The History of Menard and Mason Counties, Illinois, Part 90

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 90
USA > Illinois > Menard County > The History of Menard and Mason Counties, Illinois > Part 90

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).

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HAVANA TOWNSHIP.

that State the same date ; he then returned to Havana and opened a law office, being admitted to the bar of Illinois in June, 1878. Mr. Nortrup is a member of Havana Lodge, No. 88, A., F. & A. M. He is now City Attorney and Public Administrator of Mason Co.

PHILIP OPP, farmer, Secs. 9 and 10 ; P. O. Havana ; was born in Lehigh Co., Penn., May 3, 1814, where he resided till about 25 years of age ; then removed to Trumbull Co., Ohio. In the fall of 1842, he removed to Illinois, locating in Havana Township, Mason Co., where he has since followed farming. In the fall of 1838, he was married to Miss Margaret Roberts, who was born in Berks Co., Penn. They have had eight chil- dren ; five are now living-John A., Benwell H., Benjamin F., George W. and Almira J. Mr. Opp has resided on his present farm, in Havana Township, over thirty years ; he owns 240 acres of land in this township, and 120 acres in Sherman. His parents, Conrad and Margarct (Weise) Opp, were born in Lehigh Co., Penn.

CHARLES PULLING, farmer, Sec. 27 ; P. O. Havana ; was born in Bucking- hamshire, England, Jan. 31, 1827, but emigrated to America when about 3 years of age, with his father's family ; they located near Philadelphia, Penn., and soon after removed to Jefferson Co., Ohio. In March, 1848, they removed to Mason Co., Ill. The subject of this sketch worked first at brickmaking, for S. C. Conwell, and in 1849 engaged in farming on his own account. In 1852, he went to Oregon, where he was for about three years engaged in the lumber business; then returned to this township, where he has since resided. He has served as School Director nine years ; owns 340 acres of land in Havana Township. Was married, in April, 1849, to Miss Eliza Leaf, who was born in England ; she died in 1850. By this union, there were two children (twins), Adaline and Caroline, born Jan. 18, 1850, the former, deceased, wife of Charles Waterworth. Mr. Pulling was married to Louisa A. Samms, Dec. 2, 1855 ; she was born in Greene Co., Ill. Nine children by this union, three of whom are living- Jonathan, born Nov. 30, 1858; Clark, Feb. 20, 1862; Evelina, July 23, 1868. The following are the deceased-Charles, born Dec. 30, 1860; Thomas, Dec. 21, 1865 ; Jacob, Sept. 15, 1866; Junetta, Oct. 17, 1871; Ann, Aug. 31, 1873; Sarah J., Oct. 10, 1875 ; Josephine, April 5, 1877.

ISAAC P. PRETTYMAN, farmer, Sec. 27 ; P. O. Havana ; was born in Cum- berland Co., N. J., Jan. 14, 1822 ; when about 16 years of age, his father's family removed to Philadelphia, Penn .; where he learned the cooper's trade. His father, Isaac Prettyman, served in the war of 1812 ; he was born in the State of Delaware, and his mother, Mary (Jones) Prettyman, was born in Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1856, Isaac Prettyman removed to Illinois, and located on the farm where he now resides, and has since that date been a tiller of the soil. He has served as School Director and School Trustee, several years. In 1870, he was married to Miss Minerva Beckwith, who was born in Mason Co., Ill. Five children by this union-Perry, Venus, Emeline, Henry and Phil S. Mr. Prettyman owns 301 acres of land in Havana Township.

