Biographical Album - 1891 - Surnames P-R
E. H. PALMER Page 918
It is doubtful if any of the citizens of Clinton have had a better standing among the people or been more prominently connected with the best interests of the place than the late E. H. Palmer, who was for thirty years engaged in the practice of law there. He was born in Madison County, Ohio, August 23, 1824, and being left fatherless soon after he entered his teens was obliged to look after his own support. He lived with an uncle and learned the carriage and wagon making trade, but spent his evenings in study, being very fond of books and ambitious to secure a fine education. After becoming thoroughly acquainted with the ordinary branches he engaged in teaching, hoarding his resources in order to attend college.
Mr. Palmer spent a short time in Dennison University at Granville, then entered Wittenberg College at Springfield, Ohio, working faithfully during the vacations to secure the means with which to continue his college life. Such persistence and high ambition were rewarded and he became a very fine scholar, speaking several languages with ease. After being graduated from Wittenberg he took charge of an academy in Mississippi, filling the position of Professor of Mathematics and Languages most acceptably. He remained in the South six years and in the meantime began the study of law. He returned to Springfield, Ohio, in the spring of 1855, and coming to this State to visit an old friend was so cordially welcomed that he was encouraged to take up his residence here. In 1857, therefore, he opened an office in Clinton, where he made his home until he finished his course and entered into rest March 20, 1879.
Mr. Palmer was well acquainted with Abraham Lincoln and was associated intimately with Lawrence Weldon, of Bloomington. He was also an especial friend of Stephen A. Douglas, in whose behalf as a candidate for office he made some stirring speeches. In his profession he was ambitious to excel and took a leading position at the bar of the county. From the time of his conversion he was active in his religious life, not only giving his personal efforts but his means to advance to cause of Christianity. He gave &1,000 to the Methodist Episcopal Church of Clinton, in which he held membership, and also donated to other religious organizations, and in fact he was a liberal contributor to all just causes. He belonged to the Masonic order, with whose rites he was interred. In politics he was a Democrat of the most ardent kind. One of his distinguishing characteristics was the great delight which he took in his family, sparing no pains to fit them for honorable positions and never growing impatient with the faults of childhood. He was well liked by all who know him and has left a memory which will long be cherished in this community.
Mr. Palmer was married June 19, 1855, to Miss Sarah M. Mitchell, who was born in Clarke County, Ohio, near Springfield, June 3, 1834. She was reared in her native place, became a pupil in the Female Seminary at Springfield and completed her studies at College Hill, Cincinnati. She is a lady of culture and refinement, of high mental ability, combined with strength of character, and has since the demise of her husband displayed excellent business tact in the management of her large estate. Her sympathy with the tastes of her husband, both as regards intellectual acquirements and high aim in life made her a valued companion, while to her children she has been all that a wise and devoted mother could be.
Mrs. Palmer is a daughter of Archibald Mitchell, who was born and lived until twenty years old in Virginia. He then accompanied he parents to Clarke County, Ohio, and subsequently married Sarah Swigart, who was born in Maryland but reared in the Buckeye State. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell established their home on a farm near Springfield, the place being known as "Pleasant Grove." Mr. Mitchell was engaged in the nursery business. He lived until 1880, but his wife passed away about 1854. Their mortal remains were deposited side by side in Evergreen Cemetery at Springfield. They were the parents of four daughters and ten sons, nine of the number living to years of maturity. Mrs. Palmer is the only daughter now living. Her brother, Anderson Mitchell, gave his life for his country's cause, being killed at the battle of Champion Hills while faithfully dis-chargeing his duty as Captain of the Sixteenth Ohio Battery; he was engaged in the profession of the law and was partner of Judge Anthony, of Springfield, Ohio. Another brother, John F., whose home is in that city, was graduated from Wittenberg College, taught in the institution for a time and is now writing a history of the college. Still another brother, Newton, is in the employ of the Government as Superintendent of Canals in Ohio. Pomeroy A. is engaged in the nursery business in Carlisle, Ohio. Bartley is a traveling man making his home in Indianapolis.
Twelve children came to bless the happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, one of whom died in infancy, Elmore and Bernice at the age of thirteen years, and Lura and Lois (twins) at the age of one year. Sarah, who breathed her last in 1883, was a graduate of the Jacksonville (Ill.) Academy. Frank, who is following the profession of the law and is also engaged in speculation in Clinton, was graduated from the Illinois State University with the highest standing in his class, which he represented as valedictorian in the commencement exercises. Everett B. was graduated from the Illinois College at Jacksonville when but twenty years old, and enjoyed the distinction of being salutatorian of his class; he is now living in Pierre, S. Dak., and has been announced as a candidate on the Democratic ticket for the State Senator. Norah is teaching on the West Side in Chicago; Vesper is studying in the Art Institute of that city; Frederick is now traveling in the West; and Mabel attending school in Clinton. Mrs. Palmer has about six hundred acres of well-improved land, supplies with all the necessary conveniences and furnishing an excellent income under judicious management. Her tasteful home is one to which friends are ever cordially welcomed and the best circles of this section are drawn thither by the intelligence and fine social qualities of the hostess.
WILLIAM C. PARKER Page 433
The traveling public who have occasion to stop at Midland, DeWitt County, find there an hotel under the charge of William C. Parker, a genial Kentuckian who looks carefully after the comfort of his guests. Mr. Parker is also engaged in butchering and in the two occupations finds a sufficient field for his physical energy and mental and social qualities. He has been connected with various interests in which the citizens of America have a share, among them having been that of the army which protected our frontier from the encroachments of an enemy and thoroughly established our boundary.
Mr. Parker was born at Cynthiana, Ky., July 2, 1823, and is a son of George M. and Ann (Jones) Parker, natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively. He is one of eight children, his surviving brothers and sisters being Richard, Louisa Ann, Frankie, Elsie and Hallie, all of whom are married. He was reared on a farm and enjoyed but limited educational privileges, owning to the circumstances of the time and place, and the impossibility of being sent away from home to school. In 1846 he enlisted in Col. Humphrey Marshall's regiment, and going to Mexico took part in various campaign duties and fought bravely at the battle of Buena Vista. He was wounded in the right hand and draws a pension from the United States Government.
September 12, 1847, Mr. Parker was united in marriage with Nancy J. Bell, who was born in Harrison County, Ky. Her parents, John and Fanny (Minton) Bell, were born near Orange Court House, Va., and went to Kentucky in 1810, making the Blue Grass State their home during the remainder of their lives. They were Baptist in religious faith and carefully reared their large family, comprising four sons and seven daughters, that were born to them. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have had nine children, one of whom died unnamed, and Sara A. when twelve years old. The survivors are Mary F., John, William, James, Ruth, Fanny and Alice. Mary is the wife of John Piatt, their home being in Hamilton County, Neb.; Ruth married Benjamin Lanterman; Fanny is the wife of Charles Wasson, living in Indiana; Alice married Dr. William McClelland, a resident of Logan County.
In 1854 Mr. Parker removed to Illinois, traveling by boat to St. Louis, Mo., and thence by rail to Logan County. He bought a farm of eighty acres which he improved and made his home until 1878, increasing his agricultural operations from year to year. He then located in Midland, where he has since been carrying on the dual occupations before mentioned. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church and earnestly endeavor to live in such a manner as to bring no discredit upon the cause of religion, but on the contrary, lead others to believe and obey. On another page of this volume the reader will notice a lithographic portrait of Mr. Parker.
CHARLES C. PARLIER Page 462
Charles C. Parlier is the able Superintendent of the DeWitt County Poor Farm, which is located in Barnett Township. He is a native of Illinois, born in Sangamon County, March 12, 1859, and is a wide-awake practical farmer, well qualified for his present position. He is a son of Jacob Parlier, who is a well-known and prominent citizen of this county and a leading farmer of Wapella Township. The father of our subject was born in Kentucky, coming of one of its pioneer families. His father, Abraham Parlier, was also a native of that State, born in the early days of its settlement and was actively engaged in farming there. He was twice married and his first wife bore him three children. He came to Illinois about 1832 and died in or near Mason City. The father of our subject was reared in Illinois and was married to Catherine Capron, a native of Albany, N.Y. They live in one of the coziest homes of Wapella Township, where Mr. Parlier is engaged in farming, he being the proprietor of two hundred and sixty acres of land of exceeding fertility. He and his wife have three sons and five daughters. Mr. Parlier is a man of much character and ability and his fellow-citizens have honored him and themselves by calling him to the office of Supervisor of the county to represent Wapella Township, which position he held six or seven years.
