The History of Menard and Mason Counties, Illinois, Part 83

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 83
USA > Illinois > Menard County > The History of Menard and Mason Counties, Illinois > Part 83

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

STITH T. HURST, physician, Greenview ; was born in Washington Co., Ky., Sept. 5, 1844. His father, James Hurst, was a native of Kentucky, his mother, of South Carolina. She died when her son was but 3 months old. In 1849, he removed with his father to Menard Co., Ill., where he has resided most of the time since. He enlisted in Co. A, 152d I. V. I., and served until the close of the war. In early life, his opportunities for acquiring an education were limited, but, by perseverance and energy, he succeeded in obtaining a liberal education, and engaged in school-teaching, and attending school for a period of four years, after his discharge from the army. Dur- ing this time, he studied as best he could such medical books as his limited means would admit of his buying. One year of this time, he devoted exclusively to the study of his chosen profession. In 1869, he attended his first course of lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, and, in 1871, he graduated from that school, receiving the degree of M. D. His union with Marietta Walker was celebrated Oct. 19, 1870. She was born in Menard Co., Ill., Aug. 28, 1847, and is a daughter of Joseph Walker, one of the pioneers of Menard Co. Dr. Hurst owns a nicely improved property in the town of Greenview, and a nice and tastily arranged office on the public square. He owes liis success in life to perseverance, close attention to business and cconomy, and is, in the fullest sense of the word, a self-made man. He is a Republican, and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

JOHN HAMIL, farmer and dealer in live stock, Sec. 23; P. O. Greenview. As one who has fully identified himself with all the interests of Menard Co., for a period of forty years, none is more deserving of notice than John Hamil. He was born in Shenandoah Co., Va., Aug. 7, 1821; his father died when he was a child, leaving him in care of his grandfather, on his mother's side, and his mother. In an early day, the grandparent moved to Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, taking young Hamil with him ; there the boy passed his youth and early manhood, working on the farm of his grandfather, and remained until 1839, when he came to Illinois, and located in Shelbyville ; there he engaged in carrying the mail from that point, by way of Clinton, to Bloomington, and from Bloomington to Springfield, by way of Postville; he continued at this about two years, and then came to Irish Grove, and, for a number of years, worked by the month for the farmers in that locality. During this time, he had saved enough money, from his wages, to purchase eighty-five acres of land ; soon after doing so, he married Mary A. Borders, May 12, 1844. They had nine children, four of whom are now

living-William A., John D., Charles and Lawrence. The names of those deceased are-Nancy E., Mary C., and three infants. Mrs. Hamil died on March 22, 1870. He was married, on July 25, 1871, to Mrs. Agnes M. Anderson, whose maiden name was Young. By this union there are two children-Mary M. and Frederick L. He owns a nicely improved farm of 570 acres, all of which is under a high state of culti- vation. Is a Democrat, but quite conservative, and a consistent member of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church.

MALKOM HUBLY, farmer and dealer in live stock, Sec. 3; P. O. Mason City ; is a native of Canton Schwytz, Switzerland; he remained at home, with his parents, until 11 years old ; his father then entered him as an apprentice at the trade

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GREENVIEW PRECINCT.

of a blacksmith ; owing to an accident, he did not serve the full time of his apprentice- ship. After his return home he assisted his father in feeding his stock. He left home at the age of 14, and worked, by the month, for a number of years in an adjoining can- ton, receiving, at different times, 50 cents, 75 cents, and $1 a week. March 11, 1849, he landed in New Orleans ; he did not long remain there, but took passage on a steam- boat for Cincinnati. On his arrival there he had less than $5 in money, and it was some time before he could find employment ; at last he hired to a farmer from Butler Co., Ohio ; while working for him, he was married to Miss Catharine Wiget. Their capital, at that time, consisted of $14. In March, 1856, he came to Springfield, and worked for some time in a brickyard ; he then removed to Irish Grove, Menard Co., where he lived six years, and was engaged in farming. In 1872, he removed to Salt Creck, Greenview Precinct, and there engaged in farming and cattle-feeding. He has accumulated a good property, and has identified himself with all the interests of the county.

