AARON JEFFERS.
Mr. Jeffers was born in Chester county, Pa., in 1836, and is a son of Isaiah
and Elizabeth Jeffers. He came to Michigan in 1857, and enlisted in the 19th
Michigan Vol. Inft., served nearly three years, and was honorably discharged
at the close of the war. March 6, 1863, he was captured at Thompson's
Station, and paroled the following month from Libby prison. Re-entering the
service after exchange, he took part in the fight at Resaca. Ga., at
Cassville, at Burnt Hickory, and at Peach Tree Creek, where Hood was so
severely whipped, the captured Johnnies reporting he had but "one good
killing left." After this he followed Sherman "to the sea," and thence to
Goldsboro. N. C., Richmond, Washington, and finally home. In 1865 he came to
Chillicothe, Ill., where he lived until 1869, when he went to Iowa, and
returning went into the service of the T. P. & W. at Peoria, where he lived
until coming to Putnam county. He married Celia Ann Thompson and has one
child, born in 1875. (Since the above was written Mr. J. has died.)
HENRY HUNTER.
Mr. Hunter was born in Cortland county, New York, June 4, 1815, and was a
son of Edward and Rhoda Tuttle Hunter. His father came from Vermont and was
of Scotch descent, while his mother claimed a German ancestry. Was married
Jan. 1. 1840, to Henrietta Turrell, daughter of Abel B. and Susan M.
Turrell, of Tompkins county, New York. They have two sons and one daughter
living, - Mrs. Mary B. Orr, of Mahaska, Iowa, and Henry E. and Wm. A.,
living at home. Their eldest son, Stephen Hunter, enlisted in the 113th
Reg., serving under Gen. Sherman, and died of smallpox March 7, 1864, at
Camp Butler, Springfield, Ill. Mr. H. came west in 1856, and the following
spring purchased the farm where he now resides. In 1859 went to Pike's Peak
and tried mining, returning in December of the same year. In 1860 he went
again, and after a few months experience returned and resumed farming.
During the rebellion he served his township as supervisor, and sent 34
substitutes to the field. Is a member of the M. E. church, and held the
position of elder therein since 1853.
CHAUNCEY D. HAWKINS.
Was born in Wallingford, Rutland county, Vt., March 31, 1829. Son of Isaac
B. and Betsey Hawkins, who moved to St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1832,
where they lived about twelve years, thence moved to Buffalo, N. Y., at
which time Chauncey commenced his trade of carpenter and joiner. In the
summer of 1847 moved to Lake county, Illinois, and lived there six years.
Thence to Clintonville, and in 1860 came to this town, where he still
resides, carrying on his vocation of carpenter and joiner. Was married in
June, 1849, to Christina Soule, daughter of William and Angeline Soule, of
Antioch, Lake county, Ill. Has five children, Amanda, Rosemer, Nettie,
William and Minnie. Amanda married Charles Grubbs, and Rosemer George
Griswold. Both live in this township. Mr. Hawkins belongs to the Masonic
order, and is a member of the Henry Lodge, 119, A. F. & A. M.
NORMAN I. PETERS.
Mr. Peters was born in Cato, Cayuga county, N. Y., in 1839. Son of Norman
and Mary E. Peters. Lived there until 15 years of age. Came to this state,
town and county in 1854. In 1862 he enlisted in the 113th Ill. Vol.
Infantry. Served about three years in the army of the Tennessee under
General Sherman. Was discharged at Memphis in 1865 at the close of the war.
Since then he resided eight years in Bureau county, carrying on a farm of
160 acres. Removed to Iowa, and returned to Senachwine three years ago,
where he has resided, doing a general merchandizing. Mr. Peters contemplates
moving to Caledonia, this county, and will engage in mercantile pursuits as
here. He married in 1866 Susan L. Merritt, of Bureau county. Has six
children, - Flora A.. Joseph N., Eber F., Hulda J., Edith and Ira.
CLARA E. MORGAN.
Mrs. Morgan was a daughter of Ebenezer Cook and Leonora Comes, of Herkimer,
Oneida county, New York, and granddaughter of Ebenezer Cook, of Augusta,
Oneida county, born January 21, 1818, and came to Hennepin in 1836. At the
age of eighteen she was united in marriage to Thomas Morgan, of Hennepin,
formerly of New York, the wedding being long noted for the large party
assembled, the elaborateness of the display, the number and value of the
bridal presents and the richness of the toilettes. Mr. Morgan was a
carpenter in early life, but in 1838 began farming in Senachwine township,
where he resided until his death in 1868. Eight children were given them -
six died in infancy and two survive Helen Josephine, born in 1840, and
Dwight Ellston in 1846. Both reside in Senachwine village. Mr. D. E. Morgan
wedded Sarah Whitney, daughter of Brooks Whitney, of Henry, and has had
seven children - Fred, Thomas, Clara Esther, Nellie Leonora, Charles Dwight,
Frank Brooks, Lewis Cook, and Geo. Byron. Nellie Leonora died when eight
years old. W. E. Cook, of Lacon, whose portrait is given elsewhere, was a
brother of Mrs. Morgan. Another brother, James Watson, died in Henry in
1859; William Francis in 1852, of cholera. Hobart C. Bacon was killed at a
steamboat explosion in 1856. Another half brother died Nov. 3, 1850. A
sister, Mrs. Captain L. N. Packard, lives in Oregon. Mrs. Morgan is very
pleasantly situated in Senachwine village, where she is honored with the
position of post mistress, which she holds to the entire satisfaction of the
Department. Her life has been a busy one, and she has ably conducted her
business affairs.
