USA > Ohio > Memoirs of the lower Ohio valley, personal and genealogical : with portraits, Volume I > Part 37
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J. W. WILKINS, who conducts a blacksmith and general repair shop at Shawneetown, Ill., was born in Muhlen- berg county, Ky., Feb. 19, 1859. His father was born in Muhlenberg county, though the ancestors came originally from England, and were among the early set- tlers of Kentucky. James W. Wilkins, the father of the subject of this sketch, mar- ried Margaret J. Latham in Muhlenberg county and lived there until 1860, when they went to Union county of the same state and lived there until 1871, when they came to Gallatin, county, Ill., bought a farm near Kedron and lived there until the death of the father at the age of sixty-three years. The mother died in Shawneetown at the age of forty-eight. Of their ten children only three are living: Jefferson D., who lives near Kedron; Nathaniel, who is in Columbus, O., and the subject of this sketch. J. W. Wilkins received a very limited education in his youth, but he has managed to gather a valuable fund of informa- tion by self-study and by associating with well-informed men. In 1875 he left home and went to White county, where he found em- ployment in a sawmill. Some time later he went to Hamilton county
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and took charge of a sawmill there until 1884, when he returned to Gallatin county and followed farming until 1897. He then removed to Shawneetown and engaged in his present line of business, in which he had just got a good start when the great flood came and swept away every thing he had accumulated. With commendable enter- prise he started over again, and by industry, honest dealing and a close attention to business has built up a good trade, requiring the assistance of two workmen all the time to keep up with the demand. Much of his success is due to his personal popularity, as few men in Gallatin county are more universally liked. In 1879 he was mar- ried to Mrs. Margaret Sullivan Hoskins, a native of Hamilton county and a widow with one child, Sarah Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins have five children living, viz .: William, Oma, Virginia, Paul and Wilmer. Mr. Wilkins takes considerable interest in polit- ical affairs as a Democrat, but is not a seeker for office. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.
WILLIAM CAMPBELL, M.D., who has practiced medicine at Equality, Ill., for almost forty years, was born two and a half miles west of that town, Nov. 12, 1842. His father, William C. Campbell, was born in Virginia about 1789 and came in early childhood to Kentucky with his parents, who settled near Lexington. There he grew to manhood, married Mary Guard, and soon afterward came to Gallatin county, Ill. His wife died shortly afterward and he sub- sequently married Mrs. Sallie Gillette Hewitt, the widow of William Hewitt, and a native of Vermont. They continued to live on the farm until 1858, when they removed to Equality and there spent their declining years. He died at the age of eighty years and she at eighty-two. Of their two children Doctor Campbell is the only one living. Dr. William Campbell received his elementary education in the public schools of Equality, and began his business .career as a clerk in a store. While thus employed he commenced the study of medicine, and after 1864 devoted his entire time to the acquirement of a professional education. In 1867 he was graduated from the Cincinnati College of Medicine, and soon afterward opened an office in Equality, where he has ever since practiced his profession. Doctor Campbell is one of the oldest practicing physicians in his section of the state, has a lucrative business, is recognized as one of the suc- cessful men in the treatment of diseases, and stands high with both the public and his brother physicians. He was one of the organ- izers of the Gallatin County Medical society, to which he has be-
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longed ever since its formation. As a member of Lodge No. 19, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, he has filled all the chairs, and has taken considerable interest in promoting the good works of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a member. In 1867 he was married to Miss Rose Norcross, a native of Evansville, Ind., and they have three daughters and a son living. The three daugh- ters live at Equality, where Nellie is a Mrs. Purcell; Mary a Mrs. Dempsey, and Nora a Mrs. Wathen. The son, William A., is an engineer on the railroad and lives at Danville, Ill. Doctor Campbell is one of the public spirited men of the town, and as a Democrat takes a keen interest in political questions, though he is not what could be called a practical politician.
