HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Its Past and present
Chicago: Donnelley, Loyd & Co., Publishers, 1878.
(reprinted by the Jacksonville Area Genealogical and Historical Society, 1975)
CADE, William , farmer and stock_raiser, Sec. 31, P.O. Murrayville, Ill., son of David and Mary Cade, natives of England; William was born in Lancashire, England, April, 1837; when 12 years of age his parents emigrated to America, and first settled in Philadelphia, Pa. In the spring of 1858 the family, with the exception of William, who came the following year, moved to Morgan, Co. Nov. 16, 1861, he was married to Miss Martha Ann Sheplar, daughter of Benj. and Maria Sheplar, pioneers of Morgan Co. Since his arrival in Morgan Co. Mr. Cade has turned his attention to farming; owns 105 acres of land. Children: Lavina C., born Jan. 26, 1863; Edwin, born June 25, 1869; Mary and Maria, twins, born Dec. 25, 1871; Benjamin D., born Sept. 3, 1872; Harry, born June 12, 1876.
CAIN, John, farmer and stock dealer, Sec. 36, P.O. Jacksonville; son of James and Mary Cain, natives of parish of “Dorrah Abbey,” Kings County, Ireland; was in youth a clerk in a linen store, but as he grew to more ripe years, engaged in the pursuits of a rural life on the farm, died in the parish of his birth, aged 50 years; his birth was in 1796, died in 1846; his wife survived him many years, emigrating to America in 1853; settling for a few years in the State of New Jersey; in 1857 joined her son John here in old Morgan; after a most eventful life, was stricken with cholera in August, 1874, and died the 13th of same month; was buried Aug. 15, 1874, in Diamond Grove Cemetery, aged 75 years; the subject of this biography was born in the parish of “Dorrah Abbey,” Kings Co., Ireland, March 14, 1820; during the early years of his life was happy country boy; received a moderate education which in the after years of his life fitted him to meet the many responsibilities of his active life; he left his native land in February, 1844, to see the “green fields” of America; after a perilous voyage landed at New York city, March, 1844; from there to near Long Branch, New Jersey; after a good stay with the “Jersey blues,” moved to Cincinnati, Ohio; thence to New Orleans, and soon returned to the same city; was married to Miss Bridget Hanrahan, daughter of Denis and Winnifred Hanrahan, natives of County Clare, Ireland, April 6, 1851, by Rev. Father Hope; after marriage, moved to near Jacksonville, Morgan County, and did his first labor for Jonathan Neely, sheriff; after working very satisfactorily for Mr. Neely, struck out on his own “hook” renting a farm from Stephen Green; after many years of hard, honest toil, he by judicious economy was able to purchase a bit of land; purchased of John Alexander 70 acres of land, and has since that epoch in his life, added acre after acre to his first purchase, until now he is master of a splendid farm of 320 acres of land, worth $20,000; during the years of his residence here has won for himself the honored distinction of being a strictly honest man; in 1874 was before the Democratic Convention for the office of County Commissioner, but the “machine” outwitted his honesty, hence was beaten; was subsequently in the same year nominated by the Independents for the office of Sheriff, receiving a very complimentary vote, though defeated by the “ring;” yet he has lost none of his old popularity; Mr. Cain enjoys the pleasure of a large, interesting family of ten children: Mary Anne, born May 25, 1852; Margaret Theresa, born Nov. 6, 1853; James, born May 11, 1855; John H. born May 2, 1857; Rose Ellen, born March 1, 1859; Winnifred, born Aug. 28, 1861; Austin, born Oct. 23, 1863; Elizabeth, born Feb. 14, 1866; Thomas, born Oct. 25, 1868; Harriett C., born May 15, 1871; in the Winters of 1874_6, James, having a taste for a professional life, entered the Jacksonville Business College, and under the care of Prof. G.W. Brown, prosecuted his studies into the highest branches of a commercial course, with honor to himself and class; Margaret was married, April 22, 1877, to John Landrigan, of Jacksonville by Father Grant, and resides close to the old homestead.
CALDWELL, J. C. deceased, a leading farmer and an early settler in Morgan County, was born in Bulter County, Kentucky, May 1807; he was the third child of Geo. and Rhoda Caldwell, whose maiden name was Bishop; growing up on a farm in his boyhood, he became employed in a tannery, for an uncle; serving an apprenticeship, he eventually became the superintendent of the works, and continuing in this capacity three years; he then, date 1827, set out in a covered wagon, loaded with leather, by way of speculation, for Illinois, locating during the autumn of that year in Morgan County, near the present farm residence of Mrs. C.; starting a tannery, having brought machinery for that purpose, for many years he supplied the country for miles around with oak_tanned leather; this was in all probability the first tannery started in the State or county; in 1828, Mr. C. married Miss Louisa Rogers, a daughter of the Rev. Wm. Rogers, who is well remembered for his many excellent traits of character, and who preached the first sermon in Tp. 13_8; the tannery referred to proved a source of revenue, and Mr. Caldwell there procured a first start in life, afterward becoming a farmer; he first bought from the government an 80_acre tract of land; from this came an estate of nearly a thousand acres, now the property of Mrs. C. Mr. Caldwell was well known for his generosity; an honored citizen of this county while he lived among us, he now sleeps in an honored grave. His wife, a lady of intelligence and refinement, was born near Georgia, Kentucky, Nov. 1811, and became a resident of this county in 1826; seven children, five living: Geo. W. born in 1830, married at 24, Miss Frances Cloud, daughter of Newton Cloud; John A., unmarried, resides on the old homestead; David H., now a resident of Kansas, married Margaret White, of Bloomington, where he received a classical education, and where he was admitted to the bar, and is now a prominent attorney; Leander A., married Minerva J. Woods; Mary, unmarried, a lady of superior attainments, resides at home.
CALHOUN, Abraham, farmer and stock_raiser, Sec. 23, P.O. Franklin. Mr. Calhoun was born in Green Co., Ky., February, 1846. His parents were natives of Kentucky, and there followed farming. The ancestry of this family were among the first settlers of Kentucky. In 1851, the Calhoun family emigrated to Illinois, when the comforts of the Eastern States could be procured in the West. The family settled near Scottville Macoupin Co., where Mrs. Calhoun now lives. One year after his arrival, Mr. Calhoun died, and was laid at rest in Greene Co. Mrs. C. afterward married John McCollum of Macoupin Co., where Abraham grew to maturity and married Sarah E. Turner, of Greene Co. Four children blessed this union: David T., Theresa M., James T., and Julia J. Mr. Calhoun owns 88 1/2 acres of land; a man of enterprise, which is the farmer’s success.
CALKINS, Frank E. farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Woodson, son of Lyman and Rhody Calkins; father a native of Wheatland Co., N.Y.; mother, of Oakland Co., Mich. The subject of this sketch was born Dec. 3, 1855, in Oakland Co., Mich.; his early education commenced at a very remote period of his juvenile years, from the knee of a New England school maam, Miss Ellen Cook, in the district schools; at the age of seventeen years he finished his course of studies at Milford Union High School, Milford, Mich., and immediately thereafter left his native State to visit the scene of the great conflagration _ Chicago; this was in 1872; while in the city of the “Baptism of Fire,” Frank enjoyed the hospitality of his Uncle Aaron Phelps, a wealthy dairyman of the “Lake City,” and in February, 1873, moved and cast his fortunes with our people, by going into hard work on the farm of W.P. Craig. In 1876 was united in Wedlock to Miss Sarah E. Smith, daughter of W.T. and Lucinda Smith, natives of Tennessee, on Feb. 22. R.W. Allen, of Unity Pres. Church tieing the indissoluble knot; has had by this union, Emma H. born Jan. 25, 1877. These good parents are zealous Christians, their lives being for many years identified with “Unity Presbyterian Church; is a good farmer, a courteous gentleman, and universally respected.
