The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 147

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 147

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SAMUEL PERRY, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Danvers ; was born in Jessamine Co., Ky., April 24, 1834; he is the son of John and Charity ( Hayes) Perry. In 1836, his father came West to Illinois, and settled in MeLean Co. Here, Samuel grew to manhood, with such experiences as are common to a farmer's son : his education was limited to the common schools. He remained at home until he reached his major ty, when he engaged to work for an older brother, at $20 per month. He has devotel his entire life, so far, to agricultural pursuits. He was married, in November, 1863, to Rebecca Hiatt, a native of Illinois ; two children have been born to them, but death has deprived them of both. He owns 220 acres of land in Dan- vers and Dry Grove Townships, valued at $11,000. He handles considerable stock, in the way of cattle and hogs. Mr. Ferry has never been an aspirant for official honors, and though once elected to office. paid his fine rather than serve. He is noted for his strict integrity and upright- ness of life, and for his fair and honorable dealing with all men.

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JOHN S. POPPLE, hardware merchant and insurance agent, Danvers ; was born in Boston, England, Jan. 24, 1841. He emigrated with his parents to America in August, 1851, the family first settling in Oswego, N. Y. His father, Samnel Popple, was a minister of the Method- ist Church, and died in Watertown, N. Y., in 1855. John S. attended school in Oswego, and secured to himself a good English education. The family came to Bloomington, Ill., and in 1860, to Danvers. During the residence of the family in Bloomington, John worked in the Eagle Mills, and, on coming to Danvers, followed milling ten years in the Danvers Mills. In 1870, he weut to Chicago and was a student in Prof. Palner's Musical Academy two sessions, and, for five years, devoted himself to teaching both vocal and instrumental music. In 1875, in connection with his brother, M. Luther Popple, he bought the hardware stock of William Estes, in Danvers, and the firm of Popple Bros., was established. They conduct the only hardware establishment in the village. He was married June 4, 1868, to Jennie E. Franks, a native of Danvers, Ill. ; has one child-Edwin G. He is agent for the Etna, Underwriters, Hartford, Phoenix and Rockford Insurance Companies ; also, Secretary of the Danvers Mutual Insurance Company, and the Rock Creek Fair Association.

ED. L. PRICE, farmer and grain dealer ; P. O. Lilly, Tazewell Co .; was born in Urbana, Ohio, April 15, 1844. He is the son of Rev. Ilugh R. and Ann ( Thomas) Price. His father is a native of Wales, and a minister of the Presbyterian Church. Ed. L. spent his early life in attendance upon the schools of his native city. In 1859, the family moved to Bloomington, McLean Co., Ill .; here his father was Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church about seven years ; here E. L. attended the public schools, and, later, was a student in the model department of the State Normal School. In 1862, he enlisted in Co. F, 68th Regt. I. V. I. and was in the service five months. In 1864, he re-enlisted in Co. B, 145th Regt. 1. V. I., and remained in the service till the close of the war. On his return from the war, he engaged with Krum & Robinson, of Bloomington, in purchasing grain, and as foreman in the lumber yard. In the fall of 1872, he moved to his farm in Danvers Township, and engaged in farming four years. In the fall of 1876, he formed a copartnership with I. R. Krum, under the firm name of Krum & Price, for the purchasing of grain and the sale of lumber, at Lilly, Tazewell Co. This. in connection with farming, he has since conducted. He was married in 1868 to Emma M. Mitchell, a native of Illinois ; has two children-Helen L., Hugh M. Owns 120 acres valued at $6,000 ; also one-half interest in the business at Lilly.

R. ROBINSON, contractor and builder, Danvers; was born in Shelby Co., Ohio, Oct. 30, 1832 ; his early life was that of a farmer's son, and his education was obtained at the common schools ; he remained at home till 25 years of age, engaged in farming the homestead. In 1859, he went to Gentry Co., Mo., where he purchased a farm of forty acres, but, owing to the exigen- cies of the war, remained but a short time ; leaving Missouri, he came to Danvers, McLean Co., Ill., and soon after coming engaged in carpentering with P. W. Rhodecap ; he continued as " jour" workman some eight or nine years : he then engaged in contracting and building on his own responsibility. Ile was married in 1854 to Sarah E. Cory, a native of Ohio ; has three children-Cory E., Frank L., Hattie Jean. Still owns his land in Missouri, and the best city property in the village of Danvers ; his property has been accumulated by his own personal exertions. He is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Sturm) Robinson ; his father was one of the early settlers of Shelby Co., Ohio, having settled there when the surrounding country was one unbroken wilderness.

