USA > Illinois > Bureau County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 25
USA > Illinois > Marshall County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 25
USA > Illinois > Putnam County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 25
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all within their power for the betterment of man- kind. During the fifty-six years of his residence here he has borne an important part in the de- velopment and progress made by the county, and his courteous, affable manners, together with his integrity and ability, have won for him a high place in the regard of his fellow-citizens.
H. EUGENE LEWIS, the popular proprietor
. of the livery, feed and sale stable at No. 522 South Main street, Princeton, was born in that city on the 27th of June, 1856, a son of Al- bert and Ann (Kiser) Lewis, the former a native of Belmont county, Ohio, and the latter of Penn- sylvania. The father is still living, an honored resident of Melbourn, Iowa, where he has now made his home for four years. In 1850 he came from the buckeye state to Illinois, and first worked at the carpenter's trade and later for about forty years at farming in Bureau county, where he was well and favorably known. Here he held a number of minor offices, including that of road commissioner in Ohio township. His farm, which was situated near the village of Ohio, he sold on his removal to Iowa. In his family were five children, two of whom died in early life, and of the three yet living our subject is the eldest. Nettie is the wife of A. McNary of Iowa, and Elbert makes his home in the same state.
Upon the home farm H. Eugene Lewis was reared, remaining under the parental roof until he attained his majority, when he purchased a farm in Ohio township and started out in life for himself as an agriculturist. He sold this farm in the spring of 1882. He went to Iowa, having bought a farm in Marshall county, where he ex- tensively engaged in farming until the Ist of March, 1893. Returning to Princeton, he then became a member of the livery firm of Hender- son & Lewis, but on the Ist of the following Oc- tober, bought out his partner, and has since suc- cessfully conducted the business alone. He keeps on hand about twenty head of horses, and car- riages and vehicles of various kinds. He secures a liberal share of the public patronage.
On the 18th of December, 1879, was celebrat-
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ed the marriage of Mr. Lewis and Miss Blanch J. Henderson, daughter of Captain Josiah and Mary J. Henderson, now residing at Galesburg, Illinois. Her father was a prominent county officer of Bureau county, at one time serving as treasurer, and was sheriff at the time of the first disturbance at Spring Valley, and did much to- ward quelling the riot. Mrs. Lewis is the old- est in the family of six children, the others being Warren, who married Lou Waldron, and lives at Galesburg; Arthur, Myrtle, Iva and Hazel. To our subject and his wife have been born two children-Ralph W. and Joseph E. In his social relations Mr. Lewis is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Masonic order.
M ATT F. LAUGHLIN, a lively representa- tive of the business interests of Malden, and also the popular postmaster of the village, was born in Wayne township, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, June 2, 1844. His grandfather, Patrick Laughlin, who was a native of Scotland, became an early settler of Mifflin county, where also occurred the birth of the father of our sub- ject, Captain John Laughlin, who won his title in the Mexican war. In his native county he mar- ried Rebecca Glasgow, who was born in the keystone state, of Scotch parentage. They locat- ed upon a farm in Wayne township, but in 1854 emigrated to Bureau county, Illinois; there the father engaged in agricultural pursuits until called from this life in 1865. The mother, who survived him several years, died in 1874, and was laid to rest by his side in Greenwood cemetery of Princeton, where a monument has been erect- ed to their memory.
In the family of three sons and three daughters two sons and two daughters are still living. Sam- uel donned the blue and went to the defense of his country during the civil war and died while in the service. He was a member of Company I, Ninety-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. John C. is a street contractor, residing in Malden. Mrs. M. M. Jacobs makes her home in Bureau county. Sarah is living with her brother. Matt L. completes the family.
The last named was but ten years of age when he accompanied his parents to Illinois, and in the common schools of Bureau county secured his elementary education. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism he enlisted August 13, 1862, in Company I, Ninety-third Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, with his brother, being at that time but seventeen years of age. On going to the front they were first stationed in West Tennessee, after which they were with Grant on his march from Memphis to Vicksburg. In June, 1863, our sub- ject was discharged on account of disability and returned home. He then resumed his studies, being for several years a pupil in the Dover acad- emy, making the most of his advantages.
