The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 125

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 125

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SIMEON H. WEST, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Arrowsmith ; Mr. West was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., where he attended the common schools during the winter until 16 years of age, after which he engaged in farming until he emigrated to Illinois, and located in West Township in the spring of 1851. West Township received its name in honor of his father, who was the first Supervisor of the township, which office he held until 1869, when he removed to Bloomington, where he has since lived. In 1852, the subject of this sketch went to California, going down the river to New Orleans, then to Vera Cruz by sailing-vessel, then horseback via the City of Mexico to Acapulco ; from there by steamer 2,000 miles to San Francisco, where he arrived in April of the same year ; he remained in California and engaged in mining until 1854, when he returned via the Nicaragua route, being swamped in Virgin Bay, where he had a nar- row escape from drowning, forty of the ninety passengers being lost; he then returned to his

farm which he improved until 1859, when he again went to California by the overland route, going by the mail stage from Tipton, Mo., to San Francisco. Cal.,-a distance of 3,000 miles, being made by constant travel day and night, 1,100 miles of which were among hostile Indians ; he followed mining in California with fair success until 1861, when he returned to his farm, where he has since lived. His marriage with Martha O. Neal was celebrated June 21, 1863 ; she is a native of Ohio; they have six children by this union-Rosa L., Henry C., Laurence J., Marietta, Carrie M. and Marcus D. In 1873, Mr. West was elected Supervisor of West Town- ship, which office he has since held with the exception of one year, the last year being elected without opposition. Ile is largely engaged in feeding cattle, which he buys and ships from Chicago in car-load lots, and, after feeding until ready, re-ships to the Chicago market.

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MOUNT HOPE TOWNSHIP.

L. J. ADKINS, farmer; P. O. McLean ; was born in Pike Co., Ky., April 7, 1824 ; went with his parents to Louisville, Ky., in 1831. His father, Elijah, was one of the first settlers of Pike Co. : the county seat was built on his land. Iu 1842 he went to Clarksville, Tenn., where he engaged with his brother-in-law, clerking in the wholesale grocery and confectionery business until 1850. He then engaged in the confectionery business on his own account, and was burn d out the same year, losing nearly everything. Sept. 19, of the same year, he married Hester E. Poor ; she was born in Logan Co., Ky., May 13, 1832, and was a daughter of Col. D. W. Poor; he represented Logan Co. in the State Legislature three terms. In the fall of 1854, they moved to Mount Hope Township, where he bought 160 acres, and has followed farming ever since. They have had nine children ; three sons and four daughters are now living.

CARLON C. ALDRICH, grain and lumber dealer, McLean ; was born in Swanzey, Cheshire Co., N. H., Oct. 2, 1829 ; married to Miss L. A. Willson, Nov. 6, 1854, and moved to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1855. He located in the village of McLean, Aug. 8, 1860, where he engaged in the grain and lumber trade. In 1868 he formed a copartnership with A. B. Stoner and H. W. Bachman, under the firm name of Stoner, Aldrich & Co., and erected the Mount Hope Mills. An elevator, in connection with the mill, affords the best facilities for the handling and storing of grain. Mr. Aldrich owns 200 acres of farm-land in the vicinity of McLean, worth about $40 per acre. He has served the people of Mount Hope as Supervisor for two years. He has three children-two daughters and a son.

CORDELIA G. ALLIN : P. O. Mclean; widow of John W. Allin, who was born in Vandalia, Ill., July 9, 1826 ; moved to Bloomington with his parents previous to 1830. Nov. 8, 1849, he married Cordelia G. Parsons, who was born in Monongalia Co., West Va., Sept. 30, 1823; moved to Connersville, Ind., with her parents, in 1833, and to Bloomington, III., in 1842. Mr. Allin followed farming until his decease, Dec. 3, 1865. They moved to Mount Hope Township in March, 1859. They had four children-Lucy E., Harriet A., William P. and George, who died May 8, 1861, aged 8 years and 27 days. Mrs. Allin, with her three children, now resides on the farm (160 acres) which they purchased in the spring of 1859.

LAFAYETTE ARCHER, Collector, McLean ; the present Collector of Mt. Hope Township; is a native of New York, his birthplace being near the city of Rochester; he came West with his people when he was two years old, they locating in Bureau Co. He remained there until the age of 23 years ; while a resident of this county he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner. From there he came to McLean Co., and for two years was engaged in farming. In 1862, he entered the army in the war of the late rebellion-three years service. Ile had served nearly his term of enlistment, when he received a wound which disabled him for further service. He was in many of the heavy battles, among which may be mentioned the battle of Nashville, in 1864; that of Pleasant Hill, battle of Tupello, Miss .. and also the battle of Fort DeRuso. After leaving the army, he returned to McLean, and, until 1877, was engaged at the carpenter trade. From this he began farming again, and, in 1878, was elected to his present office. He is an old soldier who enjoys the respect and confidence of the people, and any confidence yet placed in him has not been betrayed.

