USA > Illinois > Portrait and biographies of the governors of Illinois and of the residents of the United States > Part 24
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The birth of Mr. Bollinger occurred in Balti- more County, Md., October 24, 1832, and he grew to manhood near his birthplace. He was of German deseent, though his father and mother were born and reared in Baltimore County. The family re- moved to Christian County, Ill., in 1869. Our subject worked at his trade of a millwright until the commencement of the late Civil War. For three years during that struggle he was employed as a teamster in and near Baltimore. After his arrival in Illinois, he gave his whole time and energy to farming. When he started out to fight life's battles, he had his own way to make from the first, and even at the time of his marriage he was only in moderate circumstances. He was the eldest of thirteen children, eight of whom were sons.
The marriage of Mr. Bollinger occurred in Bal- timore County, Md., his wife being Miss Mary Ann Street, who was born in that county August
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23, 1832. They have become the parents of eight children: Oliver, who is now deceased, and James M., deceased, both of whom were buried in Balti- more County; Mary E., who died in Christian County, and lies buried in Grove City Cemetery; Henry C., John T., William E., Daniel S. and Samuel W., who are respected citizens of this county. Henry C. married Miss Keziah Coffee, who was born and educated in this county. They are residents of Stonington Township. John T. married Miss Caroline Cooner, of this county. and lives near the old homestead. The three younger brothers are at home with their mother and lend their dutiful assistance in carrying on the home- stead. The farm is one hundred and twenty acres in extent, located on section 14, and has good improvements upon it.
In his political faith Mr. Bollinger was a Repub- lican and was a worthy example of the agricult- ural class. Ile bore a high reputation for integrity of purpose and justice in the various walks of life. Both himself and wife for many years held mem- bership with the German Reformed Church, to which the latter still belongs.
UGUST CAZALET, a retired mereliant of Assumption, was born in France on Christmas Day of 1828. Hle spent his youth and grew to manhood in his native country, where he received fair school privileges. He then served an apprenticeship at the stone ma- son's trade, which he followed for some years, af- ter which he engaged in contracting and building for a few years.
Ere leaving the land of his birth, Mr. Cazalet was married to Miss Julia Galliac, a most estimable young lady. Their union was celebrated in 1853, and for five years they continued in France, our subject being engaged in contracting and building from that time until 1858. when with his wife he emigrated to the New World, taking passage from Havre on a Westward-bound sailing-vessel, which
at length dropped anchor in the harbor of New York, in the month of December, and the young couple found themselves in the New World.
Mr. Cazalet at once came to Illinois, and made a location in Ottawa, La Salle County, where he established a stoneyard and engaged in contract- ing and building for three years. On the expira- tion of that period, in 1862, he removed to El ₺ Paso, Woodford County, where he engaged in merchandising in connection with his brother, un- der the firm name of Cazalet Bros. They con- tinued in the dry-goods business at that place, en- joying a good trade, until 1865, when our subject sold out his interest and came to Assumption. HIere he built a storeroom and embarked in gen- eral merchandising. For about fifteen years he was actively engaged in business and then sold ont. During that time he purchased land at vari- ous intervals and opened up several farms. Since disposing of his mercantile interests, he has pur- chased more land from time to time and now owns ten farms, one in Shelby County and the others in Christian County. His landed possessions aggre- gate about one thousand acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved. These properties yield to the owner a good income. Mr. Cazalet has also done much toward improving the town of Assumption, and has built fourteen business houses in the place, five of them being good brick structures. He has also built two residences. In 1881 he engaged in the grain and lumber business, and was actively connected with that industry for ten years.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cazalet have been born two children. Leona is the wife of Joseph H. Staple- ton, a prominent grain-dealer and business man of Assumption ; and Leon is a leading farmer, who is connected with his father as a dealer in fine im- ported horses.
In 1887 Mr. Cazalet made a trip to France and visited his boyhood friends and the scenes of his youth, spending about three months in his na- tive land. While on the way he made a purchase of a number of Percheron and French Coach horses. The following year he again crossed the Atlantic to purchase more horses, and he and his son have since been engaged in importing and
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dealing in fine stock. In 1892 he made a third trip, spending about three months. Since his resi- dence here, Mr. Cazalet has been one of the most active, enterprising and successful business men, and probably has done more for the upbuilding of Assumption than any other of her citizens. ITis aid is never solicited in vain for the promotion of worthy enterprises, and his support and co-opera- tion are heartily given for the benefit all public improvement.
