Charleston Twp -
D. H. CALVERT, dealer in drugs and medicines, Charleston; is a native of Platte Co., Mo.; he was born on the 28th of February 1841; he was raised on a farm, and at about the age of 16 years, entered Pleasant Ridge College in his native town, where he graduated in 1861; he then read law with Hon. E. H. Norton, the present Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri; in 1867, he went to Frankfort, Ky., and continued his law studies with Judge Alvin Duval, and, in 1868, entered the Law Department of the University of Louisville, Ky., graduating in 1869; he came to Charleston the same year, and entered upon the practice of his profession; in 1872, he was elected City Attorney; after practicing three years, he was compelled by ill health to abandon the law and engaged in other business; he followed merchant milling for some two years, and, in 1876, engaged in his present business.  He was married July 5, 1870, to Miss S. B. Chambers, a daughter of T. G. Chambers, a prominent citizen of Charleston, and has one child - George C. Calvert.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879~ Page 516

East Oakland Twp. -
REV. J. P. CAMPBELL, minister and editor of Oakland Herald, Oakland; born in Macoupin Co., Ill., June 9, 1842; when 2 years of age, he removed with his powers to Clinton Co., where, after living five years he removed to Kentucky, where he attended the common schools until 19 years old, when he entered the Beuleyville Academy, and, after attending several months, enlisted as private in the 3d Kentucky Cavalry, serving six months, when, on account of physical disability, he was discharged; after remaining at home three months, he re-enlisted for twelve months in the 52d Kentucky Mounted Infantry, serving eighteen months; he was mustered out, and enlisted in the 17th Kentucky Cavalry, and served during the war; he then finished his education at the academy and engaged in school-teaching and preaching until 1871, when he located in Coles Co., Ill., and after preaching in Ashmore, and other churches in the circuit until 1877, then located in Oakland, where he now lives; in the spring of 1878, he became editor of the Oakland Herald, which position he now holds; this is the only paper in the town of Oakland.  He married Apr. 5, 1867, to Lucy E. Johnson; she was born in Breckinridge Co., Ky., Mar. 29, 1849; they have three children now living by this union - Thomas J., Jethro P. and William H.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 561

Mattoon Twp. -
S. A. CAMPBELL, surgeon dentist; Mattoon; was born in Mercer Co., Penn., Aug. 16, 1848; his father came with his family in October, 1854, to Mercer Co., Ill., and there settled on a farm; six days after coming, he sickened and died; at the age of 11 years.  Dr. Campbell went into the office of Dr. E. B. Hamill, of Philadelphia, and at 12, began the study of dentistry; here he remained under instruction about two and a half years; he then entered the Baltimore Dental College, the oldest dental institution in the world; in 1868, having completed the course he received the degree of D. D. S.; he next located in Philadelphia, and entered upon the practice of his profession; in May, 1870, he removed to Mattoon, Ill.; he is the oldest established dentist in the city, if not in the county.  He was married in November, 1874, to Nellie Fallin, a native of Bracken Co., Ky.; has one daughter - Laura Bertha; he has a large practice, and is recognized as a skilled workman in his profession.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 542

Seven Hickory Twp. -
DANIEL S. CARNEY, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Charleston; the subject of this sketch was born in Delaware Co., Ohio, Mar. 2, 1822.  He married Miss Margaret Heminger, Mar. 27, 1843; she was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, Sept. 4, 1819; they have had five children, four living, viz., Addie D., Jasper Co., Sarah F. and Charles L.  He lived in Ohio until 1864, when he came to Illinois and settled on his present place, and has lived here since; he owns 182 acres in this county, which he has earned by his own labor and management; his parents, Thomas and Sarah Lot Carney, were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married May 22, 1808; they moved to Ohio in 1816, and settled in Delaware Co., where they died Apr. 15, 1862, and May 3, 1854.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 640

East Oakland Twp. -
L. S. CASH, merchant, farmer and stock-raiser, Oakland; born in Nelson Co., Va., Jan. 12, 1827, where he attended school until 10 years of age, when, upon his father's decease, he removed to Amherst Co., where he attended school and engaged n farming until 1847, when he, with the family, emigrated West, and located in Paris, Ill., in October, of the same year; during the December following, he buried his mother and two older brothers within a period of ten days; he learned and worked at a plasterer's trade here for two years, when, in March, 1850, he started overland, with an ox-team, for California, taking the old Oregon route via Fort Hall, and, on August 18, of the same year, he arrived at the Placerville diggings, where he remained a short time; then to Sumner River, then to North Greenwood Valley; during the winter and the spring following, he went twenty-five miles south of Placerville to Dry Creek, where, meeting with fair success, he remained until his return home, sailing upon June 1, 1853; coming via New York, he arrived in Paris, Ill., July 1,m making the trip in thirty days; he then located in Oakland, where he worked at the plasterer's trade until 1856, when he engaged in the dry goods trade, with his brother, under the firm name of L. S. & S. M. Cash, which he still continues, since the death of his brother, which occurred Apr. 12, 1877; he has had the entire management of the store, together with 800 acres of land, which they owned together at the above date; in 1869, their store, with its contents, was destroyed by fire, by which they met with a loss of $8,000, above insurance; he erected his fine brick residence in 1874, where he has since lived.  He married, May 2, 1860, Roena Sargent; she was born in Coles Co. May 19, 1839; she died Mar. 18, 1869, leaving two children, now living - Ella W. and Lulu R.; his marriage with Susan Green was celebrated Dec. 30, 1873; she was born in Coles Co.  Nov. 17, 1844; they have two children, now living, by his union - Logan S. and Alice.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879~ Page 562

East Oakland Twp -
MARION P. CASH, traveling salesman; P. O. Terre Haute, Ind.; born in Nelson Co., Va., Apr. 14, 1833, he removed to Amherst Co., with the family, when 4 years of age, where he lived until 14 years of age, when he emigrated to Illinois and located in Paris, Edgar Co., in the fall of 1847; after farming one year, he learned and worked at the cabinet-maker's trade for three years, in Paris; he came to Oakland, Coles Co., and worked one year at his trade, when he engaged with his brother in the furniture trade for two years; he then sold out and engaged in the drug trade one year; in 1855, he was appointed Postmaster of Oakland, at which date he engaged in the grocery and confectionery trade, which he continued until 1857, when he sold out and again engaged in the furniture business until 1861, when he removed to Westfield, Clark Co., and managed the merchandise trade of H. H. Cash & Bro., until 1863; he then engaged as traveling salesman for a wholesale notion house at Terre Haute one year; he then went to Cincinnati and engaged in the same business until 1867, when he bought out a dry goods tore at Kansas Station, which he ran until 1869, when, selling out, he again engaged as traveling salesman, which business he continued until 1877, for Terre Haute and Cincinnati wholesale houses; in 1877, he engaged in farming, and in September, 1878, he engaged as traveling sales man for the Terre Haute Woolen-Mills, which business he has since followed.  He married, March 31, 1853, Elizabeth J. Ashmore; she was born in East Oakland Tp., Coles Co., Ill., Mar. 23, 1833; she was a daughter of James Ashmore, who emigrated from Tennessee, and located in Coles Co., at a very early period, where he lived until his decease; Mr. Cash has eight children now living - William A., Marcus L., Emery E., Sarah B., Rosa A., George B., Marion R. and Alvin B.; Mr. Cash is a brother of L. S. and S. M. Cash, whose biographies appear among the biographies of Oakland Tp.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879~ Page 563

