The biographical encyclopedia of Illinois of the nineteenth century, Part 44

Author: Robson, Charles, ed
Publication date: 1875
Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy
Number of Pages: 770

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ARR, EUGENE A., General in the United States Army, was born, March 30th, 1830, in Boston, Erie county, New York, and was the son of Clark M. and Delia (Torrey) Carr, who moved to Illinois about the year 1849. When sixteen years of age hc entered the United States Mili- tary Academy at West Point, and graduated from that institution in 1850, being immediately appointed Brevet Second-Licutenant of Moutcd Riflemen in the Regular versity, and remaincd there until 1821. Thence until 1841

Missouri, from which he was ordered to Fort Laramie. For several years he was engaged on the plains, fighting the Indians, and in 1854, during an engagement near Diable Mountain, Texas, was severely wounded in the abdomen by an Indian arrow. For gallantry displayed by him on this occasion he was promoted to First Lieuten- ant of Cavalry. In 1857 he was transferred to Kansas, assigned as Aid to Governor Robert J. Walker, and while acting in this capacity passed through the Border Ruffian War. In 1858 he served under Colonel Sumner in an expedition to Utah, and shortly before the breaking out of the late civil war was promoted to a Captaincy in the Regular Army and placed on duty at Fort Washita, in the Cherokee Nation. It was while here in service that he became cognizant of the treasonable actions of General Twiggs, and repeatedly warned the War Department of the imminent danger it underwent in leaving him in command. His timely information saved that and other posts from falling into the hands of the rebels. The civil war having been inaugurated, he was placed in exposed and responsible positions, and wherever engaged conducted himself not only with the greatest courage, but with that discretion and decision so much needed in an active following of the pro- fession of arms. He participated in the battle of Wilson Creek, under General Lyon. Shortly after he was tendered by Governor Yates the Colonelcy of the 3d Regiment Illinois Cavalry, and at the head of this command joined General Curtiss and engaged in the battle of Pea Ridge. For his conspicuous and gallant services in this fierce action he was promoted to Brigadier-General. He was in com- mand of a division of troops at the siege of Vicksburg, and also in command of a division at the siege of Mobile. Since the war he lias engaged in operations against the Indians. In 1869 he drove a large body of hostile savages front Nebraska, and received for this service 'a very com- plimentary set of resolutions from the Legislature of that State. In the fall of 1869 he was ordered to Arizona, where he was engaged three years. At present he is in command of Fort Hays, on the western border of Kansas. He is a man of great decision of character, thoroughly skilled in discipline and strategy, and is intimidated by no service, however dangerous or unpromising.

ISHOP, ROBERT N., Lawyer, was born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1840, being the son of E. and Laura (Churchill) Bishop. His father was for many years a Professor in Tran- sylvania University, at Lexington, and subse- quently at Miami College, Oxford, Ohio, and latterly at Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. His grandfather was called from Scotland to preside over Transylvania Uni-

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he was President of Miami University, and then became President of Farmers College, located about six miles from Cincinnati, where he remained until his death. All of his sons were either preachers or professors. The edu- cation of Robert N. was conducted at Miami University, under auspices which were of the most flattering nature. In 1863 he graduated from that institution, and finished his preparations for the bar, for which he had early manifested a strong inclination. He read law at Paris, Illinois, and in 1863, the year of his graduation, he was admitted to practice. He entered at once upon his professional dutics, and very soon secured an extensive practice, which com- prised many of the most important issues presented to the courts of his section for settlement. In the fall of 1870 he was elected to the Illinois Senate, serving one term in the Twenty-seventh General Assembly. He was prominent in the debates of this body, and was bold and carnest in his advocacy of many needed legislative reforms, and in his opposition to special grants of power. IIe was a member of the Committees on Judiciary, Apportionment, Federal Relations, and Penitentiary, and was a conscientious and effective worker in the preliminary labors of legislation. 'Though young in years he takes rank among the leaders of the bar. He is a thoroughly read lawyer, and an earnest and eloquent pleader. His cases are carefully prepared, the character of the opposition is correctly estimated, therc is no delay from surprise, and no failure from discounting the basis of action or defence of the other side. IIe is forcible in argument, stating his points with remarkable clearness, interpreting the law with rare judicial ability, and presenting his conclusions upon a chain of reasoning that is irresistible. He has a large patronage in what is styled chamber practice, and is laboring under auspices that promise great future distinction. In 1864 he married Jennie E. Nelson, of Hillsboro, Ohio, a niece of Governor Trimble of that State.

