Biographical Album - 1891 - Surnames I-L
SAMUEL INGHAM Page 854
Samuel Ingham, a prominent farmer of Barnett Township, DeWitt County, was born in the Buckeye State and reared amid the surroundings of farm life. He attended the common schools, gaining therein a good knowledge of practical branches, and at home was taught the industrious habits and energetic spirit so needful to one who would be more than a drone in the world. His natal day was May 14, 1816, and his birthplace Ross County. The lady whom he won for his wife was born in the same county in which her parents had made an early settlement. She bore the maiden name of Nancy C. King and is the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Nolan) King. Her father fought in the second struggle for American independence.
The marriage of Mr. Ingham and Miss King was solemnized March 28, 1843, and the young couple took possession of a tract of farm land, the husband devoting himself to its cultivation for four years. In the meantime he had studied medicine to some extent and in 1850-51, having completed his preliminary preparation, he entered the Physio-Medical College at Cincinnati and was graduated there-from. He located at Andersonville, a town in the county of his birth, and practiced there eight years. He was devoted to his profession, careful in ascertaining the causes of disease and thoughtful in the use of remedial agencies.
In the fall of 1858, Dr. Ingham came to this State, and establishing his home in Waynesville, retired from practice and turned his attention to milling. For six years he was connected with that interest, then returned to his first occupation and located on section 3, Barnett Township. He purchased land which he improved and operated successfully, and which now bears the numerous substantial buildings needed in the prosecution of farm work. The estate consists of one hundred and eighty acres, and Dr. Ingham also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Macon County. He made his vocation remunerative and creditable by bringing to bear upon it the intelligence and thought that was once expended on what is generally considered a more mental calling, and shows that the representative farmer is a man of brains as well as muscle.div>
To Dr. Ingham and his wife four children have been born; Alva C., the first-born, fought in the Union Army as a member of the One Hundred and Forty fifth Illinois Infantry; Susan died when in the dawn of womanhood, at the age of sixteen years; Deborah is the wife of Lowell K. Cunningham; George K. is Judge of DeWitt County. Dr. Ingham is honored and respected and his worthy companion is now whit behind him in the esteem of their acquaintances. In politics the Doctor was originally a Whig but for years past has been a Republican. Both himself and wife have been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1843, and the long years have but strengthened their faith and increased their hope.
Dr. Ingham traces his descent from Jonathan Ingham, whose parents came from Wales to America. That gentleman was a fuller by trade, and a Quaker in religion. His sons were Samuel D., who was Secretary of the Treasury under President Jackson and was also a Congressman; Jonathan, a merchant and later a farmer; Hezekiah, a papermaker; and Isaiah, a tanner and farmer. The last named was born in Bucks County, Pa., near New Hope, May 15, 1789, and went to Ross County, Ohio about 1810. There he married Susan Durst, who was born near Charlestown, Va., and whose parents, Daniel and Polly Durst, removed to the Buckeye State about 1812. She bore but one child, he of whom we write. The father married for his second wife Elizabeth Thatcher, who had three children; John C., Mary and Elizabeth. She survived her husband several years, he having died in 1866. He was a prominent Mason, and held offices of public trust. He was Justice of the Peace, and under Gen. Jackson was Receiver of Moneys in the Zanesville Land Department of the General Government for both terms. He was disowned by the Society of Friends on account of joining the army under the general call in the French and Indian troubles in Northern Ohio.
MATTHEW D. IRWIN Page 509
The carpenter and woodwork department of the Illinois Central Railroad shops in Clinton, DeWitt County, is under the superintendency of the gentleman above named. He is one of those men, many of whom are to be found in our country who, beginning their personal career at an early age and under discouraging circumstances, have risen to a position of financial comfort and what is still better have attained to a character honorable in the sight of all men. The natal day of Mr. Irwin was May 5, 1840, and his birthplace Allegheny County, Pa., near Pittsburg.
The father of our subject, Nathaniel Irwin, was a ship carpenter and built many of the boats running on the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. He died in Allegheny County, Pa., in 1850, and from the early age of ten years his son Matthew was obliged to make his own living. The mother of our subject had been borne to the tomb in 1844. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Robinson and she was a daughter of James Robinson, one of the pioneers of Western Pennsylvania. She was the mother of five sons and two daughters, our subject being the fifth member of the family. He has one brother and one sister living.div>
After the death of his father he of whom we write found employment in various occupations, doing whatever his ability would permit, a part of the time being spent on a farm. In 1862 he came to DeWitt County, Ill., and for a short time was engaged in farm labor. In August he carried out his desire of entering the army, being enrolled in Company B, of the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry, Col. Thomas Snell commanding. He took part in the siege and battle of Knoxville, the battles of Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville and Salisbury, together with the various skirmishes, marches and less prominent though equally dangerous and tiresome duties which belong to campaign life. In June, 1865, he was honorably discharged after having served two years and eleven months faithfully and gallantly.
Retuning to DeWitt County Mr. Irwin engaged in general farming for himself, continuing that line of work some five years. He then quit the farm, came to Clinton and entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad, working in the wood department of the shops. So faithful was he and so much skill did he display that he was promoted at different times until he became Superintendent of the department, which position he has ably filled for the past eleven years under William Griffin, Master Mechanic.
In 1867 Mr. Irwin led to the hymeneal altar Miss Sarah Lanterman, whose father, Peter Lanterman, is numbered among the pioneers of this State. He and his wife Eliza came hither from North Carolina, in which State they had been born, and lived for a time on a farm near Springfield. They then came to DeWitt County, in which Mrs. Irwin was born and reared. She had borne her husband six children, named respectively, Enola, Nettie, Fred A., Frank, Elizabeth and Decatur.
During the past six years Mr. Irwin has represented the Third Ward in the Common Council. He belongs to Olive Branch Lodge, I.O.O.F., and to Frank Lowry Post No. 157, G.A.R. He is an active member of the Presbyterian Church, to which he has belonged for a quarter of a century and in which his estimable wife also holds membership. For the past ten years he has been a Deacon and for a period antedating his membership in the church he has been a Sunday-school teacher. His home is supplied with every comfort and he and his estimable wife have drawn around them a fine circle of friends while winning the regard of all to whom they are known.
URIAH JAMES Page 494
In traveling about DeWitt County a stranger would be attracted by the appearance of a farm on section 30, Texas Township, where every evidence of prosperity and good management is to be seen. This estate consists of two hundred acres, all under cultivation, and evidently devoted to diversified crops and the raising of good stock. The farmhouse is a two-story frame 28x30 feet, with a good-sized "L," and has been built with a view to the comfort and convenience of its occupants. It is of modern design, attractive to the eye and indicates the presence of refined womanhood. A fine new barn forty-two feet square and twenty-two feet high, is a conspicuous feature on the estate, but is by no means the only good outbuilding. Altogether the place would be considered one of the finest in the county, and its owner, Uriah James, may well be pleased with it.
In Ross County, Ohio, William James, the father of our subject, was born and reared. In the same county Susan Belford, who was born in Virginia, grew to womanhood. This couple were united in marriage and came from the Buckeye State to this county about 1837, traveling with a team, according to the prevailing custom. They made their first settlement in Tunbridge Township, but a twelve-month later removed to Texas Township. After occupying a certain farm about two years they took possession of that now owned and occupied by our subject. There Mr. James was gathered to his fathers in 1869, his widow surviving until 1883. They were the parents of eleven children: Margaret died when fifty years old; Marcus and Martha in infancy, and Ephraim at the age of forty-eight years; Nancy married S. Potter and is living in Kansas; Mary is the wife of Dr. John Wilcox, whose home is in Clinton; Uriah is the subject of this sketch; Leroy also lives in Texas Township; Stephen is living in Washington; Elliott lives in Texas Township; Sarah married Warren Hughes and lives in the same township.
The gentleman of whom we write was born September 14, 1849, in the township in which he now lives. Here he grew to manhood, attending the district school and assisting his parents in various home duties. He remained an inmate of the parental household until he was twenty-one years old, when he began his personal career. November 7, 1872, he married and established his home on his father's farm, buying out the other heirs, and continuing the work in which he had taken a part in previous years.
The lady who took her place at the head of Mr. James home affairs was Mary E. Wilson, a native of Jackson County, Ohio, born December 5, 1854. After some years of happy wedded life she breathed her last August 31, 1881, leaving three children to the care of the bereaved widower. The children are: Lucy, who was born October 17, 1873; Nellie, March 16, 1877; and May, May 18, 1880. In February 11, 1885, Mr. James was married a second time, his bride being Mary Schoby, who was born in Mason but reared in DeWitt County. This union has been blessed by the birth of one daughter, Edna, whose natal day was November 15, 1886. The four daughters make an attractive group and add much to the pleasure of the home life. The younger ones are pursuing the studies suited to their years, and rapidly advancing in the graces of womanhood.
The principles laid down in the Democratic platform and promulgated by Democratic statesmen find a supporter in Mr. James. A man of undoubted intelligence and good principles, he has been given positions of public responsibility and is now Clerk of the District Board of School Directors, having been one of the number for twenty years. He served as Constable of Texas Township several years. The only social order with which he is identified is that of the Knights of Pythias.
GEORGE W. JAMESON Page 421
George W. Jameson, of the firm of Jameson & Geer, has a place among the prominent business men of Farmer city, DeWitt County. The firm deals extensively in hardware and farm implements, carrying a fine line of heavy and shelf hardware and the modern appurtenances of farm life; they also have a department of tin ware, and are prepared to do all kinds of roofing. The present firm was established in the fall of 1886, prior to which time the business had been carried on under the style of Jameson & Richards some five years.
The senior member of the firm of Jameson & Geer was born at Wheeling, W. Va., February 6, 1840, and was ten years of age when he was brought to this State. He grew to manhood on a farm in Sangamon County, and upon reaching years of maturity took up the pursuit of agriculture on his own account. He is still interested in farm lands, although some years since he was compelled to give up active farm life, as requiring a greater amount of physical strength than he possessed. Prior to embarking in his present enterprise he spent some time in the East, recuperating his health, his home being made in West Alexandria, Pa. On returning to the State to which he had become attached in boyhood and youth, he established himself in business in Farmer City, where, as before stated, he is now numbered among the prominent dealers.
