USA > Illinois > Marshall County > Records of the olden time; or, Fifty years on the prairies. Embracing sketches of the discovery, exploration and settlement of the country, the organization of the counties of Putnam and Marshall, biographies of citizens, portraits and illustrations > Part 63
USA > Illinois > Putnam County > Records of the olden time; or, Fifty years on the prairies. Embracing sketches of the discovery, exploration and settlement of the country, the organization of the counties of Putnam and Marshall, biographies of citizens, portraits and illustrations > Part 63
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JAMES THOMPSON, (deceased).
The ancestor of the numerous and favorably known family of Thompsons residing in Lacon and vicinity was James Thompson, born in Cumberland county, Pa., in 1813, where he obtained his education and labored on a farm nntil 24 years of age. This was in 1837. Emigration then was tending to north Central Illinois and tying his not very extensive wardrobe in a bundle he came west, finding employment with John Strawn at $7 per month. It is not probable he would have accepted such wages, but his mind was made np to remain in this conn- try and Strawn had several ruddy cheeked daughters of marriageble age with one of whom, Mary Ann, he soon struck np an acquaintance. In the fall he returned to Pennsylvania to spend the winter and in the spring came west again, embarking at Cincinnati on board the steamer, Moselle. She had a large cargo of 'freight and passen- gers, and while laying at the wharf at Cincinnati her boilers exploded with terriffic effect, carrying away the whole forward part of the boat. Mr. Thompson was sitting in the cabin and at the moment went on to the hurricane deck, which he had no sooner reached than the crash came. He escaped on a raft that lay along side of the boat and was nninjured, while some 50 or 75 persons were killed. His companion was also saved, He reached here in the spring of 1838 and again went to work for Mr Strawn. In December he was married and began honsekeeping in the logcabin which stillstands. There were born six sons and one daughter, all of whom are living but the eldest which died in infancy. He was a good farmer and very successful, andjafter living here fourteen years he came to Lacon and went into the lumber business. He died of consumption in 1857.
MRS. MARY A. THOMPSON.
Mrs. Thompson was a daughter of the late Col. John Strawn, the pioneer settler of this portion of Illinois. She was born in Ohio, Feb, 28, 1820, and along with her parents came to this country when nine years old. Labor- ers then were few, and Mr. Strawn's family were early taught to earn their bread by the sweat of the brow. She labored in doors with her mother, and assisted ont of doors when needed, following the plow in tending corn along with her future husband. It is safe to say the discipline was a good one, for Mr. Strawn's girls all made good wives and married well. One day herself and sister Rachel followed the wagon trail leading to the river, and inside of & pen near the site of the present woolen mill. beheld the festering remains of five Indians, killed in a drunken debauch. In 1838 she wedded James Thompson, and began honsekeeping a mile north from her father's, where her
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children were born. After a happy married life of 19 years, her husband died, leaving six hcipless children to clothe and educate. That she performed by them her whole duty, the nniform rectitude of their lives attests, and like the Roman matron of old she can prondly point to them as her jewels. She has been a life long member of the M. E. church, and a faithful and devoted Christian. In her the poor always found a friend, and the needy were not turned away empty-handed. When Mr. Thompson died, his large property was left to her by will, and as each son and danghter came of age they have received their just proportion .
JOHN S. THOMPSON.
The subject of this sketch was born in Marshall county, December 26, 1841, and was a son of James and Mary A. Thompson, named above. He lived on a farm nntil twelve years old, attending the schools of the neighbor- hood, and gaining snch education as they afforded. He early showed a predilection for business, and his success, marked as it has been, is due to himself alone. In early life he exhibited much shrewdness in buying and selling, and in Feb., 1864. entered into the grocery trade, in which he built up a large traffic. He attended very closely to business, following it successfully for five years. and devoted himself to loaning money, etc. In 1864 he married Eliza H. Norris, who brought him three children-Charles M., Jennie E., and John I. She died January1. 1876. and in October 12, 1877, he married his present wife, Emma J. Norris, to whom one child has been born-Ora I. Mr. Thompson is a member of the M. E. church. and squares his conduct with the principles therein taught. Few men enjoy to a greater degree the respect of the community, and fewer still merit it. Mr. Thompson has taken a deep interest in church, temperance and Sabbath school work, having served as superintendent for many years.
SAMUEL H. THOMPSON.