On laying aside his text books Mr. Laughlin engaged in farming for a time, but later learned blacksmithing, and since 1868 has actively en- gaged in that business in Malden. Besides gen- eral blacksmithing he also engages in wagon making and general repair work, and has built up an excellent trade along these lines. He also conducts a grocery store, in fact, is one of the leading business men of that thriving little vil- lage.
In 1866 Mr. Laughlin was united in marriage with Miss Addie Mead, who was born in Bureau county, and was a daughter of Edgar Mead, one of its pioneer blacksmiths. Her death occurred in 1875, and two years later Mr. Laughlin wed- ded Miss Elizabeth Rackley, a daughter of N. F. Rackley, of Malden. Five children have been born to them-George F., who assists his father in the store and postoffice; Lula, John F., Arthur J. and Matt C.
Politically, Mr. Laughlin is an ardent demo- crat, taking a deep interest in the success of his party, and has served as a delegate to a number of county and state conventions. He has taken quite an active part in local affairs, and as he stands high in the estimation of his fellow-citi- zens has been called upon to serve in many im- portant positions. For the long period of thir- teen years he was a member of the corporation board, being its president for eight years; for fourteen years was an efficient member of the
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school board, and for two years was supervisor. He was a member of the democratic central con- mittee for twenty years, and for twelve years was a member of the executive committee. In 1893 he received the appointment of postmaster of Malden, which position he is still filling to the satisfaction of all concerned. For four years he was also police magistrate. In the discharge of all duties he is prompt and faithful, true to every trust reposed in him and has proved a most popular and capable official. Socially, Mr. Laughlin is a prominent member of Ferris post of Princeton, of which he is past commander, and has served as a delegate to the state encamp- ment. He also holds membership in the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and is serving his fourth term as commander of that lodge. The high regard in which he is universally held is plainly indicated by the important position he has been called upon to fill. Mrs. Laughlin, a most estim- able lady, was formerly a member of the Pres- byterian church, but as there is no church of that denomination in Malden she now attends the Methodist Episcopal church.
D R. JOHN RICHARDS, a retired farmer and physician of Buda, Illinois, is one of the honored and valued citizens that Massachu- setts has furnished Bureau county. His birth occurred at Newton, that state, October 20, 1811, only nine miles from Boston and three miles from the Newton Baptist Theological seminary, an old and prominent institution. His parents were Thadeus and Mary (Coolidge) Richards. His paternal grandfather, also a resident of New- ton, Massachusetts, had come to the new world from England in colonial days, and took an ac- tive part in the struggle for independence.
Upon the old homestead farm Dr. Richards spent the days of his boyhood 'and youth, and in the schools of the locality began his educa- tion, but was only able to attend about six weeks during the year. After he had attained to man- hood, however, he supplemented the knowledge there acquired by study in an academy at Ips- wich, New Hampshire, paying his own way. He
earned the money by brushmaking, having learned that trade at the age of seventeen years, and for two and a half years was thus employed. Being gifted as a musician, he took lessons in that art of Lowell Mason and became so profi- cient that he was able to teach. For four sea- sons he taught in Providence, Rhode Island, but at the age of twenty-two began the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. Brown of that city. Subsequently he took a course of lec- tures at Augusta, Georgia, receiving his degree at the age of twenty-seven. He had paid his own way by teaching music.
Dr. Richards hung out his shingle in Provi- dence, Rhode Island, where for three years he was sucessfully engaged in practice, and then re- moved to Taunton, Massachusetts, where the fol- lowing eleven years were passed in practice and in conducting a music class. While in that city the doctor was united in marriage with Mrs. Eliza Quimby, née Russell, native of Providence. They became the parents of three children, name- ly: Mary E. is the wife of Thomas J. Almy, of Salt Lake City, Utah. They have two children- Elizabeth, wife of Captain M. D. Parker of Cin- cinnati, Ohio; Grace, who was married to James Shelton. Anna M., who is the wife of Calvin S. Longenecker of Chicago; they have two chil- dren-Gertrude and Richards, both born in that city. John W., a commercial traveler, living at Fremont, Nebraska, is married and has three children-Elsie, Hasbrouck and Edward.
