The History of Menard and Mason Counties, Illinois, Part 77

Author:
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : O.L. Baskin & Co.
Number of Pages: 848

USA > Illinois > Mason County > The History of Menard and Mason Counties, Illinois > Part 77
USA > Illinois > Menard County > The History of Menard and Mason Counties, Illinois > Part 77

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A. E. MICK, Petersburg; was born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., Dec. 22, 1837, where he continued to reside until arriving at the age of 11 years, when his mother died, leaving a family of seven children, of whom he was the eldest; in the year 1850, he was taken by his father to Fountain Co., where he was reared into manhood ; he attended school at Shawnee Academy, Wabash College, and Indiana Asbury University, receiving a liberal education ; at the age of 21, he engaged in teaching school, which he followed about four years, in the States of Indiana and Illinois ; he located in Peters- burg in May, 1862, and, in 1864, was elected County Surveyor, filling that office until 1869, when he was elected County Clerk of Menard County, which he held for a term of four years. He was married to a daughter of Milo Wood, June 15, 1865, at Petersburg, Ill. In 1870, he obtained license to practice law, and was admitted to the- Menard County bar that year, following the profession until the spring of 1874, when he located in Southeastern Kansas, and soon built up an extensive practice in Wilson and Neosho Cos .; he purchased the Petersburg Democrat, the oldest and largest paper in Menard Co., July 1, 1877, and moved his family back to Petersburg the following fall, where he has since been prominently connected with that paper.

D. T. MORRIS, harness dealer, Petersburg; son of William J. and Jemima (Ratliff) Morris ; was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Sept. 18, 1845; in 1855, he was brought to Menard Co. by his parents, where they have since resided; during his early life, he obtained a good business education and learned the trade of a harness-maker ; he engaged in the harness and saddlery business on his own account in 1875, and, being a finished and careful workman, has built up a flourishing trade, and keeps a large stock of saddles and harness of his own manufacture. He married Miss Ruth Davis, of Menard Co., Ill., June 7, 1866; they have a family of two promising children.

CAPT. C. E. MCDOUGALL, grocer, Petersburg; firm of McDougall & Stith ; was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Aug. 11, 1838; during his early life, he obtained a good business education in the city of Boston ; he came to Petersburg, Ill., in 1858. He entered the army in December, 1861, as a private, and participated in many of the most severe battles of the war; was wounded during the battle of Murfreesboro ; he rose to the office of Captain, and was mustered out in September, 1865 ; after the war, he engaged in various business enterprises until 1872, when he embarked in the gro- cery business with one J. F. Parvin, now deceased ; his present partnership was formed in May, 1878; as a firm, they are well known and, through their fine assortment of groceries and queensware, and their uprightness in dealing, have built up a flourishing trade. Capt. McDougall now officiates as Captain of the Petersburg Company of

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State Militia ; he is a social, genial and much respected citizen. He married Miss Almira E. West, of Greenview, in this county, Jan. 31, 1864; they have a family of four children.

EDWARD M. MORRIS, wagon-maker, Petersburg; son of William J. and Jemima M. (Ratliff) Morris ; was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Nov. 6, 1852; he came with his parents to Menard Co. in 1855; during his early life school advantages were limited; he learned his trade under A. W. Stoker, and began business on his own account in 1875 ; he began by letting nothing but first-class work leave his shop, and, through his mechanical ability, industry and energy, has placed himself in his present flourishing condition.

H. W. MONTGOMERY, stock-dealer, Petersburg. Son of Samuel and Mary (Bailey) Montgomery ; was born in Adair Co., Ky., June 30, 1820, and brought to Illinois by his parents in 1829, settling in Cass Co., where he was raised a farmer, receiving a good common-school education. After he became of age, he took charge of the home farm, remaining with his father until about 25 years of age. He married Miss Emily E. Wilson, formerly of Ohio, Jan. 16, 1850. They settled in Menard Co., near Petersburg in 1850, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, and in stock-dealing. He is a man of large means, public-spirited, benevolent, and much respected. They have a family of four children.

JAMES MILES, farmer and stock-dealer ; P. O. Petersburg. Son of George U. and Jane (McCoy) Miles, who were among the first settlers of Menard Co .; George U. was born in St. Mary's Co., Md., March 20, 1796, and came with his parents to the Territory of Illinois in 1816; they first settled in what is now St. Clair Co., where they remained for a time ; thence to White Co., and there George U. married Miss Jane McCoy in 1821, and Nov. 25, 1822, James was born. In 1825, they removed into what is now Logan Co., where they remained until 1836, when they removed into Sangamon Co .; thence, in 1840, to Petersburg, where James and his father have since lived. James' mother having died Dec. 15, 1850 (she left three children), Oct. 21, 1851, his father married Mrs. Catharine Early, of Sangamon Co. ; he still survives, and now, at the ripe age of 74, resides with James, who is a prominent farmer and stock- dealer. His farm consists of 166 acres of fine land, adjoining the town of Petersburg. His wife was Miss Anna Smith, of this county ; they were married Jan. 5, 1845, and have a family now living of five children. Mr. Miles is one of the well-to-do and enter- prising farmers of Menard Co., always assisting in such matters as pertain to the welfare of the community.