IRA ROWELL, farmer ; P. O. Danvers ; was born in Haverhill, N. H., May 20, 1831 ; his youth and early manhood was passed upon the farm ; his education was confined to the commnon schools, and was somewhat limited even in that respect. By an extended course of reading, however, he has accumulated a vast fund of knowledge, and but few men are more thoroughly posted in ancient and modern history than Mr. Rowell. In 1849, the family came to Illinois, and settled in Dry Grove Township, McLean Co. At the age of 18 years, he began life for him - self On the death of his father, he returned to the old homestead, and cared for his widowed mother and the younger members of the family. He built his present residence in the spring of 1854. and it became at once headquarters for the family. He was married Nov. 10. 1869, to Lavinia Carlock, a native of Woodford Co., Ill .; she is the daughter of Abraham W. Carlock, familiarly known as the " Old Democrat ; three daughters bless and enliven their household- Lilly E., Laura B., Lulu J. Owns 120 acres valued at $7,200. Has held the office of School Trustee for the past twelve years : also those of Road Commissioner and School Director, each a number of terms.

C. C. ROWELL, merchant, Danvers : was born in Haverhill, Grafton Co., N. HI., Dec. 11, 18336; his early life was passed upon the farm ; at the age of six, he went to live with an uncle, and remained with him until he was 14 years of age; in the summer of 1849, he came with the family to Illinois, his father settling on the east side of Dry Grove, on what is now known as the John Mccullough farm ; about two years after coming, his father died, and he, with his brothers, first sought to procure a home for their widowed mother; in 1854, he began life for himself, working as a farm-hand for I. D. Janes, at $12.50 per month ; so faithful was he in the discharge of his duties, that at the close of the year Mr. Janes rewarded him with pay at $15 per month instead of $12.50 ; he next went to lowa and spent some months clerking in a store : returning to Danvers, he entered the employ of Ira Abbott and clerked for him two years, not

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losing a day. In the spring of 1861, he was married to Margaret Rayburn, a native of Dan- vers, Ill .; after marriage, he farmed two years, and then became a partner with George Bunn in the grocery trade ; at the close of one year, his brother Frank bought out Bunn's interest, and the firm of C. C. Rowell & Co. was established ; in 1876, Seymour Case became his partner, and two years later, G. L. Johnson. Has three children-Katie, William S., Charles C., Jr. Has held the office of Commissioner of Highways three years, School Treasurer four years, City Clerk two years.

THOMAS H. SHORTIIOSE, farmer and stock-dealer ; P. O. Danvers ; was born in Stafford- shire, England, A. D. 1818; his early life was passed upon the farm, and his education derived from the common schools; in 1849, he, with his brothers John L. and Herbert, emigrated to America and first settled near Zanesville, Ohio, and engaged in farming ; in the spring of 1852, he came West to Illinois, and was a resident of the village of Danvers about six months; in the fall of 1852, he purchased 136 acres of land about two and three-fourths miles southwest of the village ; here he has since resided, engaged in agricultural pursuits and the rearing of stock ; he at present owns 451 acres in MeLean Co., finely improved, valued at $25,000; also 245 acres in Jasper Co., Mo. He was married, in 1852, to Rosanna Frazier, a native of Virginia ; she died in October, 1876; four children were the fruits of this union-Ann E .. Emma, William, Bessie J .; of these, Ann E. and Bessie J. are deceased. He has held the office of Road Commissioner and School Director a number of terms. He deals quite extensively in fine cattle and a high grade of hogs : he has been very successful as a farmer, and through industry and energy has accumulated a large competency.

JOHN SLOAN, Roadmaster 1. B. & W. R. R .; was born in Neury, County Down, Ireland, in December, 1840; his parents emigrated to America in 1842, and first settled in Canada ; in 1852, the family came to Joliet, Will Co., Ill .; after a residence of about twenty years, his parents moved to Pekin, Tazewell Co., where they at present reside ; he obtained his education at the common schools and has spent the greater portion of his life actively engaged in railroad- ing ; during the years 1862, 1863, 1864 and 1865, he was engaged in boating on the I. & M. Canal; in 1872, he was first appointed Roadmaster of the I., B. & W. R. R., but by a subse- quent change in the officers of the road, lost his position ; he was re-appointed in 1878, and still holds the position ; in 1871, he moved to Danvers, where he has since resided. He was married in November, 1870, to Elizabeth Henry, a native of McLean Co .; has three children- Mary E., Bertha E., Theresa A. Has been a member of the Board of Village Trustees for the past six years, and is also a member of the present Board.