G. A. ATCHLEY, farmer : P. O. McLean ; one of the finest farms of 160 acres, in Mt. Hope Township, is that of Mr. Atchley, located in Sections 1 and 12. He is a native of Mercer Co., N. J., his father and mother both being natives of the same State; he was born in 1831, and, during his early life, received a fair education. He came West in December, 1868, and bought 120 acres of his present farm, his family coming in the spring of 1869. Since then he has added forty acres to his farm. Under his careful cultivation he has made it one of the most valuable pieces of property in his vicinity. He was married Dec. 18, 1852, to Miss Mary Applegate. They have a family of four children-one son and three daughters. Mr. Atchley is well known as one of the thoroughly reliable men of Mt. Hope Township.

H. W BACHMAN, engineer. McLean ; is a native of Montgomery Co., Ohio ; he was born May 5. 1836; when he was 3 years old, his people moved to Jasper Co., Ill. ; upon the death of his father, in 1844, the family moved to Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1852; then moved to Tazewell Co., Ill .; while he was a resident of Pennsylvania, he had learned the trade of an engineer ; he spent a few years in travel over the Western States, and, Aug. 13, 1861, he enlisted in Co. B, 3d I. V. C., three-years' service, being mustered out of service in Springfield, Ill., in 1864; during his service he was in thirty-eight battles, among which were the battles of Pea Ridge, first battle of Vicksburg, that of Arkansas Post and of Gun Town, Miss. After being mustered out of service, he returned South, and, for a time, was in Govern- ment employ ; after which, he went to Texas, where he remained till 1866 ; in 1867. he came to McLean and engaged in the milling business, though he did not form his present partnership until 1868, the firm now being Stoner, Aldrich & Co., Mr. Bachman being the engineer of the firm ;

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he is a straightforward, unassuming kind of a man, though in point of integrity and honor he may always be depended upon

WILLIAM L. BARNES, farmer; P. O. McLean ; was born in Scituate, R. I., June 11, 1814. He married Sarah Andrews Nov. 23, 1840 ; they had one daughter, born April 29, 1845 ; she married James H. Irvin, of Mt. Hope Township, Sept. 5, 1860, and died Oct. 5, 1865, leav- ing no issue. Mrs. Barnes was born in Killingly, Conn., April 9, 1820. They moved from Rhode Island to Mt. Hope Township in February, 1856, where they still reside, owning a good home and eighty acres of beautiful land.

A. W. BASCOM, druggist, McLean. In writing of the business industries of McLean, the drug establishment of A. W. Bascom requires mentioning. This is, by far, the leading house of the town, and one of the brightest, cheeriest business houses of the place. Ile is a native of Washington Co., Ky .; was born in March, 1855, and was 8 years old when his people left Ken- tucky; remaining with his father through his travels, until he located at MeLean in 1865 ; he received a good education, and at a proper age engaged as a clerk in the drug line ; he has now been in business for himself for three years, though he has had seven years experience in the drug business, which has enabled him to become a thoroughly-educated druggist ; among his stock and assortment of goods, may be mentioned, first a full and complete line of pure drugs ; aside from this he has a large stock of lamps and lamp fixtures, cigars and tobacco, garden seeds, a fine line of show-case goods, etc. These are all conducive to his success; but no more so, than a fine family prescription department, over which he presides personally. He is certainly one of the live, active business men of McLean ; and as a financier, has proven himself equal to any emergency that has yet arisen.

JAMES C. BASCOM, M. D., McLean. Dr. J. C. Bascom, one of the long-established phy- sicians of McLean, is a native of Brown Co., Ohio; when he was yet but a boy, his parents moved to Kentucky, locating at. Augusta ; during his early life he had but little opportunity of getting an education ; he prosecuted his studies, both literary and scientific, under great diffi- culties ; but, being of a determined nature, he surmounted all obstacles. He began the study of his profession in Washington Co., Ky., and also began his practice there, which he continued for eighteen years ; then moved to Louisville, and from there to Greencastle, Ind., finally locat- ing permanently in McLean, in 1865. He is an active member of the Literary Society, and at present is holding the office of President of the Public Library Association, to which he has made very liberal contributions ; he is a gentleman who, in his dealing with the public professionally, has maintained a straightforward course, thereby winning the respect and esteem of the better class of the community. In May, 1845, he married Miss Fanny M. Jones. a native of Washing- ton Co., Ky .; they have five children, four daughters and one son, the latter being one among the leading business men of the place. The Doctor, by his energy and industry, has acquired a nice home and established a good business, and now, at his time of life, instead of wandering over the world, he is one of the honored and respected citizens of McLean.