THOMAS M. PURCELL.
Mr. Purcell was born in Medina, Orleans county, N. Y., April 8, 1858. Son of
Morgan and Ellen Purcell. His grandfather, Thomas Purcell and wife Mary, as
also his maternal grandfather, Michael and Elizabeth Whalen, came from
Tipperary county, Ireland. Came to this township in 1861. Has resided here
ever since in the occupation of farming, as also has his father, Morgan
Purcell. Has five brothers and sisters, as follows: Mary, Libbie, Ellen,
John M. and Joanna, all of. whom are now living with Mrs. Ellen Purcell,
their mother. Mr. Parcell, senior, died in 1871.
EDWARD L. COOK.
Mr. Cook was born in Madison county, N. Y., in 1825. Was a son of Barnabas
and Lydia Cook. Was married in 1847 to Letitia S. Trask, of New York, and
have three children living, - Martin W., Fred C., Walter E. Until 1848 was
engaged in farming in Chautauqua county, N. Y. Then was engaged for four
years in lumbering on the Western Reserve of Ohio. Returning to his old
homestead, resumed his former vocation as farmer until 1860, when he moved
west to his present home in Senachwine. Was among the first in building up
the village. Entered the mercantile business and remained in it until 1865.
Occupied various positions, as express agent, insurance agent, etc., until
1871, when he was appointed postmaster. Has been justice of the peace,
notary, etc.
HENRY D. WINSHIP.
Mr. Winship was born in Princeton, Bureau county, Ill., May 1837. He was a
son of Ralph and Lucetta Cooley, formerly of New Hartford, New York. At
nineteen years of age he left home for Minnesota, and entered a lumber camp;
afterward engaged in Government surveying. In 1861 be raised a company of
volunteers in Livingston county, and entered the service under Colonel
Hovey, in the 33d Illinois Infantry; participated in all the battles of the
Western Department, under Generals Steel and Curtis; in 1864 was promoted to
a Captain in the Army of the Tennessee, 23d Army Corps, under General
Schofield; was transferred to the Army of the James; served in the sieges of
Petersburg and Richmond, thence to Texas under General Sheridan; was
honorably discharged March 6, 1866, having served four years and eleven
months. He was married on July 4, 1860, to Clara S. Cox, of Manlius, Bureau
county. They have four children - Clarence, Lee, James M. and Sidney. Mr. W.
followed farming and engineering for several years subsequent to the war,
and during the last two years has been manufacturing tile and brick.
JOHN FRANK MOKLER.
Mr. Mokler was born in the city of Boston, in 1834, being a son of James and
Margaret Bailey Mokler. He was educated at the Catholic College for the
priesthood, in Worcester, Mass. After leaving college he learned the
carriage ironing trade in Sudbury street, Boston, came west in 1857, and
located at Aurora, Ill.: thence to Wilmington; thence to Oxbow, Putnam
county, where he resided thirteen years; thence to Whitefield Corners,
Marshall county; thence came to Senachwine, where he has resided four years.
Mr. Mokler retains his old tastes for literary pursuits, and spends his
leisure in reading and writing. Under the nom de plume of "Sampson," in the
Henry REPUBLICAN, will be found many racy articles from his pan. Is
correspondent under other nons de plume. Was married in the year 1857 to
Elvina Biedleman, daughter of Dr. R. B. Biedleman, formerly of Henry, Ill.
Has ten children, five boys and five girls, - Mary E., Herbert R., Alfred
J., Charles A., Wilson, Elvina Francis, Harriet B., Victor, Clara, baby.
DON C. SMITH.
Mr. Smith was born in Onondaga county, New York, in 1820 and is a son of
William M. and Hannah Smith. He learned the ship carpenter's trade for a
profession and in 1843 sailed a vessel on the lakes, of which he was part
owner. In 1845 he sailed for Liverpool as ship captain, in 1846 was at Hayti
during the Spanish insurrection, visited most of the West India Islands,
following the sea for 12 years. Came to Chicago in 1847 and to Bureau county
in 1858 where he lived sixteen years. He enlisted in the 66th Regiment and
served until disabled by a gun shot wound when he was mustered out. In 1859
he married Margaret E. Cox, and moved to Senatchwine in 1875. They have one
son.
JAMES ALFRED WOOLEY.