JOHN W. PITMAN, attorney at law, Havana ; was born in Madison Co., Ky., Dec. 11, 1832, where he remained until the fall of 1842, when his father removed to Illinois, locating near Canton, Fulton Co., and engaged in farming. The subject of this sketch worked on the farm until 1852, attending the common schools during the winter. Entered Lombard University, at Galesburg, in the fall of 1852, remaining until 1856, teaching during a portion of vacations. In the spring of 1857, commenced the study of law with Judge G. C. Lanphere, of Galesburg. He was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1859, and commenced practice in Galesburg. Went into the army as Adjutant of 102d I. V. I., in 1862. In 1863, came to Havana, and has practiced his profession here ever since. He was married, in 1860, to Miss Nancy A. Haley, who was born at Monmouth, Warren Co., Ill .; she died in , August, 1870. Three children, two of whom are living-Park W., Paul B .; former graduated at Havana High School. May L. died in 1870. Second marriage took place Oct. 2, 1878, to Amanda K. Allen, who was born in Shelbyville, Ind.

JOSEPH B. PAUL, physician and surgeon, Havana; was born in Solon, Me, April 30, 1823, but removed, when about 16 years of age, to Waldo Co., and

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

subsequently to Penobscot. He received his education at the Foxcroft Academy, and for several years followed teaching in different localities, having charge of schools at Houlton, Calais and Bangor, Me. In 1851, on account of failing health, he came West and located at Peoria, Ill., where he resumed his vocation, serving as Principal of the Fourth Ward School from the above date till 1855, during which period his spare time was given to the study of medicine. He came to Havana, his present home, in the fall of 1855, and took charge of the public schools. In February, 1857, he graduated at Rush Medical College, of Chicago, and commenced the practice of medicine at Havana, where he has since followed the practice of his profession a period of twenty-two years. He was married, in 1848, to Lavina G. Laughton, who was born in Harmony, Somerset Co., Me., March 17, 1827. They have three children-Edward, who is a graduate of the Wesleyan University, at Bloomington, Ill. ; Charles A. and Catharine C. In 1862, he was appointed, by Gov. Yates, United States Examiner for Recruits. He is a mem- ber of the Brainard District Medical Society ; also a member of the following Masonic bodies : Havana Lodge, No. 88, and Havana Chapter, No. 86. In Doctor Paul we see exemplified the truth of the saying, "The will is father to the way." Privileges of schooling in the backwoods of Maine were not great, therefore he sought abroad what could not be readily obtained at liome; carving, so to speak, out of the solid rock, with his own pick and pen, his own way in the world, ever bear- ing in mind the fact that " He who would thrive himself must either hold or drive." Hence his success in his chosen profession.

JESSE P. PIPKIN, of the firm of Pipkin & Cunningham, manufacturers of farm and spring wagons, Havana; was born in Jackson Co., Tenn., March 18, 1850, but in early childhood came to Illinois with his father's family and located at Havana. He followed farming until about 19 years of age, when he learned the black- smith trade, and, in 1874, commenced business under the above firm name. He was elected Alderman of the First Ward in the spring of 1879. In June, 1878, he was married to Miss Mary Lienesch, who was born in Germany. The firm of which Mr. P. is a member manufacturcs farm and light wagons, and plows, but their specialty is the manufacture of farm wagons. All their work is warranted thoroughly first-class.

GEORGE W. PARKINS, physician and surgeon, Havana; was born in Greenbrier Co., W. Va., Dec. 20, 1821, where he resided until about 12 years of age, when hc removed to Champaign Co., Ohio. He commenced the study of medicine in 1844, and the practice of the same in 1849. He removed to Illinois in 1850, and located in Schuyler Co., where his father's family had settled in 1840. Here he engaged in the practice of medicine in partnership with Dr. McMurphy. He was married, in 1853, to Mrs. Rosa Bell Maxwell (Stevenson), a native of Kentucky. He removed to Havana in 1853, the year of his marriage, and has practiced his profession here ever since-a period of twenty-six years. He has one son-Horace G., a graduate of the Chicago University. Dr. Parkins is a member of Mason Lodge, No. 143, I. O. O. F.

