The History of Livingston County, Illinois : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., Part 95

Author:
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron
Number of Pages: 884

USA > Illinois > Livingston County > The History of Livingston County, Illinois : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. > Part 95

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HILTON WOODBURY, Overseer of the Poor Farm. P. O. Pontiac. Repub- lican and Baptist. Was born in Barn- ard, Windsor Co., Vt., December 3, 1843, and came to Tazewell Co. in 1855, and to this county in 1856. He

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married Jennie Clark, of Bloomington, Nov. 20, 1866 ; she was born in Frank- fort, Ky., Oct. 5, 1844; they have five children-Linden, Fred. Colfax, Charles H., Bessie, Willard C. Mr. W. was a successful young farmer of Pike until March, 1875, when he was appointed overseer of the County Farm, a position which very few are qualified or adapted to fill ; the people of this county can congratu- late themselves upon having a man so well calculated to care for the unfortunate and

insane under his charge ; his discipline is good, kindness and firmness being used for the government of the inmates ; he seems to be the right man in the right place ; such a man in so important a place is rare to obtain; those who have friends con- fined in the new asylum should especially feel glad that their friends have so good a home and such kind care ; the poor farm, the house and the new and elegant asylum, do great credit to the people and authori- ties of Livingston Co.

CHARLOTTE TOWNSHIP.

JOHN E. ALLEN, farmer; P. O. Chats- worth ; the subject of this sketeli was born in Pennsylvania, March 16, 1839, and is the son of Joseph and Eliza Allen ; his father was a carpenter by trade, having died when Mr. Allen was very young; at his father's death, he went to live with his grandfather, Joseph Allen, and remained with him until he was about 14 years of age ; he then set out in the world to labor for himself; he worked in different see- tions engaged in farming; in 1867, he came to Livingston Co. and settled on the place he now lives on. Married, in 1867, to Miss Tempa Zrelda Harper, of Illinois, by whom they have two children. Repub- lican in politics ; member of the M. E. Church. Owns 160 acres of fine, improved land.

JOHN G. BRUNS, farmer ; P. O. Chatsworth ; the subject of this sketch was among the first settlers of Charlotte Tp .; was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1833 ; his father, Geo. Bruns, of Germany, was engaged in school teaching ; Mr. Bruns was brought up on a farm; in 1857, he emigrated to America and landed in New York City ; came West to Peoria ; en- gaged in laboring ; then to Woodford Co .; here he was engaged in farming, and hav- ing saved sufficient money, he came to Livingston Co., and in 1860, purchased the place he now lives on; has worked very hard, and to-day owns one of the finest improved farms of Charlotte Tp., of 160 acres. Married, in 1860, to Miss Ester Monk, of Germany ; six children.

JONATHAN EDWARDS, farmer ; P. O. Chatsworth ; was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Nov. 1, 1816, and is the son of Nathaniel and Mary (Hadley) Edwards, of North Carolina, who came to Ohio at an early day ; his father was engaged in farming here; Mr. E. was raised on his father's farm, and remained at home until he was 25 years of age ; he then set out in farming for himself; he was engaged in farming in Clinton Co., Ohio ; here he re- mained until 1852 ; he then came to Illi- nois and settled in Bureau Co .; here until 1867, then came to Livingston Co. and set- tled on the farm that he now lives on ; has made all the improvements on the farm. Mr. Edwards has been married three times ; first wife in 1841, to Miss Mary Dakin, by whom they had four children ; one de- ceased-Calvin D., who enlisted in the late war, in the 51st I. V. I., for three years ; was taken prisoner Sept. 19, 1863, at the battle of Chickamauga, by the rebels and taken to Libby Prison, then to Anderson- ville Prison ; here it is reported he made his escape, but being pursued by blood hounds, he was recaptured and taken back to prison, where he died with starvation and sickness, Aug. 5, 1864, at the age of 20 years and eleven months. Mr. Edwards married second time, in 1864, Cather- ine Carling, by whom they had one child ; she died Nov. 21, 1868 ; married the third time, to Miss Sarah J. Hill, in 1869. Mr. Edwards has held office in the Schools, School Trustee, etc. Owns 160 acres of fine improved land. Republican in

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politics, and a member of the Baptist Church.

