The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 128

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 128


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legiate education at a log college in B- about the year 1843, under the tutorship of the late Dr. Hobbs. Mr Lewis began early to buy cattle, which he drove to the Chicago market. and. since the days of railroads, has been extensively engaged in shipping to that market. When 21 years of age, he served as Constable under William McCullough, then Sheriff of the county : since then. he has served as Assessor nine years, Collector one year, Supervisor one term, and School Trustee for many years. About twenty-five years since, he made a trip to Texas where he purchased from two hundred and fifty to three hundred head of cattle, which he drove through to Chicago, being about three months on the way ; they passed through the country of several of the Indian tribes, but had no trouble except a trick on one occasion. For the purpose of extorting money, the Indians drove some of the cattle which crossed the Canadian River first upon a mountain, and then offered to get them down at SI a head, but a negro was employed at half the cost. MIr. L. made a second trip to that State since the war, but found a great change in the people as a result of the war; on the first occasion, being very hospitable, and on the latter, regarding any one from the North with suspicion, and treating them accordingly. On the Ist of January. 1868, he married Miss Irene, eldest daughter of John and Anna Smith. Mrs. Lewis was born in Hudson Township; her father settled in the township as early as 1829; they have two children -Jay S. and May. Aside from other property, Mr. L. owns 740 acres of land, all in Hudson township, this county.


THOMAS D. LYON, Pastor of Bethel German Baptist Church. Hudson; born in Hardy, now Grant, Co., W. Va .. March 3, 1821. When about 20 years of age, Mr. L. com- menced teaching, which occupation he followed for many years, and, mainly through his own efforts, obtained an education, including a partial knowledge of German and Greek. In 1847, he entered the ministry, which has been his vocation since that date. He was married Oct. 26, 1843, to Miss Mary Clark, who was born in Hampshire Co., W. Va., Aug. 29, 1820. In 1864, Mr. Lyon removed his family to Illinois, and located in Towanda Township, this county, and. four years later, removed to Hudson, his present homc. They have eight children


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HUDSON TOWNSHIP.


living-Rebecca, wife of F. M. Snavely ; Rachel A., wife of John W. Forney : llannah, wife of John L. Snavely ; Emily J., wife of Jolin Sager; Mary M .. wife of William Snavely ; S. C .; Otis B. and Franklin H Their son David died Jan. 19, 1855.


ISAAC MESSER, farmer and stock- raiser ; P. O. Hudson ; born in Lexington Township, this county. Ilis father, Isaac Messer, formerly of Pickaway Co., Ohio, settled in what is now Lexington Township, this county, in March, 1829, and was one of the first settlers in that part of the county. For further particulars, see history of Lexington Township in this work. In the spring of 1834, they removed to Hudson Township, which has since been the home of the subject of this sketch. lle was married to Miss Nancy E. Lock in 1854. She was born in Anderson Co., Ky. Eight children by this union, six of whom are living-William H., Elizabeth ( wife of David Ogden), Margaret I., Mary 1., Fannie H. and Leonora E .; two deceased-both died in infaney. Mr. M. has served as Constable one term, and School Director several years; owns sixty aeres of land in Hudson Township. ITis father, Isaac Messer, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn, May 2, 1781 ; died Jan. 21, 1861. In 1805, he married Miss Sidney Forbus, who was born in the same county and State. Her death occurred in 1843.


WILLIAM MORROW, farmer and stock-raiser, See. 19; P. O. Hudson; born in Brooke now Hancock Co., Va., Nov. 15, 1834 ; he worked on his father's farm till 28 years of age ; also teach- ing during the winter season, and a part of the year operated the coal mines on his father's farm. In 1863, he removed to Illinois, loeating in this county, on the 7th of April of that year: the following spring, he removed to the farm where he now resides, and, after an experi- enee of some two months as proprietor of a " bachelor's hall," he concluded to resign that position, and, therefore, married Miss I. Josephine, eldest daughter of Rev. David Robinson, of Beaver Co., Penn. Mrs. Morrow was born in Beaver Co., Penn .; two children by this union- Mattie V. and Stella. Mr. M. has served as Supervisor, four years ; Collector, one year, and School Director, for several terms ; owns one-half in 320 acres of land in Hudson Township. Mr. Morrow, in politics, is a decided Democrat.


