The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 117

Author: Le Baron, Wm., Jr. & Co., Chicago, Pub
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron, Jr.
Number of Pages: 1092

USA > Illinois > McLean County > The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men > Part 117

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

895

EMPIRE TOWNSHIP.

CHALTON D. WATTERS was born in Bourbon Co., Ky .. June 17, 1826; he settled with his parents upon his present place in 1830, and is the oldest continuous resident upon any one place in Empire Township, having lived upon his present place for nearly half a century. He has always followed farming, and has in his home farm 221 acres, situated one mile from Le Roy, upon which he has good farm buildings. His marriage with Sarah C. Moore was celebrated Dec. 29, 1852; she was born in Virginia, Sept. 20, 1829; eight children were the fruit of this union, of which six are now living-Silas, Miller C , John T., William, Christic Ann and Mattie May.

BRUCE WATT. farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Le Roy. The subject of this sketch was born in De Witt Co., Ill., June 19, 1855, where he attended the common school until ten years of age, when he located with his father upon Sec. 29, Empire Township, McLean Co., where he lived until the decease of his father, P. P. Watt, which occurred March 26, 1876. Mrs. Watt died in Logan Co., lil., in October, 1853. The subject of this sketch lived in Le Roy one season after the death of his father, and in the winter of 1876 he purchased his present place, where he has since lived. His nuptials with Carrie Pence were celebrated April 26, 1877; she was born in McLean Co., 111 .. Sept. 25, 1857; they have one child by this union-Sibyl, born Oct. 31, 1878.

MATTHEW D. WEBB, farmer, Sec. 33: P. O. Le Roy ; born in Union Co., Ohio, Nov. 23, 1845, where he lived upon his father's farm until 17 years of age, when he enlisted March 17, 1863, in the 96th O. V. I .; he remained in camp at Columbus. Ohio, until April 1, when he was sent to New Orleans, and was engaged in the Red River Expedition, where he was in many engagements, among which was the battle of Sabine Cross Roads and Pleasant Hill ; he then remained at Morganzia Bend a short time, after which he was engaged in the capture of Ft. Gaines, Ft. Morgan, Ft. Blakely, and Spanish Fort, when the city of Mobile surrendered to the U'nion forces, where he remained a few months; when he was forwarded to Galveston, Texas ; then to Brownsville, where he was mustered out of service and received his discharge, in the early part of the summer of 1866, at Columbus, Ohio, after serving in the Union army for a period of over three years ; in September, 1866, he came to Illinois, on horseback, and located at Le Roy, McLean Co., where he followed carpentering a short time, and in 1871, he located upon his present place, where he has since lived, and where he has a farm of eighty-five acres, two and one-half miles from Le Roy. llis marriage with Nancy M. Rutledge, was celebrated Nov. 24, 1870; they have two children now living, by this union-Malinda M., born June 4, 1873, and Laura B., April 26, 1877. Mrs. Rutledge is the daughter of James and Prudy Rut- ledge, who were among the early settlers of McLean Co., and whose biography appears in this work.

GEORGE YONTZ WEST, farmer and stock-dealer ; P. O. Le Roy. The subject of this sketch was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Sept. 21, 1847; his father, John C West, was born in Knox Co., Ohio, and followed carpentering and farming until 1851, when he emigrated to Illinois, and located in Empire Township, McLean Co., and in 1869, he removed to Taylor Co., Iowa, where he now lives. He was married in Ohio, to Susan Bonnett; she was the daughter of John Bon- nett, whose biography appears in this work; Mrs. West was born in Ohio, April 27. 1821; she lied a few years after removing to Illinois, and lies buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery, one mile east of Le Roy : at 20 years of age, George Y. West, made his home with James Bonnett, and commenced dealing in stock, his first purchase being ten hogs; he has since enlarged his busi- ness, buying, feeding and shipping cattle, horses and sheep to Chicago and the Eastern markets; he located upon his present place in April, 1878, where he has about 100 acres of land, which he purchased in 1874. His marriage with Hester I. Scott was celebrated March 21, 1878; she was born in Clinton Co., Ind., March 1, 1853 ; she is the danghter of William E. Scott, now living in Empire Township.