CAMM, Samuel, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 34, P.O. Jacksonville; was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, Jan. 24, 1807; he was the son of William and Mary Camm; Samuel married in 1836, Miss Jane Minneack; until 1841 he was engaged in a coffee mill house; he then, accompanied by his family, emigrated to America, and settled near Winchester, Scott County, Ill.; in August, 1849, his wife died; while in Scott County, five daughters were born to them; second wife now living, formerly Miss Martha D. Butler, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Butler; oldest son, William, on the breaking out of the war, raised a company, and was elected captain of Co. K, 14th Regiment Illinois Infantry; Spring of 1861, for meritorious service he was promoted to Lieutenant colonel, serving in that capacity until the close of the war, in many hard_fought battles, as Shiloh and siege of Vicksburg; also enlisted in Hancock Corps as captain Co. H, 1st Regiment; Bernard, a brother, also enlisted in the 101st Illinois Regiment, and served four years a non_commissioned officer.
CAMPBELL, Jas. farmer, Sec. 26, P.O. Woodson, son of Alex. and Lydia Campbell, was born in Jefferson Co., Indiana, Jan. 12, 1828; married Dec. 8, 1853, to Frances Combs, who was born in Stafford Co., Virginia; came to Morgan Co. in 1851, settling sixteen miles southeast of Jacksonville. Five children: Maggie, Mary, Emma, and Eddie, all born in Morgan Co.
CANHAM, Shade (deceased), son of John and Phebe Canham, natives of near Som, Cambridgeshire, England, was born April 3, 1837, at the above place; emigrated to the new world in company with his mother, and ten other children, in 1855, and at once joined the father and husband on the farm of William Richardson, west of Jacksonville, and shortly after set into work on the farm of J.R. Megginson, south of Jacksonville, and worked there nearly five years; was married to Miss Mary E. Pierson, daughter of Benjamin and Betsy Pierson, on Aug. 25, 1858; there were born to this union: Benjamin T. born May 14, 1860; Phebe B. Dec. 30, 1861; Henry J.B. Nov. 22, 1863, died March 22, 1864; Sarah Alice, April 14, 1865; William T. Aug. 30, 1867; Job Shade, Sept, 18, 1869; Charles E. Nov. 6, 1873; George L. April 24, 1877. After marriage, rented a farm of Sam Killam, then on the Colonel Dunlap farm at three different periods, thence to the Charles Rawlings farm; stayed there on year, moved then to the city, and followed the life of a bussman. Subsequently moved to Sangamon Co. and rented a farm for five years, and on the expiration of the term returned to Morgan Co., settling on the Joel Mitchell farm in Sec. 30, thence to the Sanford farm in 1877, where the fell destroyer_consumption, called him to the Spirit world Sept. 5, 1877. The relict of Mr. Canham, with the heavy responsibility of caring for seven orphan children, meets her fate with Christian resignation, and puts her trust in that God that “tempers the winds to the shorn lamb.”
CANNON, J. & T. butcher, ns State e. Square. As far back as 1857 the senior member of this firm transacted business in Jacksonville, but the present existing partnership was formed in 1875. This is one of the leading firms, in their line, in Jacksonville, having had many years of experience in the selection of meats, the housekeepers can not go elsewhere and do better than at Messrs. J. & T. Cannon’s, where they will be well pleased by the courtesy of the proprietors and the low prices. A few words in reference to the members of the firm: they were born in Yorkshire, England, in 1828, where the head of the family transacted business as a butcher, and from whom, in after years, the boys learned the same calling. In 1832 the family emigrated to America and first settled at Lockport, N.Y., subsequently removed to Niagara Falls. In 1848, at the age of twenty years, John married Miss Mahala A. Nichols. Twelve children blessed this union, nine of whom are living. The junior member was born in 1832; at twenty_one he married Ellen O’Connel, daughter of John O’Connel. Eleven children blessed this union, ten of whom are living.
CARLYLE, Hoopes, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 20, P.O. Pisgah. The subject of this sketch was the oldest member of a family of seven children, and the only one now living; he was born in Chester Co., Pa., June 26, 1809; his father by occupation, was a farmer, in good circumstances. Up to the age of sixteen, young Carlyle remained on the farm; he then became apprenticed to the trade of scythemaking, and served five years, becoming a skillful workman; removing to Vincent, He formed the acquaintance of Miss Margaret Cooper; they were married in February, 1834; the following year went to Phoenixville, and there he worked twelve years; In 1852 he set out, accompanied by his family, for Illinois; traveling by rail and by water through Pittsburgh, they arrived at Naples, Ill.; from there made their way to Morgan Co., settling near Franklin on the farm now owned by Mr. Carlyle; purchasing 40 acres then, now owns 130 acres; eight children, seven living: James, now a resident of Morgan Co., farmer by occupation, served four years in the late war of rebellion, cavalry service; Ezra, who became a minister of considerable prominence; Samuel D., who became a physician, now a resident of Palmyra, Ill.; Phoebe, who married George Gibson, a school_teacher, and who also manages the farm property of Mr. Carlyle; Amanda, married William Stott, and now resides in Chester Co., Pa.
CARPENTER, James F., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 28, P.O. Waverly. Was born in Wayne Co., Ky., July 14, 1829. His father was engaged in farming, and in 1839 concluded to try his fortunes in the West; reaching the Ohio, they crossed it in a horse-boat, a craft something over 100 feet in length, constructed very much like the ferry boats of today, the principal difference being the modern boat propelled by steam were then driven by mules, who kept the paddles in motion by means of machinery. The family settled in Gallatin Co., Ill., where William Carpenter, the head of the family, shortly afterward died. James F. was then but eleven years old, but at this early age he had to perform the hard labor of the farm, the support of the family devolving principally upon him. For twelve years he hired out to neighboring farmers; he has worked for five dollars per month many a day, and split rails at twenty-five cents per day, and at night carded wool for his mother to spin. At twenty-seven years of age, James united his fortunes with Lucy A. Wright, who died about one year afterward, leaving one child, which died in early infancy. In 1859 he married Anna E. Florence; three children blessed this union: Mary Ann, James M., and Martha; none of the children are now living. During the Spring of 1864, Mrs. Carpenter died; the following year he married Miss Nancy E. Elliot; five children, four living: James A., John W., Charles E., and Lewis H.
CARRIGAN, John, farmer, Sec. 8, P.O. Jacksonville, was born in Tipperary Co., Ireland, in 1808. About the year 1851 he emigrated to America with his family; having married while there Miss Mary Dudy, daughter of John and Margaret. On coming to America he settled in Morgan Co., and purchased eighty acres. Nine children were born, all of whom are living: Patrick, Michael, Mary, Morris, Kate, John, Julia, Nellie, and Edward.
CARRIGAN, Patrick, farmer, Sec. 32, P.O. Woodson, son of John and Mary Carrigan. He was born in Tipperary Co., Ireland; resided there up to the age of 17; in the Spring of 1853 he stepped on board the sailing vessel Samuel Lawrence; after a short voyage landed at New Orleans, and from there came direct to Morgan Co.; he first worked by the month. In 1858, married Catherine Dowling, daughter of John and Betsey Dowling. Six children: John, born 1859; Jane, born 1861; Patrick, born 1863; Mary E., born 1868; Michael E., born 1869; Marice born 1875; William and Mary E., deceased. Mrs. Carrigan departed this life in 1874, and was laid at rest in the Catholic cemetery at Jacksonville.
