The History of Menard and Mason Counties, Illinois, Part 85

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 85
USA > Illinois > Menard County > The History of Menard and Mason Counties, Illinois > Part 85

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R. B. GODBEY, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 16; P. O. Greenview ; among the young settlers in this county whose interests have been for his life-time identified with that of the county is Russell B. Godbey ; he is a son of Russell Godbey, well known in this county as an old-time friend and associate of the lamented Lincoln; was born in Rush Co., Ind., Jan. 14, 1830, and was but 3 months old when he came to this county ; remained with his parents until he attained his 23d year, at which time he was married, March 28, 1854, to Susan Montgomery, daughter of Charles L. Montgomery ; nine children have been born, but five of whom are now living-Eliza E. (now the wife of C. Crawford), Edward E., Harry H., George and Eva S. ; since his marriage, he has been located on the land he now owns; he has 525 acres of land, 440 acres of which are under cultivation, and which ranks among the best land in the county. Mr. Godbey has always been engaged in farming pursuits, and has been successful in this direction ; he takes considerable interest in political matters, yet never has desired office ; he has always been identified with the interests of the Democratic party, and is a member of Greenview Lodge, No. 653, A., F. & A. M.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

MRS. SARAH E, KILLION, farming; P. O. Petersburg; was born in Bath Co., Ky., April 22, 1822 ; she is the daughter of John and Abigail (Bracken) Hornback, both of whom are natives of Kentucky, and came to this county in the fall of 1825, locating on the land now owned by Andrew Hornback ; she was but 3 years of age when she came to this county, and, having been in the county over fifty-four years, is one of its pioncers, and has grown up with it; their interests have been identical; she well remembers the time when she went to mill with her father and bolted the flour by land ; she has seen deer in droves ; Indians encamped on Salt Creek bottom. Aug. 18, 1840, she married James E. Killion, who was born in Kentucky Dec. 13, 1820 ; had ten chil- dren, but six of whom are now living-Catharinc J., Robert H., Maria L., Thomas W., John A. and Emery K .; after their marriage, they had nothing but willing hearts and industrious hands ; their first house was a rude cabin, with one room, cat and clay chim- ney, puncheon floor, board shutter for window, home-made table, and bed made out of walnut logs; corn bread was their chief staplc. Notwithstanding all thesc incon- veniences, these were their happiest days; the first barn her husband built she spun and wove cloth to pay for the covering of the roof; in 1846, they moved to the place where Mrs. Killion now lives, having accumulated money enough to buy them a home. July 5, 1875, Mr. Killion died of consumption ; he and his wife were both members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church ; he was an active worker in the Church, officiating as Elder.

WILLIAM KNOWLES, farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Greenview; son of Elijah Knowles, a native of Georgia, and Margaret (Woods) Knowles, who was born in Ten- nessee and came to Gibson Co., Ind., where the subject of this sketch was born, which occurred in the year 1821 ; during his 16th year the family moved to what is known as Logan Co .; remained there until the winter of 1841-42. Oct. 5, 1843, he was mar- ried to Harriet Chapman ; had two children-James H. and Margaret M .; his wife died March 13, 1849; Jan. 11, 1850, he married Mary Taylor ; she died Sept. 12, 1859; had two children, but one living-Sarah (wife of Felix Robinson). Married the third time to Elizabeth Shepherd, and had one child-Alice; wife died Dec. 18, 1872; in 1875, was married to his present wife, Mrs. Sarah J. Reynolds. Mr. Knowles has been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for thirty-six years ; has 408} acres of land, and a good deal of property in the town of Greenview, and has always been engaged in farming, and has been successful.