Our subject is a son of Samuel Jameson, who was born near Wheeling, W. Va., and losing his father when a lad of six years, was bound out to a farmer. He remained with his master until he was sixteen years old, then went to Pittsburgh, Pa., and worked five years to acquire the saddler's trade. After he had become fitted for journey work he continued in the shop in which he had served his apprenticeship, and was for some time foreman there. He subsequently returned to his native place and joined his brother, W.W. Jameson, in the hatter's trade, in which he was engaged some years. In 1846 he settled on a farm in Licking County, Ohio, but in the intervals of active farm work, made saddles and sold hats and caps. In the spring of 1850 he closed out his interests in Ohio, and coming to this State purchased a farm near Springfield, which he operated for some years. He finally retired from active life, and made his home in the Capital, where he is still living, now eighty-one years of age but smart and active. He had two brothers who passed several stages beyond the eightieth mile-stone of life. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and has been quite prominent in Republican circles in Sangamon County. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
The father of our subject was first married in Licking County, Ohio, to a native of that county, Miss Lury A. Wells, who died at the early age of twenty-nine years, leaving three children. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church from her youth. Our subject is the eldest of the children born to her, all of whom survive. Some time after her demise her husband was married to Miss Phebe Powell, the marriage ceremony being performed in Wheeling, W. Va. The bride was born in Ohio and has manifested great ability in the affairs of life which have fallen to her lot. She is still living, and although quite old retains her physical activity, and is as devoted to her loved ones as in her early years. She is a woman of fine character, a true Christian, belonging to the Presbyterian Church. She is the mother of seven children, all living.
The gentleman of whom we write was married in Washington County, Pa., to Miss Lizzie M. Stewart, an intelligent, accomplished lady who was reared in her native county, but completed her education at Steubenville, Ohio. She is a skillful musician, and with her husband moves in the best society of Farmer City, her active mind and refined manners, coupled with a Christian character, gaining her a high standing. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jameson belong to the Presbyterian Church, the husband holding the office of Trustee. In politics he is a Republican. The family of our subject and his wife consists of two sons, Stewart W. and Fred H. The former was graduated from the Farmer City High School, and is now attending the Illinois State University at Champaign.
CHARLES M. JEFFREY Page 412
Charles M. Jeffrey, of Linebarger & Jeffrey, Clinton, has recently become interested in the manufacture of drain tile. The firm has a large local trade and ships to various points in the county and State. The product of their tile works includes tubing from two to twelve inches in diameter, and of a superior quality. The business was started by Frank C. Davidson about 1878 and continued by him until 1888, when he sold out to J.H. Linebarger. In January, 1890, the gentleman of whom we write bought a half interest in the tile works and entered actively upon business life in Clinton.
Mr. Jeffrey was born in Barnett Township, DeWitt County, August 31, 1868, and is the second son living of five children. The other members of the parental family are: James W., Olive J., William H. and Alice May. Olive is now the wife of A.H. Smith, and William is living in Washington. The father, Aurelius Jeffrey, was born in Indiana in 1834, and came to DeWitt county with his parents, William O. and Harriet Jeffrey. That couple were of French and Welsh lineage and had formerly lived in New York. Both died in this State, as did the father of our subject, his demise taking place in 1888. The mother of our subject who was known in her maidenhood as Sarah Ann Graham, was born in Ohio and was the daughter of Judge Samuel Graham, who was likewise a native of that State. She died in June, 1886, in the fifty-first year of her age.
Charles M. Jeffrey passed his youth upon a farm and attended the district schools, completing his education in the Clinton High School. In the intervals of study he assisted his father in such ways as were suited to his years and strength, and upon attaining his majority began farming on his own account in the same township. He still owns a good farm there, comprising eighty acres of well-improved land, which he rents, his home for the past four years having been in Clinton. The original homestead of his parents consisted of four hundred and thirty acres, which was well improved and well stocked. The father was one of the leading farmers in his day and a breeder of fine Poland-China hogs, which he shipped to various State for breeding purposes. He raised one hog which weighed nine hundred pounds and upon which he took the first premium in the Fat Stock Show in Chicago.
Realizing that it is not good for man to be alone, Mr. Jeffrey won for his companion Miss Lulu McGraw. This lady was born in DeWitt County, has been well educated and possesses many estimable traits of character. Her marriage to our subject was solemnized January 3, 1889. An infant daughter, Gretchen Anita, gladdens the parents by her infantile graces. In politics Mr. Jeffrey is a Republican. His reputation in Business circles is that of a man of honor, and in society he is a bright and shining light.
JAMES M. JEFFREY Page 758
James M. Jeffrey was born May 16, 1859, in Waynesville Township, DeWitt County. He is now one of the active, enterprising and intelligent young farmers and stock-raisers who are doing so much to advance the agricultural interests of this portion of Illinois, He has a farm in Barnett Township, that in point of cultivation and improvement compares favorably with the best in its neighborhood, and is under most excellent management.
Aureluis and Sarah A. (Graham) Jeffrey, the parents of our subject, were natives respectively of Waynesville, Ill., and Logan County, Ohio. William Jeffrey, the paternal grandfather of our subject was born in Wales, N.Y. He was married to Harriet DeCamp, of New York. They migrated to Indiana, and were among the early settlers of Miami County, that State, where he was engaged in farming until they came to Illinois in the fall of 1831. After their arrival in this State they located among the pioneers of Waynesville, and there Mr. Jeffrey engaged in farming with a brother for fifteen years. Later he gave his attention to farming and entered considerable land which he concluded to be worthless, and so traded it off for teams and other things. He and his wife were stanch member of the Universalist Church. They died in Waynesville Township at a venerable age, his death occurring August 17, 1877, when he was sixty-five years old, and his wife departing this life August 15, 1884.
John Jeffrey, the great-grandfather of our subject was born in England. During some period of his life he removed to Wales, and from there came to the United States about 1814. He first settled in New Jersey, and subsequently took up his residence in Western New York. He finally spent his closing days in Indiana. He lost his wife soon after his removal to that State. They had six children--William, Francis, Garrett Smith, and three whose names are forgotten.
The father of our subject was bred to the life of a farmer. He became very prosperous after his removal to this State, and was one of the most extensive farmers of his locality. At the time of his death February 14, 1889, he was quite well-to-do, and left four hundred and thirty acres of choice farming land divided into three well-appointed farms. His wife had preceded him in death, departing this life June 3, 1886. They were people of high character, and were held in great respect in their community. They were sincere Christians and when they died the Universalist Church lost two of its firmest supporters. The reared five children to good and useful lives as follows: James M.; Olive, now Mrs. Smith; Charles M., a resident of Clinton; William H., a teacher at Washington, D. C.; and Alice M.
James M. Jeffrey passed his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, and in the common schools laid the foundation of a solid education. He spent three years in Eureka College, which he left in the junior year with a fine record for good scholarship. When it came time for him to decide upon a calling in life he chose that of a farmer, which Horace Greely aptly styled "the noblest of profession," and he has since devoted himself to agriculture. In 1887 he located on section 9, Barnett Township, where he now resides. He has here one hundred and eighty acres of land whose soil is of surpassing fertility. The neat farm buildings, cozy dwelling and everything about the place bears evidence of thrift and unremitting care. His farm is well-stocked with Short-horn cattle of high grade and fine Poland-China hogs.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Maggie M. Campion, was duly solemnized June 10, 1886, and has been a union of mutual happiness and content. Two children, George E. and Fern complete their pleasant household circle. Mrs. Jeffrey is a native of Miami County, Ohio, and a daughter of Thomas and Catherine Campion. Her parents came to this county from the Buckeye State in 1878, and located in McLean County, where her father is engaged as a farmer.
Mr. Jeffrey is well-endowed mentally and physically, is bright and capable and already occupies a high position among the farmers and stock-raisers of his native county. He is active in politics, being a stanch adherent of the Republican party. He may be almost said to have inherited his political sentiments as the Jeffrey family are all Republicans.
EASON JOHNSON Page 793
This gentleman is pleasantly located on section 3, Texas Township, and has for some thirty years been a member of the agricultural community of DeWitt County. He is engaged in general farming and has placed his land under thorough cultivation and supplied it with various good improvements. The dwelling occupied by himself and wife is a large, two-story frame house, homelike in appearance and furnished in such a manner as to increase the comfort of its occupants. This dwelling was erected in 1865 and was formerly brightened by the presence of several children who have gone from the home nest to fill their own stations in the world.
The parents of our subject were Joseph and Lydia (Cook) Johnson, both of whom were born and reared in Rhode Island, the birth of the former having taken place in 1791. Mr. Johnson one time worked for Gen. Israel Putnam. He located on a farm near Mechanicsburg, Ohio, cleared the land and afterward changed his place of abode to another part of the county. There he bought five hundred acres of land and built a brick house which is still standing, with the date of its erection 1833, yet visible upon it. The mother of our subject died there but the father breathed his last in Clinton, this State, at the venerable age of eighty-two years.
The brothers and sisters of our subject were six in number. One died in infancy; Ira C. now lives near Silver Lake, Kan., owning and operating six hundred and forty acres of land; Cylinda married John Johnston and both are now deceased, her death having taken place in this State in 1872; Allura married Charles Lincoln and both are deceased--their home was in Ohio; Joseph occupies a farm of six hundred and forty acres in Iroquois County; Lydia, widow of the late Dr. George Garwood, makes her home in Chicago.
The gentleman of whom we write was born August 13, 1814, on the seashore near Providence, R.I., and is the third child and second son of his parents. He was reared in Ohio, pursued his studies in the log schoolhouses with greased paper for window lights, and in a country where all kinds of wild animals were abundant, grew to maturity. He assisted his father in the farm work until he became of age, when he took to himself a wife and set up his own home. He resided at Woodstock about twelve years and was engaged in the sale of general merchandise. He then took up farm life in the same section of country, remaining there until 1859, when he removed to Texas. The journey was made by water and a landing made at Matagorda Bay. Mr. Johnson took horses, wagons and buggies, and expected to remain in the South in the stock business. It did not prove successful, however, and he returned to the North, locating at Clinton, Ill., just in time to vote for Abraham Lincoln. In 1860 he located on the place he still occupies, and from which he gains a good support, besides being able to aid his sons in establishing themselves in life and donating to worthy enterprises.
The lady who for more than fifty years has been all that a faithful wife and devoted mother could be, bore the maiden name of Alice Calendar, and became the wife of our subject December 17, 1835. She was born in the Buckeye State, December 25, 1816, and there grew to womanhood, being left an orphan at the age of seven years. She has borne her husband nine children, but she and her companion are now left alone in the old home. A daughter, Nancy, died at the age of six years; Amos lives in Burton County, Kan., where he owns a section of land, two hundred acres of which are sown to wheat this season; Huldah is engaged in the millinery business in Clinton, this State; Ira lives in Oregon; Allie, who is now deceased, was formerly the wife of John Kirkely; Joseph E. is farming in the same township as his father; Allura died at the age of four years; Lovina died when eight months old; Emma married James Kirk and lives in Clinton, this State. All were born in Ohio.
