AMOS T. PURVIANCE.
The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1823, and
removed to Illinois in 1847, locating in Hennepin. He learned the printing
trade when young, but after coming to this State worked at farming, teaching
school winters. In 1845 he married Mary M. Ong, their union being blessed
with two children, Retta and Frank O. both born in Putnam County. Is a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; was elected Sheriff in 1854.
and County Clerk in 1857, which office he has since held. His place, known
as "Hartzella," covers the site of the old trading house erected in 1817. It
is a natural grove of twenty-two acres, beautifully situated on the bank of
the Illinois River, one mile above Hennepin, and contains specimens of every
native tree in Northern Illinois.
H. C. PIERCE.
H. C. Pierce, fanner, was born in Cincinnati. Ohio, in 1829, and came to
Illinois with his parents in 1832, landing in Crow Meadow. Indians being
troublesome at the time, they returned to Pekin, and remained until the
spring of 1833, when they came to Hennepin Township, and have since remained
here. In 1846 he married Mary Lansberry, who was born in Orange county, New
York, in 1832. She died in 1874, leaving three children Charles, Joseph H.,
and Benjamin F. In 1877 he was married again to Sarah Pierce. Thay are
members of the M. E. church, in which he has been steward since 1865. Is a
member of the Masonic order. Mr. Pierce has a vivid recollection of the
Indians, and the good old times of early life in Putnam county.
LELAND BROADDUS.
Mr. Broaddns is a farmer living on Sec23. He was born in Caroline
county, Va., in 1826. In 1836 he, with his parents, located in Marshall co.,
and in 1849 removed to Putnam. In 1851 he married Harriet Crane, who died in
1858, leaving two children, Lundsford T. and Hervey E. He married Susan
Case, a native of Indiana, and his present wife, in 1859, three children
being the result of this union. John L., Irving, and Clara. Mr. B. is a
member of the Baptist church and a school trustee. He owns 320 acres, mostly
under cultivation, with good improvements.
HENRY CHILDS.
Mr, Childs is a farmer living on Sec2, Hennepin Township. He was born
in Lorraine, Germany, in 1829, and came to this country twenty years later,
remaining a short time in New York State. In 1857 he married Mary Gashran,
who was born in Summerhill, County Meath, Ireland, in 1837, and came to this
country in 1856. They have five children James, George H., Charles A.,
William and Mary J. Is H member of the Catholic church of Hennepin, owns 200
acres of land, with brick dwelling, and good improvements.
JAMES SHIELDS.
Mr. Shields in a farmer, living on Sec4. He was born in Morgan county,
Indiana. February 8. 1825, and came to this county along with his father
when eight years old. The Shields family is one of the oldest in the county,
and well known. In 1847 he married Mary Stateler, and to them two children
were born, William Henry, and Catharine, who afterward became Mrs.
Hiltabrand. Mr. Shields is a member of the Masonic order, and owns 215 acres
of land, 120 of which is under cultivation.
NELSON SHEPHERD.
Mr. Shepherd is a retired farmer, living on Sec31, who was born in
Adams county, Ohio, December 6th, 1804. He came to Putnam county in 1829,
and located on the place on which he still lives. Along with his brother,
who bad previously visited the country, he started from Ripley, Ohio, coming
by steamboat to St. Louis. No steamers navigated the Illinois then; and
transportation being carried on by means of keel boats, propelled by man
power, he struck out for Bond county, where he had some friends, who
furnished him with a horse, upon which he mounted, and, accompanied by a man
named McCord, turned northward.
The first day they encountered a heavy rain, and the second suffered much
from thirst. Seeing a cabin, they rode up and asked for a drink, to which
the proprietor responded by giving them a gourd full dipped from a stagnant
pool in the yard. They drank but little, but it made them deathly sick.
Making for the timber, they lay down, McCord going into a heavy sleep.
Shepherd presently recovered and strove some time vainly to waken McCord.
Finally he opened his eyes, looking so ill that S. thought be would die.
After some exertion he got him on his horse and they rode on. At
Jacksonville they separated.
From here he had a Frenchman for a companion, with whom he traveled two
days, reaching a place called the Rapids for breakfast. Enquiring how far it
was to the next house he was told it was thirty miles. A deer path across
the prairie was pointed out and his horse being tired he dismounted and
drove it before him, reaching Jesse Roberts' place at sundown. His brother,
who embarked on a keelboat, soon after arrived with his wife and goods. That
winter all lived in a cabin together.
They all got the ague and suffered greatly. Their provisions gave out, and
as they were too sick to go after more they had to subsist on potatoes and
milk. Soon after he started to return to Ohio, where he married Miss Mary
Beard, September 8, 1831. She was a native of Lincoln county, North
Carolina. On their return they traveled in wagons, meeting with many mishaps
and adventure incident to a new country. On his arrival he built a cabin,
and has resided there ever since, the primitive dwelling giving way to a
fine modernized residence, and the bleak prairie to a well cultivated farm.
They have five children living, and five who were born to them have passed
over the river. The living are Lyle, Albert, John B., J. Harvey, and Austin
M. Mr. Shepherd has served his township as supervisor, township trustee and
road commissioner. Himself and wife have long been members of the
Presbyterian church, and honored and respected members of society. He has a
large farm and his old age is blessed with an abundance of this world's
goods,
JOHN BOSST.
The subject this sketch is a farmer, born in Germany in 1820, and emigrated
to this country in 1864, settling in Putnam county. His wife was formerly
Miss Lucy Trierweiler. She also was born in Germany. They have two children,
Theodore and Nicholas and own a good farm of 80 acres, well improved. Are
members of the Catholic church, of Hennepin.
PETER SCHITZ.
Mr. Schitz is a farmer, and was born in Germany in 1814, emigrating to this
country in 1864, and locating in Putnam county. His wife's maiden name was
Karley, and she likewise came from Germany. Two children were born to them,
Margaret and Herbert. She died in 1870. Mr. Schitz has since wedded Mary
Scharts, a member of the Catholic church.
ANTHONY REAVY.
This gentleman, who is a thrifty farmer living on Sec2, was born in
this county in 1847. In 1869 he married Miss Catherine Mateer, also a native
of the county. They have five children. Frank. George, Edward, Caroline and
Mary. Both Mr. Reavy and his wife are members of the Catholic church. Mr. R.
is treasurer of the school board. He owns 605 acres of land, 240 of which is
under cultivation, and his residence is one of the most comfortable and
home-like in the county.
FREDERICK SEBOLD.
Mr. Sehold is a farmer living on Sec14. He was born in Bavaria,
Germany, in 1823, and came to the United States in 1849, first locating in
Butler co., Ohio, whence he moved to this county in 1854. In 1849 be married
Christiana Souft, also a native of Bavaria. They have six children -
Barbara, Margaret, Conrad, Christiana, Eliza and Frederick. Mr. S. is a
member of the Masonic order, was school director 16 years and road
commissioner six years. He owns 280 acres, all in good state of cultivation,
with very good improvements.
G. W. POOL.
This gentleman, now deceased, was born in Marietta, Ohio, in 1800, and died
in 1857, leaving ten children. Henry died in a rebel prison in Cahoba,
Alabama. Aaron was also in the army. His remaining children were George,
Belle, Franklin, Sidney, Sarah, Edward, Charles, Lucy. Four children were
born to him by a former marriage - viz., Mary, William, Albert and
Charlotte. Mrs. Pool's maiden name was Sophronia Bascons; she was born in
Courtland county, N Y., and married in 1838. Her estate comprises 380 acres.
The farm is carried on by her son.
DAVID J. LEECH.
Mr. D. J. Leech is a dealer in agricultural implements and farm machinery in
Hennepin. He was born in Pennsylvania, but brought up in Ohio, where he
lived until twenty-one, when he removed to Illinois, arriving in Hennepin in
1849, and went to farming. In this he was successful, and continued to
follow it to 1877, when he turned it over to his sons and took up his
present business. In 1851 he married Miss Sarah A. Corson, also a native of
Pennsylvania. Four children were born to them, Mary C., Harvey H., Ella S.,
and John W. Mr. Leech is an extensive dealer in farm machinery, buying hi
stock from twenty-three different establishments. His long experience as a
farmer enables him to know just what is required, and he seldom makes a
mistake. He has done much to introduce the cultivation of sorghum, having
raised it for many years and proved its value. He was personally acquainted
with Sbaubena, and has many ornaments, etc., obtained by himself from the
grave of Sbaubena's father, who was buried on the present site of the town.
Mr. Leech's life has been long and useful, and he is a respected member of
society.
L. B. SKEEL.
Mr. Skeel is a farmer, was born in New York state, March 28, 1811. and
located in this county in 1830. Oct. 19, 1819, he married Miss Minerva
Payne, a native of Indiana, who died March 27th, 1847. leaving three
children - Albert M., Mary E. (Fisher), and Carrie (Cotting). Nov. 25th,
1847, he married Miss Flora Morrison, his present wife, who was born in
Argyle, Scotland, in 1824. Five children have blessed their union. Nathan,
Olive (Folley), William L., John F, and Flora M. They are members of the
Congregational church. Mr. Skeel owns 244 acres of land, under perfect
cultivation and thoroughly fenced, principally with hedges. His mother died
in October, 1879, at the advanced age of 91 years. His father built and
introduced the first threshing machine in this section, taking bin material
from the logs of an old cabin at Pekin, the only thoroughly seasoned timber
procurable.
PETER HOLLERICH.
Mr. Hollerich, a resident of the city of Hennepin, was born in Luxembourg,
Germany, in 1846. In 1871 he came to the United States, and located in
Hennepin shortly after his arrival in this country. In 1877 Mr. Hollerich
married Miss Mary Sontag, a native of Mendota, Ill. They have two children,
Colonel and William. Mr. H. and his wife are members of the Catholic church.