Mr. Thompson is likewise a son of the James Thompson mentioned above, and was born on the old home- stead in Hopewell township, January 1, 1843. His life has been mainly spent in this county. where he received his education, and labored on the farm until embarking in business for himself. In 1864 he wedded Miss Nancy Strawn, sister of the Hon. C. C. Strawn, of Pontiac, and granddaughter of Jeremiah Strawn, one of the early set- tlers of Putnam county. They have three children-Martha. Fred S., and Isabella. In 1871 he succeeded his brother in the grocery trade, and has continued it with large success until the present time. As a merchant he has few equals, being a close bnyer, a good collector, and an excellent judge of human nature.
JAMES H. THOMPSON.
Another son of James and Mary Thompson was the above named, now a prosperous merchant of Lacon. Hc was born at the old homestead in Hopewell, August 11, 1850, and educated in Lacun. He began business for him- self in 1876, sold out two years later, and in 1879 built the fine store-roomn he now occupies. He has displayed a decided aptitude for business, and in the short time he has been in trade has built up a traffic second to none in the place. His stock is large, his goods are fresh, and he is always ready to attend to customers. In 1860 he mar- ried Mary E. Gillett, born in Cleveland Ohio, and to them one child, William H., has been born.
STEPHEN DOUGLAS THOMPSON.
Mr. Thompson was born in Lacon in 1854, and is a member of the well known family of that name. He was educated in Lacon, and along with his brother embarked in the grocery and provision trade here in 1876, following it for two years. October 2nd, 1877, he married Annie Redden, born in Chicago. They have one child, Mabel, born November 1, 1878.
OTTO BRAUNS.
Mr. Brauns is a resident of Lacon and proprietor of a hotel, restaurant and saloon. He was born in the prov- ince of Saxony, Nordhausen, Germany. in 1834, and came to this conntry in 1854, first locating in Peoria, and set- tling in Lacon in 1876. In 1864 he was married in Vicksburg, Miss .. to Miss Lizzie Shroder. a native of Bavaria. They have four children living-Fred, Caroline, Charles and Attilla. April 21, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 8th Ill. Vol. Inf., served three months, re-enlisted in the same regiment and served three years. At Fort Donelson, Feb. 15, 1862. he was wonnded in the breast by a cannon ball. He participated in the Vicksburg campaign, being in the battles of Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Fort Gibson and other hard-fonght engagements, and when mustered out July 25, 1864, had attained the rank of first lieutenant. Mr. Brauns served in the royal army of Prussia from 1849 to 1851, before coming to this country.
CAPTAIN JONATHAN C. KINGSLEY, County Clerk.
Captain Kingsley was born in Harrison connty. Indiana, Dec, 7, 1839, his father being a farmer, who died when he was seven years old, leaving a numerous family of helpless children nnprovided for. Times were hard, the country was poor, and it was a hard struggle to provide food and clothing, the first essentials of living. so that all else was neglected. All who could do so must labor, even at the cost of education, so yonng Jonathan was early hired out, working early and late for $3 00 a month. He was stout and active, and willing to work, and never lacked opportunity. While but a boy he made two trips down the Mississippi on a flatboat, thus secing for the first time conntrics he was afterward to traverse with armed men, carrying fire and sword. When 17 years old he moved to Peoria connty, and engaged to labor on a farm at $15 a month, remaining there 3 years. In 1858 he rerted a farm, a friend going his security. The season was bad, no crops were raised, and at the end be found himself in debt. About this time, too, he borrowed a horse of a neighbor, which died on his hands; bnt he went manfully to work by the month and paid all claims. In 1859 he made a claim, and along with two other yonng men, too poor to own
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wives, kept bachelors hall until the war broke ont, and all went into the service. Intelligence was had that a ren- dezvous for cavalry was formed at Peoria, and yonng Kingsley, saddling his horse, rode across the conntry and enlisted in the 1st Ill. Cavalry, April 25, 1861, The regiment was ordered to Missouri, where it joined Mulligan's command, got cooped np at Lexington, and after a hard fight was compelled to surrender, and they returned home under parole. He promptly enlisted in the 86th Infantry. and was elected 1st Lieutenant. The command soon devolved npon him, and nntil discharged at the close of his term of service he had the company in charge, except when detailed for special service. He fought nnder Buel at Perryville, and Rosecrans at Chickamanga; was with brave old Pap Thomas previons to Atlanta, and with Sherman in the memorable march to the sea. He helped corduroy the Carolinas, participated in the marches and battles that humbled the rebels and brought them under the stars and stripes, and finally joined in the triumphal homeward march to Washington, where the last grand parade of the grandest army that ever carried a banner took place. In 1862 Captain Kingsley wedded Miss Mary Agnes Bell,and to them seven children have been given, four of whom survive, viz , Henry S .. Sarah, Isabel, Minerva Agnes and an infant. In 1873 he was elected county clerk of Marshall connty, and again in 1877, filling the posi- tion to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, and making one of the best officials the county ever had. In 1879 he helped organize Co. H, of the 7th Reg. I. N. G., and was elected captain, He is self-made and self-educated, never elated by success nor cast down by adversity, but doing his duty as he understands it.
