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)
HALE, ISAAC, farmer, Sec. 31, P.O. Meredosia; Dem.; Baptist; born in Hancock County, Ky., Aug. 24, 1823; was there until 1845, farming; came to Cass County, Ill., in 1845; engaged in farming; lived one year in Schuyler County - in 1846; in 1847, he returned to Cass County, staying there until the Spring of 1859; then went to Saline County, Mo.; stayed there until Oct., 1861, when he settled in Morgan County, and has lived here ever since; enlisted March, 1865, in Co. K, 28th Regt. Ill. Inft.; was ordered to Cairo, and went down the Mississippi River to Mobile, Ala., thence to the border of Mexico, as a troop of observators on the Rio Grande; they started by gulf steamer from Mobile, July 2, 1865, going across the Gulf of Mexico; Christmas day he started, having obtained permission to return home, going down the Rio Grande; married January 9, 1845, to Lurissa Jane Lake, in Hancock County, Ky.; she was born Nov. 21, 1821, in Perry County, Indiana; is a member of the M.E. Church; they have seven children living: Minor P., born July 28, 1846, married Fannie Kessler; Mary C. born Sept. 7, 1849, married Dec. 23, 1872 to C. W. Hyde; Martha J., born June 10, 1853, married Aug. 6, 1873, to Milton Sibert; William J., born Sept. 12, 1855; Israel L., born Oct. 7, 1857; Charles T., born Dec. 13, 1859; Harriet Ann, born Sept. 16, 1862; David H., born Oct. 14, 1851, died July 6, 1852; holds the office of school director.
HALL, RICHARD, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 11, P.O. Jacksonville; the subject of this sketch was born in Yorkshire, England, May 11, 1803, landing at Baltimore on April 23; from thence to Wheeling, Va., where he remained nearly one year, when he removed to Illinois, and settled at the spot where he still resides; he may thus be rated as one of the oldest settlers in this neighborhood, and closely identified with its growth and improvements; was married before leaving the old country, Dec. 1831, to Sarah, daughter of William and Bessie Hall, of Yorkshire, England, born 1801, who shared the hardships of the emigrant’s life many years, and is still living; the fruits of this union were four children, none of whom, however, survive: Jane, born Oct., 1832, died in early infancy; Eliza, Oct. 7, 1835, died July 25, 1871, leaving three sons, viz.: William Thomas, George Edward, and John Lincoln, all of Morgan County; John Richard, born July 7, 1838, died April 16, 1850; Thomas W., born July 26, 1842, died Feb. 7, 1859; the homestead consists of 60 acres of highly improved land, wrought by industry from the wild prairie; Mr. Hall recalls with vivid recollections the many incidents of his early settlement.
HAM, GEORGE A. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 36, P.O. Waverly; the gentleman who heads this sketch was the oldest son of Martin and Mary A. Ham, natives of Kentucky and Illinois respectively; Martin Ham was a farmer in Kentucky, and there passed the best years of his life; in 1834 he made a visit to Morgan County, and not liking the prospect returned to Kentucky, where he passed the remainder of his days; in 1870 George A. became a resident of this county, and the same year he united his fortunes with Miss Martha E. Rowland, a daughter of Alexander Rowland; he had by this marriage four children, two of whom are living, Wm. O. and Nettie L.; in 1861 Mr. Ham enlisted in a Kentucky regiment known as the 134th, serving nine months; he was honorably discharged at Cincinnati, Ohio, and returned to Kentucky; Mr. Ham owns 40 acres of well improved land.
HAMILTON, JOHN C. Sec. 28, P.O. Jacksonville, born in Harrison Co., Kentucky, June 16, 1797, and removed to Illinois, October, 1834; he may thus be regarded as one of the oldest living settlers, and one who is prominently identified with this county’s growth. Married July 16, 1818, to Mary T. Rees, of Kentucky. Six children were the fruits of this union, two of whom only survive, viz.: Susan R., now Mrs. Goldsmith, of Waverly, born April 13, 1819, and Mary F., now Mrs. Sutton, of Jacksonville, born July 18, 1822. Mrs. Hamilton died Aug. 18, 1826. Mr. H. married again Jan. 1, 1828, to Sarah B., daughter of John and Ruth Smith, of Paris, Ky., born Dec. 19, 1807. This union was blessed with nine children, four of whom only survive, viz.: James O., Feb. 20, 1829; Wm. T., July 31, 1836; Sarah Agnes, March 17, 1843, and George T., Oct. 22, 1848. Mrs. H. died Sept. 21, 1858. Mr. H. again married April 5, 1859, to Mrs. Eliza Glenn, sister of his first wife. Mr. Hamilton has always been a zealous worker in the interests of the Methodist Church, he traveled a circuit for two years, giving his time and labor freely; he has preached in this section over forty years, and still continues his good work as local preacher. In the history of the Methodist Church Mr. H. forms a prominent part, and will be remembered by many for years to come for his efforts in their behalf. Upon Mr. H. first settling here he devoted his energies to agriculture, clearing a farm of 600 acres, seven miles southeast of Jacksonville; he sold it in 1850, and engaged in mercantile business in Jacksonville. His homestead is delightfully located just south of the city limits, on Main street.
HAMMEL, PETER E., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 15, P.O. Jacksonville; was born in Knox Co., Ohio, April 10, 1833, and settled in Morgan Co. in 1850 was married to Sarah A. Green, Sept. 6th, 1866; she was born in Morgan Co., March 18, 1840. Their children are Ellen O. Born Aug. 20, 1867; Margaret E., March 25, 1870; Joseph L., Aug. 23, 1872; Charles E., Nov. 21, 1874; owns farm of 175 acres; his father, William Hammel settled in Morgan Co. the same time, and lives in Lynnville.
HANN, WILLIAM, farmer, Sec. 32, P.O. Franklin. Fourth child of John and Nancy Hann, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively; during the early settlement of the West, the family settled in Ohio, where the subject of this notice was born, March 1, 1832; at the age of sixteen he became a resident of Indiana; in his twenty_second year he married Miss Ellen Shaffer, daughter of Jessie and Margaret Shaffer; when the life of the nation was in peril he enlisted in Co. F, 70th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, at Jacksonville; for six months during his service, was on guard duty; honorably discharged at Alton, Ill.; three children blessed this union: Florence, Sarah A., and Andrew S.
HARDIN, JOHN, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 34, P.O. Waverly, Judge Hardin was born in North Carolina, Jan. 18, 1825; at nine years of age his parents moved to Tennessee, and purchased a large tract of valuable land; at twenty_two Mr. Hardin attended an academy or seminary, receiving a liberal education; at twenty_three he became a resident of Kentucky; remained two years, part of the time employed as teacher; Nov. 9, 1849, he married Laura Van Winkle; the following year he settled in Morgan County, Illinois, on the well_improved farm he now owns; since coming to the county Judge H. has taken a leading position; affable and courteous to all, he has the respect and good will of all who know him; for many years he was township treasurer, and also held the responsible position of associate county judge; when traitors were conniving at the downfall of the republic, John Hardin left his home for the scenes of warfare, entering the service as Second Lieutenant Co. G, 101st Regt. Ill. Infantry; battles, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Dalton; while in the heat of action a minnie ball on its deadly mission shattered his foot, making amputation necessary; Spring of 1863, promoted First Lieutenant; in 1864, his wife died, and during the autumn of that year Mr. H. was honorably discharged, and returned to his western home; in 1868, he became a candidate for county sheriff, on the Republican ticket; owning 240 acres of land, Judge Hardin now devotes his time to farming; five children: Frances E., Thos. H., John, William B., and Emma J.; Thos. deceased.