EDWIN R. SPENCER.
This gentleman, a livery proprietor and U. S. mail contractor, was born in
Duchess county, N. Y., in 1832. He came West in 1845, locating first in
Terre Haute, Ind., but finally in this county. In 1874 he married Miss N.
Jane Hailey, a native of Missouri. They have one child, Edwin, born in 1877.
Mr. Spencer is a member of the Masonic order. He has been a mail contractor
for many years. Mr. Thomas Hailey, father of Mrs. Spencer, moved to Ox Bow
in 1829.
HENRIETTA THIEL.
Mrs. Henrietta Thiel, widow, is a successful farmer living on Sec13.
She was born in Germany, and came to this country in 1857, soon after her
marriage. Her husband. Frederick Thiel, was also a native of Germany born in
Saxony. He died December 10th, 1877, leaving six children: Frederick,
Ludwick, Minnie, Henrietta, George and William. Mrs. Thiel's farm embraces
123 acres of land, in a good state of cultivation. She is an estimable
woman, hard-working and industrious, and is raising her children in a manner
creditable to herself and calculated to fit them for a life of usefulness.
JOSEPH ETSCHEID.
This gentleman is a farmer living on Sec26, Hennepin township, and was
born in Prussia in 1881, He came to this county in 1856. He was married to
Catherine Kolf in 1856. She died July 3d, 1866, leaving two children,
Margaret and Peter. Afterward he married Mary Apel. He owns 520 acres of
land of which 300 are under cultivation. Is a member of the Catholic church,
road commissoner, etc. He is one of the most successful farmers in the
township and a hard worker.
DR. A. M. VANDERSLICE.
The subject of this sketch is a physician and surgeon, likewise a farmer,
living on Sec32. He was born in Dauphin county, Pa., in 1833, obtaining
his education in that state and graduating with honors at the medical
institute of Philadeldhia in 1860. He practiced two years in his native
place and then moved to Florid in 1862, where he has since resided in the
active prosecution of his profession. Of late years he gives more attention
to farming. Before leaving his native place he married Rebecca Roach, who
has brought him nine children, Anna M., John J., Frank R., Augustus M.,
James M., W. Hoyle, E. Rauk, Ellen J., and Roy. He owns 180 acres of land,
highly improved.
JOHN H. DININGER.
Mr. Dininger is a highly successful farmer living on Sec36. He was born
in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, in 1827, and settled in Putnam county in
1859. In 1850 he married Caroline Zimmerman, also a native of Pennsylvania,
and to them have been born ten children, still living, viz: Emma, Sarah,
Ellen, Augustus, Kate, Lizzie, John S., Lincoln, Adam and William. He owns a
fine farm of one hundred acres, under excellent cultivation, with first
class improvements.
JUDGE AUGUSTUS CASSELL.
Augustus Cassell, ex-county judge, is a comfortable farmer and mechanic
living on Sec1, He was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, in 1813
coming west in 1836, and settling in Putnam county. His wife was formerly
Miss Mary Bear, to whom he was married November 14, 1833, she being also a
native of Lebanon. They have seven children living, viz: John H., William
B., Sarah A., Alson K., Rufus L., Mary Ellen and Isadore. Both himself and
wife are respected members of the Methodist church. Mr. Cassell was a
cabinet maker by trade, and very ingenious in the use of tools. For several
years he owned and ran a steam-mill, and was once in the mercantile business
at Florid. During the war he sent three sons to the army: one of whom John
H. ran the Vicksburg blockade, served as a scout and spy for nine months
visiting the rebel camps as a spy. He served three years, and then
re-enlisted and remained until the close of the war. He was in the Twentieth
Illinois cavalry. Mr. Cassel was elected county judge in 1872 and again in
1876, and was justice of the peace for twenty-seven years. His life has been
long, honored and useful.
ROBERT LEECH.
Mr. Leech is a farmer living on Sec19. He was born in Jefferson county,
Ohio, in 1814, removed with his parents to Peoria in 1832 and to Hennepin
one year later. Has ever since resided on his present homestead. John Leech,
his father, died in 1839, leaving nine children. His mother still lives, and
is eighty-six years old. Mr. Leech never married, having dutifully remained
with his parents, giving all his care to them. He has one of the finest
farms in the township, containing 330 acres, his house occupying a beautiful
location, skirted by a belt of timber on the north-west, interspersed with
old oaks and other native trees.
W. S. BOSLEY.
Mr, Bosley, farmer and postmaster at "Cottage Hill." was born in Uniontown,
Fayette county, Pa., in 1833, and located in Putnam county, April 5, 1851.
October 81 1858, he married Miss Mary D. Nesmith, a native of the same
county in Pennsylvania as himself. They have seven children, Thomas N.,
Nannie H., Lizzie M., Rebecca S., Minnie May, James Harry and Carl Edwin.
Himself and family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, of
which he has been an elder since 1860. He is secretary of the Magnolia
Township Insurance Company, Vice President of the County Musical
Association, and Road Commissioner. He is an extensive stock dealer, and
"Cottage Hill" is a delightful residence, complete in all its appurtenances.
MRS. SARAH J. Ross.
This lady, widow of James Ross, was born in Ohio in 1827, and came to Putnam
county in 1849. Her husband was also born in Ohio. He came to Putnam county
in 1839, and in 1859 they were married. One son was born to them, Frank S.
Mr. Ross left four children by a former marriage, one of whom is deceased,
and the others are named William, John and Grant. Mrs. Ross owns 160 acre*
of land and, her son owns 60, left by his father. Mrs. Ross is a member of
the Presbyterian church and an estimable member of society.
PHILIP HAM.
Mr. Ham, one of the farmers of this township, is a native of the state of
New York, born in 1821, but came to this county when only ten years of age,
In 1854 he married Sarah Bear, a native of Pennsylvania, born in Dauphin
county, that state, in 1834. They have seven children, Luella F., Leoria
Estella. Anna E., William S., Clara Bell (deceased), David and Laura May.
Mr. Ham is a member ot the Methodist Episcopal church. His farm embraces 145
acres of land.
DAVID B. MOORE.
Mr. David B. Moore is a farmer whose residence is in Sec18, though a
portion of his farm is in Sec19. He was born in Washington county, Pa.,
February 7th, 1831, and located in this county in November, 1853. August
28th. 1856, he married Miss Martha Moore, a native of this county, born Jane
20, 1836. They have six children, Wilson S., Fannie E., Minnie A., Harry H.,
Perry O., and Howard. Mr. M. and his wife are members of the Presbyterian
church of Granville. He has been a school director, and for a number of
years trustee of the church to which he belongs. His farm comprises ninety
acres of good land, well cultivated, and his improvements are excellent.
OTTO HALBLEIB.
This gentleman is a thrifty farmer living on Sec11. He was born in
Baden, Germany, in 1828, and came to the United States in 1837, locating in
this county. He was married to Mrs. Catherine Hartenbower in January, 1852.
She was born in Wertemberg, Germany, in 1834. They have nine children, viz:
Victoria, Adam, John, George, Frank, Clara, Casper, Annie and William. Mr.
Halbleib is school director, and owns three hundred acres of land. He has
been in the bee business ten years, and has now about two hundred and
twenty-seven hives in his apairy and will save about two hundred pounds of
honey this year. He is a kindhearted, hospitable man, smart and energetic.
JOHN HUFNAGLE.
Mr. John Hufnagle, also a member of the farming community of this township,
was born in Dauphin county, Pa., in 1850, but with his parent* moved West in
1853 and located in this county. In 1873 he married Miss Maggie Sherring, a
native of the State of Ohio. They have three children, John E., Winfield S.
and Richard Walter. Mrs. Hufnagle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
JOSEPH CASSEL.
Mr. Cassell is a veteran farmer on Sec22. He was born in Dauphin
county, Pennsylvania, in 1815, and located in this county in 1837, where he
worked at his trade as blacksmith for nine years. He discontinued this work
in 1850 and went to farming, which he has continued since. He married Miss
Sarah Lynch in 1833. She was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, and died
in 1845, leaving five children, viz: Edwin, Esther A., Calvin, Ephraim,
Philip A. He was again married to Miss Laura Bosley in 1847, by whom he had
four children, viz: Sarah, Emma A., Jennie and Sidney. He is an influential
member of the Lutheran church, and was school director about twelve years
and road master thirteen years. He had three sons in the army. Ephraim
veteranized and was captured at Altoona. He was twice wounded, and was one
of the first on the ramparts in the assault upon Vicksburg.
DAVID NIXON.
Mr. Nixon is a farmer, born in Scotland in 1816, and emigrated to this
country in 1843, locating in Phoenixville, Pa., from whence he removed to
Philadelphia, and staid one year, returning again to Phoenixville, where he
lived until 1849. Disposing of his interests there, he embarked for the
West, settling in Putnam county. He was married in 1838, and to them were
born fifteen children. Seven of them are dead and eight living viz., George,
David, James, Emeline, Cass, Nancy and Eliza. Two of his sons, William and
Samuel, enlisted in the Union army, and lost their lives bravely battling
for their country. Mr. N. is a member of the Presbyterian church, and
township trustee.
JAMES A. PATTON.
Mr. Patton is an extensive farmer, who was born in this county in 1843, on
the place he now occupies, and has ever since resided here. In 1864 he
married Laura J. Blanchford, of Juliet, Will county, who has borne him three
children, William A., Perlie A., and Claudia A. He owns three hundred and
thirty-five acres of land, the greater part under a high state of
cultivation. His improvements are first class, and his home very attractive.
JOHN NEWPORT.