Mr. Johnson is a believer in and supporter of the principles of the Republican party. In matters of faith he is a Spiritualist and Mrs. Johnson belongs to the Universalist Church. On another page we present lithographic portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson who are numbered among the honored and respected members of society in their section of the county, where their long residence has given them an extended acquaintance.
ELIAS JOHNSON Page 727
This name will be at once recognized by many of our readers as that of a man who was identified with the agricultural interests of DeWitt County during the early years of its settlement and who at a later date was conspicuous among the financiers of this locality. Mr. Johnson was born in Jackson County, Ohio, February 19, 1819, and died at his home in Farmer City, June 26, 1889. For more than ten years prior to his demise he was a helpless invalid, having been stricken by paralysis November 15, 1878. He lingered on earth for some years and although he was not able to move or speak for several days his sorrowing friends were grateful that he was spared the suffering which attends upon some forms of illness. During his long period of physical helplessness he was devotedly cared for, especially by his loving wife, whose nobility of character was exhibited in the sick room as it could have been under no other circumstances.
Mr. Johnson was a lad of five years when his parents came to this State and made a settlement in Vermilion County. There he grew to manhood, receiving as thorough an education as the schools of the time gave opportunity for, learning lessons of conduct under parental guidance and becoming acquainted with the life of a farmer. In 1837 the family came to DeWitt County and here our subject carried on farming and stock-raising until 1856. He then disposed of his real-estate and took up the occupation of a money-loaner, in which he continued as long as he was engaged in any business. He was everywhere referred to as one of the best financiers in the county.
The parents of our subject were Silas and Elizabeth (Craig) Johnson, both of whom were born and reared in Virginia. They had been married some years and three children had come to brighten their home when they removed to Jackson County, Ohio. After a time they came to this State, spent a few years in Vermilion County, and then established themselves in DeWitt County, where once more the husband and father engaged in the development of an unbroken farm. He was a good manager, industrious and frugal, and accumulated a fine property in Rutledge Township, where he spent the later years of his life. He had passed the allotted age of man when called from time to eternity. He and his wife belonged to the First Baptist Church. Mrs. Johnson survived her husband some years and died at the home of her son Thomas, in DeWitt Township, when eighty-six years old.
The subject of this biographical notice was married some time after his removal to DeWitt County, the ceremony taking place in Santa Anna Township, and the bride being Miss Lydia M. Hurley. The lady was born in Neward, Ohio, September 29, 1822, and is the fourth of thirteen children comprising the family of Dennis and Mary (McConnell) Hurley. She was carefully reared by Christian parents, under whose guidance the better traits of her character were developed and she became a noble woman, anxious to discharge all her obligations in life and capable of doing much good.
A faithful and devoted wife, Mrs. Johnson had been equally affectionate and capable as a mother, and her daughters owe much to her care and counsel. Her first-born, Mary E., is the wife of John McDonnell, formerly a painter, now a florist, whose home is in Farmer City. The younger, Hester A., married James Brennan, who died in Chicago, where he was engaged as a Government Inspector of liquors. He had been a soldier in the Thirty-ninth Illinois during the Civil War. His widow subsequently married J.Q. Jones and is now living in Farmer City. The mother of these daughters is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the work of which she contributes liberally of her means and gives of her time when occasion serves. Mr. Johnson was converted at a camp meeting in this county, held on what is known as the Hurley Grove Camp Ground. This was in the fall of 1839, and uniting with the Methodist Episcopal Church he lived the life of a true Christian and died in the full faith of eternal life.
The father of Mrs. Johnson was born in Trenton, N.J., and was a young man when he went to Ohio. There he married, his wife having gone thither from Lancaster County, Pa., at the same time that Mr. Hurley made his journey to the Buckeye State. In fact he had joined the McConnell family and completed his journey in their company, and after reaching Licking County worked for Mr. McConnell for a time. After a number of years spent as a farmer, during which time ten children were born, Mr. and Mrs. Hurley removed to this State; the journey was a tedious one, consuming more than three weeks time and being performed with teams and wagons.
The Hurley family stopped at what is now Farmer City, but was then (1830) a wild waste, and the following spring established themselves south of Salt Creek, in what is now Santa Anna Township. There Mr. Hurley took a squatter's claim and began to break land while waiting for the tract to be placed on the market. After a few years this was done and he entered and secured the land. He was the first permanent settler in that locality and the nearest neighbors for several years were five miles distant. He and his family passed through all the experiences of the pioneer who was surrounded by wild geese and Indians, but survived the hard times and lived to see the country well developed and their own circumstances prosperous. Mr. Hurley, the year after the deep snow, which commenced falling November 27, 1830, was drafted to serve in the Black Hawk War, but when he explained to the proper authorities at Decatur the situation of his family, he was honorably discharged and sent back to them. He died when a little more than seventy years of age, the date of his demise being June 27, 1867. He was a Christian in the fullest sense of the term, not only active in the Methodist Episcopal Church, but at all times honoring his profession by his life. He was first a Whig and then a Republican in politics, was active in local political work and during the Civil War an ardent supporter of the Union cause.
Two members of the Hurley family--Lewis and David--belonged to the Union army and the former laid down his life for his country, being killed before Richmond, after serving more than three years. David passed unscathed through the dangerous scenes and is now living in Saybrook, this State. The mother breathed her last at her home, July 6, 1850, when fifty-three years old. Her memory is held in affection and reverence by her children, to whom she was the best of mothers. She was a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The reader's attention is invited to lithographic portraits of Mrs. Johnson and the late Mr. Johnson which may be found in connection with this brief personal sketch.
WILLIAM H. JOHNSON Page 547
This name is well known to many of the inhabitants of Central Illinois and of the cities of Moline and Sterling as that of a machinist and inventor. He is now located in Farmer City, operating a well-equipped establishment for the manufacture of all articles in his line--that of woodwork, such as results from planeing, sawing, turning and carving. Mr. Johnson was for years associated with the well-known firm of Deere, Mancer & Co., Manufacturers, of Moline, having his time given him to experiment and invent for his employers. Mr. Johnson has made his own reputation by developing his mechanical tastes without other guidance than that in the use of tools which was obtained when a boy in his father's carpenter shop. His first invention of importance was a practical check-rower, which for lack of means he was not able to place before the people as he wished. This was in 1874 and about two years later he invented the rotary drop for corn planters. About this time he was asked to enter the shop of the firm before mentioned and was paid for his ideas. He soon developed their present rotary drop which he sold out to the company for much less than its value, not having a true knowledge of its worth.
Subsequently Mr. Johnson assisted the company in developing other useful patents and still later became connected with the Keystone Manufacturing company of Sterling, spending his time in inventions suited to their line of work. The Keystone Company now owns what are known as the Gault Planter and Keystone Check-rower, on which Mr. Johnson received a goodly amount. After several years spent in the employ of that company he assigned to them the inventions named and that of machinery for making the same, from which he receives a royalty, and quit their shops because he felt that he was not fully recompensed by the firm of his knowledge and skill and could do better working for himself where he would reap the full benefit of his skill and labor. He spent some two years in the West, chiefly in Washington. On his return from the coast he established himself in his old home, Farmer City, where he has since devoted his time to developing new inventions and the manufacture of various articles. His royalties already bring him a substantial income and his ingenuity in certain mechanical lines is well known in the State.
Mr. Johnson was born in Bordentown, N.J., October 10, 1847, and was twelve years old when his parents, Burzillar B. and Margaret (Stewart) Johnson, came to this State. Their journey was accomplished by water and rail and they at once established their home in Farmer City. Here the father opened a carpenter shop which he located on a farm in Blue Ridge Township, Piatt County. He had entered this land from the Government and improved and operated it for some years, but early in the '80s returned to Farmer City and retired from active labor. He was born on the ocean, off the coast of New Jersey, where he grew to manhood, learning his trade at Bordentown, N.J. and when twenty-three years old went to Hoboken. He is now about three-score and ten years old. In politics he is a sound Republican, and as a citizen he is well known and considered worthy of the confidence of the community.
The mother of our subject died a few years after the family located in Farmer City. She left four children--Mariam, William H., Caroline S. and Robert F. The third in order of birth became the wife of W.C. Rathburn and died in the prime of life, leaving one child; Caroline is the wife of J.D. Gould, a blacksmith of Farmer City; Robert married Maria Newberry and lives in the same town, he being engaged in wagon-making and a general mechanic. The father won for his second wife Mrs. Cynthia L. Weaver, "nee" Colby, who has been a true helpmate and has taken the place of a mother to the sons and daughters who had been deprived of their own loving and estimable parent.
The subject of this biographical notice has a happy home, presided over by one of the notable housewives of the city and one whose worth of character and industrious habits are well known to her many friends. She bore the maiden name of Florence Pray, was born in McLean County in 1863, and married in Farmer City. Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a sound Republican in politics. He has four children by a former marriage, their names being Claude M., Arthur, Winifred, and William Burr.
CHARLES W. JONES Page 969
Among the men who are gaining a competence by cultivating a portion of the soil of DeWitt County a prominent position is held by Charles W. Jones, of Waynesville Township. His interest in all that will increase the welfare and enhance the prosperity of his associates in an honorable calling, together with his progressive ideas in all matters pertaining thereto, makes him a very conspicuous figure among them. He has already gained a substantial footing, financially speaking, his present landed estate amounting to two hundred and forty acres.
Going back two generations in the ancestry of our subject we come to Peter Jones, who after living in South Carolina a number of years made one of the early settlers of Ohio. Thence he removed to Indiana and in 1830 came to this State. Three or four years later he removed from Sangamon County to the location now occupied by our subject, where he and his wife died, he being buried July 4, 1842, and the widow in 1846. Mrs. Jones bore the maiden name of Mary Branson and was a daughter of Levi Branson, a Colonel in the British army during the Revolution. That gentleman had come to America some years before and located on a grant of land in Maryland. When hostilities began he did not wish to take sides, but was finally pressed into the service and belonged to the army until peace was declared. He then quit the British service and devoted himself to his peaceful calling in Maryland until death.
The family of Peter and Mary (Branson) Jones consisted of ten children, one of whom, John B., was born in North Carolina December 18, 1799, and is said to have been the first male child born in the county. He was reared on a farm and accompanied his parents to Sangamon County, Ill., in 1830. A year later he came to DeWitt County and entered eighty acres on section 21, Waynesville Township, and one hundred acres on section 16. At the time of his death he owned two hundred and twenty-six acres. In an early day he served as captain of a military company in Indiana. In politics he was a Democrat, active in the work done by the party. He was a prominent and influential citizen, interested in the progress and development of the country and its inhabitants. He died April 10, 1856.
