Biographical Album - 1891 - Surnames M-N
JOSEPH T. MADDOX Page 730
Since his youth this gentleman has displayed an energy and good judgment in business matters that have enable him to accumulate worldly good and given him a prominent place in the agricultural circles of DeWitt County. He is one of the leading and wealthy citizens of Barnett Township and is perhaps not exceeded in the extent of his farming and stock-raising transactions by any of his fellow-citizens there. He owns large tracts of land, each of which as it came into his possession has been thoroughly improved and cultivated, making the entire body a fine and complete farm.
Mr. Maddox traces his ancestry to families of Kentucky and Virginia and in a later generation of Indiana. His grandfather, John W. Maddox, a practicing physician, removed from the State of his birth, Kentucky, to Gibson County, Ind., about 1812. There he married Mrs. Jane Warrick, the widow of Capt. Jacob Warrick who lost his life in the battle of Tippecanoe. This lady was a daughter of Thomas Montgomery who removed from Virginia to Indiana early in the nineteenth century. In 1824 Dr. Maddox removed to Texas, but after sojourning there a year returned to his old home in the Hoosier State. He subsequently made a trip to Sangamon County, Ill., where he purchased a claim six miles east of Springfield. After making his location he began preparations for the comfort of his family, sending his team back for them. The goods were loaded and the family ready to start for their new home, when a messenger brought them the tidings of the death of the husband and father. The widow decided to remain in Indiana and there she reared her family which consisted of three children, Mrs. Lucy W. Stone, Mrs. Polly K. Wasson and Thomas M.
The last named was born in Gibson County, Ind., September 1, 1819, and there spent three years until 1846. He married Elizabeth Teal, a native of the same county as himself and three years younger than he. They finally determined to come to this State and made the journey with a four-horse wagon, settling in Logan County. In the spring of 1851, after a residence there of five years they changed their home to DeWitt County, locating on a quarter of section 20, Barnett Township.
Mr. Maddox has served as Supervisor of the township and is known and honored as a man of integrity and industry. He was bereft of his faithful companion in June, 1880. To them had been born seven children, three of whom died in childhood, and Jacob W. at the age of twenty years. The eldest of the survivors is John W., whose home is in Pueblo, Col., and the youngest is Mrs. Nancy J. Hall.
In Logan County the eyes of our subject opened to the light January 15, 1848. He had not passed beyond his childhood when his parents came to DeWitt County and he grew to maturity on a farm near where he now resides. The district schools afforded him the opportunity for acquiring a fair share of practical knowledge, which with ready wit he assimilated, building of it a solid foundation for the education which can only be gained through contact with mankind. He worked with his father on the farm and had the privilege of making money by raising and selling stock. When he was of age his capital was about $2,000, all of which had been gained by the transactions of his youth. After his marriage he located on section 19, Barnett Township, where he now holds four hundred acres of valuable land.
The lady whom Mr. Maddox won for his wife and with whom he was united October 16, 1878, was formerly Miss Mary C. Curry. She was born in Gibson County, Ind., to William and Helena (Robinson) Curry, her father being now a merchant in Logan County, this State. She received a good education and training in the principles and habits so needful in the home and so useful in society. She is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Maddox four children have been born, named respectively: Thomas E., Estella M., Dona E. and Willmer.
Mr. Maddox not only possesses the energy, skill and judgment which bring financial success, but he also has a kindly nature and the social qualities which give him popularity. Both as a neighbor and a citizen he is regarded with respect, as a man whose example is worthy of emulation. He is now serving as Supervisor of Barnett Township and was recently placed on the Democratic ticket as a candidate for County Treasurer.
FREDERICK H. MAGILL Page 486
A popular member of society in Clinton, DeWitt County, as well as a young man prominently identified with the farming and financial interests of the town and surrounding country, is Frederick H. Magill, who is a native of the county seat. His natal day was February 23, 1868, and he is the only son of Robert and Emma L. (Deland) Magill, who were long and favorably known in DeWitt County. His father was one of the brothers comprising the noted stock and mercantile firm of Magill Bros., who were among the most extensive dealers in the county for many years, their shipments of stock being immense. The business was carried on by four brothers who worked with perfect harmony and made a substantial fortune.
The father of our subject was born in the State of Vermont and there received his education and early training. He was of Irish parentage and his father was a prominent woolen manufacturer whose means were swept away by a conflagration. The four brothers drifted West and Robert with his brothers for a time worked on the Illinois Central Railroad, first as teamster and afterwards as a contractor for grading the roadbed. He made money which he invested in goods and stock, being joined in his enterprise by his brothers--William, Samuel and Henry--who survived him and continued the business. He passed away in 1873.
The gentleman who is the subject of these brief paragraphs attended the public schools of his native place and further advanced his knowledge in excellent select schools here. When he grew to manhood he came into possession of a fine estate inherited from his father, consisting of both farm and city property and stock. He is one of the largest capitalists in the city and those who know him look forward with great interest to the career which he will pursue and the use which he will make of the means at his command. He takes great interest in stock, especially in horses, and has just completed a fine barn for the shelter of his best animals in Clinton. He is building a residence in the Queen Anne style of architecture and will soon take possession of his new home on one of the principal streets of the city. His outlying land consists of five hundred acres, well-improved in every respect and stocked with horses and other animals. Mr. Magill is a member of the Knights of Pythias. His intelligence of mind, good breeding and social qualities have won for him many friends whose esteem is shared by the estimable young lady whom he married in 1889, who in her maidenhood was Miss Gaudy, of Ohio. They have one daughter Marguerite.
ROBERT MAGILL Page 821
In the business circles of Clinton, DeWitt County, the late Robert Magill was, by universal consent, accorded a high place. He was eminently successful in a financial sense, exhibited clearness of perception and soundness of judgment, and moreover enjoyed a reputation for moral worth and integrity of character that is a proud heritage to his widow and children. He belonged to the firm of Magill Bros., which for many years transacted an extensive mercantile and stock business.
Mr. Magill was born in the Green Mountain State in 1833, and was the son of Hugh and Eliza Magill, both natives of Ireland. His parents emigrated to America when young and the father became a prominent manufacturer of woolen cloth, carrying on an extensive factory. He conducted it until it was destroyed by fire, when but a part of the loss being covered by insurance and Mr. Magill having some indebtedness, the business was wiped out.
Our subject and his three brothers--Samuel, Henry and William, had been connected with the establishment and there seeming to be nothing left, they came West to start in life anew. They found employment on the Illinois Central Railroad, doing general teaming and contraction, and managed so well that they were soon able to embark in business. They began the sale of merchandise in Clinton and also shipped stock extensively under the firm name of Magill Bros. All their business affairs were in common and the partnership, which continued as long as they lived, was a most harmonious one.
Robert Magill was first married to Clara Seely who died leaving a daughter, Nellie E., who is now residing with an aunt in Clinton. She is an accomplished young lady and is much sought after in society, for which her bright mind and polished manners well fit her. She holds a considerable amount of property in her own right. The second wife of Mr. Magill bore the maiden name of Emma L. DeLand. She was born in Ohio, being the eldest daughter of James and Emily (Abbott) DeLand. He parents were natives of the Green Mountain State, both born in Rutland, whence they removed to Ohio. The early education of Mrs. Magill was obtained in her native place, but she grew to womanhood in Clinton, to which her parents came when she was ten years old. Her marriage to our subject was solemnized here in 1866 and resulted in the birth of a son, Fred, who is the subject of a biographical sketch in this Album.
The death of Robert Magill occurred January 15, 1873. He left a large estate, sufficient to secure for his son a place among the capitalists of Clinton and to give to the widow a handsome property. Mrs. Magill sold the large residence and farm land east of Clinton, moved into town and took possession of a handsome cottage which she had purchased. She occupies her time in looking after her property interests, in the social duties for which her intelligence and culture qualify her, and in those intellectual enjoyments to which her tastes lead.
The many friends of Mr. Magill to whom his noble character endeared him in life, will be pleased to notice his portrait on another page.
WILLIAM H. MARTIN Page 278
Among the many reputable and successful farmers that DeWitt County boasts, the gentleman above named has a prominent station as an excellent representative of the class to which he belongs. His pleasant home is in Barnett Township on section 4, where he owns one hundred and sixty-five broad and fertile acres. His residence is a substantial, commodious structure, homelike and attractive in appearance and surrounded by the various improvements which stamp him as a man of progressive ideas and comfortable circumstances. The career of Mr. Martin is one affording lessons of encouragement to poor boys, exhibiting as it does the results which may be obtained by steadfast industry and integrity.
Mr. Martin traces his descent from Levi Martin and his wife Elizaberh Van Meter, who spent many years of their life in Jefferson County, Va. There the former breathed his last at an advanced age, April 8, 1824, and the widow January 1, 1832. Grandfather Martin was a native of Pennsylvania and was of Dutch origin. He carried on extensive farming operations in his native State and later in the Old Dominion. His marriage was solemnized August 13, 1798, and was blest by the birth of the following children: Nancy, born August 15, 1799; Benujah B., April 17, 1801; Mary, April 13, 1803; Elizabeth, June 30, 1806; Margaret, January 1, 1809; Ruhama, July 13, 1810; Nathan V., June 24, 1812; Jephtha, December 20, 1814; Sarah, June 24, 1818; Elender, January 16, 1819. All married and reared families.
The father of our subject was Benujah Martin, who was born in Virginia, in Jefferson County. He married Eliza Nicley, who was born in the same county as himself, and was a daughter of Henry and Christina (Fisher) Nicley. She was one of eight children born to her parents, her brother and sisters being named William, James, George, John, Mary, Drusilla and Sarah. All grew to maturity, married , and reared families. Mr. Nicley ws a wagon-maker by trade. He was a soldier during the Revolution and transmitted to his descendants a love of country that is a prominent trait in their characters. In religion he was of the Episcopalian faith.
Our subject is the second child born to his parents. A brother, James M., died when three years old; Mary E., now Mrs. McClintick, was born December 1829, and Ann Elizabeth, now Mrs. Fulk, March 3, 1833. The father, who had been engaged in farming quite extensively, entered into rest December 19, 1834. The widow subsequently married John Fitch, to whom she bore three children--Charles H., James and John T. The eldest gave his life for his country during the Civil War. The family removed from Virginia to Clarke County, Ohio, where the mother of our subject breathed her last. There also the stepfather, Mr. Fitch, died.
In the Old Dominion, January 27, 1831, William H. Martin was born. His boyhood was spent on a farm and he acquired such a knowledge of books as was possible in the common schools of the neighborhood. In 1847 he began work at the trade of a blacksmith in Charlestown, where he served an apprenticeship of three years. In the spring of 1850 he went to Clarke County, Ohio, and securing work at his trade in Springfield, sojourned there a twelvemonth, after which he went to Rosedale, Madison County. In the fall of 1854 he started westward, traveling overland with a wagon, and finally stopping near Waynesville, DeWitt County. Meeting a man whom he had known in Ohio he turned back and remained with his friends a few days, after which he settled on a forty acre farm in Barnett Township. Here he has pursued a steady course, adding to his landed estate, in creasing the productiveness of the soil by approved methods, and making many valuable improvements. He began his career in life at fifteen cents per day and was obliged to pay $4 for a pair of boots. When he reached Springfield, Ohio, he was in debt fifty cents, an amount which then looked as large to him as so many dollars would now. The estimable woman and capable housewife under whose care the home of Mr. Martin is made cozy and attractive, became his wife March 7, 1854. She was born in Boone County, Ind., bore the maiden name of Mary Ellen Jacobs, and is the oldest child of Valentine and Harriet (Burns) Jacobs. Her father was a farmer, and during the War of 1812 he took up arms against British tyranny. He was a native of Virginia, went from that State to Indiana in an early day, some years later returned to his native State, but died in Champaign County, Ohio. Besides Mrs. Martin his family included two sons, Theodore H. and John F., both now living in Kansas, and both soldiers during the late war. Mr. Jacobs did not die a natural death, but was stamped to death after having been struck on the head by a man whom he had arrested for stealing his money. Some time afterwards his widow contracted a second marriage, her husband being John Groves.
May 18, 1864, Mr. Martin enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Illinois Infantry, and being sent to Missouri was engaged in warfare there until the fall of the same year when he was honorably discharged. As a soldier he was valiant, cheerful and obedient, and in private life his patriotism is no less marked. He is an ardent believer in the educational power of the flag of our country and contends that it should be displayed on all public occasions and should float from all public buildings. He carries out his belief to the full and no day of public rejoicing or commemorative hour but is marked by the unfurling of the flag to the breezes from his housetop. He and his wife are held in excellent repute by their fellow-citizens, and many sympathizing words and kindly deeds have been traced to them. They have but one child living-Frank O., who is now in Bloomington. They have been bereft of one son, Charles H., who died when three years old.
BRAXTON MARVEL Page 873
Braxton Marvel belongs to the agricultural class in DeWitt County and is successfully cultivating a portion of the soil of Barnett Township. He was born October 1, 1847, in Gibson County, Ind., his parents being Wiley and Charity (Clarke) Marvel, the former born in Greene County, Ga., April 4, 1806, and the latter in Western North Carolina, near French Broad River, in January, 1807. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Prettyman and Lovina (Rogers) Marvel, both born in Kent County, Del., where they were married and where two of their children, John and Patience, were born. About 1788 they removed by water to Georgia, and in 1808 emigrated to Indiana, stopping in Kentucky one year en route to their northern home.
Upon reaching Indiana the grandparents of our subject located in Gibson County, which was then a wilderness; there were no mills at all in the country and bread was made from corn meal beaten with a pestle in a wooden mortar made by burning a hole in the end of a log. Indian massacres were frequent occurrences during and before the War of 1812 and the settlers were often compelled to flee to the stockade for safety. Grandfather Marvel and his wife were both converted and joined the Methodist Church under the ministry of the first preachers in this country. Their house was one of the first Methodist preaching places in Indiana, when there was only one Presiding Elder and six preachers in the whole territory of Indiana. During the earthquakes in 1810 and 1811 (when the country around New Madrid, Mo., sunk several feet) the rough pioneers flocked into Mr. Marvel's cabin, and begged him to pray for them, thinking the world was coming to an end.
The children born to Prettyman and Lovina Marvel were named as follows: John, Patience, Comfort, Prettyman, James, Wiley, Nancy, Elizabeth and George Rogers. Our subject's great-grandmother Marvel bore the maiden name of Prettyman, and called her only son by that name, so as to hand it down to posterity. The family originally came from England. The grandmother of our subject died in Indiana and after her demise her husband was brought to Illinois, where he died October 1, 1856, at the venerable age of ninety-three years. All of their children married and reared families, and George served as a Colonel in the late war. Mrs. Lovina Marvel had two sisters and two brother, one of the later being a Baptist minister, who at the age of eighty years was still preaching, driving about the county in a gig, a conveyance somewhat resembling the modern road cart.
The maternal grandparents of our subject were Braxton and Elizabeth (Fugat) Clarke, natives of South Carolina. Both the Clarkes and Fugats were descendants of the French Huguenots, Protestants driven from France by the Catholics about 1675, and coming to America settled in South Carolina. After marriage they went to Western North Carolina, where Willie, John, Joseph and Charity Fugat (the latter the mother of our subject) were born. About 1808 they emigrated to Indiana, stopping a few months at Knoxville, Tenn., where a daughter was born whom they named Mary Knox in honor of the town. From that place they proceeded to Gibson County, Ind., of which they became pioneers. Their daughter, Elizabeth, was born in that State.
The country through which Mr. and Mrs. Clarke traveled toward their home in the North was mostly a wilderness, and they brought no wagon. The little children were carried all the way between two feather beds lashed to a pack horse, while the older ones walked, driving the "muley" cow. Scarcely had they become settled, a small patch cleared, and a cabin built but not yet chinked and daubed, though they had been compelled to move into it on account of the approaching winter, when Grandfather Clarke was taken ill with fever and died. The eldest son, Willie, was also sick for six months; John was accidentally killed by a tree falling on him, and the widowed mother was left alone with the remaining children to fight the battle of life.
During one of the Indian raids previous to the battle of Tippecanoe Mrs. Clarke was weaving a piece of cloth to make garments for the children when a neighbor hurried in and informed her that the Indians were coming. Mrs. Clarke said she did not want the redskins to get her cloth and to cut it out of the loom would ruin it, therefore she proposed to stay by it until finished. However, she sent her children to the stockade for safety. The neighbor said if she was determined to remain she would stay with her, if "Hub" (a negro brought from Kentucky by the Warrick family) would stay and guard them. "Hub" consented and while he paced back and forth in front of the cabin with his rusty musket, watching for the Indians, the two women, taking turns, did not let the loom stop until the piece was finished. Capt. Warrick was killed at the battle of Tippecanoe, but "Hub" lived to a great age and in later years frequently called on his old friends, saying he liked to visit his "connection."
Three of Grandfather Clarke's brothers, Randal, John and Benjamin, came to the West from their home in South Carolina, Randal to Missouri and John and Benjamin to Illinois. The great-grandfather also came to this State, stopping two or three weeks in Indiana. He and his son Benjamin, both died near Carmi, White County, Ill. Among the children born to Mr. Clarke and his good wife was Charity, who married Wiley Marvel and accompanied him to this State in 1852, settling on section 29, Barnett Township. She died there January 1, 1868. After her marriage, which was solemnized in 1826, she and her husband went to live in a cabin which the latter had erected, with neither nail nor sawed board in it; their table was a hewn slab with pins driven in for legs. They used one mare and a small yoke of steers to cultivate their land, which was all heavily timbered. The father cleared ten acres the first year, and twenty the second year, after which it was easier to get along, although he was compelled to roll logs for six weeks each spring in the day time, and burn logs and brush heaps at night. He raised hogs for sale at $1.50 per hundred (dressed), taking his pay in goods. Calico was a luxury in those days, being worth twenty-five cents per yard. All their plows had wooden moldboards. Good horses were worth $30 to $40 each.
At the age of sixteen years Wiley Marvel was converted to Christ at the old Shiloh Camp Ground in Gibson County, Ind. The meeting held there at that time was conducted by the Cumberland Presbyterians. About one year after his conversion Mr. Marvel united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and was a faithful member thereof so long as he lived. He was a Class-leader and Steward for more than fifty years. His wife became a Christian when about fifteen years of age, during a meeting conducted by the Methodists. Later she joined the United Brethren Church, and about two years after her marriage united with the Methodist Church. Her life was that of a sincere Christian, and when she came to bid farewell to this world her last utterances were full of encouragement and cheer to those present.
