Huddleston Family
A first family of DeWitt County, Illinois
Charles H. HUDDLESTUN (HUDDLESTON) was born in Macopin County, October 26, 1836. He was the son of William Huddleston, an early pioneer of Macoupin County Ills. William’s father was Thomas HUDDLESTON, a native of Virginia. Thomas Huddleston was a farmer and spent his last years in Indiana, dying in Montgomery County, Indiana.
Charles Huddleston, farmed a hundred and twenty acres on section 22 of Santa Anna Township. Mr. Huddleston moved on the farm in 1873 where he made substantial improvements and keep it well stocked with cattle.
Mr. Huddleston was the second of four sons born to his father William and his second wife Rachel HENDERSHOT. Charles was partly reared and educated in his native Illinois and also in Iowa, where his mother spent her last days in Henry County. Charles came to Dewitt County when he was eighteen years old, arriving on February 19, 1855. He came to Dewitt a poor youth, with no capital but he had strong muscles, a stout heart and an intelligent mind. It is written that he was seen as a solid man of his township.
Charles first married Miss Catherine CAMPBELL, who was born and reared in McLean County. Catherine’s parents were Patton and Mary Ann (CLEARWATERS) CAMPBELL. Catherine’s mother died when she was quite young. Her father Patton, remarried Miss Ruth Emily STANSBURY. Her father and step-mother, along with her brother John Wesley CAMPBELL, removed to Dewitt County about 1845.
Catherine (Campbell) Huddleston died in Santa Anna Township when she was twenty-eight years old, leaving four children; Laura, who married Fred ZIMMERMAN of Dewitt County died in Linn County, Kansas, leaving one child; Mary married A. RHOADES, a farmer of Montgomery County; Frank B, married Cora CAMPBELL, of Dewitt County; and Harry, who married Daisy A. GEORGE. Frank B. and Harry moved to Iowa where they lived out their lives. Frank B. became well know in Iowa for his breeding of horses. Frank won many honors when he took his horses to different shows around the country. Frank and Cora had no children but raised a nephew, Shad HUDDLESTON.
Charles Huddleston, took as a second wife, Mrs. Barbary L. ROBBINS (nee HOLLOWAY), who was born and reared in McLean County. To this marriage were born four children; William O., Bascom, Amy L., and Lucretia.
The Huddlestons were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Huddleston held several offices in Santa Anna and was an advocate of Prohibition.
Charles Huddleston is buried beside both of his wives in the old cemetery located behind the Dairy Queen in Farmer City, Illinois.
I do have extended information concerning this family and would be very glad to help anyone who contacts me.
Submitted by Nathalie C. Patton