USA > Illinois > Portrait and biographies of the governors of Illinois and of the residents of the United States > Part 25
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In 1846 our subject married Miss Jane Burnam, of this county, who died about eight years later. In 1857 Mr. Peabody married Miss Maria Park- hurst, a native of Connecticut, who is still living.
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For twenty years our subject served as a School Trustee and was a School Director and Township Trustee for a number of years. For nearly a-half century he has been a Deacon and Trustee in the Baptist Church. In his political views he is a Re- publican. The confidence of one and all is fully bestowed upon him, and he well merits the good- will and friendship which are freely his. Ile is an honorable and upright man and his course in life is one of which he may justly be proud.
OIINSON BROTHERS are the prosperous proprietors of Maple Farm, Assumption Township, their residence being on section 21. and they are well known in this and neighboring counties, as they have been resi- dents of Illinois for forty-three years, and for a third of a century their lot has been cast with the inhabitants of Christian County. They are num- bered among the honored old settlers and most worthy citizens, and their many friends will be pleased to read the history of their lives in this record.
Benjamin Johnson, the father of the gentlemen who are the subjects of this sketch, was born in Lon- don, England, June 8, 1799. He early learned the cabinet-maker's trade, and in 1823 emigrated to the New World, first locating in Baltimore, Md., where he followed his trade for a few years. Re- moving to Ohio, Mr. Johnson first located in Bel- mont County, in St. Clairsville, afterward going to Guernsey County, where he resided for a number of years, still working at his trade. While in Bel- mont County, Ohio, in 1826, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Foote, who was a native of County Cork, Ireland, and emigrated to America the same year Mr. Johnson came to this country. In 1849, he removed to Illinois, and settled in Greene County, where he and his sons entered into part- nership with a Mr. Harden, and engaged in farm- ing and stock-raising for ten years. In 1860, the family removed to Christian County, and pur-
chased a traet of land located in Assumption Township. Here the father spent the last years of his life, dying in January, 1876, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife, who survived him and passed away March 12, 1891, reached the ad- vanced age of ninety years.
The family of Benjamin Johnson comprised seven sons and two daughters, who lived to ma- turity. The eldest, Robert G. Johnson, was born in Belmont County, March 10, 1827; Wade F. was born in the same county, September 13, 1828; Margaret died in 1878; Edward was a partner with his brothers for several years, and after his marriage was a successful farmer of this county until his death, in 1882; Martha lives with her brothers; Walter was also in partnership with the brothers until his marriage, and engaged in farm- ing until his demise in 1890, when he left a wife and two sons; William L. is next in order of birth; and Benjamin and Leo, both well-to-do farmers, complete the family.
The firm of Johnson Brothers originally com- prised the father and seven brothers. They bought land, farmed and raised stock, and carried on an extensive business for years. As the brothers mar- ried, they withdrew their interests from the firm, and at the present time it consists of the follow- ing: Robert G., Wade F. and William L. They own about eighteen hundred acres of valuable land in this county, besides other real estate and personal property. They first entered a tract of nine hundred acres of raw land, which they im- proved, and set out maple and other forest trees. This beautiful grove, so well known in the local- ity, stands near the home, and many of the trees now measure from twenty-four to thirty inches in diameter. The substantial residence, barns and outbuildings are kept up in good shape, and, sur- rounded as they are by the noble trees, make a most pleasing picture of a model farm. Three of the Johnson brothers served in the Union army .during the late Civil War. Edward F. and Will- iam L. both enlisted in Company G, One Ilundred and Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, in 1862, and served until the close of hostilities. They were . with Sherman, and took part in all the engage- ments in which that army. participated, including
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the celebrated march to the sea. Benjamin J. en- listed May 14, 1864, for the one hundred-day service, but served about five months.
Wade Johnson was only a lad when he planted one and a-half aeres of corn, and cared for it until it was harvested. He has taken quite an active part in local politics of late years, and served for ten consecutive years as Highway Commissioner. During that time eighty miles of township roads were laid out and opened on the section lines. He also served for thirty years as Township Trustee, and for five years was President of the Assump- tion Fire Insurance Company, at the same time serving as Treasurer. Since locating in this coun- ty, the brothers have given their attention more especially to the raising of stock, and have a large portion of their land devoted to pastures. In politics they are all true-blue Republicans, and active in local politics. Robert Johnson, like his brother, has also held numerous local positions of responsibility, the duties of which he has dis- charged satisfactorily.