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ILLIAM D. COFFMAN, who owns and operates a good farm on section 20, May Township, is one of the early settlers of Christian County, to which he came when only five years of age, in 1850. IIe has the esteem and respect of all who know him, and his word is con- sidered as good as his bond.
The birth of our subject occurred on the 9th of July. 1845, in Ohio County, Va., and he is a son of James D. and Margaret (Settle) Coffman. The former was born in Virginia, and in his youth learned the blacksmith's trade. This avocation he pursued until 1850, when he emigrated to the West and made a settlement in this county. Ile became the owner of land on the same section where our subject now resides, and devoted him- self to its improvement and cultivation until his death, which occurred November 1, 1885. He was of German descent, and was much respected by the early settlers as well as by the later arrivals in this region. Ilis wife was also a native of the Old Dominion, born in Lancaster County. She came from one of the old families of Virginia, her ancestors having settled there in Colonial days on coming from their native land, England. A num- ber of the family participated in the War of the Revolution. Mrs. Coffman was called from this life in Christian County, July 9, 1872.
In the family of five children our subject is the eldest. Two of the number are deceased. Josephine became the wife of Leonard F. Peak, a
well-known agriculturist of this county; and Sarah married Isaac Corzine, who also owns a farm in this county. The parents removed here in 1850, and reared their children to lives of usefulness. Until his twentieth year our subject remained on the home farm, attending the common schools of the neighborhood. In 1865, he went to Peoria, and there pursued his studies for about one year. Re- turning, he worked for his father on the farm for the two succeeding years, after which he rented land, which he engaged in cultivating for himself. Ilis father then gave him the use of forty acres of land, which had been little improved and only had a small log house upon it. With undaunted en- ergy he began to clear the place, which was cov- ered with brush and stumps. For nine years he kept house for himself, most of the time in his little cabin, and brought the land into good shape.
The marriage of Mr. Coffman was celebrated January 19, 1881, with Miss Lillian H. Fraley, who was born December 17, 1857, in Christian County. She is a daughter of John S. and Sarah J. (Wiley) Fraley. The father was a native of Ohio, and became a resident of this county in 1847, being one of the honored pioneers. Ile was prominent in those early days and was widely known, as he lived on the old Terre Haute and Springfield stage road, and a great many travelers were hospitably entertained at his home in those days. Ile was of German descent, and died on the 1st of March, 1888. Ilis wife, who was also born in Ohio, died in April, 1869. Five chil- dren blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Coffman, namely: Mabel E., Minnie, Roy, Mary, and one who died in infancy.
In regard to the question of politics, Mr. Coff- man is a Prohibitionist and is a strong temper- ance man. He holds membership with the United Brethren Church, while Mrs. Coffman is a mem- ber of the Methodist denomination. Our subject has been at various times called upon to fill town- ship offices, which he has filled acceptably, but still prefers to give his time and attention to his busi- ness interests. He served for nine years success- ively in the capacity of Township Clerk, at the end of which time he declined being re-nomina-
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ted. He is giving his children good educational advantages and is a strong supporter of the most advanced educational methods. For fourteen years he has been School Treasurer of the town- ship, and has used his influence in the erection of many schoolhouses.
The well-improved farm of Mr. Coffman now contains within its limits two hundred and sixty- five aeres, which are all under cultivation and have many substantial improvements upon them. Our subjeet is well informed on general topics and is especially posted on all matters pertaining to ag- ricultural pursuits. He takes a number of leading farm journals, and keeps fully abreast with the times, though still standing by the old and tried methods. He has the respect of all who know him. for he is a man of unblemished reputation and sterling integrity.
6 HOMAS BRADLEY is one of the early set- tlers of Christian County, and during the late war saw mueh active service in the Union army. His birth occurred in Hardin Coun- ty, Ky., September 23, 1823. His parents were William and Elizabeth (Crowder) Bradley, who were natives of Virginia and North Carolina, re- spectively. They were the parents of fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters.