HARMON H. MEYER, farmer and dealer in stock, Sec. 32; P. O. Greenview ; was born in Hanover, Germany, Feb. 16, 1826 ; he passed his youth and early man- hood in his native country, working on a farm ; he emigrated to the United States in 1854. The first years in the New World were passed in a brickyard in St. Louis, Mo., working for very low wages ; at the expiration of that time, he came to Menard Co., Ill., where he has since resided ; he worked by the month for some time, and by economy and industry, saved sufficient means to buy 200 acres of wild prairie land, near Salt Creek ; he has since added to this, by purchase, 200 acres more, all now well-improved land. He was united in marriage with Dorotha Hackman Dec. 18, 1855 ; they have two daughters-Amelia, born July 10, 1857, and Margaret, born Jan. 15, 1859. Mr. Meyer came to the county a poor, unknown, and almost friendless German boy, but. by his energy, industry and honorable conduct, he has become a representative man of Men- ard Co. He is emphatically a self-made man.

H. H. MARBOLD, banker and dealer in live stock, Greenview ; was born in the Province of Hanover, Prussia, April 21, 1835 ; son of John H. and Maria E. (Sher- horn) Marbold, both natives of Hanover; the former was born May 7, 1800, and the latter Feb. 2, 1809; they were united in marriage Nov. 3, 1829, and were the parents of six children, three of whom are now living; the mother departed this life in Septem- ber, 1843; they came to this country and landed at New Orleans Nov. 17, 1847 ; they stopped there a short time, and also in the city of St. Louis, when they came to Peters- burg, Menard Co., Dec. 6, same year ; they remained in Petersburg about three years, when the father bought 200 acres of land near the village of Sweetwater, upon which they moved and where they have since resided. H. H. Marbold received a good lit- erary cducation and, at the same time, a much better practical one, for, when quite young, his father furnished him with means to trade in cattle, a business he has success- fully followed ever since. He was united in marriage with Margaret Hackman June 28. 1860; she was born in the Province of Hanover, Prussia, Jan. 14, 1840; from this union there were six children, three of whom are now living-Anna M., born Aug. 21, 1861 ; John H., April 17, 1865, and Benjamin F., Dec. 14, 1877. The names of the deceased are-Dora, born July 26, 1871, died Feb. 16, 1877 ; Henry H., born April 6, 1874, died Feb. 19, 1877, and a babe who died in infancy. In 1876, Mr. Marbold built a large two-story brick building in the village of Greenview, at a cost of $12,000, in which was started a banking firm known as Marbold, Alkirc & Co. He owns 2,600 acres of land, upon which he grazes and fecds a large number of cattle each year ; he has always been liberal in his support of moral and educational enter- prises, the churches and schools of the neighborhood, and has ever been foremost in the development of the best interests of the county.

JAMES MONTGOMERY, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Middletown ; was born in Gibson Co., Ind., Jan. 27, 1838; son of Thomas J. and Sarah (Stone) Montgomery ; the formncr a native of Kentucky, but came, with his parents, to Indiana when but a child, and the latter a native of Indiana; after their marriage, they remained in Indi- ana until the fall of 1849, when they moved to Bce Grove, Menard Co., Ill. Mr.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Montgomery and his brother-in-law (Mr. Stone) were the first settlers of that grove. Thomas J. and Sarah Montgomery were the parents of seventeen children, three of whom are now living; Thomas Montgomery departed this life Dee. 9, 1868, and his wife, in April, 1861. During the late war, three of the sons were in the army-James, Richard and Samuel; the last two never lived to see their old home in Illinois again. The subject of this sketch was in Co. G, 38th I. V. I., and served three years with honor and distinction, and was in the following notable engagements, through all of which he escaped without a wound : Stone River, Chickamauga, Perryville and all the engagements between Mission Ridge and Atlanta ; after the capture of Atlanta, he, with his command, was sent back to re-enforce Gen. Thomas, where they arrived in time to participate in the bloody battle of Nashville, Tenn. ; he was discharged at Huntsville, Ala., having been in active service for more than three years. Perhaps there is not a man in Menard Co. who ean show a better war record than James Montgomery. He passed his early life and manhood working on his father's farm; received a very indif- ferent education. Soon after his return from the army, he was united in marriage with Sarah E. Steel Sept. 20, 1866; they had five children, four of whom are now living- Calvin C., born Jan. 3, 1868; Arthur M., Aug. 8, 1869; Edgar W., March 15, 1871, and Avery D., March 5, 1873. He was married Jan. 23, 1879, to Miss Elizabeth C. Harrison, a native of Kentucky. Mr. Montgomery owns 160 acres of well-improved land, and is a consistent member of the C. P. Church. His only sister, Elizabeth, resides with him, and is an intelligent young lady.

