USA > Illinois > Portrait and biographies of the governors of Illinois and of the residents of the United States > Part 51
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of twelve children, only three of whom are now living. One of the number, Benjamin F., is a farmer of Colorado. Amanda Jane became the wife of John Seerest, who is a well-known farmer of this county. Mrs. Anderson died at the age of sixty-one years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fraley was born a family of three children. Wallace is one of the progressive and well-to-do farmers of this county; Osear re- sides with his mother; and Nellie died when only three years of age. Oscar, who is twenty-four years of age, is an invalid, never having walked. Wallace was married to Miss Frances Goodrich, of Shelby County. November 20, 1890, and is now farming the home place.
The farm formerly operated by Mr. Fraley is one of the best in the township, the residence be- ing on section 29. Ile was very successful as an agriculturist and was numbered among the enter- prising business men of the neighborhood. IIe was called from this life March 1, 1888, and lies buried in Fraley Cemetery, which is located on the old homestead. He was a man of striet integ- rity and was highly thought of by his friends and neighbors.
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E DWIN HARRIS, one of the honored early pioneers of Christian County, owns and operates a farm on section 10, May Town- ship. For over half a century he has been identi- fied with the remarkable progress of this part of the State, having settled in this county in 1840. He was born October 18, 1824, in Dixon County, Tenn., being a son of Silas and Toboisy (Shappel) Harris. The father was a native of North Caro- lina. where he remained until arriving at man's estate. After his marriage he removed to Tennes- see, where he engaged in farming until 1840. At that time he came to Illinois, and entered land from the Government in Christian County. On this place he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in his seventy-eighth year. Ile
was among the first settlers of the county, and among them he was favorably known. Ile was a descendant of English and Irish stock. Ilis wife was also born in North Carolina, where she grew to womanhood and was married. She passed from this life in 1848, on the old homestead, and lies buried by her husband's side in the Harris Ceme- tery, situated on the old farm.
Edwin llarris is one of a family of fourteen children, being the eleventh in order of birth. His boyhood and early youth were passed in Tennes- see, where he pursued the usual life of a farmer lad. He was sixteen years of age when he eame to this county with his parents, and to them his services were dutifully given in clearing and cul- tivating the new farm until he attained his ma- jority. Ile then started out in the battle of life for himself, working for his father on the home farm, which he operated for some years.
For his life companion Mr. Harris chose Miss Ann Bugg, their union being celebrated Novem- ber 28, 1850. Mrs. Harris was born June 7, 1829, in Yorkshire, England, and is a daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann ( Bradley) Bugg. The fa- ther was a native of Yorkshire, and emigrated to the United States in 1837, first settling on a farm near Terre Haute, Ind., where he remained for eight years. In 1845 he came to Christian County and entered land from the Government. There he made his home until his death, which occurred January 31, 1858, at the age of fifty-five years. llis wife, who is still living, was born July 21, 1805, in Yorkshire. She is making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Harris, and has been blind for thirty-four years. Otherwise she retains alt her faculties, and well remembers when this locality was a wilderness, with numerous wolves and other wild game.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Harris. Robert T. is a prosperous farmer of Chris- tian County. Ile is married and has a family of six living children: Mary E., Edwin C., Schuyler, Rowley, Hattie May and Orville, who are all liv- ing at home. Two children, Robert and Minnie, died in infancy. Harriet E., our subject's younger child, is the widow of Delbert C. l'inney, and is now living with her parents and has the care of
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her son. Otis D., now thirteen years oid. Mr. Pin- ney died in Ohio, in 1882. Mary L., her step- child, is now in Ohio.
The farm of Mr. Harris is one of the best in the township and comprises eighty acres. Ile has im- proved it materially since it first came into his possession, and it is a model one in every respect. In his political views, Mr. Harris is on the People's tieket, and, religiously, holds membership with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
ILLIAM HENRY HARP, a well-known dentist of Morrison ville, has made his own way in the world from early years, and is self-educated. His suecess in life is due entirely to his industrious and persevering efforts and Ins ambition to rise in the world. Ilis birth oceurred in Dayton, Ohio, February 23, 1869, and his early years were passed on a farm near Hillsboro, Ill.