JAMES S. WILEY, farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. Le Roy; a native of Empire Township, McLean Co., Ill .; born on the 5th day of Aug. 1839; his father, James Wiley, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, June 10, 1810; he emigrated from his native country to the West India Islands, in 1828. where he was employed as book-keeper and overseer of a large plantation upon the Island of Jamaica until 1835, when he emigrated to America, and to McLean Co., Ill., and until 1845, fol- lowed the mercantile trade at Le Roy and neighboring towns; he then engaged in farming, which business he followed until his decease, which occurred on the 5th of June, 1860 ; he now rests in the beautiful cemetery situated one mile east of Le Roy : during his life he was largely identi- fied with the interests of the township, was one of its most influential citizens and filled many offices, among which was Justice of the Peace for sixteen years, and was the first Supervisor of Empire Township, and held the office continuously until his decease. His widow now lives in Le Roy ; she is a sister of our much respected and worthy citizen Silas Waters, and is one of a family of nine children, who, with their parents, crossed the Alleghany Mountains in 1814, in a two-wheel cart, drawn by one horse; the children are all now living; the youngest now 65 and the oldest 79. James S. Wiley lived with his father, attended school and followed farming until 17 years of age, since which time he has given his whole attention to farming ; he removed upon his present place, in February, 1869, where he owns 120 acres of land, under a high state of cultivation. Ilis marriage with Kate Williams was celebrated Jan. 19, 1869; she was born in McLean Co., Sept. 10, 1843; they have two children-James B., born May 27, 1870, and Daisy A., Dec. 20, 1872 : Mrs. Wiley was a daughter of Aaron S. Williams; he was born in White Co.,

896

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

Ill., and was one of the early settlers of this county. He married Nancy Conaway, who emi- grated with her parents from Kentucky, and located in what is now Empire Township, McLean Co., in 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are now living in Normal.

THOMAS M. WHITAKER, farmer; P. O. Le Roy ; one of the early settlers of McLean Co .; born in Mason Co., Ky., March 10, 1807. Ilis father, James Whitaker, was born in Mary- land, near Havre de Grice, and emigrated to Kentucky when quite young ; here he followed farming, and worked at the trade of stone and brick maison until his decease, which occurred in Kentucky about the year 1840; he married, in Kentucky, Cordelia Field; she was born in Maryland, and died in Kentucky, in 1845. The subject of this sketch learned the trade of a brick mason, which he followed, with farming, until 23 years of age, when he was united in marriage with Matikdla Barnett upon the 27th of February, 1830; she was born in Dayton, Ohio, Nov. 11, 1811 ; she was the daughter of Moses and Catherine (Ellis) Barnett, who emigrated from Kentucky and located in Empire Township, McLean Co., in the spring of 1831 ; Mr. Bar- nett died in 1855; Mrs. Barnett died May 15, 1865. Mr. Whitaker followed farming eight years in Kentucky after his marriage, when he emigrated with his family to Illinois, and landed in Le Roy Dec. 31, 1837 : he located npon his present place in 1841, where he has livel for a period of thirty-eight years; upon his locating here he had no capital, save one team, a strong arm and willing hand; he then purchased forty acres of land on twelve months' time ; he then put up a log house, in which he lived some fifteen years, when it gave place to his present pleas- ant and convenient place. Mr. Whitaker has suffered all the hardships and privations of frontier life ; he now owns upward of 200 acres of land, which, aside from raising a large family, he has accumulated, with the assistance of his amiable wife, by their hard labor, energy and industry. Their children were ten in number-Charles A., born Nov. 3, 1832; Catherine, Sept. 10, 1834; Mary Jane, July 3; 1836 ; Alvin, Jan. 29, 1841; George M., Feb. 16, 1843; John O., May 10, 1845: Alfred and Albert (twins), June 26, 1848, and two deceased; Alvin served in the Union army for upward of three years ; at the battle of Petersburg, he was color-bearer of the 39th Regt .; was wounded and taken prisoner while still holding to the glorious old flag; after laying in rebel prisons, he was paroled ; the war closed soon after, and he received his dis- charge. In politics, Mr. Whitaker has been a life-long Democrat, having cast his first vote for Andrew Jacks n, and has worked hard for the success of the party ; he has never sought polit- ical honor, but has held some petty offices, among which was School Director in his district for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker have trod the path of life peacefully together for nearly half a century, and should their lives be spared but a few short months, by the kindness of the same Providence which has so long watched over and protected them, they will live to witness the anniversary of their golden wedding.