Charles Parlier was bred to the life of a farmer. He received but a limited education in the common schools, which he has since supplemented by intelligent observation and the reading of useful books and literature in general. At the age of twenty-one he began life in earnest on a farm. March 17, 1880 he was married to Miss Kate Brown, who was born in Creek Township, this county, and is a daughter of John A. and Amanda (Brown) Brown, whose sketch appears elsewhere. This union has been blessed to our subject and his estimable wife with four children--Ruth E., Florence M., John Jacob, and an infant.
After marriage Mr. Parlier was actively engaged as a farmer on rented land in Wapella Township, conducting a profitable business in general husbandry. In January, 1890, he assumed charge of the DeWitt County Poor Farm, having been selected by the County Commissioners as a most suitable person to act in the responsible position of Superintendent of this institution, both as regards capability and character. He has justified the choice of the authorities by his wise course since he entered upon the duties connected with his station. He rules the poor people under his charge with a wise, firm and kindly hand, looks carefully after their comfort, while under his care the farm is doing well. In his wife he has a faithful coadjutor, who cheerfully performs her part in the management of the household affairs. They are people of sterling worth, who stand well in the community. Their lives are guided by Christian principles and they are both devoted church members, Mr. Parlier belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mrs. Parlier is of the Baptist faith, she having been connected with the church of that denomination since she was thirteen years old.
JOHN POLLOCK Page 851
John Pollock is a highly respected resident of Barnett Township and occupies an honorable place among the practical, successful farmers of DeWitt County. He is a native of Ohio, his birthplace in Logan County, and the date of his birth June 6, 1831. His parents, James and Sophronia (Jackson) Pollock, were natives of Logan County, and Lower Canada respectively. His father was born in 1808, and came to Illinois in the fall of 1839, locating in the southeastern part of Barnett Township and becoming one of its pioneers. He first purchased one hundred acres of land, later entered two hundred acres and during his residence here made rapid progress toward the development of a good farm. In 1856 he moved to the southern part of Iowa, where he died May 11, 1880. He settled among the pioneers of that section of the country and was highly esteemed in his community. His wife had passed from earth prior to his demise. They reared six of their eight children, as follows: John, Martha, Lucinda, Sarah, Margaret and Joseph, all of whom married and reared families. Mary died when three or four years old and one died unnamed. Joseph was a soldier during the late war and served in an Iowa regiment. The parents of our subject were devoted Christians and nearly all their lives were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Layton Pollock, was born in Scotland, and coming to the United States, settled in Western Ohio soon after it was admitted into the Union. He was thus one of the pioneers of that State where he spent the remainder of his life, dying about 1845 or 1850. He was a good citizen and was a faithful soldier in the War of 1812. He and his wife reared eight children as follows: James, William, Joseph, Layton, John, Robert, Mary and Sarah, all of whom married and reared families.
Our subject grew to man's estate on a farm and gained his education in the common schools of this county. At the age of twenty-two he began life for himself by securing a job to cut timber. He was thus engaged a year and then invested a part of his carefully saved earnings in a team and began farming on his own account. When he was twenty-eight years old he purchased his first land which comprised eighty acres on section 13, and there he resided until 1865. Then selling that place he bought one hundred and twenty acres on section 23, where he now makes his home. He has here a substantially improved farm, whose well-tilled fields give him ample harvests.
Mr. Pollock has been twice married. April 14, 1853, he was united in marriage with Huldah Jenkins, daughter of Thomas and Lucinda (Smith) Jenkins. A wedded life of twenty-one years was vouchsafed to him and then the devoted wife and mother died, August 28, 1874. She was a good woman, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and her entire life showed her to be a consistent Christian. Nine children were born to our subject of that marriage: Eliza, who died in infancy; Thomas, Laura, who died at the age of one year; Emaziah; Samuel M.; Robert died at the age of four years; John died at the age of two years; Ira and Clara. Mr. Pollock was wedded to his present estimable wife, September 24, 1876. Mrs. Pollock, whose maiden name was Virginia Raines, is a daughter of Joshua and Rebecca (Spellman) Raines. She has also been twice married, her first husband having been John Spradling, a soldier in the late war. Her marriage with Mr. Pollock has been blessed to them by the birth of three children, of whom Mamie and Ethel L. are living, their daughter Nettie dying when one year old.
Mr. Pollock is a truly estimable man and it is the united testimony of his fellow-citizens that he is upright, just and honest in all his dealings and true to himself and others in all the relations of life. He and his wife are among the most valued members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he has belonged for forty years. For thirty years he has been an official in the church and is influential in its every good work and active in the interests of the Sunday-school.
JAMES M. PORTER Page 464
This venerable gentleman is honored as a fine type of the pioneers of DeWitt County, one who has been identified with its rise and progress for more than half a century, and has given the best part of his lifetime to the work of developing its agricultural resources. He was one of the early settlers of DeWitt Township, where he has lived for forty-five years, and as one of its leading farmers and stock-growers he has been a potent agent in its up-building. He has lived in this State since the years 1818, coming here with his parents a few months before the State was admitted, and he has been a pioneer of Hamilton, Morgan and DeWitt Counties. Thus he has lived to see the State grow from its infancy to its present high position as one of the leading commonwealths of the United States.
Mr. Porter was born in Murray County, Tenn., November 29, 1811. Robert M. Porter, his father, was a native of Georgia, while his father also named Robert, was born in Ireland, and came of Scotch-Irish parentage. He was but seven years old when he came to this country with his father, William Porter, who settled in Maryland, where he spent the remainder of his days. There the father of our subject grew to manhood and subsequently went to North Carolina, where he grew rich and became a man of much prominence. He served all through the Revolution with great credit, and during that bitter struggle between the colonists and the mother country he lost nearly all of his large fortune. After the war he lived first in Georgia, then in Tennessee, and still later came to Illinois and stayed for a time with his son, Robert M. He finally went to Indiana and there died at the home of a daughter in Monroe County, when he was past eighty-four years old. He was an active member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for years as was his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth McBroom. She was a native of Maryland and came of English and Scotch ancestry. Her early life was passed in her native State and she was there married to Robert Porter, whose fortunes she faithfully shared through life, and finally died in Monroe County, Ind., when she was past eighty-eight years of age. She was the mother of a large family of children, all of whom were girls, with the exception of two.
Robert M. Porter was the youngest child of his parents, and was born a few years after the close of the Revolutionary War, while they were living in Georgia. He was quite young when his father and mother removed to Murray County, Tenn., and there he grew up on a farm. He was married in that State to Miss Marian Rook, who was born and reared in South Carolina, coming of a mixed nationality. She was a young woman when she went to Tennessee, going thither most likely with her parents. After the birth of two children, (our subject and William), Robert Porter and his wife took up their residence in Posey County, Ind., in the early days of its settlement. They lived there a few years, and then came to Illinois in 1818, and settled in what is now Hamilton County, on a tract of wild land. Mr. Porter improved that and sold it in the spring of 1835 in order to move to Morgan county, where he operated a farm. In the fall of 1846 he came with his family to DeWitt County, settled on unbroken land in DeWitt Township, and thus became one of its early pioneers. Here both he and his wife died, he in 1853, March 14, when past seventy-one years old, and she August 5, 1851, when fifty-nine years of age. Thus passed away two respected and well-known pioneers of DeWitt County. The father of our subject served three years in the War of 1812.
Our subject is the eldest of nine children, five sons and four daughters, all of whom married and had families, and were somewhat advanced in years before they laid down their lives. Our subject and his brother Isaac are the only survivors of the family. Isaac, who is now sixty-eight years old, is a carpenter by trade, and lives at Farmer City. Mr. Porter has been a hard-working man, and by that means has accumulated a valuable property. He at one time owned five hundred acres of choice farming land, but has given much of it to his children, reserving the two hundred acres of his homestead for his own use.