Our subject's parents, Henry and Eliza (Kuhn) llarp, are natives of Ohio. The father was a son of Jacob Harp, also a native of the Buckeye State, and a merchant and successfut trader. Ile died when over eiglity years of age, at Dayton, Ohio. Mrs. Harp is a daughter of Benjamin Kuhn, of Ohio, who died at the age of sixty-five years. Henry Harp is a cooper by trade, but of late years has devoted himself to agricultural pur- suits. In 1870, he came to the Prairie State and purchased a farm of ninety acres, east of Hillsboro, which has since been his home. Ile was a valiant soldier in the late war, enlisting in an Ohio regi- ment and serving for over three years in behalf of the Union cause. He and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Church.
In a family of seven children, three sons and four daughters, the Doctor is the second in order of birth, the others being as follows: Frank. John, Amanda, Lydia, Alice and Emma. When fourteen years of age, Dr. Harp went to school at Irving, Ill., and remained there pursuing his studies for three years. He afterward attended school at Lin-
coln, after which he taught school for two terms in Logan County. After taking the prescribed course of study in the Indiana Dental College, at Indianapolis, he graduated from that institution in 1891. Hle came to Morrisonville in the spring of that year and began the practice of his profes- sion. Though but little over two years have elapsed smee that time, he has already acquired an extensive practice, and has made a reputation for conscientious and reliable work.
On the 8th of October, 1891, occurred the wed- ding of Dr. Harp and Miss Daisy May Vorhees, of Morrisonville. The lady is a daughter of Dr. Charles and Margaret E. (Lindsey) Vorhees, who are well-known citizens of this place.
In regard to the question of politics, Dr. Harp uses his influence and ballot in support of Demo- cratie nominees and measures. He is a young man of promise and the course he has pursued in life thus far is worthy of commendation. It is his con- stant aim to keep entirely abreast of the times in everything relating to dentistry, and he there- fore peruses the best medical journals and keeps up with his studies in that direction. He is a most estimable young man, and has made many friends during the two years of his residence in this place
UGUST MUNDIIENKE, who is a farmer residing on section 23, Ricks Township, is one of the German-born citizens of Chris- tian County, and has taken no little share in the promotion of her prosperity. His birth oc- cured in Ilanover, Germany, in the city of Hammel, October 2, 1835. Ile is a son of Frederick and Carolina (Langen) Mundhenke. The father was a farmer and followed that voeation throughout life. Ile reared a family of five children, and died in 1873, at the age of seventy-two years. Ilis wife had passed away the year before. They were members of the Lutheran Church, and brought up their children to be good and useful men and women. Their eldest son, William, served for ten
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years in the German army; Henry, now deceased, settled in 1857 near Palmer; Carolina is the wife of William Michaelman, of Green wood Township; Louisa died at the age of forty years; and our sub- ject is the youngest of the children living.
The boyhood of August Mundhenke was passed on the old farm in Germany, and for eight years he attended the public schools and assisted in farm work. At the age of twenty, he came to America, leaving Bremen and landing in New York City after a voyage of forty-nine days. Coming to Illinois, he took charge of a farm in Montgomery County which belonged to his brother, who had preceded him here about four years. The date of our subject's arrival in the Prairie State is 1856, and for three years he worked by the month at farm labor. Ile had only $7.50 on arriving at his brother's, but was so industrious and frugal that he soon managed to lay by considerable money, which he invested in a farm. Later selling out, he came to his present home, in 1869, and bought the farm, which was then wild prairie land, and he turned the first sod on the place. This beautiful and fertile farm bears little resemblance to its former condi- tion, as it is well drained and cultivated. Ile has three hundred and twenty acres, which he has made by honest labor and economy.
In Macoupin County, Mr. Mundheyke married in 1859 Phoebe Richardson, a native of that county. She died in Montgomery County, leav- ing one son, Oscar, a well-to-do farmer of Ricks Township. Our subject afterwards married Sarah Jane, daughter of Wilham King, now deccased. She was born in Shelby County, Ind., and came with her parents to Illinois, where she grew to womanhood. Unto our subject and wife were born the following children : Ernest, who died in infancy; John Henry, a teacher in Bushnell College, of Bush- nell, Ill .; James, who is engaged in farming with his brother Oscar; Lina May, wife of William Casine, of Jersey County; George, who has charge of the home farm; Deli. Norman, Ida and Ethel, who are at home. They have been educated in the common schools and are thus well equipped for the battle of life.