LAURENCE FARRELL. farmer ; P. O. Chatsworth ; was born in Longford County, Ireland, July 13, 1834, and is the sou of Lawrence and Bridget (Dugan) Farrell, of Ireland ; his father was a farmer ; Mr. Farrell remained with his parents until he was 26 years old, engaged in working on the farm from the time he was able to handle a plow ; in 1860, he emi- grated to America, and landed in New York City, after being at sca eight weeks ; he remained in the city but a short time, then went to Oneida Co., N. Y. ; here he commenced farming in America ; his first labor was for a short time at $1 per day, then by the month at $10 per month, and in the Winter engaged in threshing grain ; he then worked for one year at $120 per year. He returned to the City of New York and married. Miss Margaret Fits- soans, of Ireland, then went to Providence, R. I .; here he remained for six years lab ring, then went to Livingston County ; here he was engaged as section boss, on the T., P. & W. R. R., at $50 per month, and remained here for four years ; he then moved on the farm that he now lives on, which consists of 120 acres, and where is situated the first house built in Charlotte Township. Mr. Farrell is a Greenbaeker in politics, and a member of the Catholic Church. Has a family of seven children ; his wife died May 1, 1868.

OWEN FINEGAN, farmer; P. O. Chatsworth ; the subject of this sketch is one of the best known farmers of Char- lotte Township; was born in Ireland Feb. 2. 1840, and is the son of John and Eliza- beth (Garvey ) Finegan ; his father was a farmer, and in December, 1849, with his family, sailed for America ; landed in New Orleans, thence to Cincinnati, Ohio, thence to Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, and remained here until March 11, 1857 ; then to Livingston Co., Ill., and settled near what is now Fairbury ; here they remained for two years, then went to Chatsworth Township ; Mr. Finegan in 1868, set ont in farming for himself. Married March 29, 1869, to Miss Ellen Fruin, of Ireland ; six children, five living. Mr. Finegan has held several offices of trust in his township-Road Commissioner, Township Clerk, Township Treasurer, which office he has held since

1865, and has given entire satisfaction to the people of Charlotte Township; has been engaged in teaching school for eleven Winters. Republican in politics and a member of the Catholic Church.

JOHN W. GINGERICH, farmer ; P. O. Chatsworth ; was born in Hessing, Germany, Feb. 1, 1841, and is the son of Michael and Magdala ( Otto) Gingerich, of Germany ; father was a farmer ; here Mr. Gingerich remained on the farm until 1852, with his parents ; emigrated to America, and landed in New York City, then to Maryland, thence to Illinois, and settled in La Salle County ; here he re- mained until 1867, engaged in farming; he then moved to Livingston Co., Ill., and settled where he now resides. Married in 1868 to Miss Agnes Miller, of Scotland, by whom they have five children. Mr. Gin- gerich, at the breaking-out of the late war. enlisted as private in Co. D. 104th I. V. I. ; participated in several battles. Is a National Greenbacker in politics. Owns 160 acres of improved land.

THOS. S. HARRY, farmer ; P. O. Chatsworth ; the above-named gentleman was born in Christian Co., Ky., Aug. 31, 1823, and is the son of Samuel and Mary R. (Thompson ) Harry ; his father, Samuel Harry, was born in Maryland July 22, 1784; was engaged in the war of 1812. under Gen. Scott, and in 1816, settled in Kentneky and remained here eu- gaged in farming until 1855, when, with his family, removed to Illinois and settled in McLean County, where he died Dec. 19, 1862; Mary R. Harry was born in Penn- sylvania Jan. 12, 1787 ; died April 7, 1873. Mr. Harry was brought up on his father's farm in Kentucky, and remained there until 1846, when he came to Illinois and settled in McLean County ; remained here until 1849, then went to Woodford County, and in 1865, came to Livingston County and settled where he now lives. Married to Miss Irena J. Compton, of Kentucky, born Dec. 11, 1823; daughter of Ralph Compton, born in South Caro- lina Nov. 23, 1779; died Sept. 1, 1863, and Annis Compton, born in South Caro- lina Dec. 26, 1784; died Jan. 20, 1862; have six children. Mr. Harry is a National Greenbacker in politics; in religion, Chris- tian Church. Owns 160 acres of improved land.