Mr. Porter and Miss Elizabeth Upton celebrated their marriage in White County, Ill. Mrs. Porter was born in North Carolina, December 23, 1813, and was fourteen years old when her parents, James and Lydia (Murray) Upton, natives of North Carolina, settled in Indiana. A few years later their daughter went to White County, where she was married to our subject. Her parents spent their days in Pike County, Ind., where Mr. Upton died March 30, 1870, and Mrs. Upton, July 13, 1868, both being about seventy years old at the time of their death. They were religious people, and were stanch Baptists. Mrs. Porter is one of quite a large family of children, the most of whom are now deceased. Her marriage with our subject has brought them ten children, of whom one is deceased, Marion, who died at the age of three years and nine months. Those living are Louisa, wife of J.C. Donner, a farmer of DeWitt Township; Martha, wife of Isaac Covey, an extensive farmer in Keokuk County, Iowa; Harriet, wife of John F. Street, a farmer in Custer County, S.D.; Jane, wife of A. B. Wright, of Deland; Thomas, who married Martha Patterson, and lives on a farm in Adams County, Neb.; Mary, wife of Hiram Bowsher, a resident of Deland, Piatt County, where he is carrying on farming; A. R., who married Emily Jones, and is engaged in farming in Santa Anna Township; Amanda, wife of Henry Gants, is a large farmer and dealer in dry goods, etc., at Deland; and Angeline, wife of J. William Gooden, who is now carrying on farming on his father-in-law’s homestead.
Mr. and Mrs. Porter are among the most prominent and best known people in DeWitt Township, and this part of the county. Mr. Porter has always taken a genuine interest in everything pertaining to this locality, for which he has done much, and he has held some of the local offices, showing himself to be a most excellent and public-spirited civil official. In ante-bellum times he was a pronounced Abolitionist, and on the formation of the Republican party he fell into its ranks and has since been faithful to its principles.
As the son of a pioneer and as a pioneer himself, Mr. Porter has witnessed the wonderful development of this State, and is well informed concerning its history. He has a remarkable memory of the many scenes of pioneer life through which he passed, and talks very interestingly of many incidents that he witnessed in his early days. He has in his journals that he has kept for many years, a complete record of all the chief events that have transpired in this part of the county, an he also has dates of the most important national occurrences. He has recorded the birth of many of his friends, and the various facts in their lives that are worthy of mention. Mr. Porter has in his possession a letter written by his grandfather, dated March 5, 1779. He lives in the past very largely, and it is a pleasure to hear him talk over old times.
Although our subject is past seventy-nine years of age, he is wonderfully well preserved for a man of his years, and is seemingly much younger. He and his wife have a numerous posterity, having more than fifty living grandchildren, and over twenty great-grandchildren. Mr. Porter took and active part in the Black Hawk War, and was one of the mounted infantry who served under Gen. Alexander, of Paris, Ill. He fought bravely in the noted battle of Bad Axe, and escaped unhurt. He had one son who served in the Union army during the late war for some time until he was discharged on account of sickness. Mr. Porter saw the first locomotive placed on the track at Beardstown, Ill., in 1839; this was the first railroad locomotive operated in the State.
JOHN A. PORTER Page 936
John A. Porter was at one time a highly respected and influential farmer residing on section 32, Harp Township, and by his death, September 18, 1889, DeWitt County lost an honored citizen, who had been very useful in developing its agricultural interests. Mr. Porter was a native of this State, born in Hamilton County, June 28, 1828. His father, Robert Porter, is supposed to have been born in Kentucky, where he was reared to the life of a farmer. He subsequently came to Hamilton County, Ill., in a very early day of its settlement and died in DeWitt County at quite an old age.
Our subject passed his early life in Hamilton County until he was fifteen years of age, when he came to DeWitt County. He received his education in the primitive old log schoolhouses of those early days, and as he was a great reader all his life he was a man of extensive information and could converse interestingly on all topics of the day. He had quite a liking for mathematics and was an adept in that science. After marriage he settled in Clinton, where he ran an engine in a flouring-mill for about ten years. He then moved to El Paso, McLean County, where he was engineer in a mill for two and one-half years. His next move was to Bloomington, where he engaged in the same occupation one year. After that he had charge of an engine at Secor two and one-half years. He laid aside his work to volunteer his services as a soldier in the War of the Rebellion, enlisting in Company E, Twentieth Illinois Infantry. He saw much hard service during the year he was in the army and won a good record as a soldier.
In 1883 our subject purchased the farm now owned and occupied by his family on section 32, Harp Township. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres of land of exceptional fertility upon which he made many decided improvements besides placing it under a high state of cultivation. He was actively engaged in the management of his farming interests until death called him hence and deprived his community of one who had ever used his influence to promote its highest interests and who was looked up to with respect and affection by all who knew him. A man of singular intelligence, a deep thinker and a practical, wide awake farmer, his standing in the township was of the highest. He was a sturdy Republican and evinced much interest in the issues of the day, keeping himself well informed on the political history of the country.
Mr. Porter was married August 8, 1864, to Marilla A. Haddick. She was very influential in making his life a success, was always devoted to his interests and faithfully cherishes his memory. She is living in one of the most attractive residences in this part of the county, a large two-story frame dwelling occupying a prominent position on the old State road three miles east of Clinton and commanding a beautiful view of the surrounding country. Mrs. Porter is one of the leading members of the Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church, to which she has belonged since she was twelve years old, and is very active in its every good work. Her marriage with our subject was blessed to them by the birth of three children, all of whom are living, namely; Elmer W., Minnie and Chauncey.
Mrs. Porter is a native of this county and was born near DeWitt July 10, 1846. Her father, Andrew Haddick, who was a native of Virginia, was born March 20, 1809. He came to Illinois in a very early day of its settlement and was one of the pioneers of this county. He was a miller by trade and was connected with many of the water mills along the streams in this county in an early day. He farmed some during the latter part of his life and died April 6, 1848. The maiden name of his wife was Margaret Baker, and she was born in South Carolina October 28, 1808. She bore eight children, all of whom grew to maturity, as follows: Joseph, James, Sarah E., Mary A., Carrie, Talitha, Arraima C. and Marilla A. Mr. and Mrs. Haddick were both members of the Presbyterian Church, were strong in the faith and were consistent Christian people.
JEHU H. RANDOLPH Page 297
Jehu H. Randolph, who is one of the foremost farmers and stock-raisers of Central Illinos, having large landed interests in Tunbridge Township, DeWitt County, is classed among those men of force, intelligence and ability, who have been instrumental in developing the county into a rich agricultural center. He represents one of the early pioneer families and though not a native has passed nearly the whole of his life here, and is now spending his declining years on the old homestead which his father purchased from the Government sixty years ago when it was in a state of nature.
William Randolph, the father of our subject, was a native of North Carolina and when about ten years old went from the place of his birth to Lee county, Va. His father, Willoughby Randolph, was a native of Virginia, and passed his last years there. He was a farmer and also a school teacher. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Matilda Kearn. She was born and reared in Lee County and was married to the father of our subject in her native county, near the State line and they located on a farm there. In 1830 they came to DeWitt county by team and settled on section 7, Tunbridge Township, Mr. Randolph having exchanged a wagon and horses for an eighty-acre tract of land on which there was a cabin. Into that humble abode he and his family moved and in the spring of 1831 he replaced it by a hewed-log house. In 1848 he erected a more commodious frame house and made many other substantial improvements on the place. When the family settled here the surrounding country was in a very wild condition and deer, turkey and wolves were very plentiful.
In 1856 the parents of our subject removed to Atlanta and the father did not engage in active business after that. He subsequently took up his residence at Bloomington, where he lived in pleasant retirement from 1860 until his death in 1866. The mother of our subject died in 1862. Mr. Randolph served in the War of 1812 for about a year. He attained an honorable position among the pioneers who settled in this county and his name will ever be associated with its early history. The long wedded life of himself and wife was blessed to them by the birth of thirteen children, six daughters and seven sons, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, and four of whom are now living.