WILLIAM McINTIRE, senior member of the firm of McIntire & Son, brick and tile manufacturers, Equality, Ill., was born near Laconia, Washington county, Ind., June 4, 1844. When he was about seven years of age his father died and the fol- lowing year the mother removed with her family to Equality. Here he grew to manhood and obtained a good practical education in the common schools. While still a boy he commenced working on a farm at $6 a month during the sum- mer seasons, and when only ten years old began to learn the coopers' trade. He worked at this until 1862, when he enlisted as a private in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-first Illinois infantry, and was mustered in at Metropolis City. The regiment took part in the siege of Vicksburg and was at Arkansas Post, after which it was consolidated with the Twenty- ninth Illinois infantry, and fought at Natchez, New Orleans, Mobile, at various points in Texas, and was mustered out in November, 1865. Mr. McIntire held the rank of corporal at the time he was dis- charged. After the war he worked at his trade in Paducah, Ky., for some time, then came back to Equality and in 1869 started a cooper shop of his own, which he conducted until 1880, when he established a brick yard in connection with Mr. Proctor. Two years later he bought out his partner and in 1885 located where he now is. In 1903 he took his son Thaddeus into partnership and added lumber to his business. The yards have a capacity of twenty-five
I-25
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thousand brick and a car load of tile every day, and the trade in lumber is constantly increasing. Mr. McIntire is a director in the First National bank, is a Republican in his political affiliations, and was for several years president of the town board. In 1868 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Seeley and they have two children: Lizzie is the wife of R. E. Reed, of Equality, and Thad- deus is in partnership with his father as the junior member of the firm.
CAPT. A. A. VINYARD, a well known farmer, living three and a half miles north of Karber's Ridge, Hardin County, Ill., was born in that county, not far from the Old Illinois Furnace, June 17, 1828. His grandparents were natives of Virginia, of German descent. They left Virginia and lived for a while in Kentucky, but in 18II came to Hardin county. One of their eight children was Eli Vinyard, who was born in Hardin county, Ky., Nov. 5, 1806. After he grew to manhood in Illinois he was married to Miss Sarah Hill, a native of Georgia, and began farming about three miles north of the Old Illinois Furnace. In 1829 they removed to another place, not far from Karber's Ridge, and there they passed the remainder of their lives, he dying at the age of eighty-two years and she at the age of sixty-seven. Of their nine children five are living. Capt. A. A. Vinyard is the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth is a Mrs. Moore, living in Hardin county; Daniel lives in Saline county ; Rufina mar- ried a man named Tyer and lives in Hardin county, and John, lives in the neighborhood of Karber's Ridge. Captain Vinyard received his education in the old subscription schools and upon arriving at manhood became a farmer. In 1861 he enlisted in Company C, Forty-eighth Illinois volunteer infantry, was mustered in at Camp Butler, and for a time was stationed at Cairo. In 1862 he was promoted to first lieutenant, and in 1864 became captain of his com- pany. He was with his regiment in the engagements at Fort Don- elson, Shiloh, the siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Missionary Ridge, and marched with Sherman to the sea, taking part in the engagement before Atlanta on the occasion of Hood's first sortie, July 22, 1864. He also participated in numerous minor engagements and skirmishes. The regiment was mustered out at Little Rock, Ark., Aug. 16, 1865, and Captain Vinyard, returned home, where he again took up the life of a farmer. He married Emeline M. Patton, a native of Gallatin county, Ill., and they began their married life on a farm of 80 acres, all in the woods, where he now lives. At
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the present time he owns 320 acres, part bottom land, and all under cultivation. Besides this he has given over 400 acres to his children, viz .: Katherine, Jane, Harriet, John C., Andrew, Ira and Manning. Katherine is a Mrs. Brinkley; Jane a Mrs. Williams; Harriet is at home with her parents, and the others all live in the vicinity. They are members of the Social Brethren church. Captain Vinyard has always taken an active interest in public matters and has held some office in local affairs since the war. For twenty-six year's he has been township treasurer, and has frequently been a delegate to Republican conventions. His home is noted for its hospitality.