East Oakland Twp. -
S. M. CASH, merchant, deceased; born in Nelson Co., Va., Mar. 13, 1829, where he lived until 8 years of age, when he removed to Amherst Co., where he attended school and engaged in farming until 16 years of age, after which time he was engaged for eighteen months at Lexington learning the cabinet-maker's trade; then coming West he located in Paris, Edgar Co., Ill., in the fall of 1847, where he completed  his trade, wen he associated with his brother Henry, and located in Westfield, Clark Co., where they engaged in the furniture trade from 1849 until the spring of 1851, when he located at Oakland, where he engaged in the furniture business until 1856; at which time he associated with his brother, L. S. Cash, in the dry goods trade, which business he continued in connection with farming, stock-raising and shipping until his death, which occurred Apr. 12, 1877; in the spring of 1869, their store with its contents was destroyed by fire, by which they met with a loss of upward of $8,000 above insurance; they at once erected a fine brick store, into which they moved, and the surviving partner still continues the business under the old firm name.  His marriage with Adeline Crawford was celebrated Apr. 18, 1850; she was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Apr. 17, 1831; eight children were the fruit of this union, five of which are deceased, the names of the living are Alice M., now Mrs. J. R. Lauson, born Dec. 31, 1854; Wilson M., born Dec. 6, 1861, and Stanley C., born Mar. 15, 1871.  Mr. Cash was an active member of the I. O. O. F. and Oakland Lodge, No. 219, A., F. & A. M., Oakland Chapter No. 153, R. A. M., and a Knight Templar, being a member of the Palestine Commandery at Paris; he was a member of the Methodist Church for eighteen years previous to his death, and was held in high esteem and great respect in the community in which he lived.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879~ Page 561

Pleasant Grove Twp. -
JAMES R. CASSADAY, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Campbell; was born in Edgar Co., Ill., Aug. 22, 1845; lived with his parents until 14 years of age, when they died, leaving him to shift for himself.  He was married to Catharine Edmond Oct. 17, 1867; she was born in Virginia Feb. 8, 1844; died Aug. 13, 1877; they had six children - four dead, two living; the names of the living are Mary E., William H.; the names of the deceased are Jemima, Joanna, Sarah E. and one infant.  Mr. C. was then married to Mary M. Neal July 20, 1878; she was born in Cumberland Co., Ill., Sept. 7, 1841.  Mr. Cassaday has held office of Pathmaster one term, School Director several years.  He was in the late war; enlisted in 1863 in 11th Ind. V. C., Co. D; served two years, and was in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, and was also on the plains fighting the Indians six months.  Mr. Cassaday's grandfather on his father's side was in the Black Hawk war.  Mr. Cassaday owns 77½  acres of excellent land.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 585

Mattoon Twp. -
J. D. CASSELL, proprietor Cassell's Restaurant, Mattoon; was born in Montgomery Co., Penn., A. D. 1827; until he was 17 or 18 years of age, he passed his life upon the farm, deriving his education mostly from the common schools; in 1854, he came West to Jennings Co., Ind., where he remained one year; he then went to Crawfordsville, Ind., and was a student in Wabash College a short time; he next engaged in the merchant tailoring business there for two or three years; leaving Crawfordsville, he next located in South Bend, remaining one year; in the fall of 1859, he moved to New Carlisle, Ind., and engaged in teaching school; here he remained three and one-half years, most of the time engaged as a Professor in the Collegiate Institute; in the spring of 1863, he moved to Rolling Prairie, taught one year, and, in the fall of 1864, engaged in the grocery trade; in the spring of 1866, he was appointed and commissioned Postmaster, which position he held eight years; in the fall of 1874, he came to Mattoon and engaged in his present occupation.  He was first married in 1858, to Elizabeth France, a native of Ohio; she died in 1868.  His second marriage occurred in 1869, to Nancy J. Bolster of New York State; she died in 1870; he has four children -  Annie B., Lydia E., Mary C., Benjamin F.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 543

Paradise Twp. -
JOSEPH CAVINS, farmer; P. O. Mattoon; was born in Marion Co., Ohio, Jan. 24, 1838; moved to Coles Co., Paradise Twp., Ill., in 1840; was married Dec. 25, 1862; maiden name of wife Melissa E. Ferguson.  Names of children: Elmer W., Joseph O., Elzy C., William F., Stanley T., Lester B.  Owns 80 acres of land worth about six thousand dollars.  Public offices held: Justice of the Peace, Town Clark, School Trustee, Supervisor, and taught school nine terms in the same District; was also in the late war.  His father and mother, Joseph and Nancy Cavins, were born in Loudoun Co., Va.; moved to Coles Co., Paradise Twp. Ill., in 1840.  His father died about May 12, 1846; his mother Aug. 20, 1852, or there about.  Names of their children - boys: John, James, Randolph, William, Joseph and Thomas; girls: Martha, Mary, and Sarah.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879

Pleasant Grove Twp. -
HENRY CECIL, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Charleston; owns 215 acres worth $40 per acre; he was born in Mercer Co., Ky., Feb. 15, 1826; lived on the farm, engaged with his father in farming until 21 years of age.  Was then married to Hannah E. Robinson Oct. 7, 1847; she was born in Shelby Co., Ky., July 23, 1827; they have had seven children - Keziah F., Margaret J., Henry H., Mary R. E., Adda, Daniel E. and John L.,  who is dead.  Mr. Cecil held the office of School Director six years, and Constable three years; Mrs. Cecil's parents were one of the first families of Virginia; Mr. Cecil is one of the best farmers in the township.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 585