Mr. Newport is a farmer, living on Sec32; was born in Boone county,
Kentucky, in 1832 and located in Putnam county in 1839. In 1855 he married
Miss O. White, who has borne him twelve children, Lucy, Carrie, Alonzo,
Ralph, Seymore, Julia, LaNora, Earl, Andrew, Lillian, James and Nathan. Mr.
N. is a member of the Baptist church, and has been school director. He owns
160 acres of land, all of which is in a high state of cultivation.
MICHAEL CLAMENS.
Mr. Clamens is a citizen of Florid, born in Pennsylvania in 1806, and came
to Putnam county in 1842, He is by trade a cooper, and followed it for
fifteen years, when he turned farmer, and for some time run a threshing
machine. He married in 1832 Miss Eliza Winters, and is the father of three
children: Mary, Peter and Eliza. His wife was born in Pennsylvania. Mr.
Clamens was for some time postmaster, and is a member of the Dunkard church.
He owns forty acres adjoining Florid, and four houses in the village.
BENJAMIN SUTCLIFFE.
Mr. Sutcliffe first looked out upon the world in London, England, in 1835.
When seventeen years old he enlisted and was sent with his regiment to the
Crimea, where he participated in the hard fought battles of Inkerman and
Alma, and took part in the memorable siege of Sebastopol. For gallant
conduct and distinguished services he was personally complimented by Queen
Victoria and presented with a medal, which he retains as a family heirloom.
When the Indian mutiny broke out he volunteered in the Seventy-sixth
Infantry, under marching orders for Delhi, in the East Indies, where he
hoped to enter upon active service, but a letter from his mother, who had
preceded him to this country, decided him to emigrate here, and with much
reluctance the authorities granted him an honorable discharge. He arrived
here in 1858 and in 1864 married Harriet L. Osborn, by whom he has two
children living Charles E. and John F., and four are dead. When the war of
the rebellion broke out he promptly offered his services, enlisting in
company K of the One hundred and fourth Illinois volunteer infantry, and was
appointed ordnance officer of the Thirty-ninth regiment. Owing to poor
health he was unable to assume duty, and was honorably discharged.
WILLIAMSON DURLEY.
The subject of this sketch is a farmer living on Sec14, who was born in
Colwell county, Kentucky, in 1810, and came to Sangamon co.. in 1819, where
he lived until 1831, when he emigrated to Putnam county, then recently
organized. An uncle - John Durley, was associated with him, and together
they embarked in the mercantile business, opening out a mile above the town.
Their customers were principally Indians, though settlers were rapidly
coming in. When the village was laid out they secured a lot and began the
erection of a storehouse, to which they removed. In 1837 he purchased his
present farm, and in 1844 retired from business and devoted himself to
improving his real estate. His wife, whom he married in 1834, was Miss
Elizabeth Winters, born in Monroe county, Ohio, in 1810. They have eight
children, one of whom is a prominent lawyer at Le Mars, Iowa. In politics
Mr. Durley in a pronounced Republican, and has occupied advanced ground in
politics, having been a leading member and organizer of the Union League. In
pro-slavery times he was an active " free-soiler," in full sympathy with the
leaders of the Liberty party, personally aiding in the escape of fugitives.
He has been actively engaged in public life. For many years he was county
commissioner, served as internal revenue assessor from the beginning of the
war up to 1865. He has been an active promoter of the educational interests
of the township, serving in all capacities; has served as justice of the
peace, is often called to administer on estates and settle differences
between neighbors. Daring the rebellion he was chosen to fill the township
quota of enlistments, in which he was assisted by William Allen; is reporter
for the Agricultural Bureau at Washington, and his opinions upon farming
matters are recognized authorities. In principle and practice Mr. Durley is
strictly temperate, and himself and wife members of the Congregational
church of Hennepin. He owns one of the best farms in Putnam county, and
takes pride in its management.
SIMON HEDRICK.
Mr. Hedrick is a merchant and farmer of Florid, who was born in Lebanon
county, Pennsylvania in 1823, from whence he removed to Putnam county in
October, 1850. For ten years he was a farmer, when he embarked in the lumber
trade, and ran a saw mill for nine years. Began merchandising in 1871, and
has followed it since. In 1852 he married Sarah J. Allen, a native of
Pennsylvania. She died in August, 1864. There were born to them three
children, who survive, George W., Thomas A. and John Wallace. Mr. Hendrick
owns eighty acres of land adjoining the village of Florid.
R. A. RADLE.
Mr. Radle is a farmer living on Sec26, born in Crawford county, Pa., in
1837, and emigrated to Illinois in 1856, settled in Putnam connty, where he
began farming in 1862. He married Miss M. A. Patton in 1861. She was born
and reared in Hennepin township. They have six children, Nettie L., Nina J.,
Carl A., Don A., Melissa A., and Reuben A. Are members of the Presbyterian
church. He is a breeder of short-horn cattle, in which he takes much
interest, and finds it very profitable. He is extensively engaged in the
rubber bucket pump business, and is a dealer in pump supplies of all kinds.
GEORGE TAYLOR.
A farmer, living in Sec24. He was born in Frederick county, Va., in
1811; came to this county in 1837, and permanently settled here two years
later. He worked at his trade that of a carpenter for several years, but in
1849 turned his attention exclusively to farming. In 1841 he married Mrs.
Amerilla Wycoff, a native of Ohio, by whom he has one child, Salina H. Mrs.
Taylor has five children by a former marriage, Lucy, A. D., Harriet, Thos.
R. and Hiram G., and one deceased. Mr. Taylor has served his township in the
capacity of roadmaster, and is an estimable citizen. His home farm comprises
133 acres of land adjoining the village of Florid.
ASA CUNNINGHAM, J. P.
Mr. Cunningham was born in Virginia in 1812, but was raised in Washington
county, Pa., where he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. In 1835 he
came West and located in Magnolia, remaining there until 1862, when he was
elected Sheriff of Putnam county, and removed to Hennepin, serving the
county two terms in this position. In 1835 be married Mary Carpenter, a
native of Lancaster county, Pa. He has three children, S. H., George M. and
F. W. Mrs. C. died in 1878. Mr. Cunningham has been Justice of the Peace six
years, and was collector four years. Both his sons, and William Rankin, his
son-in-law, served in the army during the war of the rebellion, the latter
being killed at the battle of Chattanooga.
WILLIAM A. KAYS.
Mr. Kays is a native of Indiana, where he was born in 1828, and came to Knox
county in 1835, removing to Hennepin in 1867. In 1850 he married Miss Olive
Hailey, who was born in Putnam county. They have eight children, Ellen,
Jane, Sarah, James, Alice, William, Olive, and Wesley. He belongs to the
Masonic order, and himself and wife are members of the M. E. church. Mr.
Kays owns a hundred acres of land, is a good farmer, and breeder of fine
blooded hogs. Three of his brothers served in the army, and one was killed
in battle.
WILLIAM H. BROCK.
Mr. Brock is a wagon-maker, living in Florid. He was born in Rockingham
county, Va., in 1836, and came to Putnam county in 1878. In 1870 he married
Catharine Nixon, to whom four children have been given, viz., Nannie, David,
Louis, and infant not named. Both himself and wife are members of the
Dunkard church. He is a hard working man and good mechanic, owning two
houses in town, a large outfit of tools, etc., and does all kinds of
repairing and spring wagon work.
D. W. DANLEY.
Mr. Danley is a grain and produce dealer in Hennepin, who was born in
Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1820, and came to Peoria county in 1860.
He engaged here in farming, and after six months removed to Marshall county,
settling on the "Reeves" property, whose story is told in this work. He
purchased the place from Benjamin Lombard. He ran the farm until 1868, and
then sold it to other parties. He began the grain trade in Henry in 1857,
building up a large and extensive business. In 1865 he built one of the
finest warehouses on the river, with a capacity of 130,000 bushels, which he
sold in 1869. In 1868 he built the fine residence now owned by Mr. Wright.
He then went to Ohio Station, in Bureau county, and built another warehouse
at Bradford, in Stark county, and run both houses in connection with C. S.
Loomis for two years. In 1873 he returned to Henry, and has been buying
grain for Nicholson & Co. up to the present time. While the lock and dam
were building Mr. Danley furnished large quantities of timber for it. In
1847 he married Nancy McCoy, daughter of Col. John McCoy, of Washington, Pa.
She died in 1855. His present wife was Catherine A. Noe, of Elizabeth, N J.,
whom be wedded in 1857. Three children are the fruits of this marriage,
Eugenie N. born in 1860; Mary L., 1861; and Willis M., 1871. He was
supervisor of Whitefield and Saratoga townships for six years, and in 1870
was elected supervisor from Henry, which office he held until his removal
from the county in 1878. Mr. Danley has taken a prominent part in everything
pertaining to public interests, discharging the duties devolving upon him to
the entire satisfaction of the public.
STEPHEN NEWBERN.
Mr. Newbern is a native of this county, having been born here in 1846, and
married Miss Alvira Inks, a native of Pennsylvania, in 1867. They have two
children, Albertus and Franklin. Mr. Newbern is president of the Protection
Society of the township and cultivates one hundred acres of land. He is a
breeder of and dealer in Chester White and Poland China hogs, having
followed it several years.
J. M. COWEN.
Mr. Cowen is a prominent physician and surgeon of the city of Hennepin. He
was born in Zanesville, Muskingum county. Ohio, in 1834, was a student in
the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which institution he graduated
March 2, 1858, and moved west, locating in Magnolia June 1, 1858, where he
engaged in the practice of his profession until September, 1862, when he
entered the army as assistant surgeon of the Seventy seventh Illinois
Volunteers and continued in active service until February, 1865. He served
with General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, was for about ten months
surgeon in charge of the Twenty-eighth Illinois and Twenty-third Wisconsin,
was almost continuously on detached hospital duty, was in charge of the
transfer of the wounded from temporary to permanent hospitals after the
battle of Cedar Creek, the occasion of Sheridan's celebrated ride, and was
in charge of one hundred and twenty-five of the wounded after the battle of
Winchester. September 27, 1860, he married Miss Amelia A. Dent, daughter of
Judge Dent, of this county. She died November 3, 1875, leaving two children
Charles C. H. and Robert M. After his return to Magnolia he continued his
practice in that place until March, 1869, when he moved to Hennepin. Mr.
