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 64
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 64
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- campaign to Atlanta, and afterwards in the march throngh Georgia and the Carolinas, terminating with the snr- render of Johnson. Returning. he shared in the triumphal review at Washington, was mustered out in Chicago in June, 1865, and returned to his family. In 1866 he embarked in the grain business in Lacon, and in 1873 in the commission business in Chicago. After that he went to New York and spent a year, and returning formed a part- nership with Richard Gell and went into the clothing business, in which he has been very successful. In 1880 he built the fine store room the firm occupies-one of the best in the city. Mr. Stire and family possess fine musical and social abilities, and have many friends.
ANDREW MCKEON (deceased).
Mr. Mckeon was born in county Monaghan, Ireland, in 1836, and came to the United States at an early day. remained some time at Chicago, and finally located in Lacon, where he learned the trade of cabinet making and upholstering. He became thoroughly master of the business, and in 1854 set up for himself. He put into it all is energies, giving it his attention early and late, and from the first it was successful. In 1861 he married Sarah Sta- cy, born in the same county with himself, and to them were born six children -Jennie L., Francis J., Andrew B., May, Thomas and Rosella. Mr. Mckeon died November 15, 1878. Himself and family belonged to the Catholic church, in which he was an influential and leading member. He was greatly beloved by his friends, was conscien- tious in his business relations, and respected by all.
WILLIAM S. WOLLARD.
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Mr. Wollard is a native of Ohio, born in Licning connty, in that state, in 1846, where he received his educa- tion, locating in Lacon in 1870 He evinced his patriotism by enrolling himself in the service of his conntry in Co. B, 48th Ohio Vol. Infantry, in 1865, as soon as his age rendered him eligible for enlistment, and served nntil mus- tered out with his regiment at Galveston, Texas, in 1866, In 1870, soon after settling in Lacon, he was appointed Deputy Clerk of Marshall County, and the fact that he still retains the position is the best evidence of his fidelity and fitness in the discharge of the responsible duties which devolve upon the encumbent of that office. Mr. Wol- lard was admitted to the bar as an attorney in December, 1879. He is a member of Capt. Kingsley's company (H) 7th Reg., I. N. G.
JASON R. CHAPMAN.
Mr. Chapman was born in Hartford county, Conn., in 1829, and came with his parents to Lacon when 15 years old. He went into the employ of J. & C. Fisher at an early dav, and when the firm changed to William Fisher & Co., remained with them. He was a great favorite of Jabez Fisher, and his promotion wasrapid, He was a good penman, and soon became thoroughly master of book-keeping and had entire charge of the correspondence and finances of the concern, condnctir g the business to the entire satisfaction of his employers. He left their employ to organize the firm of Chapman & Patrick, afterward changed to Fisher & Chapman, which continued until 1868. Afterward he became a member of the firm of Bensley, Chapman & Shinn, in Chicago, and went into the produce and commission business, In 1871 he returned to Lacon and became connected with the house of John Hutchins, and in 1880 established the extensive dry goods house over which he presides at present. In 1862 he was elected county clerk for five years, served two years as treasurer, and has filled other offices of trust. He has been twice married, and has three children.
JOSEPH E. ONG.
Mr. Ong was born in Henry, Marshall connty, in 1845, and with his parents removed to Magnolia when two years old. Moved to Lacon iu 1860, and in 1861 enlisted in company C. 49th [11. Volunteers, and fought in the battle of Perryville in Sheridan's division when he was severely wounded in the shoulder, and after lying in the hospital some time was disharged for disability. In 1873 he married Kitty McFadden, born in Cincinnati, Ohio They have two children, Armand P. and Eugene R. He read law with Jndge Burns, and was admitted to the bar in 1869; served eight years as Master in Chancery, and has a large and lucrative practice. He is an extensive dealer in real estate, and holds a large amount of western lands.
WASHINGTON E. COOK.