Thomas Bradley is the seventh child in his fa- ther's family, and with his parents removed from Kentucky to Sangamon County, Ill., in 1832. He received his education in this State, remaining under the parental roof until reaching his major- ity. For one year he engaged in driving a stage from Springfield to Vandalia. In 1850 he em- barked in his life occupation of farming and stock-raising, but in 1859 worked for a short time at the furniture business.
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On the 20th of May, 1845, our subjeet was united in marriage with Miss Martha Morris. She is a daughter of Achilles Morris, and was born and reared to womanhood in Macon County. By this
marriage three children have been born: G. W., a resident of Pana, Il., and an engineer by occupa- tion; Mary Ann, wife of I. W. Handel, of Owan- eco, Ill .; and Lunetta Lora, wife of M. Danford, of Loeust Township, who has retired from active business.
In 1844 Mr. Bradley located in Christian County, and two years later purchased seventy acres of land, for which he paid $1 per acre, and on which he made a settlement. He continued run- ning a stage from Decatur to Springfield for two years. Hle enlisted in Company A, Tenth Illinois Cavalry. in September, 1861, and was sent to St. Louis and from there proceeded to Springfield, Mo .. where he was stationed for a time. He was next sent on an expedition with Gen. Curtis, after which he remained in Ilelena, Ark., until the spring of 1863. He served in the bodyguard of Gen. Fisk at the time he was at the head of the Yazoo siege, near Vieksburg. After taking Ft. Pemberton he returned to Yazoo, thence went to Helena and from there to Vicksburg and Milli- kin's Bend, remaining on duty until June 6, 1863, when twenty-three of the number were captured by the enemy. He was held as a prisoner until October 1 of that year, when he was paroled and sent to St. Louis. Herejoined his regiment at Lit- tle Roek, Ark., and acted as a scout in Mississippi and Louisiana. He was sent to New Orleans just before the assassination of President Lincoln. A gunboat undertook to run the blockade, and Mr. Bradley assisted in its capture. During the en- gagement large quantities of cotton were set on fire, and eight men were taken prisoners. Our sub- ject was next sent to Mobile on the ship "Tilla." and landed a few days before Taylor surrendered. After ten days spent at that place he went to Baton Rouge under Gen. Bailey. He took part in the Red River expedition, and finally arrived in San Antonio, Tex., where he staid until September, 1865. Ile was mustered out at San Antonio, and. returning to Springfield, received an honorable discharge January 8, 1866.
On his return from his valiant service in the South, Mr. Bradley again engaged in farming, and has since given his attention to the cultivation of his place. Ifis wife died in 1876 and was buried
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in Doner Cemetery, two miles west of the old homestead. In June, 1878, Mr. Bradley married Mrs. Mary E. Phelps, of Bear Grove, Guthrie County. lowa. She was born and grew to woman- hood in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and is of English descent. Our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In polities Mr. Bradley is a champion of the Repub- liean party.
R. BENJAMIN F. OWEN was a native of Kentucky, having been born in that State May 20, 1835, and was reared on a farm. His parents were natives of the Old Do- minion, having emigrated from Virginia in an early day to Kentneky. His mother dying when he was quite young, our subject left home and began life for himself. He first engaged in earpentering and in such work as pertained to outdoor construction labor; afterward he worked at eabinet-making, but having a desire for the study of medicine and surgery, he subjected himself to the most rigid economy until he had saved money from his hard earnings sufficient to enable him to attend the University of Medicine at Louisville, Ky. He was graduated with honors from that institution March 1,1860.