Charleston Twp -
THOMAS G. CHAMBERS, President of the First National Bank, Charleston; has been a resident of this county and city since 1838; he is a native of Cynthiana, Harrison Co., Ky.; he was 22d of January, 1816, being a son of James and Sally Chambers; he worked on a farm until the age of 18 years, when he entered a dry goods store as a clerk, and continued at that until he came to Charleston, as above stated.  He followed clerking here for a time, and, in 1840, engaged in the dry goods business for himself, which he continued, with an interruption of two years, until 1866; he then established the private banking house of T. G. Chambers & Co., and, in 1868, became President of the First National Bank.  Mr. Chambers has served several terms in the City Council, but, with this exception, has never sought nor accepted public office of any kind; he has, however, been thoroughly alive to the interests of the city and county; he was one of the active organizers of the Coles County Agricultural Society - now the Coles County Board of Agriculture - and has been an officer of that society, either as Vice President Treasurer or Director, with the exception of one year, from its organization in 1853 to the present time.  On the organization of the Coles County Old Settlers' Society in October, 1878, he was chosen President.  Mr. Chambers was married Mar. 12, 1840, to Miss Olevia Monroe, of Charleston, and has eight children living - Alice (now Mrs. J. A. Parker), Henrie, Sarah Belle (wife of D. H. Calvert), George R., William M., Maggie, Nannie and Alfred, all of whom are residents of Coles County.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879~ Page 517

Charleston Twp -
W. M. CHAMBERS, M.D., physician and surgeon, Charleston, was born in Cynthiana, Ky., Apr. 11, 1814; he is a son of James and Sally Chambers, both natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Kentucky in 1810.  His father was a soldier in the war of 1812; in 1850, his parents removed to Charleston, where his mother died in 1855, and his father in 1873.  Dr. Chambers began the study of medicine in his native town in 1833, and, in 1836, began practice in Harrison Co.; he graduated in 1843 from the Medical Department of Transylvania University University, Lexington, Ky.  In 1846, he removed to Covington, Ky., where he practiced medicine until his removal to Coles Co. in 1855.  In October, 1861, he was appointed, by President Lincoln, Brigade Surgeon in the Union army, and served in the army of the Cumberland till July, 1865; he was twice brevetted - first, as Lieutenant Colonel, and then as Colonel, for meritorious services, for the excellence of his reports and his superior management of hospitals.  Dr. Chambers has been President of the Kentucky State Medical Society, of the Illinois State Medical Society, and of the Æsculapian Society of the Wabash Valley.  He has held important positions in the American Medical Association, and has been a member of the Health Association of the United States; he has abandoned the ordinary country practice, and now confines himself to consolation, town and surgical practice.  He has married, first, in February, 1838, to Miss C. Ann Rebecca Porter, of  Harrison Co., Ky.; she died in 1840, leaving one son - Charles S. Chambers, of Princeton, Ky.  Dr. Chambers, in 1846, married Miss Mary Bryan Fields Ingels, of Kentucky, a lineal descendant of Daniel Broone; she died Dec. 30, 1876, leaving two children - Mollie M. S. (wife of Dr. C. A. Peyton, of Charleston), and T. Gavin Smith Chambers, now a student in Asbury Institute, Greencastle, Ind.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879~ Page 516

Ashmore Twp. -
WILLIAM S. CHILDRESS, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Ashmore; was born in Knox Co., East Tenn., Apr. 11, 1827; he is a son of Richard and Rebecca Childress.  In 1831, his father removed to Edgar Co., and settled just on the line between Illinois and Indiana.  In 1848, Mr. Childress came to Coles Co., being the first of the family to settle here, his father following in the spring of 1849; his father died about 1862; his mother still survives and now resides in Farmington, in Coles Co., at the age of 78 years.  Mr. C. was married Apr. 30,1 848, to Miss Temple A. Barnes, a daughter of Enos Barnes, one of the pioneers of the county; she died Sept. 17, 1874, leaving nine children - Elizabeth J. (wife of Washington Moody, of Ashmore Twp.); Lucinda E. (wife of H. Ph. Goodnight, of Ashmore Twp.), Richard M., Rebecca A., Florence A., (wife of George Honn, of East Oakland Twp.), John F., William A., Melinda and Viola.  A stranger, viewing Mr. Childress' farm, comprising over 1,000 acres, his large and beautiful residence, his herds of over a hundred cattle, fifteen to twenty horses, a hundred and fifty sheep, and a hundred and twenty-five hogs, would find it difficult to realize the hardships through which he has passed in accumulating them.  When he came to the county his total possessions would not amount to $200; he has chopped cordwood at 30 cents a cord, and made rails at 50 cents a hundred; he made about 7,000 rails the first winter he spent in the county.  To illustrate the gradual manner in which he has acquired his land, we give the following, showing the amount purchased at different times, and the price per acre.   His first purchase was 110 acres, at $1.25 per acre; next 80 acres, of Government at $1.25 per acre; then at intervals as follows; 40 acres @ $15 per acre; 50 acres, at $22 per acre; 40 acres at $17.50 per acre; 80 acres, at $30 per acre; 120 acres, at $25 per acre; 20 acres, at $40 per acre; 20 acres, at $27.50 per acre; 40 acres, at $18.75 per acres; 40 acres, at $40 per acre; 40 acres at $8.75 per acre; 43½ acres, at $10 per acre; 240 acres, at $20 per acre; 30 acres, for $50 in all, and 20 acres at $10 per acre.  He has made it a practice to buy but never sell, consequently all of his original purchases are still in his possession, and what is, perhaps more remarkable, there never has been a mortgage on an acre of it.  Mr. Childress was married a second time, Dec. 1, 1874, to Mrs. Nannie Shoemaker, a native of Kentucky.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 595

Pleasant Grove Twp. -
SAMUEL CHOWNING, farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Campbell; owns 109 acres; was born in Fayette Co., Ky., June 4, 1827; came with his parents to the county when only 4 years old, and lived with his parents until 18 years of age.  He was married to Polly Ann McCann, in February, 1849; she was born in Logan Co., Ky., July 25, 1824, and has had nine children, viz.:  Nancy I., Rebecca D., Laura A., Mary L., Robert P., Rachel C., deceased, John B., Charles P., and one infant; Mr. Chowning's father was in the Black Hawk war, and Mrs. Chowning's father in the war of 1812.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 585