In all questions of politics, Mr. Mundhenke is greatly interested, and is one of the loyal suppor-
ters of the Republican party. He cast his first bal- lot in 1864 for Abraham Lincoln and had the pleasure of hearing him speak in llillsboro. Ile also attended a lecture delivered by the great statesman Douglas. Ile usually attends the con- ventions of his party. Ile has served for one term as Road Commissioner, but is not desirous of of- ficial honors. Ile still adheres to the faith of the Lutheran Church, in which he was reared, and is a worthy, industrious citizen, who is loyal to his adopted country and has always endeavored to up- hold her laws.
EONARD HOOVER, who owns a well- equipped farm on section 17, May Town- ship, is a self-made man, having started out in the battle of life without. capital, and in spite of adverse circumstances and the discour- agements that come to all, he has acquired a good competence and a well-improved farm. Ile is one of the honored veterans of the late war, and was several times wounded while serving in the de- fense of the Union.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Hoover's birth occurred January 18, 1833. He was next to the youngest in a family of ten children born to Samuel and Phoebe ( Westbrook) Hoover. The family are all now deceased with the exception of our subject and his two brothers. Richard and Timothy. The former is engaged in farming in Missouri, and the latter follows a similar calling in Texas. Samuel Hoover was a native of the Key- stone State, where he grew to maturity. Thence he went to Ohio. where he was married, after which he engaged in farming in the Buckeye State for several years. About 1837 he came to Illinois, making a settlement at Woodburn, Ma- coupin County, where he resided until his death, which occurred when he was about sixty years of age. ITis ancestors were natives of Germany, who settled in the United States at an early day, and
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his father participated in the Revolutionary War. The mother of our subject was born in New York State, and died in Christian County at an ad- vanced age.
Leonard Hoover was only a small boy when he came to this State with his parents. He lived at home until his father's death, when he took his mother and supported her during the remainder of her days. Ile learned the blacksmith's trade in St. Louis, at which calling he worked for about eleven years. In 1857, he came to this county and purchased the farm where he now resides, at that time only owning forty acres, however. The land was in a wild condition, and he at once began its improvement. For several years he worked more or less at his trade in connection with carry- ing on his farm.
In July, 1861, Mr. Hoover enlisted as a member of Company G, Forty-first Illinois Regiment, and was in active service for three years. He par- ticipated in the siege of Ft. Donelson and Ft. Ilenry, in the former battle receiving two flesh wounds and being taken prisoner by the rebels. In a few hours, however, he managed to escape, as the enemy thought he was too seriously injured to travel and therefore did not place him under strong guard. At the battle of Shiloh he also sus- tained slight injury. Under the circumstances most men would have felt it impossible to leave home, but Mr. Hoover felt impelled to take up arms in defense of the Flag. Ile made arrange- ments for his three children to live with a neigli- bor during his absence, and left his farm and other interests to take care of themselves.
On his return from the war our subject resumed farming in this county and has ever since devoted his entire attention to the cultivation and im- provement of his place. It comprises one hun- dred and fifty acres of fertile land, which has been so well improved that it is considered one of the most desirable pieces of property in May Town- ship.
In 1853, Mr. Hoover and Miss Barbara Rubey, of Ohio, were united in marriage. She was called from this life in May, 1860, leaving three children to mourn her loss. John, the eldest, is a well-to- do farmer of Idaho. Phimbe Ann became the wife
of Alonzo Mayo, and is a resident of Nevada, Mo. Samuel is engaged in farming in the State of Washington. In 1866, our subject was married to Miss Mary Ann Chatham, of Fayette County. They have one child, Charles W., who is a resident of Taylorville, Christian County. Mr. Hoover is in political faith a Republican, and is a member of Taylorville Post No. 392, G. A. R. He is now serving his sixth year as a Commissioner of High- ways, and in that office has done much toward the improvement of roads in this locality.