AVID M. MOORE. It is a special plea- sure to trace the history of one of the honored veterans of the Civil War, who fought and suffered untold hardships in the defense of this fair and now prosperous land. The gentleman of whom we write was one of the soldier boys who donned the blue early in the war and did valiant service under the Stars and Stripes. Mr. Moore has only been a resident of Christian County for some twelve years, during which time he has been engaged in farming on section 25, Stonington Township. but since casting his lot in this neighborhood he has become thoroughly inter- ested in its prosperity.
The birth of Mr. Moore occurred in Licking County, Ohio, July 8, 1833. Le is the eldest in a family comprising three sons and three daughters. His parents are Samuel and Jane M. (Gaughy) Moore. The next younger in the family is Jane,
wife of llenry Safford, who resides in McLean County, Ill. Anna is the wife of Henry Morris, a retired farmer, now residing in Kankakee, Ill. Eliza became the wife of E. Il. Roberts, of Ottawa, Il1. Hugh B. is a farmer, residing near Jamestown, N. Dak. One child died in infancy.
Samuel Moore was born in Adams County, Pa., August 18, 1802. His father, David Moore, was also a native of that county, and was one of its Trustees in 1799, when the county was organized, prior to which time it was a part of York County. He was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and was a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church. The father of our subject was only two years old when his parents took him to Licking County, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood on a farm. After his marriage, he carried on a farm and oper- ated a gristmill. Ile was a prominent man in the Whig party at that time, and was Justice of the Peace for a number of years. In 1856, he emi- grated to La Salle County, Ill., where he resided until his death, in February, 1863. His wife was also a native of Adams County, Pa., born in 1810, and was of Scotch descent. She was called from this life in Livingston County, Ill., when in her seventy-eighth year.
David M. Moore passed his early years on his father's farm in Licking County, Ohio, and re- mained with his parents until twenty-nine years of age, being given a good common-school educa- tion. On the 25th of September, 1861, he joined Yates' Sharp-shooters, Sixty-fourth Regiment Illi- nois Infantry, and served with them for two years and three months. Hle enlisted as a private, but before two months had elapsed he was elected Sergeant, while at Camp Butler. A short time afterwards he was promoted to the Second Lieu- tenancy, and after valiant service in the battle of Resaca, in which the Captain of his company was killed, he was promoted to fill the position. Ile
was a participant in the noted engagements of Atlanta, Corinth, Resaca, Island No. 10, and in a great many other battles of more or less note. He received an honorable discharge on the 26th of November, 1864, being obliged to leave the army on account of much trouble he was experiencing with his eyes.
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Returning to La Salle County, III., he was there wedded on the 19th of November, 1866, to Miss Nellie Briggs, of that county, who died in 1872, leaving two sons, David E. and James B., who are both engaged in farming in this county. After living for some years in La Salle County, Mr. Moore removed to Livingston County, where he continued to reside until 1877, then going to Ne- braska. At the end of four years spent in the West, he returned, in 1881, and bought land in Christian County, the farm which he still operates.
In 1874, occurred the union of Mr. Moore and Miss Sarah E. Peabody. She is the daughter of Capt. M. M. Peabody, one of the early settlers and most worthy citizens of this county. Our sub- ject's farm comprises eighty acres, on which are substantial improvements and a fine orchard. In polities, Mr. Moore is an active Republican and is now one of the School Trustees of this district. In his social relations, he is a member of the Ma- sonic order and belongs to Post No. 392, G. A. R., of Taylorville.
Le EE SCHRANTZ. Among the many men who have contributed to the building up of Stonington Township, stands the name of our subject, whose farm is situated on section 18. Like many of the residents of Christian County he hails from the Buckeye State, having been born in Stark County, December 16, 1855. Ile is one of four sons and a daughter born to Ephraim and Nancy (Mohler) Schrantz, whose record may be found in another portion of this work, in the his- tory of Sylvester Schrantz.