HARFORD, JOHN, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 31, P.O. Waverly, who has witnessed vast changes in the growing West, is one of the oldest residents of Morgan Co.; the oldest child of Daniel and Sophia Harford, natives of Virginia and Ohio. Daniel Harford married Miss Sophia Curry in Ohio, in 1829; he emigrated to Illinois, accompanied by his wife and two children, and settled in the neighborhood of Franklin; one year later he removed to Macoupin Co., where he lived twenty years in succession, and where he now resides. It is said that Mr. H. was one of the best producers of Indian corn in this section of the country. Twenty_three years ago his wife died, leaving to her husband’s care six children: Steven, Mary, Elias, Caroline, George and John, who heads this, and of whom it will be well to append a short sketch; he was born in Ohio, May 27, 1827; he attended a subscription school, where the studies were confined principally to a Webster’s spelling book; he married July 24, 1849, Miss Harriet Landreth, daughter of Jonathan and Mary Landreth. Mr. H. was enrolled as a volunteer during the war with Mexico, but the company he joined never entered upon active service. On the breaking out of the rebellion he enlisted in Co. H. 122d Ill. Inft. for three year’s service; in 1862 in the following battles: Nashville, Blakely, and Parker’s Cross Roads; honorably discharged on the close of the war, he returned to Morgan Co. This marriage was blessed with six children, two of whom are living _ Mary Jane and Harriet S.
HARLEY, WM. G., farmer. The subject of this sketch was born in the Parish of Glascomb, Eng., Feb. 2, 1841. Up to 1875, he remained a resident of the mother country, following the occupation of farmer, and in time acquired a very extensive knowledge of agriculture. the ancestry of this family date back as far as the year 1300; many of whom were among the nobility; while a resident of England, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony, to Louisa Newman; they have one adopted child: Grace. The father Ephraim Harley, was a steward in England, for upwards of thirty_five years, to Samuel Billings, a leading man of Great_Britain, in his day.
HARMON, ARTHUR, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 7, P.O. Jacksonville. The subject of this sketch was the third son of John and Mary Harmon, natives of Wicklow County, Ireland, where Arthur was born in 1848; in his early infancy the family crossed the ocean for America; they first made a hone in Canada East, a short distance from the State of New York, and lived there for eight years; from there they made their way to Morgan County; at twenty-seven Arthur was married to Miss Kate McCarty, who was born in the County of Limerick, Ireland; two children: Mary and Theresa; Mr. H. owns 80 acres; during the Spring of 1878 he was elected school director.
HARMON, THOMAS. Farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 23, P.O. Franklin. Was born in Wicklow County, Ireland, May 2, 1840; the head of the family was a farmer by occupation. Young Harmon grew up on the farm; in 1847 parents moved from Ireland and settled near Niagara Falls, Upper Canada; for ten years they remained there, and then set out for Illinois; they settled some two miles west of Judge Wood’s, in Morgan County, on the farm now owned by Arthur Harmon; renting property for two years, a purchase was in due time affected. John Harmon the father, became a man of property and standing; now living in Franklin township, and is still an active business man. Thomas married Lucy Armstrong, a native of Ireland; six children: Arthur, William, Alexander, Mary, Thomas, and Winnie. Thomas and Patrick, his brother, work a large estate; Patrick, in the Winter of 1867, married Miss Rose Devlin, a native of Ireland; six children: John, Thomas, Mary Rose, Mathew and Kate.
HARNEY, A.A. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 20, P.O. Waverly, son of James and Martha Harney, natives of Kentucky and Illinois respectively. For a number of years Mr. Harney was a clerk in the Southern States; by trade a tinner, which he followed successfully for some years in Waverly, in Morgan Co. He married Miss Julia Ashbaugh, a daughter of J.G. Ashbaugh, whose father was one of the old line pioneers of this county. The marriage of A.A. Harney to Miss Ashbaugh was blessed with one child _ Mattie B. born April 10, 1876. As James Harney was well and favorably known in this county, we append a short sketch of his life: he was by trade a blacksmith, working at this vocation many years; it is thought that he took part in the Blackhawk war. In the early history of the county he secured land from the government by means of the organization of a party known as the Phalany. During the late war of the rebellion he took an active part, and died at Arkansas Post a brave soldier. He found a last resting place on southern soil. There were but two children of whom the subject of this sketch is the youngest.
HARNEY, JOHN R., retired farmer, Sec. 28, P.O. Woodson, son of Wm. and Margaret H.; parents natives of Maryland. John was born in Fayette Co., Ky., July 8, 1806; he grew up on farm, receiving such education as the school of the period afforded; in 1824, married Eliza Ann Wilson, daughter of Perry and Rachel Wilson, near Lexington, Ky; came to Morgan Co. in 1819, and located six miles southeast of Jacksonville; it was then composed of log cabins mostly; since coming to Morgan Co. Mr. H. has been quite unfortunate; for years his wife has been a invalid, but in the declining years of life the aged couple are comfortable situated, owning 80 acres and residence near Woodson. He is a worthy Christian man, and highly regarded by all who know him; children are: Mary Ann, Caroline Margaret, James V.,and Virginia James, deceased.
HARRIS, W. P. (Adgate & Harris) r Franklin bet. Clay av. And East; was born May 16, 1849 in Greene Co., Ohio. Came to this county in August, 1871, and engaged in railroading, remaining in this business till January 1, 1878, when he entered into co-partnership with M. Adgate in the insurance business.
HARRIS, WM. P. farmer, P.O. Waverly, son of Charles and Sarah Harris, born May 7, 1807, in Green Co., Ky; when fourteen years old his father died; he continued to live with his mother, assisting in the maintenance of the family until his marriage, which occurred Aug. 10, 1827, to Miss Melinda, daughter of John and Patsy (Fanem) Miller. His mother died at the old home place in Green Co., Ky., in 1851. Mr. Harris continued to live in Kentucky two years after his marriage, he then moved to Morgan Co., Ill., date 1829. Stopping at Shurtleffs Stand, near where is now Waverly, he purchased provisions which depleted his purse to a surprising degree as he then had but a quarter of a dollar, one horse, a wagon, and a few articles of furniture. This was an early day in the history of Morgan Co.; but a few short years before, the North American Indians were as the leaves of the forest, whose echoing footsteps had scarcely died away, before the onward sweep of the white man. Mr. Harris first stopped four miles south of Jacksonville; he next moved to Macoupin County, locating six miles southwest of what is now Scottville, where he remained fourteen years and made his first purchase of land in Illinois, a tract of 200 acres. In 1849 he sold this and moved to the head of Indian Creek, Morgan C., where he lived three years; while here his wife, who had been the companion of his youth died, May 5, 1851. Soon after the decease of his wife Mr. H. settled in Sangamon Co., Loami township, and purchased 400 acres of land, and afterward became the owner of 1,100 acres, a magnificent property. There stands near Waverly a handsome dwelling house, owned by Mr. Harris, a monument of his early industry. Few men, from such a humble beginning, have succeeded as well in life as the subject of this sketch, and none who have evinced more pluck and endurance, and whose many good traits of character will long be remembered. Mr. H. is of Welsh origin; his grandfather was born in Wales; coming to Virginia before the American revolution, in which he took an active part. On the close of the war he continued to live in Virginia; he had three sons - Robert, John, and Charles, who was the father of Wm.; moved from Virginia to Kentucky, where he died; he raised a family of seven children, viz: Mrs. Hester (Samuel) Curry, Mrs. Sarah (John) Close, Mrs. Polly (Smith) Warfield, Mrs. (Jacob) Beer, Elizabeth, Mrs. Nancy (David) Victor, and Wm. P. His children by first marriage: Sarah C., wife of James Arnold; Elizabeth, wife of Wm. Colbert; Nancy, wife of Dr. McVey; Charles; Martha, wife of Enoch Gilpen; Wm. H.; Thos J. and Enoch T.; two children died in early infancy.
HARRISON, C. C. farmer and constable, Alexander; was born in this Co. Aug. 27, 1841 in Franklin township; came to Alexander in 1866; was member of Co. A, 27 Regt. Mo. V. I. two years and discharged for disability; was in several engagements, among which was Springfield, Mo., and Vicksburg; married Italy Young Jan. 2, 1868; she was born in Scott Co. Aug. 23, 1847; have three children living: Laura L., May Belle, Gilbert C. and George Emerson who died Feb. 3, 1876.