CAPT. PHILIP J. HOWARD, operator of a large stone quarry at Rosiclare, Ill., is a descendant of one of the oldest fam- ilies in that section of the state. His grandfather, John Howard, came from Virginia while he was still quite a young man, and settled in what was then Pope county. He married a Miss Robinett and they lived their whole lives in the vicinity of the Old Illinois Furnace, in what is now Hardin county. They had four sons and one daughter, all now deceased. One son, Joshua, was at one time sheriff of Pope county, before Hardin county was organized. John Howard lived to be seventy years of age and his wife reached the age of seventy-five. Their son, Philip J. Howard, father of the subject of this sketch, was born six miles north of Elizabethtown, grew to manhood on his father's farm, married Miss Minerva McFarland, and lived his whole life on a farm near that town. Minerva McFarland was a daughter of James and Elizabeth McFarland, who built the first rude log house where the town of Elizabethtown now stands. As the settlement grew and the town began to take form, it was named after Mrs. McFarland. The old log house gave way in time to a commodious brick dwelling, which is still standing and is now used as a hotel. James McFarland was a farmer and flatboatman, making several trips to New Orleans by that means before the advent of railroads. Philip J. and Minerva Howard had three children, Elizabeth, Philip J., and one deceased. Elizabeth is now a Mrs. Dunn, living in Kansas. The father died at the age of thirty-five and the mother lived to the age of seventy-
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nine years. After the death of her husband she married a second time, her second husband being James Kirkham, and they had five children, two of whom, James H. and Pinckney, now live at Smith- land, Ky., and the others are deceased. Captain Howard was born near Elizabethtown, March II, 1840, received his education in the common schools, and on July 29, 1861, enlisted in Company A, Twenty-ninth Illinois volunteer infantry, under Capt. Charles M. Ferrill. The regiment was mustered in at Camp Butler, and after a short stay at Cairo joined the forces in West Tennessee. It was at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Belmont, Mo., Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and Holly Springs. At Holly Springs a portion of the regiment, among them Captain Howard, was captured and held pris- oners at the parole camp at St. Louis for about five months. In June, 1863, they were exchanged and rejoined the command in front of Vicksburg. After that the regiment was at Fort Blakely, Mobile, and numerous minor engagements, not being mustered out until December, 1865, when it was discharged at Hempstead, Tex. For gallant conduct at Fort Donelson and Pittsburg Landing Pri- vate Howard was promoted from the ranks to the office of captain, and commanded his company the rest of the time he was in the service. In November, 1865, he was married to Miss Jennie Howe, a native of Harrison county, Ind., and for two years they lived on a farm in Saline county, Ill. They then removed to Rosiclare, where they have lived ever since, now being the oldest residents of the place. For some time he was in the hotel business; was then man- ager of the Pell Mining Company's interests for fourteen years, and since then has been engaged in the stone business. Captain Howard has taken an active part in politics ever since the war, and is one of the leading Republicans of the county. In 1886 he was elected sheriff of the county against large odds and held the office for four years. He was for sixteen years the postmaster at Rosiclare, and has held some of the minor offices of a local character. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 276, at Elizabethtown; Empire Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also at Elizabethtown, and with his family belongs to the Christian church. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Captain Howard and his wife have five sons: Charles L., Philip J., John R., William H. and Walter P., all living at Rosiclare.
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HENRY M. WINDERS, attorney at law and postmaster, Elizabethtown, Ill., is a native of the county where he now lives, having been born near Cave in Rock, April 14, 1848. His grandfather, George W. Winders, was born in Logan county, Ky., about 1787, and there grew to man- hood. He married Mary Hughes, whose parents came from Ireland, and settled in Crittenden county, on what is now known as the "Wilson Farm," almost opposite Cave in Rock. They had nine children, viz .: William, Washington, Richard, Tim- othy, Charlotte, Francis M., Melvina, Mary, and Henry. George W. Winders was a farmer by occupation, and was a zealous worker for the advancement of the Methodist church. After the death of his wife he made his home among his children, and died in 1857, while staying with his son, Francis Marion. This son was born in Crittenden county, Ky., May 30, 1822. While still a young man he crossed the river into Illinois, where he was employed in various occupations until his marriage in 1845 to Miss Elizabeth J. Scarbor- ough, who was born Nov. 29, 1829, in Morgan county, Tenn. Her father was John Scarborough, and her mother's maiden name was. Clay. They came to Illinois soon after her birth and settled in Hardin county. Francis M. and Elizabeth Winders located on a farm near Cave in Rock, and lived there all their lives. In his day he was one of the active Democrats of that section of the county. They had two children, Silvester, now deceased, and Henry M. Francis M. Winders died on April 26, 1876, and his widow made her home with the subject of this sketch until she, too, passed away in 1889. Henry M. Winders obtained such an education as most farmers' sons do in the public schools, but to this he added by self- study at home. On July 27, 1863, he enlisted in Company D, Forty- eighth Kentucky mounted infantry, went into camp on August 29th, and was mustered into service on October 26th. From that time until Dec. 16, 1864, the regiment was on guard duty at various points in the State of Kentucky, among them Russellville, Bowling Green, on Elkhorn Creek, Bacon Creek, Munfordville, Cave City and Fredonia. Young Winders remained with his command all the time, with the exception of eight days spent in the hospital at Munfordville with the mumps, although at the time of his enlistment he was but fifteen