Mr. Wooley was born May 6, 1811, in Chesterfield, England. In 1832 left
home, and while on his voyage to this country was wrecked on the Fayal
Islands. Reaching New York, he went directly to Albany, where he was
employed in Dr. Nott's foundry. Found employment in various places: thence
proceeded to Philadelphia, where he resided nearly six years, following his
usual vocation. He came to the State of Illinois in 1842, and located in
Senachwine township, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres directly from
the Government; afterward two eighty-acre farms, one of which he sold, and
built a store at Senachwine. He was married in 1836 to Martha Ann Williams,
daughter of Thomas and Frances Hunter Williams, of Philadelphia. Mr. Wooley
has six children living as follows: Susanah, William F., Kate, James Alfred,
Fanny and Priscella Angeline. William resides in Iowa; and James A., a
physician, in Occident, Sonoma county, Cal. As an occulist Mr. Wooley has
had much practice and experience, and has been most successful in his
treatment.
JOHN CLAYTON ROLLEY.
Mr. Rolley was born in Manchester England, in 1819, and was a son of Charles
Hanson and Margaret Clayton of the same place. In the spring of 1843 he came
to America, and to Hopewell township, Marshall county, Ill. In 1851 he
became a grain buyer, shipping the first full cargo of wheat from the town
of Henry to Chicago, and previous to that time, in 1848, loaded the first
boat that came south from LaSalle at Hall's Landing. From time to lime he
has been engaged in the grain trade and occupying various places of trust.
In 1849 married Belinda Jane, daughter of William and Effie Bowman, of
Magnolia, this county. They have four children, three sons, and one daughter
- Charles William, who resides in Missouri; Clayton Eugene, Wichita, Kansas:
Mary Jane, Henry, this State; Tulasco Harrison, also of Henry. Mrs. Rolley
died in the year 1863.
SAMUEL H. CONDIT.
Mr. Condit was born in New York city in 1831, and was a son of Courtland and
Mary L. Teneich Condit. Mr. Condit, senior, was a merchant, dealing in
groceries, on the corner of Broom and Bowery streets. Making a trip into
lllinois and as far as Madison county in 1834, with the intention of
locating, returned home and with his family came back in 1835, where he
remained one year; thence moved to Putnam county in the autumn of 1836, and
pursued farming until he died in August, 1870. Mr. Samuel H. Condit remained
on the farm with his father until he was married in 1855 to Rachael A.
Bacon, daughter of Samuel C. and Deborah A. Morgan, of New York State. Mr.
Condit has nine children - Martin L., Ann A., Pluma C., Charles R., Emma E.,
Minnie E.. Belle M., Samuel C. B. and William B. Mr. Condit has held several
offices of the town, as supervisor, town clerk, and at the present time is
justice of the peace. It is due to Mr. Bacon, father of Mrs. Condit, to
state that as an old citizen of this place, from 1837 to 1869, he was
largely interested not only as a landholder, but as a man who was identified
in the welfare and prosperity of the place. He now resides in Austin,
Minnesota.
WILLIAM WHEELER.
Mr. Wheeler was born in Licking county, Ohio, February 24. 1842. He is the
son of Ira and Susan Lee Wheeler, who came from New York state in 1832 and
settled in Ohio, where they lived until 1848, when they moved to Fulton
county. Ill., lived there until 1863, and moved thence to Putnam county. In
1864 he married Malvina Read, daughter of Philip and Tryphena Davis Read,
formerly from Fall River, Mass. They have four children - Charles W.,
Chettie T., Lizzie M. and Ollo. Mr. Wheeler owns one of the best farms in
the county, embracing 320 acres and the Samuel Bacon place. He purchased it
about six years ago.
ADAM B. HENKINS.
Mr. Henkins was born in Green county, Pa., in 1826, and was a son of Elijah
and Elizabeth Brown Henkins. He came to Illinois in 1852, with his family,
consisting of Rawley, Andrew P., Elijah, Christina, Catherine, Susan,
Margaret, Elizabeth, Martha Jane, Mary and Amanda. Adam and Elijah reside in
this township, and Rawley in Missouri. Mr. H. owns about 500 acres of land
in this township. He was married in 1860 to Sarah Jane Dawson, daughter of
Mercer and Cassandra Dawson, of Monongahela county, Va. They have six
children - Jahu, Commodore F., Jacob S., Adam, Miles W. and Susan L. All are
at home or at school.
HIRAM STICKEL.
Mr. Stickel was born July 6, 1822, in Columbiana county, Ohio, and is a son
of Jacob and Sarah Neill Stickel, who came to Illinois in the fall of 1834
and located in Bureau county. In 1849 Mr. Stickel married Sarah J. Bracken,
daughter of Adison and Mary Bracken. They have six children, all living -
Adison Marion, Marietta, Albert, Cyrus H., William and Lina. Marietta
married William Brown, and is a resident of Dallas county, Iowa. November
last Mr. Stickel moved to Princeton, Bureau county, for the purpose of
giving his children the benefit of the best schools there. He has served as
school director for many years; has also been supervisor, road commissioner,
etc. He owns 1080 acres of land in this state and 560 acres located in the
state of Iowa, and deals largely in cattle.