WOODSON B. POWER, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Petersburg; is a son of E. D. Power, one of the old settlers in this county ; was born on the same section he now lives on Sept. 3, 1839; remained with his parents and assisted his father in the duties of the farm, and also worked in the saw-mill which his father ran for several years, Woodson officiating as sawyer. Feb. 7, 1861, he married Hannah McDougall, a native of this township ; six children were born, but five of whom are living-George C., Anna M., Nellie E., Mary T., Williain D. and Surrency, now deceased; Feb. 10, 1873, his wife died with consumption; the fall of 1861, he located on the farm which he now owns, where he has since built the handsome brick residence he now occupies, and made all the substantial improvements that adorn the premises. He was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Ludum, who was born in Kentucky, but raised in this county ; had four chil- dren, three living-Emma V., Edgar D., Martha L., Roma (now deceased). Since his first marriage he has been engaged in farming and stock raising and feeding, and is a good farmer, industrious and prudent, and the general appearance of the premises gives evidence of the enterprise and good management of the proprietor.

E. D. POWER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Petersburg ; was born in Fayette Co., Ky., Sept. 8, 1804 ; son of William and Elizabeth (Stogsdill) Power, natives of Maryland, who came first to North Carolina, thence to Kentucky, where E. D. was born. Feb. 7, 1828, he married Martha S. Thompson, who was born in Bath Co., Ky., in 1808; in 1829, he concluded to cast his lot on the fertile prairies of Illinois, and shipped from Marysville by boat to St. Louis, and there bought an old horse for his wife to ride, hired an ox team to haul his few household goods, and took up his line of march for this country, arriving here with 75 cents in money, an old horse and a few

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INDIAN CREEK PRECINCT.

household effects ; he made him a table out of boards, sawed by hand, and a bedstead of walnut rails, borrowed a horse, and with his own horse, made his first crop; soon after he bought eighty acres, paid what little he had down, and borrowed money to pay the balance, at 40 per cent ; raised one crop, and sold his team, which liquidated the debt; in the spring of 1834, he sold his place, and came to this township, where he bought 200 acres of school land; 'in 1835, sold eighty acres for $500, and entered 240 acres, where he now resides. Mr. Power spent the carly portion of life in the log cabin of that day, built in the rude style of the times. He was more fortunate than many of his time, as he succeeded in obtaining education sufficient to enable him to teach school, which he did in the year 1835, in a log cabin, with puncheon floor, greased paper for window panes, and split logs for seats. With the exception of four years, which he spent in Petersburg, he has been a constant resident of the county. He made the first assessment that was made in the county, on the east side of the county ; names of his children are Nancy J., Elizabeth S., George S., John D. and Woodson B. He has been successful in his business career; he cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson.

S. T. ROGERS, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Petersburg; is a worthy and reli- able citizen, who has spent his entire life in this county, and, like Pat, " would have been here longer, had he been sooner born." He was born April 23, 1832, on the same section of land he now owns; his father was born in Bath Co., Ky .; his mother's name, prior to her marriage, was Rebecca Lancaster, also a native of Kentucky; his father, on his first arrival, bought out a place and its improvements, and then entered the land about him, including that owned by S. T. He died in June, 1843, his wife dying several years previous. Feb. 7, 1858, Mr. Rogers was married to Nancy Ann 'Trumbo, who was born in this county Feb. 10, 1835; they had five children, four living --- John, born in 1858, and dicd Aug. 11, 1867 ; Flora Bell, born Jan. 3, 1861; Charles T., Jan. 16, 1867; Nora A., Sept. 26, 1868; Elizabeth C., Aug. 13, 1874. Mrs. Rogers' father's name was Andrew Trumbo, and her mother was a sister of Henry Sears, of Mason County. Mr. Rogers has 300 acres of choice land, and is an excellent farmer and one of Menard Co.'s best men.