HARRISON, THOMAS, Farmer and Stock Raiser, Sec. 31, P.O. Jacksonville. Born in Morgan Co., Ill., July 23, 1836, he has lived in this county all his life, with the exception of two years he spent in Iowa; was married to Mary Atkinson, Dec. 13, 1864. She was born in Jacksonville, May 6, 1842. Their children are, George W., born Sept. 2, 1865; John L., Aug. 9, 1867, and died in June, 1871; Hattie A., born Aug. 1, 1874. Owns farm of 85 acres; had served as school director and road supervisor.
HARRISON, WILLIAM H., Farmer and Stock Raiser, Sec. 31, P.O. Jacksonville. Born in Morgan Co., Ill., July 31, 1849, has lived in the county all his life; was married to Drucilla S. Black, Jan. 21, 1874. She was born in Morgan Co., Oct. 27, 1852. Their children are, Arthur M., born Nov. 11, 1874, and died Aug. 1, 1875; Edith S., Jan 17, 1877. Owns farm of 80 acres.
HART, WM. P., ELDER, The Hart family is very numerous in the United States, and those of them connected with this sketch, originated as follows: Two brothers came from Germany to the new world, as it was then called, about the year 1700; landing at Charleston, South Carolina, they were sold at auction, to pay for their passage over, by which sale they were separated and never heard of each other again. Charles Hart, the first in this genealogy, lived and died in South Carolina, but little is known of his history, farther than he had a son, David Hart, born in the year 1740, lived in North Carolina; took an active part in the war of the revolution; of his family, we have only space to say that he had five sons and two daughters. David, the oldest son, born in North Carolina, Dec. 18, 1768, was united in marriage to Margaret Blackwelder, and raised a family of one daughter and ten sons; he resided in Mercer County, Ky., but removed in an early day to Bedford County, Tenn., where he died. Solomon Hart, third son of this family, was born in Mercer County, Ky., Jan. 6, 1793, and at ten years old removed with his father to Tennessee, when he at the age of twenty, with his oldest brother, enlisted in the United States service, under General Jackson, and “killed his man” at the Horse Shoe battle; returning from the army, he was united in marriage to Nancy Waggner, on the seventeenth day of July 1817; in 1826 he removed to Morgan County, Illinois, where with his brothers, Charles and Nathan, he settled for a short time near the village of Jacksonville, which was then in its infancy; being impressed, like most of the early settlers, with the “scarcity of timber,” he removed to the south part of the county, and built his “cabin” on the margin of that beautiful island of prairie grass, lying between little and big Apple Creeks; here he secured by entry three eighties of the best timber, and the remainder of his means he invested in prairie. He was soon followed by four other brothers; Charles, David, Anderson, and Nathan, who settled around him, and this beautiful spot in Morgan County is still known by the appropriate name of “Hart’s Prairie.” Here Solomon with his wife, toiled amid the hardships of “pioneer life,” improving their farm, and raising a large family, consisting of eight sons, and two daughters, all living to the age of maturity, and became settled in life, during the lifetime of the parents. Solomon Hart with his wife, in an early day, became identified with the reformation, under A. Campbell, and opened their house to religious service, and his home was the preaching place of the denomination for many years; here Dr. Pat. Henderson, W. W. Happy, Robert Foster (Monkey Bob, as he was often good humoredly called, by reason of his diminutive size), and many others, gave vent to that primitive earnestness and eloquence, which was characteristic of the early ministers of Morgan County. Solomon Hart and his wife were plain, unassuming people, enjoying the simplicity of the Christian religion; they were kind, helping the poor, dividing with the needy, and encouraging peace and charity; in the neighborhood they were honored by the young, and respected by all. He was a Democrat, of the Jackson school; a great admirer of Douglas; his greatest activity in politics, consisted in always going to the election; he lived to vote for fourteen presidents, and raised eight sons, all Democrats; also to see Illinois one of the leading States of the union, and Morgan County the garden of the world. In the Autumn of 1874, while the sear and yellow leaf was quietly settling upon the bosom of mother earth, and all nature was wrapped in the mellow hues of “Indian Summer,” on the morning of the 17th of October, in the eighty-second year of his age, this old pioneer of Morgan County, gently passed away. His aged consort still survives him. Of his family, Joseph W. died in Morgan County, in 1864; Henry C. resides on his farm, in Macoupin County; John C. died in the same county, in 1863; Tabitha Dalton resides in Kansas; Melchi died in 1862, in Macoupin County; Eliza Heggy resides in the same county; George is living in Franklin, Morgan County; Marion removed, in 1873, to Nebraska, while Solomon, the youngest son, lives on the old homestead; George Hart, whose business card appears elsewhere in this work, was born in Morgan County, Dec. 8, 1837; professed religion in the Fall of 1859, and united with the Apple Creek Baptist Church; was by that church afterward licensed to preach, and was subsequently ordained by the Hart Prairie Baptist Church, on the 4th day of January, 1870; he at once became an active, efficient minister of Macoupin Baptist Association, and has been the pastor of several churches in this body, but his appropriate work was that of an Evangelist, preaching to the destitute and weak churches, and was the chosen missionary of the association for several years; great success has attended his labors; he is plain, uneducated in the classical sense of the term, uncompromising, blunt in his manners, clear and forcible in his reasoning, and approaches his work with Nathan’s personality, “Thou art the man;” positive in all his bearings, he is leaving his impress upon society where ever he is known; he was married Sept. 1, 1859, to Nancy B. Rice; at present writing has, owing to a failure of health, given up the active work of the ministry. Elder Wm. Penn Hart was born in Morgan County, Ill., Feb. 5, 1835; at the age of twelve his health failed, on account of which he received some extra facilities for attending school, in which he was always an apt scholar; by dint of hard study, and economizing time, he obtained a fair common school education, by which he was enabled to be a successful teacher for a number of years; he was married to Miss Barbara A. Fanning, Dec. 4, 1855, who in less than eighteen months died, leaving him alone in the world, with an infant son; he was married to Miss Mary A. Rice, Jan. 31, 1858, by whom was born unto him twelve children, nine girls and three boys, three of the daughters dying in infancy; in the Autumn of 1877, he had the misfortune to lose his wife again; believing that his surroundings made it necessary, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Martha J. Price, of Oblong, Illinois, Feb. 10, 1878; Elder Hart was very early impressed with the importance of the Christian religion, and at the age of fourteen made a profession of faith in Christ, joining the religious society to which the family belonged; his religious views having materially changed, in 1856 he became identified with the Apple Creek Baptist Church; showing evidences of talent, and an aptness to teach, he was, in April, 1859, licensed to preach; and such was the rapid development of his power to lead men to Christ, that on the fourth day of December of the same year, he was publicly ordained, fully setting him apart to the ministry; he was at once called to the pastorate of the Sandy Creek Church, and in less than two years from the time he preached his first sermon, he was regular pastor of four churches in the county; he has regularly pastored four churches ever since, preaching on an average sixteen sermons in each month, besides a great deal of incidental work, preaching funeral sermons as far as he is known, not only for his own people, but many in other denominations as well; he had the opportunity of a theological course in one of the best colleges in the State, free, and the denomination to which he belongs publicly agreed, at their annual meeting, to furnish the necessary support for himself and family during the time necessary to graduate; but such was his anxiety to press on in his favorite mission, that he declined the generous offer; he has been identified with Macoupin Baptist Association from its organization; with its first clerk, and has presided over the body for seven consecutive years, which position he now fills; he has by hard study acquired a large amount of knowledge in his profession; speaks English well and has some knowledge of the Greek; he is very successful as an Evangelist, having baptized as many as sixty-six, as the result of one meeting; he has had the offer of good positions, but has preferred to remain with country churches on small salaries, and depending on a farm in part as a support for his family; he is unassuming in his manner, awkward in his appearance, but on the stand he is perfectly at home, commanding in appearance, eloquent in his addresses, his nature warm and genial, his words flow easy, and he usually holds his audience spell-bound; he has the remarkable capacity of meeting the expectations of every one, and while he has an unbounded charity for all, he is very denominational in his views, and will defend in public debate what he believes; having had several public discussions, he has always been equal to the emergency, and gave such a defense of his cause as was always perfectly satisfactory to his brethren, who had cheerfully put him forward to defend them; he is now in the prime of life, living on a part of the old family homestead, within a few rods of where he was born, enjoys the confidence of his neighbors, and is esteemed by all who know him.
