USA > Illinois > Portrait and biographies of the governors of Illinois and of the residents of the United States > Part 28
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she inherited two hundred and forty aeres of land, and at this writing she is the owner of five hun- dred and twenty acres. Anthony Willey, the only son of our subject, is a progressive and well-to-do farmer of Christian County.
The town of Willey Station was laid out by Stephen Willey, who built and owned the station house. The village is now quite a thriving place, numbering a good many inhabitants. In politics, our subject was a stanch Republican and was much interested in the success of his party.
ENRY KIRK, a retired farmer of Taylor- ville, elaims Ohio as the State of his nativ- ity, his birth having occurred near Fulton, in Stark County, December 19, 1829. IIis father, Jaeob Kirk, was a native of Centre County, Pa .. and married Ann Furst, who was also born in the Keystone State. Ile became one of the pio- neer settlers of Ohio, locating there in 1808. 1Ie and his wife both spent their last days in Stark County, where they had so long resided and where they were numbered among the most highly es- teemed citizens.
The subject of this sketch was reared to man- hood in the usual manner of farmer lads, and the public schools afforded him his educational privi- leges. lle remained at home until 1851, when, on the 16th of October of that year, he was joined in marriage with Miss Hannah B. MeFarland, a na- tive of Wayne County, Ohio. Ilis father made him a present of one hundred and seventeen acres of land, upon which was a small clearing but no house. Ile hewed the logs for a eabin and lived upon that place for six years, during which time he cleared and improved sixty acres.
It was in 1857 that Mr. Kirk sold his farm in Ohio, and traveled Westward until he had reached Christian County, Ill., when he made a settlement in Buckhart Township. Ile was accompanied by Jolin Harmon, now of this county. Mr. Kirk bad
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previously visited this locality and purchased one hundred and sixty aeres of land, upon which a crop had been planted, at 825 per acre. In Nov- ember following his arrival, he was joined by his family. Turning his attention to the develop- ment of his land, he devoted himself assiduously to its cultivation and improvement until 1891. lIe had made other purchases, becoming the owner of four hundred and ten acres, which were divided into two farms. In connection with general farm- ing he also engaged in feeding stock for ten years, and in breeding heavy draft horses. Ilis farms are both well improved and are valuable and de- sirable places, being supplied with all modern con- veniences and equipments. Mr. Kirk has recently also purchased a section of wheatland in Furnas County, Neb. In 1891 he left his country home and came to Taylorville, where he erected a fine residence and is now living a retired life.
In 1869 our subject was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 31st of De- eember. On the 18th of August, 1870, he was married in Pana to Miss Margaret Bell Orr, a sis- ter of Prof. Orr, County Superintendent of Schools. Seven children were born of the first marriage and three of the second. Four of the number are now deceased. three having died in infancy. Thad- deus David, the eldest, who had been a student in Lexington, Ky., died at the age of nineteen years. Charles Dwight is now a farmer of Buckhart Township, and School Treasurer. Emma Cora is the wife of R. F. Oplinger, book-keeper and cash- ier in a store in Taylorville. Arthur Burton operates a part of the old homestead. Hattie is the wife of Irving Baughman. a farmer of Buck- hart Township. Grace graduated as a stenog- rapher and type-writer from the Springfield Busi- ness College. Josie Pearl is a student in the High School.
Since the age of sixteen Mr. Kirk has been a member of the Christian Church, and his wife is also a member. He was made a Mason in Grove City Lodge No. 585, A. F. &. A. M., and belongs to Taylorville Chapter No. 99. R. A. M. Ile was initiated into the mysteries of the Odd Fellows' fraternity in 1854. In polities, he is a Republican, and for eighteen years served as Treasurer of the
school fund in his township, although it is a strongly Democratic district. Through well-dir- ected efforts, Mr. Kirk has acquired a handsome property and is now numbered among the sub- stantial citizens of Taylorville, where he is now living retired in the enjoyment of the rest whiel he has so truly earned and richly deserves.