Morgan Twp. -
A. J. CLARK, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Charleston; born in Coles Co., Ill., Apr. 22, 1834, within one-half mile of where he has since lived; he is the youngest son of Benjamin and Sarah Clark, who emigrated from Kentucky and located in Coles Co., Ill., about the year 1829, where his father lived until his death, which occurred Apr. 18, 1856, while on a visit to Indiana; he was born in Kentucky in the year 1798; his mother, who still lives within one-half mile of where she has lived for nearly one half of a century, was born Jan. 1, 1800.  Mr. Clark remained with his father until 1856, when he commenced farming for himself, upon the old homestead, where he has since continued to live, and where he owns 120 acres of land, mostly under cultivation, and 90 acres mostly timber, in Secs. 16 and 21.  His marriage with Christina V. Robinson was celebrated June 1, 1865; she was born in Clark Co., Ind., Jan. 11, 1850; her parents located in Illinois when she was 2 years of age; five children were the fruit of this union, two of whom are deceased; the names of the living are - Lillie May, born Jan. 24, 1867; Willis P., born Dec. 9, 1868; Clarence V., born July 17, 1875.  Mr. Clark met with a severe loss by the failure of the proposed Charleston & Danville R. R., having contracted to furnish 5,000 ties, and the failure to complete the railroad left the ties upon his hands, by which he suffered to the extent of $1,500.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 621

Mattoon Twp. -
HON. HORACE S. CLARK, attorney at law, Mattoon; was born in Huntsburg, Geauga Co., Ohio, Aug. 12, 1840; his father emigrated to Ohio from Vermont at an early day; at the age of 15 years, with a fair education, he left the hold homestead and came West to Chicago, where he sought employment and labored a short time; he soon left the city and going to Kane Co., engaged in farm work during the summer and attended school during the winter season, paying his way by manual labor before and after school-hours; in the spring of 1856, he reached Iowa City, and made his home with an older brother while pursuing a student life in Iowa State University; here he soon became a leader among his fellow-students as an orator and debater; during vacations, he engaged in teaching school, and in the law office of Justice William E. Miller; read with attention and profit the works of Blackstone and various other treatises on law during the first year of his residence of Iowa City; he returned to Kane Co., purchased ten cows, shipped them by rail to the city, and from the proceeds of the milk, pailed by his own hands, defrayed his current expenses; in the spring of 1858, with a capital of $200, he speculated in fruit-trees, but failed to secure profitable returns; subsequently he went to St. Louis, and, purchasing various books, traveled over the country in order to dispose of them to advantage and profit; later we find him again in Ohio, resuming his studies in the legal firm of Smith & Page, in Circleville.  He enlisted as a private in Co. E, 73d Ohio V. I.; was afterward Orderly Sergeant, Second and First Lieutenant, in which last position he often commanded his company; July 3, 1863, he was severly  wounded in the battle of Gettysburg; later, he was offered Lieutenant-Colonelcy by Gov. Todd, of Ohio, but not being able to take the field, declined the appointment.  He next removed to Nashville, Tenn.; when in business pursuits he met with deserved success; in 1865, he came to Mattoon, Ill.; in 1868, he was admitted to the bar; has held the office of City Police Magistrate, and was chosen Judge an unexpired term; though comparatively a young man, he is recognized as a very skillful and successful practitioner.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 541

East Oakland Twp. -
R. B. CLARKE, merchant, Oakland; born in Madison Co., N. Y., Oct. 3, 1814, where he was engaged in farming until he attained his majority, when he emigrated to Ohio, where he engaged in the merchandise trade and distilling whisky for eighteen years; in 1852, he came to Illinois, and, in 1854, located in Oakland, and, with C. Clement, erected the first flour, feed and saw mill built in this town; he followed this business for upward of twelve years, when he sold his mill; in 1868, he engaged in the grocery and hardware trade, which he has since successfully followed, being assisted in the same by his son, Orrin M.  He married, Oct. 1, 1849, to Margaret D. Welch; she was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Jan. 31, 1816; they have four children now living by this union, viz.:  Orrin M., Clara B., Mary J. and Odd R., Orrin M. Clark, the oldest son, was born in Ohio May 15, 1850; he was married to Alice E. Adams July 15, 1874; she was born in Lawrence Co., Ind., Jan. 27, 1859; they are the parents of three children now living, viz., Clara B., Claude D. and Jessie C.; Mr. Clark is engaged with his father in the general management of his business.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 562

Seven Hickory Twp. -
COL. JOHN COFER, of Arcola Tp., Douglas Co., Ill.; the subject of this memoir was born near Cave Spring, Bullitt Co., Ky., July 9, 1804; his parents, Thomas and Mrs. Sarah Winn Griffin Cofer, were natives of Virginia and Maryland.  Dec. 1, 1825, he married Miss Mary Eleanor Macgill, who was born in Annapolis, Md., Feb. 7, 1807; her parents, Robert and Mrs. Helen Stockett Macgill, daughter of Dr. Thomas Noble Stockett of Annapolis, were residents of Maryland.  The Colonel's early education was limited, but his thirst for knowledge made him a good student, and he soon became a profound thinker, a logical reasoner and ready writer.  He was a consistent Whig as long as that gallant party retained its organization; he represented Hardin Co. in the Lower House of the Legislature of Kentucky, in 1838, 1839, 1848 and 1841, and Hardin, Meade and La Rue Cos., in the Senate of that State from 1848 to 1850; being a farmer, he became the champion of the great interests of labor and production an advocate of economy in public expenditures, a system of general education expenditures, a system of general education, internal improvements, and charitable institutions; as a member of the committee on internal improvements, he originated and aided in drafting and passing the charter of the Louisville & Nashville R. R. Co., now the most prosperous corporation in Kentucky; when railroad enterprises were untried in that State, he was sent as one of a committee to investigate the operations of such roads in the East and West, and made an able report thereon, which, with his earnest and eloquent appears to the people along the line of the proposed road, contributed largely to induce them to vote subscriptions of stock which secured the building of the same.  In 1854, he removed to Illinois, and became Postmaster at Rural Retreat, in Douglas Co., Elector on the Fillmore ticket in 1856, and on the Bell and Everett ticket in 1860, since which he has been Independent in politics, though generally acting with the Democratic party; devoted to the union of the States, he opposed, with manly firmness, nullification, secession and emancipation (unless gradual and accompanied by colonization); in 1871-72 he represented Douglas Co. in the General Assembly with his accustomed zeal and ability; through strictly temperate habits and indomitable energy, he has been successful in business, providing homes for all of his children, of whom six out of ten are living, viz., John S., who married Miss Mary K. Wyeth, and lives near Arcola, Ill.; Mary H., married Rev. D. T. Shirley, and lives in Cook Co., Texas; Thomas N., married Miss Rachel E. Combs, and lives in Coles Co., Ill.; William H. H., married Miss Maggie J. Daly, and lives in Cook Co., Texas; Henrietta M., married Mr. Thomas Midwinter, and lives in Arcola Tp., Douglas Co., Ill.; Susan A., married Mr. H. M. McCrory and lives in Texas.  The Colonel retains a competency for himself and wife in their old age.  He has been a consistent member of the Methodist Church for more than fifty years, and has the proud satisfaction, while remembering that he has been the architect of his own fortune, to know that he has so lived as not only to win but also to deserve the confidence and esteem of all who knew him.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 640