JACOB PRETTYMAN, Justice of the Peace, Havana; was born in Salem Co., N. J., March 23, 1824; son of Isaac and Mary (Jones) Prettyman ; his father was born in Delaware, and served in the war of 1812, and in the Black Hawk war; the sub- ject of this sketch, when about 21 years of age, removed to Philadelphia, where he resided seven years, then to his birthplace, and in November, 1857, came West and located in Havana Township, where he followed farming until 1864, when he located in Havana, and engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, and, three years later, gave up this linc of trade, and embarked in the grocery business; in 1864, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and, although engaged in other business, has held the office since, and, during 1870 and 1871, he served, also, as Police Magistrate, but resigned the lat- ter office in 1871. He was married, in 1845, to Miss Hannah A. Mullen, who was born in Gloucester Co., N. J., April 25, 1826; eleven children by this union, nine of whom are living-Jacob H., who served in Co. K, 85th I. V. I., and was with Gen. Sherman in his march to the sea, and now resides in Peoria; William M. and George W. (twins)-the former residing in Sherman Township, and the latter in Forest City ; Isaac P., residing in Havana; Ida V., Elwood, Sylvester, Lena and Charles F .; last

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three and Ida at home; Elwood resides at Peoria ; two deceased-Edward M., born Nov. 6, 1852, and died March 13, 1873 ; Henry, born Jan. 14, 1862, and died Feb. 4, 1863. Mr. Prettyman is a member of Havana Lodge, No. 88, A., F. & A. M.

JAMES. QUICK, farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. Topeka ; was born in Somerset Co., N. J., July 14, 1820, where he resided until his removal to Illinois in 1841; arriving at Jacksonville in June of that year, and the following spring locating in Havana Town- ship, this county, where he has since resided ; he has served as School Director about fourteen years. He was married, Jan. 7, 1847, to Miss Julia A. Simmons, who was born in Mason Co., Ky .; her father, Pollard Simmons, and John Ritter were both from Mason Co., Ky., and perhaps for the sake of its familiar and homelike sound, selected the name which was adopted for this county ; the following are the children of Mr. and Mrs. Quick : Richard R., George W., William T., Harriet, Lucy,. Emma and J. Thomas ; they have lost three-Lucretia, John and Charles. Mr. Quick has resided on his present farm since 1847; he owns 207 acres of farm land, and 40 acres of timber.

GEN. JAMES M. RUGGLES, retired, Havana; was born in Mansfield, Richland Co., Ohio, March 7, 1818, and in 1837 came to Illinois; at the age of 15, he engaged in the printing business, which vocation he followed some years after locating in this State; in 1846, he settled in the town of Bath, then the seat of Justice of Mason Co .; although he had studied law and bcen admitted to the bar, he laid it aside and engaged actively in merchandising; all through the sanguinary war, between Havana and Bath, on the county seat question, Mr. Ruggles fought the battle for Bath against overwhelming odds ; in 1852, he was elected to the State Senate for the district, composed of the counties of Sangamon, Menard and Mason, where he served four years with distinction. Mr. Lincoln was a member of the Lower House at the time, and was a candidate for the United States Senate against Lyman Trumbull ; he solicited the support of Mr. Ruggles, which was given with the utmost zeal and cordiality-so much so, that he was carried to the Senate Chamber upon a sick-bed, to cast his vote for Mr. Lincoln ; he was ever a warm friend and ardent admirer of the martyred President, and was a delegate to the Chicago Convention in 1860; about 1850, Mr. Ruggles began the agitation of an Illinois River railroad, and during his term as Senator pre- pared a charter, which, mainly through his influence, passed both Houses ; he was one of its corporators, and from the first inception of the enterprise, until the road was completed, took an active interest in it, working faithfully, till the requisite amount of stock was subscribed, to insure its success ; alone and unaided, he drafted the first plat- form on which the Republican party in Illinois was founded; he, together with Mr. Lincoln and Ebenezer Peck, were appointed a committee for that purpose, during the session of the Legislature in February,. 1856, but the other two being otherwise engaged, the work devolved on Mr. Ruggles ; at the Convention, the same year, he was his party's candidate for. Lieutenant Governor, but declined in favor of a German can- didate. At the beginning of the late war, he entered the army, and was appointed Lieutenant and Quartermaster by Gov. Yates, in the 1st I. V. C., and was sent to Mis- souri, but, dissatisfied with the inactivity of his position, at his earnest solicitation, he was sent to the front, by order of Gen. Grant, and promoted to Major in the 3d I. V. C., in which regiment he served, until mustered out in 1864; at Pea Ridge he was pro- moted to Lieutenant Colonel, and for a time commanded the regiment ; at the close of the war, he was breveted Brigadier General for meritorious services ; after the war, he served a time as Master in Chancery, but has never been afflicted with the mania for office. In all the various positions held by Gen. Ruggles, his official duties have been performed with unswerving fidelity; a scholar, and a man of finc literary tastes, he enjoys, and is sought by the best class of society ; he wields an able pen, but has never been forced to the necessity of using it for a livelihood ; his latest, and perhaps his best . literary effort, is the writing of the general history of this work, which is done in the most thorough manner. The reputation he achieved in his younger days, as the editor of a country paper in Scott Co., made him the candidate of the Whig party for State printer in the Legislature of 1844; in all the early enterprises to improve the country

