USA > Illinois > Mason County > The History and Mason Counties, Illinois > Part 79
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head, and taking a hasty glance at the state of affairs, said, " I'll give yon $ 400 for it." The offer was at once accepted, with the understanding that the purchaser should have six months in which to make payment. Greene met Lincoln a short distance from the store and the latter proposed to go over and take an inventory of the contents; this was done when the value was found to amount to over $800. The same day, he sold the store to Lincoln and a man named Berry ; they taking Greene's place on the note for $400 and giving him, in addition, 8265 in money and a fine horse, saddle and bridle, belonging to Berry. Radford would not consent to the arrangement about the note unless Greene became their security, to which at last he agreed. The business soon went to pieces. Greene assisted Lincoln to close up the store and then, as surety, was com- pelled to pay the note of $100 to Radford. Thus Lincoln became indebted to Greene for that amount. In their conversation, this was invariably humorously alluded to as the " National Debt." Six years later, when Mr. Greene had removed to Tennessee, and Lincoln had become a lawyer in Springfield, the latter wrote him, stating that he was ready to discharge the liabilities of himself and former partner to the utmost farthing. The friendship between Greene and Lincoln was never interrupted. Horse-racing was then one of the amusements common in the vicinity of Salem and Lincoln was frequently selected as judge in these races. The honesty of his decisions gained for him the soubriquet of " Honest Abe," in bestowing which upon him Mr. Greene bore his part. In 1833, Mr. Greene became a student of the Illinois College, at Jacksonville. Leaving home with $20 in his pocket and a homespun suit of clothes on his back, he determine l to have an education if energy and economy could carry him through. He entered the industrial department, where students were paid 8 to 10 cents per hour for their labor. Here began a course of unflagging industry, which was increased rather than diminished through the three years' course at this institution, and in which was laid the solid foundation of a liberal educa- tion. He worked every hour of the day not ocenpied by recitations and pursued his studies far into the night; for Saturday's work he would receive seventy-five cents ; he prepared his own food, which cost him thirty-five cents per week. He was not long in attracting the attention of Dr. Edward Beecher, then President of the school. Ilis perfect lessons, his happy faculty of making clear the most puzzling problems and his wonderful industry during working-hours, caused Dr. Beecher to interview him on several occasions for the purpose of having him enter the theological course, Beecher and Sturtevant promising to furnish him means to take him through to graduation ; but he told them that the Lord had never called him to preach and, more- over, he believed that in his case a self-earned education was essential to after success. He aimed to clear a little more money every day than he spent, and so well had he em- ployed his time that when he left scho ,I, at the end of three years, he had two good suits of store clothes, cighty acres of land that he hal entered and $60 in money, $10 more than he had left home with. Richard Yates was a student in the institution at the same time, and a lasting friendship was formed between the two. On one occasion, while Yates was a guest of Greene's during a vacation, the latter took him up to Salem to make him acquainted with Lincoln. They found him flat on his back on a cellar door, reading a newspaper. Groene introduced the two, and thus the great War Governor of Illinois and the great War President began their acquaintance. At the conclusion of his college course, Mr. Greene went to Kentucky, near Danville, where he first became a private tutor in the family of Mr. George Carpenter, a prominent man of the neighborhood. He also taught a Grammar School by lectures for a time with great success, and then went to Tennessee and took up his residence in White Co. in the central part of the State. He here became Principal of the Priestley Academy. It was during his residence here that he became acquainted with the lady who is now his estimable wife ; her maiden name was Louisa H. White; she was the daughter of Woodson P. and Nancy White ; her father was one of the first citizens of the county, and for several terms was a Representative in the State Legislature. Their marriage was celebrated March 31, 1837; Mr. Greene was 25 and she 17 years of age. He continued to teach school for a few months after his marriage and then returned to
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Illinois, remaining eighteen months; then again returned to Tennessee, and was appointed Deputy County Sheriff. In 1842, be removed to Mississippi and settled at Aberdeen, but, on account of the unhealthy climate, he resided there but six months and then removed to Memphis, where, on a capital of a little more than $100, he started a grocery and provision store. The two and a half years of his residence in Memphis were occupied with this and other business operations in which he met with far- orable results and acquire l a considerable amount of property. In the spring of 1815. he returned to Hlinois with his family, now consisting of wife and three children, each of whom were born in different States. He purchased a farm in Mason Co., on Quiver Creek, and begin op rations as a general land-dealer and farmer, in both of which he was very successful. He sold his property in Mason Co. in 1853, and purchased