JESSE PLATT, farmer and stock-raiser, See. 1 ; P. O. Hudson ; born in what is now Cham- paign Co., Ill., Jan. 13, 1830; his father located there in the fall of 1829, and, abont one year later, came to llavens' Grove. Hudson Township, and, therefore, was among the first to settle in the township. The condition of the country, hardships and privations of the first settlers is best. known by those who have had this experience, and, under the head of Township History, much will be found on this subject. Mr. Platt worked on his father's farm until 23 years of age, then set forth as a tiller of the soil on his own account ; he located on the farm where he now resides twenty-two years ago. He has served as Constable, one term; School Director, three terms, and is now serving in that capacity ; also, Commissioner of Highways. He was married in 1863 to Miss Jane Ilinthorn, who was born in Licking Co., Ohio ; five children by this union-Elizabeth E .. James 1., William E. and Margaret F .; one deceased, George, who died 1865. Mr. Platt owns 260 acres of land in Hudson Township.


ELIJAH PRIEST, retired farmer, See. 12: P. O. Hudson ; born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, Sept. 10, 1812, but removed to Licking Co., that State, where he resided until his removal to the West. Ile is a son of James and Hannah (Anderson) Priest. The subject of this sketch, prior to his locating in the West, was engaged in making charcoal, and also during the winter season worked in a smelting-furnace, the latter occupation requiring great care, and, also, exposure to intense heat. Mr. Priest reached his twenty-first birthday on the 10th of September, 1833. and the following day was married to Miss Rebecca Hinthorn, who was born in Licking Co., Ohio, Nov. 16, 1812. In June, 1834. he removed to Illinois, and. on the 8th day of the following month, arrived at his present home in Hudson Township, this county. Mr. Priest, like many of the pioneers, brought little else with him to the country than a strong constitution and indus- trious habits, which, combined with economy, have gained him a competence for life; he now owns 800 aeres of land in Hudson and Money Creek Townships. Mr. Priest relates many inei- dents of early times ; and, although many of these incidents will be related in the histories of townships, we copy one from the "Good Old Times in MeLean Co. : " "He ran out of provisions near Big Grove then called P'in Hook, now Urbana; he made many inquiries, and heard that a certain man had recently two sacks of meal ground at a mill : Mr. Priest wished to buy some, and sent a boy named Henry Moats to get it. Henry came back empty-handed, but reported that the man had a big corn-pone on the fire. Mr. Priest then went with the boy, and the latter was instructed to open the door when Priest stood by the fire. Mr. Priest offered to buy some meal, but was refused ; then he stood by the fire where the pone was cooking, and Henry imme- diately opened the door. Priest was then about to walk off with the pone, but the man of the house saw that he must give way, and he allowed Priest a peek of meal." Mr. Priest had by his first wife seven children, four of whom died in infancy : only two are now living-James S. and George W. ; their daughter Sarah died July 17, 1876; Mrs. Priest's death occurred April 30, 1867. Ile was again married. Sept. 11, 1870, to Mrs. Minerva McCurdy ; her maiden name was Johnston ; she was born in Ohio : her death occurred Jan. 24. 1875.