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by the establishment of wagon roads and building of railroads, Gen. Ruggles has been active and energetic ; he was the author of the first drainage law in Illinois, gotten up for the purpose of draining the lands in Havana and Bath Townships, which law was extensively copied into other local laws, for the same purpose. Gen. Ruggles comes of no ignoble stock. Brigadier Timothy Ruggles, President of the first Congress that met in America, in 1765, in the city of New York, and one of the most noted men in New England before the Revolution, was a brother of his grandfather. John Ruggles, another branch of the family, was three times elected to the United States Senate from the State of Maine. and Benjamin Ruggles was the first United States Senator elected from Ohio in 1818, in which body he served for eighteen years. Judge Spooner Rug- gies, the father of Gen. Ruggles, was elected to the State Senate from Ogle and Win- nebago Cos. in 1842, and was a man of note for his integrity and ability in Ohio, as well as in Illinois.

JOHN ROAT, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Havana; was born in New Jersey March 7, 1809, but removed, when about 7 years of age, with his father's family, to Warren Co., Ohio, residing in this and Clermont Co., until his removal to Illinois, in the fall of 1851, locating in Havana Township, this county, in the fall of that year; his present residence is located within three-quarters of a mile of where he first settled. In 1829, he was married to Miss Sophie Schuyler, who was born in Warren Co., N. J., Jan 4, 1811 ; eight children by this union, six of whom are living-Anna, wife of Joel Crater, born April 27, 1830; Jacob, Aug. 23, 1832; Margaret, widow of D. Athy, Dec. 3, 1833; John W., Aug. 9, 1841; Christina. Aug. 24, 1845 ; George W. M., Jan. 1, 1850. The names of the deceased are Elsie C., born March 31, 1837, died in Feb- ruary, 1868, and William, who enlisted in Co. L, 11th Ill. Cav., Dec. 7, 1861-died while in the service, at Bolivar Aug. 30, 1862 ; he was born Sept. 22, 1838.

JOHN W. RHODES, agricultural implements, Havana. The subject of these lines was born in Dearborn Co., Ind., Nov. 7, 1841, where he remained until July, 1854, when he removed to Illinois, and settled in Whiteside Co. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Co. B, 13th I. V. I., and served until the close of the war, a period of four years and eleven months. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in May, 1863; in fall of same year, was promoted to First Lieutenant, and to Captain in the early part of 1864. He participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Chickasaw Bayou, Jackson, Miss., siege of Vicksburg, Atlanta, Lookout Mountain, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. After the war ended, he remained one year in Louisiana, and engaged in the cultivation of cotton, after which he returned to Whiteside Co. In 1869, he came to Masen Co., where he has since been actively engaged in farming and merchandising. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Cyrene H. Hancock, who was born in Havana, her father having settled here as early as 1842, when buildings of any kind were scarce- their dwelling being used for a court-room at an early session of Mason County Court. They have three children-Walter H., Lizzie and Ruth. Mr. R. is a member of Havana Lodge, No. 88., A., F. & A. M.