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WILLIAM HALLAM, farmer ; P. O. Chatsworth ; was born in Washington Co., Penn., Jan. 18, 1838, and is the son of Slayfield and Mariah (Arnold ) Hallam ; his father was engaged in farming ; here Mr. Hallam was brought up on his father's farm and remained in Pennsylvania en- gaged in farming until he was 19 years of age ; he then eame West to Illinois in 1847, and settled in La Salle County, farming until 1868; he then moved to Livingston Co., Ill., and settled on the place he now lives on, having made all improvements on his farm. He married in 1860 to Miss Amerella Belding, of New York, by whom they have ten children. Mr. Hallam's parents are both dead ; his father died when he was quite young ; lived with Isaac Dager, a neighboring farmer, for about nine years. Is a National Greenbacker in polities. Owns 160 acres.

JEROME HOWE, farmer ; P. O. Chatsworth ; the subject of this sketch was born in Putnam Co, Ill., Aug. 1, 1848, and is the son of Peter and Arvilla IIowe. who were among the early settlers of Put- nam Co. Ill., engaged in farming here ; Mr. Howe remained with his parents until he was 24 years of age, engaged in farm- ing; he is now engaged in working his father's farm of 400 acres, which is one of the finest improved farms of Livingston Co. ; was purchased from Gen. George B. MeClellan in 1863; his father, Peter Howe, is a very extensive land owner ; has some 1,500 acres of land in Livingston and Iroquois Counties ; he emigrated West with his wife by wagon, in poor circum- stances ; he went to work at his trade (mason and contractor) here ; he managed well ; he then engaged in the real estate business, which he has been very success- ful in ; now resides in Wenona. Ill. Mr. Jerome Howe married, June 5, 1872. to Miss Fannie Hill, of Pike Co., Ill .; three children. Owns 120 acres in Livingston, and 160 in Iroquois, and 80 acres in Ford Co., Illinois.

JOHN LAW, farmer; P. O. Chats- worth ; this gentleman was born in York- shire, England, April 23. 1828, and is the son of James and Charlotte Law; his father was a potter by trade ; emigrated to America in 1845 ; with his father was en- gaged in the pottery business in New Jer- sey until 1851 ; then to Vermont three

years ; thence to Attica, N. Y., two years ; in 1856, he came West to Illinois, and set- tled in Grundy Co., and remained here un- til 1860, when he came to Livingston Co., and settled on the farm he now lives on, being among the first settlers of Charlotte Tp. He was engaged in the late war ; en- listed as private in Co. E, 129th I. V. I., for three years, or during the war ; partie- ipated in some of the hard-fought battles during the war-Chattanooga, Resaca. ct ... , with Gen. Sherman's march from Atlanta to the sea, through the Carolinas, at Wash- ington, D. C., grand review ; mustered out in June, 1865 ; at the close of the war he returned home and commenced farming. Married in 1853 to Miss Hannah Hodges, of Dublin, Ireland, by whom they have nine children. Mr. Law is a Republican in politics ; has held several offices of trust of Charlotte Tp.

PATRICK MONAHAN, farmer and stock raiser; P. O. Chatsworth ; the sub- jeet of this sketch was one of the first set- tlers of Charlotte Tp. ; was born in Meath Co., Ireland, July 22, 1830, and is the son of John and Bridget (Glaeken) Monahan, natives of Ireland ; father was a farmer ; here Mr. Monahan spent his childhood and early youth, working on the farm from the time he was able to handle an ax or hold the plow, and gathering what instruction thie country schools of Ireland could afford : at 22 years of age (1852), he emigrated to America, and landed in New York City, after being eight weeks and three days on the sea ; in a very severe storm. in which the ship lost her entire rigging. and killing sixteen persons from the pitching and toss- ing of the vessel; his first work in Amer- iea was in working on a farm for Warren S. White; he lived with him for the first year, with the understanding that he was to receive from Mr. White at the end of the year what he was worth; at the close of the year, Mr. White called him up and paid him $14 per month ; Mr. Monahan being satisfied, he remained with him un- til 1856 ; he then emigrated West to Illi- nois and commenced farming in Will Co., with about $15 in his pocket ; when Mr. Monahan was working for Mr. White, East, he sent part of his money to his mother in Ireland ; he came West very poor ; from Will Co., he went to Grundy Co., and remained here about two years, as

