The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 144

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 144

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MILTON K. SMITH, farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Holder. The subject of this sketch is the son of Nathan and Rebecca L. Smith ; the father was born in Loudoun Co., Va .. and his mother in

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Belmont Co., Ohio; her maiden name was Pickering; they came to Indiana in an early day, and settled in HIenry Co .; after living there a time, they removed to Wayne Co .; there, on the 18th of August, 1835, the subject of this sketch was born. He was united in marriage with Mary G. Allen April 15, 1857 ; she is a daughter of Jehu and Mary A. Allen, whose sketch appears in this work ; from this union there were five children-Alva C., Edgar J., Elizabeth A., Nathan F. and Jehu W. Mr. Smith and his wife are members of the Friends' Society, as were their parents. He owns forty acres of nicely improved land, which he has made by his economy and industry.

REV. JOHN S. STAGNER, Christian minister, Sec. 27; P. O. Ellsworth. The subject of this sketch was born in Madison Co., Ky., March 1, 1829, where he resided until his removal to McLean Co., which was Oct. 19, 1852; he has been a resident of Blue Mound Township since March 1, 1855, and is one of its oldest living settlers. lle was united in marriage with Julia A. Golden April 10, 1848; she was born in Madison Co., Ky., March 25, 1829, and died Nov. 10, 1873 ; from this union there are ten children-John F., born March 1, 1849; Nancy C., June 20, 1851 ; Mildred G .. June 21, 1853 ; Thomas R., April 2, 1857 ; Lytle W., Jan. 5, 1859 ; lda A., July 16, 1860; Pattie L., Dec. 18, 1863; Allie J., Dec. 17, 1865 ; Benjamin F., Feb. 18, 1867; and Evalena, Aug. 7, 1870. Mr. Stagner has been a minister of the Christian Church eighteen years, and a member since 1854: he has held the offices of Commissioner of Highways and School Trustee ; owns 210 acres of land in Blue Mound Township, and 240 acres in Marion Co., Kan., all of which he has obtained by his economy and industry.

SAMUEL A. STOOPS, farmer and manufacturer of all kinds of drain tile, Sec. 32; P. (). Padua. The subject of this sketch was born in Fayette Co., Ky , April 22, 1831: came, with his parents, to Marion Co., Ind., when a child, where he lived until 1850, at which time, he removed to Fulton Co., Ill., and engaged in the wagon manufacture, in which business he con- tinued for about twelve years ; in 1866, he sold his interest in the wagon-shop and bought a farm in the same county ; did not keep the farm he bought in Fulton Co. but a short time before lie sold it and came to McLean Co., Ill .; this was in 1867, and he has been a resident of Blue Mound Township ever since. He owns 160 acres of land, upon which are two beautiful resi- dences ; he is also senior partner in a large drain-tile manufactory ; from this manufactory come the best tiles in Central Illinois ; it was started about a year ago, and they now find it quite difficult to manufacture sufficiently fast to meet the demand ; this is owing to the superior qual- ity of tile they manufacture ; it is located on the L., B. & M. R. R , Padua, McLean Co., Ill Mr. Stoops had no means to commence with, and he owes his success in life to his close atten- tion to business, combined with economy and industry. Mr. Stoops' father was born in West- moreland Co., Penn., in 1787, and died in Marion Co., Ind., in 1854; his mother's maiden name was Rosanna Kephart; she was born in Maryland in 1802; she is still living, and is in possession of all her faculties. The union of Samuel A. Stoops and Eleanor Clanin was celebrated Sept. 21, 1854; she was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, April 9, 1834; from this union there are five children-Artha A., born June 22, 1856; Laselle, born Sept. 19, 1858 ; Elma A., born Aug. 31, 1862 ; Theodore, born Sept. 17, 1867, and Amy J., born July 5, 1871.