Our subject is the eighth child of the family and the youngest at the time his parents came to this State. He was born in Lee county, Va., January 27, 1828, and was consequently only about two years old when his parents brought him to their new pioneer home in the wilds of DeWitt County. He first went to school in a log schoolhouse that had a clapboard roof, a dirt floor and greased paper instead of glass for window panes. He assisted his father on the farm until he was twenty-one years old and thus gained a good insight into the best methods of carrying on agriculture. At the age mentioned he began his independent career as a farmer and has met with more than ordinary success in the prosecution of his calling. After marriage he took up his residence in Logan County, where he remained two years. He then bought his father's old homestead, which has been his home ever since. It comprised five hundred and forty acres of choice land, mostly under cultivation and neatly fenced. He has made many valuable improvements, including a commodious and well-appointed residence, a large barn and other necessary buildings. The grounds around his residence are tastefully laid out, adorned with beautiful trees, and the place as a whole is one of the most attractive and desirable in this part of the county. Besides his homestead Mr. Randolph has other realty, the whole amounting to one thousand and forty acres of well-improved land. He is engaged extensively in stock-raising and general farming, and conducts his business in a systematic manner and after the most approved modern methods.
Mr. Randolph undoubtedly owes much of his prosperity and his happiness to the devoted wife, to whom he was united in marriage September 8, 1853. She is a notable housewife, understanding well not only how to make her home comfortable but also attractive, and she is greatly esteemed for her kindliness, cheerful hospitality and many other pleasant attributes. Mrs. Randolph was formerly Margaret Wallace. Her parents were Col. Andrew and Ester (Campbell) Wallace, who came to DeWitt County, Ill., in 1831, and were among the early pioneers of Tunbridge Township, making their home on section 6. Eleven children were born to them, all of whom grew to maturity except one. Mrs. Randolph is the tenth child of her parents and was born February 10, 1833, on the old homestead on section 6, Tunbridge Township. Her marriage with our subject has brought them eight children, three daughters and five sons, of whom three died in infancy. The record of the others is as follows: Mary A. married A.R. Sumners and lives at home with her parents, but owns a farm in this township; Charles C., who is married, was formerly a clerk in a clothing establishment at Lincoln, but is now Deputy Sheriff of Logan County, Ill.; E. Grace married J.F. Wilkinson, who is a real-estate dealer in Chicago; Moses W. married Minerva Dell Hunter and lives on section 6, Tunbridge Township; Lura J. married Frank K. Robbins; she died in New Orleans, but was buried in Randolph cemetery.
Mr. Randolph has a well-balanced intellect, and in him is seen that harmonious development of the mental faculties which gives sound judgment, far-seeing sagacity and practical good sense. By a life of industry and uprightness he has won not only worldly gain but that which is better, the esteem and confidence of the entire community. Not only have his labors increased the wealth of the township and the county, but his wisdom and practical good sense have made him of use in the management of public affairs, and he has been often called upon to fill some responsible office. He has been School Director and Trustee twenty years in succession and was a member of the County board of Supervisors six years, representing his native township and serving one term as Chairman of the Board. He has served as Justice of the Peace and in whatever capacity he has acted has ever had an eye to the best interests of the community. He was reared a Democrat and although at one time he was interested in the Greenback party he returned to his old allegiance and now gives support to the Democracy. Mr. Randolph has long been associated with the Masons as one of the most prominent members of the society. He was made a Master Mason in 1870, and in 1883 rose to the position of Royal Arch and Knight Templar. He is also connected with the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association as one of its most intelligent members. Elsewhere in this volume the reader will notice lithographic portraits of Mr. Randolph and his estimable wife.
FRED A. REED Page 419
Fred A. Reed, Trainmaster on the Illinois Central Railroad between Clinton and Centralia, makes his home in the former city. He was born in Lockport, Will County, November 25, 1854, but when five months old was taken to Booneville, Iowa, by his parents, Samuel and Julia E. (Butler) Reed. Two years later the family returned to this State, locating at Sandoval, Ill., where they remained until 1881, during which time our subject attended the common schools. He was but sixteen years old when he entered the employ of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad Company, serving them as freight clerk and baggage man for three years.
In 1875 young Reed took up the occupation of a brakeman on the same road for which he had been working, but retained his position only eighteen months, after which he undertook the study of telegraphy. He took charge of an office as operator for the Ohio & Mississippi and Illinois Central Roads, retaining the position from 1877 until 1881. He next became freight and ticket agent at Trenton, but in the fall returned to telegraphy, becoming operator at Macon for eleven months and then taking charge of other offices on the road for a few months longer. Mr. Reed next became train dispatcher on the Illinois Central Road at Clinton, Ill., acting in this capacity two years and eight months, after which he assumed a similar position on the Dubuque & Amboy Road, at Amboy. He was thus engaged three years, during which time he also assisted as Trainmaster, and was then ordered to Chicago, where he acted as train dispatcher for a short time for his old company. Mr. Reed was next ordered to Clinton to take charge of the Clinton section as Trainmaster, and is discharging the duties of the position in a manner satisfactory to the company which he represents. As a citizen he takes an intelligent interest in the affairs of the place, and is always ready to aid as far as his business will allow in whatever will promote the good of the people. He is a politician only in the sense of being sufficiently interested in governmental affairs to give his preference to the Republican party.
Mr. Reed is one in a family of five sons and three daughters. His mother, who breathed her last in 1888, was born in New York, and was the daughter of Charles Butler, a native of the same State. The father of our subject was born in Indiana and is the son of Thomas Reed.
The marriage of our subject took place in 1877, his bride being Miss Lenora Weldon, of Sandoval. She was born in Meigs County, Ohio, her father being John V. Weldon, Esq. She possesses many of the qualities which are distinguished by the adjective womanly, and is an affectionate and devoted mother to her daughters, Clara M., who is now twelve, and Jenny Ruth who is seven years of age.
Mr. Reed is a member of the Illinois Central Lodge, No. 178 F. & A. M., Amboy Chapter R.A.M.; and of Alliance Lodge, No. 395, I.O.O.F., at Sandoval. In the working of the orders he is much interested and is fully convinced of their worth as protective of the interests of their members and highly useful in a benevolent sense in cases of emergency.
JAMES CALVIN RILEY Page 341
James Calvin Riley, a retired farmer living in Wapella, has long been connected with the agricultural development of this part of Illinois and it gives up pleasure to represent him in the DeWitt County Biographical Album. He is a native of Tennessee and was born at Knoxville July 10, 1819. His father, whose given name was Elisha was a native of South Carolina, while his father was from Ireland.
Elisha Riley was bred to manhood in the State of his nativity and in early life learned the trade of a hatter which he followed considerably during his younger days. When he attained his majority he went to Tennessee and was among the early settlers of that State, locating near Knoxville. He was employed in the distillery business there for some time and in 1823 removed to Overton County where he resumed his old trade as a hatter. He followed that calling three and one-half years but after the death of his wife again took up the distillery business and was engaged at that four years. At the expiration of that time he began farming on a small scale, raising tobacco principally. His next move was to Bledsoe County where he was occupied in distilling three years. Jackson County, was his next objective point and there he passed the remainder of his life, being employed mostly in raising tobacco. He was a boy during the Revolutionary War but was not large enough to take part in the struggle for freedom. In his political views he was an old line Whig and in religious faith was a stanch Methodist and a member of the church. He died at the age of sixty-six years and was buried in Jackson County, Tenn. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Susan Brock, and she is supposed to have been a native of Tennessee. She was a sincere Christian and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her death occurred when she was only thirty-five years old. Her father was of Irish birth and antecedents. The following are the names of the seven of the eleven children born to the parents of our subject who grew to manhood and womanhood--Mary, Sallie, Barbara, Hiram, Celia, James C. and Elizabeth, and of these there are only two now living.