HARVEY, EDWARD, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 32, P.O. Lynnville. The subject of this sketch was born at Kings Cliff, Northamptonshire, England, 1817; came to this country in 1831, landing in Quebec; removed to Illinois in 1836, and settled in Morgan Co. in 1838. Married March, 1841, to Miss Amanda M. Cadwell, daughter of Dr. Geo. Cadwell, born 1818. Dr. Cadwell, first physician of Morgan Co., settled the boundaries of township 15-11, and the first court of the county was held at his house; for many years a prominent citizen, serving the people in various public offices; he was for many years county judge of St. Clair and Madison Counties; after the establishment of the State government was elected to the General Assembly. The doctor was elected State Senator in 1818, and served four years; in the Fall of 1820 he removed into the territory subsequently included in Morgan Co., and settled in a piece of timber land known as Swinerton’s Point, east of the Allinson Mound. The fruits of this marriage were six children, two of whom only are living: Mary A., Dec., 1841, deceased; William F., 1844, enlisted in the Twenty-sixth I. V. I., in 1861, and died Aug. 26, 1867; Helen A., June 23, 1846, now Mrs. Joseph Blackburn, of Morgan Co.; John M., April 25, 1850, died in early childhood; Ann E.,Dec. 25, 1852, now Mrs. Rev. Tindall; Edward E., Feb. 1, 1855, drowned Aug. 17, 1869. Mr. Harvey is one of the old settlers, and his interests are closely allied with the growth of this county; he has always been an exemplary and zealous man. The homestead consists of eighty acres.
HATCHER, JOHANNA, MISS, Woodson, born Morgan Co., near Jacksonville, Sept. 1829; parents were, Richard, a native of Virginia, and Elizabeth, his wife also; family first moved from Virginia to Kentucky, and remained six years, thence to Morgan Co. in 1823. Mr. H. became an extensive farmer; he died in the sixty_fourth year of his age, and his wife, May 4, 1863, at sixty_three years of age; Miss Hatcher became heir to a part of the estate. Alfred B. Hatcher, farmer, Woodson, born in Morgan Co., April 27, 1844, on the old homestead, and received a liberal education; since ’69 has been a resident of Woodson, and owns a nice property. The writer was shown a plume made from ostrich feathers, that Richard Hatcher, heretofore mentioned, had used in the Black Hawk war, which occurred in 1832. He entered the service from Morgan Co.
HAYDEN, ALFRED (Russel & Haydens) r W. College av. nr Park. Was born December 28, 1838 , in Glocestershire, England; came to this country in 1843 and located at Racine, Wis. Remaining in the State about nineteen years, he moved to Jacksonville in 1862, and engaged as a clerk in a dry goods store for about two years. Then entered into partnership with his brother Charles until 1871, when the firm dissolved. He then was employed as a clerk for Russel & Hayden until 1876, when he purchased an interest in the firm, which was then changed to the above style. Was married October 30, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth Richardson; has two children living _ Frank A. and Mabel. William T. died in 1870, aged fifteen months.
HAYDEN, GEORGE (Russel & Haydens) General Merchants. Was born in Gloucestershire, England, the 18th of May, 1836. Came to this country in the Spring of 1843, with father, mother, six brothers, and two sisters. Settled in Wisconsin until the Spring of 1855; moved to Jacksonville. Served three years apprenticeship with Wm. Guy, learning the carriage and wagon making business. Commenced business for himself in the spring of 1858. Continued the business until January, 1865, employing ten hands. In January, 1865, with Wm. H. Ranson, bought out A. & W. Russel, general merchants. Continued the business under the name of Hayden & Ranson three years, when Wm. Russel bought the interest of Wm. H. Ranson. The name of the firm was changed to Russel & Hayden which still continue. Was married to Elizabeth Ranson on the 25th of Nov. 1858. Three children have been born to them: Nettie Ann, aged 16 years, Emma Maria, 14 years, and Laura May, aged 9 years.
HEINZ, CHAS. was born in Germany, Jan. 20, 1828. He came to Arenzville, Ill. and followed the occupation of cooper till 1845, when he removed to Beardstown, Ill. where he learned the blacksmith trade. He served in a cavalry company, mostly made up in Schuyler Co., during the entire Mexican war; at the close of the war, in 1849, he settled in Meredosia, Ill., where he engaged in blacksmithing and plow manufacturing, which business he still follows. He was a member of the 101st Regt., I.V.I., which he served eight months, ranking First Lieutenant. He resigned, but afterward served as First Lieutenant of Co. K, Twenty_eighth Regt. I.V.I. about one year, till the close of the war. Was married to Elizabeth Anderson, of Missouri, in 1850. Have six children: Carrie, Louise, Frank, Ella, Charles, and Mary. As a good citizen and excellent mechanic, Mr. Heinz is esteemed by a large circle of friends and patrons.
HELLENTHAL, M., and M. MCGRAUGHRAN (M. Hellenthal and M. McGraughran) carriage mnfrs. Sandy st. north side of Square. This well known and enterprising firm build all the latest and leading styles of carriages, pony phaetons, buggies, spring wagons, and make a specialty of Miller’s celebrated Eureka buggy, the adjustable features of which are warranted for five years, it can be converted into an open buggy, with child’s seat; two_seated open wagon; open pleasure and business buggy; a closed carriage for stormy weather; a three_passenger top buggy; four_passenger top buggy; an open or trotting buggy, and as a top business and pleasure buggy. In addition to this the carriages of Messrs. H. & Mc. have a wide reputation for style and workmanship. Mr. H. was born in Copenhagen in 1831; became apprenticed to his trade in New York city, and came west in 1852; he is one of the most skillful upholsterers in the State. Mr. McG. was born in Ireland January, 1845; became apprenticed to his trade in America; he proved an apt scholar, and in a short time became a very skillful workman; for a number of years he became a traveling journeyman in the Western States; in 1865 became associated in carriage manufacturing with Mr. H.
HENDERSON, DAVID G., farmer Sec. 17, P.O. Arcadia. He was born in Hampshire Co., Va., Aug. 23, 1796; moved to Ohio with his parents, and in 1825 came to Illinois; first settled in Greene Co., and came to Morgan Co. April 2, 1826; he married Mary Henderson (his cousin), April 22, 1822. She was born in Hampshire Co., Va., Nov. 27, 1796, and died Sept. 15, 1872. They raised thirteen children - six sons and seven daughters; there are three sons and two daughters living.
HENDERSON, PERRY, farmer, Sec. 9, P.O. Liter. He was born in Iowa in 1853, and settled in Morgan Co. in 1861; he was married to Mary F. Sylvester in 1873. She was born in Hancock Co., Ill., in 1854. They have one child, named Ellis E.; he was born in 1876.
HENRY, DAVID, farmer and stock raiser, Secs. 8 and 17, P.O. Youngblood. The grandfather of the subject of our notice settled in the bounds of Morgan Co. as early as 1832; he married Miss Elizabeth Alexander, by this marriage ten children, of whom Greenup Henry, father of David, was the oldest; he was born in Bourbon County, Ky., July 25, 1808. In Morgan Co. he entered a tract of land, shortly after his arrival; he married, in his twenty-first year, Miss Elnora Prathea, in Kentucky; by this marriage, ten children, five of whom are living now: John, Mary, Ann, David, and Robert. David was born in Morgan Co., Nov. 6, 1840; when twenty-one, he entered the service of Uncle Sam, enlisting in Co. F, 101st Ill. Infantry, at Jacksonville, for three years service; with this regiment during a portion of that war; he was subsequently transferred to the Army of the Cumberland; in the battles of Peach Tree Creek, Dallas, and many others. He was honorably discharged at Springfield, Ill., and, returned to Morgan Co., where he has since resided. In his twenty-fifth year, he married Miss Margaret McCurley, a daughter of Ezekiel McCurley. Five children: Everett, born Sept. 27, 1867, Thomas, Aug. 12, 1869, Paton, Nov. 15, 1872, Gussie, April 15, 1874, Carrie, oct. 2, 1877. Mr. Henry owns 177 acres of land, on which he has made extensive improvements.