On commeneing his professional career, Dr. Owen at once became associated in partnership with Dr. Yarndell, one of the professors of the university. Beginning his praetiee of medicine in Louisville, he continued there for six years, hav- ing all the advantages arising from the general work of the dispensary practice, of which Dr. Yarndell had charge. The manner of Dr. Owen's coming to Illinois was somewhat curious, and it was most certainly providential for many whose lives he saved. Prof. Yarndell had been sent for to visit Mrs. Robert Davis, of Ilillsboro, Montgomery County, Ill. She was of a very wealthy and prominent family, and had been suf fering from a chronic disease for several years, a disease which had baffled the skill of physicians
far and near. She had been to New York City and other places, but had found no one who could eure her. Prof. Yarndell, relying on the ability of Dr. Owen, sent him in his place. So great was the confidenee of the husband in Dr. Owen, that he offered to give him $1,000 if he would stay until she was either better or worse. Though our subject and his partner had made all arrangements to en- ter the Southern army as surgeons, having even purchased their surgical instruments, Dr. Owen consented to remain, and after two weeks the lady was able to walk to the dinner table, and the treatment resulted in her complete restoration to health. The husband gladly paid the $1,000, and the Doctor returned to Louisville, expecting to enter the army, as Prof. Yarndell had already gone and had written him to follow. Petitions had been circulated among the citizens of Ilills- boro to have Dr. Owen remain among them, but he felt bound by his agreement and partnership. On reaching Louisville he found that he could not get through the lines, and he therefore at onee returned to Hillsboro.
The Doctor continued his practice for some time alone in IHillsboro, having his office there, and then formed a partnership with Dr. F. M. Stratton, who had his office at Litchfield. At the time of the gold excitement in Montana, both parties were influenced to enter the list as gold-hunters. While on the way, Dr. Stratton was severely bitten by a bear, which disabled him so that he could not walk. This made a double bur den for our subject, but, nothing daunted, he nursed his partner and kept up the journey until Dr. Stratton recovered.
After returning from the West, our subjeet found what gold cannot buy, an estimable and congenial helpmate and wife. Meeting first on the cars they were attracted to each other, and not long afterward the lady, who was well and favorably known as Miss Addie Dunn, became the happy wife of our subjeet. The wedding ceremony was celebrated on the 27th of Septem- ber, 1870. Five children were born of their union: Della, on November 14, 1874; Laila, February 14, 1877; Fairy, October 16, 1878; Browder Gail, March 25, 1883; and Benjamin F., February 5, 1888.
farnete . A. Corzine.
Allen Corzine
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After an illness of only three days Dr. Owen passed from this weary life unto the care of the Great Physician, who had healed his soul from the malady and sting of sin, and who now called him to rest. His work was well done, and he could gladly answer the call. He died on the 24th of Oc- tober, 1888, in Morrisonville. Some years before, his health had failed, and he was compelled to quit practicing for two years. Hlad it not been for the skillful attention and sympathetic helpfulness of his faithful wife, who was at once physician, nurse and companion to him while traveling in search of health, he would not have recovered, but hay- ing fully regained his health he returned to Litchfield, thence went to Illiopolis, and finally to Morrisonville. Few physicians find such sweet fellowship in Christ and Christian work as did Dr. Owen, whose faithfulness and knowledge of the Seriptures caused him to be chosen as an Elder in the Church of Christ at Litchfield, where he labored; and the genial nature and spiritual cui- ture of his wife caused her to be chosen the . teacher for the advanced class in the Sunday- school. Their home was the preacher's home, and the generosity they displayed will be richly re- warded in the future as surely as it has devel- oped such beautiful characters in this life.
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LLEN CORZINE is one of the extensive land-owners and wealthy agriculturists of Christian County. llis broad and fertile acres lie on seetions 11 and 13, May and Stonington Townships, respectively. Our subject was born November 27. 1854, in Guernsey Coun- ty, Ohio, and he is a son of Allen and Mary Ann (Warren) Corzine. The father was born in 1816, in Pennsylvania, and settled in Guernsey County, Ohio, in boyhood. lle continued to re- side in the Buckeye State until 1868, when he made a settlement in Christian County, and be- came the owner of a farm. He is now retired from active care and is a resident of Assumption,
III. His grandfather came from Holland to Amer- ica when a young man, and at one time owned sixty acres of land where Wall Street in New York City is now located.
Our subjeet's mother was born in 1819, and is still living in this county. Iler grandfather was an officer in the War of 1812. Mrs. Corzine reared a family of nine children, the eldest of whom, Jon- athan, is engaged in farming near Hendricks, Neb .; Martha Ann is the wife of S. D. Moore, of As- sumption; Lavina died at the age of twenty-nine years; Rebecca became the wife of David Ridge, a farmer of this county; Allen is the subject of this notice; Warren is engaged in the lumber bus- iness in Stonington; Benton is a well-to-do farmer of this county; and the twin brothers, Jacob and Isaac, are also prosperous farmers of Christian County.