THOMAS CARR, McLean, Ill. : was born in Westborough, Worcester Co., Mass., May 2 ', 1860. Ilis father, Thomas Carr, Sr., emigrated to that State from Ireland, in 1855. In May, 1853, Miss Rosa O'Hagan emigrated in company with a younger sister from County Down, Ireland, to Westborough, where she was united in marriage with Thomas Carr, Sr., Dec. 31, 1857. In February, 1867, the little family moved from Massachusetts to Minnesota, where they remained until the following August, when they removed to McLean, Ill., where they now reside, Young Thomas, the subject of this sketch, has, by remarkable diligence and perseverance, passed through the various departments of the McLean School, with great credit to himself and his teachers. On the 22d of May, 1879, he, together with his classmate Clarence L. Stonaker, con- stituted the first graduating class of the McLean School. Mr. Carr delivered the valedictory address. Since he was nine years of age, Thomas has, during vacation and on Saturdays, been engaged in the grocery store of F. A. Wheelock, where he enjoys the confidence of his employer, and the good will of the community. On the 18th of February, 1879, the candidates for appoint- ment to the Military Academy at West Point, were examined at Bloomington. Thomas entered for examination in a class of thirty-eight, and, although failing to secure the appointment, stood third in the class. We have in this case a striking instance of what untiring industry and ster- ling integrity can accomplish, together with an illustration of the almost universal law, that the mother's influence is one of the most potent forces for good known to the world.

SAMUEL J. CHAPIN, farmer and breeder of short-horns ; P. O. Atlanta, Logan Co .; was born Aug. 27, 1812, in Uxbridge, Mass. ; he followed farming and school-teaching until 1839, when he came to Mt. Ilone Township, McLean Co., Ill., via Pittsburgh (over the Alleghany Mountains), down the Ohio, and up the Mississippi River to St. Louis ; thence to Pekin, Ill., by water, and from there overland to Mt. Hope Township, arriving in the spring of 1839. He married Comfort Ann Tucker, Dec. 1, 1837 ; she was born in Massachusetts, and died Aug. 31, 1840; they had one son-Frederic W., who is now in California. He was married March 29, 1841, to Harriet N. Morse ; she was born in Sutton, Worcester Co., Mass., March 29, 1817, and came here in the fall of 1837, with her father, John Morse, who built the second frame house in Mt. Hope Town- ship ; by this marriage there were six children, only one now living-John Morse the youngest ; the oldest, Caleb F., lost his life in the late war, at the age of 20 years and 7 months, after three

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years of volunteer service in the Union army. Mr. and Mrs. Chapin and son, John Morse, now live on the old homestead, owning 376 acres, prairie and timber.

JOHN MORSE CHAPIN, farmer ; P. O. Atlanta, Logan Co .; was born in Mt. Hope Town- ship, June 1. 1853, and married Ophelia A. Willis, April 10, 1878 ; she was born in Wapello Co., lowa, May 28, 1849.

L. P. CROSWELL, dealer in hardware and tinware, McLean ; is a native of Clermont Co., Ohio ; in 1865, he came West and located at McLean, here he also learned his trade, that of a tinner ; in October, 1878, he began business for himself ; he is just the right kind of man to make a success in business ; though still a young man. and not very long engaged in business, he has already the leading hardware house in McLean : his stock comprises everything almost imaginable in the hardware line-heavy and shelf-hardware, stoves, table and pocket cutlery, revolvers and ammunition, and, in fact, everything in the hardware line ; tinning of all descrip- tions is done to order ; should he succeed in the future as he has done in the past, there is little doubt of his success.

JOHN M. DARNALL, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Stanford ; was born in McLean Co., Ill., Sept. 30, 1833 ; came here with his parents in December, 1834. His father, Nicholas Dar- nall, was born in Boone Co., Ky., March 15, 1807, and moved to McLean Co., Ill .. before the deep snow of 1829-30, being one of the earliest settlers of the county ; he died April 16, 1848. John M. Darnall married Hannah Zollars Jan. 3, 1865; she was born in Waynesville, De Witt Co., Ill., June 24, 1841 ; they have had five children-Lee and Charlie, living ; Sarah died June 8, 1870, aged I year and 12 days; George died April 6, 1872, aged 7 months and 26 days ; the eldest, a daughter, died in early infancy. Wr. Darnall owns 222 acres of prairie and timber land ; a portion of it is part of the farm his father bought in 1834.