JAMES R. TALIAFERRO.
The subject of this sketch is probably the oldest resident living in the
township. He was born in Claremont county, Ohio, Oct. 10, 1810 and was a son
of Richard and Rebecca Riddle Taliaferro, both from Virginia. He lived in
Ohio until 18 years of age and then worked his way on a keel boat to New
Orleans where he lived three years. Returning north he settled in Peoria
county where an elder brother had preceded him and was the first to settle
where Rome now is. In 1833 he married Charlotte Cleaveland, a daughter of
Resolve and Betsey Cleaveland, of Peoria county, and to them was born eight
children, but two of whom survive - Mrs. Isabel Worley, of McLean county,
and Mrs. Alice J. White, at present living at the old home. Mr. T. has been
a leading citizen in his township and county and has a very extensive
acquaintance. He was well acquainted with the Reeves gang and chiefly
instrumental in bringing them to justice. When Cam Reeves and Allison were
wanted by the authorities, and none dare make their arrest he followed them
to Pekin alone, caught them ten miles below and compelled them to return. He
was known to be a dead shot with the pistol was cool in action and quick in
execution and utterly fearless of consequences, which these men well knew
and when he overtook them and made known his business they surrendered,
though he had not even a warrant to back up his authority. When the gang was
finally broken up and driven away he was present counselling and assisting.
Mr. Taliaterro settled upon his place in 1834. In the rear of his residence
upon a picturesque bluff covered with pre-historic remains is the grave of
the noted Indian Senachwine, whose name is given to the township. The place
was long a favorite resort for the Indians and in the winter of 1884 5
Shaubena and a portion of his tribe were camped here. Mr. T. has a pleasant
home and a kindly greeting for all who have claims upon his friendship, and
though he has reached the age allotted to man by the psalmist, he is still
hale and hearty and bids to live for many years.
IRA BARNHART.
Mr. Barnhart was born in Marshall county, January 11th, 1836, and was a son
of Peter and Ann Hines Barnhart, who were among the early settlers of the
township. March 29, 1865, he married Sarah Frances Sheldon, daughter of A.
M. and Mary J. Brightman Sheldon, who were from old New England stock. Mr.
Sheldon, a carpenter by trade, was a native of Providence, and Mrs. Sheldon
of Fall River, Mass. They came West and located three miles south of
Tiskilwa, Bureau county, pursue farming as an occupation, and own about five
hundred acres of land. To Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart have been born four
children, two of whom are living, Hattie and Charles Albert. The deceased
are Henry and Jennie Maud.
JAMES NEVIN DERR.
The subject of this sketch was born in Lancaster, Pa-, June 22, 1853, in a
house then owned by James Buchanan. His parents are natives of Pennsylvania,
and his mother is a great-granddaughter of Gen. Jos. Reed, of Revolutionary
fame. His father, the Rev, J. H. Derr, is a minister in the Reformed church
of N. A., at present preaching at Williamsport, Pa. Mr. Derr served about
two and a half years in the regular army, and is a graduate of the Artillery
School of U. S. A., at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Since his discharge from the
army in 1874, he was engaged in teaching in the States of Pennsylvania and
Ohio until 1877, when he came to this State, in which he is still engaged as
teacher in the public schools. He was married December 29, 1875, to Julia A.
Howarth, daughter of Thomas and Caroline Howarth, of East Norwalk, Huron
county, Ohio. The other members of the family are two daughters - Julia
Hays, and Mabel.
JOHN GALVIN.
Mr. Galvin was born in Medford, Mass., June 12th, 1836. He is a son of
William and Ellen Charlton Galvin, of Longford county, Ireland, who had
eleven children, of whom seven are living, viz.: William, Ellen, Julia,
Peter, Thomas, Margaret and John, William, who resides in Ottawa, Ill.,
served three years in the army in Coggswell’s Battery, was wounded, and
honorably discharged; Ellen married John Burke, and resides in Ottawa, Ill.
: Julia married Dennis Walsh; the others live at home with their parents.
John Galvin when a boy five years old moved with his father to the city of
Boston, where they lived about eight years. In June of 1849 they came to
Illinois and located in Chicago, where the father carried on the manufacture
of gentlemen's silk hats; remained there about a year and a half, and thence
removed to Ottawa, III., where he purchased the farm upon which he now
resides. Here John learned the blacksmith trade, which he carried on after
locating in Senachwine in 1859 until 1875, when he commenced farming on
Sec13. In February, 1879, he moved to his present farm, where he owns
260 acres. Dec. 1, 1860, he married, in Ottawa, Ill., Margaret Murphy,
daughter of Thomas and Margaret McCristal, of Irish descent. They have five
children Virginia G., Thomas F.. Mary L., Margaret, and John Charlton, all
living at home. Three brothers of Mrs. Galvin served in the late war - John
in the 64th reg't., Thomas in U. S. Grant's reg't. of sappers and miners,
and Michael in the 6th Wisconsin battery. The latter died in Hunteville,
Ala.
CHARLES DODD.