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JUDGE JOHN BURNS
The subject of this sketch is a judge of the circuit court of this district, and resides in Lacon. He was born in Brook county, Va., in 1819, moved to Morgan county, Ill., in 1834, and in 1835 located in Marshall connty, After a thorough course of study and mental training he was admitted to the bar iu 1851. and was actively engaged in the practice of his profession until 1873, when he was elected Judge of the Circuit Court. In 1879 he was re-elected for an additional term of six years. In 1851 he married Percilla Cannon, a native of Peoria county, who died in 1866, leaving six children-Julius C., Julia, Lizzie, William, and Ada. In 1869 he married Mrs. C. A. Stedbam, a native of Delaware, who by a former marriage had one daughter, Mrs. Bellows, of Washington, Ill., wife of a well known engineer on the C. & A. R. R. In early life Judge Burns was a successful school teacher. In 1544 he was elected recorder of deeds, and in 1846 was appointed clerk of the circuit court, and the next election was re-elected. In 1856 he was candidate for State Senator, and in 1861 was a member of the Constitutional Convention. He was mayor of Lacon for several years, and has filled various other offices of trust and profit. As Judge he is deservedly popular, and his name as a jurist stands high. He has often been called npou to preside in cases outside of his district, was favorably spoken of as judge of the Appellate court. Judge Burns is polished in manners, creates a good impression among strangers, and is universally commended for his fairness in the trial of cases.
WILLIS H. FORD.
Mr. Ford is at present cashier of the First National Bank of Lacon, a position he has worthily filled for several years. He is a son of Allen N. Ford, the veteran editor, aud was born here in 1848. After securing a full course of training in the public schools of his native place he entered Bryant & Stratton's Business College. where he completed his education In 1875 he married Ellen E. Wilson, born in this town, and to them two children have been born, Norman J. and Georgie A. He has been with the First National Bank since 1874.
R. A. WRIGHT.
A retired dry goods merchant residing in Lacon. He was born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1840, and located in Lacon in 1865, carrying on the dry goods business with a partner by the name of Mills. Beside the establishment in this city, the firm also had a store in Sparland, in which place Mr. Wright made his home from 1868 to 1872. In 1870 he married Charlotte Thenins, a native of Steuben township. They have two children, Beatrice and Freder- ick. Mrs. Wright is a member of the Baptist church. He belongs to the Masonic order and the I. O. O. F. He has served two terms as sheriff of Marshall county, being elected to that office in 1872 and re-elected in 1874. .
WILLIAM RIEL.
Mr. Riel is the proprietor of a livery and feed stable in Lacon. He was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1838, came to the United States in 1848, first settling in Burlington, Wis., and in 1858 located in Lacon. He first engaged in contracting and teaming, which he followed nntil 1861, and then embarked in his present occupation. He now has the government contract for carrying the mails between Lacon and Sparland. In [1872 he married Elizabeth Lesch, a native of Germany, born in Hesse, near Marbourg. They have five children-Theodore, Emma, Elizabeth, Annie and William. Mrs. Reil is a member of the Lutheran church.
ALLEN N. FORD.
Mr. Ford was born in Thompson county, New York, December 4, 1807, and was brought np on a farm, but was apprenticed to the printing business at an early day, of which he became a thorough master. In 1829 he first BAW New York, working there about one year, and then went to Hartford. Ct., going in a sailboat to New Haven, and thence on foot. Here he remained eight years. working steadily at his trade of book and newspaper making. He married here in 1833 Miss Sabrina Loveland, born in Connectiont, and to them four children have been given- three of whom survive, viz., Henry A,, one of the leading editors and educators of Michigan; Frank D., a printer; and Willis H., cashier of the First National Bank. In 1837 he came to what is now Lacon, and established the Mar- shall County Herald, continned to-day in the Home Journal. For thirty-two years he continued its publication,
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until 1866, when it passed into the hands of its present owner. After forty years of newspaper work, he retired from the business to spend his days in his pleasant home. Mr. Ford is believed to be the oldest living representa- tive of the press in the State, and the journal be established is the oldest in Central Illinois.
JOHN BERRY.