JOHN A. PETRIE, dealer in hardware, farm implements and grain, Greenview ; was born in Fleming Co., Ky., Feb. 28, 1856, and is the son of D. A. and H. C. Petrie. In 1865, he came with his parents to Greenview, Menard Co., where he has lived most of the time ever since. In early life, he worked on a farm, but, after his father removed to Illinois, he attended one of the best colleges in the State until his " junior " year ; he then came home, and engaged in the lumber trade with his father. At the end of two years, a copartnership was formed between a Mr. Frorer, of Lincoln, his father and him- self, he style of the firm being Petrie & Co. They engaged in the hardware, farm implement and grain business. Since that time, the father has retired from the firm, leaving his son and Mr. Frorer alone in the business. At the present time, they are doing an immense business. which is in a great measure duc to Mr. Petrie's close atten- tion to business and upright dealing. They keep the largest and most complete stock of hardware and tinware to be found in Menard Co. He was united in marriage with Samantha Pierce Feb. 8, 1877. They have two children-Nina Edith, born Nov. 13, 1877, and Eve M., born Jan. 14, 1879. Mrs. Petrie's parents have been residents of Logan Co. for thirty-four years. Her mother was a Hartwell, whose parents settled near Athens, in an early day.

LEWIS PAGE, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 19; P. O. Greenview ; born in Flem- ing Co., Ky., Oct. 28, 1838; son of Allen and Clarinda (Lawrence) Page, natives of Kentucky. He lived with his parents until 17 years old, then he began doing for him- self, working by the month on a farm, for about three years. He then came to Menard Co., Ill., where he has since resided. At the time of his coming to Illinois, he had no mcans whatever, and what he now has he has made by his own exertions. He was united in marriage with Mary A. Barnes Sept. 5, 1861. She was born in Logan Co., Ill., Oct. 3, 1835. They had six children, five now living-Luey J., born Aug. 9, 1862; Clara, Dec. 19, 1867 ; John A., Sept. 5, 1869; Annie C., Aug. 13, 1873, and Nora, Feb. 14, 1875 ; deceased-Eliza C., born May 10, 1864, died Jan. 22, 1877. Mr. Page owns 155 acres of well-improved land, and is a consistent member of the Christian Church, as is his wife also.

DAVID A. PETRIE, dealer in lumber, and builder and contractor, Greenview ; was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., Dec. 21, 1828, where he lived until 26 years of age; he then went West, and located in Fleming Co., Ky. There he was married April 30, 1855, to Hannah C. Lewellin. She was born in Fleming Co., Ky., March 24, 1832. Mr. Petrie's father was a native of Holland, and died when David was a child. His mother, whose maiden name was O'Connell, was a niece of the famous Irish patriot,

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GREENVIEW PRECINCT.