Mr. Dodd was born in Shenandoah county, Va., August 20, 1823; son of William
and Mary Stump Dodd. In 1834 he moved to Warren county, Ohio, and came to
Illinois in February, 1867, where he engaged in farming, which he pursued
for fourteen years; then embarked in the grain, produce and general
merchandizing business. Han held the offices of school trustee and school
director. In September, 1857, he married Emily Perkins, daughter of Jesse
and Amy Perkins, of Kentucky, pioneer settlers of Leeper township, Bureau
county, at that time embraced in Putnam county, Mrs. Perkins still survives,
in a fair degree of health, at the advanced age of 78 years, and lives with
her son Alvin, of this township. To Mr. and Mrs. Dodd have been born six
children, four of which are living, Cyrena, Rachel, Alice, Mary E. and
Henrietta. Cyrena, now Mrs. Albert Stickel, resides in this township. Mrs.
Dodd died January 7, 1871. At the present time Mr. Dodd is out of business,
except that of negotiating loans and trading in Western lands.
O. P. CARROLL.
This gentleman was born at Sheffield, Bureau county, Feb. 23, 1845. Moved to
Annawan, Henry county, about the year 1850. Lived on a farm in that county
until 1861, and at that time engaged in the grocery business at Annawan, in
which business he continued until the spring of 1863, when he again engaged
in farming until March. 1867, and then engaged in the lumber business with
his brother, C. W. Carroll, at Chillicothe, Peoria county. Married Miss
Clarissa F. Buttemore, of Annawan, Oct. 26, 1868. In February, 1872, sold
out his lumber interests and engaged in the grain business at Green River,
Ill. At that place his wife died, June 15, 1873. Was appointed agent for the
C. R. I. & P. R. R Co. at Green River; Nov. 1, 1873. Married Miss Jennie M.
Overmyer, of Henry county, Dec, 26. 1875. In February, 1876, resigned his
position as R. R. agent at Green River, and was appointed at Putnam Station,
Putnam county. Here he engaged in the grain and R. R. business. October 1,
1876, was reappointed agent at Green River, and since that date has been
engaged in the grain and B. B. business at Putnam and Green River Stations.
Is serving his second term as supervisor of the town of Senachwine, and at
the present time is school director of district No. 4, township No. 14. Has
one child - Lotta.
THOMAS REAL.
Mr. Real was born in Limerick county, Ireland, Oct. 23, 1833. Son of Thomas
and Winifred McGrath Real, who came to this country January 1, 1850; landed
at New Orleans and came directly to this county and township, where they
still reside. To them were born eight children, five of whom are now living,
as follows: John, Michael, Thomas, Patrick and Philip. John resides in
Livingston county, Michael in Bureau county, Patrick in Fillmore county,
Neb., and Philip in San Francisco, Cal. James Joseph was killed in the
battle of Shiloh under the Confederate flag, while his brother Michael,
under the stars and stripes, commanded a company of Union soldiers in the
Irish Legion, 90th I. R., and led them in the same battle. Martin, another
brother, died at Philo, Champaign Co., this state. In 1857 Thomas married
Bridget Griffin, daughter of John and Elizabeth Prout Griffin, who came from
Tipperary, Ireland, in 1852, and located in Marshall county, this state. His
homestead consists of 80 acres in sec. 25 in this township, and he owns 80
acres in sec. 34. Has been living upon his farm since 1860. Has served as
collector of taxes. Has an adopted daughter, Lizzie Griffin Real, seven
years of age.
JEREMIAH DRAKE.
Mr. Drake was born in Clinton county, Ohio, October 15, 1838. Son of Drury
and Lydia Furguson Drake, who had born to them six children, four sons and
two daughters, four of whom survive, namely: William, of Hennepin, Caleb, of
Davenport, Iowa, Emily Haselton, of Cass county, Iowa, and Jeremiah, who
resides in Senachwine. Jas. P. Drake, a brother of the above, enlisted in
1861 in the 45th Reg. Ill. Vol., and died of fever in Alabama. William and
Caleb served throughout the war, and were mustered out at the close. October
25, 1860, Jeremiah married Miss Cirena Perkins. Has three children living, -
William M., Ida May and Lillie Lu. He came west in 1845 with his parents and
located in Bureau county, and in 1863 moved to Putnam county. Is a member of
the Christian church of Senachwine.
JAMES GILTNER.
Mr. Giltner is the son of Andrew and Susannah Giltner, and was born in Clark
county, Indiana, December, 1825. In 1849 moved from there to Marshall
county, and came to Senachwine, Putnam county, in 1852. Is a very prospering
farmer. In 1851 he married Henrietta Rommal, daughter of Henry and Susannah
Rommal, of Saxony, Germany. To them were born five children - Sarah E.,
Henrietta, Abraham L., Anna Eurena and Mary Jane. Sarah E. married Samuel
Case and resides in Bureau county, and Henrietta married Henry Downey and
resides in Senachwine. The bank of Holland holds in trust an accumulated
fortune of $140,000,000 belonging to the heirs of the family. It came
through an ancestor who died intestate, and evidence is being collected to
substantiate the claims of the present heirs.