JOIIN SAGER, farmer. See. 16; l'. O. Hudson ; born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., March 1, 1818, but removed to Tioga Co .. that State, when about 12 years of age, where he resided until his removal to the West, in 1846, locating in Stephenson Co., Ill .. in the summer of that year ;


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this was his home for eighteen years. In 1864, he removed to the farm where he now resides ; owns 150 acres of land in Hudson Township. Married, March 24, 1842. Miss Phoebe Meeker, who was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Oct. 4, 1817; her death occurred Feb. 14, 1875: they had four children, only one of whom is now living-Edgar, born Feb. 15, 1846 (now resides in IIndson Township) ; Charles W., born Feb. 18, 1843, died in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Nov. 11, 1844; John C., born March 15, 1856, died in Stephenson Co., III., March 24, 1858; Douglass, born Aug. 9, 1859, died in this township, March 5, 1870. Mr. S. was married to his present wife July 9, 1876; she was born in Grant Co., West Va., March 6, 1853, and is a daughter of Thomas D. and Mary Lyon. of Hudson ; their son, Willis L., was born May 16, 1877, died Jan. 20. 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Sager are members of Bethel German Baptist Church.


LEWIS SAILOR, farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 13; P. O. Hudson : born in Logan Co., Ohio, March 13, 1828, where he resided until 20 years of age, when he removed to Illinois, in the fall of 1848, stopping at Rock Island until the following spring, then removing to what is now Towanda Township, this county : here he engaged in farming, manufacturing brick, and masonry ; he built a house for Jesse Trimmer, which was the second brick dwelling built in Money Creek Township. In 1858, he removed to his present home; he owns eighty acres of land in Hudson Township; has served as Justice of the Peace two years. Married in 1850, to Miss Martha Dodson, who was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, six children by this union, five of whom are living-Mary ( wife of T. C. Moats), John, Daniel D, Knowlton and Joseph II : lost one-Ida J., died Oct. 30, 1864.


JOSEPII A. SCOTT, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 24; P. O. Hudson; born in Beaver Co., l'enn., July 20, 1846; when between 1 and 2 years of age, his father and mother died, and when about 8 years old he went to Pittsburgh, Penn., where he resided until the second year of the war (1862), then enlisted in Company I, 168th Ohio V. I .: while the regiment was at Chattanooga, soon after he entered the service, he was detailed as clerk and served in that capac ity about fifteen months ; he went from Chattanooga to Cleveland, Tenn., and was mustered out of the service in the fall of 1864. In the spring of 1868, he came West and located in Hudson, this county ; owns eighty acres of land in Hudson and 240 acres in Money Creek Township. Married, in 1871, Miss Sarah E., daughter of Jesse and Amanda Trimmer; Mrs. Scott was born in Money Creek Township, this county; they have one child-Gracie A. Mr. Jesse Trim- mer, whose portrait appears in this work, was, with his mother, brothers and sisters, the first to locate in what is now Money Creek Township. Mr. Scott is W. M. of Mosaic Lodge, No. 628, A .. F. & A. M.


JOHN SMITH, retired farmer ; P. O. Hudson: was born in Randolph Co., N. C .; as early as 1824 he moved a family to Peoria, IH .. then containing two or three houses ; in the spring of 1830, he removed to Illinois, stopping first at Big Grove, now in Champaign Co., at the pres- ent site of Urbana, then an Indian trading post; the Smith family removed to what is now Towanda Township, this county, locating at the grove which afterward took the family name, and is still called Smith's Grove; many were the hardships and privations of these pioneers, more of which will be given under the head of township histories in this work. In March, 1×31, he was married to Miss Anna Havens, and, in the spring of 1832, settled at llavens' Grove, Hudson Township, near his present home: Mrs. Smith's father was the first to perma- nently locate in the grove which now bears his name ( Havens' Grove), and also the first perma- nent settler within the present confines of Hudson Township ; for further mention of Mr. Smith and other early settlers, see general history of McLean Co. and histories of Towanda and Hudson townships.


DAVID SMITH, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 21; P. O. Hudson. Mr. Smith was born in Hudson Township, Dec. 31, 1836, and is a son John Smith, whose sketch is given elsewhere in this work. The subject of this sketch still resides on the old home farm, and their present resi- dence, which is still the home of his parents, is near his birth-place. In some of the rooms of- this dwelling can be seen plastering which was put on the ceiling of the same more than forty years ago, and it is still in a good state of preservation. Mr. Smith's farm consists of 410 acres of land, all in Hudson Township, this county.