CARRINGTON, W. M. farmer and stock dealer, Sec. 32, P.O. Alexander; was born in this county in 1846, and was married to Alice Tincher, in Oct. 1869; she was born in Sangamon County in 1850; have three children living, Claud M., Clinton F., and John M.
CARTER, Samuel W. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 32, P.O. Jacksonville; son of W. C. Carter of Morgan Co., born April 20, 1849, and has resided here all his life; married, March 14, 1876, to Hannah, daughter of Sylvester and Charlotte Joy, of Morgan County, born Nov. 15, 1854; this union has been blessed by one child, Ernst C., born Feb. 12, 1877; Mr. Carter has devoted his industries solely to agricultural pursuits; homestead consists of 170 acres, beautifully located and highly improved.
CARVER, J. H. dry goods and groceries; was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, Oct. 12, 1821; in 1863, came to Naples, Ill., and followed farming for several years, going from Naples to Ohio again; returned to Illinois in 1848, and commenced clerking; in 1858 commenced the mercantile business; came to Meredosia in 1859, and established the business he is now engaged in; was married in 1848, to Miss Elmira Kellogg; had two children: George (deceased) and Royal; his wife died in 1854; was buried in Naples, Ill.; he was again married, to Miss Katie S. Steel; by this marriage there were three children born: Katie B., Lillian (deceased), and Harry (deceased).
CHAMBERLAIN, Timothy, r College av. Cor. West, was born in Salem, Mass., Dec. 11, 1812, removed to New York city in 1827, to Fredericksburg, Va., in 1830, and to Morgan county, Ill., May 14th, 1832; has resided near and in Jacksonville since that time. He was united in marriage in Monticello Seminary, Feb. 3, 1839, to Miss Amanda T. Buckley, who departed this life March 23, 1877. Of their children five yet live, four daughters and one son. Mr. Chamberlin is at present secretary of the Old Settlers Association of Morgan and Cass Counties.
CHAMBERS, Moses, farmer and stock_raiser, Sec. 29, P.O. Scottville, Macoupin Co. Fifth child of John and Nancy Chambers, natives of North Carolina, who moved westward to Illinois in 1838, and located on rented property in Morgan Co., west of Franklin. The subject of this sketch was born in 1850. Growing to manhood, he received a common_school education. Unlike the boys of to_day, he had but few advantages wherewith to commence the battle of life. Mr. Chambers owns forty acres of land.
CHAPMAN, William D. Sec. 36, P.O. Manchester, Scott Co. This gentleman is the son of Robert Chapman, a native of Norfolk, England, and was born at the above place Jan. 14, 1848; when very young commenced to accustom his life to the pursuits of an agriculturist; he never attended school while at home; during his life he worked out among neighboring farmers, and applied his mind to gather up some of the simple rudiments of an english education; ten months would, however, be more time than William ever attended to the study of the English reader, but Mr. Chapman, appreciating the need of gaining a good knowledge of the common branches of English, has by diligence and the study of good books, acquired a liberal knowledge of history, mathematics, and penmanship. When in his nineteenth year, visited the great metropolis, London, and resided there more than four years. His young manhood craved for a wider field; emigrated from the land of his birth July 31, 1870; took shipping from London; after a merry voyage, landed at New York City, Aug. 21, 1870; moved immediately to Haverstraw, on the Hudson River, and there tarried but six weeks; from there moved to Illinois, and cast his lot with the people of Greene Co., and worked on the farm of Mr. Tunison, south of Whitehall; moved thence to another farm of the same party, south of Manchester, Scott Co.; resided there three years; having tired of renting, bought a good farm of Mr. Blaker, of Sangamon Co., where he now resides; was married Oct. 14, 1872, to Miss Hannah Mitchell, daughter of William Mitchell, by Rev. Mr. Hyde, at Carrollton, Ill.; have had by this union, Walter Joseph, born Oct. 18, 1874 and Robert William, born May 15, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are generous and genial people, and enjoy the friendship of a host of friends.
CHARLSWORTH, George, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 3, P.O. Arenzville, Cass Co.; born in Yorkshire, England, Aug. 18, 1826; married Nov. 28, 1852, to Mary Kenworthy, born in Yorkshire, England, Nov. 26, 1831; have five children living, Anna L., born in Cass Co., Ill., May, 18, 1857; Joseph T., born Feby. 16, 1860, on this farm; John W., born March 5, 1863, on this farm; George L., born July 15, 1868; died March, 28, 1871; Mary L., born Sept. 22, 1871, on this farm; James Richard, born May 17, 1874, on this farm; Mr. George Charlsworth left England in 1849; prior to this time he was on his father’s farm, farming and weaving being his occupation at the time; he landed in Boston, 1849; went to Lowell, Mass.; here his employment was that of weaving, and remained six months; in Oct. 1849, he went to Peacedale, R.I.; remained here three years, engaged as weaver; then he went to Westerly, Conn.; here he remained one year; occupation during this time, weaving; then he settled in Cass Co. in 1854, near his present place; moved to his present farm Nov. 10, 1859.
CHESTNUT, Alexander, Col. farmer, son of Charles and Elizabeth, was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Sept. 5, 1801; lived there upward of forty years; received his education in subscription schools; in 1832, he was married to Mary Ann McAllister; Oct. 1, 1849, he then moved to Maiburn, Christian Co., Illinois, and bought 320 acres of land, and becoming a very successful farmer; in 1852 he moved to Logan Co., settling at Congo Grove, which he purchased, and surrounding property, in all, 1500 acres; in 1868 he disposed of all but a section, which he still retains; thence to Morgan Co., where he bought 160 acres; a resident of Logan on the breaking out of the Rebellion, he organized the 101st Regiment, and assisted very materially toward the organization of the 4th Cavalry, and in Mason Co. lent his aid; it is said no man in the county helped more toward the preservation of the Union than Mr. Chestnut, who after a long life of usefulness, now rests from active labor on his farm.
CLARK, Dr. pastor M.E. Church, Franklin, was the second son of William and Elizabeth Clark, of Albany, N.Y., where the subject of this sketch was born. The father of Dr. Clark was a very successful farmer, educated, who in his time was the associate and friend of some of the leading men of America; he was the classmate of Martin Van Buren, afterward president of the U.S.; his acquaintance with Mr. Van Buren soon ripened into a cordial friendship. Thomas Benton, who was afterward United States Senator from Missouri, was also in early life an intimate friends, being a relative on the wife’s side, and who was the grand-uncle of the subject of this sketch. In the war of 1812 the elder Clark took a prominent part, and served as a staff-officer under Gen. Winfield Scott, who afterward achieved so much fame in the war with Mexico. On his retirement from the army, he settled down to a quiet agricultural life. In business he was systematic, believing what was worth doing at all was worth doing well; a man of unswerving integrity, having the respect of all who formed his acquaintance. Dr. Clark, who heads this sketch, is said to resemble his father in features, and of the same height and weight. In 1840, the family settled near Quincy, Ill., and here Mr. Clark shortly after died, and was laid at rest in the Menden Cemetery; his wife, who had been his companion for half a century, still survives, residing on her farm near Quincy, and is upward of eighty years of age. Dr. Clark received his preliminary education in Chatauqua Co., N.Y.; at nineteen, married Miss Hannah Steel, of Chatauqua Co. The dream of the farm boy was to become proficient in theology and medicine; his father had died, leaving the family in somewhat moderate circumstances, and the care of the family devolved upon the youth; often he has worked hard all day, and then studied during the greater portion of the evening; in time he became a ripe scholar, and a graduate of the theological conference; for twenty-one years he has held the pastorate of different churches, during which time he also practiced as a physician and surgeon. The union of Dr. Clark to Hannah Steel was blessed with two children, who died from typhoid fever in Ottawa, Ill.