Seven Hickory Twp. -
THOMAS N. COFER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Arcola; the subject of this sketch was born in Hardin Co., Ky., July 20, 1839.  He married Miss Rachel E. Combs Nov. 23, 1870; she was born in Clarke Co., Ind., July 29, 1851; they have three children, viz., Thomas N., Jr., William E. and John C.  He lived in Kentucky until the spring of 1854, when, with his parents he came to Illinois and settled in Coles (now Douglas) Co., at Rural Retreat, where they lived about three years; he then moved to a farm near by, where he remained until 1870, when he moved to his present place, and has lived here since.  He owns 320 acres, which he has earned by his own labor and management; he is a son of Col. John Cofer, whose sketch will be found in this work.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 641

East Oakland Twp. -
T. S. COFFIN, merchant, Oakland; born in Cornville, Somerset Co., Me., Oct. 7, 1832, where he was engaged in farming and attending school in winter until 18 years of age, when, after finishing his academical studies, he engaged in school-teaching for two years, then as clerk in dry goods store four years; he then engaged in the dry goods business for two years, when, in 1858, he went to California, where he resided about nine years, mining and speculating in mines, making and losing several fortunes, but finally was successful, and in the fall of 1867, he spent the winter visiting the scenes of his childhood in Maine, and the following spring, located in the dry goods trade at Oakland, which business he has since successfully followed.  His marriage with Susan J. Winkler was celebrated Mar. 5, 1872; she is daughter of David Winkler, one of the pioneers of Coles Co.  They have three children by this union, viz., Carie E., Eda M. and Harry H.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 563

East Oakland Twp. -
RICHARD COLE, farmer; P. O.  Oakland; born in Putnam Co., Ind., Dec. 8, 1835, where he attended school during winter and engaged in farming until 1871, when he emigrated to Illinois and located upon his present place, where he has since continued to live.  Upon his arrival here, he purchased 160 acres of land, mostly prairie, where he has since successfully followed farming.  HE married Catharine A. Swinford Apr. 13, 1858; they have three children now living by his union - James P., born Feb. 25, 1861; Mary E., born Jan. 23, 1863; Lucy A., born Mar. 2, 1868.  Mr. Cole has held the office of School Director in the district in which he lives.  Mrs. Cole  was born in Harrison Co.,. Ky., July 23, 1838; her parents removed to Indiana when she was an infant, where she lived until her marriage.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 563

Morgan Twp. -
SOLOMON COLLINS, farmer, deceased; the subject of this sketch was one of the early pioneers of Morgan Tp.; he was a native of North Carolina, and emigrated to Illinois with his father, Aaron Collins, and located upon Greasy Creek, Morgan Tp., about the year 1831; he suffered all the hardships and privations of frontier life, but was known as a hard-working, industrious and successful farmer, and at the time of his death was held in high esteem in the township in which he lived.  He married Theney Carter; she was born in Kentucky, and, at the time of her death was the mother of three children, viz., John J., William A. and Elizabeth B. His second wife was Mary Taylor, by whom he had two children—Hiram and Thomas.  John J. Collins, the oldest son, was born in Morgan Tp., Feb. 7, 1850, where he attended the common schools and assisted his father in farming until 12 years of age, since which time he has made his home with Joseph Carter, whom he assisted in farming in summer and attended the common school in the winter, until 1871, when he entered the Westfield College, where he attended two years, since which time he has been engaged in school teaching during the fall and winter and farming in summer.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 621

Morgan Twp. -
WATSON COLLINS, farmer deceased; one of the early pioneers of Coles Co.; born in North Carolina May 12, 1813, where he was raised to farming until 1831, when he emigrated with his father, Aaron Collins, and located upon Greasy Creek, Morgan Tp.; like most pioneers, the family were poor, and the subject of this sketch turned his attention to do what was in his power to the support of his father's family; one occupation was getting out fence-rails at 25 cents per hundred; one season he worked at Vincennes, Ind., at $6 per month, the earnings being used for the support of the family and to procure stock; breaking prairie with five or six yoke of oxen was another occupation; his milling was done at Terre Haute, Freeport, Eugene and Palestine, this trip consuming from four to eight days, made with three or four yoke of oxen; his furniture was homemade; for chairs he made stools, and bedsteads were made by boring a hole in the side and end logs of his house, in which poles were inserted, entering a post where the ends met;  this was known as the raccoon bedstead;  there is now in the family a cupboard made by Mr. Collins, which is put together by wooden pins, not a nail being in use—a relic valued highly;  he commenced the stock business by first buying a single calf, which business he increased until he became a large stock-dealer, feeding from 150 to 200 head of cattle for several years previous to his death, at which time he owned upward of 500 acres of land, and had 500 rented for his stock, etc.  His marriage with Minerva McAlister was celebrated in 1836;  she was born in Alabama Apr. 13, 1815;  she died Mar. 21, 1857, leaving four children now living, viz., Mary Jane (born Mar. 24, 1841), Margaret E. (born Mar. 6, 1845—now Mrs. William Reynolds), Martha V. (born Oct. 26, 1850—now Mrs. W. E. Worsham), and Eliza A. (born June 29, 1856 — now Mrs. Andrew Walton.)  Mr. Collins died Mar. 25, 1877, mourned and respected by all who knew him.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 621

Ashmore Twp. -
W. R. COMSTOCK, dealer in groceries, drugs, medicines, etc., Ashmore; was born in Clark Co., Ill., Feb. 1, 1850; he is a son of Levi and Lucy Comstock; his father was born in Indiana, and his mother in Kentucky; they both came to Illinois in childhood with their parents, who were among the early pioneers of the State;  when the subject of this sketch was about 4 years of age, his father removed with his family to Coles county, and settled about three miles northeast of Ashmore village, where he still resides.  Mr. Comstock remained on the farm until 1872, after which he read medicine and attended one course of lectures in Rush Medical College, Chicago; in 1874, he engaged in his present business in Ashmore.  He was married Nov. 2, 1876, to Miss Ella Hogue, a daughter of Thoams W. Hogue, of Ashmore.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 596