JACOB MERRELL, farmer ; P. O. Petersburg. Son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Stout) Merrell; was born in Mason Co., Ky., March 9, 1806, where he was also raised. He came to this State with his parents in 1832; they settled where Jacob now lives ; and, in examining the location of the farm, his father admired the place and told Jacob he wanted to be buried on the place, pointing out the location. At his death, which was in 1835, Jacob did as his father requested ; and, in 1859, his mother was laid away by his side. Jacob Merrell has lived a long, eventful life, and the high estcem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens is a satisfaction to him in his old age; he has now arrived to the ripe old age of 74 years, while his physical condition is remarkably good. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Rumford, of his native county ; they were married in October, 1833 ; they have raised a family of three children. They own 240 acres of fine land -- a part of the old homestead farm.

H. W. MASTERS, State's Attorney, Petersburg ; is a native of Morgan Co., Ill., born Sept. 11, 1845; son of Squire D. and Lucinda (Young) Masters, who were pioneers of this county. He was raised upon a farm, and received his early education at a district school. In 1861 and 1862, he attended the North Sangamon Academy ; after which, he attended Illinois College at Jacksonville ; thence to Michigan University, where he completed a fine academical education ; then taught school for several years. In 1867, he began to read law under the direction of W. McNeely; was admitted to the bar in 1868, and began the practice of his chosen profession in Garnett, Kan., and, after one year, he returned to Menard Co. and took up farming, but through his ability and

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popularity was, in 1872, elected to the office of State's Attorney for Menard Co., and re-elected in 1876. He married Emma J., daughter of Rev. D. Dexter, of Brattleboro, Vt., Sept. 10, 1867 ; they have a family of three children living.

B. F. MONTGOMERY, stock-dealer, Petersburg; born in Adair Co., Ky., June 14, 1822; son of Samuel and Mary (Bailey) Montgomery; they came from Ken- tucky to Morgan Co., Ill., in 1829, settling upon a farm, where they spent the remainder of their days. Mr. Samuel Montgomery was industrious and successful, and left a good property. B. F. and his brother H. W. began farming and stock-dealing together, and, like many others, met with reverses; B. F. lost all he had, and then began anew, and, by untiring energy, slowly regained what he lost, and has gradually increased his property ; he is one of the substantial and most reliable stock-dealers of Central Illinois, having dealt in stock for thirty years. He married Martha A., daughter of Thomas Dowell, a prominent pioneer of Menard Co., Oct. 24, 1854; they have a family of three children.

J. McRUTLEDGE, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Petersburg; was born in Henderson Co., Ky., Sept. 29, 1815; his parents emigrated from South Carolina to what is now Menard Co. in 1826. Mr. McR. well remembers when this country was inhabited by roving bands of Indians, with now and then an adventurous pioneer ; he has been an active helper in all enterprises pertaining to the good of the community ; farming and stock-raising has been his principal business, and he has accumulated a good property ; he now owns a fine farm, consisting of 200 acres, which is the result of his own industry. He married Miss Margaret C. Harris, of Morgan Co., Ill., Aug. 19, 1841; she was born in Overton Co., Tenn., Nov. 18, 1820; they have a family of eight children-three sons and five daughters.

THOMPSON WARE MCNEELY was born at Jacksonville, Ill., Oct. 5, A. D. 1835 ; his father, Robert T. McNeely, a native of Kentucky, was of Irish and Scotch descent, and his mother, Ann Maria Ware, also a native of Kentucky, was of English descent ; in 1839, Mr. McNeely's mother died, and soon after, he removed with his father to Menard Co .; after one year spent at Jubilee College near Peoria, and four years at Lombard University at Galesburg, Ill., Mr. McNeely graduated with the degree of A. B. at the last-named college in 1856, and the same college, in 1859, con- ferred upon him the degree of A. M .; he began the study of law, July, 1856, and was admitted to practice in August, 1857, at Petersburg, Ill., where he has resided ever since ; he attended the Law Department of Kentucky University at Louisville during the winter of 1858-59, where he graduated in March, 1859. In November, 1861, he was elected a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of Illinois from Menard and Cass Cos., in which body he served as a member; in 1868, he was elected as a Demo- crat as a member of Congress from the Ninth District, composed of the counties of Menard, Cass, Mason, Fulton, McDonough, Schuyler, Brown and Pike, and was re- elected from the same District in 1870, serving from March 4, 1869, to March 4. 1873. . In November, 1872, he was married to Miss M. H. Derickson, daughter of Hon. L. L. Derickson, of Berlin, Md. After leaving Congress, Mr. McNeely resumed the practice of law. He is now the Chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee.