JAMES W. WRIGHT, blacksmith, Le Roy ; one of the early pioneers of Illinois; born in Indiana, ;Nov. 5, 1827. He emigrated with his parents when 1 year old, and located in Vermilion Co., near Danville, Ill., in the fall of 1828; he was raised to heavy farm labor until 21 years of age, when he met with an accident by a tree falling upon him, which broke his leg and caused him to relinquish farming ; he then went to Danville, where he learned and worked at the blacksmith trade for three years, and, in the winter of 1851, removed to Bloomington, McLean Co., where, after working one year, he came to Le Roy and associated with T. D. Gilmore, in the blacksmith trade two years ; then one year with John Kline, under the firm name of Wright & Kline ; then two years with Robert Ingle, when Mr. Wright bought his partner's interest, and continued three years alone ; he then admitted his old partner John Kline, which partnership con- tinned two years, since which time Mr. Wright has continued business alone Of town and school offices he has held his share, having been Town Trustec, School Trustee, one of the first Alder- men, and was elected the second Mayor of the city of Le Roy, which office he held for two years. Ilis marriage with Marcha F. Gilmore was celebrated Feb. 14, 1853; she was born in Warren Co., Ky., Nov. 21, 1834 ; nine children were the fruit of this union, four of whom are living, viz. : Matilda, E., born Feb. 3, 1854, now Mrs. Townsend L. Smith ; William, born June 27, 1858; James W., born March 25, 1869; MeLean, born March 22, 1877; the deceased are Thomas D., Stephen A. Donglas, Joseph Price, Cora Bell and Francis. Mrs. Wright was the daughter of Thomas D. Gilmore, one of the early settlers of McLean Co., who emigrated from Kentucky, and located in Empire Township, in 1836, where he now lives, at the age of 64 years. Her grand- father liveil to the ripe old age of 98. Mr. Wright's mother was one of nine children, all of whom are now living, the youngest being 65 years, and the oldest being 79 years of age. Silas Waters is one of the number. The above family of nine children with their parents crossed the Alleghany Mountains in a two- wheel cart, drawn by one horse, during the year 1814.

JOHN YORK, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 4; P. O. Le Roy; born in Knox Co., Tenn., April 17, 1829; he removed with his parents to Monroe Co., Ind., when quite young, and was brought up on a farm here until 18 years of age, when he enlisted in the 4th Ind. V. 1., to serve during the war with Mexico, leaving home June 8, 1847, going down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans, then by vessel to Brazos Samiago, Texas ; from there to Vera Cruz, where he landed in October ; he served in Mexico during the war : leaving Mexico in July, 1848, he retured via New Orleans and Cairo, to Madison, Ind., where he received his discharge In the spring of 1849, he emigrated West, and located in Empire Township, McLean Co , Ill., where

897

CHENEY'S GROVE TOWNSHIP.

he first purchased 100 acres of land, upon which he removed in 1850, and to which he has since added by purchase, until he now owns 280 acres upon his home farm, with good farm buildings, his residence being erected in 1877 His marriage with Sarah F. Ingle was celebrated May 26, 1850; she was born in Tennessee, March 6, 1831. She was the daughter of Henry Ingle, and sister of Chas. M Ingle, both deceased, and whose biographies appear in this work. Mrs. York died Jan. II, 1878, leaving thirteen children, viz; Henry, Charles, Francis, Milton, Stephen, Mary, Mclellan, Peter, Robert and Eva, (twins), Irwin, David and Richard.