He of whom we write was reared in the humble pioneer home of his parents near Knoxville, Tenn. His education was necessarily very limited as there were then no free schools and the tuition of $2.50 a quarter to the subscription schools was quite a tax on the settlers of that vicinity. In October, 1836, he came to Illinois and settled near Heyworth in McLean County, making the journey with a team and pack-horses over the mountains and camping out by the way when night overtook him. He worked one year at $10 a month during the winter and at $13 for the same length of time during the summer. There were comparatively few settlers in McLean County at that time and they had located in the timber. Deer and wolves were plentiful and our subject has seen as many as one hundred of the former at one time. He did not care for hunting and never killed a deer in his life or shot at one but once. There were but few roads and the pioneers traveled mostly along trails, some of which had been made by the Indians. They used to purchase their supplies at Randolph Grove and sometimes at Bloomington, which was then in its infancy. They did their milling at small mills along the Kickapoo Creek or at some horse mill. They used to bolt the meal by hand.
Mr. Riley bought his first tract of land which comprised ninety acres in Waynesville Township but he soon exchanged that for a small place in Logan County which was improved. He lived on it two years and then disposed of it at an advance. After that he procured a Mexican land warrant and entered a quarter-section of land in the edge of Atlanta, or where that town is now located. He built a cabin on that place and improved the land around it. Four years later he sold that and bought eighty acres of land in Wapella Township, and another eighty acres adjoining he purchased of the railroad company. He improved that land and lived upon it six years. After selling it he removed to Atlanta and for six years was engaged in teaming in that place. At the expiration of that time he bought a farm in Waynesville Township and was actively engaged in its development the ensuing nineteen years. He finally sold that and purchased twenty acres of land which he is still in possession of . He has a neat frame residence and a good barn, his place being well improved and here he is passing his declining years in the enjoyment of the blessings of a good home. In the development and improvement of the various farms of which he has been a possessor he has done much pioneer work, has contributed his quota toward the up-building of the country and holds an honored place among the pioneers who have laid the solid foundation of the prosperity of Central Illinois. He is a man of excellent habits and high principles and both he and his good wife have been stanch member of the Christian Church for forty-five years. He is a radical Democrat in his political opinions. He has assisted in the management of local affairs as a member of the Village Board.
The first marriage of our subject, which took place more than fifty years ago in the month of November, 1837, was to Miss Elizabeth Draper. After thirteen months of wedded bliss she departed this life December 27, 1838. Mr. Riley was married a second time November 11, 1842, to Miss Julia A. Miller. Of the seven children that she bore him four died in infancy, and Ruth, Margaret A. and Mary grew to maturity. Our subject entered into matrimonial relations a third time October 15, 1868, as on that date he was married to Sarah Jenkins who is his present estimable wife. She is a native of Butler County, Oho, and came here in an early day of the settlement of the county.
JOHN H. ROBERTSON Page 852
DeWitt County has its full quota of wide-awake and progressive business men, and among these this gentleman occupies a high place. He is one of the leading grain dealers of this section of the country, and has a large steam elevator at Weldon in Nixon Township, where he is conducting a heavy business. Mr. Robertson is a native of this State, born of pioneer parentage in Sangamon County, near Springfield, October 16, 1835. His father, L. F. Robertson, who was one of the early settlers of Sangamon County, was born in Virginia, and was reared in Kentucky and Ohio to the occupation of a farmer. In early manhood he was married in Sangamon County to Ruth A. Hodgerson, who is thought to have been born in Ohio and to have been reared to womanhood in this State. The entire wedded life of the parents of our subject was passed near Springfield, on a farm which the father developed from the wilderness. The mother died in 1851 and the father in 1867 when well advanced in years. Those worthy people were the parents of nine children, five sons and four daughters, namely: John H., Mary, Mahala, deceased; Sarah, Nancy; William, David and Brice are deceased; George. Mr. Robertson's ancestors originated in Wales. He had a half sister who is now dead.
Our subject is the eldest of the family and his boyhood and youth were passed in the pioneer home of his birth. His early schooling was obtained in the district schools of Sangamon County. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-two years old and then established himself as a farmer. He was busily engaged at that occupation in the opening years of the war and as soon as he could arrange matters, with true patriotism, he offered his services to help defend the Stars and Stripes, enlisting in 1862 in Company B, Tenth Illinois Cavalry. While he was on duty as a scout in Southwestern Missouri, he was disabled for active service in the field and was placed on detached duty as a clerk. A part of the time he acted as Company Clerk at Little Rock for about a year and a half. He proved himself to have excellent qualification of that position and did good service. He was finally mustered out and honorably discharged at Little Rock.
Returning to Sangamon County after he left the army, our subject devoted himself to agricultural pursuits there for two years. In 1868 he came to DeWitt County and located on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Nixon Township, situated on section 32. He fenced and greatly improved that place and subsequently purchased eighty acres of land on section 30. He remained there until the winter of 1881, and then sold his property and came to Weldon to establish himself in the grain business. He bought an elevator at a cost of $5,000, but it was burned soon after and he then bought another which suffered the same fate. Nothing daunted by these losses our subject built his present elevator, which is commodious and well equipped and is operated by steam. Mr. Robertson deals in all kinds of grain which he ships and altogether he has built up here a large trade amounting to over $150,000 a year by the sheer force of energetic and able management, seconded by careful, shrewd and fair dealings.
Mr. Robertson and Miss Mary Crisman were wedded in the month of March, 1866, and in his wife our subject has found a wise companion, a faithful helpmate and comforter in times of sorrow. Mrs. Robertson was born in Morgan County, Ill., but was reared in Sangamon County. Her marriage with our subject has brought to them two children, both of whom are deceased. Their first-born died in infancy. Their son, William W., who was born in January, 1869, died October 30, 1890, and all that was mortal of him was deposited in the Weldon cemetery. He was a student of medicine with Dr. Drew and was a bright and promising young man. The only consolation of his parents is in the hope of a life beyond, where their son may have "entered upon broader fields of action and duty where nobler struggles shall task the strength, and more precious crowns award the victor; where the hopes and dreams of earth shall be turned to sight, and the broken circles of life be rounded to the perfect orb."
Mr. Robertson has proved a valuable addition to the citizenship of this part of the county and besides the work he has done in advancing its prosperity as one of its most enterprising business men he has done good service in helping to administer public affairs. He has been Township Collector two terms and Assessor and Collector one term. He is well known in social circles as a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 746, at Weldon.
DAVID C. ROBISON Page 368
David C. Robison, who represents the B. P. Andrew & Co. Lumber Company, of Farmer City, is an active and wide-awake business man and stands well in the financial circles of DeWitt County. He is a native of Crittenden County, Ark., his birth occurring there July 12, 1848. His father, David Robison, was a Virginian by birth and came of an old family of that State and of Kentucky. He was a son of James and Polly (Campbell) Robison, both of whom died full of years in the Prairie State, of which they were early settlers. They had come hither from Kentucky and were among the first pioneers to located in Macoupin County, where they spent their remaining years. There the father of our subject grew up to the life of a farmer, and later we find him in Tennessee, where he celebrated his marriage with Miss Adeline Hunt. She was born and reared in Tennessee and came of respectable Southern parentage. A short time after marriage Mr. Robison and his young wife went to Arkansas, and there began life on a farm. They remained residents of that State till after the birth of three children, our subject being the elder of two sons and one daughter, when in 1853 the husband and father died when he was but thirty-three years of age. His widow then came to Illinois with her three children and took up her abode at Carlinville, where she spent her remaining years, making her home with her children the most of the time until her death, which occurred at the home of her younger son, William H. Robison, July 18, 1890, she being then three-score and seven years old. She had been a kind and indulgent mother and was a true Christian woman, being a member in high standing of the Baptist Church. Her only daughter, Elizabeth J., formerly wife of W.R. Robertson, died after seven years married life at the age of twenty-seven years, and her two children are now both dead. Our subject and his brother William H. are the only survivors of the family. The latter is a stock shipper at Carlinville. He married Jessie Garris, a native of Ohio, and they have a pleasant home.