MARTIN NEFF, farmer; P. O. Petersburg; born in Rockingham Co., Va., Dec. 18; 1813, and is the son of Henry and Barbara (Burkholder) Neff; he is of German origin. His wife was Miss Helena Bowers, of his native county ; they were married June 20, 1844. They came to Illinois in 1854, locating where he now resides. Mrs. Neff died Feb. 5, 1868; they had raised a family of six. Mr. Neff is considered one of the enterprising and well-to-do citizens of Menard Co. He owns 220 acres of fine land, situated three miles from Petersburg.

J. W. NEWCOMER, physician, Petersburg ; son of Joseph and Maria (Royer) Newcomer ; was born in Chester Co., Penn., Sept. 17, 1838, where he was raised and received his academical education ; after which he entered Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, graduating in 1864. He then entered the regular service as a medical officer of the Navy Department. After a service of eighteen months, he resigned and spent some time in looking for a location. Being favorably impressed with Petersburg

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and its people, he loeated here in 1866. His uprightness of character gave the people confidence, and his gradual inerease of praetiee is evidenee of his skill. He is a mem- ber of the State Medieal Association, and President of the Tri-State Society (District of Brainard). He married Miss E. Jennie, daughter of Isaae White, a pioncer of this county, Dee. 5, 1867 ; they have a family of six:

JUDGE J. H. PILLSBURY, retired, Petersburg; son of Alpha and Margaret (Caverno) Pillsbury ; was born in Stafford Co., N. H., Aug. 3, 1830. His father died in 1831, leaving a wife and two sons. In 1836, they emigrated to Menard Co., Ill., bought land and began to prepare a home. At this time, it was a wild and desolate country, and none but those possessed with a firm will and determination, coupled with industry, could live the life he has lived. Few ean look baek over their past life with more satisfaction than he, as to-day he enjoys the honor and respeet of all who know him. During his early life, he received a good education at Jacksonville College. He settled in the town of Petersburg in 1854, and read law under the instruction of Hon. T. L. Harris; after which he taught school for a time, and in the fall of 1855 was elected School Commissioner, serving six years. In 1856, he was admitted to the bar, and, in 1857, elected Poliee Magistrate, and appointed Master in Chaneery, serving in the latter office eight years. In the fall of 1861, he was elceted County Judge of Menard Co. and re-elected in 1873. His brother dicd in January of 1852; his mother survived until April 3, 1868. The Judge married Miss Susan M. Gardner Jan. 3, 1861 ; she is a daughter of Hiram K. Gardner, a prominent pioneer of Sangamon Co. They have two children living-Joseph B. and Susan H.

MRS. ELIZABETH POTTER, farmer; P. O. Tallula; widow of the late Elijah Potter; was born in Jaekson Co., Tenn., Oet. 30, 1818, the daughter of Will- iam and Elizabeth Graham (Greene), who emigrated to Menard Co., Ill., in 1821, locating upon the farm where she now resides. Sept. 15, 1833, she was married to Mr. Elijah Potter, who was born in White Co., Ill., Feb. 24, 1813, and loeated with his parents in what is now Menard Co. in 1819. He began doing for himself, a poor man, with nothing but a determined mind and willing hands, but, in a few years, it could be seen that Mr. Potter was destined to be a prominent and a wealthy man ; suc- cess gradually followed his efforts, until he had amassed a fine fortune; he assisted in any matter pertaining to the good of the community ; he had bought and improved nearly 1,000 aeres ; March 23, 1876, he died, mourned by a large eircle of aequaint- ances, friends and relatives ; he had two daughters, one of whom now resides with her mother ; Mrs. Potter now superintends the farm ; she is a lady of fine mental powers and a great-grandmother, but as sprightly as many younger women.