MRS. ANN M. ROBERTS, farming, Sec. 3; P. O. Havana; was born in Montreal, Canada, Oct. 25, 1829 ; when about 15 years of age she went to New York, and, in 1845, was married to Edward A. Schermerhorn, who was born in New York City. His death occurred June 15, 1855. They had four children-Edward A., resides in Havana ; George H., has charge of the farm; Kate M., the wife of Charles G. Howell, resides in Nebraska ; John W. resides in Iowa. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Roberts removed to Illinois, locating in Havana in 1858. In 1861, she was married to Daniel M. Roberts, who was born in Berks Co., Penn., Sept. 5, 1807 ; he settled in Mason Co. in 1842. Mr. Roberts died Dec. 2, 1873. The only child by this union was Harriet A., whose death occurred Aug. 1, 1864. Mrs. Roberts owns 172 acres of land in Havana Township.

LEONARD SCHWENK, Circuit Clerk, Mason Co., Havana ; was born in Wur- temberg, Germany, July 23, 1832; came to this country in 1854, locating at Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Penn., where he resided till his removal to Illinois. In 1864, he removed to Mason Co., Ill., and located in Manito Township, where he engaged in farming. In

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the fall of 1872, Mr. Schwenk was elected to his present office and removed his family to Havana ; he was re-elected in 1876. While a resident of Manito Township, he served as Collector three years, and School Director four years. In 1856, he married Miss Rebecca Singley, who was born in Wayne Co., Ohio ; they have eight children-Annie E., wife of Frank Sedlatzeck ; John L., George D., Mary E., William H., Paulina M., Catharine Louisa and Sarah R. Mr. Schwenk still owns a farm of 320 acres of land in Manito Township.

MARTIN SCOTT, farmer, Sec. 24; Havana ; was born in Rahway, Union Co., N. J., June 10, 1814, where he resided till his removal to Illinois. In the fall of 1837, his father's family came to Illinois ; their first location was at Beardstown, on the 3d of December of that year, and the following February, they located in Crane Creek Town- ) ship, this county ; they removed to Havana Township in January, 1839, locating on the farm where Mr. Scott and his brother now reside. His father, Aaron Scott, was born in New Jersey, Jan. 22, 1786; his death occurred April 1, 1847. His mother, Mary (Evens) Scott, was born in New Jersey, Dec. 25, 1787, dicd Aug. 30, 1859. Mr. Scott has served as Assessor six years and Commissioner of Highways three years. He learned the blacksmith's trade when about 16 years of age, and worked in the shops of the Camden & Amboy Railroad, from 1834 to 1837. From 1842 to 1847, he worked at his trade in this county, since which he has followed farming. Owns 160 acres of land in Havana, and 200 acres in Sherman Township.

THEODORE STEPHENSON, of the firm of Stephenson & Wahlfeld, groceries and provisions, Havana ; was born in Denmark Jan. 6, 1834 ; came to the United States in the summer of 1867, landing in New York City July 4th, and the following year removed to Mason Co., Ill., where he engaged in farming, which occupation he followed about one year ; he then entered the store of John H. Bruning as clerk. In 1871, he com- menced business at Bishop Station on his own account, and, some four years later, sold out and visited the place of his nativity. On his return, in 1875, he engaged in business under the present firm name. He was married, in 1879, to Mrs. Margaret Bodecker (Deverman), who was born in Germany. She has two children by her first husband- Emma, wife of B. 'Zelle, and Otto. Mr. Stephenson is a member of Havana Grove, No. 40, U. A. O, D., and also of the Mutual Aid Society.