David C. Robison, of whom this sketch was written, was but five years old when his father died and he was then carefully reared by an intelligent mother. Much of his life has been passed in Illinois and his education was gained in the Carlinville schools. He is a practical man endowed with sound business talents and is well equipped for the responsible position that he holds in connection with the lumber firm mentioned. Prior to coming to Farmer City he was engaged with the same company for some years at Champaign and Carlinville, and while at those places had a position that associated him directly with the management. He gained the confidence of his company by his fidelity to their interests, and his employers recognized his native ability and placed him at his present post, where he is thoroughly trusted as he has a full knowledge of the business and looks after it with great care.
Mr. Robison was married September 25, 1871, in the town where his boyhood days were spent to Miss Elvira J. Duggar. She was a native of Carlinville, where she was born July 24, 1852. She was reared in the town of her birth and there laid the foundation of her education, which was further advanced by her attendance at Jacksonville Female Seminary, from which she was graduated with honor. She made a particular study of vocal and instrumental music and is an accomplished musician. She has served as a chorister in the church of her religious faith, the Methodist Episcopal. Mr. and Mrs. Robison have eight children, of whom one named Nellie died at the age of two and one-half years. The names of the others are Frank J., Charles Edward, Walter H., Gracie A., Clara B., Addie and Joseph.
Our subject and his wife are people of social prominence and he is a conspicuous figure in the public life of Farmer City. He has always taken an active part in all thing tending to the advancement of the town and county, and has especially interested himself in educational matters. He is connected with the local School Board as School Director, and he helps to administer the affairs of the city as an Alderman. Fraternally, he is a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has filled all the chairs of the order in this city. He is a man of strong convictions, especially with regard to politics, and he gives his support to the Democratic party on occasions of National election, but acts more independently in home politics.
JOHN B. ROLOFSON Page 566
John B. Rolofson, one of the intelligent and progressive farmers and stockmen of DeWitt County, has a very fine farm on section 30, Wilson Township, which he has brought to a high standard of cultivation and improvement. He is a native of this State, born in White County, June 23, 1829. Moses Rolofson, his father, who was born in Kentucky in 1802, was one of the pioneers of this State. He was a son of Lawrence Rolofson, who was born in Pennsylvania where he followed his trade as a cooper. He afterwards located in Virginia and removed to Kentucky, thence to Illinois and there spent his remaining days, dying at a venerable age.
The grandfather of our subject was one of the early settlers of Kentucky, and experienced all the hardships and trials of life on the border in a country that was sparsely settled, occupied by Indians, and was the home of deer and other wild animals. He had a nephew by the name of Knight, who was captured by the savages and was held a prisoner two years and six months. Mr. Rolofson was a great hunter, and killed many bears and buffalo. At one time he killed a buffalo cow, wore the hide home and was followed by the calf.
The grandfather of our subject settled among the pioneers of Southern Illinois in 1823, making the journey from his old Kentucky home with a sled and one horse and camping out by the wayside when night overtook him. He lived in that part of the State four years, and led rather a solitary life there as there were but very few settlers within many miles of his lonely cabin. In 1827 he removed to Tazewell county, where but few pioneers had preceded him and entered a tract of land from the Government. The settlers there lived in very primitive fashion and cornbread was their staple food, the corn being pounded in a mortar and ground by horse mills. Their humble fare was often varied by venison and turkey, as deer and other wild animals were very plentiful. The nearest market for their products and supplies were at Peoria and Pekin on the Illinois River. In 1850 Mr. Rolofson came to DeWitt County, and settled at Long Point, now called Zabriskie, where he engaged in milling. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-three years, his death occurring in the spring of 1856. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church the greater part of his life, was an exhorter in said church and was a very pious man. In politics he was an old-line Whig.
Moses Rolofson passed the first twenty years of his life in his native State, and came to Illinois the year 1823, and settled in White County. He lived there until 1834 engaging in farming. In that year he removed to Long Point, DeWitt County, and resided there one year. At the expiration of that time he crossed the line into McLean county, where he bought land. After that we hear of him in Iowa where he passed some years. His next place of residence was in Missouri, where his earthly pilgrimage was brought to a close in 1885, at the venerable age of eighty-three years. He was a man of excellent education and had quite a talent for music which he utilized by teaching singing all through the country in an early day, and he was well known. He was a Presbyterian in religion, and until 1856 a Democrat in politics, but from that time until his death he was a radical Republican.
Ruth McClellan, the mother of our subject, was born in South Carolina in 1800. She was a daughter of James McClellan, who was a native of South Carolina and was of Irish descent. He did good service during the Revolution and suffered much from a wound that he had received while fighting the English. He was a farmer and stock-raiser by occupation. He passed his life in South Carolina dying there at middle age. In early manhood he had married a woman by the name of Jordan and they reared a family of nine children. Mrs. Rolofson died in the year 1869 at the age of sixty-nine years. She was a truly religious woman and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She was the mother of twelve children, of whom these ten grew to maturity--Mary, Margaret C., John B., Jane, Lucinda, Robert, Arminda, Elizabeth, Adeline and Lucy.
John B. Rolofson of this biographical review was but six years old when his parents brought him from his birthplace in White County to DeWitt County. He obtained his education in the primitive log schoolhouses of those early days, which were furnished with slab benches that had wooden pins for logs, and the building was heated by a fire in a large open fire-place, and lighted by greased paper that was inserted in the hole where a log had been removed for the purpose of admitting light. The schools were conducted on the subscription plan then and Mr. Rolofson never attended any other. He was fourteen years old when he commenced the battle of life in earnest. He found employment in working out by the month to break prairie with ox-teams, receiving $8.331/3 a month for the first three months that he worked out. He was thus engaged for some ten years and often received only $8 a month and had to take his pay in trade, so scarce was money in those times. He remembers seeing hundreds of deer and wolves and many a time has hunted the former with his trusty rifle. At the age of twenty-three years he married and then began a more independent existence as a farmer on rented land. Ten years later he bought his present place, making the purchase of eighty acres of it on March 4, 1862. He has since added another eighty and now has one hundred and sixty acres of land that is very valuable and under his judicious management has been made into a choice farm. He has ample buildings upon the place including a fine two-story frame house which was built at a cost of at least $2,000. All the improvements are the work of his own hands and he may be very proud of what he has accomplished. Our subject has also a farm in Wapella Township, the residence alone costing $5,000 and is otherwise well improved. He is deeply interested in stock raising, has made a specialty of thorough-bred Short-horn cattle, and his herd compared with the best in the county. When our subject first entered upon his career as a farmer and while he was a boy on his father's farm, he used the most primitive implements in the performance of his work. He plowed with a wooden mold-board plow, and never saw a scouring-plow until he had grown to maturity. Neither did he ever see a scoop-shovel until he was twenty-one years old. Among his neighbors there were not more than one in ten that had wagons then. He has thus lived to see a great change wrought, not only in the methods of farming, but also in the implements and machinery used.
Mr. Rolofson and Miss Mary E. Bird were married November 23, 1851. Mrs. Rolofson is a native of Illinois, like her husband, and was born September 21, 1831, in Woodford County. Six of the ten children that have come to her and our subject are living, namely: James M., Laura (Mrs. Swearingen), Belle, Martha E. (Mrs. Thorpe), John J. and Charles S. Mrs. Rolofson's parents were John T. and Malinda (Fletcher) Bird, and were born in Kentucky, the former May 4, 1808, and the latter December 6, 1813. Mr. Bird was a farmer and also a carpenter. They both came to Illinois when children and met and married in Christian County. They then settled in Woodford County, and finally came to DeWitt County, where they located near Clinton. Mr. Bird was killed in August, 1847, by a wagon passing over him. The mother died in her seventy-sixth year. They were both conscientious members of the Christian Church. He did gallant service in the Black Hawk War. Mrs. Rolofson's grandparents were early settlers of this State on both sides of the house and both of her grandfathers were farmers.
Since 1852 Mr. and Mrs. Rolofson have been identified with the Christian Church as two of its most valuable members. In politics he is a decided Republican. He has served seventeen years as commissioner of Highways, and to his earnest interest in his work and faithful discharge of his duties the township is much indebted for the appearance of its thoroughfares. He is indeed in every way a citizen worthy of the trust and confidence that he has inspired by his honorable career as a farmer and in every other respect.