Cowen is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Masonic order.
DR. C. M. DUNCAN.
This gentleman is a practicing physician and surgeon of Hennepin. He was
born in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 17, 1816, graduated
from Beech Medical Institute in that city in 1837, and after practicing his
profession in Philadelphia two years removed to New Orleans, Louisiana,
where he also practiced two years. He then returned to Philadelphia In 1842,
at Louisville, Kentucky, he married Miss Jane E. Noxon, and in 1845 located
in Hennepin. May 24, 1872, his wife died, leaving three children Aspasia L.,
Zach T., and Charles M. In 1875 he married Miss Vesta A. Turner, a native of
Oxford county, Maine. He removed to Fairbury, Livingstone county, Illinois,
in 1868, but returned to Hennepin in 1870, since which time he has followed
his profession successfully, securing an extensive and lucrative practice.
JOSEPH B. ALBERT, J. P.
Mr. Albert is a Pennsylvanian by birth, having been born in Dauphin county
in 1836, and came to Putnam county in 1842. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E
of the One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois volunteers, and served until
the close of the war. At Lagrange, Tennessee, while on duty, he met with an
injury that incapacitated him from further service, and he was honorably
discharged May 15, 1865, and arrived home June 1. In 1867 he married Eliza
Odekirk Davis, a native of Steuben county. New York, to whom one child has
been born Jessie Estelle. He has served several terms as school director and
filled other public offices. He is proprietor of the Putnam county
nurseries, and an extensive grower of trees of all kinds. Mr. Albert is
building a fine residence the present season.
CHARLES O. TURNER.
Mr. Turner is a native of Hennepin, living on Sec13. He was born in
1846, and in 1867 married Mattie Mowbery, also born in Hennepin, unto whom
have been born four children, viz; May, Allie, Boy and Jennie. He enlisted
in the One hundred and thirty-ninth regiment Illinois volunteers - one
hundred day men - and was mustered in at Peoria. Mr. Turner is a farmer, and
owns besides a portable saw mill, with which he manufactures large
quantities of lumber.
DR. J. F. O'NEAL.
A resident of the village of Florid, and a practicing physician and surgeon.
He was born in Juniata county, Pa., in 1843, was educated in Pennsylvania
and studied medicine there, graduating from the medical institute of
Cincinnati in 1874. He first located in Henry, where he began the practice
of his profession in partnership with Dr. Kalb, with whom he had studied
before graduating. In the fall of 1874 he removed to Florid, and by
industrious and studious attention to the profession of his choice has built
up a large and lucrative practice. He has recently erected a very pleasant
residence, the best possible evidence that he has come to stay; and as he is
an eminest student and lover of his profession, and withal a pleasant
sociable gentleman who improves on acquaintance is a valuable acquisition to
the community.
OAKES TURNER.
Mr. Turner lives on sections 13 and 14, and was born in Oxford county, in
the state of Maine, in 1808, removed west in 1834 and located at Hennepin.
He was an excellent penman and accountant and in 1836 was appointed county
clerk and circuit clerk in 1838, which office he held by appointment until
1847. In the spring of 1848 he was appointed county treasurer to fill the
unexpired term of Jos. Catlin who removed from the county, was re-elected in
1855 and again in 1857. He served the county in different capacities until
he refused to be a candidate any further. In 1841 he served as assignee in
nearly all the cases of bankruptcy. Since his retiracy he has been engaged
in farming and owns a fine place of 400 acres, well improved and under a
high state of cultivation. In 1840 he married Rebecca Butler by whom he has
five children, Virginia (Mrs. Leech) Charles O., Mac and James W. In 1847 he
served as a member of the constitutional convention. In the summer of 1835
he put up a carding machine for Fairfieid & Leeper on Little Bureau above
Leepertown, and run it that season. It was the second enterprise of the kind
in this part of the state. Mr. Turner has been in active business all his
life, and made one of the best public officers the county ever had.
JOHN LEHMANN.
Mr. Lehmann is a farmer living on Sec23, and was born in Germany 1824.
He emigrated to Canada in 1854, and came to this county four years later, or
in 1858. His wife was formerly Catherine Stuver, to whom he was married in
1859 at Hennepin. Her native country was Germany. Their children are Amelia,
Anthony, Christopher, Lena, John, Katie and Minnie. Mr. Lehmann owns 240
acres of land in a high state of cultivation and his buildings are
first-class. He is one of the live men of the place and a warm patron of
whatever promotes the interest of the community.
JOSEPHUS PHELPS.
Mr. Phelps is a native of Worcester, Mass., where he was born in 1804. In
1830 he enlisted in the regular army and served three years, after which he
settled in Putnam county about 1833. In 1840 he married Miss Lydia Clark of
Onondago county. New York and to them were born seven surviving children,
Mary, Fabius E., Irene, Irvin, Flavius J, and Charles F. Mr. Phelps'
patriotism was inherited in his sons, two of whom became soldiers in the
late war. Fabius belonged to the 105th Ill. volunteers and shared with
Sherman the glory of the march to the sea. At Atlanta he was taken prisoner
and was confined in Andersonville two months. Another son, Arthur, was in
the 100 day service. Mr. Phelps in the olden time occasionally assisted
escaping negroes on their way to Canada. He owns and cultivates a small farm
on which he resides.
JOSEPH FORNEY.
A prominent citizen of Florid, engaged in the grocery business. He was born
in the State of Ohio in 1850, but with his parents came to Bureau county
when only two years of age. In 1873 he married Miss Mary O'Neal, whose
birth-place was in Dauphin county, Pa. They have two children, La Roy and
Frank. Mr. Forney has been successfully engaged in business on his own
account something over six years, and in Florid since March, 1879. He has a
new store and dwelling, carries a large and well-assorted stock of goods,
and is prepared to sell on as favorable terms as any other dealer in his
line.
WILLIAM STEHL.
This gentleman is a blacksmith by trade, carrying on business at Florid, in
Putnam county. He was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1854, and came to this
country in 1872, staying two years in New York, and reaching Putnam county
in 1874. The year after he married Maggie Hamel, a native of the same
locality with himself. They have two children, Freddie and Lewis. Mrs. S. is
a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Stehl is an expert mechanic, and does
all kinds of repair work, horse-shoeing and jobbing. He owns a very pleasant
home in Florid.
JOHN BRUMFIELD.
Mr. Brumfield is a farmer, who came from Wayne county, Indiana, where he was
born in 1831, coming here with his parents when one year old, and has ever
since lived in Putnam county. In 1862 he became a soldier, enlisting in
Company E, One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois volunteers, and serving
until mustered out at Chicago in 1865. Returning from service he married
Margaret Markley, born in Missouri, and to them have been born three
children, viz: Cora, Jessie and Mary. Mrs B. is a member of the M. E.
church. They own a fine farm of one hundred acres, well improved. Mr. B. is
industrious, careful and thrifty.
HENRY GRINER.
Mr. Griner is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Lancaster county in
1813, and emigrated to Putnam county in 1863, locating in Hennepin township.
He married Martha E. Spalmon in 1839, also from Lancaster county. She died
February 18, 1879. Tne names of their children were Mary E., Sarah J.,
Susan, Maria, Rachel, Annie and John.
ASAPH PARMALEE.
Mr. Parmaleee is a farmer and was born in Putnam county, in the home in
which he now resides, in 1851. He was married in 1872 to Miss Agnes Thomas,
likewise a native of Putnam county. They have one child, Irton, born in
1875. Mr. Parmalee is a member of the local protection society and
cultivates about one hundred acres of land.
JAMES L. PATTERSON.
Mr. Patterson is a farmer and mechanic, living in Florid. He was born in
Warren county, Ohio, in 1843, coming to Putnam county in 1860. When the
rebellion broke out, he promptly offered his services, enlisting in the 534
Illinois Volunteers, and serving until mustered out at Springfield at the
close of the war, While on forage duty at Moscow, Tenn., he was captured by
the rebels, but made his escape three days later. Again he was captured at
Jackson Miss. July 12th, 1863 and confined in Libbey prison, Castle Thunder
and Belle Isle for four months. Came home on a furlough; and though never
having been exchanged, and legally not compelled to serve, he went, and at
the hard-fought battle before Atlanta was captured while on a charge to
recover the body of Gen. McPherson. This time he was sent to Andersonville,
where he endured a living death for ten months, suffering all that man could
and live. He helped construct the great tunnel, and was one of the first who
passed through. Himself and two others had got seventy-five miles away, when
they were tracked by blood-hounds and captured by Texas Rangers. When
returned, they were bucked and gagged, and the most inhuman tortures
inflicted upon them. From Andersonville they were removed to Macon, Georgia,
and from thence to Jacksonville, Florida, and retained until after the
surrender of Lee April 9, 1865. He married Lorinda Bole, a native of
Illinois. He is a member of the Andersonville Association of the U. S.
WILLIAM ALLEN.
Mr. Allen is a farmer and stock raiser , who was born in Devonshire,
England, in 1812 and came to America in 1832. He first located in
Philadelphia, where, after a stay of seven years, he came to Putnam county,
reaching here in May, 1839. In 1838 he married Mary Fairgraves, of Edinburg,
Scotland. They have five children living, John. Mary, Martha, Annie J. and
Willie. His family are members of the M. E. church. He has been a successful
stock raiser and dealer for twenty years; is a good farmer, and is president
of the Buel Institute. He has served as supervisor of the township several
times. Mr. Allen is also an apiarist, and has about fifty stands of bees.