The ancestor of the Cook family was Elijah Cook, who came over with the Pilgrims and settled in Connecti- cut. Among his descendents was Ebenezer, a soldier of the Revolution, who at its close removed to Oneida county, New York, in the town of Augusta, and with eleven stalwart sons and two daughters made a large farm that was for long years after known as "Cook's Corners" One of these sons was Ebenezer, and he married Sonora Combs, to whom in the year of grace 1808. on the 29th day of December, was bora the subject of this sketch. His father too was a soldier, and served on the northern frontierin the war of 1812, for which long after death his widow drew & pension. By occupation he was a cattle drover, and likewise run a hotel long and favorably known to travelers of that day. During her husband's long journeys his wife attended to the house, and here yonng Cook lived nntil eleven years old, when his father died and he was sent to learn the hatter's trade; bnt it did not snit his active tem- perament, and after a year or so he left and took a situation in a store, following the business several years. Next he went to New York and obtained a place in a hotel. Stayed a year and went to Honsdale, Pa., where he not only found a sitnation bnt a wife in the person of pretty Eunice A. Kellogg, whom he married May 16, 1832. He pur- chased & hotel here which he run four years, sold out and moved to Dunkirk, where he turned surveyor and helped lay out the Buffalo and Erie railway. In June, 1833, he went to Birmingham, Ohio, and embarked in merchandis-
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ing, following it with varying success for nine years, when he sold ont and with his family came to Senachwine. Illinois, where his sister (Mrs. Morgan) and four brothers had already settled. Ilere he bought of Col. Snyder 320 acres of land for $1,280, most of it nnder improvement. The place has since been known as the Harney farm. He cultivated it for three years and sold it for $4,000, reserving the crop. That fall he removed to Henry to "lay on his oars" nntil fall, when he was elected county clerk and moved to Lacon in 1847. He bonght a house of Silas Ramsey, opposite the court house, where he lived until it burned down in October, 1862, and he moved to the place where he ever after lived. He served three terms of four years each as supervisor, making twenty-two years of ser- vice in the county board. He was one of the best officials the county ever had. His records are clear and the writing good. Was several times a candidate for the legislature, held various offices of trust, was personally very popular, and though defeated at times. invariably ran ahead of his ticket. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Charleston convention where the great split in the Democratic party occurred that made possible the election of President Lincoln. He was also a delegate to the Philadelphia National convention of 1868. He was an active mem- ber of the Masonic order and a Knight Templar, was punctual and regular in his attendance at the lodge, and took deep interest in its workings. Previous to his death he took an active interest in the construction of a new line of railroad through Lacon. He had two sons and two daughters born to him, Geo. W. E., living at home, Nellie E. (Mrs. Warner) living in Montana, Isabel B. (Mrs. Garratt), and Martin K .. deceased. The latter was a very perse- vering young man, who at the commencement of the war enlisted in the 4th Ill. Cavalry, was promoted lieutenant and served on Gen. Hurlburt's and Canby's staffs. He was three years in the service, and after his return was killed by the premature discharge of his gun while huuting. Mrs. Cook lives at home with her eldest son , and looks after the large property left her by her husband. She is kind to the poor, and beloved by all her friends.
G. A. MOATS.
Mr. Moats is by education a practical book-keeper, and was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1849. He came to Illinois to see some friends in 1872 and finding employment with J.L. Mohler, has remained here ever since. In 1873 he married Josephine Picherean, the accomplished daugher of A. Pichereau, of Marshall connty, and to them has been born one child, Mabel. Mrs. M. is a member of the M. E. church. Mr. M, has charge of the correspondence and finances of J. L. Mohler. He is a good merchant, and has hosts of friends in the community.
SAMUEL W. SKELTON, Sheriff.
Mr. Skelton is a native of Morgan county, Indiana, where he was born in 1845. He located at Belle Plain, Marshal connty in 1850, and moved to Lacon in 1878, upon the occasion of his election to the office of sheriff of Marshall county in November of that year, a position he now occupies. February 22, 1871, he married Lizzic HI. Stevenson, who was born in Washington county, Pa. They have one child, Lena Myrtle. born Sept. 11, 1874. They are members of the Christian church. Mr. Skelton made farming the business of his life prior to accepting the responsible position he now occupies in the service of the connty.
WALTER RICKEY.
Mr. Rickey was born in Lacon in 1849, and comes from an old and well known family that settled here many years ago. In 1871 he married Anna Guade, of German parentage, born in Chicago. He was born a farmer, and followed the business until 1878, when he purchased the stock and stables of Mayer & Ilall, and embarked in the livery business. He keeps a very good stock of horses and carriages, is extremely accommodating, and his terms are liberal.
FREDERICK GEUDE.