JOSEPH STUCKEY, minister ; P. O. Danvers; was born in Alsace, France, Jnly, A. D. 1825; he was raised upon a farm, and his education was limited to the common schools. In 1830, his parents emigrated to America, and settled in Butler Co., Ohio; here he grew to man- hood ; in 1850, he came West, to Illinois, and, purchasing some two hundred acres of land in Danvers Township, McLean Co., settled, and began the labor of opening up a farm: here he remained until 1876, when he removed to the village of Danvers, where he now resides. In 1860, under a sense of duty, he began the study of the Holy Scriptures, with a view to entering upon the work of the ministry ; in 1865, he entered regularly upon the work in which he has since been engaged ; he is a minister of far more than ordinary ability, and is Pastor of a large and influential Mennonite Church, some three miles north of Danvers, as well as of other churches in this and adjoining counties. He was married, Dec. 23, 1844, to Barbara Roth, born near Paris, France; has two children-Phoebe and Christian R. Owns 200 acres, valued at $6.000, besides village property and an interest in a boot and shoe store in Danvers, con- ducted by his son. Has held the office of School Director ten years, and that of Road Commis sioner six years.

CHRISTIAN STRUBHAR, farmer; P. O Danvers ; was born in Danvers Township, MeLean Co., Ill., June 13, 1844; his father, John Strubhar, emigrated from France and settled in Dan- vers Township as early as 1839. He obtained a fair education at the common schools, and spent his early life upon his father's farm. At his majority, he began life for himself, farming land rented of his father; in 1874, he purchased forty aeres of his present farm ; this he has since increased to one hundred and sixty. He was married Feb. 22, 1866, to Magdalena Ehrismaun, a native of Illinois : has two children-Samuel, Lydia. Has held the offices of School Director, Commissioner of Highways, and at present holds the office of School Trustee for Danvers Town- ship. His finely-improved farm bespeaks for him a thrift and enterprise which is characteristic of our best class of well-to-do farmers.

C. J. WHEELER, miller ; P. O. Danvers ; was born in Salem, Rockingham Co., N. H., Nov. 15, 1828; he is the son of Abitha and Mary E. (Gordon) Wheeler; his early life was that of a farmer's son, and his education was limited to an attendance upon the common schools. In 1837, he came, with the family, to Illinois, his father locating near the present village of Dan- vers : four years after coming. the father died, and young Wheeler, the oldest son, labored for the support of his widowed mother and the rest of the family. At the age of 18 years, he went out from home and engaged in labor as a farm-hand, at $8 per month; he followed farming in this manner until he reached the age of 28 years. In 1866, he purchased forty acres of land and engaged in improving it. In 1869, he traded his land for one-half interest in the Danvers

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Mills, now owned by Wheeler & Fanson. Ile was married in 1858, to Jane A. Boggs, a native of Illinois ; has six children -Helen E., Frank, Harvey, Lizzie, Earl, Ora. Mr. Wheeler has never aspired to office, and has held only that of Roadmaster.

CORODON WINSLOW, retired farmer; P. O. Danvers; was born in Rutland Co., Vt., July 1, 1817 ; he lost his mother when but. 10 years of age, and his father two years later. Ilis father was a man addicted to the use of strong drink, and left, at his death, to his seven orphaned boys the patrimony of a beggar. After the death of the parents, the family was scattered about in such homes as cach could procure for himself. His education was, as a matter of course, very limited ; Mr. Winslow set about life with a determination to make the most out of it that was possible ; by industry and hard labor, he accumulated about $700 when he reached the age of 23 years ; in 1840, he came to Hartford, Lieking Co., Ohio; here he purchased 100 acres of land and engaged in farming ; hard times setting in upon him, he lost most of the money invested, as he could not meet the deferred payments as they fell due, and was obliged to give up his pur- chase ; in 1851, he came to Illinois, and, in 1852, he pre-empted the quarter-section now owned by him in Danvers Township; this he improved and cultivated till April, 1874, when he built himself a residence and moved to the village of Danvers. He was married, in 1843, to Sarah Ann Wheaton, a native of New Jersey ; has had six children-Corintha A., William F., Mary E., living ; two daughters and one son died in infancy. Has held the office of Road Commissioner and School Director. lle owns 160 acres, worth $8,000, and has ready money besides.