ERRIS, HARRISON J., Banker, was born in Ferrisburg, Vermont, December 24th, IS33, his father being Benjamin Ferris, a farmer. Il℮ received his education at Vergeness, Vermont. In 1854 he removed to Princeton, Illinois, wherc he engaged in teaching school near Jacksonville, following this pursuit for two seasons. Ile commenced farming with his brother, and continued it for a year, when both entered jointly into the purchase and sale of real estate. For five years they carried on this business with great profit. In IS57 they settled permanently in Princeton, in which place, in 1862, they established a private bank, which in 1865 was erected into the First National Bank of Princeton. Harrison J. became the Vice-President of this institution. In 1874 they opened the Farmers' National Bank of Princeton, of which he became President. He is a man of large business experience, and of rare ability as a

financier. He is a prudent manager, and yet large-minded enough to appreciate the benefits to be derived from a lil)- eral and enterprising policy. He was married in 1864 to Mary S. Dunbar, of Waterville, Mainc, and has three sons and one daughter. He served as Town Councilman for two ycars, and is, both in business and social life, very highly esteemcd.

ECRONE, JOHN, M. D., was born in McClelland- town, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, December 12th, 1816. His ancestors were natives of Ger- many, and came to the United States at an early day, and settled in Lancaster county, Pennsyl- vania. ITis parents were Daniel Lecrone and Elizabeth Lecrone. He was educated at the Marietta Col- lege, located in Ohio. At the termination of his prepara- tory student life he decided to embrace the medical profes- sion, and commenced the study of medicine. While thus engaged, his time during the winter months was chiefly occupied in teaching school, and, in consequence of his inability to prosecute his studies continuously and with regu- larity, seven ycars were consumed before he had acquired the necessary knowledge to entitle him to the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In 1844 he emigrated to Effingham county, Illinois, and there established himself in his profession, and rapidly secured an extensive practice, which has since been constantly increasing in extent and improving in character. He is probably more closely and peculiarly identified with Effingham county than any other person now living; he was one of its earliest pioneers and settlers; and during his residence there, covering a period of more than thirty ycars, has beheld the many changes that have so greatly transformed the face of the country, and noted with kecn and intelligent interest the progress of every development and change. Nor has he becn merely a spectator, quietly observant, for the effects of his influence, his counsels and his examples, are plainly visible in various guises through- out the section in which he has been for long a permanent and honored resident. Until the Nebraska troubles arose, scattering secds of dissension so thickly throughout both the Eastern and Western States, and producing so many schisms, he was a Clay and Webster Whig, and subsc- quently allied himself with the Democratic party, which he has, in his circle and town, ably supported on many important occasions. In IS72 he was elected Mayor of Effingham, and re-elected in 1873 and 1874, his last term expiring in April, 1875. Prior to this, while the civil war was in progress, he entered the service of the United States with the appointment of Assistant Surgcon of the 135th Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, and served with fidelity and noted skill until the expiration of the term of service for which that body had been enlisted. Widely known through- out an extensive area, he is often called beyond the limits of his usual rounds in order to give his attention to cases

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of peculiar danger, and his counsel is often demanded by | the legal profession as his future sphere of action he entered the younger members of the profession. He was married in 1836 to Elizabeth Allen, of Fairfield county, Ohio. the office of M. J. Townsend, of Troy, New York, and after a three years course was admitted to the bar in Albany, in 1850. In the same year he removed to Galena, where he established himself for the practice of his profession, being associated in partnership with John M. Douglas, since President of the Illinois Central Railroad. In 1861 he was elected a member of the Legislature from Joe Daviess county. He has been identified with the National Bank of Galena from its organization in 1865, and was elected its first President, which position he has retained to the present time (1875). He is regarded by all his fellow-citizens as a most able man, whether as a lawyer or banker; and during his twenty-five years residence in Galena has been foremost in all matters which had for their object the welfare and progress of his adopted home.

