USA > Illinois > Woodford County > The Past and present of Woodford County, Illinois : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c.; a directory of its tax-payers; war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; general and local statistics etc > Part 66
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76
Fetters, Jno., laborer ; P. O. Eureka.
Finley, J. W., drugs ; P. O. Enreka. Flannagan, Chas., laborer ; P. O. Eureka, Fredric, J. W., laborer ; P. O. Eureka.
Fredric, Jno., laborer ; P. O. Eureka.
Frye, Michael, farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Foster, Lucinda, farmer ; P. O. Eureka. Fetter, Edgar, farmer ; P. O. Secor.
ILLUM, ELENORA, P. O. Eureka. G
Grim, Alfred, farmer; P. O. Eureka. Gift, J. W., farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Green, Jno., laborer ; P. O. Eureka. Galbreth, Robt., lahorer; P. O. Eureka. Graves, C. W., retired ; P. O. Eureka. Gibson, C. J., farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
GRESHAM, A., farmer ; P. O. Eu- reka. The subject of this sketch was born in Halifax Co., Va., in 1808; his parents are George and Jane (Boyd) Gresham, of Virginia, who emigrated to
600
TAX-PAYERS OF WOODFORD COUNTY :
Christian Co., Ky., in 18 -; here Mr. Gresham spent his time in farming, and in the Winter months, attending the district schools; in 1832, he married Miss Susan Boyd, of Kentucky, born in Christian County in 1814; in 1850, he started for Illinois with his wife and eight children, in a wagon drawn by four horses, and a one-horse "carry all," taking them about - days in making the trip; they arrived and settled in Woodford County, on the farm that he now lives on ; he first rented, afterward purchased, 160 acres of land at $4 per acre. When Mr. Gresham first came to Woodford County, he was in moderate circumstances-to-day he is one of the successful and happy farmers of Wood- ford ; his son, John W., was in the late war, enlisted in the 108th I. V. I. for three years, participated in some of the hard fought battles under Gens. Sher- man and Smith, was honorably dis- charged, came home, and is now living in Kentucky; eleven children in the family ; Mr. Gresham is a member of the Christian Church.
GRAFFT, DANIEL, farmer; P. O. Eureka ; was born in Preble County, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1829; son of David G. and Annie Grafft ; he remained on his father's farm until he was 22 years old, then moved to Illinois, and settled on a farm about one mile from his present place; remained about two years, then to Livingston County, and entered 400 acres in Nebraska Township, where he remained until the breaking out of the war; he enlisted in Co. A, 129th I. V. I., Aug. 2, 1862, for three years or during the war; participated in some of the hard fought battles under Gen. Sherman and Fighting Joe Hooker, in the battles of Resacca, Kenesaw Mountain, Buz- zard Roost, to Atlanta, where the en- gagements succeeded each other so rap- idly that they seemed like a continuous battle of a hundred days; with Sher- man's march to the sea, through the Carolinas on to Richmond, and at the grand review at Washington; entered as private, and mustered out as Ser- geant, at Chicago, June, 1865 ; sold bis farm while in the army, and purchased the place he now lives on ; returned home and commenced farming. Mar-
ried Miss Diana Grove, of Virginia' daughter of Abraham and Sallie Grove, who came to Woodford County at an early day ; Republican in politics ; owns 220 acres of fine land ; four children- William Henry, Mary E., John J. and David E.
Grafft, D., farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Grove, D., farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Guest, Wm., farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Grove, Abram, Jr., farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Grove, B. F., farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Gerdis, Gerd, farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Gresham, J., farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Gesselman, Christ., farmer ; P.O. Eureka. GROVE, HENRY, farmer ; P. O.
Eureka; was born in Augusta Co., Va., in 1804, and is the son of Benj. and Barbara Grove. In 1836, he came to Illinois, and settled in Woodford Co., on the farm that he now lives on. Came here with his wife and four children in two wagons. They moved in a log cabin when they first came here, which now stands on the place, and is used as a stable. He married Miss Elizabeth Hoover, of Virginia ; she died in 1873. Nine children.
H OLLYWOOD, FRANK, laborer ; P. O. Eureka.
Hall, R. B., P. O. Eureka.
Hidges, S. A., P. O. Eureka.
Hadley, Henry, farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Hartman, Fred., janitor ; P. O. Eureka.
Hancock, Fannie, dressmkr .; P. O. Eureka. Hunter, W. H., dry goods; P. O. Eureka. Hoyt, F. M., dry goods ; P. O. Eureka. Hamilton, J. J., blacksmith ; P. O. Eureka. Harlan, J. N., stock dir .; P. O. Eureka.