CHAS. W. READ.
Mr. Read was born in New Bedford, Mass., in 1827, and was a son of Philip
and Tryphena Davis Read. Mr. Read, senior, was a native of Dartmouth, Mass.,
and Mrs. Read of Fall River. Half a century ago Mr. and Mrs. Read left their
old homes in Massachusetts and went west as far as Herkimer county, New
York. Leaving that State they came to Illinois and located in Putnam county,
and followed farming until Mr. R.'s death in 1843. Mrs. Read still survives
in excellent health to enjoy the prosperity that has come to her and her
children. Four are now living, namely: Mrs. Winship, Mrs. Wheeler, Roselia
and the subject of this biography. In 1852 in company with Mr. Winship and
other acquaintances left Princeton with an ox team, crossed the plains and
the Rocky Mountains for California, and returned home in the autumn of 1855,
having spent nearly three years: was engaged in mining, and had fair success
in his operations. Has held the offices of collector several times,
assessor, constable, and is a member of the Christian church, Senachwine.
WILLIAM HUNTER WILLIAMS.
Mr. Williams lives on Sec19, township 14 west, range 10 east, Putnam
county, Ill. The ancestors of the subject of this sketch were John Williams,
a native of Wales, and Ann Williams, his wife, a native of Plymouth,
England, resided previous to the war of the American Revolution, in the
colony of New Jersey. During the war their domicil was burned by the British
army, causing a separation of the family, and at which time it is supposed
their family record was lost or destroyed. Their son Thomas Williams was
bound for a number of years to a farmer, after which he moved to the city of
Philadelphia, Pa., where he learned the business of house painter, and on
May 2, 1807, he married Frances Hunter, daughter of William and Frances
Hunter, of Philadelphia, of which union was born on the 15th day of January,
1811, William Hunter Williams, the subject of this sketch. When he was about
seven years old his father removed with his family to the city of Baltimore,
Md., where on the 17th day of October, 1822, his father died, leaving a
widow and four children, who returned to Philadelphia, where William H.
attended the public schools of the city until about fourteen years of age,
when he was apprenticed to William Ford to learn the business of
silver-plating. In the month of May, 1837, in consequence of the financial
convulsion of the country be sought to improve his circumstances by removing
to what was then called the Western States. Accordingly in the fore part of
June, 1837, he reached the village of Hartford, Dearborn county, in the
south-eastern portion of the State of Indiana. In the month of August of
that year he made a prospecting tour on foot to Indianapolis, and thence
west to the eastern part of Illinois, where his further progress west was
arrested by fever and ague (his objective point being Alton, Ill.), and
caused him to endeavor to retrace his steps to Hartford, Ind., which was
accomplished with great effort during some time in the month of September.
In the year 1838 he gained his first experience as a farmer joined with the
disadvantage of a relapse of the ague and fever, having rented seven acres
of land and raised a crop of corn, and in the latter part of the summer of
that year took a position as clerk in a country general store. Late in the
autumn of 1838 he was engaged as clerk and hand on a flatboat to take a
cargo of flour and pork to the lower Mississippi River, having accomplished
which he, in the spring of 1839, returned to Hartford, Ind., making a detour
to visit his brother, who had preceded him to Putnam county, Ill., upon
which occasion he concluded to settle permanently in Illinois. Returning to
Hartford, he was offered a situation on a store-boat, and continued in the
boating business until some time in September, 1839, and on or about the
21st of September started on horseback from Hartford to go to Marshall
county, Ill., arriving Oct. 1, 1839. On the first of May, 1843, he entered
eighty acres of land and received the Government patent for the same, under
the administration of President John Tyler, and on the 25th day of December.
1856, purchased eighty acres adjoining from Samuel C. Bacon. On the 29th day
of June, 1843, he was married to Miss Theodosia Holmes Lyon, daughter of
Abijah Lyon and Comfort Holmes Lyon, natives of Westchester county, New
York, who removed from the city of New York to Marshall county, Ill., in the
spring of 1839. Mr. Williams has nine children as follows: Frances H.,
William A., Martha, Mary, John Howard, Emma E., James Albert, Theodosia Ann
and David Herbert. Frances H., now Mrs. Samuel A. Wilson of Adin, Modoc
county, Cal.; Martha now Mrs. Charles M. Hobbs, of Council Bluffs, Iowa;
Mary now Mrs. O. H. Lincoln, of Marengo, McHenry county, Ill. Mr. and Mrs.
Lincoln are now professional teachers. Emma E., now wife of Rev. W. B.