NICHOLAS SIEBENALER, tobacconist, Havana ; was born in the Province of Luxemburg July 22, 1834, and emigrated to this country in 1848, with his father's family, locating at St. Louis, Mo., and had come from the old country via New Orleans. In 1853, he went to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, reaching the Pacific Slope on the 15th of May, and engaged in trade at McCulma Hill mines. He returned to St. Louis in 1858, and worked at his trade of tobacconist. In the spring of 1859, he came to Havana, and commenced the manufacture of cigars. He was elected City Treasurer in 1877, and served two years. He was married, Nov. 22, 1860, to Miss Sarah E. Graham, who was born in Scotland Nov. 12, 1844. The result of this mar- riage is five children-Katie I., William, Lucy, Albert and Gracie. He is a member of Mason Lodge, No. 143, I. O. O. F., and Encampment, also of Havana Lodge No. 88, A., F. & A. M., Havana Chapter, No. 86, Royal Arch Masons, and Damascus Com- mandery, No. 42, Knights Templar, and Havana Grove, No. 40, U. A. O. D.

C. STEVENS, dentist, Havana ; was born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, March 7, 1834. When about 19 years of age, he came West, and located at Peoria, Ill., where he resided until his removal to Havana, in the fall of 1868, with the exception of an interval of about three years. He commenced the study of dentistry in 1858, a profession he has since followed. In 1855, he was married to Miss Kate Stevison, who was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. The result of this union is four children-May, wife of Charles Con- nelly ; Frank E., Kate and Gracie B. He is a member of A. O. U. W.

JACOB F. STRICKLE, dealer in dry goods, Havana ; was born in Wilmington, Clinton Co., Ohio, Feb. 2, 1845, where he resided till his removal to Bloomington, McLean Co., in 1867; there he was engaged in mercantile pursuits for about six years, then removed to Chicago, Ill., and, about two years later, located at Havana, his present home. In December, 1878, he was married to Miss Angie Biggs, who was born in

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Clinton Co., Ohio. Mr. Strickle has a fine stock, and full assortment of staple and fancy dry goods, hats, caps, boots and shoes, constantly on hand.

CHARLES STUART, farmer, See. 4; P. O. Havana ; was born in Havana Township, Mason Co., Ill., Jan. 19, 1848 ; his father, Alexander Stuart, of Havana, was one of the earlier settlers of Mason Co., locating here in 1837. Charles S., was married, Nov. 29, 1867, to Miss Marilda Rose, who was born in Buffalo, N. Y .; they have two children-Walter and Jennie.

CHARLES SCHILL, dealer in stoves, tinware, etc., Havana; was born in Baden, Germany, Nov. 30, 1838. He came to America in 1854, loeating first in New York City, and two years later came West and located at Havana, his present home. In 1862, he commeneed in his present business, having partially learned the tinner's trade in his native country, and completed it in New York. Mr. S. is a member of the following Masonic bodies : Havana Lodge, No. 88, Havana Chapter, No. 86, and Damas- eus Commandery, No. 42.

AUGUST SCHILL, firm of A. & W. Schill, meat market, Havana; was born in Baden, Germany, May 30, 1830, and came to America in 1851, locating in New York City, where he engaged in the business he now follows, and which he learned when but 10 years of age; he left home at the age of 18, traveled through Switzerland, France and Southern Germany, being employed in different places. In 1857, removed from New York to Peoria, and with others established the City Market, at corner of Fulton and Madison streets. In 1860, he came to Havana and engaged in his present business. He was a member of the first Board of Aldermen after Havana was organized as a city. He was married Jan. 1, 1861, to Miss Bertha Bruder, who was born in Baden, Germany. They have six children-Emma, August, William, Charles M., Ida and Bertha. He is a member of Havana Grove No. 40, U. A. O. D.

ROBERT M. SCANLAND, dentist, Havana; was born in Pittsfield, Pike Co., Ill., Oet. 16, 1853. His grandfather, William Watson, was one of the first settlers- of that county. In 1872, the Doctor commenced the study of dentistry with Dr. A. B. Carey, of Pittsfield, Ill., and two years later removed to Havana, his present home. He was married, in 1878, to Miss Virginia R. Woollen, who was born in Franklin, Ind. They have one child, William W.

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The History of Menard and Mason Counties, Illinois, Part 90

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