Mr. Geude lives on section 2, of Lacon township, and was born in Prussia, April 5. 1824. He lived there until twenty-eight years old, and then emigrated to the United States and located in this county. Previous to leaving he married Dora Blnm, born in Prussia, and to them three children have been given-Herman, Anna and Amil. Are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Geude owns 126 acres, entered by Jordan Sawyer, and subsequently purchased by John F. Shepherd. He is township trustee, and has served as such five years, keeps his place under first class cultivation, and is a model farmer.
JAMES SEWARD.
Mr. Seward is a farmer residing on section 26. He was born in Fayette county, Ohio. in 1818, and located in this connty in 1842. In 1840 he married Emeline Owen. also a native of Ohio, who died March 17, 1850, leaving two children, James A. and W. Scott. In the same year he married Mary Jones, who has become the mother of five children,-Eliza J., (Young), Mary Belle, Ella A., Emma (Hushaw), Alice C. and Charles G. Mr. Seward is a mem- ber of the board of school directors, has been road commissioner, and has served his township in various other lo- cal offices. He owns some 700 acres of land.
THOMAS M. SHAW.
Mr. Shaw was born in Marshall connty, at that time a part of Putnam, in 1833, and was a son of George H, Shaw, one of the first settlers in the county. He labored on a farm when a boy, attending school at Judson college, Mt. Palatine, and completed his education at Mt. Morris. He read law with W. D. Edwards, a talented member of the Lacon bar, and began practice in Putnam county in 1858. In 1862 he was offered an advantageous partnership with Mark Bangs. which he accepted, and has since made Lacon his home. In 1863 he married Nellie F. Hirsch, of
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Woodford county, and began the erection of the fine residence he now occupies, probably not excelled by any in the county. Mr. Shaw takes considerable pride in his profession and stands at its head, As a lawyer he is paine- taking and methodical, a close reasoner and good logician, appealing to men's intellects rather than their feelings. His large success attests his industry and perseverence. His practice is large and extends to all the neighboring districts and the Supreme court. In politics he is Democratic, and in 1858 was the nominee of the party for Con- gress. He has several times been elected mayor, and possesses in a marked degree the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens.
BENJAMIN BABB.
Mr. Babo was born in Perry county, Ohio, Sept. 22, 1812. He came to this connty with his father when 19 years old, settling three miles south of Lacon, where he lived until his death, The family consisted of his father. mother and five sisters, and they were four weeks and four days on the road. They stopped at Col. Strawn's until a ยท location was found to suit and a cabin built, into which they moved and spent the first winter. The bottoms were full of Indians and through the winter they annoyed the family greatly. Mr. Babb was obliged to return to Ohio and they were exposed without protection to insults and the constant fear of death through all the long winter. Mr. Babb died in the spring of 1835. and he was buried on the point of the bluff north of his house. His son, Ben- jamin, married Nancy Jones, daughter of Levi Jones, of Pennsylvania, on the 4th of June, 1857. They were blessed with five children, two only of whom survive, Eliza and Estella. He died July 22, 1867, leaving his family and the care of a large farm to his wife. Mrs. B. proved a good manager, adding to the property year by year, and giving her daughter a good education. On the 15th of Feb., 1873, she married again and became Mrs. Sylvester Myers. Her home is one of the pleasantest in the connty, and here, surrounded by children and friends, she dispenses a generous hospitality to all.
ABSALOM JONES.
Mr, Jones was born in Clark county, Ohio, in 1835, moved to Madison county, in 1844, and to the vicinity where he now lives in 1849. He was brought up on a farm, and in 1854 wedded Mary Hedlock, daughter of Samuel Hedlock who along with Timothy Owen built the first mill on Crow Crreek. Mr. Jones has three children-Albert, George and Samuel, and four have died. He owns a farm of 220 acres with good improvements and well stocked. In 1878 was candidate for the the legislature, and has held all the minor offices of his township.
SAMUEL GIBB.
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The subject of this sketch was born in Cumberland county, Pa., in 1813, came to this county in 1830, and three years later married a Yankee school marm, Miss Mary Hall, of Baskingridge, N. J., where she was born August 31, 1812. She was liberally educated at home, and taught school several terms, refusing several eligible offers of mar- riage before she came west, wishing to see the world before making a choice. Soon after reaching here she met Samuel Gibb, a sturdy young mail carrier from Knoxville to Hennepin. It was a case of love at first sight. He was straight as an arrow, and made nothing of swimming a river, if necessary, in the absence of bridges. They were married in 1833, and began housekeeping at once. She was a good manager and he was industrious, and they made money lively. They own a pleasant home of 312 acres of land, and four sons and daughters-John W., Henry H., Sarah E. and Mary Catherine.
