. She was born in Illinois, and is of Welsh deseent. Her parents were natives of Tennessee. They began their domestie life upon a rented farm in Sanga- mon County, and in 1862 came to Christian Coun- ty, Mr. Martin renting land near Edinburgh. He afterward purchased a farm, which he subsequently sold, and in 187I he became owner of his present place of residence. It was then but slightly im- proved, but a great transformation has taken place in its appearance in the years which have since passed. It now comprises three hundred and twenty acres, all under a high state of eulti- vation. It is supplied with three houses, good barns and all the other necessary buildings. All the equipments of a model farm are there found, and the place seems complete in all its appoint- ments.
Eleven children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Martin, of whom nine are yet living: Isaac; James M .; Leona Belle, wife of Henry Mil- ler, of Oklahoma; Lucretia, wife of Frank Brown, a farmer of Buckhart Township; Charlie; Emma, wife of Irvin Donner, of Buckhart Township; Mar- tha, of Chicago; Pearl, at home; and Grover, who completes the family.
Mr. Martin started out in life for himself empty-handed. Ilis possessions consisted only of a team of horses and a wagon, and he had gone in debt for these to the extent of $150. With the ex- ception of five years spent in Edinburgh, he has always followed agricultural pursuits. Ile also en- gages in stock-raising, owning an imported Eng- lish Shire stallion and several standard-bred trot- ting horses, including "Mandett," a Ilambleton- ian. He also has a fine eolt, "Maywood." His good management, careful attention to the details of his business, and his perseverance and industry have brought him a high degree of success, which
241
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
now places him among the substantial farmers of the community. In polities he votes with the Democratic party on questions of National im- portance. lle has long been a resident of Chris- tian County, has watched with interest its progress and upbuilding, and has aided materally in its ad- vancement.
ORNELIUS B. KELLER, a respected agri- culturist and farmer, residing on section 22, Johnson Township, is a member of a pioneer family who took up their abode in Chris- tian County in 1850. Ile was born in York County, Pa., on the 19th of June, 1827, and was consequently only twenty-three years old when he came to the West. Ilis father, John Keller, was long numbered among the best residents of this community. He was also a native of York . County, where he grew to manhood and was un- ited in marriage with Miss Lydia Baker, of the same county. Mr. and Mrs. Keller departed this life in Christian County, on their old homestead. and were buried side by side in the Clark Ceme- tery, of Johnson Township.
The subject of this sketch is one of eight chil- dren, five sons and three daughters, and is the eldest of the family. His youth was spent on his father's farm, to the cultivation of which he gave his energies until reaching his majority. He de- termined to learn a trade, and accordingly became master of the art of manufacturing paper. Desir- ing to see something of the world and particu- larly of the great West, he went in 1855 to Kan- sas with a party of Government surveyors. The twelve years following he traveled in Arkansas. Nebraska and Kansas, visiting all parts of those States.
It was in 1867 that Mr. Keller returned to Christian County to settle down for life, and since that time he has made his permanent home in Johnson Township. His entire attention has been
given to general farming and stock-raising, and as the reward of his industry he now finds himself the owner of a valuable tract of land, comprising several hundred acres. His farm is well adapted to stock-raising, being well sheltered from storms of wind and rain by heavily timbered lands, sit- uated along a branch of the Sangamon River, which borders his farm. Ile makes a specialty of stock-raising, and usually from twelve to fifteen head of horses, fifty to one hundred head of hogs. and upwards of fifty head of cattle can be seen feeding in his beautiful meadow lands.
Mr. Keller is a man of intelligence and keeps well informed on the leading questions of the day. He is congenial and friendly in his social relations, and stands high in the respect of his neighbors and fellow-citizens. Ile has chosen to remain single, but his home is so well kept and pleasant that one would hardly imagine it was not presided over by a lady. llis course in life has been ever strictly upright and within the lines of justice and truth. Ile is the architect of his own for- tunes, having started out empty-handed in the battle of life. In politics, he is a Democrat.
R EV. ALOYSIUS TEPPE has been located in Morrisonville since the fall of 1877. succeeding the Rev. Father Klaus. There are about sixty families in his parish, and he bas ministered to their wants as an adviser and friend for about fifteen years.
The birth of Rev. Mr. Teppe occurred at Volk- marsen, Germany, on the 27th of November, 1854. Hle is son of Louis and Regina (Belzer) Teppe, both natives of Germany, and is one of four chil- chen, and the eldest of the family.