WILLIAM W. EWING, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. McLean; was born May 6, 1843, in Butler Co., Ky .; he moved with his father's family to McLean Co., Ill., in May, 1853 ; he enlisted in Co. B, 2d I. V. C., on Nov. 16, 1863, and, after two years of active service, was mustered out with his regiment at San Antonio, Tex., Nov. 22, 1865. He was married, March 7, 1867, to Miss Sirilia MI. Crain, who was born in Logan Co., Ky., April 15, 1849 ; her father was a Lieutenant in Co. K. 8th Ky. C., who died in the United States service March 7, 1863. They have two sons-William W., born Jan. 20, 1869, and John L., Dec. 3, 1874. Mr. Ewing owns a farm of 160 acres, situated in Sec. 20, where he now resides ; his land is worth about $40 per acre.

E. FARNSWORTH, farmer ; P. O. McLean. E. Farnsworth is a native of St. Charles Co., Mo., his parents being natives of Vermont, the name of Farnsworth being of English origin. When he was 7 years old, he went to live with an uncle in Detroit, Mich., until the age of 21. He is naturally fond of travel, and has traveled over many of the States and Territories. In 1852 he was married to Miss Sarah A. Longworth, she being a native of Ohio, though her parents were among the early settlers of McLean Co. In the spring of 1867 he located on his present farm of 156 acres, which is located one-half mile west of McLean, and is a splendid piece of property, under a good state of cultivation, and improved with good buildings. This is wholly the result of Mr. Farnsworth's energy and industry. During the war of the late rebel- lion, he was anxious to enlist, but, on account of a crippled hand, was not accepted. He has held the office of School Trustee for sixteen years, being elected in 1853. They have a family of four children-two boys and two girls.

LEWIS FAY, M. D., McLean. Another of the pioneers of McLean is Dr. Fay, who is a native of Worcester Co., Mass .; he was born in 1832, and, at the age of 18 years, began the study of medicine, finishing his course at the University of Missouri at St. Louis, where he graduated in the spring of 1855; spent one year in Fayette Co. and then came to McLean, where, for a few years, he was kept riding almost day and night; the country being new and the streams not bridged, he was frequently obliged to ford them when the water was so cold as to be almost dangerous ; the consequence of this overwork was, in 1860, his health failed and he was obliged to give up his practice ; to regain his health, he made a trip to the West, spending one year at Pike's Peak and other localities ; upon his return, his health being yet delicate, he tried farm- ing until 1864; at this date, he went to Atlanta, Logan Co., and engaged in the drug business, which he continued until the spring of 1871 ; he then returned to McLean and began the practice of his profession ; the Doctor is a man who has seen and helped to make many of the improve- ments in the development of McLean Co. ; he is a man of good standing and ability, and may justly be called one of the pioneers of McLean Co.

GEORGE W. FUNK, stock-dealer; P. O. McLean. George W. Funk, who is well known in McLean Co., is a native of Funk's Grove Township. He was born May 14, 1827, being the oldest of the sons of Isaac Funk. His father dying Jan. 29, 1865, the business of settling up the estate devolved upon him, there being about 27,000 acres of land and a large amount of stock and other property, which he took charge of by the unanimous consent of his brothers. He has been married twice, first, Jan. 29, 1867, to Miss Susan Pumpelly, she being a native of Ohio, but most of her life was spent in Kentucky. At the time of marriage, she was a resident of McLean Co. At her death, which occurred Dec. 15, 1867. she left a boy but 6 days old ; they have named him Isaac. He was married again May 30, 1876, to Miss Rose Fitzwilliams, she being a native

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of Ross Co., Ohio; they have, by this marriage, one child, a little girl, born March 4, 1878. He is one of the large land-owners of the county, owning 3,200 acres, most of which is located in Funk's Grove Township. He now makes a business of feeding and shipping stock. In 1870, he was elected on the Republican ticket to the long term of the Legislature of 1871-72, there being an extra session called to determine some means of relief to the people of Chicago, who suffered from the effects of the great fire of 1871. There is no family in McLean so extensively and favorably known as the Funks. George W., the subject of this sketch, is probably as well known as any member of the family, though they are all prominent citizens of McLean Co.