OWEN SOWARDS.
Mr. Sowards was born in Woodford county in 1830, and moved into Marshall county in 1854, when he pur- chased a fertile farm lying on the bottoms of Crow Creek. In 1858 he married Miss Edy Hunter, born in this county. They have seven children, Eliza J., Mary A., William H., Charles B., Alice, Estella and Emma Bell. Mr. S. is a good farmer, quiet, industrious, aud knows how to make money. He minds his own business, allows others to think as they choose, and forms his own opinions. If there were more men like Owen Sowards the world would be better.
IRA I. FENN.
Mr. Fenn was born in Kent, Litchfield county, Conn., Aug. 22, 1799, and labored on a farm until 1818, when, with his brother Norman, they started for Dayton, Ohio, where he real law and was admitted to practice. He re- mained here in the active prosecution of his profession until 1836, when he journeyed to Illinois and made exten- sive investments that cansed his removal and permanent settlement in Lacon. Here he resumed the practice of law, and carried it on successfully until 1855, when he became absorbed in railway enterprises and gave it over to others. He was twice married, first to Eunice Pomeroy, who died the year after his arrival in Lacon, and his second wife was Fannie E, Dudley, to whom one son survives, Dudley E., born Feb. 17, 1840. Mr. Fenn died January 3, 1873. He was a leading citizen in the town for years, and his influence was always on the side of right. In church and society he bore a prominent part, and his record is unsnllied by a single blot or stain.
JOSEPH H. JOHNSON.
Mr. Johnson was born in New Hampshire in 1813, and moved with his parents to Cincinnati when quite young, where he remained until fifteen years old, and then started out for himself, going to Montreal, Canada, where he attended school and found employment in a store. He became part owner of a sailing vessel trading to New Foundland. After two years of profitable trading, the boat got caught on a rock and was wrecked, and his
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profits were swamped. After this he took service with a former employer until his father's death, when he returned home and settled the estate. In the summer of 1834 he struck out west and came to Lacon, and along with Jesse C. built the first mill in Lacon, running it successfully until 1842, when he sold out and went into loaning money and speculating nntil 1849. In the spring of that year a company of sixty men was organized for a trip to California, of which he was chosen captain. Reached the mines without mishap, but lost his health on the way, and was for some time an invalid. Visited all the diggings and prospected more or less, but his health continuing poor, con- cluded to go to Calentta, and reached the Sandwich Islands, from whence he went to Lima in Sonth America, and re-embarked on an old condemned hulk from New York bound for Panama. The voyage was long and tedions, but they fiually reached there, and no steamer going north, he crossed the Isthmus to Navy Bay, and visited the West Indies, returning and taking a steamcr up the coast, reached San Francisco again after a six months absence. He next went to trading in the mountains, running two four-horse teams, and made money rapidly. Followed this two years and came home. Remained one year, went to New York and purchased a load of wagon stuff, which he sent round the horn, to San Francisco. Sold a part for $400 a thousand, and worked up the remainder. Got $50 for an axle, and $25 for stocking a plow. Paid $1,000 for a set of blacksmith's tools, and cleared it in a week. Was in California about nine years, and while there married Miss Sarah Hopkins, a descend- ant of Ethan Allen. They have one child-Hattie E., now Mrs. Taylor, of Streator. He owns five farms, and has considerable other property.
CHARLES S. EDWARDS. Superintendent of schools of Marshall county.
G. W. SHIELDS.
Mr. Shields is a grocer doing business in Lacon, and is also proprietor of the City hotel. He was born in Marion county, Ind., April 4, 1833, and with his parents moved to Hamilton county, Ohio, when 12 years of age. He was educated in Cincinnati, and was married in that city, January 6, 1857, to Miss Martha E. Pierson, a native of that county. They have four children-Angeline J., Laura E., Walter V. aud Gertrude E. In the spring of 1857 Mr. Shields moved to Lacon, and for 16 years followed his trade, that of a mason and plasterer, a very large propor- tion of the public and private buildings in Marshall county bearing witness to the excellence of his handicraft. In 1870 he went into the restanrant business, which he continned until 1877, when he embarked in the grocery busi- ness, in which he is still engaged. November 10th, 1879, he assnmed charge of the City Hotel, and with the efficient aid of his estimable wife and danghters has made it a model house of entertainment, very popular with the travel- ing public. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., is a close observer, a good judge of human nature, a safe adviser, and is an industrious, energetic and successful business man.