Charleston Twp -
ALBERT COMPTON, retired, Charleston; one of the early settlers of Coles county; was born in Fairfax Co., VA., Sept. 24, 1812; in the fall of 1830, he left home and came to Vincennes, Ind., thence to Terre Haute, and from the latter place, in 1833, to Charleston, arriving on the 3d of March; he worked at his trade of a shoemaker for about two years, and then engaged as a clerk in the employ of Baker & Norfolk; in 1835, he was elected Constable and served two years; in August, 1838, he was chosen Sheriff of Coles County, which office he held four successive terms of two years each, or eight years in all; on the expiration of his term of office, he engaged in the dry goods trade, which he followed until 1861, when, having accumulated a comfortable competency, he retired from active business; he has also held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Master of Chancery.  He owns some 280 acres of land in Coles Co., and two business houses and a dwelling in Charleston.  He was married in January, 1836, to  Miss Catherine Easton, daughter of the late David Easton of Charleston; they have five children living - Rhoda, now Mrs. S. M. Shepard, of Indianapolis, Ind.; Nancy, wife of Randall Alexander, of Charleston; Rufus, Mary, wife of Felix Johnston, of Charleston, and Allie.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879~ Page 517
FOR REFERENCE: (1850 Census Coles Co., Illinois - Series: M432 Roll 101 Page 12 - line 10 with Catherine, Martha J. Rhoda M., Nancy, Mary M., Rhoda J. Shreeves, Albert Shreeves.

East Oakland Twp. -
EDWARD CONAGHAN, merchant, Oakland; born in County Donegal, Ireland, Aug. 15, 1841, where he engaged in farming until 18 years of age, when he emigrated to America, landing in New York in the fall of 1859; coming directly to Charleston, he engaged with his brother peddling, taking his stock of goods upon his back and selling from house to house; after following this for nine months for his brother, he commenced peddling on his own account, taking his first stock of goods, which invoiced at $20, in a pack upon his back, working in all kinds of weather, until 1863, when he associated with his brother and engaged in the hotel business at Peoria, Ill., which proving unprofitable, they closed out, and, after paying all their indebtedness, he had barely enough means left to again start his portable dry goods and notion store, which consisted, as described above, of his pack, which he carried upon his back, buying his goods direct from first hands in New York, which enabled him to compete with the largest dealers in Coles Co.; he continued doing business in this manner until 1871, when he associated with Daniel Jones, and located in Oakland in the grocery and queensware trade, which they continued until Jan. 3, 1876, when purchasing his partner's interest, he added a stock of dry goods, clothing, etc., until he now carries a stock second to none in town, and his business is yearly increasing.  Upon his arrival at Charleston, he was not only penniless, but was in debt for his fare to this country, and his first earnings were used to pay this indebtedness; he now has a good property which he has accumulated by his hard labor, perseverance and industry, and the above traits of character are well worthy of imitation.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 563

Charleston Twp -
MAJ. J. A. CONNOLLY, attorney at law, Charleston; was born  in Newark, N. J., Mar. 8, 1838; his parents removed to Chesterville, Morrow Co., Ohio, when he was about 12 years old, and at the age of 18 he went to Mt. Gilead, the county seat of Morrow Co., and began reading law with Judge A. K. Dunn, of that city; he was admitted to the bar in September, 1859, and began practice in Mt. Gilead; in 1860, he removed to Charleston; while living in Mt. Gilead, he held the position of Second Assistant Clerk of Ohio Senate for two years.  In August, 1862, he entered the army as Major of the 123d Ill. V. I., serving till the close of the war, being for two years Inspector General of the 3d Division 14th Army Corps; he participated in the battles of Perryville, Ky.; Milton, Tenn.; Hover's Gap, Chickamunga, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Ga.; the Atlanta campaign, Sherman's "march to the sea,"  Bentonville, N. C., etc; immediately after the last-named battle, he was brevetted Lieutenant Colonel for meritorious conduct in that engagement.  Returning to Charleston, in 1854, he resumed the practice of the law.  At the funeral of President Lincoln, in New York City, in April, 1865, Maj. Connolly was a member of the Guard of Honor, being the only Illinois volunteer officer present.  In 1866, he was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors, and, the following year, of the Board of Education, and strongly advocated the building of the new schoolhouse in Charleston; he was elected to the Illinois Legislature in 1872, and re-elected in 1874; he was a member of the Judiciary Committee, and of the Railroad and Warehouse Committee, which reported in favor of the Granger legislation of that year.  Maj. Connolly is at present U. S. District Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, to which office he was appointed by President Grant in March, 1876.  He was married Feb. 9, 1863, to Miss Mary Dunn of Mt. Gilead, Ohio.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879~ Page 515
NOTE:  See DUNN & CONNOLLY

Hutton Twp. -
E. R. CONNELY, farmer; P. O. Westfield; was born in Lawrence Co., Ind., Mar. 6, 1829; his parents, Joel and Effie Connely, came to this county in the spring of 1832, and were among its earliest pioneers; having raised one crop, they returned to Indiana, and, in the fall of same year, brought out their family, consisting of sis boys and five girls accompanied also by their grandfather and grandmother Pennington; they made the journey the whole distance in wagons, driving their stock, composed both of sheep and cattle, with them.  His grandfather Pennington was a Baptist minister, and among the first in this township.  The subject of this sketch was the youngest of the boys, being only 4 years of age at the time of their removal to this county; he continued to reside with his parents up to the time of their death, his father dying June 8, 1853, and his mother, Oct. 14, 1875, at the ripe old age of 88; Mr. Connely has resided upon the homestead ever since, containing at the present time 380 acres; his father's estate consisted of 1,500 acres, and was divided among his children prior to his decease.  Mr. Connely has held the position of Supervisor of this county and is at the present time School Director, and has been such since 1856.  He has been married twice, his first wife being Miss Rebecca Piatt, daughter of John Piatt; they were married near Salisbury (now Hutton P. O.), Hutton Tp., Oct. 24, 1850; she died Sept. 29, 1875; they had eleven children, six boys, all living—Emory P., Maiden T., Oscar V., Ellis J. and Willis J. (twins) and Eddie A., and five girls, four living —Addie B. (now Mrs. W. Pentzer, of Iroquois Co., Ill.), Ollie M., lona and Beppie; his second wife was Miss Susan Rebecca McConnell, daughter of Michael McConnell, of Harrison Co., Ohio; they were married at Cadiz, Harrison Co., Ohio, Aug. 24, 1876; they have one child — Sarah.  His parents were both zealous members of the Baptist Church, having connected themselves with that Church shortly after their marriage; his mother, however, embraced religion at the early age of 11, and lived the exemplary life of a Christian to the day of her death.  His father held the office of Justice of the Peace for many years, in Lawrence Co., Ind., and continued the same in Coles Co. for a number of years after his removal here.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 611