John B. Jones married Rachel Thomas, who was born April 5, 1803, and who died October 30, 1885. She was a daughter of Absalom and Catherine (Weeks) Thomas, natives respectively of Philadelphia and New York City. Mr. Thomas was a son of a native of Wales and was highly educated both in English and German. He learned the trade of a shoemaker, and going to Cincinnati followed his calling there for some time. He finally settled in Clarke County, where he became the owner of a large landed estate. He had two sons and eight daughters. One of the sons was drowned in the Ohio River. John and Rachel (Thomas) Jones had twelve children, three of whom died of scarlet fever when quite young. Those who were reared to maturity were: Caroline, Adolphus, Lavina, Elinor, Milton, Andrew, Rachel J., Charles W. and Mary C. Those who now survive are: Lavina, Elinor, Milton, Rachel, Charles and Mary.
The subject of this biographical notice was born February 14, 1842, on the tract of land which he now occupies, and which has been his life-long home. He received a common-school education and in the intervals of study gained a practical knowledge of agricultural pursuits. He was still in his teens when the Civil War began, but he entered into the spirit of affairs with an enthusiasm and earnestness which led to his early enlistment in the service of his country. In June. 1861, he was enrolled in Company E, Seventh Illinois Infantry, and after the expiration of the three months' term, again became a member of the Union army. In October he joined Company D, Eighty Missouri Infantry, a body which was organized in St. Louis, and which was under the command of Capt. Giles Smith, afterward a Major-General.
Mr. Jones was present at the battle of Shiloh, the siege of Corinth and the engagement on the Yazoo River under Sherman, and he also bore his part in the marches, skirmishes and camp duties which, although not so famous, were equally necessary. At the Yazoo River on December 29, 1862, he was wounded in the right thigh and after suffering for weeks was discharged from the hospital at St. Louis in April, 1863. As a soldier he was careful to obey the orders of his superiors, displaying the gallantry that won their commendation, and in camp life, with all the wearisome duties and tedious hours, was bright and cheerful, making the best of every circumstance and surrounding.
After his return from the scenes of conflict Mr. Jones resumed his labors in and about his old home. At his father's death he became heir to forty acres of land which still forms a part of his estate. He won for his companion Elizabeth Smith, and subsequent to her demise was married to Sarah A. Vinson, a daughter of Andrew J. and Rhoda (Cisco) Vinson. The first union was a childless one, but five children have been born to the second one. The family is made up of John D., Rachel, Charles M., Ella and Ida, the last two being twins.
Following the example set by his honored father, Mr. Jones takes an active interest in politics and votes the Democratic ticket. He was sent as a delegate to the State convention in 1888-90 respectively. In 1881 he filled the position of Township Supervisor and he has twice served on the United States jury. As a citizen he is reliable and law-abiding; as a member of society, companionable and intelligent; and in his home life he displays consideration and a thorough enjoyment of domestic happiness. He is therefore held in good repute, and his estimable wife has her share in the good will of their neighbors and associates.
JOHN JONES Page 898
Standing in the foremost rank among the farmers and stock-raisers of DeWitt County is the gentleman who has been identified with the interests of the county for many years. He came hither in November, 1856, and at once located on section 19, Barnett Township, buying, with his brother Jacob, a considerable tract of land. This they still own, it being a fine farm with all necessary and convenient structures and other improvements. The acreage is three hundred and twenty, and each of the brother owns other property--our subject having one hundred and sixty acres and Jacob eighty.
Before relating the chief incidents in the life of John Jones, it will not be amiss to note some points in the family history. His father, Charles Jones, was born in Madison County, Ky., in 1791, and went to Indiana when it was yet a Territory, making his permanent home in Gibson County. He served as County Commissioner and was a soldier in the War of 1812. He was the second son of Cadwallader and Martha (Pitts) Jones, the former a native of Kentucky in the early development of the Blue Grass Country. Grandfather Jones died in Kentucky in 1798, and his wife in Illinois about 1810. He was of Irish descent.
The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood as Elinor Warrick and was a daughter of Jacob and Jane (Montogomery) Warrick. Her parents removed from Virginia to Kentucky during the first settlement of Fayette County, when the settlers lived in forts or stockades and passed through severe contests with the savages. In 1806 the family removed to what is now Gibson County, Ind., and made that their permanent home. Mrs. Warrick died there, but Mr. Warrick was killed at the battle of Tippecanoe. November 7, 1811, he formerly being a member of the force under Gen. Wayne. He had hand-to-hand encounters with savages during the war. He was a prominent Mason and a man of influence; Warrick County was named in his honor. He was of Scotch-Irish descent. The daughter, who became the wife of Charles Jones, was born in Fayette County, Ky., May 9, 1799, and in Gibson County, Ind., assumed the responsibilities of wifehood. To her twelve children were born, and eleven lived to mature years. Those who now survive are Eliza, Jacob W., Franklin, John, William, Thomas C., Marshall and James.
Gibson County, Ind., claims John Jones as one of her sons, he having been born there March 13, 1825. He was reared on a farm, and early learned how to guide the plow, wield the ax, and gather in the fruits of the increase. He pursued his studies in the subscription schools of the period, acquiring as practical a knowledge of the branches taught as was possible. Adopting the occupation to which he was reared, he steadily pursued his course, advancing his interests in a worldly sense and becoming more skilled in the details of his work from year to year. In so doing he has likewise added to the wealth of the country, and to the development of the physical resources that make the land blessed above other lands.
Believing that his happiness would be enhanced by the companionship of a good wife, Mr. Jones won the heart and hand of Miss Parmelia Montgomery, a native of Gibson County, Ind., to whom he was married October 25, 1856. This lady is a daughter of Warrick and Jane (McFadden) Montgomery, natives of the Hoosier State and of Scotch origin, who are yet living in Indiana. Her father has represented Gibson County two years in the Legislature. The grandparents of Mrs. Jones were Walter C. and Nancy (Roberts) Montgomery, the former of whom became a resident of the Hoosier Stae in 1806. Mrs. Jones has fulfilled the promise of her youth and been a faithful and efficient wife and devoted mother. He has six children, name respectively: Ella, Warrick, Charles, Franklin, Martha and Mary. The various members of the family have their appropriate place in the thoughts of the people and receive their due meed of commendation. Our subject himself is regarded as a man of honor in business and social relations, and is respected by all who know him.
PRESTON JONES Page 755
The family name of this gentleman has been connected with the history of DeWitt County and with its rise and growth since early pioneer times. Its representative of whom we write and whose portrait appears in this connection is now one of the leading farmers of this section, and owns a large farm in Santa Anna Township, which is under a fine state of cultivation. The estate is a valuable piece of property, embellished with substantial buildings and containing the various improvements suggested to the mind of the enterprising owner.
Mr. Jones is a native of Claiborne County, Tenn., and was born November 12, 1831. He is a son of the late John Jones, a native of Virginia, and one the honored pioneers of DeWitt County. He in turn was a son of William Jones, who was also born in Virginia, coming of Welsh ancestry and parents. The grandfather of our subject passed his early life in the Old Dominion and served throughout the Revolutionary War as one of its bravest soldiers. He was one of Washington's trusted messengers and after the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown carried the glad tidings to the Continental Congress. He was married in Virginia to Susan Clark and after the birth of their children they removed to Kentucky, becoming early pioneers of that State in the days of Daniel Boone. After living there some years, William Jones accompanied by his wife and children removed to Eastern Tennessee and located in Overton County, where they died when very old, the grandfather at the age of ninety-three years and the grandmother when ninety-one years old.
John Jones was young when his parents moved to Kentucky, and there he and his eleven brother and sisters grew to maturity. Later he accompanied his parents to Eastern Tennessee and there he was married to Elizabeth Fullington who was born and reared in Claiborne County. After their marriage Mr. Jones and his wife lived on a farm in Overton County, until after the birth of their children. Then, in 1836, they came to Illinois with an ox-team, camping out at night by the roadside during their journey, which lasted thirty-one days. They finally arrived in DeWitt County, and here entered upon a genuine pioneer life. The father bought a fine tract of wild land and improved it into a good farm which was his home until his death September 14, 1889. He was a prominent man in his community and was well and favorably known throughout the county. He was a sound old Jackson Democrat in politics and in religion was a stanch upholder of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was a member for many years. At the time of his death he had attained the great age of eighty-eight years and seven months. His widow, who is yet living, (1890) at the age of eighty-five years, is a welcome inmate of the home of her son, our subject, where she is surrounded by every comfort necessary to a woman of her years and infirmities.
Preston Jones, the subject of this biographical review, is the second of the three sons born to his parents. His elder brother, Campbell, whose portrait is presented to our reader, is an honored resident of this township, where his is living in retirement from active farming operations. He is a gentleman of superior intelligence and culture. His early educational advantages were limited, but by close application to his books and a genuine fondness for good literature he has become exceptionally well informed and can talk with interest on any subject. Upon people with whom he comes in contact the impression is made that there is no reasonable excuse for man, woman or child, not to have a practical knowledge of things if any effort is made. He is a sincere Methodist in his religious views. In early manhood he married Louvesta Upton, a lady of much intelligence, who was in every respect a true wife and devoted mother. She died leaving three children-John, Sarah and Ura. John, who lives on a farm in Northwestern Kansas married Margaret Jones, who is now deceased. Sarah is the wife of Mr. Mathews, a resident of Galveston, Ted., where he is engaged as a fine engraver. Ura is the wife of Sylvester Banta, a miner in Nevada.
Mr. Jones was a child of five or six years of age when his parents came to this State and he has since made his home on his father's old homestead on section 9, Santa Anna Township. His early education was gleaned from the imperfect text books taught in the subscription schools, but he is mainly self educated as he is a great lover of books and through reading them has become a man of wide information. He has devoted his life to farming and as a result of good management now has five hundred acres of choice land which constitute one of the most productive farms of this locality.
Mr. Jones was first married in this township to Mary Johnson, a native of New Jersey, who came with her parents to Illinois when she was a child. She was reared to womanhood in this township and died at her husband's home in 1857, while still in the prime of life. She left three children--Cynthia, Albert and Belle, the two former are married. The second marriage of Mr. Jones also took place in Santa Anna Township, when Miss Laura Riggs became his wife. She was born in Bloomington, Ill., January 24, 1852, and was there reared to maturity. She has made our subject an admirable wife and is a wise and tender mother to her children, of whom she has nine as follows: William H., Bertha M., May, Frank, Lotta, John, Ollie, Pearl, and Lance, all of whom are at home, with the exception of William and Bertha who are married and settled in houses of their own.