W. W. M. REED, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. O. Greenview ; was born in Dubois Co., Ind., Dec. 20, 1823; is the second child of a family of twelve children, born of Isaac and Winnie Morgan Spears, both natives of Kentucky, who came to Indiana at an early day ; at the age of 23, the subject of this sketch came to this county empty- handed, but with ready hands and a willing heart, and resolved to make something of himself, if economy and industry would accomplish it; he began work by the month, for E. D. Powers ; subsequently, went to Indiana, where he was engaged as Super- intendent of a gang of men on the Evansville & Crawfordsville Railroad, and continued here three years, and discharged his duties with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of his employers; having accumulated means enough to purchase forty acres of land, he returned to this county, and made the purchase. Jan. 24, 1856, he was married to Charlotte Lanternman, who was born May 17, 1836; they have had four children -- Winnic, born Dec. 18, 1856; Charles H., June 3, 1858; A. J., March 30, 1860 ; Charlotte T., Aug. 25, 1862. His wife died Aug. 25, 1862, at the birth of last child. Sept. 10, 1863, married Mrs. Elizabeth Wilcox, born Aug. 15, 1835 ; daughter of George and Mary Curry ; have three children-Clara F., born July 18, 1864; George C., April 9, 1866; Wallace M., Aug. 25, 1875. Since his first marriage, has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has a snug farm, and is a well-to-do farmer, all the result of his own labor. Is a member of Greenview Lodge, A., F. & A. M, No. 653.

A. RIGGIN, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 9. Prominent among the stanch and reliable men in this county, who have grown up with it, and been identified with its interests, before and since its organization, is A. K. Riggin, who was born one and one- quarter miles northeast of Athens, April 23, 1822. He is the second child of a family of five born to Harry and Merriam Lee (Rogers) Riggin. The Lees arc supposed to eb relatives of the Lecs in Virginia, and the Rogerses related to those of martyrdom fame. Mr. Riggin was born in Sevier Co., E. Tenn., in 1793. His wife, Merriam, was born

746

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

in Oswego Co., N. Y. Harry Riggin came to this country before it was a State, in 1817, and was married in March, 1818, and located at Troy, Madison Co., and came to what is now known as Athens, in the spring of 1820, where he settled. He obtained a good education for those early times. His father being greatly interested in education, gave his son every advantage, and boarded many a school teacher free of charge to encourage them to give his son some special aid, while at home, which he improved so well, that, before he attained his majority, he had taught four quarters at school. Then attended school at McKendree College one year, also one year at the Illinois College, at Jackson- ville. Subsequent to this, he taught school at different places, and, in the fall of 1848, became a candidate for the office of Circuit Clerk, but was defeated by four votes. This. was the first election held for that purpose in the county. He then made a trip to Mis- sissippi, where he taught about one year. In 1852, he was again a candidate for the office of Circuit Clerk, and was elected, and, at the expiration of that term, was re-elected by a handsome majority. After the Lincoln election, he retired from the political arena, and has since been actively engaged in farming. He lived the life of a bachelor until his 52d year. Nov. 26, 1874, he married Mary C. Deal, who was born in McLean Co. April 12, 1850, and is a daughter of Samuel C. Deal, of Augusta Co., Va. Had two children-Harry, born Oct. 9, 1875 ; Augustus, born Oct. 5, 1877. Has always been a temperate man, and owes the practice of this virtue to the teachings of his mother. He deals in fine stock, and remembers when there was no Petersburg or Lincoln.

GEORGE G. SPEAR, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 20; P. O. Greenview ; was. born in Vermont, Oct. 16, 1836; was the third of a family of seven children, born to Elisha Spear. His mother's name prior to her marriage was Lucretia Walker. They came to this State in the fall of 1838, and were among the pioneer settlers of this in this county. George was but 2 years of age when his parents came, which makes him a resident of the county forty-one years, and, while there are many older men in the county, yet, not many of them have been here as long as he. He, we might say, never left the parental roof, from the fact that he has always remained on the homestead, though leading the life of a bachelor for several years. Oct. 6, 1870, he changed his. mode of living by uniting his fortunes with Sarah A. Dawson, who was born in Indiana in October, 1841. They have three children-Flora, born Oct. 2, 1871 ; Elsa, born Jan. 26, 1873; Elisha G., born Jan. 28, 1876. He has, since his marriage, been engaged in farming pursuits, and has 510 acres of land. Has been successful, and ranks among the stanch farmers of this township.