CLARK, George W. artist and photographer, Studio, West State, opposite the Court house, r ns Court w of West. Mr. Clark is a native of Ohio. He begun the practice of his chosen profession in his native town, Elyra, when sixteen years of age. He went from there to the City of New York, where he studied in the best galleries of that city, and perfected himself in the profession. He came to Jacksonville nine years ago, where he was first employed as an India Ink Artist by Catlin & Williams, with whom he remained two years. He then went to Lockport, N.Y. , where he remained five years. At the end of that time, he returned to Jacksonville, and for two years devoted himself exclusively to Crayon Portraiture, becoming one of the finest artists in this branch in the West. He did crayon work for photographers and artists in Chicago, Lockport, New York City, Rochester, and Boston. In the Spring of 1878, he opened his present studio to fill a demand for first-class photographic work. His studio is unsurpassed in appointments and style of work. Every part is on the first - ground - floor, easy of access, and is in a prominent place in the city. The pictures made here are unequaled in point of finish and artistic excellency, and are equal to the finest made in the best studios in the largest cities.
CLARK, William C., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 1, P.O. Alexander. Born in Athens Co., Ohio, Oct. 6, 1818, where his parents moved at an early day. In 1822, the Clark family came to Ross Co., Ohio, and thence to Licking Co.; here the old folks remained until they passed off the stage of life. Young Clark there turned his attention to farming; Oct. 15, 1843, married Miss Elizabeth Pence, daughter of Abraham Pence, a native of Virginia; in the Autumn of 1845, he settled in Menard Co.; Nov. 8, 1846, settled in the vicinity of where Alexander is now located; in 1850, purchased land; in 1845, Mrs. Clark died; in 1851, he married Miss Sarah J. Samples, daughter of Andrew and Nancy Samples, who were among the early pioneers of Morgan Co.; this was the year of cholera in Morgan Co., from which his second wife died, on the 5th of July; on the 22d of February, 1852, he married Miss Sarah Samples, daughter of Jacob and Pollie Samples. For several years Mr. Clark was town trustee; is the owner of 120 acres of valuable property.
CLAY, H. L. (T.D. Price & Co.) and editor Illinois Courier, r College av. e Hardin av. Was born in Lexington, Ky., June 18, 1834. In 1838 his parents removed to St. Louis; after remaining here till 1847, they went to Jefferson City, Mo., and again moved to Springfield, Ill. in 1852, where Mr. C. was employed in the State Register’s office; in 1854 he went to Petersburg, where he established the Menard Index, a weekly paper. In 1860 he sold out and went to Carrollton, where he formed a co_partnership with G.B. Price, the firm style being Price & Clay, publishers of the Carrollton Gazette; still retaining his connection with the Gazette, he served as chief clerk of the Provost Marshal’s office in Jacksonville from 1863 till 1867; he then returned to Carrollton and engaged in the lumber business till the Fall of 1869. In May, 1876, he came a second time to Jacksonville, and, in connection with T.D. Price, M.N. Price and G.E. Doying, purchased the Illinois Sentinel and Jacksonville Enterprise, uniting the two as the Illinois Courier. Mr. C. was among the earliest and most active advocates in securing what is now the west div. of the C. & A.R.R. He was also incorporator from 1866 to 1874, of three other railroad enterprises; making his newspaper connection effective in these as well as other matters of public moment.
CLERIHAN, J. R. farmer and stock_raiser, Secs. 33 and 34, P.O. Woodson, son of Isaac and Catharine Clerihan, natives of Kings Co., Ireland, where Mr. Clerihan was born in 1839, and there received a liberal education. When eight years old his father died; at ten the family moved to Manchester, England; at seventeen, the subject of this sketch enlisted in the English army, where he served two years, emigrated to America shortly after. He became a resident of Sunny Plains, N.J., for a time; thence to Jacksonville, Morgan Co., where he first worked by the month. April 1, 1864, he enlisted in the Sixth Ill. Cav., at Jacksonville, for three years service. Principal battles engaged in: Lawrenceburg, Nashville, and Shoal Creek. On the close of the war he was honorably discharged at Selma, Ala., and returned to Morgan Co. Feb. 14, 1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Donald.
CLERIHAN, M. J. farmer and stock_raiser, correspondent Jacksonville Journal, Sec. 31, P.O. Woodson. The subject of this sketch was born in Kings Co., Ireland, in 1839; his parents were Isaac and Catherine. In 1849, his parents moved to Manchester, England. In 1856, in company with a brother, M.J. came to America. In 1857, located in Morgan Co., Ill. At the breaking out of the Rebellion was the first man enlisted in Co. B, Hardin Light Guards, Tenth Ill. Inft. enlisted at Jacksonville and mustered into service at Cairo. Was in the engagement when the destruction of forces occurred under Jeff Thompson; was a participant in the battle of New Madrid, Mo., March, 13, 1862; Tiptonville, Tenn., April 7, 1862; Farmington, Miss., May 3, 1862; Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 5, ’62; Lavergne, Tenn., Dec. 30, 1862; Anderson Cross Roads, Tenn., Oct. 1, 1863; Mission Ridge, Nov. 25, 1863; Fort Chickamauga, Nov. 26, 1863; Buzzard Roost, Feb. 25, 1864; Dallas, Ga., May 27, 1864; Rome, Ga., May 21st, 1864; Kenesaw, June 27; White House Station, July 27; East Point, Ga., Aug. 16; Peach Tree Creek, July 22; followed the fortunes of the regiment up to the investment of Atlanta. Honorably discharged at Chattanooga, Tenn., Aug. 31, 1864; subsequently enlisted in Co. H, Fifth Regt. Hancock’s Veteran Corps. Present during trial of conspirators at Washington, D.C.; also present at the execution. Honorably discharged at New York City, March 23, 1866. Married while in New York City Miss Catherine Hickey, April 1, 1866; shortly after removed to Morgan Co., where he now resides on his farm. Mr. C. is the author of the History of the Tenth Ill. Inft., a graceful, easy writer, and an affable, courteous gentleman.
COATES, Job , farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 19, P.O. Pisgah. The subject of this sketch was the youngest of a family of nine children, his father was a farmer in good circumstances, in Yorkshire, England, where young Coates was born, Nov. 23, 1848; at the early age of twenty-two he took passage on board the steamship City of Washington, for America; the trip was made in a short time; at the end of fourteen days, he landed in Morgan; he first worked by the month; for three years he rented farm property; at the end of five years he made a purchase of 160 acres of prairie and ten acres of timber; since the purchase was made, mr. Coates has put in many days of hard labor, possessed of that energetic disposition that characterizes the English farmer, his venture in America proved successful; he now owns 210 acres of well improved land; on coming to America, he had nothing comparatively speaking, and his success for one who is still in the prime of life, speaks well for his enterprise.
COBBS, William A. boot and shoe maker, ns E. State nr Square, r State nr Clay av. Was born in Harrison Co., Ky., Oct. 18, 1818; came to this county in 1839, where he has since resided. He opened a shoe store on the south side of the square in 1840, and continued doing business in that locality five years; received a good offer for his store, he sold out and removed to the present locality, where he has since continued, and by fair dealing with his customers he has built up a good trade.