HENRY, E. R., farmer and small-fruit grower, Woodson, born near Lexington, Ky., in 1827; when eight years old his parents moved to Morgan Co., settling six miles south of Jacksonville; at nineteen, the subject of this sketch, date, 1846, enlisted in the Mexican war, under command of Col. John J. Hardin, in Co. G, 1st Ill. Inf.; participated in he battle of Buena Vista; was honorably discharged at Camargo, Mexico, and returned by way of the Gulf of Mexico, and overland to Morgan Co.; in 1862 he enlisted in Co. F, 101st Ill. Inf., for three years’ service; engaged in many important battles of the war, as Holly Springs, Dec. 20, 1862; Wahatchie, Oct. 28, 1863; Mission Ridge, Nov. 24, 25 and 26; Resaca, May 14 and 15, 1864; Carsville, Ga., May 19, 1864; near Dallas, Ga., May 25, 1864; while in latter engagement severely wounded in head; honorably discharged June 30, 1865, at Quincy Ill., and returned to Morgan Co.; married Mrs. Jennie N. Holden, whose husband died in the army. Since the close of the war Mr. H. has been a resident of Woodson; was elected justice of the peace in 1868, which he held till ’77; children: Sarah J., Isabel, Adeline, Edwin R. and Steven R.
HENRY, GEORGE a farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 31, P.O. Youngblood, second child of Richard and Elizabeth Henry. Parents of Richard, to better their fortunes, came west when he was but two years of age, shortly before the deep fall of snow, through which the family suffered the following winter; in Morgan Co. their life was characterized by hardships for a number of years. During the winter of 1872 Mrs. H. departed this life; Mr. Henry still survives, living in Macoupin Co. George was born in Morgan Co., in Dec., 1852, and received a district school education. Growing to manhood, his time became employed on the farm; at 20 he married Miss Susan McCurley, daughter of Ezekiel McCurley, one of the early residents of this county. Owning 100 acres of land Mr. Henry follows the occupation he has followed from boyhood.
HENRY, JAMES, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 18, P.O. Youngblood. Mr. Henry was the fourth child of a family of thirteen children; his father, Elijah Henry, one of the first settlers of this county, was born in Kentucky, near Flat Rock, about the year 1821; when nine years old his parents moved to Illinois, on hearing many glowing accounts of its fertility, locating in the southern portion of Morgan Co.; with no capital to speak of he encountered many hardships; leaving a comfortable home in the South, the rough life in the West was not altogether pleasant; he raised a family of nine children of whom the father of James was the fifth child; he received a district school education and followed in after years, successfully, the occupation of farmer, now comfortably situated in life, he resides with his wife in Murrayville Precinct. James was born on the old homestead, Jan. 1, 1847; at 19 he married Miss Melinda Fanning, daughter of Robert and Mary Fanning, natives of Alabama, and who became early residents of Illinois; four children, Albert, Elijah, Robert and Julia.
HENRY, JESSE, farmer and stock raiser, Secs. 33 and 34, P.O. Woodson, born in Mercer Co., Ky., Sept. 28, 1812; his father was a saddler by trade, but afterward became a farmer. Young H. remained in the county until twenty-three years old; at this time, 1833, moved to Morgan Co. First settled on rented farm; a year later, married Martha E. McConnell, a native of Bourbon Co., Ky.; in 1842, took contract for the construction of the Great Western Railway, now Toledo, Wabash and Western; cleared $2,500; he then became an extensive stock buyer, and for the fifteen years he followed it, he became very successful; in 1844, purchased 460 acres; in 1848, 240. As a farmer Mr. Henry has been very successful, due to his great energy and business capacity. Children: Edward, Lucy, Nancy, Samuel, and Mary.
HENRY, JOHN T. Postmaster and station agent, and freight and ticket agent of the Jacksonville & C. & A. R.R., Woodson. Mr. Henry was born near Lexington, Ky., June 9, 1809; his father was a farmer, and on the old homestead the boy grew up, received a suitable education; relates that at an early day, when a boy got beyond fractions, he was regarded as a superior scholar; at fourteen apprenticed to a tailor, served seven years; at twenty-one worked as journeyman in Springfield, Jacksonville, and Carrollton; Nov. 14, 1830, settled at Jacksonville, Morgan Co.; only one brick building at the time; remembers distinctly the deep snow; speaks of the early pioneers as a very friendly people; states that they organized for the relief of the widows and orphans. Deer were plenty before the snow, but were killed by the thousands after its fall. In 1856, went to Macon Co.; remained until the breaking out of the war; after close of the rebellion moved back to Morgan Co., where he is now living in Woodson, and is highly regarded by all who have his acquaintance.
HENRY, RICHARD an old pioneer of Morgan Co., and R.R. promoter, born in Lexington, Ky., Oct. 31, 1797; in 1830, moved to Morgan Co., near Jacksonville, shortly after the deep snow fell; in 1838, himself, Ira Davenport, and George H., a brother, took a contract for building the first railroad in the State, known as Northern Cross R.R., part of which is now included in the Chicago and Northwestern R.R. He made the survey for the town of Woodson, planted the first hedge and orchard; raised a subscription of $100,000, for the Jacksonville division of the C. & A. R.R.; a warm friend of Judge Woodson, from whom the town of W. derives its name; he contributed very materially to the present prosperity of Morgan Co. He was possessed of wonderful energy and unswerving integrity, who, when misfortune overtook him, discharged his obligations dollar for dollar; he might have been wealthy, but preferred to be honorable, and his name will go down to posterity as an honest man. His wife still survives and is living with her two sons, in Woodson.
HESS, WILLIAM H., farmer, P.O. Murrayville, son of James and Sarah Hess, lineal descendent of the great reformer, was born in Pittsfield, this State, April 13, 1852; at the age of nine years commenced the development of his young intellect at the district school; at the end of three years study, his life as a student ceased. This little “Sucker” being cast on the waters of a friendless world, his young heart did not quail, but with a determination to fight the battle of life with a determination to conquer. Sought and married Miss Mary E.J. Gray, on the 2d January, 1873, the Rev. Geo. W. Clark officiating; had by this union, William H.S., born October 21, 1873, Sarah B., born August 30th, 1875, died October 4, 1875; by the death of his first love, his life was clouded, which sad event occurred June 3, 1876; was married again April 2, 1877, to Miss Sarah A. Castleberry, daughter of Paul and Mary P. Castleberry; the Rev. W. Riggs officiated; has had by this union, Mary A., born January 20, 1878. These good parents are zealous Christians, and are members of the Baptist Church.
HICKMAN, ISAAC, farmer, Sec. 32, P.O. Jacksonville. Born in Staffordshire, England. Mr. H. is one of the early settlers of Morgan Co., having lived in the county about forty years. He married Sarah Dunn; she was born in Staffordshire, England, and died June 16, 1877; no children; owns farm of 160 acres.
HIGGINS, HENRY, PROF., County Superintendent Public Schools, office Court House, r ss College w West. Was born May 7, 1836, in Knoxville, Ill.; came to this county in January, 1853; from this date, with the exception of two winters he taught school till 1873, when he received the nomination and was elected County Superintendent; so well did he qualify himself for this position, that he was re_elected for another term in 1877. Prof. H. was elected as president of the State County Superintendent’s Association in 1875, and secretary of the same in 1877.