ARRIS, JAMES MEEKER, retired Steamboat Proprietor, was born, January 4th, 1823, in Ross township, Grcene county, Ohio, and is a son of James and Abigail (Barthrick) Harris, of that section, who, in June, 1824, together with Captain Orrin Smith and Moses Meeker-whose surname he bears-removed to Galena in a keel-boat, the said boat being under the command of Captain Meeker. The pres- ent site of Galena was then known as "The Point." Captain Meeker was one of the founders of the present city ; he has long since deceased. James was educated in a private school at Galena, and subsequently at Kemper College, near St. Louis, Missouri. In 1840 he was engaged as a clerk with his elder brothers; and in 1844 purchased the interest of R. S. IIarris in the grocery store which he had established, the principal customers being the steam- boat men which then frequented the port; he remained here in partnership with his other brothers for many years. In 1851-52 he embarked in the steamboat business, also in connection with his brothers, and they built the steamer " St. Paul," at Wheeling, Virginia, designing her to run on the route from Galena to St. Paul, in opposition to the Minnesota Packet Company. The vessel proved, however, to be too slow, and was withdrawn. A stock company was now formed, and the crack steamer, " West Newton," pur- chased, which made far better time than the fastest steamer, the " Nominee," of the regular line. They thus compelled the company to a compromise, and eventually both com- panics were merged into one, the stock was increased, and the consolidated corporation became the owners of seven- teen steamers, running between Galena and St. Paul; at one period two boats left Galena daily for St. Paul. From 1352 to 1857 were the halcyon days of Galena; but railway enterprise has changed the prosperity of the city, and in 1858 the boats were taken to Dunleith, the terminus of the Illinois Central Railway. In 1862 the company was finally dissolved, and during the same year James M. Harris retired from business, although he is still interested in various mining lands in the district.

ARNESS, ISAAC, Farmer, Stock-breeder, and Bank President, was born, March 20th, 1812, in Bourbon county, Kentucky, of American parent- age. He passed his boyhood at home on a farm, attending school occasionally. When twenty years old he went to work on a farm at $8 per month; and in the autumn split rails, receiving as wages twenty-five cents per hundred. He was thus occupied for two years, and having accumulated a small amount of funds married, and removed to Lexington, McLean county, Illi- nois, where he purchased a land "claim " for $150. Two years after he sold it for $300, and proceeded to Mackinaw, in the same county, and bought another claim of one hun- dred and sixty acres for $300. He at once commenced opening up a farm and raising hogs; and soon had two hundred and fifty of these animals on hand, which, how- ever, he could not sell at any price, and was forced to hold them another year. He then disposed of his stock for one .. half cash and one-half in goods from the store. With the amount of money received, which was a respectable sum, he purchased cows at $7 per head, and in the course of a short time could command enough capital to handle a large amount of stock, and was able to furnish as many as sixteen hundred head of fat cattle for the market every fall. During the war of the rebellion he loaned his money freely to the Government, receiving therefor the bonds, and at the close of the contest commenced the banking business at Lexington, which he continues in connection with extensive farming operations near the town, and stock-breeding ; all these farm- ing operations carried on are made to subserve stock-raising, both cattle and hogs, of a high grade. The farms aggregate three thousand acres of land, in a high state of cultivation, and are worth from $50 to $500 per acre. The bank which he operates is the principal institution of the kind in that section of the country. He is a man of great wealth

cCLELLAN, ROBERT HI., Lawyer and Banker, was born, February 3d, 1823, in Washington county, State of New York, and is a son of Colonel William and Margaret (Randles) McClel- lan. IIe was principally educated at Union College, Schenectady, New York, where he graduated in the class of 1847. Having made choice of and makes a good use of it; to each of five of his children

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he has already apportioned at least $15,000 to enable them to make a start in life for themselves. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of William Wiley, of Fayette county, Ohio, and has a family of seven children, two sons and five daughters.

IBSON, REV. JOHN M., D. D., was born in Whit- horn, Scotland, April 24th, 1838. His father, Rev. James Gibson, was pastor of the United Presbyterian Church at Whithorn. He received a preliminary education in the common and grammar schools of the place, and then spent two years in an accountant's office in Glasgow, continuing his studies in the meantime. In 1856 the family moved to America and settled in Owen Sound, Canada West. He then took a full academical course in the University of Toronto, and graduated in 1861. He then took up one year of theological study in the United Presbyterian Divinity Hall, and afterward two years in Knox Seminary, both in Toronto. He graduated from the latter, and was also a tutor in the seminary, and during the last year of his studies supplied the pulpit of Rev. Dr. Ormiston, in Hamilton. Ile was then ordaincd and installed as colleague of Rcv. Dr. Taylor, of Erskine Church, Montreal, continuing in this relation for ten years. During this time he was appointed to the Chair of Hebrew and Greek Exegesis in the Presby- terian Seminary of Montreal, the duties of which he dis- charged for five years. He was married when first settled in Montreal-December 20th, 1864-to Lucy A. Wilkes, daughter of Rev. Henry Wilkes, D. D., of Montreal. In April, 1874, he was called to the Second Presbyterian Church of Chicago, as the successor of Rev. Henry W. Patterson, who had just closed a pastorate with them of eighteen years. In 1875 the University of Chicago con- ferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. He has also been chosen one of the trustees of the Lake Forest University, near Chicago. In the pulpit he is earnest and impressive, and in private life genial and sociable.