Berry, lives at Barry, Pike county, Ill.; William A. resides in the town of
Belvidere, Thayer county, Neb. ; John H. lives at home engaged in farming;
Jas. A. is teaching in Bureau county, Ill.; Theodosia A., is in Council
Bluffs, lowa, and D. Herbert at home attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Williams
commenced housekeeping on the first purchase of land in the spring of the
year 1844, passing through all the experiences of a pioneer farmer incident
to that period of the history of the State of Illinois. In 1847 he was
elected to the office of justice of the peace of Senachwine precinct holds
the same office at the present time, and lives on his original location, was
county judge for a period of six years, succeeding Joel W. Hopkins in that
office, Mr. Hopkins being elected a member of the State Legislature; was
postmaster at the village of Senachwine nearly ten years; was town clerk a
number of years; was township treasurer of schools nearly thirty years;
nerved one year in the office of town collector. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are
members of the Henry Society of the Hew Jerusalem or Swedenborgian church
for over twenty years. The judge, as he is familiarly called, is now 69
years of age. His wife is 58 years. They with their large family of children
enjoy a remarkable degree of health.
ALVIN PERKINS.
Mr. Perkins was born October 22, 1834, and was a son of Jesse and Amy Garton
Perkins, who came from the State of Kentucky, and located in Bureau county
in the year 1833. Six surviving children were born to them, namely: Elijah,
Madison, Matilda. Jesse, Cirena and Alvin. Elijah and Jesse reside in Cass
county, Iowa. Matilda married William Wherry, and lives in Green county,
Iowa. Cirena and Mrs. Jeremiah Drake live in Senachwine, and Madison in Page
county, Iowa. Alvin married Miss Lydia Hamilton, daughter of James and
Elizabeth Long Hamilton, of Ohio, in the year 1856. Has seven children
living - Edward, Jennie, Carrie, Austin, Alvin Grant and baby boy. In the
year 1860 he went to Pike's Peak, where he remained until August, when he
returned home. In 1864 he went to Austin, Nevada, worked in the mines about
one year, then visited California, and returned home via the Isthmus. In
1867 he sold out in Bureau county, moved to Pottawatomie county, Iowa,
remained there one year and moved to Putnam county. He owns 315 acres of
fine land.
JOHN F. M. PARKER.
Was a son of Ezekiel Parker and Margaret Ann Engle, formerly from Green
Briar county, Virginia, and was born in Amity, Knox county, Ohio. In 1839
they moved to Effingham county, Ill., where they resided for about seven
years. Mr. Parker died in 1846 leaving six children, three sons and three
daughters, the latter having since died. Samuel resides in Chicago, S. S. in
Libbey, Oscella county, la., and the subject of this sketch in Putnam
county, Ill. Mr. Parker resided prior to his residence in Senachwine, with
his mother in Fulton county and in Beardstown, Cass county, Ill. Came to
Senachwine July 13, 1857 and commenced life there as a clerk, school teacher
and deputy postmaster. During his residence in this township he aided in
founding and building the Christian church. He is still connected with the
church as pastor, and laboring at the same time as the evangelist of the
Bureau and Putnam county Christian Co-operation society. Aug. 6, 1863 he
married Mary A. Wherry, daughter of Elder John Wherry and Malinda Perkins,
of Putnam county, from which marriage six children were born, namely:
William S., Emma L., James E., Mary V., Walter C. and Anna Maud.
JAMES M. WINSHIP.
Mr. Winship was born in Lewis county, New York, October 2, 1825. He is a son
of Ralph and Lucetta Cooley Winship, who came to Princeton, Bureau county,
in June, 1835. James M. moved from Princeton to this township in March,
1868, and has resided here ever since. In 1850 he married Mary Ann Read,
daughter of Philip and Tryphena Read, of Senachwine. They have five
children, - J. Orrin, Cora Eva (now Mrs. Martin L. Condit, of this
township), Orville W., Walter E. and Jessie M. In 1852 Mr. Winship left
Princeton, crossed the plains and Rocky mountains with an ox team, visited
California, remained there one year, and returned name in the spring of
1853. He owns a fine farm of 192 acres, and is engaged in the manufacture of
drain tile and brick. He has been supervisor of the town for two successive
years, and school director for many years. Is a member of the Christian
church. He has a vivid recollection of his frequent trips to Chicago at an
early day, with grain and pork, bringing back lumber at $8.00 per M for the
building of the court house in Princeton. In 1876 he made an extended tour
through the east, visiting Philadelphia during the Centennial exhibition,
Washington, Mt. Vernon, New York city, and old friends in Oneida county, New
York.
ABRAHAM W. HOAGLAND.
Mr. Hoagland was born in Readington, Huntington county, New Jersey, son of
Dr. C. C. and Gertrude La Bagh Hoagland, who had eight children - Francis
E., Anna M., John E., A. W, Lucy R., Nellie W., Hattie R., and Henry M.
Frank resides in Council Bluffs, la., Anna M., now Mrs. James H. Smith, and
John in Jackson county, Kansas, and Lucy R. in Yuma county, Arizona, and is
a teacher. The other children live at home with their mother. Dr. Hoagland
died in March, 1868, in Iowa where he was employed as state agent of the
American Bible Society. He was a man of great energy in every vocation of
life. Was state superintendent of schools in New Jersey. Was editor of a
weekly journal published in the town of Hennepin. Abraham W, enlisted in Co.