JACOB Y. SNAVELY, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 28: P. O. Hudson; was born in Leba- non C'o., Penn., June 22, 1826, where he resided until 22 years of age; then removed to Illinois, in June, 18IS. In the spring of the following year, he settled on the farm where he now resides, which has been his home since that date. He was married June 25, 1849, to Miss Hosanna Beissel, who was born in Northumberland Co., Penn., Dec. 4, 1822; her father, Jacob Beissel, settled in Marshall Co., Ill., in May, 1839. Mr. Snavely has served as Highway Commissioner one term and School Director about fourteen years. They have five children-Mary B .. born June 4, 1850: Daniel B., June 25, 1851; Moses B., Oet. 16, 1852: Kate B., Dec. 22, 1856 ; Emma B., June 22, 1862. Mr. S. owns 424 acres of land in Hudson Township.


EPHRAIM STOTLER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 11; P. O. Hudson : born in Somer- set Co., Penn., July 22, 1805, where he resided until his removal to Illinois, in 1855, locating first in Stephenson Co., in September of that year. In the fall of 1863, he removed to his present home in Hudson Township, this county. Owns 160 acres of farm land in Hudson Township, and forty acres of timber in Money Creek Township. Married in 1832, Miss Sarah Wagner, who


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ARROWSMITH TOWNSHIP.


was born in Somerset C)., Penn Twelve children by this union, cight of whom are living- Maria, wife of M. Zimmerman ; Sarah, wife of Joseph Long; Mary, wife of E. Newcomer, all now residents of Western lowa; Rebecca, wife of W. Wilkinson, resides at Peoria, Ill .; John, who resides in Woodford Co., III .; Ephraim 11., and Walter, at home, and William, now in Cali- fornia. They have lost four-Samuel, died April 18, 1849; Elizabeth, April 5, 1845; the others died in infancy. Mrs. Stotler's death occurred Jan. 1, 1866, aged 54 years, 2 months and 9 days.


CHARLES TAYLOR, retired farmer ; P. O. Hudson ; born in Lincolnshire, England, Nov. 8, 1831 ; came to this country in 1852, locating in New York city, and about one year later, removed to Scott Co , Ill. In the spring of 1853, he removed to Hudson Township, this county, where he engaged in farming. Married in 1853, Miss Sarah A. Gillham, who was born in Scott Co , Ill .: her father, William Gillham, was one of the early settlers of that county ; one danghter -Eva B. Mr. Taylor owns eighty-three acres of land in Hudson Township.


JOIN TRIMMER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 24; P. O. Hudson; born in New Jersey, May 16, 1823, but removed in early childhood, with his father's family, to Illinois ; the family stopped at Smith's Grove, in Towanda Township, this county, in the summer of 1826 ; his father, John Trimmer, died soon after their arrival there, and the family then moved to what is now Money Creek Township, and were the first to settle in that township. The subject of this sketch was married in July, 1846, to Miss Rebecca Hinthorn, who was born in Indiana, Dec. 28, 1828, but came to Illinois when a child, her father, Stephen Hinthorn, being among the early settlers. The spring following their marriage, they settled on the farm where they now reside, and erected a log dwelling 13x18, having ground floor, except enough space covered with rough boards or split logs, for table and one bed. They have had eight children-Scott, born June 13, 1847 ; James, March 17, 1849; George, March 28, 1851; Samuel, June 1, 1853; Stephen, Aug. 1, 1855 ; Amanda E., March 10, 1860; Daniel, Nov. 23, 1865, and Etta J., Sept. 8, 1867; all are living, except George and Amanda E. ; the former died April 20, 1863, and the latter eight days later. Mr. Trimmer owns 240 acres of farm land in Hudson, and forty-five acres of timber in Money Creek Township. In the early history of Towanda and Money Creek Townships, further mention will be made of Mr. Trimmer's family, in connection with the early settlement.