Hutton Twp. -
JEREMIAH C. COOPER, farmer; P. O. Hutton; was born in Franklin Co., N. C, Apr. 25, 1786, being now 93 years of age, hale and hearty; he remained with his parents up to the age of 21, working upon farms in the neighborhood, when he purchased a farm in Randolph Co., N. C, and lived there until 1841, when he came to Coles Co., and on April 22 of same year purchased the farm on Sec. 24, upon which he has ever since resided.  While living in Randolph Co. he was elected Sergeant of the 1st Regt. of North Carolina Militia, and was promoted to Orderly Sergeant of the regiment, then Ensign or 2d Lieutenant, and then elected Captain, and from that to Colonel, which position he however would not accept on account of the expense attached to it; he was Justice of the Peace for fifteen years (appointed by both branches of the State Legislature), and retained the same up to his removal to Coles Co. in 1841.  He has been married three times; his first wife was Miss MeDelaney Wakehaster, whom he married Apr. 15, 1809; she died in May, 1846; they had ten children; five boys—Jesse, born Apr. 23, 1813; John, Sept. 6, 1818; Larkin, June 3, 1820; Frank, June 11, 1826; Henry L., Dec. 25, 1828; and five girls, four living—Fanny, born Feb. 7, 1810; Neety, Dec. 18, 1823; Mary, Aug. 30, 1831; Susan, born in 1816, and one that died in infancy; he married his second wife. Miss Tabitha Hulen (widow of Darius Whipple), February, 1847; she died Dec. 16, 1853; they had four children, three living—Eveline, born Dec. 20, 1847; Bird M., June 6, 1851; Alexander, June 22, 1853; one died, Jeremiah T.,born May 15, 1849, died Aug. 21, 1878; he married his third wife Miss Mary M. Marrs (widow of Isaac Flinn,) Sept. 1, 1857; she died Feb. 5, 1875; they had one child, Hezekiah, born June 17, 1858, died Mar. 30. 1871.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 611

Hutton Twp. -
F. E. COTTINGHAM, farmer; P. O. Hutton; was born in this township Mar. 17, 1849; his father, John J., was born in Kentucky Nov. 23, 1816, and his mother, Sarah J., in Harrison Co., Ind., in 1821; his father first went to New Albany, Ind., and Louisville, Ky., working at brickmaking and as a brickmason, and, in the year 1836, came to this county and first settled near Westfield, Clark Co., and from there to this township; in the year 1859, he moved to Charleston, Coles Co., and died on Oct. 9, 1863; his mother is still living, and is at the present time married to John Moore; the subject of this sketch lived with his parents, and at present resides upon the homestead.  He married Miss Emza H. Cox (daughter of Wm. R. Cox, of Hutton Tp.) Mar. 27, 1873; they have three children—Emma E., born June 2, 1874; Hannah O., Sept. 24, 1875, and Elzada, born Dec. 17, 1877.  Mr. Cottingham learned the trade of a brickmason with his father, and works at that trade in connection with his farming; he has held the office of Town Clerk for four consecutive years, and is such at the present time; he also taught school for five terms, three in Hutton Tp., and two in Union Tp., Cumberland Co., Ill.   His paternal grandparents lived with his parents until their death, his grandfather dying August, 1859, and his grandmother May 16, 1867, and his grandfather on his mother's side died Nov. 9, 1863; a crippled uncle, Anthony, lived also with the parents of Mr. Cottingham, and still resides with their sons.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 612

Seven Hickory Twp. -
JACOB K. COTTONHAM, farmer; P. O. Charleston; the subject of this sketch was born in Floyd Co., Ind., Nov. 15, 1831.  He married Miss Sallie Ann Fowler Mar. 5, 1855; she was born in Coles Co., Ill., Dec. 13, 1843; they had seven children, six living, viz., William E., Margaret L., George A., Joseph U., Charles D. W. and Hervey F.  He lived in Indiana until 1855, when he came to Illinois, and settled in Coles Co., near Charleston, and engaged in brickmaking, and continued in the business nearly eight years, when eh engaged in farming; in 1874, he came to his present place, and has lived here since; he owns 120 acres here and 49 in Charleston Tp., which he has principally earned by his own labor.  His parents, Andrew and Margaret Grant Cottonham, were natives of Kentucky and Virginia; they were married in Indiana; they came to Coles Co., in 1855; he died Aug. 29, 1869; she is living here with her son.  His wife's parents were James and Susan Ann Lumbrick Fowler; were natives of Tennessee and Coles Co., Ill. (probably), they being in this county at a very early date; they died in1843 and 1848, respectively.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 641

Hutton Twp. -
ADAM COX, farmer; P. O. Westfield; was born in Hutton Tp. July 26, 1840.  His father, Anthony, was one of the first settlers of this county, a native of Virginia; he was married twice, his first wife being Miss Gilbert, and his second wife Miss Eliza Fuqua; his father died when the subject of this sketch was quite an infant; his mother still lives near her son, between 65 and 70 years old; at the age of 21, Mr. Cox married Miss Mary Garrison (daughter of Peter Garrison, an other of the early settlers), on Dec. 5, 1861, and soon after moved upon a farm, on Sec. 2, and, two years afterward, moved on to Sec. 1, and in March, 1878, came to where he now resides, on same section; he owns 294 acres, 224 of which is improved.  His wife was born Dec. 26, 1842; they had seven children, six living - Charles W., born Sept. 28, 1862; Orval, Apr. 3, 1867; Luella M., Sept. 16, 1868; Claudius C., Nov. 4, 1871; Azaro, Oct. 28 1872, and Almorinda, Nov. 10, 1875, and one deceased, Barthena, born Feb. 12, 1864; died, June 28, 1864.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 612