COCKIN, George, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 6, P.O. Alexander. The subject of this sketch was born in Yorkshire, England, about 1815. The head of the family, by trade, was a shipcarpenter. At the age of twenty_six, George crossed the ocean for the shores of America; he landed in New Orleans, from which place he made his way into Morgan Co., settling in the vicinity of Jacksonville, hiring out the first year. On the expiration of this time, he engaged in farming on his own account; about the year 1858, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Clayborough, a native of Yorkshire, England. Mr. Cockin now owns 200 acres of choice land, and as a farmer is a success. Seven children blessed this union: Sarah, Mary, William, George, John, Emma, and Thomas.
COE, Alfred, farmer, Sec. 26, P.O. Liter; born near Waverly, Morgan County, April 3, 1844, and has lived in the county all his life; was married, March 10, 1870, to Judy A. Gaines, who was born in Menard County, Aug. 28, 1840; they have three children, named Minnie W., born July 9, 1871; Edward A., Feb. 6, 1874; and a son not named, Born Oct. 7, 1877; Mr. Coe served three years in Co. G. 101st Regt. Ill. Vol. Infantry.
COE, I. H. farmer and stock raiser, Waverly. The subject of this sketch is the seventh child of Ashael and Maria Coe, natives of Torrington, Conn. Ashael Coe, natives of Torrington, Conn. Ashael Coe was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., 1799, removing to Illinois in 1839, and locating in Morgan Co., near Waverly. He married, June 2, 1830, Miss Maria Wetmore, who was born in Torrington, Conn., May 14, 1805. This marriage was blessed with eight children, five of whom participated in the late war of the rebellion. Israel was born in Morgan Co. August, 1847, and received a liberal education at Waverly; owns thirty acres of land.
COFFMAN, A. H. farmer, Sec. 14, P.O. Jacksonville, was born in Virginia, Aug. 13, 1830. Parents were Abraham and Rachel, who were natives of Virginia, for over twenty_five years Mr. Coffman resided in Virginia on the old homestead. In 1854, the family, including the subject of this notice, removed to Morgan Co.; since the date of his arrival Mr. C., who heads this sketch, has been a resident and the owner of farm property seven miles southeast of Jacksonville.
COFFMAN, George W. farmer, P.O. St. Clair Station; was born in Indiana July 18, 1843; came to Morgan County in the Spring of 1844; was married April 18, 1867, to Miss Russia Rice.
COLLINS, Jeremiah, farmer, Sec. 8, P.O. Jacksonville; was born in Ireland, May 1, 1831, and came to this country at the age of fourteen years, landing in New York, where he remained until 1852, when he removed to Sangamon County, and has lived there and in Morgan County ever since; was married June 18, 1858, to Mary, daughter of Thomas and Mary Collins, born in Ireland, 1833, who died Sept. 12, 1864; two children were the fruits of this union; Mary Ellen, born May 1, 1859, and John, Nov. 8, 1862; Mr. Collins was married again, Feb. 16, 1865, to Hanora, daughter of Ben and Johanna Stokes, born in Ireland, May, 1842; this union has been blessed by eleven children: Johanna, born Dec. 3, 1865; Margaret, Feb. 16, 1867; Jeremiah, April 21, 1868; Catherine, Oct. 2, 1869; Benjamin, Jan. 21, 1871; Bernard and William (twins), July 6, 1873; Teddie, May 11, 1874; David and Dennis (twins), July 18, 1874; Mark, Aug. 18, 1877; the homestead consists of 40 acres.
COMER, Angenora, wife of James Comer, farmer, Sec. 19, P.O. Meredosia; she was born in Pike Co., Ohio, June 10, 1820; married in 1834 to David Hodges, by whom she has four children living: Elizabeth E. born in 1839, in Pike Co., Ohio; Sarah J. married Harrison Lake, in this county; William Harrison (see biography in this township); Rebecca L. married Hobert Coborn, living in Jackson Co., Mo.; married James Comer, in 1850, by whom she has one child, Franklin P. born Sept. 28, 1852, who was married November, 1872, to Ella C. Knight, living in Canton, Mo.; Mrs. Comer was raised in Pike Co., Ohio, and was married at the age of fourteen years. She came to this county in 1839. Her first husband died in 1848. Mrs. Comer’s maiden name was Angenora McCorkle; she first settled in a log cabin on her son’s present farm on Illinois river bottom, in 1839. Mrs. Comer has charge of bringing up two children: Susan F. Sentney, born Jan. 18, 1864, and Charles Hardin, born March 22, 1866. The girl was three years old when she was placed with Mrs. Comer, and the boy one and a half years old; when she came to the Illinois Bottom, the country was very wild indeed; brush and prairie grass was horse_head high; fruit was a very scarce article; from Bluffs to Meredosia, there was only a cabin on the Concord road.
CONKLE, Michael, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 6, P.O. Jacksonville. Third child of Henry and Mary Conkle, who were natives of Pennsylvania; afterward moved to Ohio, and were there married; for many years Henry Conkle followed the occupation of farmer and teaming, near Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio, where Michael was born, Oct. 7, 1830; in 1843 the family moved westward, and located near Jacksonville, Ill., Morgan County, where the old people passed the remainder of their days; for seven years Michael worked for Rufus Calif, a prominent farmer in Piatt County, an extensive cattle dealer; while here was principally engaged in cattle buying, and trading in cattle; for many years he became associated in cattle speculations with John T. Alexander, and afterward with his sons; For Mr. M.F. Woods he also shipped cattle to New York, having made arrangements with the well known A.M. Allerton of New York city, and H.M. Staly , of Morgan County; becoming quite successful in 1866, he leased over one thousand acres of land from Gates, Strawn and David and also continued his cattle speculations; he of course met with reverses, but was a shrewd buyer, and universally succeeded in his ventures; in 1871 he was married to Miss Sarah Parsley, daughter of William J. and Elizabeth Parsley, natives of Tennessee; in 1876 he purchased the estate of Robert Morrison, where he now resides; the property comprises two hundred and sixty_five acres, on which was erected by Mr. Morrison, a beautiful residence; children: Luada and Jenny.
CONOVER, James, farmer and preacher, born in Woodford Co., Ky., Oct. 12, 1804; married June 5, 1828, to Miss Martha M. Reding; born in same county, Dec. 24, 1812; had nine children: Richard A., born Dec. 28, 1831; Alvina, Jan. 10, 1835; she was thrown from a buggy going to the fair in Cass Co., Ill., dying from her injuries, Nov. 1, 1875; Henry Clay, Sept. 16, 1838; Mary C., Aug, 8, 1841, now Mrs. M. D. McMannus, living with them; Eliza Ann, Jan. 20, 1845, died Oct. 6, 1845; Thaddeus, Dec. 18, 1833, died in his infancy; Charles Clinton, April 28, 1847, died Feb. 9, 1857; Martha Helen, Oct. 6, 1849, now Mrs. Normal Eurton; James Scholey, April 25, 1853; all his children live near Peculiar, Mo., with exception of Henry Clay, who lives near Butler, Bates Co., Mo.; Mr. Conover came to Illinois, landing on Jersey Prairie, eight miles north of Jacksonville, Oct. 18, 1827; he was farming there till 1855; the first Lord’s day in Feby. 1831, he, his wife, and others, thirteen in all, organized the first “Christian Church” in this county, if not in Illinois, he taking an active interest in its welfare; he was a deacon from its organization, and ordained a preacher a few years after, preaching from that time till 1855, when he moved to Eureka, Woodford Co., Ill.; he was appointed immediately after his arrival, trustee of the college (Eureka college), and soon after elder of the church there, holding both appointments till July, 4, 1868, when he moved to Pleasant Hill, Cass Co., Mo.; he was farming there as in Illinois; the town Peculiar was started soon after he settled, only two miles from his farm; he there found a small church organization; preaching there during his stay of five years; leaving there he returned to Concord, Nov. 18, 1873, since which time he has been living a retired life; he is at present an elder of his church, and still preaches occasionally, waiting contentedly to be called by Him, for whom he has worked during life.