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boss in stripping coal ; here he managed to save $527 ; he invested this amount in 160 acres of the present farm he now owns, and came to Livingston Co., and settled in what is now Charlotte Tp., Spring of 1857 ; here he has been very successful in farming ; to-day owns 360 acres of fine im- proved land. having the finest residence in Livingston Co., with beautiful surrounding grounds. Mr. Monahan is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Catholic Church. Married Feb. 3. 1855, to Miss Elizabeth Hanlay of Ireland, by whom they have had twelve children ; seven liv - ing, and five deceased.

JOHN MONAHAN, farmer ; P. O. Chatsworth ; this gentleman is one of the oldest and most prominent settlers of Char- lotte Tp. ; was born in Meath Co., Ireland, May 1, 1838, and is the son of John and Bridget (Glacken ) Monahan, of Ireland ; in 1852, Mr. Monahan emigrated to Amer- ica on the ship Conquor ; after being at sea five weeks and two days, safely landed in New York City ; here but a short time, then to farming in New York by the month, receiving $12 per month ; here he remained about four years ; then West to Iowa, then to Illinois, prospecting for a farm ; he remained in Morris, Grundy Co., eighteen months, engaged in weighing coal and teaching school; in June. 1858, came to Livingston Co., and was engaged, with his brother Patrick, in stock raising. Married Oct. 17. 1864. to Miss Mary Glennen, daughter of James Glennen ; five children. Mr. Monahan is a National Green- back man in politics ; has held several offices of public trust-School Director, Supervisor of Charlotte Tp., which office he still holds. Owns 400 acres of tine im- proved land ; in 1865, Mr. M. built a very fine residence, but the same year, a very severe tornado came up about 10 o'clock at night, while Mr. M. and his children were in bed. his wife sitting up engaged in sewing ; the house was lifted from its foun- dation, and the family fell through to the ground ; the building was carried about twenty yards and completely wrecked ; but. fortunately for the family, none were dan- gerously hurt.

H. PARSONS, farmer: P. O. Chats- worth ; was born in Miami Co., Ohio, March 1, 1815, and is the son of Hiram and Mary . Patterson ) Parsons. His father

was engaged in the Revolutionary war un- der Gen. George Washington ; served six years, and participated in some of the most important battles-Stony Point, Brandy- wine, Horse Shoe Bend, etc .; died when Mr. Parsons was but 11 years of age : his mother and three sisters all died within ten days, of milk sickness. Mr. Parsons started out in the world at 12 years of age, a poor boy ; he first went to Dayton, Ohio ; here he remained for three years ; returned to Miami Co., then to Troy, Ohio, where he spent one year in shoemaking ; he then commenced to learn the carpenter trade, and engaged in this trade for some t me. In 1844, he married Miss Jane Ross, of Zanesville, Ohio; he then settled in New Carlisle, Clark Co., Ohio ; then to Indiana five years; returned to Ohio and remained there five years ; he then came to Ilinoi- and settled in Livingston Co., in 1864, on his present farm ; here he has been engaged in farming ever since. Has held office of Justice of the Peace eight years ; Repub- lican in politics, and a member of the Baptist Church over forty years. Have four children-two boys and two girls.