The early years of our subject were passed on his father's farm in Ohio, and at the age of eleven years he attended his parents on their removal to Christian County. Until reaching his majority he gave his time to assisting his father on the home- stead and acquiring a good common-school educa- tion. When he was twenty-one years of age, his father gave him a good start in life by deeding to
him an eighty-acre farm. On this place he has continued to reside up to the present time and has made quite a success of agricultural pursuits. Although he follows general farming, he makes a specialty of breeding thoroughbred Jersey cattle, in which he deals quite extensively.
On the 28th of December, 1876, Mr. Schrantz married Miss Emma Wood, who was born in Octo- ber, 1854, in Piatt County, Ill. She is a daughter of George and Sarah (Hodge) Wood, who were old and respected settlers of Piatt County. Three bright children have blessed the union of our sub- ject and wife. In order of birth they are as fol- lows: Ross, Roy and Claude. They are all at home and are being given good educations.
A patriotic citizen at all times, Mr. Sehrantz endeavors to the extent of his ability to promote the general welfare, and believing that the meas- ures of the Republican party are best adapted to that end he deposits his ballot in favor of its nom -. inees. Ile has in his possession a secretary which was made for his father's family in 1840, a pocket- book of his grandfather's, which was purchased in 1836, and a letter written to Hans Schrantz from Germany and sent to Pennsylvania May 22, 1761. lle has been a witness of much of the development of this county and has done his share in assisting in her prosperity. Ile is an up- right and honorable man, one whose fairness of dealing and good judgment have won for him the confidence and high regard of his friends and neighbors.
Z. HOUSLEY is senior member of the firm of llousley & Drake. who are engaged in general merchandising in Grove City, and have a branch house at Stonington. Mr. Housley is well known as one of the successful business men of Christian County, of which he is one of the honored early settlers, his residence here dat- ing back to 1856. He is a man of recognized
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ability as a business man, and is truly self-made, as he started out to carve his career without means or assistance. As the years have passed he has suc- ceeded in adding to his property, until he is now one of the substantial and well-to-do men of the county.
The birthplace of Mr. Housley was near Akron, Ohio, and the date of that event was July 15, 1851. His father, Ilenry Housley, was a native of the Old Dominion, who went with his parents to Ohio when only a child. On arriving at man's estate, he was wedded in the Buckeye State to Miss Charlotte Uhrich, a native of Pennsylvania. For a number of years he followed agricultural pursuits in Ohio, and in 1856 located in Mt. Au- burn Township, Christian County, where he pur- chased a farm and devoted himself to its cultiva- tion for a number of years. IIe then rented his farm and removed to Grove City, where he has since lived a retired life, honored and respected by all. Ile was a strong Republican, and during the Lincoln and Douglas campaign, our subject, who was then a lad, took sides with Douglas. 1Ie raised a hickory pole in his honor, being doubtless influenced thereto by his grandfather Uhrich, who read to him the Democratic papers. The father, not knowing what else to do, decided to place an ash pole beside the hickory pole, both remaining during the campaign.
0. Z. Housley has passed nearly his entire life in this county, as he was only five years old when his parents located here. For those days he had good school advantages, as, in addition to his district- school education, he went for one term to a High School near Des Moines, lowa. After leaving the parental roof, he worked for about a year at the carpenter's trade, and at the expiration of that time found he had a surplus of $40. This money he carefully invested in a small stock of shelf hardware and tinware, with a few agricultural implements, selling the latter on commission. Though this beginning was extremely small, he was not discouraged, but kept manfully adding to his stock of goods as fast as possible. When a few years had passed he added a stock of groceries, and in time drugs and dry goods. During the past twenty years the firm has been changed sev-
eral times, the present partnership being formed in 1881.