In 1856 Dr. Richards left Taunton and took up his residence in Bureau county, Illinois, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of open prairie, which he at once began to improve and cultivate. He practically gave up the prac- tice of medicine, as his wife was afraid that so much labor would break down his health. He had met with excellent success in his chosen pro- fession, and during the cholera epidemic had to ride for miles both day and night to care for his numerous patients. He continued agricultural pursuits until 1866, when he sold both his farms and has since lived retired in the village of Buda, enjoying a well earned rest. His success in life
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is but the just reward of his own unaided efforts, perseverance and industry, and he is a self-made as well as a self-educated man.
About nine years after his arrival in Illinois his first wife died, and on the 24th of July, 1865, was celebrated his marriage with Miss Parmelia M. Read of Providence, Rhode Island, with whom he had become acquainted while living in that city. She was born at Swansea, Bristol county, Massachusetts, a daughter of Mason and Amy (Martin) Read. She, too, is descended from good old Revolutionary stock, her grandfather serving as an officer in that war. She was educated in the schools of Swansea, but for twenty-five years made her home at Providence.
In early life Dr. Richards was an old line whig, voting for Harrison in 1840, and now affiliates with the republican party. He served as super- visor of Mason township, and as school trustee of Concord township since his removal to Buda in 1866. He attends the Unitarian church, in whose choir his voice is still heard distinct and clear, but his wife is a Baptist in religious belief. They have made many friends throughout the community, and all who know them delight to do them honor. It is safe to say that no couple in Bureau county are held in higher regard than Dr. Richards and his estimable wife.
JAMES H. SEAVERANS, who departed this life on the 17th of February, 1864, was a native of Massachusetts, born March 14, 1821, of which state his father, Charles Seaverans, was also a native. There the latter and his wife spent their entire lives. By occupation he was a butcher.
Until the age of fourteen years James H. Seav- erans attended the public schools of his native state, but left home at that time and for many years followed a seafaring life. Subsequently he learned the cabinetmaker's trade, which he fol- lowed in connection with farming after coming to Illinois. The year 1840 witnessed his arrival in Bureau county, and in Ohio township he be- came the owner of eighty acres of land which he
placed under a high state of cultivation, making it one of the most desirable farms in the locality. An earnest Christian gentleman, he was a de- vout member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his upright, honorable life won the com- mendation of all with whom he came in contact. He was a stanch republican in politics, but cared nothing for political preferment, though he served as school director. His death was deeply and sincerely mourned by many friends and acquaintances who recognized in him a valued citizen of the community.
On the 19th of July, 1852, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Seaverans and Mrs. Maria Mer- ritt, a daughter of Daniel and Pleuma (Scott) Mann, who for many years were honored resi- dents of Illinois. The father, who was a miller by trade, died in 1835, but his wife long survived him, passing away in January, 1888. Previous to her marriage with our subject, Mrs. Seaverans was the wife of Jeremiah Merritt, who died leav- ing one son, William T., now making his home in Oklahoma. To Mr. and Mrs. Seaverans were born the following children: Charles H., James M., deceased; Mary P., wife of Walter Arm- strong: George M. and Sarah, twins, the latter now the wife of Daniel Fishel, and Lyman S. The family is one of prominence, holding an en- viable position in social circles of the community. and its members have the respect and confidence of all who know them. Mrs. Seaverans has long been connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a most estimable lady.
F REDERICK HEINTZ is one of the enter- prising and well-to-do farmers of Selbytown- ship, owning a valuable place of one hundred and ninety acres on sections 12 and 13, three- quarters of a mile from Hollowayville. He is one of the representative and valued old settlers of Bureau county, having located here in 1839, and during the many years that have since passed has watched its development and progress, while as a loyal citizen he has ever borne his part in its advancement.
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Mr. Heintz was born on the Rhine, in Bavaria, Germany, May 4, 1814, and is a son of Henry and Mary Catherine (Ginter) Heintz, also na- tives of that country. After the mother's death the father crossed the Atlantic, coming to this state in 1847, but died seven weeks after his ar- rival. The educational privileges afforded our subject were good, attending the common schools of his native land from five until fourteen years of age, but his knowledge of the English language is almost wholly self-acquired.