HILL, ISAAC, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 30, P.O. Youngblood. Tracing back the genealogy of this family we find that Richard Hill, the father of Isaac, was born April 12, 1799, as near as can be ascertained, in Virginia. But little is known of his early life; when quite young he removed to Kentucky where he found employment as a farmer and relieved the monotony of life by hunting the game that abounded in the forests of Kentucky. In 1815, when 14 years of age, his parents determined to explore the great Northwest Territory, and accordingly set out in a one-horse, two-wheeled cart. They settled in what is now known as Hamilton, Illinois. Few had arrived at this date, when the mighty buffalo roamed at will and the red man traversed the forests; in the then wilds of Illinois Mr. H. farmed it and acquired a proficiency in the use of the rife that extended over a considerable portion of the West; he married Miss Mary Ann Webb, a daughter of Lazarus and Nancy Webb; he was among the first in his neighborhood to enter land from the Government. By his first marriage three children, of whom Isaac is the only survivor; his second wife, Mrs. Frances Nichols, who was born in Tennessee; by this union five children, all living: James, Geo. W., Mary Ann, Robert, and Richard H. Mr. H. died in 1838, at a time when Illinois had begun to witness many improvements. His first wife had died ten years previously; his second wife still survives, living in Fayette Co., Ill. Referring to the history of him who heads this sketch, he was born in Hamilton, Co., Illinois; he became a resident of Morgan Co. in 1846. The war with Mexico coming on, he enlisted in Co. F, First Regt. Ill. Vol., for one year’s service, under the command of Capt. W. J. Wyatt; on the field of battle of Buena Vista, after one year’s service, he was honorably discharged at Camargo, Mexico, and returned to Morgan Co., January, 1847. Two years later he married Miss Sarah Ann Daugharty; Mrs. H. was born in Morgan Co., April 20th, 1831. For twenty years Mr. Hill has been Justice of the Peace discharging the duties appertaining to the office to the satisfaction of all. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hill was blest with the following children: John R., born Oct. 23, 1853; Nancy M., Oct. 26, 1855, died Sept. 22, 1858; William L., born Dec. 26, 1857, died Jan. 17, 1864; Sarah E., born May 15, 1860; Martha A., born June 23, 1862; George M., born Sept. 4, 1864; Isaac M., born Feb. 3, 1867, died March 13, 1868; Charles R., born Jan. 19, 1869; Minnie B., born June 28, 1871; Tilden C., Nov. 29, 1876. Mr. Hill owns 204 acres on which he erected, some ten years ago, a handsome dwelling. Two of his children, John R. and Margaret now reside in Christian Co., Ill.
HILL, JAMES H. DR.. Born in the year 1825, at Elizabethtown, Hardin County, Kentucky; is the only surviving child of his parents, who emigrated from Shepherdstown, near Harper’s Ferry, Virginia, where, in the year 1849, the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Emma S. Welshaus; obtaining his diploma from the medical department of the university of Louisville, Kentucky, in 1850, after a studentship of five years, Dr. Hill practiced his profession in the South until the outbreak of the Rebellion, when, being a resident of Warrensburg, Johnson County, Missouri, he received the appointment of surgeon to a regiment of State troops, raised in said county, which position he retained until it was mustered out of service, when he was commissioned as assistant surgeon to the 30th Missouri U. S. Volunteer Infantry, which position he retained until, during the siege of Vicksburg, on account of ill health, he received an honorable discharge; since which time he has resided in Illinois, the last six years at Franklin, Morgan County; Dr. Hill has bur one surviving child, who, in 1875, became the wife of B. F. Wright of the firm of Wright Bros., of the last named place.
HILTON, MRS. AMANDA widow of George O. Hilton; was born in Morgan County, in 1835; in 1860, Mrs. H. whose maiden name was Dennis, was married to Geo. O. Hilton, who was born in Morgan County in 1835. Mr. H. was a farmer, up to the year 1868; when he determined to enter upon the ministry, and accordingly by Conference he was appointed a circuit preacher; called upon to preside over a congregation in Montana, he left his home in Illinois, and in six short weeks, from the time he left, was killed by the falling of a tree; an earnest Christian worker, his death was deeply deplored, even by the rough men of Montana, who had known so little of him. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Hilton resides on her farm property, in close proximity to where her father settled, when Morgan County knew but little improvements; there are five children, Wm. W., Jas. L., Thos. H., Mary E., and Oscar S.
HINRICHSEN, EDWARD S., farmer and general western agent for the Canada Southern R.R. for the State of Illinois, Sec. 30, T 15_8, P.O. Alexander was born in Germany in 1815 and came to Penn. in 1836, and to Franklin County in 1840, where he lived thirteen years; went on a farm two and a half miles north of Franklin in 1853, and in the Spring of 1857 came to Alexander, where he now lives, which place he platted and named in honor of John T. Alexander; was appointed station agent for the Wabash road which position he filled until May 1, 1876; married Mary Ann Wyatt, daughter of William Wyatt, one of the pioneers of Morgan County, having settled in this county in 1819; she was born in 1825, and was married in 1845; have six children, all living.
HINRICHSEN, WILLIAM H., deputy sheriff Court House, r Brown se cor. North. Was born May 27th, 1850, in Morgan Co. Mr. H. was employed as station agent for the T.W. & W.R.R. at Alexander for a number of years; was also justice of the peace at the same place from 1871 to 1874, when he came to Jacksonville to fill his present position.
HOCKING, F.G., boot and shoemaker, ss Square nr Sandy, r ss Lafayette w Diamond. Came to this county in 1854, and worked at his trade some years; he then opened a shop, in 1868, in his present place, where, by strict attention to the wants of his patrons, he has built up a handsome trade. Mr. H. makes all of his boots and shoes to measure, guarantees a perfect fit, and employs nothing but the best material; does invisible patching and repairing of all kinds, and sells Lyon’s patent heel braces.
HODGES, WILLIAM HARRISON, farmer, Sec. 18, P.O. Meredosia; liberal; born in this section on farm now owned by Jeremiah Seibert, Nov. 15, 1844; lived in this county all his life with the exception of living in Lewis Co., Missouri, where he was in 1870__71_72, returning in 1873. Married Oct. 8, 1865, to Annie M., Sawrey, born in Fayette Co., Illinois, June 4, 1848; have one child, William Franklin, born July 24, 1866, and have a boy whom they raised, Jacob Sentney, now eighteen years of age, seven years old when taken by them. David father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 15, 1810; his wife was Angenora McCorkle, born in Pike Co., Ohio, June 10, 1822. They were married in 1834. She is now the wife of James Comer, living in this township. She came here in 1839 and is one of the early settlers; she remembers when the beautiful Illinois bottom was one unbroken prairie, covered with wild growth of prairie grass. The father of Angenora McCorkle, William, born in Virginia, Feb. 4, 1771, died Oct. 22, 1852. His wife was Dorcas M. Hubs, born in Maryland. Mrs. William H. Hodges’ parents are Arthur L. Sawrey, born in Tennessee; his wife, Lucinda C. Andrews, born in Tennessee; her grand_parents are Henry Sawrey, his wife, Mary Sherrod; her grand_parents on her mother’s side are Samuel Andrews, and his wife, Kitturiah Dunigan. Arthur L. Sawrey’s family consisted of the following children: William H., living at Canton, Mo.; Lewis S., dead; Ollie G., living at Canton, Mo.; Thomas, dead; Annie, wife of W. H. Hodges.
HODGSEN, ROBERT, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 34, P.O. Jacksonville, son of Henry and Sarah Hodgsen, of Lancashire, England, born in 1828, came to this country in 1857, landing in New York; from there went to Woodstock, C. W., where he engaged in the occupation of farmer; remained there two and a half years, and then removed to Morgan Co., Ill. Married in Toronto, December, 1857, to Mary, daughter of John and Mary Copley, of Yorkshire England, where she was born. The fruits of this union were six children, all living, viz.: Wm. H., Sept. 20, 1858; James R., June 11, 1860; Arthur A., March 7, 1862; John A., Sept. 3, 1866; Sarah E., Dec. 18, 1868, Robert C., Jan. 4, 1870. Mrs. Hodgsen died July 31, 1874, her death being caused by a distressing accident; her remains were interred at Diamond Grove Cemetery. Mr. Hodgsen remarried Dec. 23, 1875, to Addie E., daughter of John and Mary Randerson, formerly of Cleveland, Ohio, born May 30, 1858. This union has been blessed by one child, George M., born Jan. 22, 1877.