During early wedded life of Wiley and Charity Marvel, services were held in their house regularly for about fifteen years, at a time when Methodism was in its infancy. The salary of the minister was very small, a married man receiving from $150 to $175, and a single man about $100. Besides this, the members of the church for miles around would donate liberally when opportunity offered. In this good work Mr. Marvel was always foremost, contributing butter, eggs, flour, etc., and $20 each year in money during his pioneer days. As his wealth increased he gave as the Lord had prospered him, and during the last thirty years of his life gave from $75 to $100 per year for church and benevolent purposes. By ceaseless industry and good business management, he became the owner of eight hundred and forty acres of prairie land and sixty acres of timber land, all in Barnett Township, excepting on hundred and sixty acres in Logan County.
Of the children born to Wiley and Charity Marvel, eight attained manhood and womanhood, while three died in infancy or childhood. James K. and John W. died in mature years. The survivors are Mrs. Mary Smith, Prettyman, Joseph, George W., and Braxton. Prettyman lives in Baldwin City, Kan., and George in Oregon. The second wife of Wiley Marvel was Serelda Martin, who died leaving one child--Philip N. The third wife was Christiana W. Bonner, nee Martin, who is still living. Mr. Marvel died in July, 1883, at the age of seventy-seven years, mourned by a large circle of friends, to whom his long and honorable life had endeared him.
Braxton Marvel, of whom we write, acquired a good common-school education, and being reared on a farm became well acquainted with the details of agricultural work and well equipped for the prosecution of the same. After his marriage, which occurred in his twenty-second year, he located on eighty acres of land that was given him by his father. This he sold a few years later, and in 1871 purchased eighty-six acres where he is now living. To this he has added by dint of industry and prudent management until his estate has reached the amount of two hundred and forty-six acres. Upon it are to be seen the usual farm buildings, all substantial and kept in good repair. Mr. Marvel gives his attention to general farming and by a wise rotation of crops and the use of good means of cultivation is enabled to reap an abundant harvest.
Realizing the worth of a good companion, Mr. Marvel won for his wife Sarah E. Barr, a native of Barnett Township, with whom he was united in marriage March 18, 1869. The happy union has been blest by the birth of four children--Elsie D., Mary E., Thomas E. and Edna P. Mrs. Marvel is a daughter of Thomas and Elsie (Watt) Barr, natives of Indiana and Kentucky respectively. Their family includes Jackson, William John, Thomas J., Frank M., Elizabeth, Nancy E., Rebecca and Sarah E. Mr. Barr came to this State with his parents, John and Nancy Barr, about 1830.
Mr. and Mrs. Marvel have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for fifteen years. Their aim is to live as becometh their profession and bring no discredit upon the Christian religion. They are honored and respected for this and the useful way in which they spend their years.
LEVI MATHEWS Page 507
Levi Mathews is a practical farmer of no mean skill in his calling, as is attested by the neat, well-ordered appearance of his farm on section 15, Barnett Township, DeWitt County, which formed a part of his father's real estate, and on this homestead he has spent his life since he was a boy of ten years. In Champaign County, Ohio, March 20, 1848, the subject of this sketch was born to Henry S. and Eliza A. (McMillan) Mathews, who were also natives of that part of Ohio. James Mathews, the paternal grandfather of our subject, sprang from Irish parents, and was one of the early pioneers of Champaign County. He was a man of much force and ability, and became one of the substantial farmers of the Buckeye State. He and his wife reared a family of two sons, Henry and James, and six daughters. Henry, the father of our subject was born December 15, 1820, and the early years of his life were passed in the State of his nativity. In 1853, in the flush and vigor of the opening years of manhood, he came to Illinois, and for awhile lived in Edgar County. In 1853, he came to DeWitt County, and located in Waynesville Township. Three years later he purchased forty acres of land on section 15, Barnett Township, on which he moved and actively entered upon its improvement. A man of much enterprise, activity, and shrewd business faculties, his success was great, and at the time of his death on his homestead in Barnett Township, in June, 1888, he had accumulated a valuable property, comprising a fine farm of about four hundred acres of choice land. He and his good wife reared three children named James, William and Levi. The mother who is a daughter of John McMillan, is still living.
The early years of the life of our subject were quietly passed on his father's farm, and in the meantime he was obtaining a good education in the common schools. He came to this State with his parents in 1853, he being then scarcely five years of age. At the age of twenty-two years he became an independent farmer, carrying on his operation on rented land. In 1880 he purchased his first land, comprising eighty acres of his father's old homestead, where he has always lived since his father purchased it. He has brought it up to a high state of cultivation, and has made upon it many excellent improvements that have greatly increased its value since it came into his possession.
September 15, 1870, was the date of the marriage of our subject to Hannah Danison, who was born in this county, February 6, 1851. Mrs. Mathews is a daughter of Artist and Margaret (Walters) Danison. Her father carried on farming in Perry County, Ohio, until he came to Illinois in 1850. He and his family settled in DeWitt Township, and there he spent the remainder of his days, dying in February, 1879. He had been twice married: first to a Miss Bosserman, who bore him four sons and two daughters. By his second marriage he had one son and three daughters. Artist Danison was a son of John Danison. Three children have come to bless the happy wedded life of our subject and his wife, whom they have named: Elvin C., Henry S. and John A.
Mr. Mathews is possessed of good traits of character among which are a sturdy self-reliance, thrift and a capacity for doing work well, that have been important factors in placing him in his present comfortable circumstances. He is interested in his township, and is no whit behind his fellow-citizens in a desire to promote its welfare.
JACOB MAY Page 524
The citizen-soldiers of the late Civil War who saved the Union from destruction during those "times that tried men's souls," and have since been a prominent element in promoting the progress and growth of the country, are well represented in DeWitt county, and among them is Jacob May. During the quarter of a century that has intervened since the last battle was fought that ended the terrible strife between the North and the South, he has devoted himself successfully to farming and stock-raising and is the proprietor of one of the finest farms in all Harp Township.
Mr. May was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 5, 1840. His father, David May, was a native of the same county where he was born in one of its early pioneer homes in 1799. He was a son of John May, a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the early settlers of Ross county. His ancestors were originally from Germany. He was a farmer by occupation and after his removal to Ohio he improved two farms and engaged quite extensively in agricultural pursuits and became quite well-to-do. He died in Ross County at the venerable age of eighty-three years. He was a sincerely religious man, and was a good citizen, interesting himself in politics and taking sides with the old-line Whigs. He and his good wife reared a family of five boys and two girls.
The father of our subject was reared in the State of his nativity and gained his education in the primitive log schoolhouses of early times. He became a farmer after attaining manhood and owned one hundred and twenty acres of choice land in Ross County. In 1855 he came to Illinois with a team, camping and cooking his food by the wayside at noon and night. He settled first in Clinton, DeWitt County, and was engaged in farming there till he bought one hundred acres of land on section 18, Harp Township. He entered upon its improvement but four years later he removed from town to a rented farm in Wilson Township. He lived there till 1863 and then took up his residence on the farm he had previously purchased on section 18, Harp Township, making his home there till he closed his eyes in death February 4, 1890, at the venerable age of eighty-four years. Though not among the earliest settlers of the county he did good pioneer service and deserves honorable mention in the history of its pioneers. He was a Lutheran in his religious belief and in early life a Whig, and later became a Republican in his political views.
The mother of our subject, Sarah (Hickle) May, is supposed to have been a native of Pennsylvania. She was born in 1814 and died September 29, 1874. Eight children were born of her wedded life all of whom are living: Frank, Miranda (Mrs. Davenport), Margaret (Mrs. Morrison), Jacob, Susan (Mrs. Betzer), Henry, Cyrus, and Elzina (Mrs. Newell). The mother was a faithful Christian and was a Lutheran in her religious views.
Jacob May passed the early years of his life in Ross County and obtained his education in the district schools that were taught in rude log schoolhouses, the first one which he attended being furnished with puncheon benches. He worked on his father's farm when a boy and gained a clear insight into the best methods of conducting agriculture. When the war broke out he was in the opening years of a vigorous manhood, and on the 22nd of August, 1862, he volunteered to help save the honor of the old flag, enlisting on that date in Company B, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry. He was mustered in at Camp Butler, and went to Louisville, Ky., where he and his comrades were stationed to guard railways most of the time for about seven months. His regiment was subsequently sent from that State with Sherman on his campaign to the sea. In the spring of 1862 our subject was detached to go with the engineer battalion whose business was to prepare roads and bridges for the Twenty-third Corps. He was thus employed till the spring of 1865 and was present at the battles of Franklin, Nashville and Atlanta, and in all the engagements from that city to the sea. He was mustered out June 21, 1865, at Salisbury, N.C., but was not discharged till his arrival at Springfield, Ill. His military record proved him to have been faithful and efficient in the discharge of his duties and to have displayed other fine soldierly qualities that won him an honorable name among his fellow-soldiers and with his superior officers.
Mr. May had came to Illinois in 1855 with his father and after the war he settled down to farming. He rented land for two years and after marriage operated one hundred and sixteen acres of choice land on section 18, Harp Township, which belonged to his wife and eighty acres on sections 9 and 16, and twenty acres on section 28, the same township, making in all two hundred and sixteen acres of valuable farming land. He farmed quite extensively at one time, raising many horses, cattle and hogs, but the handsome competence that he has acquired prevents the necessity of hard labor and is now taking life more easily. His farm is under a good state of cultivation and is well improved, being amply supplied with neat and substantial buildings and everything necessary to make it a most desirable farm. He built his present fine two story frame residence in 1878. The grounds about it are prettily arranged with flower beds and are the most tastefully laid out of any in the township.
Mr. May is a man of simple, unostentatious character, whose kind heart and obliging manners have endeared him to the community where so many years of his life have been passed. He is a thoroughly good citizen, alive to the best interests of his township, and cheerfully contributing his quota towards its further advancement. He and his wife are among the leading members of the Protestant Methodist Church, with which they united March 5, 1866. Mr. May is Superintendent of the Sunday-school and has been an incumbent of that office or Assistant Superintendent, ever since 1866. He has also been a class-leader for some time. In his political views he is a sturdy Republican.
ANDREW J. McBRIDE Page 810
Andrew J. McBride was a volunteer soldier in the late Civil War and has since done as good service as an intelligent farmer. He has a farm of eighty acres of choice land on section 4, Santa Anna Township, that compares favorably in cultivation and improvements with any other of its size in DeWitt County. Here he is engaged as a general farmer and stock-raiser, making a specialty of Shropshire sheep, of which he has a hundred head of the finest grade that are registered. He is also a breeder of Poland-China hogs.
Mr. McBride is a native of Tippecanoe County, Ind., where he was born June 18, 1844. He is a son of William McBride who was born in Ohio and was in turn a son of Thomas McBride, a native of Ireland. After his marriage the latter migrated to this country with his wife and settled among the pioneers of Ohio. Some few years later he enlisted in the American army and fought bravely through the War of 1812. For his services in that conflict he received a land warrant which he gave to a grandson in 1860. After the war was over, Thomas McBride became one of the very earliest settlers of Clinton County, Ind. Later he moved with his family to Tippecanoe County, and there he and his wife died when very old people. They were Presbyterians in religion. Two sons and a daughter were the fruit of their marriage.
William McBride was the elder son of his parents and he was born in their pioneer home during the War of 1812. He was a young man when he accompanied the family to Indiana and was there married in Clinton County to Miss Sallie S. Leach, who was born in Virginia and came of German ancestry. When she was a small child she lost her mother and afterwards accompanied her father, John Leach, and his children of whom she was the eldest, to Indiana. John Leach was an early pioneer of Tippecanoe County, and he died in his adopted State when but little over fifty years old. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. McBride settled on a farm in Tippecanoe County, and lived there until 1857, when they came with their family to Illinois. They lived for a time in Fulton County, but subsequently came to this county, and here Mr. McBride died August 9, 1889, when he was nearly seventy-seven years old. He was a prominent and well-known citizen and was thoroughly respected by his community. He was a Presbyterian in religion, and a Republican in politics. The mother of our subject now makes her home in Farmer City. Though she is seventy-four years old she is still quite active and retains her mental faculties. She is a true Christian and has been a member of the Presbyterian Church nearly all her life.
Our subject passed the most of his boyhood and youth in Fulton County and there gained his early education. He was but a boy when the war broke out, but August 14, 1862, when only eighteen years of age he enlisted in the Seventy-second Illinois Infantry, and went with his regiment to join the Army of the Tennessee. He fought with the coolness and daring of a veteran and was raised from the ranks to the position of a Corporal. He was with his regiment in many engagements, among the most notable of which was the siege of Vicksburg, and later he fought with the Seventeenth Army Corps under Gen. McPherson, until the death of that brave leader. Subsequently he was with the Sixteenth Army Corps, under Gen. A. J. Smith, and served with him through the Tennessee campaign. Our subject was wounded by a gunshot at Spanish Fort, Ala., and he had many narrow escapes by strategy from capture. Three long and weary years he devoted to his country’s service, and was finally discharged after the close of the war August 14, 1865.
Mr. McBride was married in Fulton County, Ill., to Miss Sarah Leeper, who was born, reared and educated in that part of the State. She is a daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Lake) Leeper, who were among the very first settlers of Fulton County where they improved a farm. Her father died there in 1857 at the age of fifty-four years in his pioneer home near Canton. His wife is still living there on the old homestead and has attained the venerable age of eighty-two years. She is one of the oldest settlers now residing in that section. She and her husband helped to build the Methodist Church and she is still a faithful member. Mrs. McBride was one of ten children of whom nearly all are living and are married, except the younger daughter who is caring for her mother. One brother was killed during the siege of Vicksburg. She is the mother of three children: Elsie L., W. Roy and Mabel E., all of whom are at home with their parents.
Mr. and Mrs. McBride are members in high standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church and show in their intercourse with others that they are people of true Christian principle. Mr. McBride is a member of the Lemon Post, G. A. R., Farmer City, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is Commissioner of Highways and makes a capital civic official in that capacity. His citizenship has contributed to elevate the moral and religious status of his community as well as its material prosperity. In politics he votes with the Republican party.
REUBEN S. McBRIDE Page 777
Intelligent, thrifty, wide-awake farmers form the greater part of the population of DeWitt County, and among these our subject occupies a creditable position. He is carrying on a good business as a general farmer and stock-raiser on his farm on sections 33 and 34, Santa Anna Township, where he is making a specialty of raising Chester-White swine of which he has some fine specimens. Mr. McBride was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind., October 24, 1852, and is one of the youngest of William McBride's nine children. His parents came to this State when he was seven months old. They lived in Fulton County for awhile and later came to DeWitt County where the father died. The mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Leach, is still living. For a full history of the family see the biography of A. J. McBride.
Reuben McBride passed his boyhood days partly in Fulton and partly in DeWitt County. After he became of age he secured a position as stationary engineer and was thus engaged for some time. He next turned his attention to the trade of a butcher and opened a meat-market in Farmer City, which he managed five years. Since then he has given his time to general farming and has lived on his present estate ten years. He has here a well-improved farm of one hundred and seventy-eight acres whose well-tilled fields and neat buildings make it a very desirable piece of property. It is well stocked and from that branch of agriculture Mr. McBride derives and excellent income. He has shown much skill, enterprise and judgment in his farming operations, is prudent and cautious in his dealings, though at the same time he is wide-awake in all his transactions, which are always fair and above board. In all the affairs of life he has conducted himself so as to win the esteem and trust of all with whom he associates. He is connected with the Presbyterian Church and in politics affiliates with the Republicans.
Our subject secured an amiable and devoted wife when he married Mrs. Eva O'Brien, nee Webb, a native of Santa Anna Township, born here July 22, 1855. She is a daughter of Preston and Mildred (Catlett) Webb, natives of Kentucky, who were married in Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Webb came to Illinois and settled among the pioneers of Santa Anna Township, where their two children were born, on an unbroken tract of land, which is now owned by the wife of our subject. Mr. Webb cleared and improved a farm and spent the remainder of his life here, dying in middle age. He was successful in his work and was a man of much prominence in his township. He was active in religious affairs and a member of the Baptist Church. His wife survived him many years, finally dying in Farmer City when and old lady at the age of Three-score and five years. She was a good and worthy woman and a member of the Baptist Church.
Mrs. McBride is the only survivor of the two children born to her parents. She was reared and educated in this township and was first married her to Thomas O'Brien. Mr. O'Brien was a native of Ireland who had come to America when a young man and settled in DeWitt County. He live here until his death in 1878. He was a volunteer in the late war and faithfully served his adopted country as a soldier three years. He enlisted in 1862 in Company I, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry, and was in many active engagements. He was never disabled or taken prisoner and reported for duty at every battle in which his regiment fought. He was a sound Democrat in politics, a trustworthy citizen and a man of sterling merit. By the death of her first husband Mrs. McBride was left with the care of two children, Kate and Ella, who are now living with her.
Mr. and Mrs. McBride have had two children by their marriage, of whom Lee is at home with them, and Edna is deceased.
DAVID McCLIMANS Page 692
In traveling through DeWitt County the passing stranger sees many fine farms and observes with pleasure the evidences of prosperity and good taste on every hand. One of the tracts which present this appearance is situated on section 28, Barnett Township, and is justly considered one of the best farms in the county. A view of this fine estate appears on another page of this volume. It is owned and occupied by David McClimans, who is one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers in this vicinity, and is also numbered among the old settlers.
The birthplace of him of whom we write was eight miles south of London, Ohio, and his natal day August 20, 1841. His parents, Samuel and Rachel (Pumphrey) McClimans were born in Madison County, Ohio, and died in DeWitt County, Ill. They came to this State in 1849, traveling with wagons according to the common custom, and settling in Barnett Township. Mr. McClimans purchased four hundred acres of land on section 29, adding thereto until his landed estate amounted to one thousand acres. He died in August, 1853, when about fifty-six years old. His widow survived until August 16, 1886, living to the venerable age of eighty-one years. Both belonged to the Presbyterian Church, but during the later years of her life Mrs. McClimans was connected with the Christian Church; she was of Scotch parentage. She was the mother of seven children, one of whom died in childhood, and one in mature life leaving a husband and five children. This was Mary, wife of William Gardner. Those who are now living are Nancy, Sarah, Margaret and David.