the farm near Tallula, on which he has ever since resided. Here he engaged largely in farming and stock-dealing, meeting with a success similar to that which has characterized almost every enterprise in which he has engaged. He has always farmel on the principle that there are two ways of doing a thing. As he says hims .If, " Everything has two ends -a right end and a wrong end. Ifyou begin at the wrong en I, everything will go wrong ; if you begin at the right end, the seasons, the elements, all Nature, becom> your helpers. Every farmer should become rich if he works in harmony with Nature. I court ber with all the devotion a young husband brings to his bride. Nature is not a shive; she is a friend and an ally." In addition to agriculture, his attention of late years has been directed in other channels. He has largely assisted in the development of the railroad system of the State. He was one of the original Directors of the Tonica & Petersburg Railroad, which has since become incorporated with the Jacksonville Divi- sion of the Chicago & Alton Railroad. He was interested in building up several towns along the line; Mason City is one of these: Greenview has its name from him, and he was one of the original founders of Tallula. His keen business foresight brought him in possession of several town sites alon : the route of the Chicago & Alton Raifroid, and afterward, when the towns becam> built up, he was enabled to realize a handsom > return from his investments. The Jacksonville Division was in a very precarious con lition at the conclusion of Yates' administration as President; the whole enterprise, indeed, was in serious danger of a collapse. Mr. Greene was at that time one of the Directors, and at the carnest solicitation of his colleagues, particularly Yates himself, consented to assume for a time the Presidency. The energy and business sagacity which he brought to his duties, were effectual in placing the road on a firmer basis than ever before known. The company was saved from bankruptcy, and the judgment of the other directors thoroughly justified in assigning him the task. He was active in obtaining the charter of the Springfield & North- Western Railroad, was one of the original Board of Directors and its first President. It was largely through his energy that subscriptions for the build- ing of the road were obtained and a part of the road constructed. Upm the road pass- ing into the possession of the present lessee, Mr. Greene retired from the management. Mr. Greene has never divided his forces but has given his energies supremely to busi. ness. When Mr. Greene hul decided on his life course, he threw overboard the solici- tations of Lincoln and Yates and set himself to work at his chosen calling. He, however, played an important part privately in on: political campaign ; that pirt was not as a politician hat as a friend. In 1859, Richard Yates was an aspirant for the Governorship of Hingis, but Leonard Ewott seemingly stool an equal chance for the nomination. The envas prior to the Convention was carried on with great warmth and Yates was fearful of the result Lin. An had establishnl himself at Springfield and, in his recent debites with Doughs, had earnel a national reputation As the Convention day drew near, Yato, fel that he must make a friend of Lincoln ant decided that their old companion Groene was able to manipulate the mitter to the satis- faction of both ; accordingly, Yates cum> to se Green an I told him he was certain of the nomination, provid od Lingen could be in lagd to " lean " to his side : moreover, that Lincoln stool a favorable china for the Republican nomination for President and he askel Greene to interest Lincoln in his favor in the race for Governor, in return, Yates would use his influence to bring Lincoln into prominence as a candidate for the
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Presidency in 1860. Mr. Greene assented to the arrangement; they rode over to Springfield and once more the three, who had made acquaintance at Salem a quarter of a century before, stood together. Their circumstances had greatly changed since their first meeting ; one had become an active member of Congress and now, with high hopes, was looking forward to the gubernatorial chair ; his college friend, aided only by his enerzy and shrewdness, had howu his way through obstacles, before which others would have retreated, and raised himself to wealth and prominence; the third was rapidly growing into fame as a statesman. Little did any of them think what tremendous issues were gathering around the path of one of that trio. Greene and Lincoln retired to the consultation room of the office; there Greene unfolded to Lincoln the desire of Yates for his support. There had been a coolness between the two for some years, and Lincoln was glad of an opportunity to lay the Christian's coal of fire on the head of Yates. Greene next broached the Presidential matter ; he showed Lincoln the feasibility of his aspirations, and revealed the plan of introducing him to the East ; Yates would write Congressman George Briggs a letter and have him work up a call from the New York Central Committee for Lincoln to deliver an address on the political condition of the country at the Cooper Union. " In fact, Abe," continued Greene, " Dick considers your destiny and his linked together, and that letter is now on its way to New York." Yates was nominated and elected ; Lincoln was invited to New York, and, in the follow- ing May, received the Presidential nomination. Mr. Greene voted for Yates for Gov- ernor in 1859 and Lincoln for President in 1860. When the rebellion broke out, his sympathies were warmly enlisted in support of the Administration, and Central