The firm of Housley & Drake have a large store building, and carry an immense assortment of dry- goods, groceries, drugs, hardware, boots and shoes. Handling as much money as they have for many years, they have found it convenient for their patrons to establish an exchange bank, and do considerable local banking. They have built up a large trade, which has been increasing for years. In the spring of 1893, their branch business house at Stonington was estabhshed. There they have put in a good stock of groceries and hardware, and also an exchange bank, which is under the su- pervision and management of Mr. Drake, the junior partner. The prospects for this branch store appear to be very encouraging. When we consider from what a small beginning these two large business houses have grown, it can but be a matter of surprise. It is simply an example of what strict attention to business and the wants of patrons can accomplish.
Mr. Housley is a stanch supporter of the Demo- cratic party, having voted for its nominees in every Presidential campaign since 1872, and was one of the first supporters of Hon. Mr. Springer in this district. Ile 'has also been active in local politics, and has filled various township positions, among which we mention that of Highway Commissioner, Township Treasurer and Clerk. During the ad- ministration of President Ilayes, he was appointed Postmaster, and was again appointed during Cleve- land's administration. His successor was Mr. Drake, who served also for four years. Mr. Hous- ley was then again appointed to the position, and at the present time is the efficient incumbent of the office, which has been in his hands now for some fourteen years.
The marriage of Mr. Housley and Miss Victoria Reese was performed in this county in October, 1873. The lady is a native of Pennsylvania, where she grew to womanhood. The family com- prises four children: Maud, who is employed in her father's store; Frances C. and Flora B., twins; and Carrie May. The eldest child died in in- fancy. The parents with the elder members of the family are members of the Methodist Episco-
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pal Church of Grove City, of which Mr. Housley is one of the active members, having served in various offices. Ile is a Mason, belonging to Grove City Lodge, in which he held the office of Worshipful for some seven or eight years, and is now acting as Secretary. For several years he was called upon to represent his lodge in the Grand Lodge of Illinois. He also holds member- ship with the Modern Woodmen of America.
UDGE ALEXANDER MCCASKILL, one of Christian County's prominent lawyers, who is engaged in practice in Taylorville as the senior member of the firm of MeCas- kill & Son, has been prominently identified with the judicial interests of central Illinois. Both on the Bench and as an advocate he has won a high reputation, and his abilities, both natural and ac- quired, have placed him in the front rank among his professional brethren.
The Judge has spent nearly his entire life in this State. Ile was born in Sangamon County, near Rochester, January 23, 1833, and is a son of Rev. Daniel and Esther (Turner) MeCaskill, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Virginia. They were married in Sangamon County, Ill., and in 1834 removed with their fam- ily to Brown County. The father was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was also a medical practitioner. Ile died in Brown County about 1846, at the age of fifty years. Ilis wife survived him some time, and passed away in 1861.
The subject of this sketch was the fourth child in his parents' family. lle was only about a year old at the time of their removal to Brown County, and was a youth of only thirteen when his father died. lle remained with his mother and aided in the labors of the home farm until twenty-three years of age, with the exception of the time spent in school. Ile attended school in Mt. Sterling, the county seat of Brown County, and was afterward a student in the school of the Cumberland Presby-
terian Church, in Cass County, Va. Ilis tastes were in the direction of a professional life, and while still on the farm he began reading law. Sub- sequently he pursued his literary studies for two years, and then entered the lawoffice of Bailey, Van Vleck & Wells, of Macomb, IN. Ile passed an examination in Mt. Sterling and was admitted to the Bar in 1856.
In December of the same year, in Prairie City, Ill., Mr. McCaskill was united in marriage with Miss Elvira Medcalf, who died in 1862, leaving two children: William HI., who for the past ten years has carried on farming and stock-raising near Rocky Ford, Otero County, Colo .; and David, who is also a ranchman. In 1863, the Judge was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Elizabeth Ilead, widow of Dr. Ilead, of Macomb, Ill. They have one son, who is now the junior member of the firm of MeCaskill & Son.