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years of age. After his discharge from the army he returned home, continued his studies, and in 1867 commenced teaching, which occu- pation he followed in connection with farming until 1880. On Dec. 28, 1868, he married Mrs. Mary J. Caltrin, née Dunn, and located on a farm five miles north of Cave in Rock, where they lived for six years, when they separated. Subsequently he married Mrs. Mary F. Irrion, née Lamb, and in 1886 removed to Elizabethtown, where he began the study of law. In 1889 he was admitted to the bar and practiced his profession until Aug. 1, 1902, when he was appointed postmaster, which position he still holds. Mr. Winders has been active in the political affairs of Hardin county ever since he became a voter, and is one of the Republicans who always has a voice in shaping the destinies of his party. He has served as county surveyor four years; was township treasurer for three years; township trustee for two years ; was four terms justice of the peace ; has been his party nominee for state's attorney and county judge, but was defeated with the rest of the ticket. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and has served as commander of his Post; is a Past Master in the Masonic Fraternity, and for five years was treasurer of his lodge. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have no children.
TONY R. KERR, of Golconda, Ill., clerk and recorder of Pope county, was born December 24, 1861, in Hardin county, Tenn. When he was about four years old his parents came to Massac county, but three years later returned to their old home in Tennessee. There Tony received a common school education up to the age of sixteen, when his mother died and he returned to Pope county, taking up his residence at Rosebud. From that time until the spring of 1886 he was employed as a farm hand. He then married Miss Melissa Hornberg, a daughter of John F. and Sarah J. Hornberg, old residents of the county. On June 14, of that year, he was appointed township treasurer, and later was elected road clerk of District No. 6. He continued to hold both these positions until 1896, when he was elected on the Republican ticket to the office of clerk and recorder. Mr. Kerr has been twice re-elected, in 1900
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and 1904, each time running ahead of his ticket. As a public official he has made a record for being trustworthy and efficient, while his uniform courtesy to all with whom he comes in contact has added to his personal popularity and contributed to his triumphant victo- ries in, being re-elected. In addition to his official position Mr. Kerr is interested in. mining operations and was one of the leading spirits in securing the right of way for the Illinois Central railroad through the county. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the First Baptist church. He and his wife have four children: Clarence C., Jennie R., Penn H. and Henry G., all living at home.
GEORGE F. DIMICK, dealer in gen- eral merchandise, Rosiclare, Ill., was born one and a half miles north of that place Sept. 22, 1846. He is a son of Franklin and Amanda J. (Chancy) Dimick, the former a native of New Hampshire and the latter of Illinois. Franklin Dimick was born in 1820, and came with his par- ents in his childhood to Illinois, settling in that part of Pope county now included in Hardin, county. His father, Jeduthun Dimick, was a surveyor and civil engi- neer, as well as a farmer, and many of the early surveys in that part of the state were made by him. Franklin and Amanda Dimick commenced their married life on the old home place, and lived in that immediate vicinity all their lives. In addi- tion to farming he also worked at carpenter work, and was one of the first Christian, or Campbellite, preachers in that section. It was principally through his efforts that the first stone church was erected in Hardin county. For many years he held the office of justice of the peace, served one term as county judge, and was one of the very few men in Southern Illinois to vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. From that time until his death he was a steadfast Republican. He died at the age of sixty-five years and his wife at the age of sixty. Their children were: Mary L., George F., Jeduthun C., Sarah E., John F., Maria J., Charles C., and Alice. Mary, Sarah, Maria, and Alice are deceased; Jeduthun lives in Texas; John F. is on the old home place; Charles lives in Rosiclare. George F. Dimick was educated in the public schools, and at the age of twenty-
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one years began his business career as a clerk for J. B. Pell at Rosiclare. In 1871 he was married to Miss Alice Madden, left the store, and for several years lived on a farm near his father. His wife died in 1878, the mother of two children, Carrie B. and Daisy E., both now deceased. After the death of his wife he lived with his parents for three or four years, when he again married, his sec- ond wife being Miss Sarah Rose, and returned to his farm. Sub- sequently he came to Rosiclare, where he formed a partnership with his brother in the merchandizing business, under the name of C. Dimick & Bros. This partnership lasted until 1902, and since then he has been in business for himself. The firm is now G. F. Dim- ick & Son, his son Walter having been admitted as a partner. In addition to his mercantile interests Mr. Dimick still owns and man- ages his farm. He is a Republican in his political belief and has held some of the local offices. Since he was twenty-three years old he has been a member of the Christian church. He and his second wife have had three children. Etta and Raymond are deceased and Walter is in business with his father.