JOHN J. ROLOFSON Page 240
John J. Rolofson is prominent among the energetic and enterprising young business men of to-day, who have stepped to the front to perform their share in carrying on the varied interests of DeWitt County. He is a prosperous hardware merchant and implement dealer in Wapella, and has built up a large and paying trade through the sheer force of persistence and a strong will seconded by fine business talents.
Mr. Rolofson is a representative native-born citizen of this section of Illinois, a son of John B. Rolofson, one of the pioneers of the county, whose biography appears elsewhere in this volume. He was born in Wilson Township, October 1, 1862, and was reared to a manly, vigorous manhood on his father's homestead, gaining a good education in the district schools. When he attained his majority he started out to fight life's battles for himself. He began as a farmer on rented land in Wapella Township, and was thus engaged for six years. In March, 1890, he removed to Wapella, and bought his present hardware store. He has it neatly and well-fitted up, and carries a large stock of hardware and farming implements. He enjoys a large trade which amounts to about $20,000 a year, and though so recently established in the business has already made of it an assured success an he is a salesman of exceptional ability, and has made himself popular by his genial and courteous treatment of all with whom he comes in contact, and among a large circle of acquaintances his obliging manners have won him many friends. He is a well-informed young man and, as a good citizen should, interests himself in politics, taking sides with the Republicans and keeping generally well posted on National issues. Besides his mercantile interests, our subject carries on a good business as a horse-breeder, and devotes much attention to that branch of stock-raising, paying especial attention to breeding roadsters. His horses have taken premiums at the various fairs in the State, and he has eight of the best road horses to be found in DeWitt County, all of which are of a high grade, of good style and build, and have fine records for speed.
Mr. Rolofson and his amiable wife, to whom he was married February 27, 1884, have one of the most charming and hospitable homes in the village, and are important factors in social circles. Mrs. Rolofson, who was formerly Effie M. Wilson, is a native of Wapella Township, where she was born December 26, 1862. she is a daughter of John and Nancy A. Wilson, early settlers of this county. The pleasant home circle of our subject and his wife is completed by their son John J. Their only grief in their wedded life has been in the death of their little son, William. Mrs. Rolofson is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Long Point.
DANIEL A. ROSENCRANS Page 593
The late Daniel A. Rosencrans was a pre-eminently successful farmer, whose large landed estate proved his ably as an investor and manager as well as this industry and energy of habits. He came to DeWitt County in 1849 and purchased land on section 32, DeWitt Township. This property was mostly in a primitive condition, but by his efforts was soon made to assume an appearance of productiveness and the beauty of utility. After some years of farm life Mr. Rosencrans left his estate and removing to Clinton opened a grocery store, which he carried on a few years. He then returned to his farm and devoted his attention to general agriculture and stock raising until called to lay aside the cares of life February 17, 1882. At that time he owned about twelve hundred acres of land that was well adapted for stock raising, as it was supplied with living water and afforded good pasturage. It was divided into suitable farms for practical cultivation and was well improved in every respect.
Mr. Rosencrans was born in Butler County, Ohio, December 26, 1819, being the second son and child of Robert and Elizabeth (Anderson) Rosencrans. His father was born in New Jersey and came of the old Dutch stock. When he had grown to manhood he came West as far as Ohio and married a native of North Carolina, who had gone to the Buckeye State in young womanhood. The wedded life of the parents of our subject was passed on a farm in Butler County, Ohio, and they died ripe in years. They were of the Universalist faith and were very kindly in their intercourse with those about them, aiding their associates in every way possible to a better plane of living. Their family consisted of eight sons, four of whom are yet living: one in Ohio, one in Indiana, one in Missouri and one in the South.
The subject of this biographical notice was reared in accordance with the customs of the times in that part of the Buckeye State, in which he was born, and where he also received all the advantages which the schools of the day afforded, and in early life determined to devote his attention to farming. He had attained to man's estate before he left his early home, and after coming to Illinois he married Miss Clarissa McDeed. This lady was born in DeWitt County, November 8,1832, and is the third of the nine children making up the family of John J. and Clarinda (Wyley) McDeed. Two of her brothers and three of her sisters are still living. Her parents were born in Ohio, whence they removed to Lafayette, Ind., some time after marriage. They next came to this State, settling in Kankakee, but later came to DeWitt County, which was their home until death. Mr. McDeed passed away in 1858 and his widow survived until 1878 and attained to the age of sixty-eight years. She was a noble woman, worthy of the reverent affection of her family and the respect of all her acquaintances. She was a member of the Christian Church.
Mrs. Rosencrans was carefully reared by her parents, with whom she remained until her marriage. She is intelligent and well informed, and since the death of her husband has proven herself an excellent manager in looking after the large property that was left to her and her children. She is the mother of eight sons and daughters, two of whom--Elizabeth and Mary E.--died young. The living are: Laura, Robert L., Lucy, Schuyler C., Eva and Alma. The elder son is at home and assists his mother in operating the homestead and so also does the second son. Both are following worthily in their father's footsteps as good agriculturists, and also follow his example and teaching in casting their votes with the Republican party, of which he was a prominent member. Two of his daughters, Laura and Alma, are still with their mother. Lucy is the wife of William Fenwick, a railroad engineer, whose home is at Ft. Madison, Iowa; Eva is the wife of John McMann, and their home is a farm in Creek Township, DeWitt County.
Mr. Rosencrans was for some time Supervisor of DeWitt Township, and is remembered by the citizens as a man who advanced their various interests by his careful discharge of the duties of the office. He is also recalled as a progressive farmer, and excellent neighbor and a man of honorable private character. His children have practical educations and all are smart and self-sustaining, and like their mother are refined and well-bred.
WILLIAM B. RUNDLE Page 789
The firm of Rundle & Son, proprietors of a meat market and packers of meat in Clinton, is one of the well-known business connections of that thriving city. The senior member is the gentleman whose name introduces these paragraphs and who has been a resident of the city since 1858 and closely identified with its business interests during all the years that have passed. He was born in Devonshire, England, September 5, 1834, and in his early life enjoyed excellent opportunities in the way of advancing his education and acquiring good habits. His father, William Rundle, was a contractor and builder and the son became well acquainted with the different occupations of his parent. That gentleman died in his native land in 1883 and the mother of our subject, formerly Emma Bartrum, in 1862.
The parental family consisted of two sons and three daughters, two of whom remained in the mother country, while three are now living in the United States. William B. Rundle, who is the elder son and third child, attended the common schools of Devonshire and further advanced his knowledge of book lore in a boarding school in Plymouth, which he entered when in his thirteenth year. After completing his course of study he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and in connection with his father was engaged in contracting and building until he had reached his twenty-third year. He then made his arrangements to embark for America, being accompanied on his journey by his bride, Miss Emma Medland, daughter of William Medland, to whom he was married in March 1857.
The young couple sailed in April, landed at New York and thence went directly to Wisconsin, locating near Janesville, where W. E. Doidges, a brother-in-law of our subject, was living. Mr. Rundle worked at his trade a few months, then took up general farming on a tract of land in the neighborhood. In the fall of 1858 he came to Clinton, finding employment as foreman of the wagon-making and carriage shop of George Armstrong, with whom he remained until the spring of 1865. He then formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, John Medland, and for nearly six years the firm of Medland & Rundle carried on the business in which the junior partner is still interested. The senior partner then withdrew, selling out to Mr. Peck, whose interest was finally bought by Mr. Rundle. He then continued the business alone until 1880, when he eldest son, Albert W., was taken into the firm.
The family of Mr. Rundle consists of seven children, named respectively, Albert W., Rose, Bessie, Emma, Nellie P., Fred B., Minnie and Frank; two daughters are married, Rose being the wife of A. J. Turley and Bessie the wife of Henry Nebel. The devoted mother, to whom her children owe much for her wise care and counsel, breathed her last April 3, 1883. She was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church and made many sincere friends by her genuine worth of character. To her husband she had been all that a devoted wife could be encouraging him in the midst of business trials and making his home pleasant and attractive.