Father Teppe was a lad of only eleven years when he entered Fulda Seminary, where he in- dustriously pursued his studies for eight years. At the expiration of that period he entered the University at Louvain, Belgium, and there com- menced his study for the priesthood. At the end
242
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of three and a-half years he graduated from that institution and was ordained a priest, this being in 1877.
Soon after his ordination, Father Teppe came to America, and, as we have said before, was immedi- ately placed in charge of the parish at Morrison- ville. The old church edifice, which has been built for a number of years, will soon be converted into a school for the use of the families of the church. It is the intention of Rev. Mr. Teppe and his par- ishioners to erect a handsome church building in the near future at a cost of about $12,000, and the plans for it are now well under way.
C APT DAN DE CAMP, one of the most prominent citizens of Edinburgh, and an early settler of Christian County, was born in Giles County, Va., August 31, 1824. His fa- ther, David De Camp, was a native of New Jersey, from where he removed to Virginia. By trade he was a hatter. The grandfather, Zachariah De Camp, was born in New Jersey, and his father was a native of France and the founder of the family in America. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Ford. She was born in the Old Dominion, and was a daughter of Lewis Ford, a native of the same State. The parents of our subject were married in Virginia, and located in Pearisburgh, Giles County, where Mr. De Camp worked at his trade. His wife died in that place, after which he came to Illinois, spending his last days in Galena. They were the parents of eight children, six sons and two daughters, namely: Elizabeth, llenry, Lewis, Daniel, John D., William, Sarah A. and Napoleon.
The subject of this sketch remained in the connty of his nativity until eighteen years of age, and when a youth of fifteen started out in life for himself, since which time he has been dependent upon his own resources. He served an apprentice- ship to the hatter's trade, and then for three years and a-half drove a team for one company, driving
fifty-three miles each day from Salem to the Nat- ural Bridge. In 1842, Capt. De Camp emigrated Westward, taking up his residence in Springfield. Hle drove a stage from Taylorville to Shelbyville for about a year, also engaged in staging from Taylorville to Springfield and from St. Louis to Springfield. Subsequently he established himself in the livery business in the capital city and con- tinued in that line for about four years, when he purchased a farm in Christian County, comprising two hundred acres of partially improved land. At that time there was but one house at Buckhart Grove. The county was wild and undeveloped, and he lived in true pioneer style. During one winter he shot forty-four deer with forty-two shots from a small rifle. Wild game was very plentiful and kept the table supplied with meat. The Captain at once began the development of a farm, and soon transformed the unimproved tract into rich and fertile fields.
In 1862, our subject entered the service of his country as a member of Company D, One lun- dred and Thirtieth Illinois Infantry, and for two years served as Captain, He was sunstruck at Al- exandria, La., in 1864, and being thus disabled for duty resigned his position. Ile participated in thirteen hard-fought battles and the siege of Vicks- burg, was always found at his post and proved himself a valiant defender of the Union.
After being mustered out, Capt. De Camp re- turned to his home, purchased more land, and de- voted his energies assiduously to farming. In 1870, he laid off the town of Edinburgh, which was built on his farm and has laid off the fourth addi- tion to the place. Within the corporate limits are now comprised eighty acres. He has been in- strumental in the upbuilding of the county from an early day, and hasever borne his part in the work of public improvement and advancement. He has seen the many changes that have taken place, and has watched with interest the onward march of progress that has placed Christian Coun- ty in the front rank in Illinois.
On the 7th of October, 1847, Capt. De Camp was united in marriage with Pernecy Langley, a native of Kentucky, who in early childhood was brought to Christian County, in 1828. She is a
.
243
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
most estimable lady and presides with grace over the hospitable home where their many friends de- light to gather. In politics, the Captain has been a Republican since the organization of the party. Hle voted that ticket when he and William George were the only Republicans in the precinct. He was elected Justice of the Peace, filling the office * eight years, and was the first l'ostmaster of Edin- burgh. He established the office and named it Blueville. . While in the war he resigned the posi- tion, in 1863. He again was Postmaster under Gen. Grant, and during that time changed the name to Edinburgh. The Captain was one of the organizers of Mother Bickerdike Post No. 402, G. A. R., at Edinburgh, was Commander of the same for three terms, and largely through his instru- mentality a good hall was built for the society. Ile is now engaged in dealing in line horses, and is a true lover of the noble steed. lle owns sev- eral of the best horses that can be found in this part of the State. The Captain is a gentleman in the truest and best sense of the word, is genial and pleasant in manner, kindly and generous in dispo- sition, and has the warm regard of all who know him.