Hedges, M. T., stock dlr .; P. O. Eureka.
Hensley, Thos., carp .; P. O. Eureka.
Harber, D. P., agl. impts .; P. O. Eureka. Henry, Rachel S., P. O. Eureka.
Hodshire, J. T., laborer ; P. O. Eureka. Henthorn, S. J., laborer ; P. O. Eureka. Hester, R. S., retired; P. O. Eureka.
Hamilton, W. H., mason ; P. O. Eureka. House, Cornelius, carpenter; P. O. Eureka. Harris, Scott, laborer ; P. O. Eureka.
Hallam, Chas., dry goods ; P. O. Eureka. Hopping, G. W., broom maker; P. O. Eureka.
Hesten, D. S., farmer; P. O. Eureka. Hamilton, Robt., mason; P. O. Eureka. Hedges, Elizabeth, P. O. Eureka.
Hyongs, G., farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
601
OLIO TOWNSHIP.
Hofferty, A. B., farmer; P. O. Eureka. Hexamer, Fred., farmer ; P. O. Secor. Holloway, T. N., farmer ; P. O. Secor. Hartman, F. L .. farmer ; P. O, Eureka. Henrecksman, S., farmer; P. O. Eureka. Holferty, A. B., farmer ; P. O. Eureka. Hartley, M. E., P. O. Eureka. Hail, Mrs. A., P. O. Eureka.
HALLAM, S., farmer; P. O. Eur- eka. The subject of this sketch was born in Clinton Co., Ohio, January 16, 1833 ; son of Charles and Margaret (McKee) Hallam, of Washington Co., Pa., who emigrated to Ohio at an early day, thence to Bureau Co .; there but a short time, then to Marshall Co. about 1844; remained there until 1857, thence to Eureka; there until 1859; from here to Livingston Co. for six years, then returned to Woodford Co. and set- tled on the present farm in 1861. Farm consists of 190 acres of fine improved land. Married twice; first wife Miss Eliza J. Myers, of Illinois, daughter of Jacob and Jane Myers, who were among the first settlers of Marshall Co., III .; died in 1874; second wife, Mrs. Malinda T. Clark, born Dec. 27, 1841. Her parents are William and Rebecca Ma- han, she having two children by her first husband-Lillie M. and Willie. By first wife eight children-Charles L., John F., Iola M., David D., Mary M., Samuel K., Alice E., James A. Second wife, two children-Napoleon B. C., George MeC. Mr. Hallam had two brothers in the late war-William W. enlisted iu Co. A, 86th Ill. Vol. Inf., for three years or during the war ; was wounded at Lookout Mountain; was honorably discharged at the close of the war; now farming in Kansas. David V. B. enlisted in the 108th Ill. Vol. Inf. for three years; participated in some of the hard-fought battles; hon- orably discharged at close of the war; living in San Francisco, Cal .; merchant. TRYIN, MRS. E. M., farming; P. O. Eureka.
Irvin, J. H., farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
J "OHNSON, ALBERT, farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Jones, J. T. C., carpenter ; P. O. Eu- reka.
Johnson, G. H. B., farmer ; P. O. Eu- reka.
Jones, Mrs. K., P. O. Eureka. Jones, J. J., P. O. Eureka.
Jeanpert, F. B., teacher ; P. O. Eureka. JONES, RICHARD, farmer ; P. O.
Eureka ; was born in Staffordshire, near Birmingham, England, Oct. 20, 1813; son of Richard and Sarah Jones. His father was a farmer. At the age of 19, young Richard left home and learned the trade of blacksmithing. He was married to Phebe Guest Nov. 16, 1837. In the Spring of 1843, with his family, consisting of a wife and three children, he emigrated to America, living for short periods at various localities in Pennsylvania ; and, in 1849, he removed to Georgetown, O. Soon after his ar- rival, the entire family, with a single exception, was attacked with typhoid fever ; all recovered but his wife, who died, Nov. 16, 1849. Dec. 16, 1850, he was married to his second wife, Keziah McAtee, a native of Mason Co., Ky. By his first wife he had seven children-Mary S., Julia A., Phebe M., Anna E., John G., Sarah J. and Lillie. He commenced life in America with nothing; the little money that he brought to this country was lent to a friend soon after his arrival, and never repaid. In 1851, he came to Metamora, now the county seat. Residing here three years, he purchased a farmn near Eureka and remained upon it until his decease, which occurred July 1st, 1873. Value of his estate was about $40.000.00; Rep. ; Bapt. ; although he never filled a public office in his life, yet few men were better known throughout the surround- ing country than Uncle Dicky Jones. He gave liberally of his means to public enterprises, and when he died the entire community felt the loss of a good man and true.