COOK, James Robert, farmer, Sec. 19, P.O. Meredosia; born in South Carolina, Dec. 10, 1848; left there in 1858, going to Atlanta, Ga.; lived here until 1860, then went to Mississippi, lived there one year; then to Cairo, Ill., and there enlisted April 3, 1861, in a Morgan Co. Regiment, Co. H, 32d Illinois Infantry; was engaged in the following battles: Shiloh, Tennessee, Hatche’s Bridge, Tennessee, where a charge was made by his company on a battery, Vicksburg, Mission Ridge, Ga., Lookout Mountain, Nick_a_jack Creek, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, and Columbus, Ga., Goldsboro, S.C.; then went to Washington, D.C. Louisville, Ky., St. Louis, Mo., Fort Leavenworth, Ark., Omaha, Salt Lake City, Utah, then back to Fort Leavenworth, Ark., St. Joseph, Mo., Quincy, Ill., discharged at Springfield, Ill., Nov. 30, 1865; his father Cyrus was born in London, England, in 1796, died in Mississippi in 1861; his mother was Elizabeth DeJentry before her marriage; born in Paris, France, died in Mississippi in 1848; seven children in his father’s family; Alsey, aged 49 years, married George W. Collier; John Jorden, aged 37; William, aged 35; Frank, aged 33; Nancy, aged 32, married William Stanton.
COONS, J. M. The subject of this sketch was born in Morgan County, Illinois, near the city of Jacksonville, on the 13th day of November, 1835; he is the eldest son of Joseph Coons, who was born in the State of Ohio, Hamilton County, near the city of Cincinnati, on the 19th day of February, 1807; was raised in and remained near the same place (was married to Miss Sophia McCullough, on the 22d day of May, 1832) until the year 1834, when he came to the State of Illinois; stopped for a short time near Jacksonville; from there (in the year 1836) he moved to Macoupin County, Illinois; entered land three miles northeast of Scottville, is still living on the same place, and is still enjoying good health; can say what but few men of his age can say: he has raised a family of nine children, the oldest now forty-five, and the youngest twenty-three years of age, without the loss of one; five daughters and four sons. The subject of this sketch was raised on the above named farm in Macoupin County, Illinois, and living in what was then a new country, did not have the advantages of an early education; but being a lover of books he made considerable progress in his studies, and when about eighteen years old he applied himself diligently to procure a liberal education; being then old enough to see and appreciate the same, he soon qualified himself for teaching, which occupation he followed successfully for about four years; in the Fall of 1858, he went to Ohio to visit relatives, and while there again applied himself to school; in the Spring of 1859, he graduated from R. S. Bacon’s commercial college, of Cincinnati; in the fall of the same year he returned to Illinois, and again taught school; was married to Miss Lucinda Smith (second daughter of Elder Samuel Smith, of Macoupin County, Illinois), on the 22d of February, 1860; after marriage followed farming until 1866, when he came to Franklin, Morgan County, Illinois; went into the milling business, which occupation he followed until the Spring of 1876, when he went into the business he now follows, to-wit: dealer in groceries, drugs, hardware, tobacco, cigars, notions, etc., etc.; Mr. and Mrs. Coons have had six children, four living: Lullie Alice, twelve years old; John L., ten years; Nellie H., eight years, and Joanna May, four years.
COOPER, Armstrong, farmer, Sec. 22, P.O. concord; born in Roan Co. East Tennessee, March 23, 1812; he came to this county Nov. 3, 1835; was married Oct. 8, 1838, to Miss Mary Silcox, born in Tennessee, March 18, 1818; had ten children: Eliza Jane, born Oct. 29, 1840, now Mrs. F. Roberts; Azariah Coffman, Dec. 18, 1842, died 1853; William Henry, Sept. 15, 1844; Mary Ellen, born Oct. 31, 1846, died 1855, was Mrs. Orlando Pratt; John Armstrong, Sept. 1, 1850, died 1853; Amanda C., Oct, 1852, now Mrs. Bailey Rexroat; Albert and Robert, March 10, 1855, both died same year; James Buchanan, Aug. 23, 1856; Edward Scott, July, 17, 1860, died 1862; he first came to Jacksonville where he opened a family grocery store, sold out, and came to Concord, and in 1845 he entered the land he now lives on; has been school director and supervisor of roads seven terms; politically he has always been a Democrat, though in county elections, the best men on either side would always be his choice.
COOPER, William Henry, Farmer, Sec. 22, P.O. Concord; was born in Morgan Co., Sept. 15, 1844; married Oct. 18, 1874, to Miss Carrie M. Burbank, born in Morgan Co., March 12, 1855; have two children, Perry Howard, born March 4, 1876; Cora May, Aug. 24, 1877; was born and raised here; farmed with his father till his marriage; politically he has always been a Democrat; was elected school director of District No. 5 last April.
CORBETT, Dennis, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 5, P.O. Alexander. Mr. Corbett was born in the County of Limerick, Ireland, March 2, 1829. In the above county young Corbett passed many years of his life, and received a very liberal education; at the age of twenty he bid farewell to Erin’s Green Isle; during the Winter of 1850 he sailed for America, on board the Otomoco, arriving in New Orleans after a voyage of seven weeks. From there he made his way to St. Louis; shortly after he moved to Scott Co., Ill., where he first worked by the month. He married, about 1857, Miss Sarah Marley, a native of Donnegal, Ireland; in 1866 he made a purchase of 80 acres of land, the property he now owns. During the war, he contributed liberally of his means. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Corbett was blessed with five children, four living: Catherine, Mary Ann, Patrick, and Sarah. For several years Mr. Corbett was a resident of Logan Co.
COVEY, Robert, (deceased), was a farmer and stock raiser in Morgan Co.; was born near Knoxville, Tenn. From boyhood to manhood the hard work of the farm fell to his lot. In his early manhood, he married Miss Dodd, a daughter of William Dodd, who came in an early day to Illinois. In 1836, when people from all parts of the country began to move westward, Robert Covey gathered together his personal effects, and made a trip to Illinois by wagon, and settled on the south fork of the Mauvaisterre, where himself and wife passed the remainder of their days. Robert, Junior, from whom this sketch was obtained, was born in Morgan Co., oct. 11, 1838. Educated in district schools, at 22 he married Miss Lucinda Dalton, of Morgan Co.; by this marriage five children: Nancy P., Mary Ann, Laura E., Vina and Lewella. March 9, 1870, Mrs. Covey departed this life, and the same year Mr. C. married Miss Mary Jane Talkington, daughter of William; by this marriage four children: Electa E., Sarah Abigail, Clarissa and Eveline, all born in Morgan Co. Mr. Covey owns 101 acres.
COVEY, William, farmer and stock_raiser, Sec. 29, P.O. Franklin. Mr. Covey was born in Knox Co., Tenn., March 5, 1836. Himself and twin_brother, L. Samuel, accompanied their parents to Illinois during the Autumn of 1836, settling on the Mauvaisterre, in Morgan Co., where the family formed the acquaintance of Judge L. Samuel Wood, Dr. Moore, and others. About 1839 _ the exact date can not be ascertained _ Robert Covey, the father of William, died, leaving to the care of his wife a large family. William, thus deprived of a parent, to help toward the maintenance of the family, became employed on a farm. Feb. 7, 1860, married Miss Nancy Seymour, a daughter of Richardson and Mary Ann Seymour. On the 2d of August, 1862, Mr. Covey enlisted in the 101st Ill. Infantry, Co. H., for three years’ service; was a witness of the siege of Vicksburg, with Sherman on his march to the sea, and endured many hardships. Honorably discharged at Camp Butler, Ill., June, 1865.