MATTHIAS SUTTER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 19; P. (). Holder. The subject of this sketch was born in Baden, Germany, Sept. 7, 1821, where he lived until 1854, at which time he came to the United States ; lived in Albany, N. Y., for a short time previous to his removal to McLean Co., which occurred in 1855; he lived in Bloomington for twelve years, and was engaged in working for the Chicago & Alton R. R. He has been a resident of Blue Mound Township since the spring of 1868; owns 140 acres of well-improved land, which he has made by hard work and economy. He was united in marriage with Louisa Balshewel Feb. 2, 1856; they have six living children-Samuel, Joseph, Henry, Addie, William and Frank ; they have lost three children by the remorseless hand of death-Louisa, Mary and a babe, not named. Mr. Sutter and his family take a great interest in books and papers, and are among the most intelligent of their people in the county.

JAMES M. VINCENT, farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Holder; one of the old settlers of Blue Mound Township ; was born in Hampshire, England, Nov. 14, 1825; came to the United States July 6, 1854; at the time of his coming to the United States, he was a single man, and for quite a num- ber of years traveled in different parts of the United States and Canada, until, in the fall of 1856, he came to Bloomington, Ill., where he has since resided. On the 11th of April, 1858, he was united in marriage with Maria Ward; from this union there are six children. all of whom are living-Henry, Frank, William, Richard, James and John. Mr. Vincent has held a number of offices of proft and trust in the county, and is one of the influential men of the township in which he lives ; owns 120 acres of land, all of which is under a good state of cultivation, which he has obtained by hard work and economy.

ADAM WEBER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 20: P. O Padua. The subject of this sketch was born in Prussia, July 8, 1826, where he lived until 1854, at which time he came to the United States, and settled in Muscatine Co., lowa, where he lived five years ; he then returned to Prussia, where he married his present wife ; her maiden name being Anna M. Baker; they came to the United States in the fall of 1859, and, in the spring of 1860, came to Blue Mound Township, where he has since resided ; they have eleven children, viz., Francis, John A., Mary,

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Frank, Elizabeth, Ida, Peter, llenry, Anna, Kate and Emma. Mr. Weber owns 160 acres of land all under cultivation, which he has made by hard work and economy.

WILLIAM II. WHITE, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 17; P. O. Towanda; born in Tippe- canoe Co., Ind., Nov. 12, 1835 ; at 15 years of age, he emigrated with his father to Smith's Grove, Towanda Township, McLean Co., where they located in 1850; upon March 20, 1864, he located upon his present place, where he has since followed farming and stock-raising, where he owns 240 acres all under a good state of cultivation. Ilis father, George C. White, as well as several of his brothers and sisters, is mentioned in this work. llis marriage with Martha Donavan was celebrated Jan. 19, 1865 ; she was born in Clark Co., Ohio, April 12, 1840; four children were the fruit of this union-William E., born Oct. 4, 1873, died, July 31, 1875 ; Ilattie E., born July 8, 1876. died Oet. 3. 1877 : George C., boru Dee. 6, 1865 ; and Annic E , June 8, 1869.

DALE TOWNSHIP.

JAMES ALLISON, farm and stock ; P. O. Covell; was born, June 28, 1827, on a farm in Bedford Co., Penn .; remaining there with his father until 12 years old, when they moved to Miami Co., Ohio, remaining nine years, engaged in farming, renting of F. J. and J. Weddle four years, then of Johnson five years. In 1849, they came to MeLean Co., Ill., settling at Twin Grove, renting of Munsell & Beeler; he then began business on his present farm of 100 acres- earned entirely by his own labor. In April, 1847, he was married to Eliza J. Colebough, of Penn- sylvania. Mr. Allison remembers well the howl of the wolves and almost the shriek of the Indian. But little was known of the merits of the now rieh soil of Dale Township when Mr. Allison set- tled his now most beautiful farm, which was then a raw prairie. They have three children, viz., Cordelia J., Alpherta and James A.