K REEDLER & EVANS, cigar mlis .; P. O. Eureka.
Kent, W. A., farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Kent, O. M., laborer ; P. O. Eureka. Kindred, A. J., laborer ; P. O. Eureka.
Klopfenstine, C., meat market ; P. O. Eu- reka.
Keeler, Henry, carriage maker; P. O. Eureka.
Kitchin, L. W., shoemkr. ; P. O. Eureka. Kirk, James, Prof. in college ; P. O. Eu- reka.
602
TAX-PAYERS OF WOODFORD COUNTY :
KING, OMAR, livery stable ; P. O. Eureka; was born in Licking Co., Ohio, July, 1840, son of Morehouse and Me- hetabel King; at the age of 15, his father died ; with his mother, he moved to Washington Co., Iowa, where he was engaged in farming ; his mother died in Iowa; he then moved to Woodford Co. ; thence to McLean Co. Here he remained about four years ; in 1870, he moved to Eureka; in 1877, he com- menced the livery business, and to-day owns one of the best equipped livery stables in Woodford Co. The enter- prise that Mr. King has taken, together with the able and accommodating man- ner in which he is condueting his livery business, is gaining for him a host of friends. He keeps fifteen head of stock, and ten vehicles of various kinds on hand.
King, J. W., farmer ; P. O. Fureka. Kanable, M. E., P. O. Eureka.
Kief, Adam, farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
King, Phillip, farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Kurth, Christ., farmer ; P. O. Eureka. Kuntz, Jno., farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Keller, Jacob, farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Kuntz, Henry, farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
Kanable, Jno., farm hand ; P. O. Eureka. L EWIS, G. W., carpenter ; P. O. Eureka.
Lakin, S. W., dentist; P. O. Eureka.
Lichtenberger, C. T., physician ; P. O. Eureka.
Lyon, B. R., barber ; P. O. Eureka.
Lindsey, Jno., preacher ; P. O. Eureka. Luferge, Jas. L., laborer ; P. O. Eureka. Leighton, Sylvester, lab .; P. O. Eureka. Ludeman, Frank, farmer ; P. O. Eureka. Ludeman, Alex, farmer; P. O. Eureka. Lander, Frank, farmer ; P. O. Eureka. Longfellow, W. J., farmer ; P. O. Eureka. Laws, Jeremiah, farmer ; P. O. Eureka. M YERS, C. H., laborer ; P. O. Eureka.
Magarity, J. F., P. O. Eureka.
Moore, L. F., laborer ; P. O. Eureka.
Myers, C. L., nursery ; P. O. Eureka.
Moore, B. L., photographer; P. O. Eureka.
Moore, J. D., teamster ; P. O. Eureka. Messler, W. A., watchmkr. ; P. O. Eureka. McColgin, Jno., laborer; P. O. Eureka. Myers, Maria R., Postmistress ; P. O. Eu- reka.
MAGARITY, JOHN M., drug- gist ; P. O. Eureka. The subject of this sketch was born in Woodford Co., Ill., four miles northwest of Eureka, May 1, 1849, and is the son of William S. and Sarah Travis Magarity, who were among the first settlers of Woodford Co., having made their home here in 1836 ; settled at Mt. Zion, Cruger Tp., April 11, 1861. His mother died at the age of 42. His father enlisted in the late war as Captain in Company A, 86th I. V. I., for three years or during the war ; he participated in some of the hard-fought battles under Gens. Sher- man and Hooker. At the great battle of fighting above the clouds at Lookout Mountain, he strained himself in lifting heavy artillery up the mountain, which restrained him from duty ; he came home, remained on his farm but a short time, then moved to Eureka, where he resided until his death, which oceurred June 6, 1870. Mr. Magarity com- menced the drug business in 1873, and to-day he owns one of the best and largest drug stores in Woodford Co, ; he carries a stock valued at $3,000. MURRAY, JOHN M., grain dealer ; P. O. Eureka. The subject of this sketch is probably one of the best known and highly respected business men in Woodford County; is a native of Scotland; came to New York in 1854; came West in 1857; settled in Eureka, Ill., engaged in the lumber and grain business ; is the proprietor of a . first-class grain elevator, at Eureka, Ill. Mr. Murray has filled several offices of important public trust ; has filled the office of Supervisor for four years; is Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Woodford County. In politics, he is a Republican, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
MOSCHEL, CHRISTIAN, farm- er ; P. O. Eureka ; was born in Bavaria, Germany, Dee. 21, 1830, son of John and Susan (Agne) Moschel. He re- mained at his native home until 1852; he then emigrated to America, and landed in New York, where he remained about one year and a half, engaged in farming ; thence to Illinois, and settled in Peoria, and remained there about nine years; engaged in farming and
.