MAJ. DAVID E. SHAW, manufact- uring Star Wind-Mill; P. O. Chatsworth ; was born in Quincy, Mass, near the residence of ex-President John Quincy Adams ; he was born Feb. 24, 1824; his father was David E. Shaw, a sea captain ; died when Mr. Shaw was very young ; he helped cut and make the first snit of sails for the old ship Constitution ; Mr. Shaw's first experi- ence in life was on the sea ; he shipped on a sailing vessel when 13 years of age ; he then entered a dry goods store in Boston, Mass., as a clerk ; here four years ; he then went to sea, and followed this business some time, and then to Boston, where he learned the carpenter trade. He married in 1844; his oldest son was born near Plymouth Rock ; came West to Ohio, and was engaged in the millwright business very extensively for nine years; thence to Iowa two years, in farming; to Illinois, in 1860. Sept. 24, 1861, enlisted as private in Co. 1, 36th I. V. I .; was promoted by Gov. Yates to Second Lieutenant : he served faithfully until he was wounded at Perryville, Ky., and in April, 1863. was honorably discharged ; he went with his brother in Indiana ; while here he was ap- pointed by Gov. O. P. Morton as Major of

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the militia of Randolph Co., Ind. In 1866, he came to Livingston Co., Ill., and settled on the farm he now owns. Maj. Shaw has been very extensively engaged in the patent-right business ; is the patentee of the Star Wind-Mill, Shaw's water-heater and lime-extractor, for steam boilers ; also,

a patent on a feed-grinder attached to wind-mill. Married twice ; first wife, Miss Pereis Lucas, of Massachusetts, by whom he had six children, four living ; second wife, Miss M. Laura Hill, of Massachu- setts ; one child. Republican in politics and Presbyterian in religion.

FAYETTE TOWNSHIP.

THOMAS H. AARON, farmer ; P. O. Strawn ; was born in Clarion Co., Penn., May 10, 1826 ; he is the son of George and Margaret ( Rufuer ) Aaron ; his father was born in 1799, and his mother in 1802; both parents are still living ; he remained with his parents, farming Summers and at- tending school Winters, until in his 23d year ; in the Fall of 1849, moved to Jef- ferson Co., Penn., and engaged in farming : in 1864, came West to Illinois and settled in Henry Co., near Galva, on the C., B. & Q. R. R .; here he remained three years engaged in farming; in the Spring of 1867. came to Livingston Co. and located on the farm on which he now resides ; owns southeast quarter of Sec. 4. He was married Ang. 26, 1849, to Mary Lilly, a native of Cambray Co., Penn .; has eight children living -- Vincent, Agnes, Margaret, Lizzie, Pheny, George, Hilena, Alice ; one infant son, dead. In December, 1873, he engaged in the grocery trade, in con- nection with his son, in the village of Strawn, under the firm name of Aaron & Son ; in September, 1874, E. H. Roberts was taken into the business as a partner, and the firm name was changed to that of Aaron, Roberts & Co. Demoerat ; Cath- olic. Was elected first Assessor of Fay- ette Tp .; held the office seven years in su :- cession ; has been Road Commissioner five years ; has also held the offices of School Trustee and School Director ; he is a very successful business man and an energetic and thrifty farmer.

J. H. CURYEA, farmer and stoek dealer ; P. O. Strawn ; was born in Shen- andoah Co., Va., Nov. 3, 1830; at the age of 6 years came with family to Lieking Co., Ohio ; here they remained seven years ; in 1843, came to La Salle Co., Ill., and settled near Ottawa; December, 1851,

left home for California ; he engaged in mining, and at the expiration of three months purchased one-third interest in a mine, which he worked successfully for one year ; in the early part of November, 1852, he met with a serious accident while working his mine, which wholly disabled him for the space of four months ; before the accident his usual weight was 180 pounds ; three months afterward he could balance only ninety pounds ; hearing that hands were much needed and wages good for threshing in the San Jose Valley, he went to the valley, and engaged in running a thresher ; he received $150 per month for his services, which was simply driving the horse power ; January, 1854, he re- turned to Illinois and settled near where Mattoon now is, in connection with his uncle, engaged in handling stock ; $18,000 worth was an average for the season; in November, 1857, returned to La Salle Co .; in 1863 moved to Chicago and engaged in keeping hotel and trading in stock; in 1864, removed to Ottawa, stock dealing and running a butcher market; in June, 1868, moved to Otter Creek ; March, 1876, moved to Strawn, where he now re- sides. He was married Feb. 12, 1857, to Manema McMunn, a native of Coshocton Co., Ohio; has nine children-Nora V., Charles D., Sallie, Frank, Lucie, Gertrude, Belle, John B., George C. Owns 320 acres. Independent ; Universalist.