We should be doing a great injustice to our subject did we not refer to his career as a soldier in the Union army during the late war, in which he served three years, and on every occasion showed himself to be imbued with the true patriotic spirit that had been so conspicuous in the Revolutionary grand-sire. He enlisted from this county August 14, 1862, in Company I, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry. His regiment went at once to the South and he participated in its various engagements, fighting gallantly in all the battles in which it took part. He had many narrow escapes from death and captivity, but during his whole term of service he was never in the hospital, his fine physique withstanding the terrible hardships of a soldier's life. During his career as a soldier he was promoted from the ranks step by step and was mustered out as Second Lieutenant. In politics he upholds the principles of the Democratic party, and socially belongs to the Masonic order. He has been Road Commissioner for some time, and in that capacity has been instrumental in improving the highway and byways of this section of the county. He and his wife are not connected with any particular church, but they lead moral, upright lives and are respected and trusted by all about them.
GILBERT C. KELLY Page 517
Perhaps no man of his years in DeWitt County has made a better record and gained a more prominent station in the minds of the people than Gilbert C. Kelly. He is now engaged in general farming, occupying a farm on section 34, Texas Township, but for some years he was engaged in the profession of teaching. Upon him various positions of public responsibility have been imposed, and whatever duties have devolved upon him have been undertaken with the determination to be faithful to the trust and watchful over the interests of his constituents.
Before entering upon the life history of our subject a few words regarding his parents and other members of the family will not be amiss. His father, Cornelius Kelly, was born in Butler County, Ohio, grew to manhood there and adopted the occupation of a farmer. He married Letta B. Cox, an estimable lady, who was born in the same county as himself and whose good qualities he was thoroughly acquainted with. In 1851 they came to this county and for a time lived on a rented farm near Kenney. A year or two later they took possession of an eighty-acre tract on section 34, Texas Township, which is now the home of the son, of whom we write. The land was partly improved and Mr. Kelly continued the work, thoroughly reclaiming the soil and adding to the comforts and conveniences of the home, where he died November 2, 1888, at the age of fifty-nine years. The widowed mother of our subject is still living, now making her home in Clinton. Three sons and two daughters made up the parental family. The first-born is he of whom we write; William died at the age of two years; Eliza M. lives in Clinton and is clerking in a store; Cora F. is with her mother in the same town; Nora E., a twin of Cora, is deceased.
The natal day of our subject was June 24, 1853, and his birthplace the county in which he is still an honored resident. His education was obtained in the district schools and so well did he improve the opportunities afforded him that he was himself a pedagogue when but eighteen years old. During the winter from 1871 to 1883, he devoted himself with his native energy to teaching, and in the summers assisted his father on the farm. During 1874-75 he spent some months in attendance at the Illinois Industrial School at Urbana. After his marriage he took up his residence on a farm and gave his attention entirely to general farming, in which he has been meeting with satisfactory success. He is occupying his mother's property, a commodious two-story frame house, furnished with comfort and about it all the outbuildings, orchards, etc., that go to make up a well-regulated estate. His land is carefully and intelligently handled and he is a living proof of a statement often made, that education is not a drawback but a help to a farmer. Mr. Kelly owns a ninety-acre tract of land adjoining his mother's farm.
Our subject won for his wife Carrie H., daughter of Edwin and Emily (Hill) Weld, a sketch of whom occupies a page in this album. Mrs. Kelly was born in this county June 15, 1858, studied in the district schools and then attended the High School at Clinton, from which she was graduated in 1876. Her marriage to Mr. Kelly was solemnized February 27, 1884. Under her oversight the home presents an appearance of order and refinement very pleasant to the husband and to the many friends who frequent it. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have never been blest with any children.
Mr. Kelly is now serving his fifth year as Supervisor of Texas Township and Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. In 1876 he was elected Township Clerk and in 1881 School Trustee, and he has also served as School Director. He belongs to the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association and is earnest in aid of the movements which will increase the prosperity of the great class to which he belongs. In politics he is a Democrat. He has become well known throughout the county and is not only influential but popular, possessing the social qualities and traits of character which win and keep friends.
ANDERSON KEMP Page 550
This gentleman is of good pioneer stock, his parents having been early settlers of Central Illinois. For many years he has been actively engaged in agriculture, and has improved no less than five farms in this State. He has been a resident of Texas Township, DeWitt County, for more than a quarter of a century, and is the proprietor of one of its many valuable farms. He was born near Memphis, Tenn., September 6, 1829, but as he was only a few months old when his parents brought him to this State, nearly the whole of his life has been passed here. The birthplace of his father, Murphy Kemp, is not known. That of his mother, Polly (Howel) Kemp, was in Tennessee, and there she was reared and married. Directly after the marriage, the parents of our subject came to Illinois and located in Scott County, three miles west of the county seat. He took up a tract of land and engaged in its improvement and cultivation until 1854, when he removed to Macon County and took up his residence five miles east of Decatur, where he and his good wife spent their remaining days. They were the parents of the following children, two daughters and five sons--our subject, Margaret, Philip, Solomon, Thomas, Isaac and Sarah.
Anderson Kemp is the eldest son of his parents, and was about three months old when he came with them to Illinois, the journey being made from his birthplace in Tennessee to their destination in the wilderness of Scott County by teams. His education was acquired in a log schoolhouse with slab seats that had stakes for legs. He remained with his father and mother, assisting in the development of the farm until he was twenty-one years old. In 1850 he was married to Mary Ann Funk, a native of Morgan County, Ill. Mrs Kemp was reared in the place of her birth, and used to attend school in a log schoolhouse. Her pleasant wedded life with our subject has been blessed to them by the birth of seven children, one daughter and six sons, whom they have named as follows, James M., Albert N., Daniel M., Margaret Belle, Andrew J., Anderson L. and Ivan M.
After his marriage, Mr. Kemp and his bride began their wedded life in a humble log house in Scott County. A year later the removed to Morgan County, and there he bought a farm, erected the necessary buildings and otherwise improved it. Four years later he sold out that place and bought a tract of raw land in Macon County. He broke the land, fenced it, erected suitable buildings, and in the space of thirteen years had evolved a good farm from the wild prairies. He disposed of that place in 1863, and coming to DeWitt County, bought the farm on which he now resides. He has here one hundred and thirty-five acres of rich, highly cultivated land, on which he has placed a substantial dwelling, barn, and other out-buildings, and he has here a good well, a cistern and all modern improvements. He has the land neatly fenced into fields, and has put in six hundred fords of tile so that it is well drained. He improved two farms in Macon County, breaking the land, fencing it, and in all he has developed five good farms in Central Illinois. He does a good business as a general farmer, raising grain and stock, paying especial attention to the latter branch, and having to buy some of his grain to feed his stock.
Mr. Kemp in his career as a farmer has shown himself to be energetic, industrious, shrewd and far-seeing, and is regarded as one of the solid men of the township. He is a thoroughly good citizen, earnestly interesting himself in whatever pertains to the welfare of the community, and using his influence not only to advance its material prosperity, but to elevate its social and moral status. Politically he stands with the Democrats, and cast his first vote for Seymour. He has been School Director and School Trustee for thirteen years, and has held the office of Road Commissioner. He and his wife are among the leading members of the Baptist Church, of which he is Deacon and Trustee.
ALEXANDER MORTON KENT Page 620
For a quarter of a century this gentleman has been identified with the business interests of Farmer City, DeWitt County, and he is now prosecuting an enterprise which promises to be very successful, it being still in its infancy. He is the proprietor of the Farmer City Roller Mill, built in the summer of 1890, with a capacity of fifty barrels per diem, which is turning out a product that is rapidly growing in favor. In connection with the milling business Mr. Kent deals in grain, which he had been handling for some years. He started the first lumber yard in Farmer City in 1866, before the Indiana, Bloomington & Western Railroad had been built to this point, and when it was necessary to haul the commodity in which he dealt from Clinton. He continued in the lumber business until a few months since, and still owns an interest in the lumber yards at Clinton carried on by his nephew, Fred R. Kent.
Mr. Kent was born in Dorsey, Vt., June 4, 1838, and traces his ancestral history back for more than one hundred years in New England. His father, Lawrence Kent, was a cabinet-maker who followed his trade in his native State until 1846, making a specialty of the manufacture of a bedstead of his own patenting. He then came to Chicago, establishing a shop a block west of the site of the Courthouse, at a time when but little business was done on the West Side, a few families living across the river, where the wild prairie grass grew rank and tall. After some years Mr. Kent established himself on what was then called Canal Lands, on the West Side, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1880 at the ripe old age of eighty-three years, and his mortal remains were interred at Oakwoods Cemetery. He was one of the pioneers of the West Side and was for years a member of the Third Presbyterian Church, the first established in that division of the great Queen City of the Lakes. He was not an office-seeker, but was prominent in party councils, and a stanch Republican.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Emily Thompson. She also came of the old Green Mountain stock, and possessing the prominent characteristics of the Yankee race, she proved a valuable assistant to her husband in making a home. She also became well known among the old settlers of Chicago, where she breathed her last in 1852. She had taken a prominent part in the woman’s work connected with the Third Presbyterian Church. She was the mother of five children, three of whom are yet living. Mary A., wife of the Rev. Mr. Johnson, of Deer Lodge, Mont., was one of the first teachers in the public schools of Chicago, and was favorably known to her associates and the educators of that part of the State.
The subject of this biographical sketch was but a boy when he became a resident in Chicago, where he grew to manhood and learned the trade of carpenter. He worked for a period of three years in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, then in the year 1861, enlisted in a mechanical regiment that built the barracks of Camp Douglas. They were discharged in 1862, and Mr. Kent re-enlisted as a member of the Eighty-eighth Illinois Infantry, known as the “Second Board of Trade Regiment.” He was at once sent to the front and took part in the terrible battle of Perryville, later fought at Stone River and in the various engagements of the campaign to Atlanta. Still later the regiment fought against Hood at Franklin, and in addition to these famous battles bore a part in many skirmishes, as well as the hard marches, tedious round of camp duties and minor incidents attending a soldier’s life.
From the time of his enlistment there was but one engagement in which the regiment took part at which Mr. Kent was not present. While on special duty looking after the wounded, he was surrounded by the enemy, but escaped unharmed from their midst, seeing, however, much hard fighting. Mr. Kent entered the army as a private and was in his second term of service when discharged, he having been an active participant in scenes of carnage and various phases of a soldier’s life nearly three years, and in the mechanical corps four months. He has reason to be proud of his war record, as every brave soldier may well be of the renown due to valor and gallantry.