Our subject was a lad of eight years when the family came to this State, and here he advanced his education in the common schools and at home learned lessons of industry and zeal. Not long after his father's death, while still in his early youth, he took charge of the farm and has continued to make the homestead his place of residence. He owns two hundred and forty acres of it and has added other lands, increasing his estate to four hundred and fifteen acres. He has built a substantial, commodious dwelling and other modern edifices, and continued in first-class style the various improvements instituted or contemplated by his father. The estate is carefully and intelligently handled, large crops of superior quality are raised, and the flocks and herds are of good breeds and grades.
In Barnett Township, March 15, 1860, Mr. McClimans was married to Elizabeth Humphrey, who was born here in 1841, and is a daughter of John and Thira Humphrey. Her parents had five sons and three daughters, but all are now dead except one son. Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey died in Barnett Township. Mrs. Elizabeth McClimans laid aside the burdens of life in March, 1877, leaving behind her a memory that is honored by her family and many friends. She was a member of the Christian Church. Of the six children born to her those now living are Ann, Laura, Eva, John and William. Ann is the wife of Charles Bowels and Laura is the widow of Spencer Samuels.
A second matrimonial alliance was contracted by our subject, February 14, 1879, his bride on this occasion being Miss Sarah E. Neal, a native of DeWitt County, and daughter of William and Elizabeth (Hall) Neal. This lady is possessed of intelligence, a kindly nature and a Christian character. She belongs to the Christian Church and Mr. McClimans is also identified with that religious body with which she united when twenty-four years old.
JOHN McDONALD Page 242
John McDonald, a well known and highly respected resident of Farmer City, is the leading florist of this part of DeWitt County. He is also otherwise identified with the industrial interests of this section and a painter and paper-hanger. He was born in Madison County, Ohio, October 1, 1837. His father, Thomas McDonald, was a native of Tennessee and a son of John McDonald who was of Virginia birth and was in turn a son of Samuel McDonald, who was born in the vicinity of Glasgow, Scotland. It is thought that he was a young man when he came to America and settled in Virginia before the Revolution where the most of his life was passed, his death occurring either in that State or in a Tennessee.
John McDonald must have been married in Tennessee and the maiden name of his wife was Mary E. Melvin. She died either in Tennessee or Ohio. The father of our subject was born October 15, 1801, and was seven years old when his father removed to Madison County, Ohio, of which the latter was a pioneer. He lived to improve a farm and to see the development of the country quite well advanced before he died in the winter of 1853 at the advanced age of seventy-five years. He had been four times married and had children by his first, third and fourth wives, the latter of whom survived him some twenty years. He and all his wives were devoted Methodists and his brother James was a minister of that denomination in Ohio for many years.
Thomas McDonald was the second child born to his mother and he grew to manhood amid the pioneer environments of Madison County, Ohio, and early in life acquired a knowledge of farming which he adopted as his life work. He was there first married to a Miss Simpkins, an Ohio lady who died in the prime of life in Madison County, leaving two children one of whom is now living—Jane, wife of Samuel Adair, of California. Thomas McDonald was married a second time in Madison County, taking as his wife Miss Rebecca J. Erwin who was born and reared in Newark, Licking County, Ohio, and came of Virginia parents who were of Irish descent. The parents of our subject continued to live in Madison County, Ohio, until after the birth of all their children, six in number, when they came to Illinois, making the journey with wagons and camping out by the wayside at night until they arrived at their destination in Santa Anna Township. They settled on a farm near Farmer City and there the father devoted his time to agricultural pursuits until his death which occurred in Farmer City June 16, 1888. He was a good man and a good citizen who was highly respected by the entire community where he had many friends. Religiously, he was a firm believer in the Methodist Episcopal faith, and politically was an old line Whig in his early days and later became a Republican. His widow is yet living, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Welsh. Though she is seventy-six years old she retains her mental faculties and is still quite active. She is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our subject is the second of the six children born to his mother and he was a boy when he came with his parents to Illinois. He was reared and educated in this township and county and here learned his trade as a painter and paper-hanger, which he followed quite extensively until within a few years. He is now devoting much attention to his business as a florist. He has met with great success in this calling and is doing a large business which has grown from a small beginning. He has a fine greenhouse that is large and well arranged, is 21 x 66 feet in dimensions and here he has a large and choice variety of rare flowers. His conservatory is heated by the hot water or circulatory system, as it is generally called, and has every convenience for propagating plants, of which he has made a careful study, and is eminently successful.
Mr. McDonald has lived in Farmer City since 1852 and was married here February 24, 1859, to Miss Mary E. Johnson. Mrs. McDonald was born in Rutledge Township, June 12, 1843, and is the elder of the two children, both of whom are living, born to Elias and Lydia M. Johnson. She was reared in this county and is an active, intelligent woman of much refinement of character. She is the mother of four children of whom two are deceased—Laura and Stella. Those living are: Zua, wife of J. R. Boyington, of Chicago (where he has charge of a livery establishment), and Addie at home. Both daughters were given excellent educational advantages and are graduates of Farmer City High School.
Mr. McDonald is a man of unswerving integrity of character, of an unblemished reputation and high principles. He is a temperance man in deed and word and is a strong advocate of the Prohibition party. Both he and his amiable wife are among the leading people of Farmer City and have drawn to themselves many warm friends. Mr. McDonald was a member of Company F, Forty-first Infantry, commanded by Col. I. C. Pugh, in which he was a Sergeant and participated in all the engagements with his regiment and was twice wounded, first at Pittsburg Landing in the leg and again at Jackson, Miss., in the same leg. He was honorably discharged at Springfield, Ill., August 20, 1864.
ALONZO D. McHENRY Page 429
Alonzo D. McHenry is one of the prominent business men of Clinton, a member of the firm of McHenry & Bailor, dealers in hardware, tin ware, stoves and farm machinery. He was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, near the town of Cumberland, November 15, 1834, his parents being Alexander and Mary Jane (Ruth) McHenry. His father was of Irish descent and born in Virginia, and his mother a native of Ohio, who traced her ancestry to Germany. The father, who was a shoemaker by trade, removed to this State in 1838, first locating on a farm not far from Peoria where he carried on general farming several years. The wife and mother died there in 1843 leaving five children, Jane, Alonzo D., Robert P., Lucetta, and Mary M. Lucetta now makes her home in California.
After the death of his wife Alexander McHenry moved into Peoria where he carried on a harness shop for a number of years. During this time the subject of this notice attended the public schools, on leaving which he learned the trade of a wagon-maker and worked at the same from 1849 to 1860. Upon the breaking out of the Civil War he felt called upon to hazard his life in the Union army, and enlisted in Company F, Forty-first Illinois Infantry, Col. Isaac Pugh commanding. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Mississippi, at that time commanded by Gen. Hurlburt, and Mr. McHenry took part in the two days' fight at Shiloh, the battle of Hatchie's Run, the siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Jackson, Miss.
At the last mentioned engagement Mr. McHenry was wounded by a shot which penetrated the left leg, carrying away a portion of the large bone, a wound which never healed. At the same time he was captured and thrown into prison, but shortly afterward was paroled and sent to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., where he remained from July 12, 1863, to January 5, 1864. It being evident that he was unfitted for soldier's duties, he was honorably discharged and retuned to his home in the North. The fall following his resumption of the duties of civil life he was elected Sheriff of DeWitt County for the term of two years, at the expiration of which he was Deputy Sheriff two years, and then re-elected Sheriff for one more term, and on finally retiring from the office began the sale of agricultural implements, forming a partnership with Philip Woolf, which continued five years. At the expiration of that time the partners sold out their business to Scott & Woy. Mr. McHenry purchased the furniture stock of Woolf & McHenry of Clinton, but after a short experience in the furniture trade, disposed of it to Sackett & Carroll. He then began dealing in real estate, both improved and unimproved, making a success of the business, and at the same time dealing quite extensively in live stock. He next, in company with his old partner, Philip Woolf, purchased the hardware stock of Hand & Lisenby, the new firm carrying on the business about a twelvemonth, when Mr. Woolf disposed of his interest to I. N. Bailor, and the firm became McHenry & Bailor. A full stock of shelf goods, together with the various improved machines which farmers of this age of the world use in the prosecution of their calling, is kept in stock by the firm and a thriving trade is carried on. Mr. McHenry began his business career on limited means but by dint of rarely good business qualities and earnest perseverance has become the possessor of a handsome property.
A home and household was instituted by Mr. McHenry, January 5, 1865, when he was married to Miss Melcina Miller, of Pekin. In that city the bride was born and reared, amid surroundings calculated to develop the virtues and graces of character and fit her for usefulness after reaching maturity. Her parents were John and Ellen Miller, natives of Virginia and Indiana respectively. After a happy wedded life of fifteen years, Mrs. McHenry was called from time to eternity March 27, 1880. She left five children, named respectively: Ida, Grace, Winifred, Ellen and Arthur M.
The ability of Mr. McHenry and his interest in the city in which he makes his home is well understood by all who enjoy his acquaintance and has led to his election to offices of public responsibility. He served as Alderman from the Second Ward four years and has been Mayor of Clinton two terms. He has also been a member of the School Board two years. As would naturally be supposed he belongs to Frank Lowry Post, G.A.R., and he is also a Mason, belonging to DeWitt Lodge, No. 84, F.& A.M., and Goodbrake chapter, No. 59, R.A.M. As before mentioned he owns a handsome property which includes his residence in the northern apart of the city and two valuable farms in Harp and Clintonia Townships respectively. As a business man he is not only enterprising but honorable, in both his public and private capacities has aided in the improvement of the city and its growth in all that pertains to the best good of the people, and in a social capacity is looked upon with considerable favor.
JAMES McHUGH Page 430
The immense traffic of the Illinois Central Railroad necessitates the employment of an army of men, who in diverse capacities manifest their faithfulness and exhibit high qualities of manhood. There is perhaps no line of business in which a man can engage that give greater opportunities for the exhibition of prudence, quick-wittedness and bravery than the several capacities in which men serve on the railroad. That of the conductor is one particularly calling for these qualities, and the man who can gain the respect of the traveling public while filling this position is certainly serving of commendation. The gentleman above named has for the past fifteen years been engaged with the Illinois Central Railroad as a conductor, his home being at Clinton.
The birthplace of Mr. McHugh was County Fermanagh, Ireland, and his natal day July 2, 1817. When he was three months old his parents, Peter and Mary (Jones) McHugh, crossed the broad Atlantic, landing at Quebec, Canada, whence they journeyed to Vermont, stopping near Rutland. They sojourned there some five years, thence came West to Chicago and from that point went to Dubuque, Iowa, where the husband and father became a contractor on the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad. He died there at the age of thirty-five years. After his decease the family removed to Heyworth, Ill., where our subject grew to manhood. Mr. and Mrs. Peter McHugh had two children and the mother of our subject bore five sons and daughters to her second husband. She is still living, making her home in Clinton, and is in the sixtieth year of her age. Her father, Owen Jones, held a commission in the English army for a period of twenty-one years.
The subject of this biographical notice attended the common schools in the various places in which his parents lived during his boyhood and youth. He remained with his mother until he was twenty years of age, when he entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad at Heyworth. His first work for the company was as a brakeman, in which capacity he acted two years, and at the expiration of that time became a baggage man. For six years he handled baggage, then became a conductor, being promoted to his present position by reason of the fitness for a place of trust which his superiors had discerned in him. His long continuance in the employ of one company gives conclusive evidence of his faithfulness and efficiency. It has been twenty-three years since he became a railroad man and that so large a proportion of the time has been devoted to the work of a conductor speaks well for the man.
At the bride's home in Centralia, October 25, 1874, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between Mr. McHugh and Miss R.J. Phillips. This lady was born in Ohio, but was quite young when her parents, John and Elizabeth (Magruder) Philips, took up their residence in Centralia. She was educated in that city, improving the powers of her mind, acquiring grace of manner, and becoming capable of presiding over the affairs of the home. She now exercises her housewifely skill and good taste in a beautiful residence which was built by Mr. McHugh in 1889. It stands in the midst of pleasant surroundings and is located in a desirable part of the city. The union of Mr. and Mrs. McHugh has been blessed to them by the birth of three daughters--Gracie, Eleanor and Genevieve. Mr. McHugh belongs to the Order of Railroad Conductors, Division No. 112, at Centralia, Ill.
JOHN W. McKINLEY Page 877
Rutledge Township, DeWitt County, is the home of many successful farmers, but none more prosperous than the gentleman above named, who owns and operates a fine estate on section 34. It consists of three hundred and twenty acres, all under thorough and intelligent cultivation, and improved with all that goes to make up a well-cultivated farm. It is fertilized by living water and is adapted for stock-raising in which the owner is engaged to a considerable extent. A visitor to his home will see that he had not only erected good buildings, but that he is well supplied with modern machinery and keeps excellent grades of stock.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were William and Susan (Haynes) McKinley, natives of Ohio, who lived in Ross County for some years after their marriage. Among their children was a son Robert, who was born near Chillicothe and who accompanied them to Illinois at an early period in the history of DeWitt County, the family locating in what in now DeWitt Township. After living on a farm several years, Grandfather McKinley and his wife removed to Farmer City and opened the McKinley House, which they carried on some years, during which they became well known as a host and hostess worthy the patronage of the traveling public. Grandfather McKinley died in Farmer City when more than tree-score years of age. His widow then made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Thomas Gardiner, in Clinton, and died there when ripe in years.
Robert McKinley, who was one of a family of eight children, became of age in this State and adopted the vocation of a farmer. He was married in DeWitt Township to Mary Arbogast, who was born in Clarke County, Ohio, and had come to this State with her parents during her girlhood. Her parents, Henry and Mary Arbogast, had established their home in DeWitt County and became well known among the pioneers and highly respected for their virtues. They died full of years and honors.
Robert McKinley and his wife began their wedded life, as did many of their associates, with very little capital beyond their natural abilities, hopeful spirit and affectionate hearts. In 1849 the husband purchased his first forty acres on section 34, Rutledge Township, for which he gave a yoke of oxen. That tract was his home until his death, which occurred March 7, 1883. During the years that intervened he had accumulated real estate to the amount of four hundred acres and placed it all under improvement. He left his estate, as he had been in the habit of keeping his affairs, free from encumbrances. He was a good citizen and had many friends in this part of the county. In politics he was a sound Republican. His widow, who is yet living on the old homestead, is now seventy years old, but still quite active.
Our subject, who is the eldest of the five children born to the worthy couple above mentioned, opened his eyes to the light in DeWitt Township, February 12, 1845. He has two brothers and a sister living, all located within visiting distance of each other in DeWitt County. He grew to manhood in Rutledge Township, and after he became of age was married to Zorada Brown, a worthy woman who was born in DeWitt Township, January 18, 1850. The happy union has been blessed by the birth of six children--Frank, Hattie E., Mattie S., Samuel A., Anna B. and John S. Two of the number are happily married, Frank having won for his wife Miss Hettie Gardiner and making his home on his father's farm, and Hattie being the wife of William Fuller, a farmer in Harp Township, DeWitt County.
The father of Mrs. McKinley, James Madison Brown, was born in Tennessee and came to this State when a young man. He was married in Macon County to Miss Rhoda Keizer, and afterward lived on a farm in DeWitt County, until 1873, when he and his wife with most of their children, removed to Little Rock, Ark. There Mr. and Mrs. Brown are now living, comfortably surrounded and spending their declining years in the enjoyment of ease and prosperity.
It is to such men as Mr. McKinley that DeWitt County owes her standing among civilized communities. He is a leader in all public-spirited enterprises, and is held in high repute by his fellow-men for his energetic conduct of his own affairs, his progressive ideas regarding agriculture and general improvements, and the honorable way in which he transacts business. In politics he is a stanch Republican.
SAMUEL McNIER Page 892
Samuel W. McNier is one of the noble veterans of the late Civil War who suffered and sacrificed much for their country, and as a representative of the old soldiers it gives us pleasure to record his life on the pages of this volume. Since he left the army he has identified himself with the farmers of DeWitt County, and in Nixon Township has a farm that is first class in all its appointments. A view of this pleasant household is shown on another page. Mr. McNier was born in Union County, Ohio, near Unionville, July 15, 1840. His father, whose given name was Amos, was a native of Pennsylvania, where he was reared to the life of a farmer. He was married in the State of his nativity near Harristown, to Hannah Darby, who was also born in that Sate. They began their wedded life on a farm, but subsequently removed to Ohio, and from there came to DeWitt County in 1855. They located two miles northeast of Clinton, and subsequently in 1858 took up their residence on a tract of wild prairie on section 16, Nixon Township. They built a small frame house which still stands on the place, and Mr. McNier fenced his land and otherwise greatly improved it during his twenty-five years' residence there. He then removed with his family to Weldon, where he died at a ripe old age in 1884. His widow survives him and still makes her home at Weldon. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom six are living--Morris, Samuel, Calvin, Reuben, Emma and Maggie. Elias passed from earth in 1890.
Our subject is the second son of his parents. He obtained his first schooling in his native county and continued to make his home with his parents until he was eighteen years of age when he ventured out into the world to earn his living by whatever employment he could procure, his father generously giving him his time. For six years he worked hard at the pioneer task of breaking prairie land. He was thus engaged when the war broke out, and though he was scarcely of age his ardent patriotism induced him to lay aside all personal considerations and help fight his country's battles. Accordingly he enlisted in 1861 in Company G, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry. He bore a gallant part in the battle at Campbell Station, Tenn., and during the twenty-one days siege at Knoxville, displayed true courage, fortitude and patient endurance under suffering that won him an excellent reputation as a good soldier. He was there disabled by the concussion of a shell, and for three months was confined in a hospital. He was finally assigned to the veteran reserve corps, and was dispatched to Washington, where he remained until he was honorably discharged June 29, 1865. The following is a certificate given by our subject's captain as to his efficiency in the service:
"I herby cheerfully certify that private Samuel McNier was a most excellent and exemplary soldier in every respect at all times.
Washington, D. C., June 29, 1865
A. G. Studer,
Capt. Co. D., 18th V. R. C."
Our subject returned to DeWitt County, after leaving the army, and made his home on his father's farm for a time. In the spring of 1866 he commenced to improve the farm where he now resides, and where he located after his marriage. He and his wife began life together in the little house that then stood on the place. Since that time Mr. McNier has built a more commodious and substantial two-story residence besides putting up a barn and other necessary buildings, making this farm one of the most desirable and attractive estates in this portion of the township. Notwithstanding the fact that Mr. McNier lost the use of his good right arm at the siege of Knoxville, he has managed to acquire a valuable property while engaged in the business of general farming, and is at the present writing one of the solid men of Nixon Township, who are ever active in promoting its advancement. His one hundred acres of land are finely cultivated and the five acres of Scotch pine trees that are on it, increase its value and add to the beauty of the place. Mr. McNier is a stalwart defender of Republican principals; and, socially, is a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic at DeWitt. He takes a genuine interest in whatever will in any way improve his township, and for eight years he served it well as Constable.