JESSE B. BANE.
The subject of this sketch was born near Wheeling, Va., May 17, 1812. His father was a farmer and raised five stalwart sons who grew to man's estateland twodaughters. When twenty years old Jesse. along with a man named Tucker, journeyed to Illinois, then an inviting field to emigrants, and stopped for the night at the cabin of John Strawn to whom they engaged to labor at making rails at 25 cents a day and board. Tucker did not remain long, but Bane doubtless looked into the future and beheld there a fine farm with growing crops, a wife and sturdy sons and daughters growing up round his hearthstone. It was a pleasant picture, and thongh the wages were low and the labor severe, it was Jesse toiling for Rachel and cheerily he worked on. In good time the farm, the cabin the sleek looking stock came-and Rachel came too. Mr. Bame was an expert chopper and withal a carpenter, and helped build most of the old houses of Lacon. He labored through the summer, and in the winter he tanght a term of school on Crow Creek where the now honorables G. L. Fort and Geo. C. Barnes were pupils. Mrs. Coutlett (Sarah Dever) also attended, and for some neglect of duty was punished, something which she has probably long since forgotten. In 1840 he married Rachel Strawn, daughter of John Strawn, and a notable wife she proved. There were born to them in course of time four sons and two daughters, John S., George M., Jesse B. jr., Charles O., Stella (Mrs. De Pue), and Rachel Augusta, (deceased). John is an eloquent minister in the Cong'l church, George qualified himself for the law, and George and Jesse are farmers. Mr. B. proved himself a capital farmer and good manager, in which he was ably assisted by his wife, he opened a large farm and added others to it. After a while he moved to Lacon and built a fine residence which burned down and then he built a better one. Himself and wife are now "well stricken in years," but their old age is [cheered with the company of their children and grand- children, and the reflection that in the conflict of life they have performed their whole dnty.
JAMES D. STUBBLES.
Mr. Stnbbles was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1848, and came with his parents to Mount Morris, Ill., in 1855. His father was a well known clergyman of the M. E. church, and in his varied labors visited with his family many parts of Illinois and Missouri. He came to Henry in 1869 and established himself in business, marrying in 1877 Helena F. Hulben, born in Henry. They have one child, George J. Mr. Stubbles has been very successful, building np a profitable and very pleasant business. He always carried a large stock and enjoyed a good trade. In 188) he removed to Lacon and established himself in the same line of business, in which he reports a large success. His rooms are the finest in the city and he enjoys a large custom.
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HENRY TOWNSHIP.
JOHN MORGAN.
Mr. Morgan was born in Shropshire, England, in 1830, and came to this county in 1851, locating in Henry, and established the butcher business which he has conducted successfully for nearly thirty years. He was a single man at that time, but in 1854 married Mary Stevenson, born in Northumberland. England. Two children have been born to them-John T. and Mary J. Are members of the Episcopal church, and Mr, Morgan is vice-president of the First National bank, of Henry. His son, John T., is passenger clerk, in Chicago, of the Anchor Line of Atlantic steamships.
M. P. DILLEY & Co., Grocers.
Mr. Dillev. the senior member of this firm, was born in Mercer connty. Pa., in 1843, and came to Clay county, Ind., in 1865, to Madison county in 1875. and to Heury in 1876. Their present business was established Oct. 1st, 1879. Mr. Dilley married Ara K. Gwathney in 1869. She was born in Putnam county, Ind. Two children bless this union -Walter and George, He belongs to the Masonic order, and the firm is building up an excellent business. They are young, ambitious and accomodating,
D. M. MORRIS.
Capt. Morris, the popular commander of the steamer Grey. Eagle, was born in Delaware in 1843, and came to Missouri in 1865, settling at Hannibal. He first engaged in steamboating in 1866, and finding the business both congenial and profitable has since followed it. From 1870 to 1878 he was engaged with the Eagle Packet Company . and built ny the trade he now controls. In 1878 himself and the engineer purchased the Eagle and have since run ber between Henry and Peoria. In 1873 he married Mary A. Earl and is the father of two children, of which he feels deservedly prond. The Eagle is universally popular and tew railways are managed with more regularity, her arrivals and departures seldom varying from the schedule.
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