For three years Mr. Kent was connected with the E. Kent Lumber Company, of Clinton, and retains an interest in that line of trade there. Since the day he took up his abode in Farmer City he has manifested an interest in the welfare of the town, acting as becometh a public-spirited citizen. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and takes an active part in the councils and social gatherings of the order. In politics he is a sound Republican, and as a citizen upright and honorable. He possesses a spirit of hospitality and heartily enjoys the presence of his friends at his hearthstone.
The marriage of Mr. Kent and Miss Nancy J. Kerr was solemnized at the bride’s home in Delavan, Tazewell County, May 19, 1868. Mrs. Kent was born in Logan County, Ohio, November 10, 1841, and was reared and educated in the place of her nativity. She was twenty-two years old when she came to this State. Her parents, Thomas and Nancy (Cobean) Kerr, were natives of Harrison County, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, respectively, and were married in Logan County, Ohio. They set up their home on a farm, where the husband died in 1848 in middle life, the widow surviving about a year. Both were of Scotch-Irish ancestry and held to the old Scotch Presbyterian faith. They had two sons and four daughters, all living but the eldest daughter, who died, leaving two children. Mrs. Kent is a genial, companionable woman, who makes many friends and retains them by her fine character. Her happy union has resulted in the birth of three children—Amelia K., Willie L., and George A., all being educated in Farmer City.
EMMETT KENT Page 257
The portrait on the opposit page represents an honored citizen of Clinton, DeWitt County, who entered into rest March 31, 1890. In commenting upon his useful life the Clinton "Public" says: "Less than half a dozen who were prominent in business affairs when Mr Kent came to Clinton in 1859 are now residents here. A large majority of them rest in Woodland Cemetery, while here and there in other cities and States may now and then be found one of the number. A generation of active men and women of the Clinton of those days has passed away and new faces and new interests have taken their places. Were we to call the roll of the dead even for the last twenty years what a small army would rise up in the memories of the readers of the "Public".
"None occupied a more prominent place in the history of Clinton than did Emmett Kent; for the death of none were more words of sympathy expressed. He did well his part, whether in his office, as a member of the City Council, or the most important in his sight, in the councils of his church. Emmett Kent was a thorough Christian and his religion was a part of his everyday life. It was not reserved for the Sabbath but he took it into his business and into his dealings with his fellow-men. No kindlier soul ever walked the streets of Clinton and his sympathetic heart and his pocket-book were ever open to the lightening of other's burdens. He gave freely of the bounty that had been showered upon him in his business career."
A native of Vermont Mr. Kent was born in Dorset November 8, 1835, and was the son of Lawrence and Emily (Thompson) Kent. His parents removed West to Chicago in the '40s and there he was reared and educated, taking a complete business course at Bell's Commercial College. He was graduated in his twenty-first year after having completed the entire course of commercial study in one term. He then entered the employ of Steers & King, lumber merchants of Chicago, remaining with them until the spring of 1859 and occupying a responsible position in their office. March 31, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Clapperton, the daughter of William and Harriet (Ford) Clapperton and natives of London, England.
When the firm for which Mr. Kent worked wished a man to take charge of their business in Clinton they selected Mr. Kent, who brought his bride here and made it his home until his death. He formed a partnership with his former employer, William Steers, in the grain and lumber business and continued this connection three years, when he bought out his partner's interest and carried on the business alone. Not only was Mr. Kent prominent in business circles of Clinton but he became well known as a man of great public spirit, especially interested in the religious and educational affairs of the town. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in which he was an Elder for several years and Superintendent of the Sunday-school, and was a liberal contributor toward the building of the new house of worship. He was a member of the School Board and its Secretary for seven years. He was also a stanch temperance man. Mrs. Kent still resides in this city.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kent were five in number, as follows: Fred R., Mabel, a school teacher; Augusta, the wife of Benjamin Martin; Maude, wife of W. Payne, and Paul who is still a school boy. Fred R. is one of the enterprising business men of Clinton, resident manager for the firm of Morton & Kent, dealers in all kinds of lumber and building material. He was born in the city which he still honors with his residence, his natal day being September 30, 1862. After a course of study in the public schools here he took a course in Brown's Business College at Jacksonville. He then entered the office of his father and assisted in carrying on the business until January, 1889, when the health of the father failed and he sold out.
The business is now carried on by the son, Fred R., who does a large trade in the way of handling lumber and also deals in hard and soft coal. Young Kent is following worthily in his father's footsteps, manifesting much ability and enterprise of a high order and showing by his methods that he is thoroughly conversant with business principles and is determined to deal honorably by his patrons. In 1885 Fred R. Kent was married to Miss Rose Walter, of Alton, a daughter of V. Walter and old resident of that city. She presides with grace and skill over the cozy and tasteful residence which is pleasantly situated on North Center Street. The home is brightened by the presence of two children--Lillian and Rose.
ANDREW T. KINCAID Page 609
A foremost place among the farmers and stockmen of DeWitt County is by general consent accorded to the gentleman above named, a portrait of whom is shown on the opposite page, and who is particularly interested in affairs connected with the growth of Santa Anna Township. The fine farm upon which he now resides consists of one hundred and forty acres on sections 20, 21, 28 and 29, and is the seat of a successful general farming business, together with the breeding and feeding of fine stock. Mr. Kincaid makes a specialty of Durham cattle, and has at the head of his herd an animal of considerable repute, known as "Earl of Darlington, No. 12." For some years past he has been deeply interested in the introduction into this section of the country of better breeds of animals, and has done much to promote that desired result.
Going back in the family history two generations we find that the grandfather of our subject was Andrew Kincaid, a Kentucky planter, whose wife bore the maiden name of Ann Caldwell. They emigrated to Illinois in 1830 or 1831, settling in what is now Menard County, being the first pioneers there. They lived there until they were quite old, Mr. Kincaid being eighty-four, and his wife more than ninety years of age when they entered into rest. They were of the Presbyterian faith, following the teachings of their parents and the practice of a long line of ancestors, who were originally from Scotland.
In the family of this good couple was a son William C., who was the fourth in a large family, four of whom are still living. He was born in Kentucky but became of age in Menard County, this State, where he married Louisa Hale. This lady was a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Williams) Hale, was born in the Blue Grass State, and was but a year old when left fatherless. Mrs. Hale afterward came to this State with her daughter, and after a time married Andrew Moore, and lived to an advanced age in Menard County. Mr. Kincaid obtained land from the Government, and with his bride began life in the rural districts, pursuing an honorable career as a farmer and citizen. In politics he was originally a Whig, and later a Republican, and in religion he followed the faith of his ancestors. He died when sixty-seven years old. His widow still owns the old farm and is now sixty-nine years of age. She also is a Presbyterian, and is active in all good works. Her family comprises four living children, and one who has crossed the river of death. The survivors are established in homes of their own, and are pursuing successful careers.
The subject of this biographical sketch was born in Menard County, March 9, 1844, and is the third member of the parental family. His boyhood and youth were spent on the homestead learning useful lessons of life, and pursuing the studies which were taught in the common schools. He lacked several years of manhood when the Civil War began, but he was as earnest in his desire to serve the country as any man in the vicinity. His thoughts were with the boys in blue, and his hopes set on joining them, and in August, 1862, when but eighteen years old, he attained his desire.
Young Kincaid enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Infantry, Col. Latham commanding, and was assigned to Company K, then under charge of Capt. Hurt. As soon as the organization was completed the regiment was sent to the front, its first heavy work being at the siege of Vicksburg. After that protracted effort it was sent west to the Arkansas River, where the remainder of the time of enlistment was spent, many skirmishes being passed through, some of them of considerable importance. Mr. Kincaid entered the service as a private, but during the last eighteen months of his army life was in the Post-Quartermaster's office. He passed unhurt through all the danger to which he was subjected and was honorably discharged at Pine Bluff, Ark., in August, 1865.
After the war closed Mr. Kincaid began an active life as a farmer and dealer in stock. In 1870 he came to DeWitt County, and purchased land on section 19, Santa Anna Township. Establishing his home there, he made great improvements during the eighteen years of his residence. He still owns valuable property on that section, amounting to three hundred and twenty acres. Thence he removed to his present location, where he continues the occupations in which he has been proving most successful. He not only breeds fine cattle, but feeds stock in large numbers and is classed among the heavy dealers of the county. He has made his property by his own efforts, and by dint of his personal qualities has reached a leading position among the men of the county.
The household economy on the Kincaid farm is controlled by a bright, active woman, who was known some years ago as Miss Frances Ritter, but became Mrs. Kincaid February 8, 1870, the ceremony being performed in Menard County. She was born there May 18, 1848, her parents being Anno and Elizabeth Ritter, natives of Kentucky, who immediately after their marriage came to Illinois. Mr. Ritter was a surveyor and was engaged in that occupation at the time of his death, which occurred when he was in the prime of life. He also carried on a farm. His wife survived him some years, dying when past middle life. They held a prominent place among the early settlers in Menard County, and among the promoters of the Methodist religion. Mrs. Kincaid was quite young when her father died and but twelve years old when she lost her mother. She is the younger of the two children now living.
To our subject and his good wife seven children have been born, one of whom, Claude, died in childhood. The living are Brittie M., William R., Monte B., L. Pearl, Gertrude A. and Andrew T., Sr. [Transcriber note: should read Andrew T. "Jr."] The two oldest were graduated from the Farmer City schools, and William also received a diploma from the Quincy Business College. The entire number still occupy their accustomed places around the family board. They are not only receiving good educational advantages, but are being carefully guided in the paths of duty, both parents being worthy members of the Methodist church in which Mr. Kincaid is a Trustee.
When the John Weedman National Bank was organized in 1886 Mr. Kincaid was one of the participants in the movement, and was at once made a Director. At the expiration of the first year he became Vice-President, an office which he continues to hold. He is intimately connected with the financial affairs of the township, and indeed of the county, and his opinions are considered valuable. He is a man of progressive ideas, more than ordinary intelligence, and a nature which for geniality and kindliness is unexcelled. In politics he is a Republican, and of the social orders is identified with the Blue Lodge of Masonry in Farmer City.
JAMES A. KIRBY Page 535
James A. Kirby well represents the farmers and stock-raisers of the part of DeWitt County embraced in Tunbridge Township, of which he is one of the foremost citizens. His energy and progressiveness have been great aids in developing this section since he located here more than thirty-five years ago.
In Warren County, Ohio, near Lebanon, our subject was born August 22, 1822. James Kirby, his father, was a native of New Jersey, but he was reared among the pioneers of Ohio. He became a farmer and in turn cleared a farm from the wilderness of the Buckeye State. He married Sarah Pharis who was likewise of New Jersey birth and was reared in Ohio. The marriage took place near Waynesville, in Warren County, and they took up their residence on a farm not far distant, in which they spent the remainder of their days and are now lying side by side in the Kirby cemetery. Eight of their twelve children lived to manhood and womanhood while the others died in infancy. The names of the eight are Robert, Benjamin, James A., Joseph C., Hannah, Elizabeth, Sarah Ann and Matilda M.