CHENEY'S CROVE TOWNSHIP.

G. W. BARTON, M. D., Saybrook ; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., May 11, 1838. In the year 1859, he came to Bloomington, McLean Co., and spent seven years in teaching school in the neighborhood, and attending the Wesleyan University, of Bloomington. In 1862, he entered the army and served as a private for three months; after his discharge, he again enlisted for three years, and acted as Hospital Steward in the Marine Hospital at New Orleans until the close of the war, upon which he entered the "Chicago Medical College" and graduated in the year 1869, and was appointed House Surgeon and Physician, Mercy Hospital, at Chicago. In 1870, he came to Saybrook, where he has continued the practice of his profession, and has now quite an extensive practice. He married Miss Olive Hinsdale, daughter of Morris llinsdale, of Gen- esee Co., N. Y., July 7, 1869 ; she was born in Genesee Co., July 21, 1840 ; they have two child- ren-Olive L., born Jan. 28, 1874 ; Charles M., Aug. 17, 1875.

HON. W. H. CHIENEY, deceased, whose portrait will be found in this work, was born Feb. 19, 1822, near Mechanicsburg, Ohio, and died in Cheney Grove, Ill., Aug. 24, 1878. He was the tenth child and fourth son of Jonathan and Catharine Cheney. In 1825, his parents came to Illinois and settled in the grove which now bears their family name. At that time, their nearest neighbors lived at Blooming Grove, twenty-five miles distant. As may be supposed, educational facilities were rare. In this family Mary, the eldest daughter, instructed the younger chil- dren, and afterward taught school in the neighborhood. The subject of our sketch attended school in the winter season until 19 years old, when he began his life business of farming and stock-dealing. During his boyhood, his frequent playmates were little Indian boys, who taught him to use the bow and arrow with considerable dexterity. Ile was rather fond of hunting, and, in his youth, killed a great many wild turkeys, deer and wolves. In the win- ter of 1843, he shot ten head of deer. When not quite 21 years old, he married Miss Mary Jane Orendorff, aged 16. She was the danghter of William and Lavina (Sales) Orendorff, and was born and educated in Blooming Grove. This grove was named by her mother, and when the town which is now the city of Bloomington was started, its name was taken from the grove. She was a most affectionate wife and mother; was entirely devoted to the interests and welfare of her husband and children, and was universally loved and respected Their children were nine in number-Lavina, Jay, Kate, Charlie, Emma, Willie, Harry, Mary Belle and Min- nie Estelle ; six are now living-Lavina, wife of W. H. Beckwith, lives in Saybrook ; Charlie, who married Miss Lizzie Pugsley, resides near the homestead, which adjoins Saybrook. The remaining four live in their childhood home. Jay died in infancy, Willie when not quite 3 years old, and Emma at the age of 22. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Cheney made himself a home, where he all his life resided, on the southern edge of the grove, about a mile and a half from the head of the Sangamon River. This stream runs through his farm, which is composed of about a thousand acres. George Cheney's farm adjoins his, and for many years the two brothers dealt in live-stock as partners. A remarkably close friendship existed between them ; George's death was mourned most deeply by his brother. Mr. Cheney possessed a deeply religious nature, and, although not a member of any religious denomination, yet he entertained a profound respect for Christianity wherever he found it truly exemplified ; and particularly after the loss of a portion of his family, did he turn his thoughts toward the life yet to come ; in the beginning of his last illness he remarked, among other things, that he held the kindest of feelings toward every person living. In politics, he was always Republican, and bore a promi- nent part. In 1867, he was elected to the State Senate to succeed Hon. Isaac Funk. The grant- ing of the charter for the La Fayette, Bloomington & Mississippi Railway Company was due principally to Mr. Cheney's exertions. The road afterwards built by this company passes through Saybrook, near his home. To him was accorded the honor of first "breaking ground" at the commencement of the work. May 28, 1873, Mr. C. married Miss Caroline Brown, daughter of Demas and Mary Brown, of Medina, Ohio. She is a most estimable lady, and highly regarded by all who know her. Their children are three in number-George, Nellie and Wilbur Haines ; they, with their mother and the unmarried brother and sisters, constitute one family. Mr. Cheney's manners were cordial, yet accompanied by a dignified bearing that immediately commanded respect. In character, he strongly resembled his mother, who was a person of rare