W. S. SMOOT, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 27; P. O. Greenview ; was born in Fleming Co., Ky., Feb. 13, 1830, and is the youngest of a family of three children, born to Colman Smoot and Rebecca (Wright) Smoot. The former was born Feb. 13, 1791, and the latter Aug. 3, 1795. They were married March 17, 1817, and, in 1832, came to this county, and settled on the land now owned by William. Colman Smoot died March 21, 1876. His wife died March 27, 1864. July 17, 1851, William was united in wedlock to Catharine A. Engle, who was born in Sugar Grove Nov. 5, 1830. She was a daughter of William Engle, a prominent citizen in his time. Her mother was an Alkire, sister of Milem A. After their marriage, they lived with his parents until he came to the place on which he now lives. Seven children have crowned the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Smoot-Colman ; Mary E., born Dec. 2, 1854; Charles E., July 30, 1856 ;. John M., May 14, 1860; Anna M., Aug. 13, 1865, and Edward E., June 23, 1870. Their second child was Rebecca, died Nov. 19, 1860. Mary is now the wife of John W. Terhune, married March 26, 1879. Charles married Tempa Clark the day previous. Mr. Smoot has been unusually successful in his business, and is one of the best financiers in the county, is shrewd, long-headed, and a man of untiring industry, religiously honest, .. conscientious and just. He has as large and commodious a farmhouse as any in the county. He is Democratic in sentiment, and is now serving as County Commissioner for the second term.

HARMON WARNSING, farmer; P. O. Greenview. Prominent among the stanch men of the county, who have crossed the ocean from the "Fatherland " and have grown up and thoroughly identified themselves with the interests of this county,

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SANDRIDGE PRECINCT.

is Harmon Warnsing, who was born in Badbergen, Kreisamt, Bersenbeiick, Kingdom of Hanover, in Germany, Jan. 14, 1839; he is a son of George Frederick Warnsing and Margaretti Ottmann ; at the age of 14 years, Harmon took leave of his home and friends to scck his fortune in the land across the sea, and, arriving at New Orleans, he came to this county, where his uncle, John Marbold, lived, and for whom he worked by the month ; he also worked for Charles Montgomery; in the winter of 1855, he attended the Lutheran College at Springfield, and, upon his return, began improving some land he had purchased near Salt Creek ; in 1859, returned to Germany, where he remained fifteen months, and, while there, was united in marriage to Maria Liideling, who was born Dec. 29, 1836; Aug. 21, 1860, is the date of their marriage. Return- ing the same year with his bride, he located on the land he had purchased, upon which he remained until the spring of 1872, when he moved to the place he now occupies ; he has been successful in his business and now is owner of 1,920 acres of land, 1,650 acres of which are improved. He has not taken much interest in political matters, but was elected County Commissioner one term on the Democratic ticket; he has two children-George, born Oct. 5, 1863; Emilie, Jan. 27, 1862.

SANDRIDGE PRECINCT.

JAMES ALTIG, farmer ; P. O. Petersburg ; was born in Mason Co., Ky., in 1821 ; his father died soon after this date, and his mother, with her family, removed to this township in 1836; since that date, he has lived within two miles of his present resi- dence. He was first married, in 1844, to Sarah W. Berry, who lived but a short time ; a second matrimonial alliance occurred in 1847, when he was joined in wedlock with Sarah Ann Potter; they have ten children living; one of the sons is a Deputy Assessor in this county. Mr. A. has never been active in politics, but has held several offices in the gift of the people ; has been School Director fifteen years, School Trustee two terms and is at present one of the County Commissioners. He owns 468 acres of land, well improved and valued at $15,000.