HOLLIDAY, CHARLES L. Farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 9, P.O. Bethel; born in Allan Co., Ky., June 14, 1820; married Jan. 17, 1841, to Margaret Taylor, born in Nicholas Co., Ky., July 5, 1822; have eleven children: Agnes, born Oct. 7, 1841, married J. B. Bonebreak, have one child, P.O. Exeter, Scott Co.; Mary S., born May 23, 1843, married William Anderson, have six children; Oliver, George, Wesley, Horace, Ida, and Eva, all living at Bethel; Laura L., born Dec. 29, 1844, married Pierce Lamb, have four children: Nellie, Wesley, Ada, and Fannie B., living in Sheridan Co., Mo.; Melissa J., born Sept. 19, 1846, married James Anderson, have two children: Ella and Alfred, living at Bethel; James B., born Sept. 4, 1848, married Mary Bobbett, have one child, an infant, not yet named, living in T. 15 N.R. 11 West; Charles R., station agent Neelyville, born Aug. 25, 1850, married Ruth Neely; Willard W., born May 17, 1853, clerk in store of J. Onken, Chapin; Fannie B., born Dec. 1, 1855; Ada F., born Dec. 16, 1857; Maggie T., born May 24, 1860; Annie K., born Feb. 25, 1863. Mr. Holliday left Kentucky, in Spring of 1828, going by wagon. Twenty-six persons with seven wagons composed his company; they landed in Greene County, near Whitehall, lived there two years, then moved to Murrayville, then called Elkhorn Point; this was after the fall of deep snow, 1831; They crossed over the tops of fences on the frozen snow, and when they reached the house they had to shovel their way; here they remained six years, and during this time he learned his trade of carpenter and joiner, which he followed about thirty years. Many a time at his fence close to the house, the wolves rested their paws against the boards and barked savagely, and all stock had to be carefully penned over night to avoid being devoured. He remembers the sudden freeze of 1836; his uncle, a physician, having called on a patient across the prairie, his horse’s legs were almost covered with frozen lumps of mud, and himself almost dead with cold. He sold three hundred bushels corn to a merchant (Kimball) at Morgan City for eight cents in trade, carrying home the proceeds in a sifter. IN 1842, he got one and a half cents per pound for dressed hogs delivered at Meredosia, thirty-one cents for wheat delivered at Exeter, Ill.; chopped wood for twenty-five cents a day, boarding himself.
HOLMES, GEORGE, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 31, P.O. Waverly; the gentleman who heads this sketch, was born in Knox County, Tennessee, April 7, 1829; his father, George Holmes, was a native of North Carolina; but little can be learned of his early history; he married in North Carolina, Miss Elizabeth Bird, the daughter of Thomas Bird. George, Sr., moved to Knox County, Tennessee, where he followed farming, and where his wife died; during the sixteenth year of the subject of this notice, date 1850. The head of the family died in Overton County, Tennessee, in 1866. The subject of this biography grew up in Tennessee, there received his education, and married in his twenty-fourth year, 1852, Miss Minerva Taylor, a daughter of Simeon A. Taylor, a native of Tennessee; the following year found them en route for Illinois; they settled in Morgan County, and first rented farm property; when the war of the rebellion came on, George enlisted in the Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, Company G, remaining in service three years; he participated in many engagements; honorably discharged at the close of the war; he returned to Morgan County, where he has since resided; owning forty acres of land; eleven children; John, born March 21, 1853, married Miss Amelia Large; Lucinda Jane, born Aug. 15, 1854, married John Lines, and now resides in Virden, Macoupin County; George S. born Jan. 23, 1858, died in 1861; Laura A. born Oct. 4, 1859; Aaron Z. born May 4, 1861; Minerva, born Nov. 19, 1865; Edward, born June 14, 1868; Mary Ida, born Dec. 30, 1869; James F., born Feb. 20, 1871; child of John Holmes, who is the oldest son of George Holmes; Nancy A. born Feb. 7, 1877.
HOLMES, J. STEWART, farmer, stock dealer, and breeder of short horn cattle and Berkshire swine, Sec. 35, T. 15-9, P.O. Orleans; was born in this county in August, 1836; married Julia Hitt, who was born in Ky. In 1840; she was the daughter of Jesse Hitt, who died while on a trip to New Orleans, in the Fall of 1839, with the yellow fever; and her mother dying while she was an infant, she was raised and educated by her uncle, with whom she lived until she was married in Feby., 1864. Have four children living, Sallie L., Jesse H., James T., and Louie B.; owns 500 acres, valued at $37,500.
HOLMES, JAMES T. farmer, stock raiser and capitalist, Sec. 34, T. 15-9, P.O. Orleans; was born in New Jersey in 1801, and when very young his parents moved to Penn., where he was raised, and from 1820 to 1830 was one of the contractors on the Harrisburg canal. In 1830 he went to Kentucky, and was the first contractor that broke ground on the railroad running from Louisville to Lexington, which was the first railroad built in the State of Kentucky; came to this county, and settled where he now lives in 1836; after traveling through 13 different States he came to the conclusion that Morgan Co. was the garden of the State, and has not changed his mind yet; married Jane Vance in 1835; she was born in Ky., in 1801, and died Oct. 16, 1863, leaving a family of three children living, J. Stewart, Sarah A., Mary J., and Margaret, who died in 1843; married Mrs. Mary Doyle in June, 1866; who was a native of Ky., and came to this county when an infant; owns 840 acres, valued at $63,000; was one of the Commissioners for the building of the Asylum for the Insane in Jacksonville; and is one of the directors of the Jacksonville National Bank.
HOLMES, O. B. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 3, P.O. Jacksonville, son of Pierce, native of Connecticut, and Louise, who was a native of New York. On his father’s farm in Morgan Co., Young H. was born, in 1839; received a liberal education; at twenty-two married Miss Johannah Cludary, a native of Indiana, and the daughter of Richard and Martha; in 1862, purchased 110 acres in Morgan Co.; sold and went to Hancock Co., and owned a farm of 208 acres; at the end of three years went to Johnston Co., Mo., and purchased 100 acres, which he still owns; in 1873, returned to Morgan Co.; at present time is living on farm of 80 acres, estate of Mrs. Holmes. Seven children: S. Edwin, Gilbert P., Edith R., Marshall, Myrta, Charles, and Seth.
HOPPER, THOMAS, farmer and stock_raiser, Sec. 16, P.O. Sinclair. The subject of this sketch is a native of England, born Aug. 30, 1808. He was united in Marriage to Miss Jane Poaet in 1835; eleven children: Ann, born April 14, 1836; John April 9, 1837; Hassell, Feb. 22, 1840; Jane, born Dec. 29, 1838; Richard, May 16, 1842; George, Dec. 19, 1843; Hannah, June 30, 1845; Thomas W., born Nov. 13, 1846; James P., born June 29, 1848; Charles, born June 13, 1850; Phillip H. March 31, 1852. Mr. H., who heads this sketch, was a butcher in England for twenty_one years, coming to this country in 1856, he has since followed farming, and like all English people, is known for habits of industry, and owns ninety acres.
HOPPER, THOMAS W., farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 33, P.O. Jacksonville, born in Scarborough, Yorkshire, England, Nov. 13, 1846, and came to this country with his parents in 1856, settling in this county. Married Aug. 29, 1874, to Lucy, daughter Willis and Nancy Davis, of Morgan Co., born July 9, 1848. This union has been blessed by two children: John Thomas, born May 2, 1875, and Willis Lambert, born June 2, 1877. Mr. Hopper enlisted in Co. G, Twentieth Vet. I.V.I. Jan. 2, 1864, and served under Gen. Sherman in his celebrated march through Georgia; was discharged July 24, 1865.