HOLLAND CATTON, farmer; P. O. Strawn ; was born in Seopwick, Lincoln- shire, Eng., Sept. 1, 1822; he left home at the age of 14, and worked three years in a brick-yard ; afterward he worked at farming until 1855, when with his family, consisting of a wife and four children, he immigrated to America ; here he followed coal digging for twelve years, owning and

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working a half interest in a mine in Stark Co., Ill., seven years of the time; in 1867 ; he sold out his interest to his brother, and came to Livingston Co., to the farm on which he now resides. Was married May 27. 1845, to Ellen Eyre, a native of Branswell, Eng .; has six children-Mary, Martha, Ben, Willie, Sallie, Ellen. Owns 240 acres. Republican ; Methodist. Has held the office of School Director. Mr. Catton is a thoroughgoing, successful farmer, and is highly esteemed for his high grade of honorable dealings, and his fine social qualities, by his neighbors and friends.

J. W. EBERSOL, agent C. & P. R. R., Strawn; was born in Pontiae, Livingston Co., Ill., June 28, 1843 ; he is the second child born in Pontiac ; when he was two years of age his father moved to Burling- ton, Iowa; 1857, his family returned to Illinois and settled in La Salle Co., near Ottawa; his father resides there at present. In August, 1862, young Ebersol enlisted in the 72d I. V. I., and served one year and six months ; May 22, 1863, he re- ceived a severe wound in the left shoulder, which necessitated the removal of the en- tire humerus bone of the arm; he was discharged in February, 1864. On return- ing from the army he remained in Ottawa until the Fall of 1869, when he located in Germantown Tp., on his farm; in 1873, received the appointment of agent for the C. & P. R. R., at Strawn. He was mar- ried March 19, 1867, to Theodocia Strawn, second daughter of David Strawn; has had five children-Josephine and Alice, living; Edwin C., Mabel P., Joseph W., deceased. Independent. Owns north half of Sec. 6, in Germantown ; also several houses and lots in Strawn. Is Notary Public, Justice of the Peace, and has been Township Treasurer for the past two years ; is agent for the Phoenix of Hartford, Atna of Hartford, and the Underwriters of New York.

G. HARVEY, M. D., physician and surgeon, Strawn; was born in La Salle, La Salle Co., Ill., Oct. 15, 1850 ; at the age of 2 years he was left without father or mother ; he was under the guardianship of his uncle, Joel Harvey, of Sterling, Whiteside Co., for seventeen years ; in the Fall of 1869, he went to Iowa, and in the Spring of 1870, he entered the Agricult-

ural College, located at Ames, Story Co., Iowa ; here he remained four years, work- ing his way through the entire course ; received the degree of B. S. in the Fall of 1873; the cost for the first year, above his wages for work, was nineteen cents ; Nov. 18, 1873, he entered the Pharma- ceutical Department of Michigan Univer- sity ; doubling in his work, he completed a two years' course so as to graduate with the class of June 24, 1874 ; at this time he received the degree of P. C .; he grad- uated from the Medical Department March 20, 1875, with the degree of M. D. con- ferred ; May 10, 1875. came to Ottawa, La Salle Co., and entered upon the prac- tice of his profession, forming a copartner- ship with Dr. MeArthur ; in August, 1875, he located at Strawn, and in Novem- ber, of the same year, opened a drug store in connection with his practice. He was married April 15, 1875, to Mary Richard- son. a native of Boston, Mass. Repub- lican ; affiliates with the M. E. Church. He has succeeded in building up a good paying practice, and is rapidly accumulating means.

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The History of Livingston County, Illinois : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., Part 95

Author: Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron Number of Pages: 884

Author:
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron
Number of Pages: 884