898

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

good sense and judgment, and whom he always treated with the kindest respect and reverence. He was always a temperate man, and never used tobacco in any form. In his dealings he was a man of whom it might well be said, " Ilis word was as good as his bond." True to his friends, and to his enemies also true, for they always knew where to find him. In public enterprise in his vicinity he was ever the leading spirit. Possessed of restless, indomitable energy, his mind was always at work devising improvements, both public and private, which he rarely failed to carry through. The old adage, " Where there's a will there's a way," was unusually verified in his case. Ile possessed the will and he made the way. Like many pioneers, he was noted for open-handed hospitality. Scattered over the country there are scores of men who will recollect his home as a welcome stopping-place in their travels, before the days of railroads in the West. He was a very social man, and delighted to entertain his friends in his own home. Fond of music and possessing an excellent voice, he spent many an evening singing, for the enjoyment of his family, '. John Paulding," "Sinclair's Defeat" and other ballads of the olden time. Ilaving, from his childhood, practiced incessant industry, he had little pity for need caused by idleness, but no deserving poor one ever left his presence unaided. Ilis was an extremely sensitive, nervous organism, and any hurt, either physical or mental, caused him intense suffering. He was a most affectionate husband and father. The welfare and comfort of his family seemed to be his greatest care and pride. His place in the hearts of his intimate friends cannot be filled. In his death, the community where he had lived lost an active worker, and the world an honorable man. His grave is in the family lot in the new cemetery, and can be seen from his late resi- dence.

R. J. CHENEY, farmer ; P. O. Saybrook; is the youngest son of Jonathan Cheney, the first settler in this township, and was born on the homestead in this township Aug. 24, 1828. He lived with his parents up to the age of 20, assisting them on the farm, when, having entered land on Sec. 33, he improved it and lived upon it for two years, when, having sold it, he entered and improved a farm in Belleflower Township, which he afterward sold, and, on Feb. 15, 1870, moved to his present home, where he has since resided. He has held the office of Supervisor of Belleflower Township one term. He married Miss M. E. Green, daughter of Thomas W. Green, of Belleflower Township, Dec. 10, 1846. She died March 5, 1858. They had four children, three living-Oscar, born Nov. 6, 1847; Alonzo, May 29, 1851 ; Lyman, July 8, 1853 ; and one dead-Rebecca, born July 11, 1856. died Sept. 28, 1874. He married his second wife, Miss Maria Rice, daughter of Henry Rice, of Empire Township, Oct. 10, 1858. Her parents were among the early settlers of this county. They have three children-Margaret, born Dec. 17, 1859; Frank, Jan. 23, 1862; and Mary, Sept. 22, 1863.

EZEKIEL COILE, farmer; P. O. Saybrook; was born in Washington Co., E. Tenn., Nov. 13, 1834. In the year 1849, his parents moved to this county, and, the first two years, lived upon the farm of E. Myers, and then entered and improved the farm on Sec. 16, where they have ever since resided. llis father died there Oct. 4, 1877. His mother still lives with her son. His farm contains 160 acres. Ile has been Township Collector for one term. He married, Sept. 17, 1861, Miss Helen Lewis, daughter of William D. and Nancy Lewis, of Cheney's Grove Township, who came to this county in the year 1856, from Kentucky, and died here. They have a family of seven children, all living-Mary, born March 27, 1864; Esther M., May 6, 1867; Sarah, May 22, 1869 ; Tacy J., Nov. 22, 1871 ; John H., May 25, 1875; Rosa W., Oct. 18, 1876 ; and Robert V., Nov. 1, 1878. Mrs. Coile was born July 12, 1843.