WILLIAM ENSLEY, farmer ; P. O. Atterberry ; was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, June 12, 1829 ; son of Christopher and Elizabeth Ensley; in 1842, they emi- grated to Fulton Co., Ill., where Christopher Ensley died April 8, 1846; after which, Mr. Ensley, with his mother, moved to Menard Co. in 1853; Mr. Ensley began life for himself at the age of 13, with good health and plenty of ambition, which has enabled him to provide for his mother and family and also to accumulate a fine farm of 370 acres, well stocked ; he makes stock raising and shipping a specialty. He was married, Jan. 25, 1855, to Chloe H. Aylesworth, second daughter of Philip and Chloe Ayles- worth, of New York. Mr. Aylesworth was the first settler in Beardstown, surveying the country around, and established the first ferry at Meredosia and is one of the oldest and most prominent residents of Fulton Co., where he still lives. Mr. Ensley has two children living-Henry E. and Harvey L., and has lost five. Mr. Ensley has filled the office of Road Supervisor and School Director for many years and is at present Over- seer of the Poor.

S. D. MASTERS, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Petersburg. Prominent among the stanch men of Menard Co., we find the name of S. D. Masters, who was born in Overton Co., Tenn., Nov. 12, 1812; he is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Matlock) Masters, who were natives of the Old Dominion; Thomas Masters emigrated to the State of Tennessee, where S. D. Masters was born ; but, slavery prevailing, and he hav- ing seen enough of its workings, he resolved to go North, and, in the year 1830, went to Morgan Co., not far from what is now Jacksonville. March 6, 1833, was married to Lucy Young, who was born in Davidson Co., Tenn., Nov. 11, 1814; nine children ; six lived to maturity, of whom but four are now living-Minerva (now the wife of Rev. B. F. Vincent, now of Philadelphia), Hardin W. (attorney at law, at Petersburg), Anna M., (now the wife of N. K. Rankin); Anna and Minerva were both graduates of

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

the Female College at Jacksonville; Wilber is now at home. Harry was drowned in the river Platte while crossing the plains in 1862 ; Mary died during her 28th year. In April, 1847, Mr. Masters came to this county and located in Town 19, Range 7, and has since been closely identified with the interests of the county ; he is one of the self-made men of our county, having, by industry and economy, acquired a home and a competence for declining years ; he has been a man of progress and enterprise. He has been a Justice of the Peacc several years, and, in 1856, represented the county in the State Legislature ; he and his wife for many years have been members of the M. E. Church. He has always been engaged in farming pursuits and identified with the principles of Democracy.

MRS. EMMA MANN, farmer ; P. O. Oakford; was born in Marshall Co., Ind., Jan. 10, 1833; daughter of. Allen Burns, whose wife's name prior to marriage was Mary Ann Kelly. Mrs. Mann, during her 9th year, moved to Benton Co., Texas, remaining eleven years. She was married to John H. Brown, and one child was born to them, Franklin, born Nov. 3, 1872. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Galesburg, where he practiced medicine until his death, which occurred July 26, 1873. April 26, 1875, she was married to William Mann, a native of Pennsylvania. After their marriage, they moved to the place she now occupies. Mr. Mann died April 28, 1879. They had one child, Henry, born Dec. 20, 1876. She is a member of the Baptist Church.

J. C. McDOEL, farmer ; P. O. Atterberry; was born in New York, April 10, 1829 ; son of Varnum and Elizabeth McDoel, of Scotch descent; was educated in New York and moved to Missouri in 1857. . In 1859 he settled in Menard Co., on his present home- stead. He married Caroline Robinson, daughter of Ebenezer P. and Lucy C. Robinson, of Menard Co. Mrs. McDoel was an intimate acquaintance of President Lincoln, he having boarded with her father while surveying in the vicinity. Mr. J. C. McDoel also assisted him in making the surveys. Mrs. McDoel was educated at Princeton and Jacksonville. She was first married to Mr. S. Buckley and left a widow with two children, Newton and J. C. Buckley. Mr. J. C. McDoel has accumulated a tract of 500 acres, and has filled the office of Treasurer for thirteen years.