Mr. Berry was born in the city of Limerick, Ireland, August 24th, 1844, and came to the United States in 1849, first settling in Boston, Mass., where he remained one year, and then located in Lacon, where he has since remained. He is the proprietor of a saloon, and has been engaged in business for himself since 1868. In 1876 he commenced the manufacture of soda water, and now supplies large quantities of this harmless and refreshing beverage to the trade in Lacon and neighboring towns. He also manufactures all other descriptions of temperance drinks.
THOMAS TERRY.
Mr. Terry was born in County Waterford, Ireland, in 1834, and came to the United States in 1849. locating in La- Salle. where he remained until 1857, when he came to Lacon and went into the leather business. In 1859 he went into the grocery business; has been once burned out, and regained all, and now has one of the largest stocks, and is one of the most successful business men in the place. Mr. Terry is a leading member of the City Conncil, bas held other important offices, and is held in mnch esteem by his neighbors. In 1860 he wedded Ellen McDonald, who bronght him three children living to-day-Mary E., Margaret G., Catherine E. and fonr sons. Two of his brothers are priests in the Catholic Church, one of them the well known Father Terry, of Ottawa. Mr. Terry has accumu- lated a goud property, and enjoys the respect of the community.
IRVING BROADDUS.
Mr. Br oaddns was born in Hopewell township, Marshall county, in 1840, and was a son of Lundsford Broad- dns. one of the early settlers of the township. The place he occupies is one of the very oldest. and upon his gronnds was built the first store and kept the first school ever tanght in Marshall county. In 1863 he wedded Ruth Forbes. born in Hopewell, and together they have five children-Savella A., Cora E., Lillie May, Walter J. and Nancy R. Mr. B. is a good farmer, and his services are in demand as an auctioneer. He is a good jndge of stock, likes a good horse, is not afraid of hard work, and is considered a successful farmer.
DR. LUCIUS G. THOMPSON.
Dr. Thompson is a native of Connecticut, though his parents removed from there when he was bnt two years old to Western New York, not far from Rochester. Here he lived until 1836, and then moved to Lake connty, Ohio, where he received his education and began the study of medicine, graduating from Starling College, Columbus. Immediately after he removed to this place, and has been in constant practice over thirty years. Previous to leav- ing for the West he married Mary A. Linnel, in Greenville, Ohio, and they have three living children-Calista L., Nellie M. and Francis Wayland. They are members of the Baptist church, of which the Doctor has been a liberal supporter for many vears. Besides his medical practice, the Doctor has been actively engaged in business, and is one of the successful men of the town. He is a safe counsellor, and is considered one of the best physicians in the county.
DR. W. W. DEAN.
Dr. Dean came from Plymouth connty, Mass., where he was born in 1835, his parents removing to Tazewell county, Illinois, the year he was born. Here he obtained his education, and studied his profession in Peoria county. An elder brother. Frederick. was a successful dentist, and probably infineneed his choice. After passing the usnal examination he removed to Tazewell county and worked one year, after which he removed to Lacon in the fall in 1860. He is a careful and conscientious workman. and soon picked up a large practice, which he retains. In 1866 he married Mrs. Sarah E. Palmer (formerly Crane), to whom has been born one. daughter-Lucy. Mrs. Dean was the daughter of Henry L. Crane, and was the first white child born in Lacon.
JESSE Q. HALL.
Mr. Hall was born in Hopewell township in 1833, and is a son of James Hall, still living, who came there in 1830. He was bronght up a farmer, obtaining his education at the old log school house on the Broaddus place. Up to 1863 he labored on the farm, when he came to Lacon, and entered the lumber business along with Captain Mayer, in 1866. He also engaged in the liverv business, following it very successfully for many years. In 1864 he married Bell Shepherd. born in Ohio, who died in 1864, leaving him three children-James, Eva and Cora. In 1867 he married Mary Weaklam, born in Essex county, New York. She was a very successful school teacher, and much admired by her friends. Fonr children are the fruits of this marriage-Tracy Q., Burton J., Mabel L. and Edna June.
ROBERT B. EDWARDS.
Mr. Edwards was born in Roberts township, Marshall connty, September 10, 1844, and was a son of Chas, T. Edwards, one of the first settlers of the township. He was educated at Clark's Seminary, Anrora, and graduated from the N. W. University. Evanston, in 1872. Having chosen the profession of law, he became a student with Bangs & Shaw. and after an unnanal close application to study and thorough mastery of principles he was admitted to the bar September 11, 1874, and began practice in Lacon. In December, 1875, he married Almira J. Johnson,
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born in this county. In 1864 he shouldered a musket and went sonth to aid in putting down the rebellion, enlisting in Co. I, 141st Reg. Ill. Vol., and was appointed first duty sergeant. In 1874 he became a partner in the firm of Bangs, Shaw & Edwards, one of the leading law firms of the district, in which he 'still remains. He is industrious and painstaking, and possesses the ability and the push to take him to the top round of the forensic ladder.