MRS. FLORA ZENOR.
Mrs. Zenor is widow of the late H. K. Zenor, deceased, who came to Hennepin
in 1831, nearly fifty years ago and embarked in farming, at which he was
very successful. Their children are Mary, who became Mrs. Thorn; Dillie,
Mrs. Seaton; Milista, Mrs. Shepard; George, Richard, Henry, John and Harley
B. The latter is the only one now at home. He was born where he now resides,
in 1855, and is a member, as also was his father before him, of the I. O. O.
F. The homestead embraces 340 acres, under a high state of cultivation, and
the parties own two other farms up the river.
WILLIAM WAUGH.
Mr. Waugh, deceased, was born in Cumberland county, Pa., in 1798, and in
1833 married Amelia Frazer, a native of Somerset county, born in 1815. They
arrived West in 1839, locating at Peru, and came to Putnam county in 1853.
They have eight children living viz.. Mary, Ellen, Richard, Jane, William,
James, Edwin and Armstead. Mr. Waugh died in 1878, having lived a long and
useful life, and been very successful in his undertakings. They have a
finely cultivated farm of 300 acres. Four sons, each with families, live at
home.
GEORGE McLEAN.
Mr. McLean is a farmer living in Sec36, and was born in New York in
1835; came West in 1853, and located in McHenry county, removing to Putnam
county in 1862. In 1861 he was married to Elizabeth Lincoln, who was born in
New York State. They have five children, George W., Cora J., Charles H.,
Jennie B. and Elizabeth. He owns 260 acres of land, one half of which is
well improved. Mr. McLean is a member of the Masonic order, a skillful
farmer, and receives a large income from his labors.
MRS. MATTIE BRUMFIELD.
Mrs. Brumfield, widow, was born in Putnam county. She married Mr. Augustus
Brumfield in December, 1869. He was a native of Wayne county, Indiana: went
to California in 1850. and remained until 1866. when he returned and located
in this county. He died April 28, 1869. Mrs. Brumfield is a daughter of Mr.
William Allen, of Hennepin. She is a lady of unassumed delicacy, and is
deeply grieved by her great loss in the death of her late husband, She owns
over 200 acres of land in the neighborhood of Hennepin, the county seat of
Putnam county.
MARTIN NASH.
Mr. Nash was born in Morgan county, Illinois in 1830, and came to this
county, where (with his parents in 1835), he has ever since resided here.
His father and mother died in 1876 and 1878 respectively. In 1859 Mr. Nash
married Miss Charlotte Noble, a native of Ohio, who died in 1872, leaving
four children, Charles N., Leonard W., Henrietta B. and Nellie, His present
wife. Sarah J. Mead, he married in 1874. She is a native of New York city.
Mr. N. is a successful farmer, and the duties of the house are well cared
for by Mrs. N. They are members of the Congregational church.
THOMAS W. SHEPARD.
Mr. Shepard was born in Mason county, Kentucky, in 1812, and when still a
boy removed to Indiana. He came to Putnam county in 1835, and married Miss
Catherine Ham in 1844. She was born in New York. Seven children have been
the result of the union, Rachel, James, Thomas, George E., Ella, Richard and
Eli Grant. Mr. Shepard has always taken an active interest in public
schools, having served 14 years as director, and several as road
commissioner, he is a large landholder owning 335 acres, besides other
property; is a member of the Local Protective Society, organized for the
apprehension of horse-thieves and the protection of property. In early life
he followed boating, and after coming to Illinois worked at wagon making;
was in the lumber business sometime, and one year sold goods in Florid; has
been extensively engaged in the ice trade, following it seven years; has
been a farmer thirty-five years, and, in addition to his home farms, owns a
Secof land in Kansas and lands in Wisconsin.
W. S. BENEDICT.
Mr. Benedict is a successful farmer, who was born in Marion township, Linn
county, Iowa, in 1848, and came to Putnam county in 1878. In January of that
year he married Ada Wilde, who was born in this county in 1854. They have
one child, Lyman E. They own 264 acres, which, under his energetic
management, is being put in first-class condition. They also have an
interest in the unsettled estate of Mr. Benedict, grandfather of Mr. W. S.
Benedict.
JACOB ZENOR.
Mr. Zenor (deceased) was a native of Louisville, Ky., and was born in 1812.
He came to this county in 1831 and up to his death was engaged in farming.
May 1st, 1838 he wedded Alvina Skeels, a native of Onio, and their union was
blessed with nine children, Lucy E., Emeline, Charles A., Francis, William
E., James H., Nancy A., Annie May, and Lewis A. Mr. Zenor died August 16,
1879. The father of Mrs. Zenor (Skeels) was one of the earliest settlers of
Hennepin, coming here in 1830. He died in 1841. Her mother lived until
Sept., 1879, dying at the good old age of 90.
LAMBERT WINTERSCHEIDT.
Mr. Winterscheidt is a farmer living on Sec1, and was born in Prussia
in 1820, coming to this country in 1845. He came to Hennepin in 1847 and
married Mary Dreasen in 1848. She was born in Prussia on the river Rhine,
Dec. 12, 1828. They have had nine children, Elizabeth, William H., Mary J.,
Wilhelmina. Josephine, William Augustus, Georgie, and two deceased. Mr.
Winterscheidt possesses all the industry and thrift of his people and owns a
finely cultivated farm of 214 acres. Has served several terms as school
director and filled other offices. Before coming to this country he served
three years in the Prussian army.
JOHN CAROTHERS.
Mr. Carothers is superintendent of the Putnam county poor house which he
manages to the satisfaction of those concerned. He was born in Canada in
1825 and moved to Boston, Mass., where he lived several years, emigrating to
Putnam county in 1866. In 1859 he married Mary Ann Buchanan, of Boston, to
whom one child, James A., was born. Mr. C. and wife are members of the M. E.
church. Mr. C. attends the county farm of thirty acres paying a rental of
$155 yearly, and furnishes the paupers board at an agreed on price, the
county providing suitable quarters.
JACOB J. CROISSANT.
Mr. Croissant is a farmer and was born in Bureau county in 1849. He moved to
Peru with his parents in 1852 where he resided until March 1879, when he
purchased his present farm and moved to Hennepin. Married Miss Elizabeth
Orth in 1869. She was born in Pennsylvania. They have three children,
Caroline, Aramina and Annie. Mr. C. is a member of the German Benevolent
society of Peru, of which he was secretary five years, up to March 1879. He
owns 170 acres of land, well improved. He is a ship caulker by trade which
he followed part of the time, and served several years in a store.
ARCHIBALD GERROW.
Mr. Gerrow was born in county Antrim, Ireland, in 1857, from where he
emigrated in 1869, coming to Putnam county and locating in Hennepin
township, where he remained four years and then moved to Livingston county,
Ill. In 1875 he returned to Hennepin and married Miss Rachel Shepherd. She
was born in Florid, Hennepin township. They have two children, Eddie and
Carrie. Mr. Gerrow farms 60 acres, well improved, and is one of the most
promising young farmers in this prosperous township.
WILLIAM S. COLEMAN.
The subject of this sketch was born in Putnam county in 1845, and moved with
his parents to California in 1847, being among the first emigrants to the
"sunset lands." They journeyed with ox teams and their trip was long and
eventful. On the way Mr. C. met with an accident, the consequences of which
have followed him through life. The family returned from California in 1851
and in 1871 he married Margaretta Ranch, by whom he has two children living.
Francis M., and Albertus. Mr. Coleman owns 100 acres of land and his farm is
under a high state of cultivation.
BARNERD CALEY.
Mr. Caley is a farmer of Hennepin township and was born in Dauphin county,
Pennsylvania, in 1840. In 1861 he enlisted in company C of the 1st Lancaster
Light Artillery and participated in much of the heavy fighting of the
peninsula. Owing to wounds received in action he was discharged at
Harrison's Landing July 20th, 1863, and returned home. Feb. 20th he enlisted
in the cavalry and became a member of company G. of the 20th Pennsylvania
cavalry, serving until the close of the war. When mustered out of the
artillery he was orderly sargent and his commission had been made out as
Lieutenant. He was 1st duty sargent in the cavalry. After the war was over
he married Fannie Ellinger in 1867 and turned farmer. She was born in
Lebanon county, Pennsylvania.
JOSEPH ALLEN.
Mr. Allen has been postmaster of Florid twelve years. His native state is
Pennsylvania where he was born in Dauphin county in 1826. He came to
Illinois in 1841, locating in Putnam county. His first job was shaving oak
shingles at which he worked three years, and then began coopering, following
it eight years. Then he tried farming, following the plow fifteen years, and
next became a merchant. After four years service he sold out and went to
butchering and dealing in produce. For some time he worked for Mr. Hedrick
in the store. Is a member of the Methodist church and of the Local
Protection Association of Putnam county.
JOHN BUNGES.
Mr. Bunges is a farmer, living on Sec36, Hennepin township. He was born
in Luxemburg. Germany, in 1828, and came to this country in 1852, locating
at Aurora, Illinois, from whence he came to Putnam county in 1866. He was
married to Susannah Bedesheim (born in Prussia), in 1857, by whom he has
four children, August, Maggie, Mary and Lizzie. They are members of the
Catholic church of Hennepin, and own eighty acres of land.
HULDAH BOYLE.
Mrs. Boyle is the widow of Burns Boyle, who died in 1860, leaving five
children, their names being as follows: Albert, Joseph, Emery, Isaac and
Emily. Isaac lives at home with his mother, and manages their farm of 183
acres, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation. He was born
in this county in 1857.