On the same year of his admission to the Bar Judge Mccaskill began practice in Prairie City, where he remained for about a year. In 1857 he came to Christian County and opened an office in Taylorville. Ilere he found Judge 11. M. Vande- veer, Benjamin Mason, A. Me Williams, Judge An- drew Simpson, Judge Moon, the Circuit Clerk and Ilarrison Havens. None of these gentlemen are now in practice at this place, although Judge Moore is now proprietor of a hotel in Morrisonville. Mr. McCaskill suspended his professional labors in 1859, going to Pike's Peak. He spent about two years at Russell's Gulch, near Pike's Peak, where, in connection with his brother, Dr. John McCas- kill, he purchased and operated some mines. The Judge also engaged in practice. In 1861 he re- turned to Christian County and once more opened a law office, forming a partnership with his brother Daniel. The latter served throughout the late war, went with Sherman on the celebrated Atlanta campaign, and after the struggle studied law and then entered into partnership with his brother, as above stated. This connection was continued until some ten years ago, when the health of the brother failed and he went to Pueblo, Colo. Judge Mccaskill then admitted to partnership with him Kleber E. Willeoekson, now of Oakley, Kan., and later the present firm was formed.
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In his political views Judge MeCaskill is a stal- wart Democrat; he has taken an active part in cam- paign work and has made hundreds of speeches in support of his party. From the beginning his ca- reer as a legal practitioner has been one of success. Ile is a clear reasoner, a logical thinker, carefully weighs evidence, and his deductions therefore are generally correct and have weight with the jury. Ile has been employed on nearly all of the murder cases of the county, usually on the defense, and was one of the counsel for the defense in the fam- ous Emma Bond case. Frequently he has been called upon to fill public oflices. In 1864 he was appointed County Superintendent of Schools for one year, and on the expiration of that period was elected for a four-years term, serving until 1869. Ile was then elected and served for four years as State's Attorney, after which he was placed upon the Bench as County Judge, filling that office for five years. For two years he served as Master in Chancery, his term expiring in January, 1893.
Socially, the Judge was made a Mason in Mound Lodge No. 122, A. F. & A. M., of which he served as Worshipful Master for some years. lle has filled the principal offices in Taylorville Chapter, R. A. M. Judge McCaskill is well fitted to be a leader of men and has therefore been prominent in pub- lic life. He possesses more than ordinary ability, yet his success is due in no small degree to his ap- plication and earnest efforts. Respected by his colleagues and honored by all, he well deserves prominent mention in the history of his adopted county.
M ARION C. BRENTZ, who resides just out- side the city limits of Taylorville, where he is engaged in the culture of small fruits, has spent his entire life in this community, Christian being his native county, and he is a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families. His father, William C. Brentz, was born in Kentucky, April 16, 1811, and was the sixth of seven sons. llis father died in Ken-
tueky, and his widowed mother with her seven sons and one daughter came to Illinois, locating in Christian County at an carly day. Upon the home farm William Brentz was reared to man- hood, and there spent his entire life. He was married July 10, 1853, to Patience Durbin, but lost his wife on the 29th of May, 1854. He was then married, on the 16th of November, 1856, to Mary A. Martin, also a native of Kentucky. They continued to reside on the old homestead until the death of Mr. Brentz, which occurred February 3, 1861.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brentz were born four chil- dren: Alice, who died at the age of fourteen; Alma, who died in infancy; William A. and Marion C. William A. was born August 26, 1858, and died on the old homestead in September, 1879, soon after his twenty-first birthday. His death resulted from a knife-cut inflicted by Frank Trailor, a cousin, who later on was convicted for the offense. A quarrel arose between them over a collision of buggies, and the result was as above stated. It was thought that companions of Trailor bore an old grudge against William and took this opportunity to get even. Ilis cousin served one year in the penitentiary and died soon after his release.
After Mr. Brentz's death his widow became the wife of Dennis O. Johnson, of Sangamon County, who came to Christian County and here died Sep- tember 21, 1873, at the age of fifty years. The mother of our subject was called to her final rest on the 7th of December, 1876. By her second marriage she had eight children, four of whom were living at her death. Thomas, a young man of nineteen years, now resides in Taylorville.
In taking up the life record of Marion Brentz, we give to our readers the history of one who is widely and favorably known in this community. Ile was born on the old home farm April 14, 1861, after his father's death. Midst work and play his boyhood days were passed, and after the death of his brother he carried on the farm, keeping the family of three children together. The farm is located just south of Taylorville, and comprises two hundred and twenty acres of land. They also owned two other tracts of forty acres each,
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