ALFRED S. WEEKS, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 10; P. O. Hudson ; born in Queens Co., N. Y., Feb. 9, 1807, where he resided until about 19 years of age, then removed to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he engaged as book-keeper for Stillwell, Burtis & Co., merchant tailors. In 1836, he cume West. and spent some three years in different parts of the State ; he then returned to New York, but came West again in 1850, locating where he now resides ; owns 160 acres of farm lands, and thirty-five acres of timber, in Hudson Township. Served as Justice of the Peace four years ; Supervisor, some eight years, and is the present incumbent ; has served as school officer for many years. Mr. Weeks was instrumental in bringing about a re-survey of Hudson Town- ship, the Government survey having been very imperfectly done, few, if any corners being reg- ularly located. Married, in 1846, Miss Phoebe E. Burtis, who was born in New York City-one child, Eliza A. Mrs. Weeks' father's family settled in Jacksonville, Ill., in the fall of 1835; afterward moved to Hudson Township, this county.


ARROWSMITH TOWNSHIP.


ENOS ARBOGAST, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Saybrook ; owns 165 acres of land, worth $35 per acre ; was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Oct. 13, 1825; lived with his parents on the farm, engaged with his father in farming ; came to this county when 15 years of age, and worked on a farm. He was married to Mary Morgan Sept. 6, 1849; she was born in Tennessee, Sept. 3, 1831, and died March 25, 1868; they are the parents of eight children, five of whom are living -Eliza J., Eva L., Lewis A., Myra A , Millie A .; deceased-Charles W., Bell and an infant. Mr. Arbogast was then married to Sophia Dunning July 14, 1869 ; she was born in Monroe Co., Ind., Dec. 15, 1837 ; the fruit of this marriage is four children-William, Alfred, Jonas A. and Mary A. Mr. Arbogast has held the office of School Director ten years, which office he still holds, and has been Pathmaster one term. Mr. Arbogast's father was in the war of 1812; his parents are natives of Virginia, and Mrs. Arbogast's parents are natives of the same State.


JOHN L. ARBOGAST, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Saybrook ; owns 180 acres of land, worth $35 per acre ; was born in McLean Co., Ill., Sept. 9, 1844 ; lived on the farm, assisting his father in farming. His father died when he was but 16 years of age, his mother having died three years previous. Mr. Arbogast was in the late war, and went forward to battle for his country ; he enlisted, in 1861, in Co. G, 37th 1. V. 1; was in the battle of Pca Ridge, battle of Prairie Grove, Ark .: battle of Sugar Creek, Ark .; battle of Van Buren, Ark. : battle of Chalk Bluff, Mo .; battle at Vicksburg, Miss. ; was at the taking of Yazoo City ; went to New Orleans, thence to Brownsville, Texas, which was taken ; thence to Royal, which was also taken ; returned to Brownsville, and went from there to Chicago, where he was mustered


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out, by general order, Oct. 4, 1864. Mr. Arbogast held the office of School Director SIX years. Collector one term, and is at present School Trustee; he also held, for four years. the office of Constable in this township. He was married to Katie O. Henderson Dec. 27, 1866; she was born in Lewis Co., Ky., Dec. 11, 1847 : the fruit of this marriage is five chil- dren, four of whom are living, and one dead-Mary E., William H., Anna B., Sarah E., and Birdie, died May 15, 1875. Mrs. Arbogast's mother's father was in the war of 1812


EZEKIEL ARROWSMITH, farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Arrowsmith; owns 240 acres of fine farming land, worth $40 per acre. The subject of this sketch was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Oct. 31, 1811 : lived with his father on the farm. engaged in farming, until 29 years of age; went to Indiana, stayed one summer, and returned to Ohio. He was married to Hannah M. Harrison Feb. 18. 1835, who was born in Bucks Co., Penn., Dec. 18, 1818, and died Feb. 14, 1840; the result of this marriage was four children-Mary C. (now wife of Samuel T. Bane), Elizabeth E., Samuel D. and Matilda; the former is the only one now living. Mr. Arrowsmith was then married to Mary A. Simpson Sept. 26, 1841 ; she was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Dec. 23, 1814; the fruit of this marriage was seven children-Sarepta, James A., Eliza J. ; deceased-Martha. Melissa, Asa and Armelia. Mr. Arrowsmith has held the office of County Commissioner three years. Justice of the Peace four years, Supervisor of township four years, and School Director twenty years. He was among the first settlers in the township. The township, post office and town of Arrowsmith were all named after him. his being the first vote ever cast in the township. Mr. Arrowsmith is one of the most benevolent men in this county : he is regarded as a public benefactor in this township, where he still resides.