Mr. Rundle is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is also President of the DeWitt County Sunday-school Association and of the Illinois State Sunday-school Association for the Twelfth District, having held the former position during the past eight years. He united with the church in March, 1867. Mr. Rundle has been very much interested in the growth and up-building of the city in which he has made his home, and, having become a member of the Building Association, has been its Secretary for the past nine years. He served ten years as Secretary of the DeWitt County Agricultural Society. It will be seen that he has been connected with various lines of the development, not only of the city, but of the county at large, and that his tact and enterprising spirit have been made use of in advancing the interests of others besides himself. It is needless to say that he is regarded with great respect and that his opinions are held worthy of consideration by his fellow-citizens.
WILLIAM JACKSON RUTLEDGE Page 194
Among the deceased citizens of DeWitt County, none have been more intimately associated with its interests than the late W. J. Rutledge, for whom Rutledge Township was named. He was born in White County, Ill., June 23, 1816, his parents, Thomas and Sarah (Officer) Rutledge, having been among the very first settlers there. The parents were natives of Georgia, whence they came to this State when Indians were more numerous than white men in that part in which they made their home. Their family consisted of ten children, the subject of this notice being the youngest son.
The educational advantages of Mr. Rutledge were such as were afforded by the pioneer schools and in the intervals of his attendance there he worked on his father's farm. The family removed to McLean County, wherein he reached his majority, having remained with his mother after he was left fatherless, which was when but a mere boy. He was married to Miss Eliza Duffield, who died after a brief wedded life. January 17, 1839, Mr. Rutledge contracted a second matrimonial alliance and established his home in McLean County near LeRoy, on a new unimproved tract of land. Beginning on forty acres of land, he labored so industriously and managed so prudently as to acquire an estate of seven hundred acres, lying part in McLean and part in DeWitt County, which was under good cultivation and furnished with excellent improvements of all kinds, including a complete line of substantial and commodious farm buildings. In the accumulation of this property Mr. Rutledge was aided by his faithful companion, who prudently managed the household affairs and exercised wise economy in expenditure.
Mr. Rutledge carried on general farming, and in addition to his extensive operations in that line raised and fed large droves of hogs, making the most of his money in this way. After a long and useful life he entered into rest, on the 6th of July, 1882, breathing his last on the farm which he had brought to a high state of perfection. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, had excellent standing in the society, and by his many acquaintances was highly regarded for the skill which he had exhibited in worldly affairs, the good citizenship he had manifested and the fine character which he had developed.
The widow of Mr. Rutledge is now living in Clinton, whither she removed in 1884, renting out the two hundred-acre farm which was her share of her deceased husband's estate. She had for some time continued to occupy the old home, but finally bought a tasteful residence in town, where she can spend her declining years in comfort, and enjoy the frequent visits of the motherless, to whom she has been a mother. Having no children of her own, she has lavished affection and devoted care upon eighteen girls and boys who at various periods have been inmates of her home. Some of these were taken in charge by her when they were quite young, and owe to her their preparations for the battle of life. One still makes her home with Mr. Rutledge. The widow belongs to the same church with which her husband was connected, and is interested in the various branches of Christian enterprise instituted therein.
Mrs. Rutledge bore the maiden name of Mary Van Deventer. She was born in Claiborne County, Tenn., June 2, 1822, and was a girl of nine years when her parents came to McLean County, Ill. They were among the early pioneers, and their daughter vividly remembers many occurrences connected with the growth of this section of the State. Jacob and Rachel (Hughs) Van Deventer were natives of Sullivan County, Tenn., the one being of Dutch and English extraction, and the other of Welsh and Irish descent. Mr. Van Deventer was a planter in his native State, and after coming to Illinois continued his connection with agriculture. Mrs. Rutledge was the sixth of ten children, of whom the following grew to maturity. The record of the brothers and sisters is as follows: Abraham Van Deventer, who died in his twenty-first year, was doing good work as a school teacher; John, a farmer, was an Elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church; David devoted his entire time to the work of the ministry in the same denomination; James, a farmer, died in Rutledge Township, DeWitt County, in 1888; he was also an Elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Martha, the widow of E. Wilson, is now living in Clinton; Marania, Mrs. Hurley, is living in Taylor County, Iowa.
Mr. Rutledge was a strong Democrat, and was named for Gen. Andrew Jackson. Mrs. Rutledge's father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and her grandfathers on both sides of the family were in the Revolutionary War.
INGRAM C. RYBURN Page 556
DeWitt County has within her borders a class of native born citizens who are very active in her varied interests and of whom she may well be proud. Our subject is one of these, and though he is still a young man he has already made his mark as a thrifty, energetic farmer and stock-raiser of more than usual enterprise and intelligence. His home is on section 13, Wapella Township, where he was born November 7, 1861. James Ryburn, the father of our subject, was a native of Washington County, Pa., born September 19, 1826. He was a son of another James Ryburn, who was also a native of Washington County, Pa., where he was engaged in business as a farmer and stock-dealer till his removal to Harrison County, Ohio, where he lived for a time. He then came to McLean County, Ill., and died there at about sixty-five years of age.
The father of our subject was nine years old when his parents removed to Harrison County, Ohio, and there he grew to man's estate. In 1854 he came to Illinois and bought the old Gov. Moore farm near Randolph Grove in McLean County. He soon after bought section 21, Wilson Township, DeWitt County, which he traded for the four hundred acres of land occupied by his son, of whom we write. He lived here till his removal to Bloomington, where he made his home though still devoting himself to the management of his farming interests. He subsequently settled on a farm on the south line of McLean County and was there till 1887. In the winter of 1887-88 he made a trip to California for his health and the winter of 1888-89 he spent in Texas. He returned home only to die, his death occurring May 7, 1890. He was a man of unblemished character, who was in every way worthy of the confidence that was accorded to him by his fellow-citizens. He was an earnest Christian and one of the leading members of the Second Presbyterian Church at Bloomington. In politics he was a sound Republican. By the exercise of good business talents he accumulated a handsome property and at the time of his death was the proprietor of a little over seven hundred acres of choice well-improved land.
Elizabeth Hamilton was the maiden name of the mother of our subject and she is a native of Harrison County, Ohio. She is a member in high standing of the Presbyterian Church and possesses fine qualities of head and heart that have won her the respect and regard of all about her. She is the mother of nine children, of whom eight are living. Her father, Joshua Hamilton, was a native of Harrison County, Ohio, and was born there in early pioneer times. In early life he was prosperously engaged as a farmer and stock-dealer, and later loaned money at Springfield, Ohio, he being a man of considerable means.
Our subject spent the first five years of his life in this county and then accompanied his parents to Bloomington. He was given fine advantages for securing a liberal education, the foundation of which he laid in the city schools of Bloomington, receiving a diploma from the ward school. He spent two years in the Bloomington High School and then attended the Evergreen City Business College of that place, from which he was graduated finely equipped for the work that lay before him in his chosen calling, which Horace Greeley aptly styled "the noblest of professions."
Our subject keeps the old homestead up to the same high standard of cultivation and improvement that it had attained in his father's time and has here a farm that is second to none in its vicinity in the excellency of its appointments. They have besides another place of three hundred and thirty-five acres of choice land that constitutes a valuable piece of property. In his career as a farmer and breeder of stock our subject has displayed fine business qualities and marked judgment and uncommon industry, which in time will undoubtedly place him at the head of his calling. He keeps well posted on all topics of general interest and especially on politics, and uses his influence in favor of the Republican party. He and his four brothers and three sisters constitute the family circle. John H. lives at San Angelo, Tex., and is in the cattle business; Belle, Mrs. Dunn, is a resident of Burlington, Iowa, her husband, Rev. C. S. H. Dunn, being pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of that place; Jennie M. resides with her mother in Bloomington, Ill.; our subject; Frank, has charge of the half-section on the south line of McLean County; Lucy, Mrs. Charles S. Watkins, resides in Bloomington, Ill., where her husband is book-keeper in the Peoples' Bank; Harry lives with his mother in Bloomington and is shipping clerk for B.S. Greene & Co., wholesale harness dealers of that place; James, Jr., lives in Bloomington and attends school in the First Ward.