IIARLES WALTER SIBLEY, residing on section 6, Pana Township, was born in the Bay State, the place of his birth being Spencer, Worcester County, Mass., and the date July 2, 1826. His grandfather, Paul Sibley, was a native of the same town, was of English descent and was a farmer by occupation. The father, Wal- ter Livermore Sibley, was born in Spencer, where he followed farming and was a prominent and in- fluential citizen. Ile served as Colonel in the State militia, was Justice of the Peace, and filled many offices of honor and trust, and was a Deacon, Choris- ter and Sunday-school Superintendent for many years. He married Ruth Watson Ryan, who was born in Spencer, of Irish parentage. Iler father, Samuel Ryan, was born in the Bay State and had a family of fourteen children, thirteen of whom
attended school at one time. Mr. Sibley. father of our subject, died at the age of forty-live, and his wife, who long survived him, passed away in Christian County, Ill., at the age of ninety-four. Their family numbered three sons and two daugh- ters: Mary, who died in infancy; R. Eliza, of Pana Township; William Evans, who is living in the same township; and Henry Nelson, who was drowned at the age of sixteen. Two nephews, David and Nelson Scott, late prominent and suc- cessful druggists in Worcester, Mass., were reared in the family. Mr. and Mrs. Sibley stood with David Scott, the father, in three marriages, and in 1851 Mrs. Sibley stood alone with Mr. Scott, the fourth time as his wife, and died his widow.
The subject of this sketch remained upon the home farm until nineteen years of age and at- tended the district and high schools. He then en- tered Leicester Academy, graduating in 1850, and later became a student in Yale College. When his education was completed, he became clerk for the Ryan Manufacturing Company, of Norfolk, Conn., and continued his connection with that firm for four years. On the day of his marriage the firm made an assignment, and he lost nearly all he had, but he managed to open a general store in Norfolk, where he carried on business for two years. On the ex- piration of that period, he sold out and emigrated Westward, locating in Louisiana, Mo., where he carried on merchandising until 1859. Tlfat year witnessed his arrival in Pana, where, with G. P. Lawrence, he carried on a general store until the breaking out of the war.
In 1861, Mr. Sibley donned the blue as a de- fender of the Union, becoming a member of the Fifth Illinois Cavalry. He enlisted as a private, but was promoted to be Commissary Sergeant and clerk of the regiment. After a year, on the reor- ganization of the regiment, he was ten dered a com- mission as Quartermaster, but declined. Return- ing to Pana, he secured a position as clerk in the office of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, where he remained for a year, and then removed to Pleasant Mound, his present home, in 1855. Within the boundaries of his homestead are com- prised four hundred and fifty acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation.
244
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In November, 1855, Mr. Sibley wedded Susan Pettibone Lawrence, daughter of E. Grove Law- renee, of Norfolk, Conn., where the lady was born and reared. They have adopted four children. Elizabeth, who came to them at the age of twelve, is a graduate of the Protestant Hospital of St. Louis, and is now a professional nurse in that city. Josie, eighteen years of age, William Michael, also eigh- teen years of age, and Rose Michael, a maiden of sixteen, are still with Mr. and Mrs. Sibley.
Our subject was reared a Whig, became a Free Soiler, and then a Republican. He now votes with the Prohibition party. Ile has always been a strong temperance man and has never even used tobacco inany shape. He gives his support to whatever tends to upbuild the moral interests of the com- munity and prove of public benefit. The cause of education finds in him a friend; and as a member and Secretary of the Educational Board, he was ac- tive in organizing the graded system of Pana and in building the first school building. Afterward for fifteen years he was School Trustee. He is a mem- ber of the Good Templars' Society and the Grange, and is a faithful and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. He served both as Deacon and Elder from 1860 until 1885, and bore a prom- inent part in promoting the work and interests of the Presbyterian Church. Hle is now serving as Superintendent of the District Sunday-school. Ilis life has been well and worthily spent, and he can look over the past with little regret.
h T. GARDNER, a genial, popular and highly esteemed gentleman, who follows general farming on section 16, Buekhart Township, is a native of Maury County, Tenn., born June 12, 1841. llis father, Nathan Gardner, was born in the same State in 1817, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Frances Harris, was born in Virginia, in 1818. Their marriage was celebrated in the State of his nativity, where they
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.