Illinois knew no stronger Union man than William G. Greene. Three of his sons enlisted in the army and fought during the war. When, at the darkest hour of the struggle, the Govern- ment called for money, with a firm confidence in the result which never forsook him, he did not hesitate to do what he could to furnish the Government with means to carry on its work. Upon the passage of the internal revenue law, considerable trouble was appre- hended from its working in the Ninth Illinois District, in which Menard Co. was embraced. President Lincoln selected his old friend Greene as the man above all others to put the law in successful operation in the district. With some reluctance he accepted the appointment, but, after the work of collecting the revenue was thoroughly organized and the danger of conflict between the authorities and the people had passed, the office was resigned. His friendship with President Lincoln was still maintained and he was frequently his guest at Washington, where he always met with a cordial greeting. The President relied much on his judgment in giving correct statements of the condition of popular sentiment throughout the country in regard to the war. In his own section, his assistance was important in preventing threatened collisions between agents of the Government and parties disaffected with war measures. His influence was always sought by aspirants throughout the State for political appointments at the hands of the President. He continued an earnest supporter of the Administration while Lincoln remained in office, and, when at last the hand of the assassin finished the work of the people's President, just as he had brought the country safely through the horrors of a civil war, none mourned more sincerely over his untimely grave or lavished richer honors on his memory than his old-time friend, William G. Greene. Mr. Greene has been closely identified with business enterprises near his home, and his energy and capacity have done much toward the development of the manufacturing and commercial interests of the county. In connection with Mr. J. A. Brahm, in September, 1866, he estab- lished at Petersburg the first bank in Meuard Co., known as the Banking House of Brahin & Greene ; he also owns the South Valley Con Shaft, of Petersbarg, and is one of the principal parties who have brought to their present successful operation the woolen-mills of the same place. In the town of Petersburg he has ever taken a deep interest, maintaining that it should be made the manufacturing center for which its natural advantages adapt it. The growth of the town has afforded him peculiar grati- fication. Mr. and Mrs. Greene have had nine children, six of whom are now living. who bid fair to become worthy citizens of this or any other community in which they may ultimately locate. The only daughter, Miss Katie, has just completed a classical
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education at Stuttgart, Germany, where she has been for the last three years. Well may Mr. and Mrs. Greene be proud of their ouly daughter, for beyond a doubt she is the most accomplished lady of Central Illinois. We see in the life of William G. Greene, a boy in the early times of Illinois, with very little aid from parents or any other source, pursuing a life of honest industry, using his time to the best advantage, dutifully aiding his parents in making their settlements in the new country. and edu- cating himself and making and saving money and property at the same time. We find him going to mill mounted upon the back of one of his father's sturdy farm horses. buying for a mere nominal sum, of a man in despair, his store rifled by roughs, and selling it the same day at an advance of several hundred dollars to Abraham Lincoln, the future President, then a young man ; we next see him a> Illinois College, work- ing his way, keeping up with his classes and saving money; and now, a man honored and still in the vigor of his old age, a very wealthy farmer and banker, in his quiet and beautiful home, surrounded by his noble family. He is public spirited and liberal, and a devoted Christian. Few men there are who can look back over their past life with more satisfaction than Mr. Greone, who now in his ripe old age lives to see the usefulness and prosperity of his children, who look to their parents with honor and pride, as they have lived a noble life and climbed up from poverty, until now possessed of property valued at $600,000
- J. G. GREENE. farmer ; P. O. Tallula. Among the prominent pioneers of Menard Co., none are better known than W. G. and J. G. Greene, who began without means and built themselves up a large property, and have done much for the development of the county. J. G. was born in Overton Co, Tenn., Dec. 11. 1520 ; son of William an 1 Elizabeth (Graham ) Greene, who were among the carly settlers of Menard County, of whom further mention is made in another part of this work. J. G. has been one of the successful stock-dealers of this section, and a model farmer. He owns a beautiful res. idence, and a farm of 725 acres, adjoining the town of Tallula. His wife was Sarah, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Green Watkins; they were married, Ang. 1. 1945; she was born in this county Jan. 26, 1525. They have seven children living-Nancy, now Mrs. George Storey, born July 5, 1816 ; Frances, now Mrs. George Spears born Jan. 18, 1849 ; Annie, now Mrs. Albert Ayers, born Aug. 28. 1550; Joseph W., Sept. 7. 1852; Woodson, Ang. 8, 1851 ; Maria, now Mrs. Edward Henderson, born Jan. 7, 1857 ; Alexander, Ang. 19, 1863. They are educating their children. He has always taken an active part in all matters pertaining to the good of the county in which he has lived.