O'Connell, and a native of New York. Mrs. Petrie's father was a native of Virginia, and in early life eame to Kentucky, where he was united in marriage with Lydia Hart. Mr. D. A. Petrie has had eight children, six of whom are now living-John A., whose biography appears in this work, born Feb. 8, 1856; Clarence A., April 21, 1859; Frank H., June 25, 1861 ; Lucy G., May 4, 1863 ; Lydia A., March 21, 1867, and Claude, Sept. 22, 1873; deceased-Phebe A., born April 20, 1869, and died Oct. 8, .

1870, and Charles A., born Dec. 28, 1871, and died July 18, 1872. Mr. Petrie lived in Fleming Co., Ky., until 1865, at which time he came with his family to Greenview, Menard Co., Ill., where he has since resided. Mr. Petrie, with his family, lived in Ken- tucky during the late war, where he was a strong Union man, although he took no active part. He was a soldier in the Mexican war, and in one of the engagements was wounded five times. He is a self-made man, and owes his success in life to his elose attention to business, industry and economy. He is the owner of several nicely improved properties in the town of Greenview, and one of its prominent and leading cltizens.

C. C. PATTERSON, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Middletown; was born in Adair Co., Ky., Dee. 6, 1828; son of J. W. and Jane (Ramsey) Patterson ; they were the parents of eight children, three of whom are now living; in 1829, they came from Kentucky to Irish Grove, Menard Co., where they continued to live until their deeease ; C. C. Patterson passed his youth and early manhood upon the farm of his father, and received such education as the schools of that time afforded ; he was in the late war in Co. K, 17th Ill. V. I., and was in the following engagements : Fredericktown, Mo., Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Vieksburg, Meridian, and a number of lesser engagements. He was united in marriage with Martha E. Lloyd April 16, 1867 ; from this union there were three children-John L., Charles J. and Francis L. ; he was married Dec. 25, 1875, to Miss Mary E. Shipley ; from this union there is onc ehild-James O. Mr. Patterson owns eighty acres of well-improved land. Is a stanch Republican in politics, and a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. He has made what he now has by his own exertions.

O. P. PAULSON, proprietor of a livery, feed and sale stable, Greenview ; was born Feb. 5, 1834, in Helsingburg, Sweden ; he worked on a farm with his father until 16 years of age, when he entered a carriage shop and served an apprenticeship of four years ; he then, according to the law of the country, served one year in the army ; he thien entered an agricultural school, where he continued for more than a year ; after leaving school, he engaged chiefly in farming until he came to this country, in 1868; he worked at his trade in Chieago for some time, and then eame to Greenvicw and com- menced in the livery business ; in this he has since continued, with the exception of three years, when he was engaged in farming. He was united in marriage with Bettie Nilson Oct. 26, 1859; she was born in Helsingburg, Sweden, Sept. 26, 1834 ; they had six children, three of whom are now living-Fritz G., born Feb. 22, 1861; Emma, July 22, 1862; Ida H., Nov. 13, 1866 ; the names of the deceased are-Ida, born June 10, 1864, died Sept. 11, 1865; S. M., born June 28, 1871, died July 14, 1872; Sophia W., born May 26, 1873, died Feb. 21, 1874.

H. K. RULE, grocery merchant, Greenview ; is prominent among the younger men of Menard Co. ; his father, Samuel Rule, is a native of Pennsylvania, where he resided for a number of years ; he then moved to Ohio, and from there in 1852 to Menard Co., Ill .; his wife, a most estimable lady, whose maiden name was Magdalena Bowser, was a native of Maryland and the mother of eight children, three of whom are now living- H. K., David (of the firm of Rule & Rule, Petersburg, Ill.), and Mrs. M. J. Ritter (wife of Col. R. A. Ritter, of the 28th I. V. I.). H. K. Rule spent his youth and early manhood on his father's farm ; his education was such as could be obtained from the schools of that time, and he became quite proficient in the branches commonly · taught ; he resided in Mason Co. some years, and was Assistant Circuit Clerk of that county four years. His marriage with Mary J. Godbey occurred Nov. 29, 1859 ; she was born in Menard Co. May 29, 1841, and is the daughter of Russell Godbey, whose sketch appears in this work ; from this union they have three children-Ettie L., born