CHARLES C. DIMICK, proprietor of one of the oldest mercantile establishments in the town of Rosiclare, Ill., was born a mile and a half north of that town, Sept. I, 1862, his parents being Franklin and Amanda J. (Chancy) Dimick. (See sketch of George F. Dimick for family genealogy.) Charles C. Dimick was edu- cated in the common schools and lived with his parents until Nov. 10, 1880, when . he married Kittie Wood, daughter of Alfred and Sarah (Madden) Wood, old residents of Hardin county. After his marriage he lived a year on a farm near his father, then a year on Dr. White's farm, near Elizabethtown, when he settled on a farm given him by his father near the old home place, and lived there for seven or eight years. He then came to Rosiclare, where he was connected with the mines for about two years, at the end of which time he engaged in mercantile pursuits in connection with his brother, George F., under the firm name of C. Dimick & Bro. In 1902 the partnership was dissolved and he succeeded to the business, which he still conducts. By his conservative and safe business meth-
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ods he has acquired considerable wealth and owns some of the best property in the town where he lives. Mr. Dimick is a Republican and takes some interest in political affairs. He was appointed post- master under President McKinley's first administration, having been assistant for two years, and still holds that position. He is also freight agent for the Evansville & Paducah Packet company, and has held some of the minor offices of the town. In church matters he has accepted the faith of his father and is a deacon in the Chris- tian church. He belongs to Lodge No. 54, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is always a willing helper in the benevolent work of the order. Mr. and Mrs. Dimick have two daughters, Ethel V. and H. Audrey. Ethel V. was born Dec. 5, 1883, and H. Audrey Feb. 25, 1894. On Dec. II, 1904, Ethel was married to Austin D. Knight.
JOHN G. MOBLEY, a farmer living two and a half miles south of New Haven, Gallatin county, Ill., was born in that neighborhood, Nov. II, 1855. He is a son of William Mobley, who was born in White county in 1818, his father being one of the pioneers of that part of Southern Illinois. William Mobley married Cynthia Hughes, a native of Hamilton county, and lived in the Wabash bottoms for several years, after which he went to Iowa for two years, but at the end of that time returned to Gallatin county and settled on what is known as "The Knoll," where he died in 1866. Of the children born to William and Cynthia Mobley, Francis, James E., Sarah J., and two who died unnamed are deceased. Those living are Alexander, who resides in Jefferson county, Ill .; Mary, married and living near New Haven; Martha, wife of William A. Smith, of New Haven; John G., the subject of this sketch; and Rebecca, wife of James D. Radsner, living in Missouri. John G. Mobley attended the common schools in his boyhood and while still in his 'teens commenced working out by the month, which he continued for three years. He then went back home and took charge of the farm for his mother, and has lived on the old home place ever since. His mother died in 1892, at the age of seventy years and he has bought the interests of the other heirs, now being the sole owner of the old homestead of 300 acres, 100 of which are in the Wabash bottoms, and 250 under cultivation. Mr. Mobley has a fine residence, good barns and out-buildings, and is one of the live farmers of his part of the county. Politically he is a Republican, has served one term as township commissioner and three years as director. In 1882 he was married to Miss Eliza Moye, and to this union have been born the following children: Essie, Ray-
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