Living with his parents on the homestead farm until seventeen years of age, Allen Corzine then concluded to make his own livelihood. For a year he worked for neighboring farmers, after which he went to Chicago and there drove an ex- press wagon for six months. Returning to this county, he worked on a farm for two years, care- fully husbanding his resources during all this time. Subsequently for several years he rented land, and then became the owner of one hundred and twenty acres, which has since been his home and which was the beginning of his landed pos- sessions.
On the 12th of March, 1879, our subject and Miss Janet A. Burdick were united in marriage. Mrs. Corzine was born October 13, 1860, in May Township, and is the second child of Benjamin MI. and Rebecca (Boyd) Burdick. Of her four broth- ers and sisters, only one is now living, Minerva E., wife of Warren Corzine, of Stonington. Her father was born in Connecticut in 1824, and after obtaining a good education engaged in teaching school in his native State until some time in the '40s, when he came to Christian County, and for a number of years engaged in teaching during the winter months and farming the remainder of the year. He was of Irish descent and lived to be fifty-five years of age. Ilis wife, who was born in Kentucky, came to this county with her parents
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when she was only two years old. Iler death oc- curred in 1879.
The pleasant home of our subject and wife is graced by the presence of two sons and two daughi- ters: Roy Allen, Bertha May, Clarence Glenn and Gracie Adelaide. The parents are consistent mem- bers of the Methodist Church. In regard to the question of politics, our subject is on the side of the Prohibition party. For six years he has been one of the School Directors in his district and has been Road Commissioner in the township. During the passing years he has added extensively to his farm, which now comprises five hundred and forty acres within its boundaries. This is one of the choicest pieces of farm property in May Township, and with the exception of one hundred and thirty acres that his wife inherited from her father's es- tate, it is the result of his years of honest effort and industry. Ile is one of the most upright and honorable of men, and well merits the high esteem and kindly regard in which he is held by his friends and neighbors.
S AMUEL M. PEABODY. Few men arc better known in this section than he whose history we will now proceed to trace. He is one of the pioneer settlers in Stoning- ton Township, and has here spent the greater part of his life. His farm is located on section 35 and is one of the best-conducted and best-equipped places of the neighborhood.
The youngest in a family of ten children, Mr. Peabody was born January 21, 1820, in North Stonington, Conn. His parents were Samuel and Lucy (Bread) Peabody. The father was born in the same place in 1774 and was reared on a farm in Connecticut. Our subject relates that he can remember his father's telling about the battle of Stonington Point, during the Revolutionary War, in which he was a participant. Samuel Pea- body, Sr., was married in his native State, where he
remained until 1839. At that time he came with his family to Christian County. At the same time about fifteen other families emigrated from Con- necticut and settled near one another in this coun- ty, forming what was called the Stonington Col- ony. Our subject's father, who was a Deacon in the Baptist Church, was of English descent. Ilis great- grandmother, Elizabeth Starr, was the first female child born in New England. He passed away when seventy-eight years of age. His wife was born in 1776 and died in 1842, a short time after coming to this county. She was the first person buried in the old Stonington Cemetery, and by her side now reposes the carthly remains of her husband and deccased children.
Of the children of Samuel and Lucy Peabody the following is recorded: Ellen B. died in Christian County when thirty-five years old. William A., who died in his seventy-ninth year, came with one of his brothers to this county in 1837. lle was called by the title of Captain, as for a number of years he was Captain of a military company here. Dr. Elias, born in 1812, is still living, and is one of the oldest physicians in the county, though he has now retired from professional life; Amos P., a resident of Taylorville, was born in 1815; our subject is the next in order of birth; Mary died when about twenty-eight years of age; Elvira and Lora died in Connecticut; Martha died at an advanced age; and Nancy died in the Nutmeg State, after having reached four-score years.
Samuel Peabody, whose name heads this sketch, passed his boyhood on the old farm in his native State, and received his education in the common schools there. In 1839, he came with the family to this county, making the greater part of the journey by water. After becoming of age, he farmed a part of his father's cstate until the latter, on his death, left him a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. This has since been the home of Mr. Peabody. In the early days of his residence in this county, Decatur was a very small town and Taylorville was unknown.
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