Undoubtedly our subject is right in attributing a part of his success to the fact that by his marriage April 18, 1867, to Miss Nancy Parker, he secured a good wife, who has aided him by her cheerful assistance and wise counsel. Mr. McNier was born in Ohio, her birthplace being in Champaign County, and when seven years old was brought by her parents to Douglas County, Ill., where she was reared. She was the second of the seven children born to David and Maria (Johnson) Parker. Her happy wedded life with our subject has been somewhat overshadowed by the death of their only child in infancy.
JAMES H. MERRIFIELD Page 834
James H. Merrifield is a representative of the native-born citizens of DeWitt County, sons of its stalwart pioneers who are now important factors in helping to carry on the work so well begun by their sires in developing the resources of the country. He is conducting farming and stock-raising on section 11, DeWitt Township, where he has a fine farm that he [is] constantly improving. He was born February 25, 1855, in Rutledge Township.
Our subject's father, John Merrifield, was an early settler of that township, ans is now an honored resident of Wilson Township, he being one the successful farmers and well-to-do men of the section where he lives. He was born in Davis County, Mo., and was there reared to the life of a farmer. He came from his native place to this county in an early day, and has ever since made his home here. He was married after coming to Illinois to Rebecca Johnson, who was born in Ohio, but was quite young when she came with her parents to this Sate, growing up in DeWitt County. She has been a loyal helpmate to her husband, and he justly attributes a part of his prosperity to her cheerful assistance. Five sons and five daughters have been born to them, of whom our subject is the youngest.
James Merrifield, of whom this biographical review is principally written, was bred in DeWitt County, and gained his education in its public schools. He early gained a sound practical knowledge of farming, which became his calling after he attained manhood. He has a farm in DeWitt Township, which he has owned but a short time. It is in one of the pleasantest locations in this section of the county, and its two hundred and thirty-seven acres of land constitute a choice piece of property as the soil is fertile, and is already under very good cultivation. Mr. Merrifield is continually increasing its value by the substantial improvements that he is placing upon it.
Our subject owes much of the comfort of his home and the prospects of a successful life to his wife, to whom he was wedded in Wilson Township. Mrs. Merrifield is a native of that township, where she was born in 1867, and her maiden name was Lenora Walters. She was reared and educated in her native township, and lived with her parents until her marriage. She is a daughter of John Walter, of whom see biography in another part of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Merrifield have three children--Clarence, Harrison, and a baby. Our subject and his wife are popular in society, as they are very genial, hospitable and warm-hearted, and are kind and considerate in their relations with their neighbors and with all with whom they come in contact. In politics we find Mr. Merrifield advocating the principles of the Republican party.
ABRAHAM K. MILLER Page 668
A traveler in DeWitt County would be impressed with the number of large farms found there, indicating that it is the home of men of more than ordinary ability in agricultural pursuits, together with the financial tact which results in the accumulation of property. One of these large estates consists of eight hundred and sixteen acres in Creek Township, the family residence being on section 21. This property is not the only worldly possession of the gentleman above named, but it alone is sufficient to give him a high standing in financial circles and among the agriculturists of the county.
Mr. Miller is of Southern birth and parentage, and by nature and education has the hospitable spirit, good address and quick intelligence of the dwellers below the Mason and Dixon line. His father, John Miller, was born and reared in Virginia, while his mother, Nancy (Music) Miller, opened her eyes to the light in Powell's Valley, Tenn. A part of the early years of the latter were spent in her native State and a part in Kentucky, her marriage being celebrated in Grayson County of the Blue Grass State. There Mr. and Mrs. Miller set up their home, the husband carrying on the occupation of a reed-maker. In 1828, having been led to believe that their furtunes would be advanced more rapidly in another section of the country, they started West with pack horses, coming direct to what was then Sangamon County, this State. They spent two years near the site of the present fair grounds at Decatur, as that was then included in Sangamon County, then came to what is now DeWitt County, locating on Salt Creek. Mr. Miller subsequently removed to section 35, his first house there being of split logs with a puncheon floor.
The family of which our subject is the fourth member is a large one, including also the following sons and daughters: Matthew, Mary, Anna, Elizabeth, Nancy, Martha, Rachel, Margaret, Lucinda, Sarah, John, James, Tobias, Van Buren, and two who died in infancy. The father breathed his last in 1857 and the mother in 1864, and were buried side by side in the Lisenby cemetery.
The natal day of our subject was February 21, 1822, and his birthplace Grayson County, Ky. He was a child of six years when he came to this State with his parents, and his first experience as a pupil was in a log schoolhouse in Macon County, where he went one day. He afterward attended school in DeWitt County, the temple of learning being built of logs with a stick and clay chimney and the usual primitive furniture. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-two years old, when, having won a faithful and efficient helpmate, he set up his own home on section 3, Creek Township. He built a dwelling, fenced the property and made various improvements, reclaiming the tract from its primitive condition and making it produce abundantly. In 1862 Mr. Miller removed to the place whereon he now resides and this also he has brought from a state of wildness to one of cultivation and beauty. He has put up a good dwelling, ample barns, granaries, sheds, etc., and built all necessary fences. There are two miles of stake-and-rider fence eight rails high, affording excellent protection against the inroads of stock. Beside this large tract, the extent of which has been already noted, Mr. Miller owns twenty acres in Harp Township and two hundred and eleven acres in Piatt County. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, but now rents much of his land. In his early years he worked at the cooper's trade and for eight years was employed in breaking prairie.
The hymeneal rites between Mr. Miller and Miss Rebecca J. Welch were solemnized in 1844. The bride was born in Ohio but reared in the Hoosier State, and was so carefully instructed that she developed a Christian character and acquired the useful habits which have made her helpful at home and in society. Her father, Thomas Welch, was not able to read when he was married, but became sufficiently well informed to act as a minister and for forty years labored in that capacity in the Christian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller the following children have been born: Elizabeth, Thomas H., Nancy, Sarah E., Mary M., Margaret E., John Henry, Cynthia E., Abraham K., Edward A., Rebecca J. and Elijah P. Of this number but six are now living.
Mr. Miller, as might be supposed, is a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. The interest of the traveling public has been advanced by his work as Highway Commissioner, and as School Director he has aided in promoting the efficiency of the schools. He has likewise held the office of Township assessor. In politics he is a Democrat. Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller belong to the Christian Church and endeavor to carry out in their lives the precepts laid down in Holy Writ.
ABSALOM MILLER Page 700
A traveler throughout the farming lands of DeWitt County would be pleased to observe the large number of well-improved farms and the numerous evidences of prosperity. In Creek Township an estate of considerable extent, which is evidently well adapted for both farming and stock-raising, includes a portion of section 19, and is owned and occupied by the gentleman above named. A visitor will see here every necessary and convenient arrangement in the way of farm buildings, and in an interview with the owner will readily perceive by what means he has reached his present substantial standing. His life affords an example worthy of emulation as he began the conflict of life a poor boy and unaided and alone has risen to prosperity.
Our subject is a Virginian by birth and ancestry, being a son of Absalom and Nancy (Sherwood) Miller, and himself born in Hampshire County July 15, 1834. His parents were natives of the same section of the State and their acquaintance dated from a very early period in their lives. Their youthful friendship developed into a stronger affection, led to their happy union and even in death they were not long divided. They had come to DeWitt County in 1863, making their home in Clinton, where a few years later they entered into rest within a few hours of each other. They were buried in the same grave after a funeral service commemorative of both. They had become the parents of thirteen children, nine of whom lived to manhood and womanhood.
The gentleman of whom we write, who is the fifth child in the parental family, remained in his native State until he was twenty years old. In the meantime he had secured as good an education as was possible and had learned lessons of industry and probity that have stood him in good stead in his mature years. He went from his native place to Highland County, Ohio, in 1854, and there worked by the month on a farm several years. In 1859 he took to himself a wife and established his home on a farm, continuing to reside in Ohio until two years had passed. He then came to this State and located on a farm in Christian County, but after a sojourn of three years thought his interests would be advanced by a removal to DeWitt County. Coming hither he located in Harp Township on a tract of rented land which he occupied until 1875, when he purchased a part of his present estate. The one hundred and twenty acres has been added to until the estate now amounts to three hundred and twenty-five acres, all improved. Mr. Miller is a stock-farmer, making a specialty of hogs and feeding the most of his grain.
The worthy woman under whose care the home is made cozy and attractive bore the maiden name of Sarah A. Brown and is a native of Highland County, Ohio. Her unremitting care for the comfort and welfare of her husband and children entitles her to commendation and her neighbors speak well of her for her social and kindly qualities. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller thirteen children have been born, nine of whom are now living. The eldest of these, Linley A., married Julia Bennett and is established in a home of his own in Creek Township. Those who are still inmates of the home nest are Elwood, Lilly D., Birch, Minnie N., Bertie G., Freddie D., Edgar G. and Otie G.
Mr. Miller is a believer in and a supporter of the Republican party. He has been called upon to officiate in several capacities whereby he could advance the interests of the community, and the traveling public in particular has been benefited by his labors as Road Commissioner and Pathmaster. At the present time he is acting most acceptably as School Director.
BENJAMIN MILLER Page 905
Quite a number of those whose knowledge of DeWitt County extended back to pioneer times have passed to the borne whence no traveler returns. One of this number is the gentleman above named, who closed his eyes to earthly things March 11, 1889, and was laid to rest in the Maroa cemetery, where a fine granite monument marks his resting place. He was brought to this county when but an infant, and grew to manhood amid associations and surroundings that strengthened the sturdier traits of his character, fitted him to encounter the trials of life and led to an honorable manhood. His death was a loss to the entire community, as well as to the family, who were bereft of an affectionate husband and father and a wise protector.
Mr. Miller was born in Morgan County, this State, December 17, 1830, and the following year was brought by his parents to DeWitt County. He prosecuted a successful career as an agriculturist after reaching years of maturity and at the time of his death owned more than twelve hundred acres of valuable land. On December 28, 1865, he was married to Martha Pulliam, and at that time was located on section 31, Creek Township, where the widow is still living. But slight improvement had been made upon the land which he purchased, but he soon brought it to a good condition both as regards to its cultivation and the improvements upon it. In politics Mr. Miller was a Democrat. He had no desire for public life, but served as Township Supervisor one term in accordance with the wishes of the people.
The lady who became the wife of our subject was born in Spence County, Ky., near Taylorsville, January 26, 1843. Her parents, Gideon and Mary Jane (Goff) Pulliam, were born and reared in Kentucky and spent their entire wedded life there. The mother died when Martha was but fourteen years old and the father at a still earlier period, the date of his demise being 1850. Mrs. Miller was a granddaughter of James Pulliam, who was well known in that section of the Blue Grass State in which he spent his days. She is the eldest of the five children born to her parents, the other being James, Anna, Marion and Mildred--the latter deceased.
Mrs. Miller grew to womanhood in her native place, receiving her schooling there and gaining in intelligence and the graces of character as she grew in years. In 1865 she came to Atlanta, Ill., where she made the acquaintance of the gentleman who some months later became her husband. Their happy union was blessed by the birth of four children, two of whom still cheer their mother by their companionship and are pursuing their studies. These are Elizabeth and Benjamin. Charles, the first-born, married Lillie Huffman and lives on section 30, Creek Township; Mary, the second, married David Barclay, an attorney-at-law in Clinton.
Mrs. Miller has, since the death of her husband, carried on the farm of three hundred and twenty acres which she owns and occupies. With its beautiful two-story frame house, 30x36 feet, ample barns and other outbuildings, and thoroughly cultivated fields, it makes up a first-class farm. It is stocked with animals of good breeds and grades, there being now fourteen head of horses, one hundred hogs and the usual number of cattle upon the place. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Christian Church and wears her religion as an everyday garment, honoring her profession by her noble life and useful works. The many friends of the late Mr. Miller will be pleased to notice on another page his portrait together with that of his estimable wife.
FRANK MILLER Page 869
Frank Miller is an active and enterprising young farmer of DeWitt County, who is prosperously engaged in general farming on section 33, Rutledge Township. He was born in Ritchie County, W. Va., December 14, 1858 and is a son of the Rev. William George Miller, of Ohio.
The Rev. Mr. Miller was born in St. John's, New Brunswick. His father, Richard Miller, was a native of England, and when a young man crossed the Atlantic and located in New Brunswick. After living there some time and rearing a family, he came to the United States, his wife having previously died when her son William George was a small child. Richard Miller enlisted to serve in the Mexican War and when it was over he became a resident of Ohio. Some years later he went to West Virginia. The great Civil War broke out, and again he took up arms for his adopted country, becoming a soldier in the Union army. He served for some time with characteristic bravery and daring, till his military career was brought to a close by being killed at the battle of Parkersburg, Va., in 1863. His death was caused by the explosion of a canon for which he was the rammer. He was then an old man.
After the death of his mother William G. Miller was reared in his native country by an older brother and sister with whom he remained till he was nineteen years old. At that age he came to the United States and settled in Ohio. There he met and was married to Miss Mary Hammergar, their marriage taking place at Newport in Washington County. She is a native of Pennsylvania, whence her parents removed to Washington County, when she was young. Some time after his marriage Mr. Miller moved to Ritchie County, W. Va., and there followed farming and shoemaking.
Mr. Miller was a resident of West Virginia when the Rebellion broke out, and joined the Union forces, enlisting as a member of Company A, Eleventh West Virginia Cavalry. He was in the army over two years and took an active part in many engagements including the taking of Richmond, the Confederate capital. He escaped unharmed except from the hardships incidental to army life. He is now living in Washington County, Ohio, where he is well known as a local preacher in the Protestant Methodist Church. He has also borne an honorable part in public life, and in 1884 represented his district in the State Legislature. His wife is connected with the same church as himself and is prominent in social and religious circles.
Our subject was one of nine children, being born the third of the seven sons and two daughters born to his parents. He was educated in the public schools of his native county and there passed the first eighteen years of his life. He then came to DeWitt County, and began here as a farmer. He has lived in Rutledge Township ever since he came to this State in 1878, and has resided on the farm on section 33 since 1883. His farm in point of cultivation and improvements ranks among the best in its vicinity, and from its eighty acres he gains rich harvests. His farm is well-stocked as he pays much attention [to] that branch of agriculture.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Dora Doner, was celebrated at the home of the bride's parents in Rutledge Township. She was born on her father's homestead in this township, January 18, 1857, and is the youngest of his children. A sketch of her father, Hiram Doner, appears on another page of this volume. Mrs. Miller was carefully reared and was given the advantages of a good education, which she received in the High School at Clinton, and in the Wesley College at Bloomingon. She is a woman of broad culture, is bright and entertaining and, with her husband, stand high in social circles. The pleasant home circle of our subject and his wife is completed by their three children: Bertie R., Hallie C. and Gertie C. Mr. Miller is a bright, wide-awake young man and has intelligent views on all subjects with which he is conversant; especially is this true in regard to politics, he being an ardent Republican.
JOHN D. MILLER Page 751
Among the former residents of DeWitt County who have been borne to their graves by sorrowing friends, leaving behind them the record of an honorable career, the name of John D. Miller is to be found. He was born in the Buckeye State, and after attaining to manhood came to Illinois, where he lived and labored until November 5, 1884, when he closed his eyes in death. After having been a resident of the State a number of years he married and located on section 20, Creek Township, where his widow is still living. He improved a fine tract of land, built a substantial and convenient residence and good barns, and surrounded his family with many comforts.
In his political beliefs Mr. Miller was a Democrat and he was found at the polls depositing the ballot which would aid his party, and at all times was ready to give a reason for so doing. He made himself useful to his fellow-men in the capacity of Township Supervisor and School Director, and earnestly endeavored to discharge the duties of those offices in a satisfactory and creditable manner.
In 1861 Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Lovina J. Cross, who was born in the township in which she still lives, her natal day being January 29, 1846. Her father, Soloman Cross, was born and reared in Kentucky and when but nineteen years old married Elizabeth Tuggle, a native of the same place as himself and a young lady with whose good qualities he was thoroughly familiar. Their family consisted of four sons and six daughters. Mrs. Joseph Bennett being a twin of Mrs. Miller.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Miller has demonstrated her business ability in managing an extensive general farming business, carrying on the estate of four hundred and seventy-one acres. A stranger would be struck with the thorough understanding she possesses of the details of farm life and the business-like way in which she conducts affairs. When she was seventeen years old she suffered from an attack of fever, which occasioned deafness. She is able to understand conversation by the motion of the lips and retains her own power of speech to the full.
Mrs. Miller bore her husband four children, the first-born, Laura E., dying in infancy. The others--Anna L., Andrew B., and Ira A., remain with their mother, cheering her by their loving care and companionship and aiding her in various ways in home duties. They are being carefully reared, equipped with good principles and useful knowledge, in order that they may fill honorable positions in the world.
JOHN H. MILLER Page 260
John H. Miller is one of the wealthy farmers and stockmen of DeWitt County. His homestead on section 36, Tunbridge Township, is one of the finest improved and best equipped farms in this section of the State and is represented by a view on another page. He has besides two good farms and other valuable property. Our subject is a native of Illinois, born in Sangamon County on his father's homestead eight miles south of Springfield. He is a son of Jacob Miller, a well-known pioneer of this county, who was born in Pennsylvania and came to St. Clair County, Ill., with his parents, who were among the early settlers of that portion of the State, where he grew to manhood. He married Nancy Beam, who was a native of Ohio, whence she was taken to Indiana when a small child. She came to Illinois with her parents at an early day and grew to womanhood in this State. After marriage the young couple settled in Sangamon County, locating in Cotton Hill Township. From there they came to DeWitt County in 1852 and took up their residence on section 25, Tunbridge Township. Mr. Miller bought the southern half of section 36, Tunbridge Township, the northern half of section 1, Austin Township, Macon County, and had besides one hundred and ninety-five acres of timber land and a section and a half of prairie land. He obtained one section of his land for ninety cents per acre, buying the land warrants of a man in St. Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Miller continued to reside on their homestead in Tunbridge Township until death closed their eyes, he dying in 1863 and she in 1870, and their mortal remains were deposited in the Ridge cemetery, Macon County. They were the parents of a large family of children, of whom the following are deceased: Margaret, Sarah, Rachael, Harriet, Wesley and Jacob. The names of those living are Mary (Mrs. Spicer); John; Minerva, who lives in Colorado; Cordelia, who resides in Adams County, and Jasper, living on the old homestead.