R ICHARD MCCLELLAN POWEL was born in Parkersburg. W. Va., September 2, 1846, and died November 1, 1892, respected by all who knew him. In his death the community lost one of its best citizens and one who will be long mourned by a large circle of friends. lle came of a family of English origin, which was founded in America by his grandfa- ther, Richard Powel, in Colonial days. During the War for Independence the grandfather ob- tained letters of marque, and as Captain of a pri- vateer sailed from these shores. It is supposed that all on board perished, for no news was ever received of them. Richard Powel left a little son of six months, who also bore the name of Richard, and became the father of our subject. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., December 9, 1801, and was a cabinet-maker by trade. Ile married Sarah Firth, and in 1841 removed to Parkersburg, W. Va., where he remained until September, 1851, when he emigrated to Springfield, Ill. In 1853 he came to Taylorville, and his death here occurred September II, 1875.
Our subject was only about six years of age when the family came to this city, and with the history of Christian County he was identified un- til his death. When quite young he began the study of surveying, and mastered the profession almost entirely through his own efforts, being as- sisted to some extent by Charles Manners, who was then County Surveyor. For a time Mr. Powel followed surveying in Indiana, with headquarters at Indianapolis, locating railroad lines in Indiana, Ohio, Jowa and Missouri. In 1869 he was elected
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County Surveyor of Christian County for a term of two years, was re-elected in 1871, 1875 and 1879, his term of office expiring in 1884, after a period of fifteen years spent in that position. Although the county is Democratic and he was a Republican in political faith, he was elected by very large majorities, a fact that indicates the con- fidence placed in him, his personal popularity and his excellent ability. He laid out several drain- age systems, and that a large area of the country surrounding Taylorville is now fine farming land is due entirely to the labors of Mr. Powel.
On the 17th of December. 1885, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Emma Catherwood, daughter of James and Lydia (Tussey) Cather- wood, the former a native of Ireland and the lat- ter of Pennsylvania. For some years they made their home in Guernsey County, Ohio. The fa- ther died when Mrs. Powel was only two years old. Mrs. Catherwood removed to Shelby County, Ill .. about 1857, and from there came to Taylor- ville. She is still living in this eity, at the age of eighty-nine years. Of her family of ten children seven are now living. Mrs. Powel was only six years of age when she came to Christian County. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children: Ellen C. and Ruth Firth, aged six and three years respectively.
In addition to his other business interests, Mr. Powel was one of the incorporators and a Director of the First National Bank of Taylorville. IIe was also the owner of two farms, comprising four hundred and forty acres of land, which yielded to him a good income. An indefatigable worker, he possessed a robust constitution and spared himself not in the least when he thought his work de- manded his attention. He worked up to within a few days of his death, being anxious to complete a drainage system before winter set in. Ilis ad- vice and counsel were often sought by business men, who placed the utmost confidence in him. His word was as good as his bond, his integrity unquestioned. He was a firm, kind friend and a loving and tender husband and father. Honor- able and upright in all things, he won the esteem of everybody with whom business or social rela- tions brought him in contract. Mrs. Powel is still
living in Taylorville, where she has a pleasant home that she has recently erected on the old Powel homestead. She is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and through her many ex- cellencies of character has gained a large circle of warm friends.
OSEPH F. MILLER, M. D., who is engaged in the practice of his profession in Palmer, has a large practice in this place and the surrounding country. He is a native of Illinois, having been born in Fayette County April 28. 1857, to Jacob and Mary Jane (Stapp) Miller. The father is also a native of that county, while his wife was born in Kentucky. Their fam- ily comprised five children, three of whom died in early childhood. Those surviving are John II., who is a physician at Pana, Ill .; and Joseph F., our subject. Dr. Miller, of Pana, married Miss Lanra Thiele. They have two children, Lewis Henry and Cora.
After the death of our subjeet's mother, his fa- ther married Elizabeth Forester, by whom he had three children. Two died in infancy, while the third child, Andrew D., is still living. The third wife of Mr. Miller bore the maiden name of Cath- erine Sanford. She became the mother of a son and daughter, Lewis A., and Addie M., who died at the age of thirteen years. After the death of Mrs. Catherine Miller, the husband wedded Lytha J. Burris, and to them were born two children, Lola and Gertrude, Mr. Miller has been for a period of forty years a minister in the Christian Church. He was a valiant soldier during the war with Mexico.
Dr. J. F. Miller, whose name heads this sketch, was reared on his father's farm in Fayette County. and lived at home until he had attained his sev- enteenth year. Ile received his early education in the district schools, and while still quite young determined to become a physician. Ile therefore
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entered the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis, and after pursuing his studies there for several years, was graduated from that justly noted insti- tution in March, 1889. In the following July he located in Palmer, where he began the practice of his profession. lle has already acquired a large practice, as he is well informed and well read on all matters pertaining to the science of medicine, and keeps fully abrcast of the times.
The Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Henrietta Lowe on the 8th of June, 1890. The lady is a daughter of Milton and Priscilla (Hin- ton) Lowe, of Shelby County, Ill. By her mar- riage she has become the mother of a bright little boy, who was given the Christian name of his grandfather, Jacob, and whose middle name is Clyde.
Socially, the Doctor is a member of Palmer Lodge No. 501, I. O. O. F., and also holds mem- bership with the Modern Woodmen of America. He casts his ballot in favor of the nominees of the Republican party, and has served for one term as a member of the Village Board of Trustees, and always takes an active part in educational matters. He owns a pleasant and desirable home property, where he has his office. In addition to this he has ten acres of land which is situated one mile from Palmer. By those who know him well he is held in the highest regard, and is a man of justice and upright character.
ESSE HIANON is one of the pioneers of Christian County, his birth having occurred April 14, 1830, about ten miles from Tay- lorville. Ile is a farmer, now residing in Morrisonville, and is the owner of a number of fine farms. His father, Martin Hanon, was the first settler in this county, having settled near Tay- lorville in 1818. 1Ie was a nativeof Tennessee, and was a farmer by occupation. lle took up about eighty acres of land, but afterward bought a lun- ber mill, which was located on the farm where our
subject was born. This mill was subsequently known as the Elgin Mill, and this he operated for a number of years. From there he removed to the present site of Taylorville, before the town was laid out. His father, Michael IIanon, was born and reared in Ireland, and came to America when a young man. lle was a farmer in Tennessee, and died while still in the prime of life. The name of the family was originally spelled Hening. Michael Ilanon reared a family of four daughters and five sons. Our subject's father died April 5, 1879, aged seventy-nine years.
The wife of Martin Hanon, whose maiden name was Sarah Miller, was born in Pennsylvania, her people being of German birth. Her parents came to America after their marriage, settling in Penn- sylvania, where the father died in middle life. To Mr. and Mrs. Hanon were born ten children, only four of the number now living: Jesse; Jo- seph; Susan, wife of G. R. Sharp, of Sharpsburg. Ill .; and Elijah, who is a resident of Larned, Kan. Joseph lives at Willow Springs, Mo. The parents were members of the Predestinarian Baptist Church.
The subject of this sketch has spent his entire life in this county with the exception of three years, when he was absent during the late war. His early education was obtained in the old-fashi- ioned subscription schools, but in later years he enlarged his knowledge by wise reading and thoughtful observation. Ilis life work has been mainly that of farming and stock-raising, though for about four years he carried on a sawmill. IIe has been very successful in his enterprises and now with his three sons, William, John and Cyrus, owns eight hundred acres of land in Clay County, near the town of Flora. This land is operated by them under the firm name of J. Hanon & Sons. He is also the owner of a good home property in Morrison ville.
During the late war, Mr. Hanon enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, and was in the service for about three ycars. Ile took part in the battle of Chicka- mauga and was in a number of important skir- mishes. On the battlefield of Chickamauga he was taken prisoner and was confined for seven months
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in Libby Prison; was thence removed to Macon. Ga., where he was a prisoner for two months, and was then transferred to Savannah, Ga., and Charleston, S. C., being two months in each prison. For four months he was in the prison at Colum- bia, S. C., and after spending a short time at Char- lotte and Raleigh was exchanged. Altogether lie was a prisoner for seventeen months and ten days. Ile received an honorable discharge at Camp But- ler, September 23, 1865, after three years of serv- ice and imprisonment for his country's sake.
On his return from the army, Mr. Hanon re- sumed his sawmill business, at which he continued for tivo years. Prior to the war he was Superin- tendent of the Schools of this county for two years. For three terms he served as Justice of the Peace, and for three terms was a member of the Board of Supervisors. In 1890, he was the Repub- lican nominee for Congress, running against Will- iam M. Springer. The honor was entirely un- sought. Socially, he is a member of Morrisonville Lodge No. 681, A. F. & A. M., and also took the chapter degrees at Taylorville.