I., 47th Regiment Ill. Volunteers in the last year of the war, and was
mustered out in December, 1865, at Springfield, III. His brother, Frank,
enlisted in July, 1861, under General Rosecrans, served during the war, was
in fall the engagements of his regiment and for a short time was prisoner of
war. His brother John, enlisted at Maroa, Macon county, this state, and
entered the army in the department under General Grant, All came home about
the same time, having served their country faithfully and honorably. Abraham
carries on the farm of 120 acres. Has served as school director.
GEO. E. SPARLING.
Senachwine, Putnam County, Illinois .
JOHN SPARLING.
Senachwine, Putnam County, Illinois.
GEORGE SPARLING.
Senachwine, Putnam County, Illinois.
JOHN M. WILLIAMS.
Mr. Williams was born August 28, 1844, and is a son of John and Melinda
Morgan Williams, well known citizens of Senachwine township. He enlisted
January 26, 1865, as a private in company A., 148th Regiment Ill. Volunteers
was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee and in August received his
discharge at the close of the war. In 1872 made a tour through the west,
visiting Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri with the intention of
locating but returned and May 25 1876, married Eliza J. Downey, daughter of
Francis and Jane Welch Downey, of this township. Has one child, Carrie E. In
1872 was the active agent, as well as a prime mover together with other
citizens of Senachwine, in making a saving to the county of ten thousand
dollars by stopping the issue of bonds for that amount which otherwise would
have been issued in favor of the Kankakee and Illinois River railroad. Mr.
Williams is a farmer by vocation and shells corn for grain men and others.
Has been constable for four years, collector for one year and school
director six years, and is also an ingenious mechanic and inventor, having
secured patents on an invention that promises to become valuable.
WILLIAM BARNHART.
Mr. Barnhart was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, June 25th, 1829, and is a
son of Peter and Ann Hines Barnhart who came to the state in 1831 and
located at first near Lacon, then called Columbia. At that time there were
but few white settlers in those parts. While hunting one day he discovered
two dead Indians sitting side by side upright within a small fenced
enclosure. He lived there about three years. During the Black Hawk war he
served as captain, for which he received a patent of 160 acres of land from
the government. His occupation was that of a farmer, although possessed of
the genius of doing all things with facility. At one time he owned about a
thousand acres of land in Senachwine township. Had nine children - seven
sons and two daughters - Martha, now Mrs. Hoselton, of Adams county, Iowa;
James, of Clinton county, Iowa; John, of Senachwine; Wesley, deceased; Ira
and Asa, twins, Ira resides in Senachwine, and Asa in Colorado. Mary
Elizabeth died January 26, 1864. Mrs. Barnhart died December 23, 1879, aged
82. Mr. William Barnhart grew up, followed the occupation of his father and
resides on the old homestead. He made a prospecting tour to the Rocky
Mountains and was one of the so-called "fifty niners." He enlisted Aug. 12,
1862, in the 113th Regiment of 1II. Volunteers, assigned to the Army of the
Tennessee, served three years and was mustered out in Memphis, Tenn., at the
close of the war. Was married Oct., 1878 to Martha Jacobs, daughter of
Thomas and Sarah Scott Jacobs, of Mendota, Ill. Has two children - Clara May
Umponhour and Frank Koestner.
JOHN WILLIAMS.
Sec31, Senachwine, Putnam county. Born in Philadelphia, Pa., May 16th,
1813. Son of Thomas and Frances Hunter Williams. Thomas served in the war of
1812. His father, John Williams, was a citizen of New Jersey, was taken
prisoner by the British and died while in prison and was buried in what is
now known as Washington Square. William Hunter, father of Frances, was in
the Revolutionary war and at the battle of Germantown under Washington. In
1824 Mr. John Williams, then a lad of eleven years of age, shook hands with
La Fayette in the old Independence Hall. Having learned the bricklaying
business was employed in the year 1836 in building Girard college. During
the autumn and winter he made a circuitous route from Philadelphia to New
York City, New Orleans up the Mississippi to St. Louis and thence to
Hennepin, Putnam county. In 1843 pre-empted a claim of 160 acres of land in
tp 10,N.W.,Sec3,and the ensuing spring, 1844, came to the farm they now
reside on. Was married Oct. 22, 1843, to Melinda Morgan, daughter of Alanson
and Melinda Peters Morgan, Warren, Lichfield county, Conn., formerly from
Hebron, Mass. Have eight children, John M., Thomas, Irvin S., Melinda,
Frances, George, Adeline and Martha Ann. John M. resides in this county.
Frances, now Mrs. Lorenzo Brunt, lives in this county. The other children
live at home with their parents. Mr. Williams is a man of advanced opinions
upon all questions relating to the welfare of the human family and does his
own thinking. He has been a leading anti-slavery man and in the days of the
"underground railroad" often assisted fugitives on their way to freedom. He
was an active instigator and assistant in driving the Reeves gang from the
country. He is a good talker, clear headed and genial hearted, a warm friend
to those worthy of it and a hater of shams.
Extracted from Records of the Olden Time.
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LaSalle |
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