W. P. HENDERSON, farmer ; P. O. Tallula ; was born in Morgan Co. Ill. Sopt. 27, 1833; son of Aaron and Sarah :Boles) Henderson, who were Virginians ; they Settled in Morgan Co. Ill. in 1931, where he died in October. 1841, and she still resides upon the old homestead, where the subject of this sketch was born and raised. He farmed the homestead farm until 1997, when he settled upon his present farm, con- sisting of 151 acres of five land. He was married to Miss Mary A. MeFillin. of Morgan Co. in September. 1959. They have a family of seven children- Elizabeth A., James A., Recia B .. Charles W, Mary E., Loira E . and Emma ('
SOMERS HEWITT, farmer ; P. O. Tallula ; son of Imla and Sarah ( Whitaker) Hewitt ; was born in Cape May Co., N. JJ., May 23, 1525 ; he spent some fifteen years as a sailor, going to sea at the early age of 9 years. In 1817, h. married Miss Abigail Hand, of his native county, and, in 1549, came with his parents to Menard Co .; remaining but a short time, then returned and took to the sea again, until 15.35, when he, with his family, cann to Menard Co., and located, engaging in agricultural pursuits. His wife died in 1858, leaving three children. Oct. 26, 1863. he married Mrs. Maria Brisby, of Cass Co, by whom he has four children. Mr. Hewitt has accumulated a good property and owns 240 acres of fin land, with good buildings. He has for many years been a zealous worker in the M. E. Church.
IMLA HEWITT, farmer ; P. O. Tallula ; son of' Imla and Sarah ( Whitaker ) How- itt : born in Cape May Co., N. J., Feb. 13, 1831 ; came to Illinois with his parents in 1849; in 1552, he emigrated to California, being seven months on the journey ; while
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there, he engaged in mining, and remained until the spring of 1858; he then returned home and began school at Lebanon, St. Clair Co. ; here he obtained a good business education ; in 1861, he again crossed the plains; engaged in freighting to Walla Walla, Washington Territory, until 1865; then he returned to San Francisco, and thence home; in 1866, he began in the stock trade through the Western States, principally in Kansas, in which he continued until 1873. He married Miss Mary C Willis Nov. 6. 1873; she was born in Cireleville, Ohio, May 28, 1846; they have an adopted child- William O. Mr. Hewitt is a well-to-do farmer, and owns 160 acres of fine land.
IT. IT. IRWIN, farmer; P. O. Tallula ; son of IIngh B. and Priscilla Kyle) Irwin ; he was born in Sangamon Co., Ill., May 8, 1844; his parents were among the early settlers of Sangamon Co .; they came to Menard Co. in 1846; here Henry II. has since lived, engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is now one of the well to-do, enterprising farmers of Menard Co. He entered the army in 1862, with the 11 1th I. V. I .. and participated in many heavy battles and skirmishes of the war, serving three years, and escaped uninjured. After the war, he returned and resumed farming. Oct. 21, 1868, he married Miss Frances E. Primm, of this county ; she died Oct. 12, 1873, leaving one child-Elenora, and, Feb. 10, 1875, he married Sylvia A. Houghton ; she died May 6, 1877.