In October, 1847, Mr. Hanon was united in mar- riage with Miss Missouri Ann Minnis. daughter of James and Hlester Ann (Outhouse) Minnis, of Christian County. Twelve children have blessed this union. Thomas E. was the eldest of the family and is now deceased. Alice E. became the wife of Jolin D. Murphy, by whom she had four children, only one now living, William J. Af- ter the death of Mr. Murphy, his widow re-mar- ried, becoming the wife of Lucian Murphy. They now live at Pawnee Rock, Kan., and have three children, Charlie, Glenn and Ralph. William F. married Miss Sarah Halgren and lives in Flora. Ill., where he is engaged in the fruit-growing bus- iness. Ile has two children, Jessie E. and Winnie. Sarah E., Eva, George R., Nellie and Jennie are now deceased. Cyrus E. married Miss Katie Hayes and is also engaged in fruit-growing and farming near Flora. He has one child, John Edgar. Ferd- inand M. and Seth are also deceased. John E. is a resident of Morrison ville, Ill.
Mr. Hlanon is a man of originality and liberality of thought. He is an earnest believer in the prin- ciples of morality and is a strong advocate of ab-
stinence from intoxicating liquors and of temper- ance in every respect, but controverts the theolog- ical ideas which enter into the creeds of orthodox churches. Ile is a sineere admirer of that great sentiment of Thomas Paine, "The world is my country ,and to do good is my religion."
URELIUS M. HEWITT, one of the exten- sive land-owners of Christian County, is engaged in farming in Bear Creek Town- ship. Ile is now making his home at his pleasant residence in Palmer. He isa son of Will- iam T. and Andronica (Gibson) Hewitt, and was born in Christian County, Ky., February 19, 1849. The father was a native of Virginia, as was also his father. Ile followed farming and stock-raising in the Old Dominion for a livelihood until 1851, when he emigrated to Illinois. Ile located in this county, on land now comprised within Johnson Township. There he entered and purchased land to the extent of some six hundred acres, and lived in that neighborhood until the death of his wife, ın 1857. when he removed to the old Vincent place, where his remaining years were passed. Our subject's mother was a member of the Christian Church. and was a most lovable and noble lady. She had a family of three sons and three daugh- ters, our subject being the third child. The oth- ers are as follows: Francis M .. Olive C., James B., Laura J. and Hannah L. After the death of his first wife, William Hewitt was married to Miss Mary R. Wilcoxson, by whom he had three sons, William T., Lee Davidson and Omer B. The fa- ther died in 1890, at the good old age of seventy- five years.
The subject of this notice was an infant of only two years when his parents came to this county. He was reared and received his early education in the neighborhood where he has spent a large por- tion of his life. He supplemented his early edu- cation by a course of study in Eureka College. which is located in Eureka, Ill., and in order to fit
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himself for business life went to Bailey's Com- mercial College, at Keokuk, Iowa. Upon the com- pletion of his studies he engaged in teaching school, following that vocation for about ten years during the winter season.
In Christian County, on the 15th of February, 1883. Mr. Hewitt and Miss Nancy F. Anderson were united in marriage. Mrs. Hewitt was the daughter of Thomas and Virginia B. (Trailor) An- derson. She became the mother of three children: Inez A., Nigel B. and Brice. Mr. Hewitt lost his wife, who died on the 15th of December, 1891, aged only twenty-six years.
After teaching for a number of years. as pre- viously stated, Mr. Hewitt concluded to devote his energies to agricultural pursuits, which have been his main occupation since that time. Ile has made a particular business of raising and shipping stock, and has also been interested in the general stores in Palmer, Morrisonville and Harvel, Ill. At the present time he owns an interest with W. L. Long in a general merchandise store at Mor- risonville. Ile is the owner of land in Taylor- ville, South Fork, Bear Creek, Johnson and Ricks Townships, these farms comprising fully seven hundred acres. He also is the owner of a resi- denee and other property in Palmer, and other real estate elsewhere. In politics. he is a Demo- crat. He is a man who has acquired his fortune through his own efforts and industry, and has shown good business ability and correct business metliods in the management of his affairs.
H. SALLIDAY, deceased, was for many years numbered among the substantial farm- ers and enterprising citizens of Stonington Township. Coming to Christian County a poor man, through the exercise of his industri- ous qualities he acquired a large estate and won the respect of his friends and neighbors. His birth occurred March 10, 1837, in Bucks County, Pa. Ilis father, Jacob G. Salliday, was also a
native of the same county, and removed to Ohio with his parents. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died when nearly seventy-nine years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary llartsell, was likewise a native of the Keystone State, and was called from this life while a resi- dent of Philadelphia, at the age of seventy-eight years. The boyhood and youth of our subject were passed under the parental roof, where he re- mained until abont twenty-two years of age. He was given a fair education and became thoroughly acquainted with the proper methods of farm work.