F. S. SMITH.
Mr. Smith is a resident of Lacon. who is connected with the Chicago, Alton and St. Lonis Railroad in the capacity of conductor. He was born in DeKalb county, in this State, April 10, 1847, and moved to Lacon in 1874. In 1873 he married Mary Sickles, a native of Tazewell county, by whom he has three children-Jessie, Kittie and Nellie. Mr. Smith has been engaged in railroading abont fifteen years. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and belongs to the Railroad Conductors' Mutual Aid and Benefit Society of the United States and Canada. Mrs. S. is a member of the M. E. church.
PHILIP LONG.
Mr. Long is a native of Franklin county, Pa., where he was born in 1829. He was carefully educated, and early became an active and influential citizen, filling various offices, and serving one term in the State Legislature. In 1857 he married Adessa J. Mckinney, born in Cumberland county, Pa. They have three children living-Joseph M., David S. and Jennie. He came to Illinois in 1867, and for several years followed teaching. Was candidate for county superintendent of schools, and filled other offices. Of late years he has followed the purchase and shipment of stock, etc.
JAMES WESCOTT.
Clerk of Circuit Court of Marshall county.
EGBERT HALSEY.
Mr, Halsey was born in Suffolk county, on Long Island. N. Y., in 1832, and lived there until he attained liis majority. The Halseys were seafaring men, and the family escutcheon bears the name and deeds of more than one gallant sailor in the days of clipper ships and privateers. In 1854 he came to Galena, and was junior partner in the wholesale grocery firm of B. F. Felt & Co. Disposing of his interest here, he came to Lacon in 1862, and helped form the firm of Ellsworth & Halsey, who did a large and flourishing business np to 1867, when the senior partner went into the newspaper business, and he succeeded to the business of the firm, which he has prosecuted snccess- fully to the present time. In 1866 he married Mrs. Libbie J. Shaw (Maxwell), of Sullivan county, Ind., to whom one child was born,-Evelyn. Mrs. Shaw was widow of Captain Fred Shaw, a gallant officer of the 11th Ill., who fell at Donelson, and had two children previous to this marriage, -Mary Alice and Charles Fred.
LEWIS SPECK.
Mr. Speck was born on the river Rhine, in Germany, in 1829, and came to the United States in 1854, locating in New York. From there he went to St. Louis, and finally found his way to Lacon in 1858. He was industrious and a hard worker, and easily fonnd employment In 1859 he established the butchering business, which, with a brief interval, he has since followed. In it he has been very successful, amassing a large property. In 1861 he married Alvina Zilm, by whom he has five children,-Henry, Louisa, Ferdinand, and infant twins. Mr. Speck is an excel- lent butcher, very accommodating and popular.
CHARLES H. DRESSLER.
Mr. Dressler (barber and hair-dresser) was born in Prussia, and left the Fatherland in 1873, coming to Chicago. He remained there five years, and removed to Lacon, where he settled in 1877 and began work for Fred Peters. His first start in business for himself was in Varna, where he started a shop, and not succeeding to suit himself, sold out and removed to Lacon, opening the popular establishment he still runs. He is a good workman, is very indus- trious, and is much thought of in the community.
WILLIAM H. RENSHAW.
Mr. Renshaw was born in Rowan county, North Carolina, in 1828, emigrated to Indiana in 1831. and to Illinois in 1847, where he engaged in farming, at which he was very successful. In 1849 he married Susan E. Martin, born in Illinois, and six children were born to them,-John H., Mary P., Nancy J., Sarah F., Clara E. and William H. Mrs. Renshaw died in 1858. His second wife, Matilda E. Armstrong, he wedded in 1870, and they have one child,- Alvira M. His eldest son, John, has been for several years a resident of Washington, where he has a position in the U. S. Topographical Department. One of his danghters is also there. He has been for a number of years in the grain trade with J. L. Mohler, and is steamboat agent, etc.
FRANCIS H. STIRE.
Mr. Stire was born in Warren county, New Jersey, in 1837, his father being a farmer in comfortable circnm- stances, who died when he was yonng. He obtained an education there, and after the usual experiences and vicis- situdes of a young man, came west. Came to Marshall county in 1856, locating in Wenona, and in 1859 married Lydia Dye, born in Plainfield, N. J. They have one child, Alathea. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. H, 104th Ill., Vol., and immediately went to the front. He was engaged in some of the severest battles of the war, was in Sherman's
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