At the age of twenty-five, Mr. Heintz decided to leave the Fatherland, and on the IIth of May, 1839, left his home at Havre, France, and took passage on board a sailing vessel bound for New Orleans, which they reached after a long voyage of fifty-four days, and altogether was three months and four days in making the journey from his home to Bureau county. He came at once to Bureau county, by way of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, and for about a year worked for one hundred and fifty dollars. He was then taken ill with intermittent fever, from which he did not recover for about nineteen months, during which time he attended school for about forty days, and there began the study of the English lan- guage. He also entered a Sunday school, which he has since attended and is now the oldest Sun- day school scholar in Bureau county, having been connected with Sunday school work since 1822. Since 1868, till January, 1896, he has read the Bible through thirty times. On his recovery from the fever he resumed farm work, which he has made his life occupation.
Mr. Heintz was married in 1844 to Miss Amanda Piper, a daughter of Ezekiel Piper, one of the pioneers of the county, where he located in 1836, and a sister of H. H. Piper of Berlin township, Bureau county. Upon his marriage our subject settled upon forty acres of the farm which is still his home, and at once began its improvement and cultivation. Besides its oper- ation he also rented land, and as time advanced extended the boundaries of his farm, until now it comprises one hundred and ninety acres of rich and fertile land, which he has placed under a
high state of cultivation and improved with a commodious, two-story residence, a large and substantial barn and good out-buildings. In the development of his land he uses the best and most improved machinery, and everything about his place denotes the thrift and enterprise of the owner.
Mr. Heintz began life here empty-handed, but by the exercise of industry, perseverance and en- ergy, important traits in his character, he has become one of the substantial citizens of the com- munity.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Heintz, namely: Kate is now the wife of I. A. Watson, of Chicago, who holds a· responsi- ble position with the American Express com- pany. Fetnor is the wife of Leander White, of Bureau county. Henry is a prominent stock dealer of Princeton. Anna T., who was given good school advantages, has for ten years held an important position as stenographer and type- writer for a firm in Boston, Massachusetts. There are also twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. On the 8th of February, 1894, was celebrated the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Heintz, and also the birthday of the latter, at which time she was eighty years of age. By the Sunday school children of Seaton- ville they were presented with a beautiful silver cup and cane.
For over fifty years Mr. and Mrs. Heintz have now traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, and they are surrounded by many warm friends and relatives who have for them the highest respect and esteem.
Since its organization, Mr. Heintz has always supported the men and measures of the republi- can party, and has been called upon to fill some local offices. A true friend of the public schools, he most acceptably served as a member of the school board for several years. In his native land he was a member of the German Reform church, and in this country joined the English Lutheran church, but now attends the services of any denomination. He is a consistent Christian,
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an upright, honorable man, a loyal citizen and an honored pioneer of Bureau county, one who justly deserves mention among the prominent and representative men of this section of the state.
A ANDREW J. HAINES. Prominent among the settlers of Bureau county, who have witnessed the marvelous development of this section of the state during the past half century, and who have, by honest toil and industry, suc- ceeded in acquiring a competency, and are now able to spend the sunset of life in quiet and re- tirement, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and who is a resident of Ohio town- ship. He was born in Waldo county, Maine, Oc- tober 28, 1828, but since reaching manhood he has made his home in Bureau county, Illinois.
His parents, James H. and Nancy (Williams) Haines, were also natives of the Pine Tree state, where for a number of years the father engaged in the lumber business. Having failed in this he engaged in teaching and by that means paid off all indebtedness. He then studied medicine un- der Dr. Thompson of Boston, and subsequently engaged in practice at Burnham, Maine, but later turned his attention to hotelkeeping, and afterward engaged in farming in Maine until 1844. Our subject then brought the family to Bureau county, where they arrived in 1845, and on the eighty acres of land which they secured the father paid fifty dollars, but the remainder was paid by his son. The following year both parents died of cholera, catching the dread dis- ease from George A. Dodge, who had contract- ed it in Chicago. The mother's death occurred at the age of fifty-four years, and in the morn- ing of the following day the father also passed away at the age of fifty-two years. In religious belief they were Universalists. The father was an intelligent, well educated man, having a broad knowledge of affairs of state and nation, and for six years most satisfactorily served as representa- tive, and for two years as a member of the sen- ate of Maine. He was widely known and uni- versally respected, a man of quick perception and
ready utterance, and his advice and services were considered most valuable. His life was one of great usefulness and his death was sincerely mourned by all who knew him. He was thor- oughly American in all things and was a demo- crat in politics. Our subject is the oldest of his three children, the others being Benjamin, who died unmarried at the age of thirty-two, and Jerusha, wife of Minot Rogers of New York.