PROF. JOHN P. YODER, Principal of Schools, Danvers; was born in Juniata Co., Va., Sept. 4, 1845 : he is the son of Elias and Lydia (Plank ) Yoder. In 1848, the family came West to Illinois, and first settled in Woodford Co .; in 1850, his father moved into McLean Co., near Brown's Grove. Here young Yoder spent his early life upon the farm, and secured to himself a good English education at the common schools ; during his minority, he learned the carpenter's trade under the instruction of his father ; this he followed at different periods in life. Feb. 3, 1865, he enlisted in the United States service as a private in Co. A, 150th Regt. I. V. I., and served till January, 1866. In 1867, he entered the State Normal University at Normal, from which he graduated in 1871 ; during his attendance, he taught the winters of 1868, 1869 and 1870 in Danvers Township ; after completing the course, he became Principal of the Blue Island Schools, remaining one year : the winter of 1873-74, he tanght a session in Dry Grove Township ; in the fall of 1875, he was chosen Principal of the Danvers Schools, a position he still holds. Under his supervision, a course of study has been arranged, the schools graded, and the first class graduated April 9, 1879. He was married Dec. 28, 1875, to Rebecca Lautz, a native of Illinois ; has two children-Lydia J. and Arthur E. He is at present a member of the Board of Village Trustees, and a Director of the Danvers Library and Literary Association. Prof. Yoder has proved himself a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, both at the bench and in the schoolroom.

LAWNDALE TOWNSHIP.

JOHN W. ABBOTT, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Lexington ; the subject of this sketch was born in Culpeper Co., Va., Nov. 18, 1830 ; came to Licking Co., Ohio, with his parents in 1831, and, in 1852, he came to McLean Co., Ill., where he has since resided ; has been a resi- dent of Lawndale Township for thirteen years, and owns a beautiful farm in the township, which comprises 108 acres, all of which is under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Abbott has held the offices of Township Clerk, Assessor and Commissioner of Ilighways. His union with Melinda White was celebrated Sept. 1, 1856; Mrs. Abbott was born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., March 24, 1834 ; from this union there are nine children, all of whom are living, viz., Mary T., James C., Charles E., Elmer E., Julia A., Eliza E., Judson A., Lena M. and a babe, two weeks old. Mr. Abbott is son of A. and E. Abbott, both of whom are living in Towanda Township; they celebrated their golden wedding April 9, 1879; there were present nearly one hundred friends and relatives ; there were cight children, thirteen grandchildren and one great-grand- child present. The old people bid fair to live many years yet.

MARTIN BATTERTON, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 32; P. O. Lexington ; one of the pioneers of Lawndale Township : born in Madison Co., Ky., Sept. 29, 1857; son of Abraham and Susanna Batterton, who came to Madison Co., Ky., during the Revolutionary war in 1783. Martin Batterton came to this township in January, 1834, and is now living upon the land the improvements of which he bought at that date; when he located here, there were only five families living in what is now Lawndale Township; he and his wife are now the oldest residents of the township; assisted in the organization of the same, and held offices of trust soon after. He was united in marriage with America Taylor Oct. 10, 1836 ; three children were the fruit of this union, of whom two are now living-Mrs. T. B. Kilgore, whose sketch appears in this work, and Mrs. A. J. Moon, now living in Lexington, this county ; their only son, Ira A. Batterton, was assassinated in Vicksburg because he was a Union man, and nobly and fearlessly expressed his Union principles through the columns of the Vicksburg Herald, which at that time was ably

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edited by him. He served in Co. K, 8th I. V. I , until he was mustered out of service to accept the position of Adjutant. After the fall of Vicksburg, he started the above paper, which was the canse of his death, upon July 14, 1865. Mr. Batterton owns 280 acres of land, free from incumbrance and under a good state of improvement ; the above property being accumulated by his own hard labor, industry and economy, in which he has been nobly assisted by his amiable wife.

CYRUS H. BENSON, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 22; P. O. Potosi. The subject of this sketch is one of the leading and prominent men of Lawndale Township ; was born in McLean Co., Ill., Sept. 16, 1835 ; has been a resident of Lawndale Township ten years : he has held the offices of Supervisor, Assessor and Commissioner of Highways, in all of which he faithfully dis- charged his duty. He was united in marriage with Lucy A. Rowell June 8, 1864; there were two children from this union-Edward M. and Lucy A. Served three years in the war of the rebellion ; enlisted Sept. 1, 1861, and was discharged Sept. 1, 1864; was in the engagements of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, and a number of lesser engagements. Mr. Benson was again married March 16, 1871, to Mary E. Denman, whose father now lives in White Oak Township. and who has been a resident of McLean Co. for over fifty years ; from this union, there are four children-Arthur D., Mary, James R. and Roy, all of whom are living. Mr. Benson owns 160) acres of land, which is nicely improved.