On the 15th of November, 1861, Mr. Salliday was united in marriage with Miss Angeline lolben, who was born March 27, 1840, in Medina County, Ohio. She was the eldest child in a family of five whose parents were Elias and Mar- garet (Hartman) Holben. The former was a na- tive of New York and emigrated to Ohio in an early day. In 1866 he came to Illinois, where he still makes his home, now well along in years. llis father was a native of France. Mrs. Ilolben was born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, and died when in her thirty-fourth year, in 1856.
Our subject was the third in a family of eight children, and by his marriage he became the fa- ther of a like number. The eldest, Roland E., died at the age of twenty-three years, being accidentally killed in a runaway; Victorine is the wife of John D. Hackenberg, a prominent farmer and stock-rais- er of this county, a sketch of whom appears else- where in this volume; Edson P. died in infaney; Ella H., wife of Thomas E. Gragg, and Reuben J. reside at home, the latter operating the farm; Eben O. died in infancy; Monroe H., who is well educated, is attending the School of Pharmacy at St. Louis; and Angie M. is still living with her mother.
Mr. Salliday was often honored with local po- sitions of responsibility and honor. and filled about all of the township offices. On the question of politics, he was always to be found on the side of the Democratic party. As a farmer, he was very successful and acquired a valuable estate. On the 12th of July, 1890, death called him from the scene of his labors, when he was in his fifty-
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fourth year. Ile lies buried in the Grove City cemetery. In his death the community in which he had so long made his home feel that they have . sustained a most severe loss. He was aetive in all good works and public enterprises, was earnest in the cause of Christ. being a member of the Reformed Church, and was numbered among the representative and honored agriculturists of the county. In his personal and business relations with his fellow-men he was thoroughly honorable, and could be depended on as reliable and just. His memory will ever be dearly cherished by his many friends and wide circle of acquaintances.
J. CURRAN, one of the leading merchants of Stonington, Christian County, Ill., was born October 29, 1854, in County Mayo, Ireland. He was the fourth in order of birth in a family of nine children. five sons and four daughters, whose parents were Pat- rick and Hannah (Higgins) Curran. Both pa- rents were natives of the Emerald Isle. but the family removed to England when our subject was only about six months old. The father followed the life of a farmer. and continued to make his home in England until his death. The eldest son, Edward. died in infancy. Bridget is deceased. Mary is the wife of Timothy Dunn, who fol- lows the trade of carpet-weaving in Philadelphia. Frank is an engineer on a vessel plying the Lakes and running between Buffalo and Chicago. John is an overseer in a large distillery in England. James. the youngest of the family, is also still Jiving in England.
Our subject remained at home with his parents until he was sixteen years of age. He worked in the cotton mills and had a very responsible posi- tion for a youth of his years. He was not satis- fied, however, but believed he would be afforded greater opportunities by coming to the United
States. Ile took passage on a steamer, which en- countered some very severe storms and consumed twenty-one days in crossing the ocean. A sister had previously located in Thompson ville. Conn., and there Mr. Curran first proceeded to visit her. He soon went to St. Louis. Mo .. where he worked for about eight months, a part of the time driving a team and afterward obtaining employ- ment in the car shops.
The next business undertaking of Mr. Curran was in selling dry-goods. starting out from Litch- field, Ill .. and traveling by team from point to point. Ile followed this business for some three years, after which he worked on a farm in this county for three years. In company with Erastus Murphy, he next engaged in the harness business in Stonington. His partnership with Mr. Murphy lasted about thirteen months, at the expiration of which time he bought out the latter's interest. and has since conducted the business by himself. In 1887, he added farm implements to his stock. commencing on a small scale, but eventually car- rying a full line of carriages, buggies and imple- ments. He is one of the wide-awake business men of the town and is very ambitious. His bus- iness has grown to large proportions, and now in addition to his present home, he also owns the building in which his store is situated. He has made a comfortable fortune by his own industry and enterprise, as when he came to the United States he was a poor boy without a dollar.
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