CHARLES COLEMAN.
Mr. Coleman is a farmer, who was born in Huntington county, New Jersey, in
1817, and emigrated West in 1814, locating in this county. The gold fever of
1847, that carried so many men off, look him to California, where he
remained four years. He married Jane L. Lane in 1845 the results of the
union being five children, William S., John R., Richard S., and Charlie and
Jennie (twins). Mr. Coleman has been very successful in his undertakings,
has a pleasant home, and owns 390 acres of land; has seen much of the world,
is a close observer and good judge of human nature.
JOEL WHITAKER.
Mr, Whitaker is a farmer, living on Sec36, in Hennepin township. He was
born in Cumberland county. New Jersey, in October. 1815, and located in
Putnam county with his parents in May, 1835, where he has lived ever since.
February 2, 1854, Mr. W. married Mrs. Jane Noble (Leech), who bore them
seven children, Harriet, Louis, Adda, Frank, Lucinda, Jennie, and Joel
Henry. Mr. W. is commissioner of Highways, and treasurer of the school
board, and himself and wife are members of the Baptist church of Granville.
He owns a fine farm of 220 acres, with good improvements, and is regarded as
one of the solid men of the county.
WILLIAM WEEKS.
Mr. Weeks is a stock dealer, and has a meat market in Hennepin. He was born
in Devonshire, England, in 1854, and came to this country in 1875, locating
in Hennepin, where he commenced business for himself. He was married June 6,
1879, to Miss Ida Deyoe (born in Henry, Marshall county. Ill. Himself and
wife are members of the M. E. church. Mr. W. has for some time been a member
of the Odd Fellows Lodge: and by close application and thoroughly
understanding the wants of the public has built up a good business, and his
market is a popular resort for all desiring anything in his line.
JOHN H. RAUCH.
Mr. Ranch is a farmer, living on Sec35. He was born in South Hanover
township. Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 1847. Game west in 1866 and
located in Putnam county. He married Miss Marian J. Stouffer in 1871. She
was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. They have two children living,
Annie L. and Jennie M., and two deceased twins. He is school trustee and a
member of the local protection society, of which he has been treasurer. He
owns ninety-seven acres of land, with good improvements and in a high state
of cultivation.
BENJAMIN COOK.
Mr. Cook is a native of DuPage county, having been born in Joliet in 1852,
and moved to Livingston county in 1859. From thence he went to Des Moines,
Iowa, in 1875, and came to Putnam in 1878. He married Miss Susan Dysart in
1875, a native of Putnam county, and to them have been born two children,
Harvey and Burtie. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church of Hennepin. Mr. C. cultivates 230 acres of land adjoining Hennepin.
CHARLES TRIERWEILER.
Mr. Trierweiler is a carriage painter by trade and an extensive manufacturer
of carriages, wagons, etc. He is a Prussian by birth, and was born in the
town of Welschbillig, December 26. 1824. He came to the United States in
1847, locating at first in Michigan, whence he removed to Chicago, and after
a short stay he started for St. Louis, taking steamboat at Peru. The boat on
which he embarked stopped awhile at Hennepin, and going ashore he became
interested in the ineffectual attempts of several men to shoe a wild horse.
Remarking he could do the job he was invited to try his band, which he did
and succeeded. Tempting offers were made for him to remain, which he did. He
worked one year for wages and another as partner. In 1850 he began business
with John Hughes, and has been here ever since. In 1853 he married Susan
Kneip. and is the father of five children, Lizzie, Margaret Mary, Annie P
and Charles M-. Another, Louis, died in 1879. Mr. Trierweiler is an
ingenious mechanic and good workman, and does a large amount of repairing.
GEORGE W. ELLINGER.
Mr. Ellinger was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, in 1839, and came
west in 1868, locating in Putnam county. Was married to Anna Mary Rauch in
1868 a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. When the call went out for
"six hundred thousand more” Mr. Ellinger enlisted in the One hundred and
twentieth Pennsylvania nine months men, and served until discharged.
Enlisted again in the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania for three months, and was
mustered out; enlisted in the one hundred day service and served his time,
and then enlisted again, and was finally mustered out at the close of the
war. Was slightly wounded at Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he participated
in two fights.
JAMES S. ZENA.
Mr. Xena is a farmer, living on Sec33, in Hennepin township. He was
born in Jefferson county, Kentucky, in 1829, and came to Putnam county with
his parents in 1839. He has followed farming all his life, except two years
spent in California (1850 and 52) on the Central Railroad two years, and in
the blacksmithing business three years. In 1857 he married Miss Maria Leech
(born in Ohio and raised in Putnam county). They have five children, Francis
M., Robert E., Arthur, Charles J-, and Katie. Mr. Zena and wife have been
members of the Methodist church for the past twelve years, and Mr. Z. has
faithfully discharged the duties of school trustee for about twelve years.
C. WOOD.
Mr. Wood is a retired farmer, living in Hennepin. He was born in
Brownsville, Fayette county, Pa., in 1820, and moved to Warren county, Ohio,
with his mother, when he was only two years old, and came to Putnam county
in 1854, locating in Magnolia township, where he remained until 1869, when
he moved to Hennepin. He was married to Miss Martha Crosley in 1862. They
have only one child, Ida, who was born in 1859. Mr. W. still owns his fine
farm in Magnolia township, which he rents out. He has been a successful
farmer, taking a lively interest in everything pertaining to agriculture,
and is now living on the income from his property.
MARTIN BAUMAN.
Mr. Bauman is a manufacturer and dealer in furniture, and a Prussian by
birth having been born in the principality of Hesse-Darmstadt November 24
1819. Finding little chance for a man to rise in the old world he determined
to emigrate to the United States, and landed at New York April 14, 1851. He
worked at his trade there four and a half years and came to Hennepin in
1856, where he established himself in business and has continued it ever
since. In 1855 he was married to Miss Anna Reinhardt, in Columbia county New
York, a citizen of his native place, to whom have been born two children,
Mary and Philip. Before coming to this country he served six years in the
army.
ALFORD MONROE.
Mr. Monroe is a merchant of Hennepin. He was born in New York City in 1815,
moved to Putnam county in 1845. located in the village of Hennepin, and
started a grocery store. In 1842 he married Margaret J. Condit, who was also
a native of New York City, and three children have blessed their union,
George, Frank L. and Marietta. Mr. Monroe belongs to the Society of Quakers,
while his wife is of the Universalist denomination. He followed steamboating
many years, was an outspoken anti-slavery man in the exciting times during
the operation of the Fugitive Slave Law, and refuted to let a slave-holder
preach the Gospel to his deck hands.
G. R. S. BURNEY.
Mr. Burney is proprietor of the leading confectionery, oyster and ice cream
saloon in the place, established in 1879. He is a son of W. H. G. Burney, a
well known printer and editor of marked ability; who died in 1869. Mr. B.
keeps a large supply of fruits, nuts, oysters, candy, cigars and tobacco,
and his rooms for ice cream and oyster parties are elegantly furnished.
GEORGE F. STANTON.
Mr. Stanton was born in Fountain City, Wayne county. Indiana, in 1856, and
came to Hennepin along with his parents* in 1857, where he received his
education and thoroughly qualified himself for his profession. He is a son
of Dr. Stanton, an old and experienced physician and present treasurer of
the county. George Stanton has been conversant with the drug business since
he was fourteen years old, and is a careful, competent prescription clerk.
At present he is in the employ of Mr. McCook.
C. P. TOWLE.
Mr. Towle. is a harness maker by trade and was born in Brunswick, Rensselaer
county, New York, in 1828. When two years old his parents came to Gallatin
county, Illinois, and from thence they went to Hickman. Kentucky. From there
they removed to Arkansas in 1850. After some stay at each place, working at
his trade, he returned to Kentucky, and from thence came to Illinois in
1853. Here he married Miss S. J. Story, of Granville, and they began
housekeeping. They have seven children, John, Clara, Ada, Mattie, Jennie,
Charloin and Walker. Is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders.
THEODORE CLASSON.
Mr. Classon was born in Prussia in 1844, and came to the United States in
1864, locating on Sec12 of Hennepin township. Concluding it was not
good for man to be alone, he married Miss Christina Cleil in 1875. She was
born in Bavaria, Germany. They have one child, William, born in Hennepin.
Mr. C. owns and cultivates one hundred acres of land. Himself and wife are
members of the Catholic church of Hennepin.
W. B. BARMORE.
Mr. Barmore is a stock dealer and the proprietor of a meat market in
Hennepin. He was born in New York in 1818, and located in Hennepin in 1852.
He commenced business in January. 1853, and has continued in business since.
He married Miss Henrietta V. Anderson, who was a native of N. J. They have
three children, Watterilla, Edward H. and Henry C. He is a member of the I.
O. O, F. and a Mason, and is the longest established butcher in Hennepin.
WILLIAM EDDY.
Mr. Eddy is one of the very few men who make merchandising a success. He was
born in Wilmington, Windham county, Vermont, 1831, came to Hennepin in 1844
as a clerk, and established his present business in 1853. Two years later,
in 1855, he married Elizabeth B. Casson, a native of Brownsville, Fayette
county, Penn., to whom four children have been given, William E., Mary L.,
Alice C. and Harry C. Mr. Eddy is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. of
twenty-five years standing, having been initiated the first night of its
organization. He has the finest store room in the counties of Marshall or
Putnam, and does a heavy trade. He in a progressive citizen, and the man to
succeed where others fail.