W. B. PEAKE, retired, Petersburg; son of Thomas and Sarah M. (Adams) Peake, who were of English descent ; was born in Loudoun Co., Va., Sept. 6, 1803 ; during his early life, school advantages were very limited, but, by home-study and observa- tion, he became a practical business man ; he entered mercantile life as clerk when quite young, and, after five years' experience, became a partner and accumulated a good pro- perty ; in 1837, he came to Illinois, loeating in Menard Co., and opened a general store at Salisbury ; he located in Petersburg in 1844, and for several years was a merehant. His wife was Miss Jane E. Powell, of Fairfax Co., Va .; they were married Nov. 3, 1836; she was born Oet. 2, 1815. Mr. and Mrs. Peake enjoy fine health and are sprightly, social and genial; their combined ages equal 140 years.

ELI REEP, farmer; P. O. Petersburg; is a native of Harrison Co., Ind. ; born Jan. 21, 1840 ; during his early life, his sehool advantages were limited ; he came to . Illinois in 1857, and engaged as a farm laborer, which he followed in summer and attended school during winters ; in this way, he aequired a good business education. He enlisted in the army in 1862 with the 106th I. V. I. ; he served to the elose of the war, upward of three years, and escaped without injury. After the war, he returned to where he now lives and engaged in agricultural pursuits and stoek-dealing, in which business he was for a time very successful. His wife, Anna B., is the daughter of Thomas F. and Anna (Beck) Dowell; Mr. Dowell eame from Virginia in 1827, and has been an eye-witness to the great changes in this region from wild forests and prairics to

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a thickly settled county ; the trials and privations of a pioneer life are yet fresh in his memory ; his wife died May 23, 1863, a faithful wife and devoted mother ; she had raised a family of ten. Mr. Dowell still resides upon the old homestead, where he set- tled in a very early day, and has an ancient-looking orchard which furnished the first fruit in Menard Co .; many of the trees are over three feet in diameter; he and his trees have grown old together, and their career has alike been a long and fruitful one ; Mr. Dowell has now reached the ripe age of 79 years. The subject of this sketch, in 1873, was elected to the responsible position of Assessor and Treasurer of Menard County.

J. F. RICHTER, marble dealer, Petersburg; was born in Germany Oct. 15, 1834, and came to this country in 1849, locating in Richmond, Ind .; there he began the trade of a stone and marble cutter, remaining some three years, then went to Day- ton, Ohio, where he finished his trade under the old, established firm of La Dow & Hamilton, which gives him the reputation he justly deserves of being a fine marble- worker; he followed his trade in Springfield, Ill., for a number of years ; he established himself in the marble business at Petersburg in 1878, and is now prepared to do as fine work at as reasonable rates as any one in Central Illinois. He has married twice, first to Miss Mary Abbott, of Dayton, Ohio, Feb. 3, 1858; she died at Lincoln, Ill., in 1866, leaving two children; his second wife was a sister of his first wife; they were married in August, 1871, by whom he has one child.

NORMAN K. RANKIN, lumber dealer, Petersburg; was born in Hancock Co., Ill., Dec. 21, 1847, and was taken to McLean Co. by his parents while quite young, and there raised and educated at the Wesleyan University. At the age of 16, he entered the army of the late war, enlisting with the 150th I. V. I., in February, 1865 ; was discharged at Camp Butler after a service of one year. His parents having died while he was quite young, he was thrown upon his own resources, and by his own efforts obtained an education. He began doing business on his own account in 1871, locating at Saybrook, McLean Co., embarking in the lumber business, and there contin- uing for a time, then engaging in the stock business ; in this he met with good success. Nov. 14, 1877, he married Anna, daughter of Squire D. and Lucinda Masters, who are prominent pioneers of Menard Co .; she is a graduate of the Illinois Female College of Jacksonville, and has given considerable attention to elocution, having given several readings with marked success, and is a lady of refinement and talent ; they have one child-Ralph V. They located in Petersburg in 1878, and Mr. Rankin engaged in the lumber trade, firm of Masters & Rankin.

PHILIP RAINEY, miller, Petersburg ; was born in Boydton, Va., Oct. 7, 1829, where he was raised and schooled. His first business experience was in connection with the post office at that place, where he continued several years. In 1849, he removed to California, and remained some four years engaged in mining and mercantile business ; during this time, his father died. In 1854, he returned home, and lived with his mother until the close of the late war. He came to Petersburg in 1867, and shortly afterward purchased an interest in the mill of which he is now sole proprietor. He bought out his partner in 1869, and has since devoted his entire attention to grain- dealing and milling. He has, by his fair dealing and business qualification, won for himself a good reputation. He married Miss Marcia H. Rourke, of this county, May 24, 1869 ; she is the daughter of Col. C. Rourke, of this place. They have a family of four children.