John Miller is the fourth child and second son of the family, and his boyhood days were passed on his father's farm in Sangamon County. His first experience of school life was in a school taught in a log house on the subscription plan. He was of great assistance to his father in the farm work, fencing the land and breaking the prairie where he now resides, before he was of age. He remained an inmate of the parental household until he was twenty-one and after his marriage settled on his present farm. This farm he has developed from the wild prairies with much expenditure of hard pioneer labor and a good capacity for well-directed toil. Besides this estate he has two other farms, well supplied with necessary buildings, and he is the proprietor of four hundred and twenty acres of land all under cultivation and furnished with valuable improvements. On his homestead he has a large and conveniently arranged house and five barns. He rents much of his land but retains enough pasture and meadow for stock-raising purposes, as he is particularly interested in that branch of agriculture. He has ten head of thoroughbred cattle, and the best breed of hogs to be found in the township. He has particularly fine arrangements and conveniences for his cattle. The barns are commodious and he has a windmill pump that forces the water through them and all over his fine cattle lot. His farm is one of the neatest and best ordered in the township and is a credit to the county, as he takes great pride in keeping everything in good shape.
Mr. Miller was married in 1862 to Ida, daughter of William and Mira Cooper, who were pioneers of Illinois, coming here in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have a very attractive home and they are pleasant, cordial and sociable people, who understand well the duties of hospitality, as their many friends can testify. They are the parents of three daughters; Emma, who was formerly a teacher at Monticello, but now resides with her parents; Nancy M., who is Assistant Principle of the Lacon High School, and a graduate of the Valparaiso (Ind.,) Normal School; and Ida Belle, who lives at home with her parents.
Mr. Miller is a man of excellent judgment, is well-balanced mentally, and his reputation for truthfulness and honor is of the highest. As one of our most progressive and enlightened farmers he is doing much to advance the agricultural interests of the county. He is independent in politics, voting for the man rather than the party. He has held the office of Pathmaster and served his community while acting in that capacity.
JOHN H. MILLS Page 722
John H. Mills was a small child when he was brought from his Kentucky birthplace to DeWitt County in early pioneer days, so that he has been a witness of nearly its entire development from the wilderness to its present advanced condition as a rich agricultural center, and he has had a hand in bringing about this great change, for he has for many years aided in carrying on its farming and stock-raising interests and has a good farm on section 24, Barnett Township.
December 10, 1827, was the date of the birth of our subject in Bourbon County, Ky. His parents, Nathan and Catherine (Jamison) Mills were natives of Virginia and were there reared and married. They soon after went to Kentucky in the pioneer years of its settlement and there Mr. Mills made his home until death. He had intended, however, to take up his residence on the fertile soil of Illinois, and in 1832 had visited DeWitt County and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in the southwestern corner of Clintonia Township. He had then returned to his wife and children in Kentucky, and had suddenly died before completing his preparations for removal to this county. His household thus sadly bereft of its head, courageously set forth the following October for the unknown wilderness, where he had designed to build up a habitation for his loved ones. The mother and children settled on the land that he had taken up, and there she died in 1875 at the venerable age of ninety years. She reared nine children to good and useful lives, namely: Benjamin, who died at Clinton this county; Margaret, now Mrs. Barnett; William A., who died in Illinois; Rufus, Thomas, Paschal, Washington, Ann (Mrs. Pane), and John H.
John Mills, coming thus early in life to Illinois with his mother, was reared in this State and gained what education was afforded in the primitive schools of pioneer days. He lived with his mother until he was twenty-two years old, and after marriage established a home of his own on section 24, Barnett Township, where he entered eighty acres of land. He has done well in his farming operations and now owns a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which is under excellent tillage and is provided with a good class of buildings. When he entered upon his career as an independent farmer his only capital was the $47 which was his share of his father's estate. But he was well dowered with sound sense, a self-reliant spirit and a good capacity for hard and continuous labor that have stood him in good stead and have materially contributed to his well being. He is a worthy citizen and is warmly interested in political affairs, taking sides with the Republican party as he sincerely believes the policy the best for the guidance of the nation.
The marriage of Mr. Mills with Miss Ruth Sprague, a native of Ohio, was solemnized September 7, 1847. To them two children were born, of whom one died in infancy while the other, Charles W. was drowned in a well while at school when he was but twelve years old. The maiden name of the present wife of our subject was Talitha Parker and she is a daughter of John and Hannah (Burson) Parker. They were originally from Virginia, and were early settlers of Ohio, where Mrs. Parker died. Mr. Parker subsequently married Clarinda Carter. By his first marriage he became the father of one son and three daughter, Mary, Lockey, and Talitha; the son died in infancy. By his second marriage he had five sons and two daughters. Mr. Parker came to DeWitt County in 1852 from Union County, Ohio. He was a son of John and Nancy (Carnes) Parker. The second wife of our subject came to Illinois in 1850. She was formerly married to Geroge Cushman, and had one son, George, who now resides in Clinton. She is a woman of excellent character and is one of the truest members of the Christian Church. Her marriage with Mr. Mills has brought them five children, of whom they have reared three: Henry; Ara, wife of B. Sprague; and Lura, wife of Joseph H. McKinney.
ISAAC MONNETT Page 906
After spending many years in the honorable vocation of a farmer, this gentleman abandoned an active life and is enjoying the fruits of his former labors, surrounding himself with every comfort and participating in every reasonable recreation to which his tastes lead. His comfortable and attractive home is in Farmer City, DeWitt County, of which he has been a resident for some time, and his wealth is mostly in cash, he being a stock-holder of the John Weedman National Bank, although he owns eight improved lots in Farmer City.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were Abraham and Elsy Anna (Hillery) Monnett, natives of Maryland, who took up their residence in Ross County, Ohio, before the State was admitted to the Union. They both died at an advanced age, Grandmother Monnett being more than four-score and ten. In their family was a son, Jeremiah, who was born in Maryland but reared in Ohio, and when quite a young man began to labor as a local minister in the Methodist church. He continued to preach as long as his life was spared, but in connection with his ministerial work carried on farming. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. In politics he was a Whig. Late in life he became a resident of Crawford County, Ohio, where he died when seventy-nine years of age.
The wife of the Rev. Jeremiah Monnett was Elsie Ann Slagle who was born in Pennsylvania, and was of German lineage. Their marriage was solemnized in Virginia. Mrs. Monnett survived her husband four years, dying in the same county as he and being eighty years old when she breathed her last. She also was a devout Methodist. The family of the worthy couple included seven sons and seven daughters, all of whom married but two, and three of whom are yet living. The subject of this biographical sketch is the second in order of birth, his natal day having been November 16, 1807, and his birthplace Pickaway County, Ohio. He was reared as a farmer and received instruction in the branches taught in the schools of the time and place in which his boyhood was passed.
In Ross County, Ohio, Isaac Monnett and Ruth Wiggins were joined in holy wedlock. The bride was born in Kentucky and was seven years old when her parents removed to the county in which she grew to womanhood and was married. The young couple soon after their marriage came to this State and worked together to build up a home. The years that have passed since 1853 have been spent in Champaign and DeWitt Counties in nearly equal proportions. Mr. Monnett has traded to some extent and handled considerable land, proving successful in his transactions in real estate, as well as in the prosecution of the calling to which he principally devoted himself--that of a tiller of the soil.
The great grief of Mr. Monnett's life was occasioned by the loss of his cherished companion, who died at her home in Farmer City, January 9, 1887, after a wedded life which lacked but a few days of sixty years. She was nearly eighty years old, her natal day having been May 16, 1808. No old lady who had died in this place during the last decade has been more sincerely mourned than she, her friends being numbered by the score. She united with the Methodist Episcopal Church when thirteen years old and her long life was spent in an earnest endeavor to act as became her profession and do good in her day and generation. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Monnett consisted of four children, but one of whom survives. This is Ellie, the wife of George Farmer, who lives with her father. Eliza became the wife of Joseph Warner and died at the birth of her first child; Caroline, formerly the wife of Samuel McDonald, died childless; Hannah, wife of Hamilton Slick, left two children.
Mr. Monnett has held various local offices, among them that of Township Supervisor, in which he served two years. He is fully convinced of the justice of the Republican doctrines and never fails to support them by his vote. Although his early advantages were not equal to those furnished to youth of this day and age, he is a man of intelligence, having read and thought to a good purpose. He is held in good repute as one who is honorable in his relations in life and is deserving of commendation for the enterprise which he has displayed in his business affairs.
CHARLES E. MOODY Page 352
Charles E. Moody, one of the enterprising farmers of DeWitt County, is pleasantly located on section 18, Creek Township. Beginning with a small amount of land he has, by a steady and honorable course in life, become the possessor of a valuable estate comprising two hundred and twenty-seven and one-half acres. The situation and soil are not the only reasons for the value of this tract, but the manner in which it has been improved and the use to which it is put add greatly to its worth. Mr. Moody gives his attention to general farming, but uses all the grain he raises, feeding stock in considerable numbers.
The eyes of Mr. Moody opened to the light April 5, 1843, in Mahoning County, Ohio, near Youngstown. His grandfather, James Moody, was a native of Maryland, and in that State John A. Moody, father of our subject, was probably born. The latter early became a resident of Ohio, where he married Martha Haun. They established their home on a farm and continued their connection with the agricultural class as long as they lived. They removed to DeWitt county, Ill., in an early day, locating in Wilson Township where they built and otherwise improved a farm. In 1862 they changed their residence to section 30, Creek Township, where both subsequently died. Their family includes the following sons and daughters: Harriet, Fanny, Martha, Comfort, Bruce, Charles E., James and Newton.
The gentleman of whom we write was reared to the age of fourteen years at his birthplace, then came to Illinois with his parents and from that time has been a resident of DeWitt County. His first schooling was obtained in his home in Ohio, at the Walter Schoolhouse in Wilson Township and to the instruction there received he has added a fund of information acquired by reading and contact with mankind. He remained with his parents until he was of age, then worked by the month a year, after which he began farming for himself. He operated the Henry Bennett Farm as a renter until he was able to purchase eighty acres of his present estate. Upon this he built a two-story frame house and as fast as possible made other needed improvements bringing it to an excellent condition. He increased his acres as prosperity attended him, while supplying his family with the comforts of life and gaining his children good advantages.
The lady who presides with ability over the home of our subject became his wife in 1866, prior to which time she was known as Miss Charlotte Cross. She was born and reared in DeWitt County and has shown her devotion to the interests of her husband and family, as well as her kindly feeling toward her neighbors. The union has been blest by the birth of eight children and the parents mourn the loss of John S., Frank K. and Shnota. The living are Henry, Ida L., Everett, Charles and Nora. Henry married Emma Tucker and Ida became the wife of Frank Bowman, both families residing in Creek Township. The other children still brighten the parental home with their presence.
In political preferences Mr. Moody is a Democrat. He has served in the capacity of School Director and Road Commissioner, and as a private soldier in the late war, and in each position has shown an intelligent conception of the duties devolving upon him and the needs of the people. He and his wife are members in good standing of the United Brethren Church.
CLIFTON H. MOORE Page 191
For nearly half a century the name of Mr. Moore has been inseparably linked with the history of DeWitt County, whose interests have been his own and whose annals will bear testimony to his brilliancy of intellect and integrity of character. Nor is his reputation confined to the limits of this county, but as a member of the bar of Central Illinois, he is widely and favorably known. In every position and every place, his genial manners and great talents win for him hosts of friends, while the legacy which he will leave to posterity as a statesman and politician, although an enviable one, will be exceeded in value by the priceless heritage of an incorruptible honor and stainless name. As a representative of the progress of this county, we present to the reader his portrait on the opposite page, and the principal events in a career of more than ordinary importance.
A native of Kirtland, Lake county, Ohio, Mr. Moore was born October 26, 1817, the eldest son of Isaac and Philena (Blish) Moore. The father was born at the old homestead known as the Elder Peck farm, near or in Half Moon, Saratoga County, N.Y., about thirty or forty miles from Albany, January 31, 1794, being the date of his birth. He was of English descent, and the son of John Moore, a Revolutionary patriot, who fought through the entire contest waged by the American Colonists for freedom from the mother country. He was in Ft. Stanwix when it was besieged by St. Leger with his British soldiers and Indians, and also with Washington's army when Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown. Tradition says he was one of a large family of sons and daughters, who were left orphans when he was about six years old, near the line between Maryland and Delaware, and that he lived with an uncle by the name of Hyde until he was about sixteen. After that time he was engaged for ten years, either fighting Indians or the English, and when discharged he found that all his brothers had gone to Virginia and Kentucky. He was a man of fine physique and great powers of endurance; he lived to the advanced age of ninety-five years and was buried in Chester, Geauga County, Ohio.
The educational advantages received by Isaac Moore were limited, but he was endowed with a keen intellect and good business qualifications, and made a success of life in his honorable career as a farmer. He was one of the early pioneers of Kirtland, Ohio, whither he went in 1811 in company with his father, mother, three married sisters and their husbands, and one unmarried sister. His last years were passed in peace and comfort with his sons in this county, where he died October 9, 1882, when almost ninety years of age. He was married three times; by his first wife, the mother of our subject, he had eight children, of whom the three daughters are dead. The mother, who was known in maidenhood as Philena Blish, was a native of Massachusetts, and a daughter of Benjamin and Phebe (Skinner) Blish, who were of Welch descent. Abraham Blish, to whom the family in America trace their ancestry, came to the United States and settled in Duxbury, Mass., in 1637. The mother of our subject was born in 1796, and died May 14, 1832, in the prime of her life.
He of whom we write laid the foundation of his education in the district schools of his native place. Afterward he pursued an excellent course of study under the tuition of a learned Presbyterian clergy-man at Bedford, Ohio, and subsequently attended school in Trumbull County, at Painesville, and at the Western Reserve Teachers' Seminary at Kirtland, Ohio. With a mind thus well trained, he started out in life as a teacher and followed that profession in Geauga and Cuyahoga Counties, Ohio. Being an ambitious, venturesome, enterprising young man, he determined to try life in a more newly settled county, and in the spring of 1839 he made his way to this State, and on his arrival at Pekin found himself with less than $5 in his pocket. With characteristic courage and enterprise, he sought something to do whereby he could earn a living and was soon engaged in teaching school. While thus occupied he utilized his leisure time by reading law with Bailey & Wilmot, and was admitted to the bar in July 1841. He came to Clinton in August of that year, and has ever since resided here.
Besides his law practice Mr. Moore has been extensively engaged in dealing in real estate, and for many years was associated with the Hon. David Davis, of Bloomington in that business, forming a partnership with the Judge in 1852, which did not cease until the death of the latter, June 26, 1886. Since that time Mr. Moore has carried on his extensive law practice in connection with his son-in-law, and still supervises his business interests. He has met with more than ordinary success and has placed himself at the head of the wealthy men of DeWitt County. He is now in his seventy-third year, yet is as active and vigorous in step and motion as many a younger man, and is as bright in his business transactions as ever. He had built up in Clinton a beautiful home, his residence being the finest in the city. It is surrounded by very extensive grounds, carefully laid out with walks and drives and adorned with trees of various kinds. The most attractive feature of his house, which is handsomely furnished and conveniently arranged is his well-appointed library which occupies a room especially fitted up for the reception of his d books, and is one of the finest private libraries in the State, containing a large collection of valuable books among which are many rare and costly volumes. Here our subject spends much of his leisure time, as in addition to his legal erudition he is well versed in classical and general literature and likes to keep abreast of the times.
Mr. Moore has been twice married. His marriage with his first wife, Miss Elizabeth Richmond took place August 14, 1845. Mrs. Moore was a native of Canandaigua, N.Y., and a daughter of Horace Richmond of Tremont, Tazewll County, Ill. Four children were born to our subject of that marriage, but only two are now living; Arthur, who is extensively engaged in farming, and Winifred, the wife of Maj. V. Warner, a prominent attorney of Clinton, and Mr. Moore's law partner. Mrs. Moore died May 30, 1872, leaving behind her the memory of a true and good woman. The marriage of our subject to his present estimable wife, formerly Rose Onstine, was solemnized July 26, 1874. Mrs. Moore is a native of North Amherst, Loraine County, Ohio, and is a daughter of George Onstine, who was of German descent. Mr. Moore has won distinction in the legal profession, his accurate knowledge of the principles of law and equity securing for him the respect of the bar and the bench, while his unswerving rectitude and devotion to the cause of his clients has gained him the full confidence of his fellow-citizens. His record as a business man in all his vast dealings is without blemish, and whether in public or in private life his character is unassailable. Those who have been brought into personal relations with him have always found him the same high minded, genial, companionable man, generous and considerate toward all about him. He is of a sympathetic and charitable nature and his benefactions toward all objects of charity, public or private have been many.In politics or subject has always affiliated with the Republican party. He has enjoyed a close personal and political friendship with many of the most illustrious citizens of Illinois, among whom we may mention Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Moore is well known in social circles as a member of the DeWitt Lodge No. 84, A.F. & A.M.
WILLIAM T. MOORE Page 896
The highest point of land between Springfield and Chicago is in DeWitt County and is crowned by a fine farm house that is the home of the subject of this sketch. The natural drainage and good soil make of the surrounding acres a valuable piece of property, whose worth has been added to by improvement so that the northwest quarter of section 24, Rutledge Township, is a farm worthy of notice by the passing stranger.
Mr. Moore is a son of William Moore and a grandson of John and Phebe (Scott) Moore, the grandparents being numbered among the first settlers of Menard County, this State. In the wilds they secured a tract of Government land whereon they built up a home, living there until they were quite old, especially Grandmother Moore. William Moore grew to manhood there and followed in his father's footsteps as an agriculturist. His efforts at tilling the soil were crowned with success, while his citizenship was such as to give him good repute among the people. He died when in the prime of life, leaving a widow and one child, our subject, to mourn his loss. A daughter, Emma, had died young. William Moore was a member of the Presbyterian Church and gave his political allegiance to the Republican party.