R. C. PANTIER, farmer ; P. O. Petersburg; Mr. R. C. Pantier was born in Me- nard Co., Ill., March 7, 1841, son of D. M. and Eliza Pantier. He received his edu- cation at home schools. He began for himself at the age of 21, and was encouraged from boyhood to rely upon his own tact in the way of a trade. At the age of 26, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Truth, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Truth. Mrs. Pantier was born in Menard Co. Dec. 20, 1846. Their children are Daniel H., William, M. E., and Ollie. Mr. Pantier has acquired a fine farm of 142 acres and makes stock-raising a specialty.

DAVID M. PANTIER, farmer; P. O. Petersburg; born in Butler Co., Ohio, Oct. 16, 1808; son of James and Susannah Pantier, and his father was the second male white child born in Kentucky, and his grandfather, Philip Pantier, was one of Daniel Boone's sturdy companions. D. M. Pantier came to Illinois and settled in Shaw- neetown in 1815 and to Menard Co., in 1.826, on present homestead. He was married Aug. 16, 1829, to Lizzie Armstrong, daughter of Robert ard Nancy Armstrong. Mrs. Lizzie Pantier died Aug. 7, 1848, leaving the following children viz., Nancy, Hannah, John B., James T., Polly and Robert C. Mr. Pantier was married, May 19, 1849, to Maria Haram, daughter of Morris and Elizabeth Hutchins, of New York and by this second alliance, Mr. Pantier has two children-Francis M. and Minerva E. Mr. Pantier served in the Black Hawk war, under Capt. Abraham Lincoln, and tells many interesting anecdotes of those times. In 1828, he went 120 miles to mill and often stayed a week for his turn. The first pair of shoes ever worn by Mr. Pantier, he earned trapping in the winter barefooted, carrying a board to stand on while setting his traps.

J. L. SHORT, farmer ; P. O. Petersburg; was born in Menard Co., Ill., Oct. 6, 1827 ; son of Elias and Sarah Short, of English and German origin. He obtained what education he could, at home schools, and began life for himself at the age of 18. Mr. Short was married, April 8, 1861, to Ada Potter, daughter of John and Lucy C. Potter,

749

ROCK CREEK PRECINCT.

of Menard Co., Ill., their children are-John R., Leslie M., Ada O., Meloint, Ollie, Mollie May. Mr. Short has a fine farm of 300 acres, and raises some stock, but is not termed a shipper.

R. C. TRENARY, farmer ; P. O. Petersburg; was born in Perry Co., Ind., Dee. 16, 1829 ; son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Trenary. He came to Menard Co., in 1846, and began for himself at the age of 18. Married, Nov. 27, 1851, Elizabeth Altag, daughter of M. Altag. Mr. Trenary and wife both received a liberal cdueation. They have four children living-Mary C., Fannie A., Pina M. and Lizzie D. Mr. Trenary makes stock-raising a specialty, and has a fine farm of 250 aeres, worth $12,000.

GEO. K. WATKINS, stoek-shipper ; P. O. Oakford; was born in Menard Co., Ill., Feb. 11, 1837 ; son of Samuel and Sophia Watkins, who settled in Illinois at an early day. Mr. Watkins was educated at the home schools, and, at the age of 26, mar- ried Mary A. Thomas, in December, 1863, daughter of Joshua Thomas, of Menard Co. They have one ehild living-Miss Alice Watkins, born July 7, 1867, and now being edueated in Mason Co. Mr. Watkins began life at the age of 17, with 40 aeres of land, and he has now over 2,000. He is one of the largest stoek-dealers in this eounty, shipping annually 110 ear loads of hogs and from 40 to 50, of cattle. He also devotes mueh eare to farming; he has now over 1,000 aeres of corn, 120 of wheat and oats, the rest of farm is pasture.

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The History of Menard and Mason Counties, Illinois, Part 85

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