ILLIAM BUGG, one of the representative farmers and pioneers of Christian County, is engaged in farming, as he has done for many years past, on section 14, May Township. He succeeded to a part of the old homestead belonging to his father, who was one of the early settlers on this prairie. Our subject was in the service in the late war, taking part in many battles and engage- ments and acquitting himself with distinction.
The birth of William Bugg occurred January 4, 1840, in this county, where he has passed nearly his entire life. Ile is a son of Joseph and Susanna (Peck) Bugg, a full account of whom may be found in the sketch of Edward Bugg, on another page of this volume. William is the fourth in a family of eight children. His early years were passed in the uneventful manner of farmer lads, and his education was acquired in the district schools.
When twenty-two years of age, our subject went to the defense of the Stars and Stripes, enlisting August 12, 1862, in the One Hundred and Fif- teenth Illinois Regiment as a member of Company A. Ile continued in the army until peace was de- clared, and was in much active service. For three days he fought in the front of the battles at Chick- amauga and Lookout Mountain. Ile went with Sherman on his march from Nashville, Tenn., to IIuntsville, Ala., and was most fortunate in escap- ing without receiving a wound or being taken a prisoner at any time.
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On his return from the war, Mr. Bugg eame to the old homestead and here engaged in agricul- tural pursuits. On the 21st of December, 1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Allie Creath- baum, who was born October 22, 1844, in the Key- stone State. She is a daughter of Elias and Sus- anna (Kamp) Creathbaum. Mrs. Bugg's parents removed from Pennsylvania to West Virginia when she was quite young, and there she was reared to womanhood. They were of German de- scent, and after their removal to West Virginia they there made their home until called from this life. . Three children have blessed the union of our subject and wife. George II., the first-born, died in infancy: Bertha V., next in order of birth, is very well educated and resides with her parents; Dwight L. completes the family. Ile assists his father in the care of his farm and is a young man of promise.
In politics, Mr. Bugg affiliates with the Repub- lican party. He is not ambitious for political preferment, but has served as Commissioner of Highways. He is not a member of any church or- ganization, but attends the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his wife and daughter belong. In addition to general farming. he devotes consid- erable attention to the raising of stock, and has made a success in this line of business. He owns two hundred and ninety acres in his home farm. a part of which was formerly comprised within the limits of his father's farm where he was born. The remainder of the place he has purchased in later years, and his farm is noted as one of the best for raising stock in May Township.
R ICHARD PECK is one of the oldest survi- vors of pioneer days in Christian County. Ile has made his home for some forty- three years in this immediate locality, and has been a prominent factor in the develop- ment and prosperity of this county. His residence is on his farm, which is located on section 36, May
Township. Mr. Peck is a native of Yorkshire, England, his birth occurring January 8, 1816. Hle is a son of Sammel and Jane (Routledge) Peck, who were also natives of the same shire. The fa- ther was born in 1778. and was an agriculturist in Yorkshire for upwards of thirty years. In 1834 he determined to try his fortune in Amer- ica, and soon after his arrival in the United States settled on a farm near Terre Haute, Ind. Ile con- tinued to carry on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in this county when he had attained to an advanced age. Ilis wife passed away on the farm in Indiana. She was the mother of ten children, of whom our subject was the fourth in order of birth and the only one now living.
When a youth of fourteen years, Richard Peck left the parental roof and started out to make his own way in the world. For some four years he worked by the month for neighboring famers, and in 1834, when in his eighteenth year, he de- cided to come to America with his parents. For several years he worked a portion of the time on his father's farm in Indiana, while the remainder of his time was spent as an agriculturist in the vicinity. For a period of two years he worked at the molder's trade.
In 1850 Mr. Peck came to Christian County, where he entered two hundred and forty acres of wild land on the open prairie. At that time there were very few settlers in the district. They were located along the edge of the timber, but there were no settlements on the prairie prior to Mr. Peck's arrival. His farm, which he still owns and cultivates, he lias greatly improved since it came into his possession. He has disposed of a portion of his land, but still owns two hundred acres. which are under good cultivation. Coming here a poor boy. he acquired a competency sufficient for his declining years entirely through his own in- dustry and honest labor.