COVINGTON, Mary A. wid. Benjamin H., farmer, Sec. 23, P.O. Murrayville, born 26th July 1831, in Somersetshire England, daughter of Edward and Anne Mason, natives of the above place. Her father was by trade a brick mason. In the early years of her girlhood commenced to lay the foundation of a sound education from the knee of Miss Anne Jordan, a preacheress, at the immature age of five years; was carried to school by her parents and teacher. At the age of eighteen years she finished her education at the Albert High School, Concord, this county. The noted Brigham Young was at that time a classmate; subsequently entered the struggle of life as a school teacher. On March 11, 1852, was married to Benjamin Harrison Covington, by Rev. Clark, Presbyterian minister; has had by this marriage eight children: William T. born Dec. 12, 1852; Elizabeth E. Nov. 15, 1854; Elvus E. March 11, 1856; Jesse J. Jan. 17, 1858; Hannah A. Dec. 25, 1859; Charlie, Jan. 7, 1861; Kate A. June 24, 1862; I’ve N. March 9, 1867. William T., Elizabeth E. and Charlie have long since put on immortality, and are shining angels on the other shore; but the death of her children did not fill her cup of tribulation, until the sad demise of her husband, which occurred May 15, 1865. Since that sad epoch in her history, she has, like a noble woman, met with fortitude the responsibilities of farmer and business manager; owns a neat far of eighty-eight acres, worth $5,000.
COWDIN, J. F. farmer, Sec. 3, P.O. Jacksonville; Married April 11, 1867, to Miss Fannie Blodgett; has two children: Willard Truman, and Georgie Belle; these are the facts in the case, and he has no desire to spread on a biography.
COX, James E. Deputy Recorder, Court House, r ss North e East. Was born July 24, 1846, in Boone County, Mo. Came to this county in 1870, and went to farming; spending about a year on the farm, he went to Waverly and engaged in mercantile pursuits; in 1876 he came to Jacksonville and was appointed to his present position; was married in 1871 to Miss Mary E. Haisley; had one child, Mattie E., who died Nov. 10, 1876.
COX, John, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 18, P.O. Youngblood. Mr. C. was born in Morgan Co. March 1, 1838; fourth child of Harris and Nancy Cox, natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively, who became residents of Madisonville, Ind., where they were married, and afterward removed to Boone Co., there following farming four years, and then made their way to Illinois, locating in Morgan Co. in 1834, entering an 80 acre tract; a purchase of 160 acres was made; on the land entered he built a log cabin. His children born in this county: Julia A., Sarah J., Robert B., and John H. In 1844, Mrs. C. died. Mr. C. afterward marrying Mary Sins, daughter of Wm. Sims. By this marriage eleven children, eight are living. Some fourteen years ago Mr. C. died; he left an estate of 240 acres; a man of strict integrity; his death was regretted by all who knew him. The gentleman who heads this sketch received his education in subscription schools. In hi s25th year he married Mary Frances Boyer, daughter of Wm. J. Boyer of Sangamon Co. Five children blessed this union: Wm. H., born Nov. 17, 1868; Geo. B., Oct. 14, 1870; Charley, Oct. 17, 1872; David N. Oct. 5, 1874; Nancy B., March 30, 1876. Mr. C. owns 105 acres; an energetic, honorable man, he is quite comfortably situated in life. For the past four years he has held the position of constable, discharging his duties to the satisfaction of law abiding citizens. Mr. C. has in his possession an interesting relic of by-gone days that was probably in use during the Revolutionary War, that has descended down to the present generation, a valuable souvenir of early days.
CRAIG, Edward, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 13, P.O. Jacksonville; Mr. Craig was born in Louisville, Kentucky, September 19, 1807; his father by occupation was a millwright and carpenter; same year his parents moved to Shelbyville, Kentucky; at eighteen, young Craig became apprenticed to a tanner; for him he worked four years; in 1829, he moved to Morgan County; 1830, two years later, he married Miss Mary Ann Posey, whose parents settled in Morgan County as early as 1827, when lake, shore, and river bore the impress of nature; after the usual hardships incident to an early settlement in a new country, Mr. Craig has secured a comfortable home; his wife still survives; children: William P., George E., Belle M., Loyd A., and Alexander P.; Mr. Craig owns 190 acres.
CRAIG, George E., farmer, Sec. 24, P.O. Jacksonville, son of Edward and Mary Craig, was born on the old homestead in Morgan County, December, 1844; with the exception of four years spent in Champaign County, George has always remained in Morgan County, receiving a liberal education; in 1870, he married Miss Anna Flatford, daughter of Nathaniel Flatford, an early pioneer of this county; three years after marriage, George moved on to the farm of T. T. Ransdel, consisting of 160 acres; three children: Charles, born July 14, 1872, died same year; Mary Louise, May 19, 1874; Clara E., Sept. 4, 1876.
CRAIG, G. S., farmer, Sec. 12, P.O. Jacksonville; born in Morgan County, Aug. 18, 1854; his father emigrated to this State form Ohio in 1848; married in 1853 to Miss Margaret A. Mathews, of this county; have six children: George S., Delia R., S. Lou, Kate M., Nettie, and Stella G.
CRAIG, George W., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 36, P.O. Jacksonville, son of George and Rebecca Craig, natives of Virginia; Mr. Craig was born in Morgan County, in 1846, the family having moved to Illinois in an early day; the subject of this sketch, with little exception, has always resided in Morgan County, where he received a liberal education; Mr. Craig married Miss Mary R. Dobbins, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah R. Dobbins; by this marriage two children: Willie, born August, 1870, and Carrie, September, 1872.
CRAIG, L. A., tile manufacturer, Woodson; born in Morgan County, December 3, 1849; received a common school education; at twenty-two married Miss Dora Snow, daughter of Rev. C. G. Snow, of Carrollton, Greene County; in 1876, located at Woodson; started a tile factory, taking in as partner A. H. Bohne; this is perhaps the only manufactory of the kind in the county; the works have a capacity of turning out four thousand tile per day; the tile made are manufactured from fine clay and are of a very superior quality; a Quaker City press is used, as it is acknowledged by all to be a very superior one; tile are something the farmer can not possibly dispense with, and Mr. Craig who now conducts the business, mr. Bohne having disposed of his interest, will be compelled to extend the works to meet the wants of increasing trade.
CRAIG, Sarah E. (MESSENGER), Mrs., Sec. 8, P.O. Jacksonville; Mrs. Craig was born in Luzerne County, Penn., in the year 1819; her parents were John and Hannah Messenger, whose name before her marriage was Pike; for thirty-five years Mrs. C. remained in Pennsylvania, and there married John Keating; up to 1870, Mrs. C became a resident of the Garden City, and her husband became very successful as a contractor and builder; at this date Mrs. Craig removed from Chicago to Morgan County, and purchased 40 acres of land, some five miles from Jacksonville; one child: Mary E., who married George Fall, a native of Buffalo, N.Y.
CRAWFORD, David, farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Bethel; born in Nicholas Co., Kentucky, March 26, 1819; married 1867 to Elizabeth J. Huddleson, born same place, 1836; have one child, William H., born June 30, 1869; left Kentucky in 1828, coming to this county with his parents, who came to his present farm in 1830; he has lived here ever since; his father John, and his mother before marriage was Elizabeth Huddleson, and was born in Kentucky; this family consisted of fourteen children, only four now living: James N., P.O. Muddy Creek, Colorado; Perrecilla married Robert Williams, D.D., P.O. Sacramento, California; Emily Jane, married James Hummer, D.D. P.O. Boliver, Missouri; Mrs. Crawford’s father is David Huddleson, and mother before marriage, Melissa Bishop; children are Robert, William, Sarah A., Elizabeth F.