AUGUSTUS BRANAMAN, farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Arrowsmith : owns forty acres, worth $60 per acre. Was born in Augusta Co., Va., June 1, 1834; remained with his parents until he became of age. His father died in the year 1846; he then took care of his mother until her death. He was married to Caroline Trowbridge Sept. 3, 1867; she was born in Fayette Co., Ind., April 5, 1841 ; they are the parents of seven children-Mary, John, David, Clinton, Hattie, Billy, and Emma, who died Aug. 28, 1873. Mr. Branaman has held the office of School Trustee two terms, and Assessor five years. Mr. Branaman was in the late war, and enlisted in 1862, in Co. D., 94th I. V. I., of McLean Co ; was in the battle of Vicksburg and at the surrender of Port Hudson. Mr. Branaman served as Hospital Steward two years. Returned to New Orleans, then to Brownsville, Tex .: thence to Mobile, Ala. ; was in several skirmishes up the Mississippi, several other battles and a great many skirmishes ; was sent home on account of sore eyes, and remained until mustered out by general orders.


FREDERICK BUILTA, farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Arrowsmith ; was born in Prussia Nov. 28, 1824 ; lived in Prussia nine years ; came to Pennsylvania in 1834, and thence to Peoria, in this State, where he remained until 1863 : he then came to McLean Co., where he has since resided. Was married to Jane Maurice Dec. 15, 1850 ; she was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Dec. 5, 1829: they are the parents of nine children-John H., George A., Thomas W., who died Sept. 17, 1853 : Rosella J., David M., Mary E., Abraham L., Sarah A. and Frederick. Mr. Builta has 160 acres of land, worth $40 per acre. He has held the office of School Director. fifteen years. Mrs. Builta's grandfather was in the Revolutionary war; her father in the war of 1812.


DOUGLASS DEMENT, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Arrowsmith. The subject of this sketch was born in Logan Co., Ill., May 11, 1849; his father died when he was but seven years old, leaving him and two older brothers to take care of their mother, which they did by farming ; came to McLean Co. in 1873. Was married to Elizabeth A. Gull Feb. 22, 1875 : she was born in Somer- set Co., Penn .. May 23, 1853 ; the fruits of this marriage are two children-Mary M., born Nov. 16, 1875; Jessie C., March 15, 1878 Mr. Dement owns ninety-five acres of good farming land, worth $40 per acre. He and his brother raised last year, with two teams, 7,000 bushels of corn. His father was in the Black llawk war. Mr. Dement's father is a native of Virginia, and his mother of New York. Mrs. Dement's parents are natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Dement is a very good farmer : he is also intelligent and enterprising.


SOLOMON F. DOWNS, farmer, Sec. 25; P. O. Saybrook ; owns 120 acres of excellent farming land, under good cultivation, worth $40 per acre. The subject of this sketch was born in McLean Co., Ill., June 28, 1850. His father died when he was hut 10 years old ; his mother having died four years previous. The brothers continued to keep house together and carried on farming until Mr. Downs became of age. He was married to Anna E. Reid, March 27, 1877 ; she was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, April 5, 1853 ; the fruit of this marriage is one child- Lawson W., who was born Jan. 25, 1878. Mr. Downs' father was in the Black Hawk war. He is a very neat farmer, having every thing in its proper place, and is an industrious, energetic man. Mrs. Downs is an industrious and intelligent lady.




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