603
OLIO TOWNSHIP.
the tinner trade ; thence to Woodford Co., and settled near Washburn ; thence to the place he now lives on, which con- sists of 125 acres of fine improved land, which Mr. Moschel made by hard labor and good management. Holds office of School Director of District No. 2 ; mar- ried twice, first wife in March 21, 1859, to Miss Susan Sandmyer, of Germany ; died May 28, 1863; one child by first wife-Lizzie, born March 22, 1863; died May 28, 1863. Married second wife, Miss Lia Schmidt, of Canada, daughter of John and Barbara (Schwartz- emruben) Schmidt; born March 18, 1842 ; came to Woodford Co. in 1863. Six children - Peter, born June 13, 1866 ; John, born Feb. 21, 1868; Su- san, born May 4, 1870 ; Christian, born Oct. 29, 1871; Joseph, born June 21, 1874; William, born April 2, 1876.
Magarity, J. L., nursery ; P. O. Eureka. Major, A. E., merchant ; P. O. Eureka. Mitchell, J. B., stock dir .; P. O. Eureka. Maupin, B. F., Justice of the Peace; P. O. Eureka.
Mccullough, W. S., carpenter; P. O. Eureka.
McClintock, Jno., farmer ; P. O. Eureka. MeClintock, J. R., farmer ; P. O. Eureka. MONSELLE, JOHN, farmer and blacksmith ; P. O. Eureka ; was born in France April 9, 1822 ; son of Nicho- las and Elizabeth Monselle, of France. He remained in the old country until 1855 ; here he learned his trade ( black- smithing), and in Feb. 22, 1848, he married Miss Celestine Veron, of France. In 1855 he emigrated to America in a sailing vessel ; was fifty-two days making the trip. Landed in New Orleans. La., thence to St. Louis ; here he had to re- main for about five weeks on account of the Mississippi River being frozen over, and navigation stopped ; as soon as opened, he went to Peoria, Ill., thence to Washington, Ill., where he remained for eighteen months, engaged in the black smith business; thence to Versailles, the once county seat of Woodford ; here he has remained ever since, engaged in blacksmithing and farming. He is to- day one of the oldest and highly re- spected citizens of Versailles. Owns a fine improved farm. Is a member of the Catholic Church. Nine children.
MOORE, DAVID G., farmer; P. O. Eureka. The subject of this sketch is one of the prominent farmers of Woodford Co .; was born in Todd Co., Ky., May 29, 1817; son of David Moore, of Virginia, and Elizabeth Moore, of South Carolina. He remained at his native State until he was 29 years old, and then with his wife and five children emigrated to Woodford Co. in a two-horse wagon and settled near Versailles ; since then he has moved three times in the neighborhood where he first settled ; he bought 118 acres of fine improved land and moved on the present place. Here he has remained ever since, engaged in farming. He was married in 1835 to Miss Mary Ann Ellison, of Kentucky, daughter of Ren- ben Ellison; have raised a family of fifteen children, losing but one, a son. who died at the age of 32 years; had one son in the late war. Willber F. enlisted in the 5th Ill. Cav .; was honor- ably discharged ; now living in Atchison, Kan .; his son, William A., was elected to the Legislature from Tazewell Co. in 1876. Mr. Moore is member of the Methodist Church. His political opin- ions are Democratic.