II. G. BOMGARDNER, grocer and station agent and Postmaster, Covell; was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., Nov. 4, 1840; remained there until 1856; was engaged in farming until 1853, when he engaged in dry-goods business, clerking for M. Weiler at $35 per year; in 1856, he came with his aunt, Mrs. D. Gerberich, to Bloomington, Ill., and engaged in clerking for R. Leach, for one year, at $25 per month ; he then went in partnership with H. Slope, in general notions, for six years. In 1861, he was married to Ellen E. Walcott, of New York: one year after marriage, they went to Chicago, and he engaged in managing business for K. R. Landon, at $125 per month, for nearly two years; moved from there to Danvers, Ill., and engaged in business for three years, dealing in general notions; he moved from there to Bloom- ington, Ill., and engaged as elerk in dry goods store, for J. E. Houtz, three and one-half years ; he then made his final settlement at Covell, where he is engaged in general notion store, and is also Postmaster, and railroad station agent on Jacksonville line ; also buys grain for Linebarger & Bro., of Stanford, at this place. They have six children, viz., Alice, Harry, Tillie, Charlie (deceased), Winnie and Clara. He and wife are members of the Congregational Church at Danvers.

R. R. CAMPBELL, farm and stock ; P. O. Covell ; was born Oct. 7, 1826, in Franklin Co., Penn .; remained there until 1849, in which year he was married to E. C. Ilarvey, a native of Pennsylvania ; the first year after marriage, they managed his father's farm, and moved then to Indiana, settling in Clinton Co., on farm, renting of William Parrin for seven years; he then moved to MeLean Co., Ill , settling, in 1846, on the present farm of eighty acres, which he has increased to 240 aeres, earned by their own labor; it was then a raw prairie, but now presents the view of a most magnificent farm. Mr. Campbell has not been forgotten by the voters of Dale : he was Supervisor in 1863-64, and School Director three years. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell do not forget the Sabbath, but take an active part in the Sunday school at Covell Union Church, of which they are members, of Presbyterian denomination. They have four children, viz., Harriet E, J. N., William and E. C.

A. D. BENJAMIN, Jr., farm and stock ; P. O. Bloomington ; was born Sept. 26, 1852, in Dale Township, McLean Co., on present farm, which was given him by his father, and is the " old homestead," settled by A. D. Benjamin, Sr., now deccased. He came from Hinsdale, Mass., and entered this farm of forty acres, in 1849, which he increased to 314; at his death, it became the children's by will. He married Sarah E. Stiger, a native of Pennsylvania. He was a sailor on the Atlantic from 16 to 22. His son, A. D., was married January, 1875, to Esther E. Darrow, born in Pennsylvania, Schuylkill Co., Ang. 16, 1854; after marriage, they settled on their pres- ent farm, his father remaining with him until death, which was Sept. 19, 1878. Ilas one child -Ira, born Dee. 13, 1877. A. C. Benjamin, his brother, was born in 1855, in Dale Town- ship, III., on same farm; remained until 21, when he began working in a clothing store for Livingston & Co., Bloomington, six months, Heldmon, two months, Goldsmith, four months, worked next for Freeman by month, also for Sutton ; he then began working in a wagon fac- tory for T. H. Smith & Co., of Pekin. Was married Feb. 7, 1878, to Josephine Lovenguth.

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JAMES F. BOULWARE, farm and stock : P. O. Shirley ; was born Dec. 23, 1818, ou farm in Madison Co., Ky. ; was fifth son of John Boulware, born in Virginia about 1788. He was married to Mary McClain, of Virginia. Mr. Boulware remained in Kentucky, engaged in farming until 1852, when he came to Illinois. In 1851, he was married to Mary Kelly, born in Madison Co., Ky .; in 1852. they made their final settlement in Dale Township, and improved three farms ; first, what is now the Boyd farm; second, the Lane farm. In 1867, settled on present farmi of 160 acres, earned principally by their own labor and management ; they have made this one of the finest farms in the county ; every convenience that could be desired is present Mr. Boulware has held the office of Supervisor of Dale Township; is now Trustee ; Commissioner, two years. His mother died Feb. 16, 1879; she was one of those ambitious women who never ceased to be doing something, and when near 96 and 92 years old, she did some elegant crocheting, making spreads and napkins. Mrs. Boulware, wife of Mr. Boulware, was a grad- uate of the Richmond, Va., Female Academy ; she takes great interest in literature; she writes often for the Democratic News, of Bloomington ; also contributes her own productions to American Christian Review, of Cincinnati, and Christian of St. Louis. She has also on hand many able manuscripts. They have one adopted daughter-Mary R. Mr. and Mrs. Boulware are members of the Christian Church, at Shirley.