The mother of our subject was born and reared in Menard County and was known in her maidenhood as Miss Emily Kincaid, who had removed from Kentucky when that part of the Prairie State to which they came was in a very wild condition. They bought a piece of Government land, and among Indians and wild animals entered upon the pioneer work which resulted in securing to them a good home. Mr. Kincaid served as a private throughout the Black Hawk War. He and his wife died when full of years, secure in the faith of the Presbyterian Church. Their daughter Emily, after the death of her first husband, William Moore, became the wife of Henry Gaines, who was born and reared in Kentucky. The highly respected couple are still living, their home being a farm in Logan County and their respective ages about three-score. Mr. Gaines is a successful farmer. He is a Republican in politics, and he and his wife are identified with the Presbyterian Church.
The subject of this notice was born March 18, 1852, in Menard County, this State, and after the death of his father was for some years partially under the care of his grandfather and an uncle. He received a good education in the common schools of his native county and in Sterling, and has excellent use of the knowledge he obtained by carrying on his business affairs in an accurate and intelligent way. The occupation, amid whose surroundings his early life was passed, was congenial to his tastes and seemed a wise field in which to exercise his powers of mind and body. He therefore gave his attention from early years to farming and stock-raising, in which he has proved successful, being in 1875 able to purchase his present fine estate and continue the improvements upon it.
The home of Mr. Moore is presided over by a lady of fine character, energetic nature and intelligence, who was known in her maidenhood as Miss Essie White. She was born in Menard County, grew to maturity there, and received her education in the common schools of the rural districts and the town of Lincoln. In that place her marriage to our subject was solemnized January 26, 1876. She is a daughter of Frank and Rachel (Roach) White, whose lives have been spent in this State and who are now living on a good farm near Athens. Their respective progenitors were early settlers in Menard County and both the Roach and White families are classed among the respectable members of society. Mr. and Mrs. White belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and are quite prominent in religious work, even at the age of three-score and ten years.
Mr. Moore is in no sense an office-seeker, but is ever ready to advance the interest of the Republican party by his ballot and his personal influence and argument. He is identified with the Presbyterian and his wife with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Their happy union has been blest by the birth of three children: Grace, Neva W. and Ethel F. Grace has preceded her parents to the silent land, but they confidently expect to meet her in a better and brighter home when they too shall have been called home. Like their respective parents, Mr. and Mrs. Moore have many friends and enjoy the respect of all to whom they are known.
HENRY H. MORRIS Page 708
Henry H. Morris is intelligent, progressive and prosperous in the prosecution of his calling as farmer and stockman, and is numbered among the leading members of his class in DeWitt County. His home is one of the most comfortable and attractive in Clintonia Township, where he is extensively engaged at his business. He was born in Clarke County, Ohio, on the 28th of January 1827. James Morris, his father, was a native of Kentucky, born in April, 1804. Joseph Morris, the grandfather of our subject was born in Maryland and when a boy went from his native State to Virginia. He did not remain there long, however, but settled in Kentucky, locating near the center of that State. He gave his attention to farming and also to preaching the Gospel, being ordained at twenty years of age as a minister in the regular Baptist Church. He engaged in farming and teaching during the remainder of his life and did much pioneer labor in both directions, helping to develop a wild, sparsely settled country and working earnestly to promote the cause of religion wherever he lived. In 1810 he settled in Clark County, Ohio, being among the first to go to that part of the State. He took up one hundred and sixty acres of land in the wilderness, on which he erected a log cabin to shelter his family and then entered upon the hard task of reclaiming a farm from the primeval forests.
The Rev. Mr. Morris was prominently identified with the early establishment of the old regular Baptist Church in that section of Ohio. He was self-educated and used to spend his nights reading by the light of a hickory bark fire. He was one of the pioneer teachers of Ohio and Kentucky and taught in the primitive log schoolhouses of that time. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and was quite gifted in argument on scriptural and political questions. He wa a Democrat until the organization of the Republican party when he became one of its ardent supporters, as he was in full sympathy with the stand that it took on the slavery question. He died at the ripe old age of ninety-three years.
The maiden name of the paternal grandmother of our subject was Lavina Drake and she was a native of New Jersey. She accompanied her parents to Kentucky in the early days of its settlement and was there married. Her death occurred at the venerable age of seventy-five years. She was the mother of fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters, all of whom grew to maturity and twelve of them were married.
The father of our subject was six years old when his parents took him from his Kentucky birthplace to Clarke County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood on a farm. He chose farming for his occupation when he started out in life on his own account and owned one hundred and seventy acres of land which was under a good state of cultivation. He was a steady, hard-working man, of much intelligence and of a religious turn of mind. He was quite radical in his political views, being an old-line Whig, and was a great reader and kept well posted. In his religious views he was a Baptist and a member of the regular Baptist Church. His life was cut short in its prime by his untimely death in 1846. In early manhood he married Martha Henry who was born in Kentucky in 1804. She lived to be eighty-six years old. Of her eleven children all grew to maturity, namely: Johnson, Henry H., Richard, William, Eveline (Mrs. McCormick), Joseph, Washington, John, George, Hamilton and Benjamin. The mother was a member of the regular Baptist Church. Her father, William Henry, was a Virginian by birth and a farmer by occupation. He owned one hundred and sixty acres of land and kept it in good cultivation, superintending its improvement until his death at the age of seventy-five years. Religiously he was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church, and politically was an old-line Whig and an extreme Abolitionist.
The subject of this review passed his early life in his native county and was educated in the district schools. At the age of twenty-one he started out in life for himself and farmed as a renter and subsequently on shares for three years. After that he operated his father's old homestead farm for the same length of time. In 1851 he took up his residence in DeWitt County, making the journey hither by wagon. He took up his abode on rented land in Tunbridge Township and a year later purchased one hundred and ten acres of land in Barnett Township where he was actively engaged in farming the ensuing ten years. At the expiration of that time he came to Clintonia Township and rented his present farm for ten years. After that he bought it and now has three hundred and eighty acres of land all in a body and all under a fine state of cultivation. He has raised some stock and makes a specialty of cattle and hogs which he buys and feeds. He is still farming quite extensively and he is constantly improving his reality. He built his present handsome frame house in 1880 at a cost of $2,700 and has placed other substantial buildings on his farm.
March 31, 1852, is the date of the marriage of our subject to Catherine Weldon. Mrs. Morris is a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, where she was born November 10, 1831. Her pleasant wedded life with our subject has been greatly blessed in the birth of five children, all of whom are still living, and these are their names--Martha E., Austin P., William, Christopher and Lawrence L. Mr. Morris is a man of great decision and firmness of character, supplemented by correct judgment, forethought and sound common sense, which traits have placed him in the front rank of the farmers of this section and make him a man of weight and influence in the community. He has not only helped to advance the material prosperity of the county but has been an aid in elevating its moral status, as he is a true Christian gentleman and he and his wife are invaluable members of the Christian Church at Clinton. Politically, he is a Republican in every sense of the word and stands staunchly by his party.
NICHOLAS MUNSCH Page 772
Among the farmers of DeWitt County few have shown greater enterprise than Nicholas Munsch, who is pleasantly located on section 36, Creek Township. He has here two hundred and forty acres of land all under cultivation by his own efforts, as he has not only made the more noticeable improvements, but did the clearing and fencing. He has a well-built two-story frame house, a good windmill, substantial barns and every necessary arrangement for carrying on his work in a first-class manner. The acquisition of this fine property is a standing monument to the industry and good judgment of a man who began his work in the world without means, but who now stands upon a sound financial basis.
Mr. Munsch is a native of France, in which country his parents were born and died. His natal day was August 22, 1823, and the years until he had passed his majority by several milestones were spent in his own land. In 1854 he crossed the Atlantic, having been led to believe that in the United States he would have a better opportunity to advance his fortune and improve his condition in life. After landing in New Orleans he came directly to this State and as soon as possible had established himself on rented land in Menard County. In 1864 he removed to his present home, where there was a little old shanty but no other evidence of improvement. The products of his fertile fields are cultivated and garnered by the use of modern machinery, and over his broad pastures forty-five head of cattle, fourteen of horses and a drove of fifty hogs disperse themselves.
Mr. Munsch was accompanied to this country by a wife who had borne the maiden name of Catherine Greenald, and who, like himself, was a native of France. Her parents spent their entire lives in that country. This estimable woman when called from time to eternity left seven children--Joseph, Nancy, William, Emma, Sarah, Frank and Mattie, some of whom are now settled in homes of their own. Mr. Munsch was married a second time, December 24, 1888, his bride on this occasion being Mrs. Mary (Bate) Swan, widow of John Swan. She was born in Liverpool, England, June 26, 1846, and was married to her first husband in the land of her birth. She has six children by her former marriage, named respectively, Emma, James, Anna, Mary, Alexander and Sarah.
The principles laid down in the platform of the Democratic party find an earnest supporter in Mr. Munsch. His sturdy character and business qualifications have been recognized by his fellow-citizens, who have on several occasions called upon him to serve as Road Commissioner. He and his wife have good standing among the members of the United Brethren Church. Mathias Munsch, living in single blessedness in Macon County, is the only brother of our subject, and his sole relative in this country.
LEVI R. MURPHY Page 917
Levi R. Murphey, Sheriff of DeWitt County, now residing at Clinton, is a prominent figure in political circles in this section of the State and is also well known as one of its progressive and enlightened farmers. He was born in Frederick County, Va., December 28, 1847. His father, Hiram Murphey, was also a Virginian by birth. He learned the trade of a harness maker in his youth, and after attaining manhood was married in his native county to Miss Grace F. Mitchell, a Virginia lady. After the birth of all their children they came to Illinois in 1853 and cast in their lot with the pioneers of Santa Anna Township. Here they rounded out long and useful lives, the father dying at the age of eighty-four years, and the mother at the age of seventy-seven years. They were both members in high standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church and were regarded with feelings of great respect and esteem by all about them. The father was a true Democrat in his political belief.
Our subject was the youngest but one of a family of six sons and three daughters, of whom two of the former and all of the latter are still living. All are married and reside in DeWitt County except one who lives in McLean County. Levi Murphey grew to man's estate in this township and in due season married and established a home of his own, taking as his wife Miss Mary M. Bracken. She is a woman of fine character and good disposition whose personal qualities endear her to many friends. She was born in Menard County, this State, November 10, 1853. For the history of her parents see the biography of James H. Bracken on another page in this book. Mrs. Murphey was sixteen years old when her parents came to DeWitt County, and remained an inmate of their home until her marriage. She is the mother of two children--Albert F. and Earl C., both of whom are at home.
Mr. Murphey has been a resident of this county since he was six years of age and in him its citizenship has a fine representative; as since he attained manhood he has been identified not only with its material interests as a skillful farmer; with its politics as a politician, who is actuated by true public spirit and a desire to advance the community; but he has also been connected with its educational matters as a bright and intelligent teacher, in which capacity he was engaged for several terms. He is the proprietor of a fine farm on section 16, Santa Anna Township. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres of fertile, well tilled soil and is amply supplied with neat and substantial buildings, everything about the place giving evidence of wise and careful management.
Our subject is a man of even temper, sturdy common sense, rare judgment and discretion, and is in every particular well qualified for the responsible position to which he has been called by the suffrage of his fellow-citizens. He is a sound Democrat and has the courage of his convictions. He has served the people of Santa Anna Township as Treasurer for several years and has been a member of the local board of Highway Commissioners. He is Treasurer of the Farmer City Fair Association, of which he was one of the organizers and has been influential in making the objects of the association a success. He is a member of Blue Lodge, No. 710, A. F. & M., of Farmer City; also belongs to Lodge No. 60, K. of P. of the same place. He and his wife are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Murphey is a member, and are liberal in their contribution towards its support and every good work in which it is engaged.
WILLIAM W. MURPHY Page 628
William W. Murphey is a good type of the brave, self-sacrificing volunteers of the late Civil War. He has passed the greater part of his life in DeWitt County and for many years has been a member of its farming community. He is one of the principle farmers and stockmen of Santa Anna Township, where he has a farm that is complete in its appointments and under excellent cultivation.
The birthplace of our subject was in Frederick County, Va., and October 15, 1838, the date of his birth. He is a son of Hiram and Grace F. (Mitchell) Murphy, who were natives of the Old Dominion and were there reared and married. His mother was a daughter of one of the F.F.V's, and her father was a wealthy planter in that State, owning many slaves. When he died full of years he freed all these slaves but one and enjoined upon his children to care for her. Hiram Murphey and wife began their wedded life near Winchester, Va., where he carried on his trade as a saddler for some years. In 1844 he moved with his family to another part of the State known as Sheets' Mills, and in 1852 came with his wife and children to DeWitt County. He settled on a farm in Santa Anna Township, and there he lived greatly respected by all who knew him until death called him hence at the age of eighty-four years. His wife had died some years before at the age of seventy-four years. They were both faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a strong Democrat in politics, but was loyal to the Union and voted for Abraham Lincoln.
Our subject was the first of his family to come to this county, as he was brought hither when he was only five years old by his uncle John Smith, who located in what was then called Mt. Pleasant, but is now known as Farmer City. Mr. Smith opened one of the first hotels established there, the place being but a small hamlet when he first took up his residence there. He was the first Postmaster of the city and held that office for some years. He was esteemed as a valuable citizen and his death at the age of seventy-three years was a loss to the community. In early years he was a Whig and later in life became a stanch Republican.
Our subject was given exceptional advantages for a good education, of which he laid the foundation in the public schools of Farmer City, and he also pursued a fine course of study at Normal, Ill. He attained his majority in the opening year of the war and just after he became of age enlisted in July, 1861, to help fight his country's battles. He became a member of the Forty-first Illinois Infantry, Company F, commanded by Capt. Brown and Col. Isaac C. Pugh, the former now a resident of Chicago and the latter deceased.
After the organization of the regiment our subject accompanied it to St. Louis, whence it was sent ot Bird's Point, Mo., from there to Paducah, Ky., and after that bore a gallant part in the engagement at Ft. Donelson, and among the brave men who fell was a brother of our subject. Following the victory at the latter place our subject and his gallant comrades moved on to help in the battle of Shiloh and went from there to take part in the siege of Corinth. As soon after that as the regiment, which had been badly demoralized, could be got into marching order, it was dispatched to Vicksburg, and did good service in the siege of that city. After their retreat from Oxford, Miss., and after the capture of Vicksburg, the Forty-first went to the siege of Jackson, Miss., and in that engagement our subject was severely wounded through the right hip by a bullet from an enemy's rifle. After lying in the hospital for a time, as soon as he was able, he joined his regiment and marched with it to Atlanta, Ga., expecting while there to go with Sherman to the sea, but the term of service for which the regiment had enlisted expired and it was ordered to be discharged in August, 1864. Our subject had displayed fine soldierly qualities and for his bravery and daring conduct in the face of the enemy, after the battle of Shiloh he had been made Sergeant of the company. He was never captured by the rebels but had many narrow escapes and death was often near him on the battle field.
Since the war Mr. Murphey has lived on a farm in this county, and has been actively engaged in raising stock and in cultivating the soil. He first purchased land in Santa Anna Township, in another part from where he now lives, and with the exception of a few winters as a teacher, has devoted himself to agriculture. He bought his present farm in 1875 and has placed upon it many substantial improvements in the shape of good buildings, fences, etc., and has its one hundred and fifty-nine acres under admirable tillage. A view of this fine farm will be noticed on another page of this volume. It is finely located on section 15, is well watered and well adapted both to raising grain and for stock-raising purposes. By thrift and prudence in the management of his affairs, by skill and strict attention to his calling, our subject has placed himself in comfortable circumstances and is considered one of the solid men of his adopted township. Here he is held in high estimation as a loyal citizen, as a progressive public-spirited man, and as one who is true to others in all the relations that he sustains toward them. He and his wife are people of social prominence in their community and are among the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a Trustee. In politics he is a stalwart Republican.
Mr. Murphey was married in McLean County, Ill., October 5, 1865, to Miss Nancy H. Burford, who is a bright, well-educated and intelligent woman, and has made our subject a devoted wife, and is to her children a wise and loving mother. Mrs. Murphey was born in Harrison County, Ind., October 17, 1842, and is a daughter of Cary and Anna (Shields) Burford. Her father, who was born in 1806, was a prominent farmer and business man in McLean County, and later in Farmer City. He was one of the wealthy men of this part of the State and one of the founders of the First National Bank in the city mentioned. His death there August 23, 1879, closed a long and honorable life that had been useful to his community. He first came to Illinois when his daughter, Mrs. Murphey, was quite young and first settled in Marion County. His widow is living at a venerable age, and makes her home with her son William, in Farmer City. Mrs. Murphey was well and carefully reared in this State by her parents and was successfully engaged in the profession of a teacher before her marriage.
Five children are living of those that have been born to our subject and his estimable wife, one child dying in infancy. These are the names of the others: Edwin C., a graduate of the Farmer City High School; Grace A., Mary V., Blanche E., and Wayne W., all of whom are living at home with their parents.
HON. JOSEPH C. MYERS, M.D. Page 478
This name will not only be recognized by our readers who live in DeWitt County, but by citizens in various parts of the State to whom it became familiar through his legislative work on educational matters. To the citizens of Clinton and vicinity it stands for a man of skill, both mental and practical, in physics and surgery, who, during a residence of more than a decade, has had abundant opportunities to prove his worth as a professional man and a private citizen.
Dr. Myers is a Kentuckian, Born in Garrard County, August 8, 1858. His parents, Jordan and N. Amelia (Banton) Myers, are also natives of the Blue Grass State, and are now living in Garrard County. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Joseph Myers, a native of Virginia, and the remoter ancestry was German, while the Bantons are of French extraction. Our subject, who is the eldest of seven children, was reared as a farm lad until he was seventeen years old. In the meantime he had attended the subscription schools and had acquired a fair amount of knowledge on various subjects. At the age mentioned he came to Shelby County, Ill., making his home with his uncle, Samuel Myers, and attended school at Moweaqua. After pursuing his studies there about eighteen months he entered the Decatur High School.
We next find the young man studying medicine in the office of Dr. W. H. Sparling, at Moweaqua, and on completing his reading, entering the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio. He was graduated in the class of 1880, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and returning to Moweaqua practiced there for a short time. In 1881 he came to Clinton, where he soon built up an honorable reputation and secured a good practice. He continues the habit of reading and study, believing it the duty of every professional man to keep thoroughly abreast of the times and be well informed regarding the scientific discoveries which have a bearing upon his own line of work. He is careful and judicious in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and has made his knowledge very useful in alleviating distress and prolonging life.