MOOBURY, WM. H. H., farmer ; P. O. Eureka. The subject of this sketch was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., Dec. 1, 1840; son of Samuel Moobury, who was born in Ohio 1804, died in 1846, and Cynthia Moobury, of Ohio, born May, 1806, who were among the first settlers in Tazewell Co., having made their home here in 1835. Mr. M. was engaged in farming; at the breaking out of the late war, in Sept,, 1861, he enlisted in Co. G, 4th Ill. Cav., for three years or during the war. He participated in one hundred battles and skirmishes under Gens. Sherman and Grant ; at the battles of Fort Donelson, where the first substantial success of the war was achieved ; Fort Henry, Corinth, Shiloh, Jackson, Big Black, &c .; was mustered ont at Springfield, Ill., in 1864. At the close of the war, re- turned home and commenced farming. Married, in 1868, to Miss Julia A. Ram- sey, of Illinois, daughter of James Ramsey, of Franklin Co., O .; born Dec., 1817, and Julia Ann Ramsey, of
-
604
TAX-PAYERS OF WOODFORD COUNTY :
England, born Jan. 11, 1818; were among the early settlers of Tazewell Co .; now living in Montgomery Tp., Woodford Co., having made their home here in 1844. Mr. Moobury is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church ; his political opinions are National Green- backs. Three children-Leo F., How- ard D., Lillie I.
Mitchell, H. C., stock dlr., P. O. Eureka. McGrath, Wm. M., shoemkr .; P. O. Eureka.
McCarten, Elias, boots and shoes ; P. O. Eureka.
Mishler, J. J., grocer ; P. O. Eureka.
Myers, J. L., retired ; P. O. Eureka.
McHugh, Chas., farmer ; P. O. Eureka. Moore, B. M., farmer ; P. O. Eureka. McCormick, P., farmer; P. O. Eureka. MeClintock, E. L., farmer ; P. O. Eureka. MCCORKLE, J. B., farmer and preacher; P. O. Eureka; born in Lawrence Co., Illinois, May 24, 1819; when quite young he came with his parents to Tazewell Co .; was married May 22, 1845, to Cynthia A. Kice, a native of Augusta Co., Va. He farmed for three years; after this he moved to Washington Co. in 1848 ; here he began the manufacture of wagons and was very successful in business. In 1857, he returned to his farm, originally 80 acres, now 320 acres, and farmed seven years extensively. Began preaching about 1860; has met with good success as an evangelist ; Democrat ; Church of Christ ; in 1868 he moved to Wood- ford Co; now owns the 80 acres in Tazewell Co. purchased at $3.50 per acre in 1842 or '3, which is now worth $50 per acre ; also owns 100 acres in Woodford Co. worth $100 per acre. His residence is one of the most desira- ble in the county and part of his 100 acre farm is within the incorporate limits of Eureka. Has nine children --- Chas. L., J. Mara, Laura J., Richard H .; Mary E., Orpha J., Eunice A., Cyrus B., and Z. A .; seven are living, two are dead-Chas. L. and Laura J. ; has held the office of Collector and Road Commissioner in Tazewell Co. and that of Trustee in Olio Tp., and is highly re- spected by a large circle of acquaint- ances.
McCormick, Wm., farmer ; P. O. Eureka.
MAJOR, WILLIAM, farmer ; P. O. Eureka ; was born in Christian Co., Ky., May 23, 1827 ; is the son of Ben and Lucy Davenport Major, who came to Illinois with a family of five children -Judith Alice, married to J. D. Gaunt, of Iowa; Lucy, married to J. J. Jones, of Eureka; and William; two dead- John and Benjamin. The father, Ben Major, was born in Kentucky, Oct. 31, 1796, and died in Illinois, May 29, 1852; his mother, Lucy (Davenport) Major, born in Kentucky, Sept. 15, 1802, and died Jan. 15, 1876. Mr. Major is one of the successful farmers of Woodford County, owns a fine, im- proved farm of 371 acres ; he is a mem- ber of the Christian Church ; his polit- ical opinions are Republican. Married Miss Mary E. Dickinsen, of Kentucky, born Jan. 1, 1829; married in 1847; seven children-Horace, born Aug. 16, 1848; Alva Allen, born July 28, 1850; Charles E., born Nov. 12, 1851 ; Ben, born June 4, 1853; Mary Catharine, born July 10, 1855; two dead-Ann Elizabetlı, born Oct. 21, 1858, died in infancy ; Annie Elmira, born Sept. 21, 1862, died Feb. 13, 1864.
Moncelle, Chas., farmer ; P. O. Eureka. McClintock, W. S., farmer ; P. O. Eureka. Meek, Mrs. E., P. O). Eureka.
Meek, D. R., farmer; P. O. Enreka.