business and set about preparing himself for the bar. He entered the law office of IIon. William C. Dawson, United States Senator, as a student, and remained under the pre- ceptorship of this gentleman six months, when he took the law course at the Dane Law School of Harvard College, and graduated with the class of 1852. He then went to New York city, where he finished his preparations for the bar with the IIon. William M. Evarts, and was admitted to practice in that city early in 1853, and in the same spring removed to Chicago, where he soon formed a law partnership with Hon. Norman B. Judd, which continued up to the time of Mr. Judd's appointment by President Lincoln as United States Minister to Berlin. He became then associated with Judge Blogett until he was confirmed as Judge of the United States Circuit Court. He is now a member of the law firm of Lawrence, Winston, Campbell & Lawrence, one of the most distinguished law firms in the Northwest. Mr. Winston is a thoroughly-read lawyer, gifted with deep pen- ctration, rare powers of logic, and an attractive style both in the form and utterance of speech. He is a leading practi- tioner in that branch of the law which relates to the rights, privileges and responsibilities of railroads and corporations. He has made this his specialty, and there is probably no other man in the Northwest more thoroughly versed in all that belongs to this phase of the science of law than he. For fifteen years he has been the General Solicitor of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, and has con- ducted its necessarily great legal business with masterly care. He is President of the Lincoln Park Commissioners, is largely interested in real cstate and public improvements, and has done much to advance the prosperity and well- bcing of the city of Chicago. While he is a pronounced Democrat, he has invariably refused office either by appoint- ment or nomination. In the fall of 1874 he was urged by his political friends to become a candidate for Congress in the Third District of Illinois, with assurances of certain election, but declined this tempting offer of party preferment. He is a IIigh Church Episcopalian, and as such earnestly urged the confirmation of Rev. Dr. Dekoven as Bishop. He is a gentleman of prepossessing personal appearance, liberal in his views, cultivated in his tastes, and courteous and affable to all with whom he is brought in contact. He was married in 1854 to Miss Maria G. Dudley, daughter of General Ambrose Dudley, of Frankfort, Kentucky.

INSTON, FREDERICK HAMPDEN, Lawyer, was born in Liberty county, Georgia, November 2Ist, 1830, being the son of Rev. Dennis M. Winston, a Presbyterian clergyman and a graduate of Ilamilton College and Princeton Theological Seminary, who, on account of failing health, re- moved to and settled in Georgia, where he married Miss EST, WASHINGTON, M. D., Scientist, was born in Belleville, St. Clair county, Illinois, February 9th, 1847. His parents-Benjamin H. West and Maria C. West-emigrated to Illinois while it was still a territory, and were among the earliest set- tlers and pioneers. His grandfather, Major Wash- ington West, was a soldier of the war of 1812, and noted for Mary McIntosh, granddaughter of General L. McIntosh, one of the earliest settlers of that State. When Frederick II. was six years of age his parents removed to Kentucky, where both shortly after died. Ile remaincd in that State and attended school until his eighteenth year, when he re- turned to Georgia and engaged in cotton manufacturing, but after the expiration of two years abandoned the his gallant and meritorious services. Ile was educated at

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the City University of St. Louis, and on leaving school be- gan the study of medicine with Dr. Hodgen of that city, graduating in March, 1868, at the St. Louis Medical Col- lege. He afterward returned to Belleville and entered upon the active practice of his profession, in which he was engaged for a brief period, six months, or less, and was then appointed Assistant Surgeon in the United States army, and stationed in the Sioux Indian District, under the com- mand of General Harney. For two years he was stationed in this region, and shared to a considerable extent in the episodes and experience of frontier life among the red men. Resigning his position, he subsequently returned to Belle- ville, and there resuming the civil practice of medicine rapidly built up a large business. He is Assistant Surgeon of the St. Clair County Hospital and Jail, and is a valued member of the St. Clair County Medical Society. He is Vice-President of the St. Clair County Microscopical So- ciety, and owner of the finest microscope in the State. one which he imported at a cost of five hundred dollars, now in use by the members of the above society. He is warmly interested in scientific pursuits, and is noted for his store of varied attainments and knowledge of all matters relating to medicine and microscopy. He was married, June 30th, 1870, to M. A. Wolfe, formerly a resident of St. Louis.