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Oct. 5, 1860 ; Richard R., May 10, 1863; Samuel H., June 16, 1868. H. K. Rule was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, May 20, 1840 ; he has been a resident of the village of Greenview a number of years, and has done a great deal to make and sustain the good name the town now bears. He was one of the first officers and charter members of Greenview Lodge, No. 653, A., F. & A. M .; his wife is a member of Eastern Star Lodge, of Petersburg, and a consistent member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Rule is a 'Democrat in politics, and from his boyhood has been an earnest advocate of its princi- ples and measures.

WILLIAM A. STONE, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 13; P. O. Greenview ; was born in Botctourt Co., Va., Oct. 20, 1809. His parents came to Kentucky in an early day, where they resided until their removal to Irish Grove, Menard Co., Ill., in 1830. His father, Moses Stone, was a native of Bedford Co., Va., as well as his mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Whittin. At the time of their coming to Illinois, they had but little of this world's goods, and a family of twelve children depending on them. The year following their coming, both parents died. Thus, in a new and unsettled country, twelve children were left to the care of Providence and the few neighbors in that vicinity. The subject of this sketch being one of the older members of the family, the greater part of the responsibility of caring for the orphaned children fell on him. He, with the assistance of the neighbors, cared for them until they were able to do for themselves. Hc is now the oldest living representative of the family, seven of the children being dead. Mr. Stone was a soldier in the Black Hawk war, and also a soldier in the Mexican war. He was intimately acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, who was a frequent visitor at his housc. Mr. Stone, for a number of years, commanded a company of State Militia, and is still called " Capt. Stone." He married Martha J. Patterson April 3, 1833, who was a native of Adair Co., Ky., and came, with her parents, to Irish Grove at an early day. They had nine children, eight of whom are now living-Caleb T., James P., Lucella K., Margaret C., John L., Claudius L., Will- iam L. and Bertha A .; deceased was Martha E. Mrs. Stone departed this life Sept. 24, 1874. In early life, Mr. Stone and his wife connected themselves with the Presby- terian Church. Few men have done so much for the cause of religion. Although not an educated man, he has taken great care to educate his children well, sending them to the best colleges and seminaries in the country. He always has been a sound Repub- lican ever since the party was organized. At present, Mr. Stone own3 250 acres of improved land, which he has made by close attention to business. He has given his children upward of $18,000, and has always been ready to give his support to any- thing that he believed would be of general benefit. He has held a number of positions of profit and trust, and acquitted himself with honor.

SUGAR GROVE PRECINCT.

D. H. ALKIRE, merchant, Sweetwater ; was born in Madison Co., Ohio, Dec. 2, 1824. Two years later, his father, J. N. Alkire, removed to Sugar Grove, in what is now known as Menard Co., Ill. The father was a native of Kentucky, and the mother, whose maiden name was Jane Henderson, was a native of Virginia. Our subject was brought up on his father's farm, in the vicinity of Sweetwater, where he received such education as the schools of that early day afforded. At 21 years of age, his father gave him eighty acres of wild prairie land, and he commenced business for himself. He spent five years improving his land, when he engaged in the live-stock trade and hotel business in the village of Williamsville, Sangamon Co. At the expira- tion of two years, he returned to Sweetwater, and engaged in mercantile business, in which he has since continued. In all of his business transactions, he has been very successful, and is what is properly termed a self-made man. He was united in marriage with Sarah Hayden in 1847. She is a native of Kentucky, and her parents were among the first settlers of Menard Co. From this union there were six children, four

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SUGAR GROVE PRECINCT.

of whom are now living-Thomas J., Mary J., Theodore and Lavina. The names of those deceased were Francis M. and Marion.