Mill, Wm., farmer ; P. O. Eureka. McCormick, M. A., P. O. Eureka. Messinger, Louisa J., P. O. Eureka. Meek, H. B., farmer ; P. O. Eureka. MAJOR, JO., farmer ; P. O. Eureka; was born in Woodford Co., Ill., Nov. 22, 1834; his father, Ben Major, was born in Kentucky Oct. 31, 1796; his mother, Lucy (Davenport) Major, was born in Kentucky Sept. 15, 1802. They came to Illinois, and settled in Woodford County, Spring of 1834, and commenced farming; May 29, 1852, his father died with the cholera; his mother died Jan. 15, 1876. Mr. Major remained on his farm until the breaking out of the late war ; he enlisted Ang. 26, 1862, in Co. A, 86th Ill. V. I., for three years, or during the war ; as private he participated in some of the hard fought battles under Generals Thomas and Sherman, Perryville, Stone River, fighting above the clouds at Look-
605
OLIO TOWNSHIP.
out Mountain, Chattanooga, Chicka- mauga ; with Gen. Sherman's march to the sea ; through the swamps and forests of the Carolinas ; at Washington on the grand review ; mustered out as Captain June 23, 1865. At the close of the war, he returned home and commenced farming, and to-day is one of the suc- cessful farmers of Woodford County ; owns a fine improved farm of 455 acres; member of the Christian Church ; Re- publican in politics ; married Miss Mary S. Jones, of England, daughter of Rich- ard Jones ; she was born Aug. 23, 1838 ; married Feb. 12, 1861; six chil- dren-John, born, March 22, 1862 ; died Jan. 5, 1863; Cora, born June 7, 1866; Lucy, born Jan. 27, IS68; Jo., born Sept. 8, IS72; William, born Dec. 17, 1873; Rodger, born Aug. 16, 1876. His father, Ben Major, in 1833 was owner of eight negro slaves valued at $10,000; he set them free and colonized them in Liberia at his own ex- pense, and gave them sufficient means until they could make a living for them- selves.
MEEK, BAZEL D., COL., attor- ney ; P. O. Eureka. The subject of this sketch was born in Jennings Co., Ind., Dec. 6. 1828. His parents are Henry B. and Theny (Perry) Meek, who are among the oldest settlers of Woodford Co., having made their home here in 1830. Those born amidst the circum- stances of pioneer life must necessarily imbibe something of the nature of the surroundings. The freedom of the life from the cares and responsibilities that ever attend the older forms of society tends to produce a spirit of independence and vigor which are unknown in the latter. Amid these surroundings Col. Meek spent his childhood and early youth, working on the farm from the time he was able to handle the axe or hold the plow, and in the Winter gath- ering what instruction the " district " school of the period could afford. At IS, he entered college at Galesburg, Knox Co., Ill., where he remained about two years. On March 17, 1850, he started from home for the gold fields of Cali- fornia with a mule team ; traveled the overland ronte; arrived at St. Joseph, Mo., remained there two weeks. On the
25th of April, he crossed the Missouri River, and arrived at Sacramento City July 10, having made the quickest trip with mule team across the plains ; was. engaged in mining but a short time ; en- gaged ten months in packing provisions from cities to the mountains. In IS5I, he went to Oregon, where he was en- gaged in the lumber and milling busi- ness; remained there until 1853; re- turned home via Central America. Col. Meek has held several offices of trust, and has acquitted himself in a very cred- itable and efficient manner. In IS53, he was elected County Treasurer, and re-elect- ed to same office in 1855, which office he held until 1857. In 1857, was elected County Judge, and held office until the breaking out of the late war. On Oct. 20, 1861, he was commissioned by Gov. Yates as Lieutenant Colonel of the 11th Ill. Cav .; was engaged in the battle of Lexington, Tenn., and before Corinth, Iuka, Shiloh, etc .; resigned his com- mission Sept., 1863, and came home. In 1863, was admitted to the bar to practice law, and in 1867 the well known firm of Messrs. Briggs & Meek was formed. These gentlemen are among the best educated lawyers of Woodford Co., and rank high at the Illinois bar, In 1869 he was elected for the second time County Judge, which office he held for four years. Col. Meek is a member of the Christian Church. His political opinions are Democratic. He was married, in 1856, to Miss Sarahı E. Ward, daughter of J. F. Ward. Four children-Thema, married W. C. Mitch- ell, living in Chicago ; William D., Lewis F. and Henry B.
N TIERGARTH, S. D., restaurant ; P. O. Eureka.
Niergarth, John, farmer; P. O. Eureka. NEAL, ANDREW, carpenter ; P.
O O. Eureka.
O'Brien, Maggie, P. O. Eureka.
Osborn, G. W., laborer; P. O. Eureka. Ormsby, M. P., minister ; P. O. Eureka. O'Hara, John, blksmth ; P. O. Eureka.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.