The gentleman to whom these lines especially refer is the third son of the family. His boyhood and youth were passed in his native State, and his schooling was obtained in the local district schools. He remained with his parents until his marriage with Clara Trowbridge, which was consummated January 11, 1842. Mrs. Kirby was born in Ohio and reared in the place of her nativity. Her parents were originally from Pennsylvania. Her marriage with our subject has resulted in the birth of eight children, of whom two died in infancy, and six lived to maturity, as follows: Gifford F., who died in 1883; Allison M., who lives at home with his father; Samantha J., the oldest of the family who is now the wife of James Watson, of Kenney; Etta, who married William Cantrell, of Tunbridge Township; Frank E., who is attending school; Effie, who married Elijah T. Jett, and died nearly a year later. Tina and Ida died in infancy.
After his marriage our subject remained with his father and mother and took charge of the old homestead until after their death. He came to DeWitt County, in 1854, and located in Tunbridge Township, near Kenney. In 1855 he settled on his present farm which was then in a wild condition with not a furrow turned or any improvements whatever on the place. He first built a small frame house in which to shelter his family and then engaged in breaking prairie land and in the busy years that followed put it under admirable cultivation. He then had only a quarter of a section but now has three hundred and thirty-five acres of rich and highly productive land, which is under the best of improvement. He is still further increasing its value by tilling the land. He is engaged as a general farmer and stock-raiser and has, besides twenty-five horses, a number of cattle and hogs. The secret of his success lies in the persistent energy with which he carries on his farming operations and in his careful and excellent management of his affairs.
Mr. Kirby is a well-informed man with broad and liberal views concerning the practical questions that form the topics of the day. He does not stay to query whether life is worth living or not, but does what he can to make it so. In his religious views he holds with the believers in the faith of Universalism. Through his liberality and public spirit he has benefited this community in more ways than one as he has also done whenever acting in any civic capacity. He has been a Justice of the Peace four years, has represented Tunbridge Township as a member of the county Board of Supervisors two terms, has been Assessor and Highway Commissioner nine years, has been School Director several years, and is now School Trustee. He is an influential member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association at Kenney, belonging to Lodge No. 1813. In his political views he gives unswerving allegiance to the Democratic Party.
Submitted by Marilyn Duff
ANDREW J. KREPPS Page 520
Andrew J. Krepps was a volunteer in the late war in which he did his duty as a brave and patriotic soldier. He has also been faithful as a citizen in the quieter walks of life and is numbered among the most respected members of the farming community of DeWitt County. For several years he has been living on section 20, Santa Anna Township, where he is devoting himself to agricultural pursuits with good success.
Our subject was born in Washington County, Pa., May 28, 1828, and is a son of Solomon G. Krepps who was also a native of that county. He spent his entire life in his native State where he was occupied in farming until his death. He died in 1832 of the cholera which was brought on by eating too much honey. He was then in the prime and vigor of life, being not far from forty years of age. He was a man of much native ability and was prominent and influential in the political and public life of his county. He was elected on the old-line Whig ticket to represent his district in the National Congress and was filling his office at the time of his death.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Emeline Laughlin and she was born in Fayette County, Pa., being a descendant of Scotch-Irish ancestry. After the death of Mr. Krepps she became the wife of Dr. E. Tucker and they lived in Pittsburg, Pa., for some time. They finally came to Illinois and located in Carthage. The Doctor's death occurred while he was attending a patient in New York. Mrs. Tucker is still living and June 28, 1890, attained the venerable age of eighty-five years. She makes her home with a grandson in Chicago and is still bright and active, retaining her mental faculties to a remarkable degree. She is a member of the Swedenborgaian Church and is a firm believer in that faith.
Our subject is the only living child born to his mother and the only child of his father, who died when Andrew was four years old. After his father's death he lived with his mother for some time and was reared to man's estate partly in his native county, partly in Fayette County, Pa. His education was gained in the same old country schoolhouse that was attended by the noted statesman, James G. Blaine, and they were good comrades. Mr. Krepps learned the trade of a carpenter in his youth and followed it in after life for a time. He was not yet of age when he went to Montogometry County, Ind., where he attended school at Crawfordsville. From there he came to DeWitt County in 1859 and has since made his home here. He came to Santa Anna Township in 1867 and purchased his present homestead, which is a fine piece of land comprising eighty acres of well-tilled soil and is in every respect a highly improved place with neat buildings and every evidence of thrift and judicious management.
Mr. Krepps took part in the late Rebellion and while in the army displayed excellent soldierly qualities. He enlisted August 15, 1862, in the One Hundred and Seventh Illiois Infantry, Company I, commanded by Col. Tom Snell and Capt. Waller. His regiment was was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland and bore a gallant part in many battles. It fought at Huff's Ferry, at Spring Hill, engaged with the enemy at Loudoun and served all through the Atlanta campaign. After that our subject and his comrades followed Hood over the South for some time and later fought the battle of Nashville. Mr. Krepps was in the army until after the close of the war, serving faithfully three years. He escaped capture, was never wounded and was nearly always ready to report for duty, and never found at the rear in the time of battle. His soldier life is held in remembrance by his connection with the Grand Army of the Republic as a member of Lemon Post, Farmer City. He is noted for his unswerving integrity, for his strong adherence to truthfulness and honesty in word and deed, and is honored for those traits which have secured for him the confidence of his fellow-citizens. This they have shown by calling him to various township offices, and at different times he has filled them all. He is a sound Republican and takes an active interest in local politics.
Mr. Krepps was married in Santa Anna Township to Miss Mary E. Hurley, who is a native of this county, born in 1837. She is a daughter of Timothy and Hannah (Clayton) Hurley, natives of New Jersey. Her parents came to Illinois after their marriage, settling in Santa Anna Township, built up a home in the wilderness and here passed the most of their lives, Mrs. Hurley dying when past seventy years of age and Mr. Hurley some years later when nearly ninety years old, his death occurring in Mason Cunty, They were stanch Methodists and were members of the church of that denomination. Mr. and Mrs. Krepps are the parents of four children, as follows: Charles E., a resident of this township who married Elizabeth Thomas; Josie, wife of William Shelley, a farmer of this township; Olive, a music teacher, and Elmer, living at home with their parents.
ISAAC C. LAFFERTY Page 612
Isaac C. Lafferty is a native-born citizen of DeWitt County, an honored member of its agricultural community, and a prominent and well-know figure in its public and political life. He is carrying on his business as a farmer and stock-raiser on the old Lafferty homestead on section 31, Rutledge Township, that has been his home since he was a small child. Our subject was born in DeWitt Township, July 18, 1844, and is a son of the late Judge William H. Lafferty, who was for many years prominently identified with the interests of this section of the State and was one of the early pioneers of DeWitt County.
The father was born in Clarke County, Ohio, and was a son of Samuel Lafferty, a native of Virginia. His grandparents had emigrated to this country from Ireland prior to the Revolution and settled in Virginia where they died. Samuel was reared as a farmer in that State and after he became of age served as a private through the War of 1812. He was subsequently married to a Virginia lady, Mary Hendricks, and after they were wedded they settled in the primeval forests of Clarke County, Ohio, and were among its earliest pioneers. The woods were full of wild game, deer, bears and other animals and there were but few settlers in that section. Samuel Lafferty was a fine marksman, and often furnished game for the family table. He cleared a farm from the wilderness, and there his wife died when just middle age. He spent his remaining years at the home of his daughter in DeWitt Township. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was his wife, whom he always regarded as the best of women. He was a good old man and had many friends.
William H. Lafferty, the father of our subject, was the third of the family born to his parents and he was reared on his father's farm in Clarke County. He was there married to his first wife Eliza Lemon, who was a native of Clarke County. After the birth of three children they came to Illinois in 1839 with teams and wagons and made their first settlement on section 31, Rutledge Township, on the farm now owned by our subject. After they had fairly established themselves in their new home the wife and mother sickened and died in September, 1840, while she was yet in the prime of life. Of the four children she left but one is now living. Mrs. Mary R. Lafferty of DeWitt.
A few months after the death of his wife, Mr. Lafferty went to DeWitt Township, where he purchased another home and he was a resident there for some time, engaging as a merchant and trader in livestock. A few years later he contracted a second marriage, taking as his wife Miss Amanda Anderson, a native of Philadelphia, Pa., who had come westward with her adopted parents who settled in DeWitt Township. She remained a true helpmate to her husband until his death, which occurred April 17, 1875, at the age of sixty-nine years. He was a man of much prominence and was widely known and honored throughout the county. He was active in the political and civic life of this section of Illinois, and from 1857 until 1861 held the office of County Judge. He was in early life a Whig, but he became a decided Democrat and lent his influence to that party. He was a firm Presbyterian in his religious faith. His widow now lives in DeWitt village and is sixty-six years of age. She is a lady of much intelligence, is kind-hearted, and a true Christian member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our subject is one of the four sons and two daughters who are yet living that were born to his mother, all of whom are married and well settled in life. He grew to manhood and was educated in DeWitt County. He has made farming and stock-raising his life-work, and has a fine farm on section 31, Rutledge Township, that comprises son hundred and seventy-one and one-half acres of land finely cultivated, and supplied with an excellent class of farm buildings. He has besides this, forty acres of land in DeWitt Township, which is well-improved. His farm has a fine supply of running water, and is well-adapted to stock feeding, to which he devotes much attention.
The Lafferty family was well represented in the late Civil War, as three sons, including our subject, fought for the honor of their country. Isaac enlisted in August, 1861, in the First Illinois Light Artillery, which had served for a time under the name of the Calvin Illinois Battery. Our subject and his comrades were sent to the South and saw much hard service. They fought in many skirmishes and in some of the battles in Eastern Tennessee, where they served as a part of the Twenty-third Army Corps, and were for twelve months under Gen. Scofield in Stone's Division. At one time our subject was disabled for awhile by a broken shoulder, which was caused by another soldier falling on him. He did not report at the hospital, however, but stuck to his post like a man. His brothers James A. and William S. served in the Rebellion, the former being a member of Company C, Forty-first Illinois Infantry. He was seriously wounded at Ft. Donelson, where he fought with Smith's Division of McCarthy's Brigade. His wound, which was caused by a gunshot in the right shoulder, disabled him so that he was discharged from the service and finally died from the effects of it in 1875. William S. was a member of the Thirty-ninth Illinois Infantry, Company B, and was with the Army of the James. He took part in many active engagements and served his country twenty-two months as a brave, dauntless soldier.