On the 6th of March, 1842, occurred the mar- riage of Mr. Peck and Miss Naomi Gould, of Vigo County. Ind .. where her parents were early settlers. Mr. Peck affiliates with the Republican party, and though not an aspirant for official honors has been prevailed upon by his fellow -citizens several times
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to aceept loeal positions. He was the first Town- ship Collector of May Township, holding that position for seven years after its organization. For fourteen successive years he was the efficient Township Assessor, and in whatever capacity he has served his efforts have been marked with com- mendable fidelity and zeal. For a number of years he has served as a Sehool Director, and has been a stanel supporter of education. In his social rela- tions he is a member of the Masonic order, belong- ing to Lodge No. 451, of Assumption. Ile is not identified with any church organization, but is honorable and upright in his dealings with all. IIe is justly esteemed one of the leading ag- rieulturists of his township, in the prosperity of which he is greatly interested.
ACOB HUBER, M. D., who for twenty- seven years has engaged in the practice of his profession mn Pana, was born April 11, 1840, in Logan County, Ohio, and is a son of Emanuel and Barbara (Sellers) Huber. The family lived upon a farm, and in the usual manner of farmer lads his early boyhood days were passed. At the usual age he entered school, easily mastering the common branches. At the age of fifteen, he began teaching school, and although so young he met with success and was thus employed for four years. He then completed his literary education in the seminaries at DeGraff and Bellefontaine, Ohio, whielt ended his regular school days. On making choice of a business which he wished to follow through life, he determined to enter the medical profession, and began the study of med- icine under the direction of T. L. Wright, M. D., of Bellefontaine. Ile afterwards entered the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, and was graduated from that institution in March, 1862, with the de- gree of M. D., and still later graduated from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, N. Y., in the Class of '79 and '80.
The Civil War was now in progress, aid for
the wounded and suffering was needed, and, prompted by patriotie impulses, Dr. Huber, the day following his graduation, entered the Forty- seventh Ohio Infantry, March 11, 1862, as As- sistant Surgeon under Stephen P. Bonner. He enlisted in Cincinnati in what was called the Wil- stack Regiment, named for the Mayor of the city. He did service in West Virginia and at the siege of Vieksburg, being with his regiment in field serv- iee. From the 19th of May to the 4th of July, 1863, during the siege of Vicksburg, his regiment lost about half its force. Dr. Huber was with the Army of the Tennessee, and was present at the battles of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain under Gen. Sherman. He accompanied the expedition to the relief of the troops at Knoxville. Tenn., and spent the winter at Larkinsville, Ala. Ile veteran- ized in March, 1864, and returning from a vet- eran furlough joined Sherman's army at Alabama, then just starting on the Atlanta Campaign. He was in all the battles of that campaign and on the memorable march to the sea. On reaching Sa- vannah, the Surgeon of the regiment having re- signed, Dr. Huber was appointed to that position. His last service was in Little Rock, Ark., and on the Ist of September. 1865, he was honorably dis- charged.
When the war was over, Dr. Huber returned to his home in DeGraff, Ohio, where he remained a year and a-half, when he came to Pana, where he has since been in aetive practice. For fourteen years, he served as local surgeon for the Ohio & Mis- sissippi Railroad Company, and has been a member of the Pension Board for twelve years. He is also a member of the Central District Medieal Society and the American Medical Society. He is well versed in the science of medicine, keeps abreast with everything connected with the profession, and well deserves the high reputation which he now enjoys.
On the 23d of October, 1867, in DeGraff, Ohio, the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Harbor, of Urbana, Champaign County, Ohio. They lost two children in infancy and have now no family. This worthy couple, throughout the community where they are so widely known, rank high in social eireles. The
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Doetor is a Democrat in politics, has twice served as Alderman of Pana, and in 1890 was elected Mayor. While on the Council and in the May- or's chair, his faithful performance of duty and his painstaking service won him the commendation of all. The Doctor is secretary of the Electric Light Company, and takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the com- munity.
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OHN D. HACKENBERG, who comes from one of the honored pioneer families of Chris- tian County, was born and has passed his en_ tire life on his father's old homestead, situ- ated on section 13, May Township. He is one of the leading and enterprising young farmers of the neighborhood and owns a beautiful and well-equip- ped farm, the greater portion of which he inher- ited from his father's estate.
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