JACOB FUNK, farmer and stoek-raiser, Sec. 24; P. O. Mclean ; was born in Funk's Grove, Mebean Co., Ill., April 7, 1830, and was married to Miss Mary A. Waltham Nov. 18, 1858, who was a native of Bedford Co., Penn .; Mr. Funk has three children-Charles A., Clara M. and Dean. He owns a farm of 2.500 acres, valued at about $45 per acre ; his residence is situated on the north bank of Sugar Creek, in Sec. 24. He has served the people of Mount Hope Township as School Trustee for eight years in succession, which office he now holds ; he has also served as Highway Commissioner for nine successive years.

R. E. GIFFORD, grocer, McLean ; one of the active business men of MeLean ; is a native of Watertown, N. Y. ; born in April, 1850, and at the age of 2 years came West with his people, they loeating in Pike Co., where he remained until March, 1864, then located at McLean, McLean Co. At the age of 19 years, he engaged with Mr. Aldrich, with whom he remained for three years. In 1864, he began traveling for C. Wakefield & Co., of Bloomington, his route being principally through Illinois, lowa, Missouri and Nebraska ; he was with Mr. Wakefield until the spring of 1878, when he decided to engage in business on his own account. In a short time after leaving the road, he located at McLean, and embarked in the grocery trade, which he has since continued with good success ; his stock consists of a general assortment of goods-a full line of groceries and provisions, queensware, china and glassware, fresh and canned fruits, sirups, oils, smoked, pickled and dried meats, brushes; nails, salt, and garden seeds, and, in fact, everything pertaining to a well-stocked grocery and general assortment store; he is pleas- ant and courteous in his treatment of customers, his four years' experience on the road having taught him many valuable ideas of commerce.

MRS. E. J. HARLEY, McLean. Mr. Harley, who died Jan. 6, 1873, was well known to the people of McLean and Logan Counties, and will long be remembered by a large circle of friends. Ile was a native of Pennsylvania his birthplace being near Philadelphia. When he was but a boy, his people came West as far as Ohio, locating at Dayton ; they moved from there to MeLean Co., being among the first settlers of the county, locating at what is known as Har- ley's Grove, the name originating on account of the Harleys being the first settlers there. In after years, his father, brother and himself ran a saw-mill for about six years; he then removed to Logan Co., and was engaged in a distillery for five years, and, later, engaged in farming, which business he was engaged in at the time of his death, which occurred as above stated. He was married, March 27, 1852, to Miss E. J. Houghey ; her people being early and prominent pioneers of McLean Co .; Mr. Harley, being a resident of Logan Co. at the time of their marriage. After his death, Mrs. Harley in 1877 removed to McLean, where she now resides one of the promin- ent and highly respected ladies of the town.

M. G. HAUGHEY, grain dealer, MeLean. Another of the principal business men of McLean, is M. G. Honghey ; he is a native of Greene Co., Ohio, where he was born, in April, 1840; in 1848, his people moved West, locating in Logan Co., Ill., for two years, then removed to McLean Co .; his father owned one section of land, a short way from the town of McLean, the old farm being known generally throughout the county as the old Houghey farm ; there Mr. Houghey grew to manhood ; being one of a family of nine children, he had to depend upon his own exertions, in a measure, in procuring his education. In 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 17th 1. V. 1., for three years' service ; after serving about one year, he was discharged on account of disability. After returning from the army he engaged in the stock trade, gradually drifting from this to the grain trade; in 1871, he rented the elevator where he now does busi- ne-s, buying the same in 1874 ; he has a storing capacity of about thirty thousand bushels of grain ; during the season, he buys about one hundred thousand bushels of corn. In connection with the elevator he handles lumber and building materials and a good assortment of drain tiles. He is doing an extensive business, which is the result of his own energy, industry and good financiering.

MRS. MARY J. HITCHCOCK, hotel, McLean. The people of McLean will long remem- ber Mr. John M. Hitchcock, who, for some time previous to his death, was proprietor of the McLean Hotel. He was a sharp, shrewd business man, and at his death left his family in easy circumstances. He was a native of York Co., Penn. During his life he had been quite a trav- eler. In 1850 he made a trip overland to California. He enlisted twice in the Union army in the war of the late rebellion, first in the 161st Ohio National Guards-three months' service. Serving his term of enlistment, he returned home, and again enlisted in Co. A, 62d Ohio V. I., but this time was discharged on ecount of disability for service. Mrs. Hitchcock is a native of Baltimore Co., Md., her people moving to Ohio when she was 13 years old. She was married May 12, 1850, her maiden name being Rind. llis death occurred Aug. 20, 1876. He left a family

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The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 125

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