G. A. McCORMICK.
Mr. McCormick is in the drug and medicine trade at Hennepin, doing a good
business. He was born in Davis county, Indiana, in 1846, enlisted in Co. B,
120th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in 1863, and was discharged in 1864
through disability. After his discharge he settled in Indiana for a short
time, but came to Illinois in 1866. He married Miss Angeretta Simpson in
1870, and in 1876 she died, leaving three children, Ira, Ida and Edna. In
1877 he married Miss Mary Fitzpatrick. He is a. member of the 1. O. O. F.,
and an active, energetic and successful business man.
J. W. MARKLY.
Mr. Markly is a native of Hennepin, and first saw light here in August 30,
1855. He received his education at Bloomington, and having decided upon his
present business, established himself here in 1877. His next move was to
look about for a helpmeet, and very happily he found one in the person of
Jennie Greiner, whom he married in 1878. He is a liberal dealer and carries
a large stock of hardware, stoves, shelf goods, guns, ammunition, etc. He is
one of the live business men of Hennepin.
J. H. HYLER.
Mr. Hyer was born in the city of New York in 1838. When the war broke out
and a call was made for soldiers to put down the rebellion, he enlisted in
the Ninth New Jersey Infantry, and served three years and three months,
participating in some of the hardest battles of the war. At Kingston, N. C.,
he was wounded in the hand. He came West in 1864, and located in Hennepin.
In 1870 he married Jennie Glass, by whom he had five children, Henry,
Jennie, Hester, Maggie and Florence. He has been in the saloon and billiard
business here since May, 1879.
L. T. LEECH.
Mr. Leech is proprietor of the City Hotel of Hennepin and was born in
Muskingum county, Ohio, January 19, 1833. He came to Putnam county Sept.
15th, 1849. In 1872 he embarked in the restaurant business mid has
ministered to the public ever since. In 1871 he married Elizabeth A. Davis,
formerly of Morgan county, Ohio, to whom two children have been born,
Charles K. and Williaim L. By a former marriage he has two daughters, Jennie
and Kate M. Himself and wife are members of the Congregational church of
Hennepin. Mr. L. keeps a good house in which he is ably assisted by his
wife. Mrs. Leech was the daughter of Mrs. Ellis, well remembered among the
older citizens of Lacon as a milliner and dress-maker. His table is well
supplied and it is popular with the traveling public.
WM. H. LUCAS.
Ferryman at Hennepin. Mr. Lucas was born in Davis county, Ind., in 1842, and
located in Hennepin in 1861, In 1862 he enlisted at Chicago in company D, of
the 68th Ill. Volunteer Infantry and was mustered out after four months
service. In 1863 he re-enlisted m company H., 20th Ill. Volunteers and
served until the close of the war. On the 22d of July, 1864, he, with the
entire command to which he belonged, about 1700 in all, was captured at
Peach Tree Creek, taken to Andersonville, thence to Charleston, thence to
Florence, S. C .where he remained until paroled on the 13th of December.
April 13th. 1865, he was exchanged, mastered out of service and returned to
Indiana. In September, 1865, he married Nancy Lester, also a native of
Indiana. They have one child living, Minnie May, and four dead. They are
members of the M. E. church. Mr. Lucas lost his health by long confinement
in rebel prisons, and deserves from the government more substantial
recognition than he has received for this irreparable loss sustained in
defense of the country and its flag.
P. B. DURLEY.
A native of this county, born in the village of Hennepin in 1839. He
received his education at Wheaton college, and during the last twelve years
has been engaged in the mercantile business. In 1866 he married Miss Ada
Unthank. She died in 1876, leaving one child, Ada Kate. July 29th, 1862. Mr.
Durley enlisted in company E. 124th Ill. Volunteer Infantry and served as
quarter master's sergeant during his term of service three years, being
mustered out at Chicago at the close of the war. In December, 1875, he
received the appointment of postmaster at Hennepin, which position he still
holds.
RICHARD BENTLEY.
Mr. Bentfey is a barber and hairdresser in the city of Hennepin, where he
was born in 1855 . He has been engaged in business for himself since 1877.
In 1876 he married Carrie Kessling, a native of Harrisburg, Pa. They have
two children, Mary and Della. Mr. Bentley is a son of William and Cerena
Bentley, who came to Hennepin in 1851. He is an industrious and enterprising
young business man.
L. M. G. NOYES.
Mr. Noyes is a painter residing in the city of Hennepin. He was born in
Minott, Maine, in 1820, but In the same year his parents moved to Baltimore,
Md., where he resided until 1833, when he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, to
attend school. In 1838 he went to St. Louis, remained there until 1843, and
then located in Hennepin, which has since been his home. In 1845 he married
Mary E. Brumfield, a native of Wayne county, Ind. They have one child,
Augustus T. For seventeen years Mr. Noyes was engaged in steamboating on the
western and southwestern rivers. Mrs. Noyes with her parents, resided in
Putnam county during the Indian wars, and found refuge in the block house at
Ottawa during those troublesome times. Her father moved to Putnam county and
located his farm in 1833. Her mother is still living.
AUGUST NEY & Co.
Photographers. These gentlemen came to Hennepin and established their
present business in 1879, coming from Galesburg where they run a similar
business. Mr. Ney, the principal operator, has very few equals in his
profession, being an artist of rare merit whose work readily commends
itself. They possess the only gallery in Hennepin, where pictures in the
latest styles can be had, and have received a liberal patronage. Prices for
cabinet size $5 per dozen, and small size $2.
JOHN GOWDEY.
Mr. Gowdey is a dealer in boots and shoes in Hennepin. He was born in Orange
county. New York, in 1816, moved to Newark, New Jersey, in 1829, and to
Hennepin in 1855, He followed farming for about fifteen years, realizing a
net profit in that time of about $15,000 over all expenses. He then in 1870
retired with a comfortable income, but like thousands of others he tried his
luck on the grain board in Chicago, and lost his $15,000in a short time, not
through lack of judgment, but by the trickery of the professional operators.
He took his loss like a philosopher, and went to work at his trade, at which
he has worked steadily since 1871. He married Miss M. V. Russell in 1836,
who is a native of New Jersey. Their children are James H., John B., Sarah
E., and Jane A. His oldest son. Russell, was killed in the late war in
Georgia, after re-enlisting as a veteran, having been in twenty-three
battles. His two younger sons also served in the army, as well as Mr. Gowdy
himself, who enlisted in the First Illinois Cavalry, July 3,1861. furnishing
his own horse and equipments. He was captured at Lexington, Mo., under
Colonel Mulligan, and was robbed of all his clothing except his
underclothes, in which condition he was sent to procure transportation for
the sick and wounded after the capture and parole. He met an old negro
woman, who was very anxious to find one of Price's rebel officers, for whom
she had a basket of clean clothes. She asked Mr. Gowdy if he knew the
officer. He replied, "Oh, of course I do. I will take these clothes to him.
How much do you want '' He paid her seventy-five centa, and got a suit of
clothes and a good supply of clean linen, worth about $40,00. He returned to
camp so dressed UD that his Colonel did not know him. He was discharged at
St. Louis in 1862. Mr. Gowdey discovered and assisted to capture the burglar
Holbrook, an account of which is given in full in this work. His family are
members ot the M, E. church, is a Good Templar, a man of more than ordinary
information, and qualified for a more prominent position in the ranks of
humanity.
PATRICK DORE.
Mr. Dore is a native of County Kerry, Ireland, and came to Hennepin in 1850,
having walked from Chicago to Pern, and traveled thence by stage. His
destination was Peoria, but meeting with a chance for an engagement with
John Ware, proprietor of the hotel, he engaged at $8.00 per month, which was
soon after raised to f 10.00, and finally to $13.00. Though the wages were
small, he was economical and saved his earnings, thereby laying the
foundation of the very comfortable independence he now enjoys. After leaving
there he engaged with Minihan & Simpaon, lumber and grain dealers, with whom
he stayed over four years. In 1868 he began business in a small way for
himself, first familiarizing himself with its details and the wants of the
public, and increasing it as his means allowed and the public demanded. His
business to-day is second to none in Putnam county, and his great success is
due to strict integrity, inflexible honesty with the public, square dealing
and meeting his obligations promptly. His large store and warehouse are
filled from cellar to garret with seasonable goods, one floor being devoted
exclusively to the wholesale and retail sale of clothing; the main floor to
dry goods, groceries and notions, and the basement to boots and shoes. In
the decoration of his stoie Mr, Dore is unexcelled, his fine loom setting
off his rich goods to great advantage. Bis stock of clothing is not excelled
west of Chicago. He owns 720 acres of Ltiid in 1 1 1 s county, most of it
under cultivation; 160 acres in Iowa, and city .property in Nebraska. In
1857 he wedded Margaret Kooney. and they have four surviving children, John,
Thomas, Margaret, and Ellen. Mr. Dore and wife are members of the Catholic
Church, und he is a respectable, public spirited citizen.
ANDREW C. NOXON.
Mr. Noxon was born in New York City in 1840, and came west when thirteen
years old, making his home in Hennepin. By profession he is a civil
engineer, and his services as a surveyor are often in demand. He embarked in
the drug trade in 1867, and has built up a fine paying business, tn 1875 he
was elected surveyor, and has since filled the position. He is thoroughly
competent, and well up in the theory and practice of civil engineering.
SAMUEL H. SMITH.
Mr. Smith is an attorney at law and lumber dealer in Hennepin. He was born
in Trenton, N. J., in 1835, and with his parents came to Putnam county the
same year. In 1858 he married Mary J. Schooler, a native of this county, and
daughter of Hugh N. Schooler, one of the first settlers. They have four
children, Collins D., Mary L., Collie S. and Hugh N. Mr. S. was admitted to
the bar in 1869, since which time he has been engaged n the practice of his
profession. Commenced the lumber business in 1876. Is a member of the
Masonic order.