COL. JAMES W. JUDY, dealer in stock. Tallula ; was born in Clark Co .. Ky., May 8, 1822, and, at the age of 14, his parents removed to Montgomery Co., where James spent his early life upon a farm; he began for himself at the age of 21; he came to Menard Co., Ill., in 1951, and began farming; Aug. 21, 1851. he made his first short-horn sale, which was for the late Judge Stephen Dunlap, of Morgan Co. ; here he displayed a talent in that direction which surpassed all other salesmen, and he was frequently called upon to make sales in different parts of the State; Fis reputation as a short-horn auctioneer began in 1954, and has increased from that to the present. time, and is not confined to this State, but extends from the far East to the far West, and now he enjoys the reputation of being the leading short-horn salesman of the United States ; his reputation is the result of many years' study and practice. through which he has amassed a large property ; his home farm consists of 365 acres, and is one of the finest places in Central Illinois. During the late war, he organized a com- pany at Tallula, and was made Captain, and removed to Camp Butler. Ill., where he organized the 114th I. V. I., and was elected Colonel without opposition, and entered the army in 1862, serving one year, during which time he participated in a number of battles, including siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, and many skirmishes ; his family need- ing his closest attention on account of sickness, he was compelled to resign. His wife is Catharine A., daughter of James W. and Emma ( Hathaway | Simpson; they were married March 25 1551 ; they are the parents of six children, two only of whom are living; Mrs. Judy was brought to Illinois when but 8 months old, by her parents, who settled and passed their lives upon the old homestead farm, which is now a part of the Judy place.
E. T. METCALF, physician. Tallula ; was born in Macoupin Co., Ill., July 27. 1813; son of Dr. J. M. Metcalf'; he spent his boyhood days with his parents, and was educated at Waverly ; he enlisted in the army in 1862, with the 101st I. V. I., Co. G ; after the service of about eight months, his health became so impaired that he was dis- charged, after which, he returned and took up the study of medicine under Dr. J. Minor, of Waverly. Sept. 11, 1864, he married Miss Chattie Burnett, of Waverly, and, in the winter of 1864-65, he attended Rush Medical College; he Leaned in Tallula in 1867, and began the practice of his profession; they are parents of four children, viz. Daisy B. (deceased ). Milton, Anna B. and George O.
JONATHAN NOTTINGHAM, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Pleasant Phins ; son of Jonathan and Sophia Eldridge Nottingham; he was born in Cape May Co., N. J .. Sept. 25, 1808, where he was raised and schooled. In 15331. be married Miss Hannah Smith, of his native county; they came to Illinois in 1837, locating in Sangamon Co., and, with energy, they set out to prepare a home ; they bought a small farm, which he afterward sold, and in 1810 settled upon the farm where he now lives ; he
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has been one of the most industrious farmers of the county ; is now considered one of the solid men of Sangamon Co. ; he has been enterprising, always assisting in all mat- ters pertaining to the general good of the community. His wife diel July 19, 1850, leaving eleven children, viz., Renben L ( who died in the late war), John, Abijah S., Franklin F .. Rachel M. (now Mrs. Reuben Corson. Almarine T., Clark, James S .. Jane M. (now Mrs. Henry Hoff,, Elizabeth Snow Mrs. Alexan ler Higgins), and Charles W. Mr. Nottingham married his present wife Aug. 29, 1852 : she was Mrs. Mary A. Townsend, formerly of his native county ; his home farm consists of 600 aeres of as fine land as may be found in the county ; he has been an active worker in the M. E. Church for many years.
(. M. ROBERTSON, physician, Tallula ; was born in Logan Co., Ky., June 10, 1821; the son of Martin and Sarah (Morton) Robertson, who were of Scotch and English origin, and located in JJacksonville, Morgan Co., Ill .. in 1827 ; his mother died while he was quite young; his father was educated for the practice of law, but had a greater inclination toward mercantile life, which he followed through life ; he was one of the first merchants of Schuyler Co., where he did business as early as 1825, at Rushville ; he died in April, 1849, at the age of 74 years. The subject of this sketch removed to Woodford Co., Ky., in 1844, where he began the study of medicine under his brother, a practicing physician of that county, continuing there until 1845, when he took up his study with his brother. a physician at Rocheport, Mo ; he began the practice of his profession in Cass Co., Ill., where he practiced until 1830, when he came tu Menard Co., settling at what was known as Robinson's Mill; in 1857, he removed to Plattsburg, Mo., where he remained until the fall of 1859, when he came and located in Tallula, where he has since lived, devoting his time and attention to his practice, except four years, beginning in 1869, during which time he served as County Judge of Menard Co. He is a man of fine social qualities and acknowledged ability. Ilis wile was Salina E. Harris, of Menard Co. ; they were married May 20, 1847 ; they have a promising family of six children, viz., William. Edward D., Henry C., Mary E., Thomas M. and Sarah 1.
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