T. S. COLLINS, dry goods merchant ; Saybrook ; was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Feb. 28, 1836. Upon the death of his father, when he was but 5 years of age, he went to live among his relatives until he was 16 years of age, when he went to Warren Co., Ind., and started in life for himself, unaided, and first worked upon a farm during the summer, attending school during the winter, and, at the age of 19, taught school. In 1858, he moved to Illinois and set- tled in De Witt Co , teaching school, and from there went to Maroa, Mason Co., and clerked until the fall of 1862, when he enlisted as a private in Co D, 116th Regt. I. V. I., and was pro- moted to First Lieutenant of same company, serving as such until the close of the war, in 1865. Having returned to Maroa the same fall, engaged in mercantile business until the year 1873, when, having started a branch store at Gibson, Ford Co., Ill., took charge of it until 1876, when he came to Saybrook and opened a large dry-goods store, and also formed a copartnership with G. R. Means in the grocery. boot and shoe business. He married Miss Hattie Hedger, daugh- ter of Thomas Hedger, of Maroa, May 24, 1866. They have five children-Willie, born Aug. 4, 1867; Bertie, Sept. 14, 1869; Minnie, Oct. 7, 1871; Olive, Sept. 14, 1874 ; and Grace, Sept. 20,1877.

JOHN M. CRIGLER, dentist, Saybrook ; was born in Rockingham Co., Va., Dec. 13, 1847. In 1849, his parents moved to McLean Co., and settled in Dry Grove Township, six miles west of Bloomington, being among the early settlers of this county, They now reside near Stanford. The subject of this sketch, at the age of 18, started in lite upon his own resources, and his suc- cess in his profession is due to his own energy and ability. Ile first went to Pekin College, Pekin, Ill., for one year, and in December, 1867, went to Bloomington and commenced the study of dentistry with Dr. S. C. Wilson for one year, and on Sept. 14, 1868, came to Saybrook and opened an office. In connection with Mr. Hepburn, built the first brick business house,

899

CHENEY'S GROVE TOWNSHIP.

and also, in 1871, the brick block known as " Crigler's Block," and also has been engaged in the real estate business-mostly in Kansas lands. He was a charter member of the "Central Illinois Dental Society," of Springfield ; has also been Town Trustee two terms, and President of the Board one term. He married Miss Love E. Ballard, eldest daughter of Dr. J. L. Ballard, Dec. 21, 1871. They have one child-Maud F, born Aug. 2, 1874. Dr. Crigler has a large practice, and from September, 1868, to September, 1878, his practice amounted to $30.207.

THOMAS CUNNINGHAM, farmer ; P. O. Saybrook ; is the second son of Robert Cunning- ham, and was born in Clarke Co., Ind., Nov. 18, 1818, and came with his parents to this town- ship at the age of 11 ; he resided with them until he was 22 years of age, when he married Miss Minerva A. Spence, Feb. 21, 1841 : she was a daughter of James and Susanna Spence, of Liv- ingston Co., Ill., being the first settlers of that county, having moved there in 1833. After his marriage, he built a house on his father's farm, and lived there until the year 1846, when he went to Livingston Co., purchased a farm, and, having sold it, returned in 1848 to his house in this township ; and, having entered and improved his present farm, moved upon it in the spring of 1851, where he, at present. resides. His wife was born Nov. 21, 1821 ; they had six children, four living-Phobe A., born Dec. 10, 1841, (who married Granville Michaels, they have one child-Willie G., now living with his grandparents) ; James W., born Feb. 6, 1851 ; Harvey J., born Nov. 26, 1855, and Lewis H. B., born June 14 1859; and two died-Lucinda J., born April 28, 1844, died Sept. 24. 1872, she married John Armstrong, of Livingston Co., leaving one child, born April 2, 1866, and is living with his grandparents ; and Ellen C., born Dec. 12, 1854, died Sept. 13, 1855.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 117

Author: Le Baron, Wm., Jr. & Co., Chicago, Pub Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron, Jr. Number of Pages: 1092

Author: Le Baron, Wm., Jr. & Co., Chicago, Pub
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron, Jr.
Number of Pages: 1092