JAMES P. BENSON, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 36; P. O. Potosi ; one of the enterpris- ing yonng farmers of Lawndale Township, and son of James and Pollie A. Benson, who came to McLean Co. at an early day. The subject of this sketch was born in McLean Co., Ill., Aug. 21, 1847 ; owns eighty acres of well improved land, which he has made by his own exertions. Mr Benson is a single man, and one of the reading men of the township : has a well-selected library, which he has bought from time to time, as his means would permit.

JESSE M. BENSON. farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 36: P. O. Lexington ; one of the prom- inent farmers of Lawndale Township : was born in McLean Co., Ill., Nov. 12, 1839, where he has since resided. Served three years in the army during the war of the rebellion, and was at engagements of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, and a number of lesser engagements ; enlisted in the springof 1861, in Co. G, 17th I. V. I., and served with distinction until his discharge, which occurred in July, 1864. In 1869, Mr. Benson bought 160 acres of wild prairie land, which he has improved until he now owns one of the prettiest places in Lawndale Township. He was married to Elizabeth W. Conger Sept. 22, 1864; from this marriage there are four chil- dren, all of whom are now living-Nancy, John . F., Bruce and Franklin. Benjamin Conger, father of Mrs. Jesse Benson, is now living with his daughter; he is believed to be the oldest living inhabitant of Mclean Co., having come to the county in 1821, where he has since resided.

IIENRY L. BOURQUIN, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 23; P. O. Potosi. The subject of this sketch was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, Nov. 15, 1816; landed in America June 18, 1833; lived in Philadelphia a short time ; then moved to Columbiana Co., Ohio, and from there to McLean Co., Ill., in 1840; lived in McLean Co. but a short time, when he moved to Peoria, where he lived twelve years ; since that time, Mr. Bourquin has lived in Kansas and the northern part of l'eoria Co. ; he came to Lawndale Township in 1867, where he has since resided. He was united in marriage with Mary A. Grosjohn in 1836 : they have six children-Peter, Charles, Francis, Susanna, Harriet and Mary. Mr. Bourquin owns 160 acres of land, all under a good state of cultivation.

HON. JOHN CASSEDY, farming and stock-raising, Sec. 7; P. O. Lexington. The subject of this sketch is a native of New York, was born July 7, 1827 ; came to McLean County in 1851. and entered 200 acres of land, returning the same year to his native State. In Angust of 1855, he again came to McLean County, and settled on the land he had entered in 1851, where he has since resided. He has been adding from time to time to what he entered until he now owns 742 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation. Mr. Cassedy has held a great many positions of honor and trust. Among the local offices held by Mr. Cassedy might be mentioned those of Justice of the Peace. Township Trustee. Township Clerk, etc. He was the first and is the present Supervisor : in all of these offices he well and faithfully served his constituents. In 1872, the people of McLean County called upon him to represent them in their State Legislature, which be faithfully and honorably did. The following resolution was brought forward by Mr. Cassedy, which passed both Houses :

Resolution .- Whereas, the Constitution of the United States makes it the duty of Congress to regulate commerce between the States; therefore, resolved, by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring herein, that our Senators be instructed, and our Representatives in Congress be requested to use all lawful means to procure a law of Congress preventing railroads or transportation companies, doing business through or between the States, from making unjust charges or discriminations for such service.

Mr. Cassedy assisted in the organization of Lawndale Township, and proposed the name the township now bears. He was united in marriage with Mary A. Brown February 2, 1857. Miss Brown was born in Sangamon Co., Ill., July 18, 1838. By this union there are six children, all of whom are now living, viz. : John F., Annie M., Minnie. F., Cora B., Iona M. and Ida L.

LEWIS DECKER, farmer, Section 25: P. O. Potosi. The subject of this sketch is son of George .J. and Margaret Decker, who came from Bavaria to America in 1832 ; lived in Pennsyl- vania thirty-two years, and in New York City four years. In the last named place the subject of

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this sketch was born, November 5, 1844. He has been a resident of Lawndale Tp. six years; is one of the prominent men of the township, and takes a deep interest in education, books and papers ; has a complete library, which he has bought from time to time as his means would admit of his doing.

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The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 147

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