CRISWELL, John, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 9, P.O. Waverly. The subject of this sketch is the son of George and Jane Criswell, whose maiden name was Meredith. About 1830, George Criswell moved from Alabama to Morgan Co., settling in Young Blood Prairie, where John was born, in 1844. When old enough he attended a subscription school, his first teacher being Miss Julia Snow, now the wife of E. M. Rees. This school house, built of logs, was provided with a door which swung on wooden hinges; in one end a fireplace. In this primitive dwelling John received his instructions in the rudiments of knowledge, sitting on rude slab seats, and at intervals eyeing the door wistfully through which he would glide with a rush, at recess. On leaving the schoolroom he settled down to farm life. When the war came on he enlisted in Rodger’s Battery, Co. K., at Jacksonville, 1863, for three years’ service; principally engaged on scouting expeditions. He remained until the close of the rebellion. In 1870 he married Miss Hannah Hall, a daughter of the well known Russell Hall, a pioneer of this county. This union was blessed with two children, Edgar born 1871, and Clara, born 1874. Mr. Criswell owns a well improved farm, comprising sixty-eight acres.
CRISWELL, William, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 35, P.O. Franklin; fourth son of Geo. And Jane Criswell; Geo. Was born in Alabama, and his wife a native of Tennessee, and who settled in Morgan County prior to the deep snow; the father first entered land from the Government, then married his present wife, Miss Jane Merideth; shortly after, a log cabin was erected on the sparsely settled prairie; Mr. Criswell was an enterprising, energetic man, and became the owner of a fine estate; he and his wife are now living in township 13-9; as his name appears in the historical portion of this volume, we now follow the fortune of William; in 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Deer; this union was blessed with five children, four of whom are living: Elden, Elmer, Alice, and Charles; in 1861, Mr. Criswell enlisted in Co. I, 14th Regt. Ill. Infantry, three years’ service; at the siege of Vicksburg, and many other small engagements of the war; as non-commissioned officer he was honorable discharged at Springfield, Illinois, June, 1864; Mr. Criswell owns 90 acres of well improved land.
CULLIMORE, Thomas M., M.D., P.O. Concord; born in Carrrollton, Greene Co., Illinois, Nov. 22, 1849; graduated at the University of the City of New York in 1877.
CULLY, Oliver H. farmer and stock raiser and dealer, Sec. 6, township 15, R. 9 W., P.O. Jacksonville; was born in Indiana, and came to this county in 1852.
CULVERSON, Wlliam, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 24, P.O. Franklin. Mr. C. was born in the State of Pennsylvania, and there followed the occupation of a farmer. Removing to Illinois as early as 1840, and settled on the Mauvaisterre, in the vicinity of Judge Wood’s residence. For a number of years Mr. Culverson was a resident of Greene Co.; of late years a resident of Morgan Co., his time has been devoted to agriculture. Since his settlement Mr. C. has had a varied experience, and has lived to see the county grow from a wilderness of prairie to its present prosperity.
CUNNINGHAM, William D. Sec. 30, P.O. Franklin. Looking far back in the past to those who were born in the county, or who first sought a home on the prairies of Illinois, seems but a short time; a little over half a century ago the red man held possession of the land now settled by schools and churches. As early as 1826, Peyton Cunningham set out for the undeveloped West, in a covered wagon drawn by the usual slow ox_team. He was born in Virginia; his wife was a native of North Carolina, and they were married in the eastern part of this state; settled in Morgan Co., in the vicinity of Jacksonville; buying an unimproved claim, the head of the family set about making a home in the sparsely_settled prairie; here they roughed it in common with their neighbors. In the Spring of 1859, he passed off the stage of life, and left a family of three children: Diana, W.D., and J.H. The wife, a true specimen of the pioneer woman, has passed three_quarters of a century in Illinois; is now a resident of Decatur, aged eighty_four years; her general health is still very good, and her memory is comparatively unimpaired. W.D. Cunningham, possessed of the spirit of enterprise, has gotten together a fine estate.
CURTISS, Augustine A. farmer, Waverly; was born in Salisbury, Litchfield Co. Conn., April 3, 1817; was married to Miss Huldah Tanner July 20, 1848. They had one child, Laura, who married Mr. W.W. Brown, of Waverly. She died January 20, 1870. Homer Curtis, the father of A.A., is living with his son; was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., May 20, 1787. He came to Morgan Co. in the Spring of 1837, and settled on the farm where they now reside. He married Miss Charry Everitt October 25, 1810. She died October 30, 1876. The old gentleman is still very active and does his share of the farm work.
CURTISS, Homer, a prominent citizen of Morgan Co., and one of the oldest residents now living in State or county; was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., May 20, 1787. During his early life he followed agricultural pursuits, and teaching school during the winter. One of his pupils, with whom he formed a cordial friendship, Mr. Sturtevant, afterward became president of the Illinois College, situated at Jacksonville. Mr. C. was united in marriage to Miss Charry Everitt October 25, 1810. Children born of this marriage: Ora M. born August 15, 1811, wife of Martin B. Strong; Theodore E. whose portrait appears in this work, born May 28, 1813; Augustine A. April 3, 1817; Frederick H. March, 1825, and Lodema October 7, 1822, wife of James R. Godfrey, of Madison Co. during the Spring of 1837 Homer Curtiss left Connecticut, where so many years of his life were spent, and accompanied by his family, moved to Morgan Co., Ill., and located on the farm property he now owns, consisting then and now of 200 acres. For upwards of forty years Mr. Curtiss has been in our midst, and none stand higher in the estimation of the people of this county who know him, for his strict integrity. In the Autumn of 1876 Mrs. C. was laid at rest. There thus passed away one of those noble women whom none know but delight to honor, and whose death was deeply deplored. Mrs. C. was born in Connecticut, in 1789.
CURTISS, T. E. (picture) farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 12, P.O. Waverly. The above named gentleman was the second child of Homer and Charry Curtiss. Homer Curtiss, who is now in his 93d year, and who is an honored citizen of this county, was born in Litchfield County, Connecticut, and there married Miss Charry Everitt. The subject of this sketch was born in Litchfield County, Connecticut, May, 1813; there he received his education and followed farming; in 1835, Mr. C. make a visit to Morgan County, Illinois, and well pleased at the flattering prospects on the broad prairies of the West, he there determined to locate; returning to the East, he was united in marriage to Miss Laura Sackett, a daughter of Justus and Polly Sackett; in 1837 Mr. Curtiss again wended his way to Illinois, locating in Morgan County, where he entered forty acres of land, and purchased one hundred and twenty; his possessions, at that time, were limited, but he gained slowly, year by year, and by judicious investments and rare judgment, he is today one of our most substantial farmers; and has arrived at his present prosperous condition through indomitable will; owing some four hundred acres in the vicinity of Waverly. Mr. Curtiss now lives to enjoy the fruits of his early labor; the first wife of Mr. C. died in 1867, the following year he was united in marriage to Miss Augusta L. Tupper, a daughter of Martyn Tupper, a native of Connecticut. For a period of four years Mr. Curtiss conducted a successful business at Waverly, firm name, Rose, Curtiss & Co.; this honorable firm were well known to the citizens of this county; although now retired from active labor, and living on his farm property, the energy that marked his youth, is still a distinguishing trait of his character. Mr. Curtiss is president of the Bank of Waverly.