HAMILTON BOID, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Shirley ; was born in 1817, in Jefferson Co., Ohio, and remained there and in Coshocton Co. until 1855 ; was engaged in farming and running canal-boat, managing shipping wheat, wine and whisky. In 1842, he was married to Margaret Boyd, of same name, but no connection ; she was born in Keen Township, Coshocton Co , Ohio. After marriage, they settled on a farm, which they bought, for two years. In 1855, they came to Illinois by wagon, as was somewhat customary, and settled in Bloomington for some time; afterward moving to fazewell Co. In 1858, they settled the present little farm of eighty- three acres, which he has made a magnificent little home. He has worked by month, at $10 to $15. Mr. Boyd makes a specialty in breeding fine horses. He has now one fine horse. Ile has held the offices of School Director and Pathmaster. Have five children-John, Anderson, Mary E., Margaret, Sarah.

J. L. DOUGLASS, grain merchant, of the firm of Funk & Douglass, grain, coal, lumber and salt merchants, Shirley, was born in York Co., Penn., Oct. 9, 1843. In 1868, he came West, looking for work, and first stopped at Chicago. Here he failed to find work, and then went to Bloomington, where he found that, by applying, he could get a place at Shirley as school teacher. He went there at once and accep ted the appointment which was offered him, and from that first step, he has gradually improved his condition in life. He was appointed station agent for the C. & A. R. R., then express agent, and then Postmaster; these offices he has filled for the last nine years. He entered the grain business, with Mr. Funk, in 1876; they handle some 40,000 bushels of grain in a year, and own a first-class el- vator, having a capacity of 12,000 bushels. Mr. Douglass married Miss Nancy Johnston, of Allegheny City, Penn., who is a graduate of the State Normal School, of Millersville, Peun. They have four children- three boys and one girl. Mr. Donglass has held several offices in connection with schools, and is, at present, School Treasurer.

JOHN FREED, farm and stock; P. O. Covell ; was born Nov. 25, 1815, on a farm in Fay- ette Co., Penn , and remained there until 45 years old ; was engaged in farming, working for his father until 24, when he began business for himself. Dec. 12, 1839, was married to Fan- nie Kobinson, daughter of James Robinson, a distiller and farmer. After marriage, they settled in Fayette Co., renting of his father five years. He then bought a farm of 140 acres ; remained there until 1861, selling out in 1860. In 1861, they moved to Gridley ; remained eighteen months, farming, renting of the Railroad Company. From there, they came to Towanda, and bought eighty acres of Miller, paying $25 per acre; some time after, buying eighty acres of Papunaw, making 160 acres. In 1865, he sold the farm to Bone, at $40 per acre, and then moved to his present farm of 180 acres, acquired by their own labors. Has also a house and lot in Bloomington. Their marriage blessed them with nine children, viz., Albert, Ann Eliza, Cyrus ( was killed in the war, in Sherman's raid to Atlanta ; died in 1864), Henry, George C., James, John, Clark, Smith. He has taken much interest in educating his children. Henry has taught school, in Illinois, five years ; is now in Pennsylvania, in the dry goods business. George is now practicing law at Leavenworth, Kan. ; he has been insurance agent for the California Insurance Company ; afterward took agency for the combined companies, California and Mis- souri Valley Company; has also taught school. Albert has taught school, and has been Tax Collector, for seven years, of Dale. Mr. Freed has held offices connected with schools, and Pathmaster. He and wife belong to the Baptist Church of Bloomington.