MILEM ALKIRE, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Sweetwater; was born in Madison Co., Ohio, Sept. 10, 1818; oldest son of Leonard and Catharine Alkire, who came to Sugar Grove at a very early day ; our subject at this time was 6 years of age ; he had always a great fondness for books, and spent all his leisure time in study; the schools of that day afforded but poor advantages, but young Alkire persevered and suc- ceeded in obtaining a good education ; at 21, he began life on his own account ; he has always been engaged in agriculture and stock-raising and has been very successful in all his undertakings. He was united in marriage with Eliza J. Barnes Dec. 21, 1843 ; she was born in Bath Co., Ky., Aug. 29, 1823 ; her parents removed to Logan Co., Ill., at a very early day ; from this union there were nine children, six of whom are now living-Eliza C., born Dec. 7, 1848; Franklin V., April 24, 1853; John B., Oct. 30, 1855 ; Thomas H., Aug. 11, 1859; Alvin D., July 2, 1862, and Milem C., Feb. 7, 1865 ; the names of those deceased were Louisa A., born Nov. 11, 1844, died Sept. 5, 1845 ; Leonard M., born Aug. 28, 1846, died Jan. 21, 1859 ; Mary A., born Jan. 22, 1851, died March 24, 1855. Mr. Alkire has held the offices of Associate Judge of Menard County and County Commissioner ; owns 750 acres of well-improved land ; he is a Democrat, although quite liberal in his views.

T. H. BRASFIELD, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 10; P. O. Sweetwater; was. born in Madison Co., Ky., Dec. 4, 1829; son of James E. and Tabitha (Moberly) Brasfield ; the former was a native of Virginia and the latter of South Carolina ; they were the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom are now living; they removed to- Menard Co. in 1834, and settled near Athens; the father departed this life in 1864, and the mother, in 1858. T. H. Brasfield passed his youth and early manhood on his father's farm and received a good common-school education. He was united in marriage with Laura F. Camp Feb. 13. 1856 ; she died Aug. 22, 1865 ; he was married, Sept. 19, 1876, to Miss Cynthia M. Camp; from this union there is one child-John E., born March 10, 1879. Soon after his first marriage, he came to Sugar Grove Precinct, where he has since resided ; he owns 320 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Brasfield is a stanch Republican and an earnest advocate of its principles ; his sympathies were always warmly enlisted in the cause of Antislavery.

ED. CULVER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Athens; was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1835 ; his parents came to Sangamon Co., Ill., when he was less than 1 year of age; he passed his youth and early inanhood on his father's farm, receiving such an education as the schools of that early day afforded ; he has been a resident of Sugar Grove Precinct since its organization ; he owns, in connection with the heirs of the late John S. Culver, 700 acres of well-improved land, of which he has the management ; he is a self-made man, in the fullest sense of the word ; a Republican in politics, but quite liberal in his views of men and things.

J. B. COPPER, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Sweetwater ; was born in Portage Co., Ohio, Dec. 14, 1809 ; third son and fifth child of Michael and Mary (Glasgow) Copper, who were the parents of nine children ; the father was a native of Kent Co., Md., and the mother of Westmoreland Co., Penn. ; they were married in 1797 ; in 1838, the parents came to Illinois and settled on Rock River in which is now known as Car- roll Co .; in the summer of 1851, the father died ; this was the same year our subject came to Illinois ; he had passed his youth and early manhood in Licking Co., Ohio, assisting his father on the farm. He was married to Miss Eliza Pence, a native of Lick- ing Co., in 1837; from this union there were three children-William, David and George ; Mrs. Copper died in the fall of 1853; Mr. Copper was married March 27, 1854, to Miss Emily Goff ; the Goffs were early settlers of this county and date their history back to its first settlement ; from this union there are twelve children-Harvey E., Charles B., Jolın E., Laura J., Eliza E., Sarah M., Robert F., Thomas H., Louis C., Ida F., Lorena and Lydia N. Mr. Copper owns 316 acres of land, 286 of which are well improved and which he has made by his own exertions. He and his wife are-

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The History of Menard and Mason Counties, Illinois, Part 83

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