JOHN H. and HENRY SCHIRDING, farmers and stock-dealers; P. O. Peters- burg; sons of Henry and Helen M. (Zurbord) Schirding. John was born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, July 24, 1828, and came to this country in 1847. Henry was also born in Hanover Oct. 12, 1833, and, with his parents, came to this country in 1848, and joined John H. in opening their present home farm, which now consists of 781 acres of as fine land as may be found in Menard Co. Their parents still live with them, and have arrived at a ripe old age, their combined ages being 160 years, and enjoy fine health for old people. Henry married Miss Mary C. Behma, of his native country, June 26, 1864. They have a family of three. They are enterprising,

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benevolent and practical farmers, enjoying the reputation of being much respected citizens.

ISAAC C. STITH, of the firm of McDougall & Stith, Petersburg; is the son of Thomas M. and Susanna (Colson) Stith ; he was born in this county March 11, 1848, and raised upon a farm, obtaining such education as could then be obtained. He mar- ried Miss Mary E. Hohimer, of this county, Jan. 25, 1871 ; she was born in this county April 8, 1849. They have a family of two children. For a time, Mr. Stith followed teaming in and about Petersburg, and in May, 1878, engaged in the grocery business with his present partner. They are live business men, and keep none but the best grade of goods.

J. M. SAWYER, station agent for the C. & A. R. R. Co., Petersburg ; son of Josiah and Harriet R. (Bates) Sawyer; was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., April 28, 1846, where he spent his early life, growing up on a farm, and receiving a good business education. During the late war, lie enlisted with the 4th Mass. Cav., and served some twenty-two months, and was honorably discharged ; he then returned to Tazewell Co., Ill .. and learned telegraphing. He came to Petersburg in 1867, and engaged with the Jackson branch of the C. & A. R. R. as station agent and operator; this position he has since held with satisfaction to all concerned. He married Miss Elizabeth M. Walker, of this place, May 1, 1870. They have two children-Harriet C. and Angeline M.

G. W. SHEPHARD, liveryman, of the firm of Shephard & Rutledge, livery and sale stables, Petersburg ; son of Jamcs and Margaret (Parke) Shephard, of Scotch-Irish origin ; was born in Menard Co. Feb. 1, 1847 ; he was raised on a farm, and cducated at district schools ; obtained a good business education, and for a number of years taught school. He settled in Petersburg in 1872, and taught a nine-months' school, then bought a half-interest in this stable, which is now well stocked, and has acquired a good class of custom.

A. W. STOKER, foundry, Petersburg; son of William and Sarah (Maxwell) Stoker, who located near Springfield, Ill., in 1847; A. W. was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, May 22, 1826; he learned the trade of a machinist under the instruction of his father, and has since continued it; he located in Springfield in 1846, where he followed his trade; in 1849, he came to Petersburg and established a shop, which he managed some two years, then returned to Springfield and engaged with the Western Railroad Company some eight years ; he then settled in Petersburg, where he has since lived an industrious and well-to-do citizen ; he conducts the manufacturing of the wheat drill known as the Blunt Press Drill ; also of plows, in connection with a foundry and gen- eral machine-shop. He is a member of the M. E. Church. He married Miss Susan Dickerson, of Indiana, May 6, 1849 ; they have one child-Emma, who is now Mrs. Prof. M. C. Connelly.

R. N. STEVENS, attorney, Petersburg; son of Stephen and Elizabeth J. (Grindle) Stevens; was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., Aug. 10, 1852; he came with parents to Tazewell Co., Ill., in 1856, where they lived until 1865, when they came to Menard Co .; he was educated at Pekin, obtaining a good business education, and deciding upon the profession of law for a calling; he began study in 1873 under McNeely (a prominent attorney of Petersburg), and was admitted to the bar in 1875; he continued with McNeely until 1877, when he began the practice of his profession ; he was appointed Master in Chancery in 1876. Mr. Stevens is well read, practical, and fast becoming prominent in the profession. He married Emma, daughter of Col. Rourke (of this place) April 17, 1876.

HARMAN TEMANN, farmer; P. O. Petersburg; was born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, Feb. 6, 1824, where he served seven years in the regular army ; he came to this country in 1853, and located at Petersburg; he began as a laborer, and thus continued until he had accumulated some means with which to purchase a small farm ; he bought and sold several times, finally locating where he now resides in 1864, and has a fine farm of 265 acres. He married Miss Tutter Luken, of his native country, in Jan- uary, 1861 ; they have three children living. Mr. Teeman came to this country with comparatively little means, but by industry and energy has accumulated a fine property.

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The History of Menard and Mason Counties, Illinois, Part 77

Author: Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Chicago : O.L. Baskin & Co. Number of Pages: 848

Author:
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : O.L. Baskin & Co.
Number of Pages: 848