HOWARD, WILEY, farmer and renter, Sec. 25, P.O. Manchester, Scott Co. son of Martin Howard. This old pioneer was born in East Tennessee in 1811, and was married to Miss Denisa Cook, daughter of Jacob Cook, also a native of East Tennessee. Mr. Howard, in 1835, in company with his father, Aleck Howard, settled near Lynnville, this county, nothing occurred to mar the serenity of the journey, except a little accident that befel little Miriman, who was then in infancy; he fell out of the wagon and destroyed the sight of one eye. Mr. Howard, father of Wiley, died in 1837; his widow still survives him, and is the wife of Mr. John Smith. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was born in Scott Co., and attended, during his early years, to gaining a knowledge of Webster, at Hart’s school house; was married twice; his first marriage was on Jan. 16, 1861, to Miss Caroline Lawson, daughter of Severe Lawson, by Mr. Tankoley, J.P. Three children were born to this union: Martin S., Merinda Jane, and Charlotte A.; the last named died Nov. 18, 1862. After his marriage, moved to the David Ralston farm, thence to Manchester, thence southeast of Manchester to the ‘Squire Heaton farm, lived there two years, thence east of Hart’s school house, and here the sable cloak of death wrapped the wife and mother in its unwelcome folds; she died March 11, 1866. Was married again Nov. 1, 1866, to Mrs. Phoebe Anne Brown, daughter of Maston Semmons; have had four children: Caroline, David S., Newton J., and Terry; little David has been called home to heaven. After his second marriage, lived on the Richard Wilson estate, then sojourned for a while in Scott County, rented the Mason and Kiker farm one year each. Mrs. Howard is a consistent member of the United Baptist Church, and both are well respected.
HUBBARD, THOS. Farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 36, P.O. Waverly; Mr. Hubbard was born in Madison County, Kentucky, Sept. 27, 1815; his father, John Hubbard, was a native of Kentucky; a farmer by occupation. He married, in Kentucky, Miss Elizabeth Parks, and during the Autumn of 1831, they set out for Illinois, and on arrival, located in Greene County; Thos. Hubbard, who accompanied his parents to Illinois, married in his twenty-first year, in Greene County, Miss Sarah Morrow, a daughter of Allen Morrow, a native of North Carolina; for a short time Mr. Hubbard lived in Greene County, and then moved to Mason County, where he followed farming twelve years; returning to Greene County, he purchased an interest in a grist mill. In 1856, he became a resident of Morgan County, where he now resides, on his farm property, comprising 86½ acres; having the confidence of the people, Mr. H. has held numerous offices, as Assessor, etc. etc. This marriage was blessed with nine children, only three of whom are living: Sarah A., Thos. M., and Jas. H., who reside on the old homestead.
HUCKSTEP, W.T., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 27, P.O. Woodson; son of T. C. and Jane B. Huckstep, whose maiden name was Maddox. Young H. was born in Morgan County, September, 1837; his father a farmer and mechanic, he grew up on the farm, receiving a common_school education; with the exception of six years spent in Iowa, has always been a resident of Morgan County; in 1861, was united in marriage to N.J. Self, daughter of James H. and S.A.; children: Jennie, born January, 1864; Rosetta, Aug. 4, 1866; Charles, March 26, 1868; Eddie and Freddie (twins), Dec. 24, 1874.
HUGHES, ALLEN B., retired farmer, Sec. 7, P.O. Murrayville, was born near Jacksonville, Ill., Jan. 30, 1832. Mr. Hughes is the oldest son of John A. Hughes and Elizabeth Webb, who was born and raised in White Co. Southern Illinois. The father of Allen B. emigrated to Clermont Co., Ohio; after a residence of nine years in Ohio removed with his wife and four children to White Co. Ill.; this was in 1821, at an epoch in the State’s history when it required an iron constitution and an indomitable will to surmount the harrassing life incident to the early settlement of the Prairie State. Mr. Hughes moved to Section Sixteen (now Jacksonville) and rented a farm for two years; his capital would not amount to $25, but had in lieu of money a bright intellect and an energy that made troubles sink into dark obscurity. There was at the time we write of but one cabin in the little frontier town _ Jacksonville _ owned by “old man” Rearick, which cabin was utilized as home and store_room. Mr. Hughes has now in his possession a buckskin pocket book that is more than half a century old, and is a relic of the long ago. Moved south of Jacksonville and bought 160 acres of land, and the boys soon had a hewn log cabin constructed, and the family were now happy. “Johnnie cake,” baked on clapboards, was the bill of fare; truly those were strange and stormy days. The family of Mr. Hughes were contemporary settlers with the Rearicks, ‘Squire Holliday, and Point Brown. “Old Daddy” Hale was the regular circuit rider, and it was at Mr. Hughes’ house the people met to hear the preaching; this routine of church continued for fifteen years, when a log house was constructed, which was utilized for church and school purposes; the benches were of slabs with pins for legs; it was in this rude college that Allen studied Webster’s First Reader. “Uncle” Johnnie Hughes was on April 17th, last past, 75 years old, and hale and hearty. Allen B., the gentleman of this sketch, was married Oct. 27, 1853, to Miss Eveline M., daughter of James and Nancy Ash, by Rev. Caleb Baldwin, of the M.E. Church. Two children were born to this union: Sarah Ann and Mary Louise (twins), born Feb. 15, 1856; Sarah A. died Aug. 1856. Mary L. married Robert E. Rimberg, and they are living on the old homestead in Sec. 8. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes are old members of the M.E. Church.
HUGHES, O. P., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 25, P.O. Jacksonville; son of John A. and Elizabeth Hughes; born near Murrayville, Morgan County, June 7, 1842; his father was a farmer in good circumstances. O.P. Hughes received the usual amount of hard work and a liberal education, attending school in the winter and working through the summer season. March 24, 1862, enlisted in Co. F, 61st Ill. Inft., at Jacksonville; mustered into service at St. Louis; first attack on the enemy made at Shiloh, April attack on the enemy made at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; at siege of Vicksburgh; after siege, troops ordered to Little Rock, Ark.; remained one year guarding fortifications; January, 1865, in the battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; notes from soldier’s record: went into camp at Carrollton, Ill., Dec. 17, 1861; ordered to report at St. Louis, Feb. 27, 1862; went into camp at Benton barracks, March 1, 1862; left for the field March 24, 1862; at Pittsburg Landing March 29, 1862; attacked by rebels April 6, 1862, who were driven from the field; from Pittsburg Landing to Bolivar, July 18, 1862; Dec. 19, 1862, had a fight with rebels at Salem Cemetery, near Jackson, Tenn.; enemy repulsed at siege of Vicksburg; honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn., March 4, 1865. Returned to Morgan County; married Miss Virginia A. Clark, at Manchester, Scott County, Dec. 4, 1866. Mr. H. owns 320 acres; is engaged quite extensively as stock buyer.
HUNT, HENRY W., city clerk, and clerk Board of Education, r Main se cor, North. Was born Jan. 15, 1842, in this city; at the age of 12 years he was appointed clerk in the Post Office, which position he filled for over twenty years; during this period Mr. H. was appointed to fill several Government positions. U.S. store keeper, Port N.O.; also asst. special agent U.S. treasury, with headquarters at Galveston, Texas. Was nominated for the office of city clerk, and elected by a majority of over 600.
HYATT, THOMAS, renter, Sec. 15, P.O. Meredosia; rep; Chris; born in Green Co., Pennsylvania, July 19, 1844; came to this county in 1854; enlisted in Co. B, Twenty-seventh I. V. I., Feb. 18, 1862, and was discharged March 2, 1865; was in ten engagements; was wounded in the battle of Peach Tree Creek; married in St. Louis, March 18, 1865, to Sarah A. Williams, who was born in Boone Co., Ill., Jan. 16, 1846. They have four children: Mary E., William H., Thomas C., Martha L., living, and one, George S., dead.