M. SCHILZ.
A manufacturer of boots and shoes and dealer in ready-made clothing, in
Hennepin. Was born in Prussia, in 1824, came, to the United States in 1850,
and located in Hennepin in 1851. He worked at his trade as a journeyman
until 1853, when he started in business for himself. In 1853 he married
Agnes Waggoner, a native of Bavaria. They have four children, George, Mary
., Modasta T. and Josephine. Are members of the Catholic church.
J. G. BELL.
This gentleman, senior member of the firm of Bell & Son, millers, of
Hennepin, was born in Chester county. Pa., in 1829. He located in this
county in 1856, followed farming one year, and then moved to Ottawa, where
he engaged in the milling business until the spring of 1879, when he and his
son took the Union Mill of Hennepin, put it in thorough repair, and are now
successfully running, with a capacity of sixty barrels per day. In 1854 Mr.
Bell married Mary Henning, a native of Ireland. They have six children,
Alfred, Ada, George, Anna, Cora and Jane. Mr. B. is a member of the Lutheran
church.
GEO. C. READ.
Mr. Head was born in the town of Strong, in the State of Maine, in 1838, and
came to Putnam county in 1845. By trade he is a painter, which business he
followed up to 1861, when he threw down the brush and took up the saber,
enlisting in Company E., Fourth Illinois Cavalry, and was detailed as
musician, in which capacity be served until mustered oat. Returning to
Putaim cmaty, he married Lizzie Bo win in in 1870, who was born in Virginia,
and has two children, Bessie and Willie. Mr. Bead was elected Sheriff in
1876, and still holds the position, making an energetic and reliable public
officer.
C. B. GREINER.
Mr. Greiner was born in the province of Alsace, France, though his native
place now is a component part of the great German empire. Wishing to become
a citizen of the United States, he embarked for this country in 1852 , and
engaged in business in Hennepin in 1856. la the same year he married Sophia
Ehmler. who is a native of Prussia, and to them six children have been
bor_i, Annie Charles 0., Jennie, Ida, Charlotte and George. He is a member
of the Lutheran church, and belongs to the Masonic order.
ADAM DECK.
Mr. Deck in a watchmaker and jeweler, born in Pennsylvania, and brought here
by his parents in 1851, He was educated here, and likewise learned his
trade, establishing himself in business in 1875. Few men are more competent
to handle and repair fine watches and jewelry. He is conscientious in
business, and personally attends to all matters. He carries a large stock of
goods, is prompt, energetic, and will win success if any man can.
W. H. BENTLY.
Mr. Bendy was born in Bond county. 111., in 1845, and came here in 1850. In
1863 he enlisted in Co. H. Twentieth Illinois Volunteers, and served until
the end of the war; was wounded at the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Georgia,
and sent to the hospital. When he recovered he rejoined his command at
Raleigh, N. C. ; was mustered out at Louisville and paid off at Chicago.
After the war he returned to Hennepin, and married Jennie Campbell in 1867.
She died in January, 1869. He established hi* present business in March,
1879, and has been very successful thus far, proving that good soldiers
usually win success in whatever they undertake. It should be stated that Mr.
Bently enlisted when but eighteen years of age.
E. UNTHANK.
Mr. Unthank is a native of G-uilford, North Carolina, where he was born in
1814. He came to Indiana in 1829, and to Hennepin in 1865-6 and established
himself in business. In 1837 he married Catherine Curtis, .born in Ohio.
They have two children, William C. and Bartlett B. Both are members of the
Congregationalist Church of Hennepin. He is a thorough master of the trade
and a c ireful workman, making his own harness, saddles, etc. Hia only
daughter wedded P. B. Durley, postmaster of Hennepin. and died in 1876.
H. B. STOCKDALE.
Mr. Stockdale was born in Philadelphia in 1852 and comes from a family of
more than average abilitv. Bis father was a noted educator and for several
years presided over the public schools of Pern. He gave his sons a thorough
business education and through them controls a larger grain business than
any firm along the Illinois river, having ho"ses at Hennepin, Bureau
Junction, Pei-u, an 1 elsewhere. They own several boats running upon the
river and canal and have very favorable connections east. While often
selling in the Chicago and Peoria markets their princpal shipments are to
the seaboard and to Europe dio'ct. Mr. Stockdale was mtrried in 1879 to
Minnie L. Eddy, of Hennepin. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
WILLIAM H. CASSON.
Mr. Casson is a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Brownsville, Fayette
county, in 1 C 38. Since 1848 he has been a citizen of Putnam county where
he obtained his education. He is a lawyer by profession, having been
admitted to the bar in 1871. In 1862 he married Mary McMihon and to them
have been born two children, Margart t I .. and Robert O. He in a member of
the I. O. U. F. In 1864 he was elected circuit clerk and served two terms,
In 1872 was elected State's attorney for four years and re-elected in 1876.
He is a lawyer of acknowledged ability, a good counsellor and has a
patronage that is constantly increasing.
DR. J. H. SEATON.
A physician and druggist of Hennepin, was born in Indiana in 1836, and
educated at the Wabash college. A ugnnt 16th, 1862, he enlisted in the 6th
Indiana Cavalry and served until the close of the war, two years of which
time he occupied the position of hospital steward. In 1866 he married
Ardeliu Zenor, a native of this county, adopted Uennepin as his permanent
location, and started in his present business. They have four children,
Nellie, Alice, Annie and Ida. Dr. 8. is a member of the 1. O. O. F. is
superintendent of schools, and a member of the board of town trustees.
HENRY DECK.
A prosperous merchant of Hennepin. Was born in Burke county. Pa., in 1838,
and located in this county in 1862. He commenced business for himself in
1867. in 1866 he married Annie Ah oiler, a native of Germany. They have one
child, Minnie L. Mrs. Deck is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He
carries a full stock of groceries find queensware and is one of the
successful business men of Hennepin.
WILLIAM SMITH.
Mr. Smith, of Smith & McOormick hardware dealers in Hennepin, was bora at
Dumtrieshire, Scotland, in 1832. He came to the United States in 1849 and
located in this county in 1858. He followed the avocation of a clerk until
1877, when he went into business for himself as a member of the firm of
Markley & Smith, which connection continued one year, at the expiration of
which time be formed a partnership with Mr. McCormick. lu 1862 he enlisted
in company E. 124th 111. Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of
the war, most of the time as a noncommissioned officer. In Ifc56 Mr. Smith
married Caroline .Vire, a native of Pennsylvlnia, though raised in Ohio,
They have four children, Jennie E. (now a teacher Abingdon), Philip A., Mary
B. and Carrie Irene. Mr. S. is a member of the M. E. church and Mrs. S. of
Congregational church. He is now general dealer in stoves, tinware and glass
BENJAMIN F. WHITAKER.
Mr. Whitaker is a farmer, living on Sec36, and was born in Magnolia
township in 1830, His parents are numbered among the earliest resident* of
old Putnam. In 1869 he married Nancy J. Peterson, also a native of Putnam.
They have four children living, Frances L., Mary E.. Grace A. and Ruth J.
Five children hive died. Mr. Whitaker served one term as assessor. He owns a
well improved farm of one hundred acres, with good dwelling, etc.. and is
comfortably fixed so far as this world goes. His father Aaron Wbitaker, was
one of the first settlers in the t ounty, coming in 1829, and serving in the
Black Hawk war.
CAPT. JEFF DURLEY.
Captain Durley was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, December 7, 1822, and
came to Putnam county in 1844, where two years later he married Eleanor
Seaton, a native of Kentucky. Her parents died while she was young, and she
tell to the care of an uncle, who moved to Indiana and subsequently to
Illinois. They have five children, Leslie. Rosalie. Francis A., Helena and
Annie. When the war broke out he was in the far west, but finding his
services were demanded he came home, shouldered his musket, and enlisted as
a private in the 139th Illinois volunteers. He was chosen captain, and his
command designated as company B. The 139th was a "short time" regiment, and
the term of enlistment having expired it was mustered out. Captain Durley
next organized company I of the 47th regiment and was elected its captain.
With this command he served until the close of the war, doing good service.
They were mustered out at Demopolis. Alabama. In 1876 he was chosen circuit
clerk, which he still retains. Mr Durley is one of the solid men of the
township, and is withal genial, obliging and popular.
JAMES N. DURLEY.
Mr. Durley belongs to a family prominent in the history of Putnam county for
enterprise and. patriotism. He WHS born in 1837 and in 1864 enlisted in the
Forty-seventh Illinois volunteer infantry, was captured at Gay's Landing on
the Alabama River, and was mustered out at the close of the war. His present
business was established in 1865. In 1871 he married Lucy Eddy, of Vermont,
and they have one child, Mabel, born in 1875. In business he is both
energetic and conservative, pushing his enterprise, but keeping it well
under control. Such men rarely fail.
A. H. TURNER.
Mr. Turner is a farmer and mechanic of Hennepin. Was born in Oxford county,
Maine, January 9. 1810. He went to Aroostook county in 1831 where he had
charge of the farm department and issuance of all supplies for the
contractor of the military road in that county, which position he held three
years, when he resigned and came went. He locHterl in Putnam county in 1845,
and engaged in farming. "He married Ann Law in Sept., 1837. She WHS a
TIH'IVP of Fif df-rick, New Brunswick. She died in 1847 leaving five
children. Hamblin. Laura Mary Salome, Mud l>eua.il. He married Elizabeth
Nash, his present wife, on Auguat26th, 1848. She was born in Albany, N. Y.
The fruits of their marriage are Daniel B., Cornelia, Henry, Frank, Lizzie
and Warfield. They are members of the Presbyterian church. He was coroner
one term, overseer of the poor two terms and school director some 24 years.
He is a natural mechanic having studied out nearly all the mechanical arts
and is proficient in many.
Extracted from Records of the Olden Time.
Bureau | LaSalle | |
Marshall |