D. G. FORMAN, farmer and stock-dealer; l'. O. Bloomington ; was born in New Jersey Dec. 29, 1834; remained there until 25 years old. working for his father, when he began busi- ness for himself, working on a farm; renting of Shougles for one year, and of Olden two years. He then came to Illinois, settling in McLean Co., and working for Bolusteer for one year at $40 per month ; was overseeing his farm. He soon bought a farm of eighty acres in Dale Township, which, by careful management, has become a beautiful farm, and has been increased to 325 acres which he has earned entirely by his own labor and management. He was married in

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1856, to Sarah Flock, born in New Jersey. They have three children -William, F. and Susie E. Mr. Forman and wife are members of the Baptist Church in Bloomington. lle has held offices connected with schools.

JOHN M. HOLMES, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Bloomington ; was born in 1806, in Kildare Co., Ireland; remained there until 24 years old ; was a soldier in the Royal Artillery for fourteen years. In 1831, he came to Ilalifax, and engaged in artillery for six years. From there he moved to Lower Canada, in 1837 ; engaged in soldiering; afterward taking a position in the British Government as soldier for twenty years. On the Ist day of May, 1860, he settled at Decatur, Ill., and engaged in painting for six years. He next engaged in painting at Bloom- ington for seven years. After which he went to Ireland and received an inheritance of $40,000. In 1876, he returned and bought him a pleasant little home of eighty acres, which he has improved. Was married, first time, in 1829, to Susan Dunn; second time to Sarah West ; both of whom were born in Ireland.

J. M. HARVEY, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Covell; was born Feb. 6, 1837, on farm in Franklin Co., Penn., and remained there engaged in farming until the spring of 1855, when he came with his father to McLean Co., Ill., settling in Dale Township, on what is now the T. A. Rogers farm. They bought a farm of eighty acres and owned it some eight years. In October, 1862, he was married to M. J. Witherow, of Franklin Co., Penn. After marriage, they settled in Shirley, one winter. Moved from there to Bloomington Township and engaged in gardening, renting a small piece of ground of J. Hessell. Rented next of W. G. Witherow, for one year. He then bought and settled the present farm of eighty acres, which he has made a beautiful home. lle has held offices connected with schools ; a Director three terms ; Road Commissioner three ternis; Town Clerk one term. Mr. Harvey has topped corn at 123 cents per day ; has taught school at $30 per month ; worked by the month at $6. Mr. Harvey's life has been almost one of self-care, his mother having died when lie was 12 years old. He has two children-Nellie F. and Mattie E.

A. P. HEFNER, blacksmith, Covell : was born Dec. 7, 1825, on a farm in Augusta Co , Va .; remained there with his father as a farmer, afterward moving to Frankfort, Ind., and engaging in smithing, working there two years, moving from there to Kirkland, Ind., and engaged with his father in smithing twelve years; they then moved to a farm in Clinton Co., which they bought, working at smithing two years; he then went to Frankfort, and engaged in working at gear work with Fenner for six months; he then moved to Delphi and engaged in smithing, and at wagon and plow works for Dunkle & Killgore for four years. In 1852, was married to Levina Witherow, of Delphi, Ind .; born in Pennsylvania In 1857, he came to McLean Co., Ill., settling at Shirley and engaged in smithing for six years, moving from there to El Paso, Ill., engaging in smithing two years ; he then moved to Covell, Ill., and began business with nothing ; has now ten lots ; liis present dwelling is one of fine improvements. Has four children, viz., W. G., Florence B , Libbie M., Nannie J. He has held offices connected with schools.

JESSE HILL, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Bloomington; was born Nov. 24, 1809, in Pennsylvania, near Lexington, Ky .; remained there until about 9 years old, when he left the scenes of his childhood and moved with his father to Jefferson Co., Ind .; remained until 21, engaged in milling and d'stilling for his father ; when in his 21st year, he moved to Illinois, his only treasure a little knapsack, which he carried on his back, measuring the distance with much rapidity on foot. Mr. Hill settled and engaged in working by the month at $8; by day at 25 cents. Ile soon married Col Buler's daughter, and settled on the farm where Jesse Enlow now lives, afterward settling the present farm of 220 acres, which he took from raw prairie, and has made one of much beauty and value. Mr. Hill has been married three times ; first wife had four children-John W., Polly Ann, Jane, Martha; by second wife, had four children, viz., Nancy A., Zerah, Polly M., James ; by third wife, four children-Phoebe E., Jessie A., Charles, William.