ILCOXON, THOMPSON, Pioneer Settler of Illi- nois and Operator in Real Estate, was born in Milledgeville, Georgia, August 22d, 1800. IIis parents were Thomas Wilcoxon, formerly engaged in farming and agricultural pursuits, and Mary (Hardy) Wilcoxon. He received a common school education at Portsmouth, Ohio, to which locality his parents had removed while he was in his infancy. He was brought up on his father's farm, laboring in the summer, and in the winter months attending school. Subsequently he was engaged in a partnership connection with threc brothers in farming and sending produce to the market of New Orleans, Louisiana. While thus occupied they con- structed their own boats, called " flat-boats," and in person piloted them down the Ohio river. In 1835 he visited the northwestern district, accompanied by one of his brothers, on a prospecting tour, travelling on horseback, and guiding himself in many cases by following the Indian trails, for in those days roads were few and poor. In 1837 he again came to the Northwest, purposing to settle in a desirable locality, and decided to remain at the spot now known as Cedarville, distant about six miles from the present city of Freeport. Associated with his brother, he purchased a claim there, took possession of the appropriated land, and gradually transformed it into a well-cultivated farm. The district was then unsectionized, almost in a primitive state, and very sparsely settled. He continued farming until 1854, when he removed to Freeport, disposing of his land in Ce-

darville about three years afterward. IIe has since then resided permanently in the former town and engaged in real estate and building operations. Among other enter- prises which he has conducted to successful issues is the Freeport Opera House, of which he is the builder and owner. He was married in 1830 to Cyinda Mitchell, daughter of Judge Mitchell, of Scioto county, Ohio.

REER, SAMUEL FORD, Lawyer and County Judge of Mason county, was born, 1824, in Fair- field county, Ohio, and is a son of William J. and Sarah (Downing) Greer. His education was attained in the common schools of his native place. In 1854 he removed to Illinois and settled at

Decatur. He was elected a Justice of the Peace, and held the position for several years. Having become familiar with the law, although not at the time a practitioner, he was, nevertheless, elected in 1861 County Judge of Macon county, and re-elected in 1865. In 1866 he was formally admitted to the bar. At the expiration of his second term, lie was a third time nominated and elected County Judge in 1869, and a fourth time in 1873; this office he con- tinucs to hold. He was married in 1844 to Elizabeth Taylor, of Ohio.

ADDOCK, STEPHEN, GORHAM, ex-Sheriff and ex.County Clerk of Bureau county, Illinois, was born in Hudson, New York, April 22d, 1828. His father was a prominent banker and land agent, whose permanent residence with his family was at Augusta, Georgia. He was born at his grand- mother's residence in Hudson, and was soon after taken to Augusta, where his childhood was spent. His early education was conducted at the common schools until his eighth year, when he was placed at a boarding-school at West Chester, New York. His studies were finished in the city of New York, and upon their conclusion he entered as clerk in a broker's office in Wall street, where he re- mained a few years. The ensuing five years he spent as a clerk in a large jobbing house in the same city. In 1853 he removed to Princeton, Illinois, with the intention of farming, but he was very shortly after his location there elected Sheriff of Bureau county, which brought him out quite prominently in the local political arena. On Novem- ber 6th, 1855, he was married to Margaret Seaman, of New York. In 1857 he was elected County Clerk of Bureau county, and served eight years in that capacity to the satis- faction of the entire public. During the war he was an active member of the local War Committee, and he was elected to various offices of public confidence, serving for a term as a member and President of the Board of Super- visors of Princeton, as a member of the School Board and

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The biographical encyclopedia of Illinois of the nineteenth century, Part 44

Author: Robson, Charles, ed Publication date: 1875 Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy Number of Pages: 770

Author: Robson, Charles, ed
Publication date: 1875
Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy
Number of Pages: 770