In the fall of 1888 Dr. Myers was nominated on the Democratic ticket and elected to the thirty-sixth General Assembly. While a member of that body he took an active part in the work necessary to secure the passage of what was called the Myers School Book Bill, which is very generally recognized throughout the State as a valuable measure. He was also appointed on committees whose work was important and which included matters pertaining to the present management and future efficiency of State and Charitable Institutions. Dr. Myers was the choice of his county for Congress and received the second vote in the entire Fourteenth District. He is now Chairman of the DeWitt County Democratic Central Committee.
In the winter of 1886 Dr. Myers was married to Miss Ada C. Thorpe, daughter of Servetus Thorp, of Wapella, Ill. Mrs. Myers is an intelligent and refined lady, who understands the art of making the home attractive and is capable of sustaining her position in society. Dr. Myers is President of the DeWitt County Medical Society and belongs to the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He was made a member of the Tenth Inter-National Medical Congress, which met at Betlin, Germany, in 1890. Of the social orders he holds membership in Lodge No. 25, K. of P., and Olive Branch Lodge, No. 98, I.O.O.F.
SAMUEL MYERS Page 685
Throughout the broad expanse of the Prairie State many examples may be found of the steady industry, wise management and just dealing which have secured to their possessors an honorable reputation as well as a fair share of worldly goods. In DeWitt County this class is well represented by Samuel Myers, a farmer living on section 20, Creek Township. When he began the battle of life as an agriculturist he had not a dollar; he now owns two hundred and sixty acres of well-improved land, together with a large number of domestic animals, and the farming and household conveniences which properly accompany a large tract of real estate.
Mr. Myers is a native of Adams County, Pa., born near East Berlin, November 9, 1831. His parents, Andrew and Elizabeth (Zigler) Myers, were natives of the same section as himself, had grown to maturity in that neighborhood and were married in East Berlin. The father was engaged in the hatter's business there for some years, then removed to Richland County, Ohio, where he carried on the same occupation. In 1866 he came to DeWitt County and here spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1868. The widowed mother survived him twenty years. Their family consisted of seven sons and four daughters, of whom our subject is the second in order of birth and the oldest now living. Besides himself the surviving members of the family are: Mary, whose home is in California; Henry, a resident of Lincoln, Neb.; William, living in Nebraska; and Rebecca, whose home in in DeWitt County.
Mr. Myers was but a child when his parents removed to Ohio and there he grew to manhood. He attended a subscription school where $3 was paid for three months tuition, and after leaving the schoolroom learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked several years. In 1855 he was led to DeWitt County, where he herded cattle one summer, having brought the animals from Ohio. He retuned to the Buckeye State when the season was over, but in 1857 came again to DeWitt County and began to work at his trade in the town of DeWitt. He employed about four men in the business, which he carried on until 1863, when he sold out and bought a farm. There was a small house, 14x18 feet, on the land purchased by Mr. Myers, and into this he moved. It was not long ere a two-story frame house and a good barn had been built, the lands enclosed and subdivided by substantial fences, and other indications given that the owner was determined to make his home pleasant as well as remunerative. The home farm on section 20, consists of one hundred and twenty acres, and Mr. Myers also owns sixty acres on section 8, and eighty acres on section 35. During the past winter he fed cattle quite extensively and now had a drove of one hundred and eighty hogs.
The lady whose estimable character and useful knowledge attracted Mr. Myers and led him to woo her for his wife was Elizabeth P. Torbert, to whom he was married June 9, 1861. She was born and reared in Madison County, Ohio, and is the youngest of seven children comprising the family of Peter and Elizabeth Torbert. Her parents were natives of Delaware and in that State lived until after the birth of six of their children. To Mr. and Mrs. Myers eleven children have been born and two have been removed from them by death. Mary passed away June 9, 1876, and Lewis, August 27, 1879. The oldest living daughter, Jane, married John Ferrel and lives on a farm in Macon County; Lucy is a dressmaker in Clinton; Sherman A. is in Lincoln, Neb., working at the carpenter's trade in summer and attending school in winter; Ida is with her parents; Joseph Grant is now in school at Westfield; Emma, William, Charles and Myrtle are still pursuing their studies in the district school. The last two named are twins.
Mr. Myers gives his political allegiance to the Republican party. He has been School Director and in DeWitt Township was Assessor. He is one of the Trustees in the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. Mrs. Myers belongs to the United Brethren Church.
GEORGE W. NEAL Page 344
George W. Neal is one of the pioneers of Illinois and for many years has been closely connected with the farming interests of Tunbridge Township, DeWitt County, of which he is one of the oldest settlers now living within its borders. He was born in Bourbon County, Ky., January 28, 1812. His father, Tavener Neal, was a native of Virginia and was reared in the place of his birth to the life of a farmer. He married Nancy Rain, who was a native of Bourbon County, Ky., where they were wedded. They took up their residence on a farm nine miles east of Paris and there spent their remaining days in contentment and comfort until death called them hence. These worthy people were the parents of five sons and six daughters, whom they named William, Charles, John B., Nathaniel, Susan, Sarah, George W., Julia, Tavener, Nancy and Elizabeth. Of this family our subject, who is the fourth son, and seventh child, and his brother Tavener are the only survivors.
The gentleman of whom this sketch is written received his education in the subscription schools of his native place and at seventeen years of age left the parental home to go out into the world to lay the foundation of his present prosperity. He first went to Paris, Ky., and there learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed as a journeyman until he established himself in that calling in Washington, Mason County, Ky. Wishing for a more stirring life, in 1838 our subject sought the wilds of Illinois, having decided to give his attention to farming on the rich virgin soil of the Prairie State. He and his brother bought a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Logan County, on which there was a small house, and they actively entered upon the pioneer work that lay before them of clearing and improving the land.
During his residence there our subject met and was married to Miss Mahal Ross in 1842, and in her he found a wife who is eminently qualified to manage her household affairs to a good advantage and understands well the art of making home comfortable and pleasant for its inmates. Mrs. Neal was born in Ohio and came with her parents to Illinois in an early day of its settlement. She and our subject are the parents of seven children, two daughters and five sons of whom four are living; Tavener, who is married and resides at Omaha; John H., who is married and lives at Decatur; Charles, who is married and is a resident of Kansas; and George who is married and resides at Kenny.
Mr. Neal after marriage removed from the farm that he owned with his brother in Logan County to one that he bought of Mr. Fruit in DeWitt County. Three years later he left that place and took up his residence in Clinton, where he was actively engaged in the grocery and hardware business the ensuing nine years. At the expiration of that time he disposed of his business in that city and came to his present place of residence. His farm here was then but a little improved, and it has been the pioneer's task to develop it into its present fine condition. Its one hundred and twenty acres of fertile soil are all under good tillage except five acres of timber. Mr. Neal is carrying on good business as a general farmer, and has his farm well stocked.
This brief record of the life of our subject shows him to be a hard-working, capable man, whose career in life has been honorable alike to himself and to the township where he has made his home for so many years. He bears a good reputation among his neighbors and is well regarded by the entire community. As a good citizen should, he interests himself in politics and gives his support to the Democratic party.
JOHN NEARING Page 572
John Nearing, who is prosperously engaged in the hardware business and in the sale of agricultural implements at Kenney, is a prominent and well-known figure in the public and social life of this part of DeWitt County. He was born in Onondaga County, N.Y., November 22, 1823. His father was Mars Nearing, and was a native of Vermont, where he was born and reared to the life of a farmer. He was married to Electa Pinney, a native of Massachusetts, who was there born and grew to maturity. They were married, however, in Onondaga County, N.Y., and there spent their remaining days. They are now sleeping the sleep that knows no waking in the cemetery at Liverpool, N.Y. They were the parents of five daughters and three sons; Caroline, John, Andrew Jackson, Eunice (deceased), Winfield Scott, Amanda (deceased), Maria L. and Nancy.
Our subject, the eldest son and second child of his parents, grew to man's estate in the place of his birth and received his first schooling at Liverpool, N.Y. He was bred to the life of a farmer, and when at the age of twenty-three years he started out in life on his own account, he adopted that calling as his own. In order to make life a success he needed a wife who would be a true helpmate and companion, and he found her in the person of Miss Helena Relyea, to whom he was married in 1850. Mrs. Nearing is a daughter of David and Helena Relyea, and was born in New York in 1832. Her marriage with our subject has been fruitful of five children, of whom the following is recorded: Mars R. married Laura McMurray, and lives in Lamar, Mo.; Venus A. married Ossee Emmons, a carpenter in the State of New York; Winfield S. married May Turner and lives in Kenney; Elizabeth married LeRoy James, and lives in Texas Township; Elva A. married S.R. Montgomery and lives in Macon County.
After his marriage Mr. Nearing first settled on a farm near Liverpool, N.Y., and from there removed to Brewerton, where he gave his attention to agricultural pursuits until the year 1866. He then carried on the same calling in Cayuga County. He came from there to DeWitt County, Ill., in 1872. He operated a farm on section 24, Tunbridge Township, and was busily engaged in its cultivation the ensuing thirteen years. In 1885 he abandoned farming, and coming to Kenney established himself in his present business. He has a well-appointed store that is stocked with everything usually found in the hardware line, and he also carries a full supply of agricultural implements of the best manufacture, and has a large trade here and in the surrounding country.
Mr. Nearing is a substantial, enterprising man of business, and is contributing his full quota to advance the interests of Kenney and promote its growth. He has borne an honorable part in public life and has proved an invaluable civic official. He represented Tunbridge Township on the County Board of Supervisors three years, and he has been Township Trustee and Commissioner of Highways. Politically he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party. He is very prominent in social circles as a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has held some of the highest offices in the order. He has been a representative of the Grand Lodge since 1877 with the exception of one year, and went to Springfield this year (1890) in the same capacity.
WILLIAM NEWBERRY Page 318
William Newberry is one of the most successful general farmers and stock-raisers of DeWitt County. He is the proprietor of two valuable farms; one on section 12, DeWitt Township, where he makes his home, and the other on section 18, Santa Anna Township. He has been a resident of this part of the State since his boyhood in early pioneer times and is worthy of an honorable place among its old settlers.
Mr. Newberry was born near Monmouth, N.J., on the 11th of April 1824. John and Hannah (Clayton) Newberry, natives of New Jersey, coming of New England ancestry, were his parents. His father grew up on a farm and after his marriage and the birth of four children had died while yet in the prime of life. His widow was subsequently married to Timothy Hurley of New Jersey, and a few years later they came with their family to Illinois in the fall of 1835, and settled among the early pioneers of DeWitt Township. They began life here on a tract of Government land which they had procured at second hand, and here they lived for some years, thus rounding out a good and useful life. She was an active member of the Methodist Church. After the death of his wife Mr. Hurley went to Havana, in Mason County, and there he died at the venerable age of eighty-two years. He was a hard-working man and a good citizen. He was a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our subject is the youngest but one of the four children born to his father, and is the only child now living. He was three years old when his father died and he was reared by his mother and step-father. He received his education mostly in the public schools of this county. When he arrived at years of discretion he selected the calling of a farmer as the one best suited to his tastes as he has had able experience in that line in his youth. He lived in Santa Anna Township many years, and there developed one of its finest farms which comprises one hundred and sixty-seven acres of thoroughly tilled land, which is supplied with good buildings and everything needful for carrying on farming and stock-raising. His homestead in DeWitt Township embraces one hundred and fifty-five acres of arable land, which is also under good cultivation and has ample buildings for every needed purpose. He has lived on this place some thirteen years, and here he and his family have a home that is replete with every comfort.
The first marriage of our subject, which took place in DeWitt Township, was with Miss Sylvia Winslow. She was born in the State of New York and came to Illinois with her parents when she was a girl. Her father and mother, Jeremiah and Clarissa (Sawyers) Winslow, were among the early settlers and prominent citizens of DeWitt Township, where they passed their last years. Mrs. Sylvia Newberry died at her husband's home in Santa Anna Township February 7, 1875, and thus our subject was deprived of a good wife and active helpmate. She was born May 12, 1831, and was therefore scarcely past the prime of life when she died. She was a worthy Christian and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Seven children were born of their marriage, one of whom died in infancy. The others are: Alfretta, wife of James Hall, a farmer in Colfax, Neb.; Benjamin L., a farmer near Colfax, Neb., who married Catherine Hall; William W., a farmer of Santa Anna Township, who married Hattie Norton; Almeda, wife of John Beevers, a farmer in Blue Ridge Township, Piatt County; Andrew N., a farmer in DeWitt Township, who married Millie Jones; and Mary, wife of Robert Norton, a farmer in Colfax County, Neb. The second marriage of our subject, which took place in Santa Anna Township, was with Melvina Hall who is to him a devoted wife, looking carefully after the comforts of the household. She was born in Tennessee in 1854, and was less than eleven years old when she came to Illinois with her parents who now live on a farm in this township. Her pleasant wedded life with our subject has brought to them these eight children: Ettie, Jacob, Charles, Archie, Richard, Nancy, Edith and Nellie May. Mr. and Mrs. Newberry are most estimable people, whose position in this township is among its best citizens. Mr. Newberry is a man of excellent common sense, is sagacious and wide-awake in the transaction of business, and has acquired a handsome competence by his industry. He takes an intelligent view of politics and gives his support to the Democratic party.
SAMUEL E. NEWELL Page 424
Samuel E. Newell is a farmer and stock-dealer of much enterprise who has already gained an honorable position among the members of his class in DeWitt County, though he is still a comparatively young man. His farm on section 13, Clintonia Township, compares with the best in that locality as regards the cultivation of its fields and its substantial improvements. Hancock County, Ohio, is the native place of our subject and September 21, 1849, the date of his birth. He is a son of Thomas Newell, who was engaged in farming in the Buckeye State until he came to Piatt County in 1852 and cast in his lot with its pioneers, making the journey thither by teams and camping out by the way, driving is cattle before him and journeying with two wagons and a carriage. After he settled in Piatt County, he engaged in operating a combined grist and saw mill on the Sangamon River, eight miles north of Monticello. In the midst of a busy life his career was untimely brought to a close by his death in the spring of 1857. During the few years that he lived there he had won an honorable reputation among his neighbors, who found him a sincere Christian man. Religiously he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically he was a Democrat.
The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Hannah Rou, departed this life in the fall of 1855. She was a person of many good qualities and was a steadfast member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her ten children all grew to maturity. They are as follows: William, James H., Thomas J., Joseph A., John H., George A., Caroline E., (Mrs. Burget), Samuel E., Criscilda (Mrs. Grady), and Franklin P.
He of whom this biography is written was scarcely three years of age when he accompanied his parents on their journey from their old home in Ohio to their new one in Illinois, but though so young he has some faint recollections of the journey. When he was five years old he had the sad misfortune to lose a good mother, and when he was seven years old he was bereft of his father's care, and was left an orphan. He was partly reared by a brother and partly by Jacob Elzie, of Piatt County. He received a fair education in the district schools and gained a good knowledge of agriculture as his early life was passed entirely on a farm, and he was set to work when very young. At the youthful age of thirteen years he began the struggle of life on his own account. In the month of February, 1862, he came to DeWitt County, and hired out to James Morrison. He worked the first year for his board and clothes and after that continued to live with the same gentleman for sometime, and was to receive besides his board and clothing the privilege of of attending school three months each year, and at the expiration of four years was to be given a horse, bridle and saddle. At the expiration of three years Mr. Morrison broke up housekeeping on account of his wife's illness, but he gave our subject the promised horse just the same, although he had not worked out the full time, as he so faithfully performed his duties.
During the winter of 1865 Mr. Newell worked out and attended school in Piatt County. The following spring he returned to DeWitt County, and worked two months for one of his brothers. He then went to Ohio with Mr. Morrison and for three years was employed in Logan County, that State. In November, 1869, he came back to this county and worked out by the month a short time. The next season he became more independent and though still working out by the day farmed a rented place, renting the same land two years in succession. In July, 1871, he went to Indiana and worked on the Lafayette & Bloomington Railroad, doing grade work. Four and one-half months later he abandoned that employment and returned again to this part of the country. In the year 1872 he worked on the Champaign & Havana Railroad as foreman of a grade gang. He worked on the railway at Decatur for a while and then resumed farming as a renter in this place, continuing thus engaged until 1883, when he bought his present eighty acres of land on section 13. In December, 1885, he took up his residence here and has not only farmed this place but has rented other land besides. He devotes his whole energies to the task of improving his farm, and has already greatly enhanced its value by the work he has shone upon it. The commodious frame house that he built in 1885 is one of the best in the township, and cost him $1,600 in money, to say nothing of his own labor in erecting it.
It has been the good fortune of Mr. Newell to have the active co-operation of a wife who is an excellent housekeeper, and a good manager, and she has undoubtedly contributed her quota towards his success. They were married in 1873 and to them have come four children, of whom these three are living--Ira M., Alla J., and Lela. Mrs. Newell's former name was Elizina May and she was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1849. A sincere Christian, she is connected with the Protestant Methodist Church as one of its most active members.
Our subject is a fine type the of self-made men of our country. From an early age he has had to contend with the various difficulties that beset one in the accumulation of a competence, almost unaided, but he has triumphed over every obstacle by the sheer force of persistence and unremitting labor and a resolute will, and has already acquired a comfortable property. He stands well in his community as a man and a citizen. He is an intelligent member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association at Prairie Center and does what he can to promote its interests. In politics he is a stalwart Republican.
AURELIUS E. NEWMAN Page 304
A goodly share of property has been accumulated by the above-named gentleman, who ranks among the substantial landowners of DeWitt County. He has been engaged in farming for a number of years and has demonstrated the fact that industry and good management in this calling will secure to the possessor of those traits competence and even wealth. His home farm in on section 20, Texas Township, and comprises six hundred and four acres. It is furnished with the usual improvements made by one who believes in home comfort and in furthering his work by adequate storage room and good implements.
Mr. Newman is of Southern birth and parentage and is probably of remote Irish ancestry in the paternal line. His parents, Joseph and Frances (Woodard) Newman, were born, reared and married in North Carolina, and there also entered into rest. The father was a farmer and also a wagon maker, and was able to make a wagon from the rough timber, doing every part of the work necessary in changing the crude material into the perfect vehicle. The parental family included ten sons and daughters of whom our subject is the fifth in order of birth. The others are Clorinda, now a widow, living in Guilford County, N. C.; Hampton, deceased; Simpson B., a bachelor living with our subject; Parthenia, formerly the wife of C. O. Carter, who died in Guilford County, N. C.; Lydia, unmarried and living in her native State; John A., whose home is in North Carolina; Julius, who died at the age of two years; and two who died in infancy.