C. S. JARRETT, farm and stock ; P. O. Bloomington ; was born in 1850, in Greenbrier Co., Va .; remained there until 21 years old; was engaged principally in stock-raising-cattle, sheep and hogs. When Mr. Jarrett was 2 years old, his father died and left him as one of a family of five children-Johnson, Leonard, Clark, Kate. In 1871, he came with his mother to McLean Co., Ill., and settled on the beautiful little farm of sixty-five acres, on which they now make themselves very comfortable. The situation of this farm and surroundings make it one much to be desired. Leonard and Johnson were in the civil war :. Johnson returned, but Leonard never more saw his old native home ; he died with brain fever.

WILLIAM JOHNSON, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Bloomington ; was one of fourteen children, and was born in West Virginia in 1829, on a farm, and remained there, engaged in farming and going to school, until 20 years old. In 1846, he came to Illinois, with a number of hands, to manage farming 1,260 acres, which his father bought ; they came to Illinois by team, stopping over Sunday and enjoying, perhaps, the company of some lone wanderer who had staked his tent along some beautiful brook. Mr. Johnson was on farm in Twin Grove three years before marriage, managing and improving this raw prairie. In 1851, he was married to Amanda llarris, daughter of A. C. Harris, of Kentucky, born in 1808; he was a minister in his younger days, and his father a minister all his life, and was the father of seventeen children-

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twelve boys and five girls ; six boys were ministers. Mr. and Mrs. Harris had five children ; one is professor in Lincoln (111.) schools ; immediately after marriage, they settled the present farm, then 160 acres, given him by his father, which he has increased to 300 acres ; he has, in all, 830 acres, and' is a stock-holder in McLean County Agricultural Society : he has held school offices twelve years ; hired a substitute for civil war at $900. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are active members of the M. E. Church at Twin Grove; they have taken quite an active part in moving and preparing this house of worship; they have seven children, viz., Belle, Emma, Ida, Ellen, Willie, Amos and an infant; they are taking quite an interest in schooling their children ; Emma and Belle are attending the Wesleyan University at Bloomington. Mr. Johnson makes a specialty in feeding stock and trading in same. The war whoops of the murdering Indians had scarcely ceased when Mr. Johnson settled this lonely prairie, and at his settlement yet remained many deer and wolves, which had narrowly escaped the flint-rock spears of these savage red men. Mr. Johnson, father of Wm. Johnson, was born in Virginia in 1794; died in 1877; his mother was born in Virginia in 1800, and died in 1861. Mr. Johnson's grandfather was a Cap- tain in the Mexican war, and was a great hunter and associate of Daniel Boone, of Kentucky. Thus ends the sketch of lives which have been active every moment of their short career, and many of them have realized the full amount and even more of their allotted three score and ten.

JAMES LUCAS, farm and stock ; P. O. Bloomington ; was born in White Co., Ill., Dec. 25, 1812, and remained there working at farming and distillery until 22 years old. In 1833, he was married to Mary A. McFall, of Ohio. After marriage, they settled in White Co. until 1834; then moving to McLean Co., settling near Le Roy, on a farm which they bought of the Govern- ment ; was then engaged in farming twelve years ; he then settled in Bloomington and engaged in a confectionery and bakery, in partnership with William Harvey ; closing out business there, he settled on a farm in Allin Township, which he bought, remaining some eight years, moving from there to Dale Township, buying a farm of 100 acres, earned entirely by his own labor and management, paying $9,000 for it; one time of note, when the Indians made way to his father's house, and, finding an opening through the log hut, they put their guns through and fired. luckily killing no one. They have four children-S. Jane, John, Martha and Francis.

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The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 144

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