Mr. Lafferty was married in Harp Township to Miss Lelitha Harrold, who was born in that township, December 18, 1848. Her parents were Jacob and Mary (Lane) Harrold, natives of Kentucky, who had come to Illinois when young people, and were married in DeWitt County. They began life together on a farm in Harp Township, and there Mr. Harrold died in 1850, when in middle life. His widow married a second time, becoming the wife of J. W. McCord, and they are now living on a farm in Harp Township. Mrs. Lafferty, was carefully reared in her native township, and was given an excellent education at Bloomington. She is a person of active, bright mind and understands well how to make home cozy and attractive. Her marriage with our subject has brought to them seven children as follows: Miranda, wife of James D. Worth, a farmer of Rutledge Township; William I., who lives with his parents and helps his father in the management of the farm; Atta E.; Teddie H.; Ada B.; Zoa T.; and Arcadia. All of these children with the exception of the married daughter are at home with their parents.
Mr. Lafferty is a man of exceptional energy and enterprise, who is gifted with a clear cool intellect and has a keen insight into the best methods of conducting his operations. His fellow-citizens, recognizing his ability, have often called him to responsible public positions. Thus he has served five years as Township Collector, and is at present representing Rutledge Township as a member of the County Board of Supervisors. He is the leader among the Democratic politicians of this section, and in him his native county finds a citizen whose public spirit is potent in its advancement.
SAMUEL LAFFERTY Page 899
The young men who are helping to carry on the agricultural interests of DeWitt County, are as a rule, a bright, ambitious and progressive class of farmer, and as one of these, we are pleased to represent Mr. Lafferty in this volume. He is engaged in general farming and stock-breeding on a well equipped farm on section 19 and 20, DeWitt Township, the greater part of his farm of one hundred and ten acres lying within the corporate limits of the village of DeWitt. The fields are neatly fenced and well-tilled, the buildings are ample and substantial, and everything about the place is in good order.
Our subject is a native of DeWitt County, and has always lived within its borders. He was born in Rutledge Township, December 20, 1854, to William A. and Amanda (Anderson) Lafferty, natives respectively of Ohio and Philadelphia, Pa. His parents came to Illinois when they were young, and were united in marriage in the village of DeWitt. They subsequently settled on a farm in Rutledge Township, and there lived for several years. Mr. Lafferty was prosperous in his pursuits as a farmer and finally retired from active labor to the village of DeWitt, where he died on year later, his death occurring in the month of April, 1875, when past the age of sixty years. He was a man of keen, well balanced intellect, and was of much prominence in public life. He served its people as County Judge for some time and administered justice with characteristic wisdom and fairness. He was a man of strong character and decided principles, and had the courage of his convictions on all subjects and occasions. Especially was this so in regard to his political views as an active advocate of the Democratic party and a prominent local politician. He was reared in the Presbyterian faith and adhered to it all his life, though he was tolerant of other people's views. He had been married prior to his union with the mother of our subject, the maiden name of his first wife being Eliza Lemon. She died leaving him with two children. His second wife survives him, and is still a resident of DeWitt, where she is held in genuine respect by all who know her. She is now past sixty years of age, but is wonderfully well preserved for a woman of her age. She is a sincere Christian and a member in high standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our subject is the fourth son and fifth child of the family. He was carefully reared in all that goes to make a manly manhood, and was well educated. He attained his majority in his native township and was there married to Miss Maggie Trego. She was born in Fayette County, Ohio, April 5, 1859, and was carefully reared and well trained in all that goes to make a good housewife. She is very intelligent and capable, and is a devoted wife and tender mother. The following children have been born to her and our subject, whom they have named Guy, James A., John H., Maude and Estella. Mrs. Lafferty is a daughter of Samuel and Mary Parker Trego, natives of Ohio. They were reared and married and came from that State to Illinois in 1855. They settled in DeWitt Township near the village of that name and are still residing there. Mr. Trego has been very successful as a farmer and he and his good wife are enjoying the competence that is the fruit of their united labors. They are the parents of two children of whom Mrs. Lafferty is the younger.
Mr. Lafferty has devoted his energies to farming, and for ten years has lived on his present farm, which, under his careful supervision, is one the the most desirable in that township. Here he and his amiable wife have established a pleasant home that is the center of a charming hospitality, which is often shared by their numerous friends. They are people of genial, social qualities and are popular among their neighbors and associates. Mr. Lafferty, as a true citizen should, takes great interest in his township, and does what he can for its advancement. He is active in its public life and has held various local offices. He is now serving as Highway Commissioner. His political views are in accordance with the tenets of the Democratic party of which he is a stalwart advocate.
TILLMON LANE Page 799
Among the citizens of DeWitt County few have shown more enterprise than Tillmon Lane, whose portrait will be noticed on the opposite page; his pleasant home is located on section 10, Creek Township. Beginning with a small farm entered from the Government, he has surrounded himself with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, has wisely used his income in aiding worthy public enterprises, and now owns four hundred acres of fertile land. The entire tract is fenced and under cultivation and the fortunate owner is quite extensively engaged in farming and the stock business. At this writing (1890) he has about one hundred and fourteen head of cattle, while his other herds and droves are in proportion. In addition to the business enterprises mentioned, Mr. Lane is interested in the manufacture of tile.
Mr. Lane was born October 14, 1827. The father, Ezekiel Lane, was born in Tennessee, but reared in Kentucky, and the mother, Tilitha (Guest) Lane, was born and reared in Kentucky near the Tennessee line. After coming to the Prairie State the good couple located on a farm, building a log house, clearing the land, and bringing it by degrees to an improved condition. In 1835 they came to DeWitt County, being the forth family to locate in Creek Township. They built a log house on section 10, broke the prairie sod, built fences and made various improvements, adding to the worth of their estate from year to year. Here the father died October 19, 1853, having been preceded to the silent land by his wife, who passed away May 29, 1846. They reared seven children: Tillmon, Sarah, William, Marinda, Polly Ann, Margaret and Martha, and lost two in early life.
The subject of this notice was but four years old when he was brought to this State and his first attendance at school was in Hamilton County. He afterward went to the Rock Creek school in DeWitt County. He remained with his parents, assisting on the farm until he was of age, then began the labors of life for himself. In 1847 he entered eighty acres upon which he made some improvements and upon which he located directly after his marriage, which was solemnized November 15, 1848. He has made but one removal, and that to his present home, the date of this event being November, 1854.
The lady with whom Mr. Lane entered the married state, bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Thompson and was born in Sangamon County, December 24, 1829. She was six years old when her parents came to DeWitt County, where she grew to womanhood, receiving careful home training and as good an education as the surroundings would permit. A devoted wife and mother, a good neighbor, and a woman of fine character her death, February 22, 1883, was a sad blow to the members of her household and was deeply regretted by many friends. She was the mother of ten children, six of whom are now living. Two daughters died in 1881, Ellen on February 3 and Jenny on April 20. The survivors with one exception are married and occupy homes of their own. James lives on Joplin, Mo.; Martha married George Gibson and their home is in Forest City, Mason County; Richard lives in Lane Station; Jerry resides on his father's farm; Ezekiel is a resident of Hebron, Neb.; William, who is unmarried, lives at home and is attending school at Lane Station.
The present wife of Mr. Lane bore the maiden name of Sarah Simpson and was born and reared in Kentucky. She became the wife of William B. McVoy and some time after his death was wedded to our subject, their marriage being celebrated October 5, 1885. She is a member of the Christian Church, in which her husband is an earnest worker, having been Deacon for many years and now being an Elder in the congregation at Lane Station. He is an active worker in the Sunday-school--an efficient and faithful teacher. He has held the office of Supervisor, been School Director several years, and in 1872 was elected Representative on the Democratic ticket. He belongs to DeWitt Lodge No. 84, F. & A. M., at Clinton and is one of the Directors in the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association.
It is to such men as Mr. Lane that our country owes his standing among civilized nation. His excellent citizenship, his interest in all which will tend to promote the material prosperity and above all the moral and intellectual welfare of society, and the purity and uprightness of his life, make him a valued member of the community, in which he wields a decided influence.
WILLIAM LONG Page 417
William Long is the owner and occupant of a tract of land which forms one of the valuable farms of DeWitt County, and which is represented by a view on another page. It consists of one hundred and sixty acres on section 27, Creek Township, which was taken possession of by our subject when it was raw prairie. He still has on the place the little house into which he first moved, and which, when contrasted with his present commodious frame dwelling, shows in a conspicuous manner the work he has accomplished. The improvements upon his place are first class in every respect and include ample accommodations for the stock which he keeps and the grain that he raises. One feature of the farm which is of great value to the family is a well of pure water coming from a never-failing reservoir.
Before beginning in outline the life history of our subject, it will not be out of place to supply a few facts regarding his parents. His father, Young B. Long, was a native of the Keystone State, and there grew to maturity, adopting the occupation of a farmer. In Ohio he married Catherine Weaver, a native of the Buckeye State, and with her took up his residence on a farm. They subsequently removed to Bartholomew County, Ind., where the wife is still living, having been a widow since 1852. The good couple had ten children, of whom our subject is the second in order of birth. He was born in Carroll County, Ohio, near Cumberland, October 17, 1838, and spent the first twelve years of his life in the place of his nativity.
Mr. Long accompanied his parents to Indiana and remained with his mother until he was twenty-two years old, when he married and made for himself a home in the same county. In 1868 he made a trip to Kansas, but in ten days returned as far east as Macon County, Ill., where he rented a farm which he operated for two years. At the expiration of that time he bought the unimproved tract which through persevering and painstaking efforts he has brought to an excellent condition, both as regards its appearance and its worth as a foundation for the work in which he is engaged. He devotes his attention to general farming and handles stock in large numbers. At this writing he has a drove of one hundred hogs and a herd of twelve horses.
The estimable woman who became the wife of Mr. Long in 1860 was born and reared in the Hoosier State and bore the maiden name of Marietta Royse. She has been a faithful and efficient companion and devoted mother, while her care for her family has not prevented her feeling a kindly interest in the various members of the community. The family of Mr. And Mrs. Long consists of six living children, four of whom Aeria, Charles V., Daniel F. and Dellie A., are at home. Martha A. and John H. are married, the former being the wife of Mike Taylor, living on a farm in Texas Township, and the latter having won for his wife Katie Thrasher and making his home in Creek Township. The parents have been called upon to mourn the loss of three children who died in early years.
Mr. Long is a man of honor in his business transactions, kindly in his social and domestic relations and one having an intelligent conception of the affairs of the nation and the world at large. He is a School Director of his district and also holds the office of Pathmaster. In politics he is a Democrat. He was at one time a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association.