The birth of our subject took place in Guilford County, N. C., October 1, 1827. He was reared in his native State and obtained his first schooling in the subscription schools and from the two sources obtained such instruction as gave him practical knowledge of the important branches of study. He remained with his parents until 1847, then started out in life for himself, working by the day or month at any honest labor he could find. He came from his native State to Butler County, Ill., where his first work in this State was done for sixty-two and a half cents per day. He next found employment at potato digging at fifty cents per day, and still later husked corn, chopped cordwood and cut ice. On one occasion his finances were at so low an ebb that he had but thirty-seven and a half cents, with which he paid a girl for washing his clothes.
In 1848 young Newman went down the Mississippi River with a load of ice, reaching Baton Rouge, La., in May. He returned north to La Salle County, this state, and there he worked on a farm by the month until the spring of 1850, when he went across the plains with an ox-team. He took a route which led him north of Salt Lake and reaching the American River, staked out a location and began mining, but only remained there three days. He then went to Eldorado County, Cal., thence to Sacramento , from there to the Yuba River to a place called Downyville, where he prosecuted his search for the precious metal until 1852. In that year he returned to the States by water, crossing the Isthmus and taking passage from Graytown to New Orleans. Thence he went up the river to Cincinnati, continued his journey to Charleston, and thence took the stage to Rocky Mound, Va., crossing into North Carolina where he remained five weeks. At the expiration of that period he returned to La Salle County, Ill.
In 1853 Mr. Newman came to DeWitt County and after working by the month for about a year, bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 31, Tunbridge Township. This land he improved and still owns, it being perhaps the only tract in the country that has never changed hands since it was purchased from the Government. After his marriage he made his home on that farm and continued to reside there nine years. He then, in 1865, bought forty acres of his present home farm and removed to Texas Township where he has added to this real estate and prospered in his agricultural efforts. The first land purchased by Mr. Newman was eighty acres in La Salle County, for which he paid $1 per acre, receiving the deed the day he was twenty-one years old.
In 1856 Mr. Newman led to the hymeneal altar Miss Samantha Troxell, a native of DeWitt County, and a lady of Christian character, housewifely skill and affectionate nature. The marriage has been blest by the birth of six children, of whom Albert and Oliver are deceased. Ada married Elza Craig and lives on a farm in Texas Township; Eldridge now makes his home in California; Luann is teaching in District No. 4, Texas Township, and boarding at home; Fanny also lives at home and teaches in Tunbridge Township.
The first Presidential ballot cast by Mr. Newman was for Gen. Cass and he still belongs to the Democratic party. His intelligence and trustworthiness have been recognized by his neighbors in the bestowal upon him of offices of public responsibility. He was Township Collector one term, Supervisor for two years, and was School Director a number of years. He and his wife belong to the Christian Church, and the daughter, Luann, is Secretary of the Sunday-school connected with what is known as the Texas Church. Parents and children are regarded with respect by those among whom their lot is cast, and are proving useful in their day and generation, both in their personal work and in the influence which they exert.
The attention of the reader is directed to a view of the commodious residence, wherein Mr. Newman and his family are comfortably domiciled.
WILLIAM NIXON Page 794
William Nixon, a retired farmer and stock-raiser, began life in DeWitt County as a pioneer forty-five years ago, and in time became one of the most successful agriculturists in DeWitt Township, his prosperity keeping pace with the growth of the county. He is to-day the proprietor of one of the largest and most desirable farms in this section of the State and is in possession of a handsome income, that enables him to live in retirement from active business in his pleasant home in DeWitt.
Mr. Nixon is a native of Ross county, Ohio, where he was born amid its primitive pioneer scenes, July 21, 1820. He was there reared and educated and made his home in that section during the early years of his life. He subsequently lived in various places in Crawford, Hancock, Pickaway and Hamilton Counties. He is a son of John Nixon who was born in Virginia, and was a small child when his parents cast in their lot with the fiesty settlers of Ohio, and located amid its pioneer wilds. His father, the grandfather of our subject, died when he was young and his mother passed away not very long after, leaving him an orphan to make his own way in the world. He attained his majority in Ross County, and was there married to Leannar Southworth, a Virginian by birth, who was young when she was taken to Ohio and was reared to womanhood in Ross County.
In the year 1845 John Nixon and his wife came to Illinois and spent their first three years in Sangamon County. In 1848 they came to DeWitt Township, and here quietly passed their remaining days, both dying when about seventy years of age. They were fine people, who were justly held in affection and respect by all about them. Our subject was married in London, Ohio, to Miss Margaret Johnston. Mrs. Nixon was born in Madison County, that State, January 28, 1827. Her parents, William and Margaret (McClimans) Johnston, were natives of Pennsylvania, but were married in Ohio, where they spent their remaining years, dying in Madison County, when old people, he being eighty-four years old at the time of his death, and she past seventy-five years of age when she died. Mr. and Mrs. Nixon are the parents of eleven children, of whom these six are living and are all married and well settled in life: James H., Sarah, Lillie, Nathan A., Joseph C., and Nellie.
Mr. Nixon has lived in DeWitt Township ever since coming to the county in 1845, with the exception of three years spent in Nixon. When he entered upon his career as a farmer, he had begun as the early pioneers of the county had to begin before him, with a tract of wild land, which formed a part of the school lands. He met with more than ordinary success in carrying on his operations, and in time became the proprietor of one thousand acres of land. He has recently sold some of this, but still retains possession of eight hundred acres of valuable land the most of which is well improved and forms one of the finest farms in all DeWitt Township. In the month of September, 1888, he left his farm and retired from active business to the Village of DeWitt, where he and his family live in the enjoyment of a well-appointed, comfortable home and an ample income sufficient for all their wants. In the successful management of his interests Mr. Nixon has shown himself to be a man of uncommon sagacity, foresight and capability, and has placed himself among the moneyed men of the county. He and his wife are people of high Christian Character, and are associated with the Protestant Methodist Church. Mr. Nixon cast his first vote for President for Gen. Harrison, and since the formation of the Republican party has been one of its truest followers.
AMOS L. NORRIS, M.D. Page 389
Among the well-known residents of Farmer City, DeWitt County, Dr. Norris holds a prominent place. This is due to the professional skill and knowledge of our subject. During more than a decade Dr. Norris has been doing his utmost to alleviate suffering in and about Farmer City, and his zeal, carefulness and sympathy are truly appreciated by a large circle of patrons and friends.
A knowledge of the parental influences thrown around any man aid in understanding his character, therefore it may be well to note a few facts regarding the progenitors of Dr. Norris. His paternal grandparents were Pennsylvanians and pioneers of Ashland County, Ohio. Grandfather Norris died there when seventy years old and Grandmother Norris when about fourscore. Both belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and she was especially noted for her sincere piety. They reared several children, of whom Andrew S. Norris was one of the younger sons. His native place was in the vicinity of Range, and there he grew to manhood, studying medicine with a prominent local physician, Dr. J.P. Hall. The young man was graduated from Cleveland (Ohio) Medical College about 1843 and opened an office in Orange, where he remained until 1856, when he removed to Illinois, settling at Farmer City. He was conducting a successful practice when the breaking out of the Civil War roused him to a pitch of patriotic ardor that led him into the army. Enlisting in the One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois Infantry, Dr. Norris became First Assistant Regimental Surgeon, and going at once to the South he was present during the battle at Duke, Ky. He served from 1863 until the close of the war, enduring trials and exposure, and encountering many dangers while in the pursuance's of his duty, but shrinking from nothing when he saw a chance to aid the suffering heroes who were hazarding their all for principle's sake. He proved his valor and his skill, and won the gratitude of his patients and the commendation of the beholders.
After peace was secured Dr. Norris resumed his practice mid peaceful scenes, continuing his labors as long as his health would permit. He had contracted asthma while in the service and was troubled by it ever afterward, but his death was from paralysis, from which he was a sufferer some time before his demise. He breathed his last at the home of his son, our subject, May 12, 1889, at the age of sixty-six, having been born September 8, 1822. He was not only well versed in his profession, but was a man of broad culture and extensive information on topics of general interest. Reading was to him a great delight, and for several years prior to his decease he perused the Holy Scriptures in their entirety each year. Dr. Andrew Norris was not the only one of his father's sons who won renown. His brother Amos was a prominent attorney and served in the Legislature of Minnesota some years; a brother John, whose home is in Fostoria, Ohio, has been a member of the State Legislature for years.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary A. Weedman. She was born in February, 1820, in Perry County, Ohio, and reared there and in Ashland County, her wedding taking place in the latter. Her death occurred on the 22nd of March, 1888. She inherited a fine character from her worthy parents, her mother especially having been of noble nature and a true Christian. Her parents were Jacob and Catharine (Bishop) Weedman, natives of the Bucheye State and for many years resident in Ashland County. There Mr. Weedman died in middle life, leaving a widow and seven children. The former made her home with her daughters until her death, which occurred in DeWitt County, this State, in the early part of 1890. She came of a long-lived race and reached the age of ninety-seven years.
The natal day of the gentleman whose name introduces these paragraphs was March 1, 1847, and his birthplace Ashland County, Ohio. He was carefully reared, in boyhood and youth being instructed in the literary branches in the common schools and at the Normal School at Normal, Ill., and for four years was engaged as a teacher in DeWitt and adjoining counties. He studied his profession under his father's direction and attended lectures in Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he was graduated in the class of '72. He at once opened an office in the village of DeWitt, but after three years of practice there removed to Farmer City.
Upon Dr. Norris the mantle of his father seems to have fallen. He has an excellent reputation extending over the eastern part of the county and the territory adjacent thereto, has secured a fine practice, and from a mind filled with facts and theories selects judiciously those adapted to the case he has in hand. As a physician and surgeon he is equally skilled, and his large hearted interest in and sympathy for suffering humanity, and manly bearing add to the esteem in which he is held. He belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities and is prominent in the social and benevolent movements of both. Politically he is a sound Republican.
Near the place of his nativity in the Buckeye State, the marriage rites were solemnized between Dr. Norris and Miss Augusta E. Carter, who was born in Ashland County October 21, 1852. Her parents, Leander and Nancy M. (Richardson) Carter, were born in New England and were descended from old Yankee stock. After their marriage they went to Ohio and lived on a farm in Ashland County. Mr. Carter died there in 1886, having lived to be about four-score years old. His widow still enjoys the earthly existence but is now eighty years old. She is an estimable woman, an earnest Christian, belonging to the Presbyterian Church. She and her husband were painstaking in the training of their children and Mrs. Norris acquired a useful knowledge of books and domestic arts, which makes her a sympathizing companion for the man to whom she gave herself in marriage. The happy union has been blessed by the birth of three children, but one died in infancy. The survivors are Carter and Verneal H. In the social circles of Farmer City the Doctor and his wife are popular and active, and by all who know them they are respected as they deserve.
JOHN H. NORTH Page 234
John H. North is a well-known and influential citizens of DeWitt Township, DeWitt County, where he is carrying on his business as a farmer, and he has been an important factor in elevating the social and educational status of this section. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 18, 1851. His father, William H. North, was born in that county or Pickaway County, Ohio, and was a son of William North, Sr., who is thought to have been a native of Virginia, where he grew to maturity on a farm. He was a teacher also for some years, being a man of considerable education. He married a Virginia lady, Louisa Morris by name, and some years later came to Ohio. He was an early settler of both Fairfield and Pickaway Counties, where he gave his attention to evolving a farm from the primeval forests and devoted some time to teaching school. The rest of his life was spent in that state, where he died an old man. His wife, who survived him, came to Illinois and lived in the village of DeWitt for some time. After she became old and feeble she went to live with one of her sons, J. W. North, of Rutledge Township, and died when very old. She left a large circle of friends and kinsmen to mourn her loss.
William H. North, the father of our subject, was the eldest of his parents' children, and he was born in 1812. He grew to manhood in Fairfield and Pickaway Counties, Ohio, and gained a fine education for those days which fitted him to be a teacher in the public schools, in which profession he was engaged for years. He also served his township as Justice of the Peace for many years and held the same position after coming to this township. A man of his intellect and education, naturally took a lead in educational matters, and he was for some time County Superintendent of Schools in DeWitt County. He died at his home on section 7, this township, May 3, 1887, leaving behind him a record of a life spent in well-doing and his memory is cherished in the hearts of many who knew and loved him. He was frequently called upon to fill public places in this township and county and he was prominent in advancing its religious status as a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church; his name was associated with many good causes, both in and out of the church. He was also somewhat of a politician and used his influence for the benefit of the Democratic party.
The father of our subject was married either in Pickaway or Fairfield County, Ohio, to Miss Nancy Muninger, who is thought to have been a native of Ohio, where she grew to womanhood. She came to Illinois with her husband and died in the village of DeWitt not many months after their arrival while she was yet in life's prime. She left seven children, all of whom are yet living. Mr. North was again married in Ohio, Miss Elizabeth Kirkwood becoming his wife, about six years after the death of his first wife. Mrs. Elizabeth North is yet living, and makes her home with her son James, who resides in the city of Clinton. Though full of years she is yet active and retains her intellectual faculties to a remarkable degree. She is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and nearly all her life has been spent in the interest of some good cause.
Our subject is recorded as the youngest of his mother's children, there being no issue by his father's last marriage. He passed his boyhood and youth under the home roof, and besides acquiring a good practical knowledge of farming, gained a sound education in the public schools and in a select school where he pursued an excellent course of study. Thus well qualified to teach he entered that profession at about the time he attained his majority in Rutledge Township, this county, and many winters of his past life have been thus employed. At one time he taught twelve successive winters, and in that way became thoroughly identified with the educational interests of the township, and has been a potent agent in increasing the educational facilities of this section of the country. He has also devoted some time to farming and carries on his calling after the most approved methods, so that he has made of it a most complete success. The farm on which he lives lies on section 7, DeWitt Township. It comprises two hundred and forty acres of land of exceptional fertility, which is under fine cultivation and is amply supplied with well-built and neatly arranged farm buildings. He has been a resident of this place since 1852, he being an infant when he was brought here by his parents.
Mr. North was united in marriage in this township to Miss Sydney E. Gault, who is also a native of Ohio, her birth occurring January 13, 1851. When she was young her parents removed from her native State to Tennessee, whence they came some years later to Illinois and settled in Clark County, where the father died some years after that. He (James C. Gault) was then only in middle life. His wife whose maiden name was Virginia Fristoe, in now living and is making her home with her sons, Frank and Clarence, in Harp township, she being now about sixty years of age. Mrs. North is the eldest of her mother's children. She was reared and educated partly in Tennessee and partly in Southern Illinois. She is a woman of sterling character and her husband finds in her a true helpmate and her children a wise mother. Her marriage with our subject has brought them seven children, of whom one is deceased, Harry, who died at the age of ten years. Those living are Katie D., Nannie N., Bandusia E., Lewis McCarty, Helen F. and Frank D.
Mr. and Mrs. North are valued members of their community, and are active in all things that pertain to its welfare. They are people of high character and unswerving principle though followers of no particular creed or denomination. Mr. North is a true type of the intelligent Democrats of the country and uses his influence for the interests of his party. He is a very prominent man in local social organizations. He is a leading member of DeWitt Lodge, No. 183, I.O.O.F., and of the encampment at Farmer City, No. 58, and has filled most of the chairs of these lodges. He is also and important member of the local Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and has been a delegate to represent it at the State Assembly and also at the General Assembly. He is Secretary of the order in this township, and has been prominent in making it successful.
JOHN W. NORTH Page 323
Among the men who are gaining a maintenance by tilling a portion of the sod of DeWitt County and who are making provision for the rainy day, is John W. North who owns and occupies a fine farm on section 2, Rutledge Township, and a tract of one hundred and sixty-two acres in DeWitt Township. A small part of the latter is timber land. The home estate, which is the one first mentioned, has been brought to its present high state of cultivation and improvement by our subject who has resided upon it since the fall of 1856. So well has he conducted his affairs and so industriously has he labored that he is now in excellent circumstances, having his affairs on a very substantial basis.
Mr. North is of English ancestry in the paternal line, but the North family has been represented in Virginia for several generations. In that State Grandfather North, whose given name was Thomas, was born and reared, marrying Miss McCarthy who was born in the same State but was of Scotch-Irish lineage. When their son William was a young man Thomas North and his wife went with their family to Fairfield County, Ohio, taking up their residence in an unbroken wilderness where they literally hewed a home from the heavy timber. They lived there until quite aged then entered into rest. Mr. North was a sincere believer in the tenets of the Baptist faith.
William North grew to maturity in Fairfield County, Ohio, and in Pickaway County was married to Miss Louisa Morris. This lady was born in Kentucky and was young when her parents removed to Pickaway County, Ohio, where they eventually died. Mr. and Mrs. William North lived on a farm in Fairfield County until the death of the husband, which occurred when he was sixty-seven years old. In politics he was a Democrat and in religion a Methodist. His widow came to Illinois with her son, our subject, and died at his home when ripe in years. She was a lifelong and active member of the Methodist Church and a worthy woman whose earnest endeavor it was to discharge every duty.
The subject of this biographical notice was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 13, 1823, and is the fifth in a family that consisted of five sons and three daughters; he is the only one of the number now living. He enjoyed the educational privileges of the place and time in which his boyhood was passed and after growing to maturity was married in his native county to Miss Catherine Herring. A few years later he came to this State and taking possession of the tract of land which he has brought to so fine a condition, entered upon the course of unswerving integrity and unremitting industry that has secured for him a high standing in society and a fair share of worldly goods.
Mrs. North, wife of our subject, was born in Bedford County, Pa., July 9, 1830, and comes of the old Dutch stock of the Keystone State. Her parents, Lewis and Catherine (Lipinger) Herring, removed to Ohio in 1834 and began their life there as farmers in Fairfield County. They lived to be quite aged, Mr. Herring being more than three-score and ten when he breathed his last and Mrs. Herring reaching the venerable age of eighty-six years. Mrs. North is the eldest of the four children born to her parents, three of whom are yet living. She has been a true helpmate to her husband, aiding him by her prudence in the management of household affairs and by her good counsel and loving sympathy.
Mr. and Mrs. North have had six children but mourn the loss of two, Irvin and Minnie, both of whom died in infancy. The living are Retta, Laura, James D. and Clara, all at home except the son who married Miranda Lafferty and occupies a farm in the same township and his father. The eldest daughter, an intelligent and estimable young woman, being desirous of working for herself has become a seamstress but carries on her work from the old home. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. North is a sound Democrat in his political faith and practice. He has held the local offices of the township and creditably discharged the duties pertaining thereto. A lithographic portrait of Mr. North appears in connection with this biographical notice.