Andrew J. Haines attended the public schools during his boyhood, and secured a teacher's cer- tificate with the intention of following that pro- fession, but was dissuaded therefrom by his fath- er. He learned wood work in a wagon shop, be- coming quite proficient in this line, as he was very handy with tools, but since coming to Illi- nois he has turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He first purchased one hundred and sixty acres of the Illinois Central railroad com- pany, and so successful has he been that to-day he is the owner of three eighty-acre tracts and a quarter section, which he purchased for his sons.
Mr. Haines has been twice married, his first union being with Julia A. Williams, of Dela- ware Water Gap, Pennsylvania, and to them were born four children-James H., who married Min- nie Belle Staples, by whom he has two children, Eva Belle and Elmer E., who is engaged in farmi- ing in Ohio township; William H., a farmer of the same township; Ella M., wife of James S. Fuller, by whom she has one son, Albert Andrew; and Jessie, who died at the age of nine years Mr. Fuller operates the Haines homestead and has also successfully engaged in teaching for thir- ty-three terms. The mother of these children died March, 1874, at the age of about forty-one years.
On the 30th day of September, 1874, Mr Haines married Blandena Warner, a native of Jefferson county, New York, and a daughter of Aaron and Nancy (Tremper) Warner. In early life her father was a sailor, but later engaged in coopering and farming. He died in 1878, at the age of seventy-five years, and her mother died November 23, 1884, at the age of seventy-eight. Of the seven children born to them two died ir
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
early life. The others are Daniel T., who mar- ried Rachel E. Horton, and is a farmer of New York; Mrs. Haines, Ambrose B., who married Rebecca E. Rogers, and is also an agriculturist of New York: Amanda M., wife of J. D. Cal- houn, living on a farm in Jefferson county, New York, and Araitte, unmarried. Mrs. Haines holds membership in the Methodist Protestant church, of Ohio, and is a most estimable lady.
Our subject voted for Van Buren, the free soil candidate, and since its organization has been a stalwart supporter of the republican party, but cares nothing for the honors or emoluments of public office. He has the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends and relatives, and his straightforward, honorable career has won the confidence of all with whom he has come in con- tact.
W ILLIAM H. PARKINSON, a thorough and skillful farmer and a business man of more than ordinary capacity, is a representative of the agricultural interests of Evans township. There he is recognized as an important factor in preserving the reputation of Marshall county as being one of the best counties in this section of the state. His fine farm is located on section 20.
His father, William Parkinson, Sr., was born in England, in 1800, and when six years old crossed the Atlantic with his parents to the new world. Locating in Licking county, Ohio, he there grew to manhood and married Miss Jane Milliken, whose birth occurred in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1801, but she was reared in Licking county, Ohio, where their wedding was celebrated. In 1856 they emigrated to Illinois, making their home upon a farm near Ottawa, in La Salle county, until the father's death, in Nov- ember, 1860. The mother then moved to Mar- shall county with her children, residing on a farm four miles west of Wenona, where she died in December, 1877.
In the family of nine children, five are still liv- ing, namely: Martha, who lives near Garfield, Illinois, is the wife of J. J. Winter, by whom she has five children, three sons and two daughters;
Margaret is the wife of Clark Downey, of We- nona, and they have two children; Sarah E., who also makes her home in Evans township, is the widow of Aaron G. Martin, and is the mother of three children: Catherine R. is the wife of William Trumbo, of Linn county, Missouri, and they have five children, three sons and two daughters; William H. completes the family. The mother was an earnest member of the United Brethren church.
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