Hutton Twp. -
JAMES A. COX, farmer; P. O. Westfield, Clark Co.; was born in Hutton Tp., Oct. 26, 1846; his parents came to this county about the year 1829, and were among the first settlers; his mother died Feb. 2, 1877; his father is still living in Cumberland Co., Ill.; the subject of this sketch remained with his parents until he was 25 years of age, when he married Miss Lucinda R. Morris (daughter of James Morris, of Clark Co.) Mar. 21, 1872; shortly after his marriage, he moved to a farm on Sec. 11, remaining there until the fall of 1872, when he moved from there, in the month of March, 1877, and came to where he now resides, on Sec. 12, farming seventy acres.  His wife was born Oct. 1, 1855; they had three children two living - Lillie M. (born May, 15, 1872), Eva J. (born Aug. 16, 1877), and one deceased - Ella (born Jan. 31, 1875; died June 27, 1876).  His brother Anthony, was born in August, 1837, and lived with his parents up to 1862, when he enlisted in Co. K, 123d I. V. I., and was killed at the battle of Perryville, Oct. 8, 1862, and lies buried in Parker Grave-yard, Hutton Tp.  Mr. Cox's father was a native of Kentucky, and his mother of Alabama; his father settled on Sec. 1 of this township, and, after his marriage, moved to Sec. 2, and from there to Cumberland Co., in 1878, near Prairie City, and is still living at the age of 65.  His family consisted of six girls  - Martha J. (now Mrs. J. Strader), Lucinda (now Mrs. William Rhoden) Phoebe (now Mrs. Wm. L. Lenan), Jemima (now Mrs. Daniel Lee), Ella and Dovey, and three boys one living, the subject of this sketch, as above.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 612

Hutton Twp. -
WM. R. COX, farmer; P. O. Hutton; was born in Bedford Co., Virginia, Feb. 25, 1832; when he was 16 years of age, his parents, Joel and Margaret Cox, moved to Ross Co., Ohio, living there eight years; they came to Coles Co. in 1856, and, three years afterward moved to Independence, Warren Co., where they died, his mother in 1874, and his father in March, 1876.  While living in Ohio, Mr. Cox married Miss Hannah C. Thompson, Apr. 28, 1853; she was a daughter of Nathan Thompson, who was a native of Virginia and moved to Ross Co., Ohio, at an early day; he remained there three years; engaged in farming and milling and in the year 1856, moved to Coles Co., Hutton Tp., and in September, 1870, purchased and moved upon his present farm on Secs. 22 and 23, containing 129 acres.  For twelve years, before coming to his present home, he carried on the "Blackman Flouring Mill," three and one-half miles southeast of Charleston in thsi county.  Soon after the organization of the townships, he was elected Commissioner of Highways, serving three years; he was elected Supervisor in 1877, for two terms.  His wife was born Oct. 19, 1834; they had six children, five living - Emza H. (now Mrs. Fred. Cottingham), born June 28, 1854; Mary C. (now Mrs. Daniel Pipher), born Mar. 9, 1845; Joel F., born Feb. 25, 1858; Elizabeth T. (now Mrs. Flavius Boyd), born Apr. 26, 1860, William A., born Aug. 14, 1872, and one deceased, Emma H., born July 14, 1862, died Apr. 17, 1868.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 613

Seven Hickory Twp. -
ANDREW J. CRAIG, farming and stock; P. O. Charleston; the subject of this sketch was born in Morgan Tp., Coles Co., Ill., Sept. 11, 1846.  He married Miss Sarah I. Zink Sept. 27, 1872; she was born in Grand View Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., Aug. 9, 1848; they have three children, viz., Luther Z., Franklin H. and Arthur E. He was born on the farm and lived there until 1856, when, with his parents, he went to Sims tp., in Edgar Co., and lived there until he was 21, when he came to his present place, and has lived here since, the place being wild land when he settled; he has 160 acres under cultivation and well-improved.  His parents, Isaac N. and Elizabeth Blayer Craig, are spoken of a length elsewhere.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 641

Mattoon Twp. -
ISAAC B. CRAIG, attorney at law, Mattoon; was born in Coles Co., Ill., Apr. 28, 1854; he was brought up upon the farm, and his early experiences were those of a farmer's son; with a good education acquired at the common schools, he began the study of his profession in March, 1873, with his brother and O. B. Ficklin; in the fall of 1873, he entered the law department of the Michigan University; he graduated in the spring of 1875, and, in June, 1875, was admitted to practice at Mt. Vernon, Ill.; he began the practice of his profession in Charleston; in 1877, he came to Mattoon, and entered into partnership with his brother, and has since been engaged in the practice here.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 543

Charleston Twp -
ISAAC N. CRAIG, retired farmer; P. O. Charleston; one of the early settlers of Coles County; was born in Montgomery Co., Ky., Sept. 25, 1810; his father removed with his family to Illinois in 1828, and purchased a farm of Clark Co.; Isaac N. remained at home on the farm until 1831.  On the 14th of April, 1831, he was married to Miss Catherine Henson, of Edgar Co., Ill., who died May 1, 1841, leaving five children, three of whom are living - La Fayette, Elizabeth - Mrs. Harmon Gregg - and Harriet, wife of Harvey Fowler; Mr. Craig, after his marriage, settled in Clark Co.  On the breaking-out of the Black Hawk war, Mr. Craig enlisted in the 2d Brigade, under Gen. Milton Alexander, and served through the war.  In 1835, he removed to Coles Co., where he has been a prominent farmer and stock-raiser ever since; Mr. Craig began life poor, and has met with some reverses of fortune, but has, nevertheless, accumulated a handsome property; he owns some seven hundred acres of land in the county, and a fine residence, with twenty acres of land, in the city of Charleston, where he resides; he is a Director and stockholder in the Second National Bank.  He married his present estimable wife July 1, 1841; she was Miss Elizabeth Bloyer of Coles Co.; they have had eight children, six of whom are now living - Catherine (wife of Robt. McMullen), James W., Andrew J., Eliza E. (wife of Newton Swango), Isaac B. and Thomas J.; all of Mr. Craig's children are living in Coles Co.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 ~ Page 517

Mattoon Twp. -
JAMES W. CRAIG, attorney at law, Mattoon; was born in Morgan Tp., Coles Co., Ill., June 29, 1844; his early life was that of a farmer's son; his education was obtained in the common schools; in 1864, he began the study of law with Col. O. B. Ficklin, of Charleston; in the fall of 1865, he matriculated in the law department of the Michigan University, from which he graduated in March, 1867; in April, following, he was admitted to the State and Federal Courts; he began the practice of his profession in Charleston, forming a co-partnership with Col. Ficklin two years; in 1872, he was chosen State's Attorney for Coles Co., and retained the office until 1876; the firm of Craig & Craig was formed in 1877.  He was married in June, 1868, to Mary Chilton, a native of Scott Co., Ill.; has two children - Edward C. and Lizzie I.  Owns eighty acres near the city, real estate in Mattoon and near Charleston.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 542

Morgan Twp. -
LAFAYETTE CRAIG, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Charleston; born in Clark Co., Ill., Mar. 27, 1832; he emigrated with his parents when 3 years of age, and located in what is now known as Morgan Tp., in December, 1835, in which township he has since continued to live for a period of upward of forty-three years; he is a son of Isaac N. Craig, and with his father is one of the earliest pioneers of Morgan Tp.; the subject of this sketch was employed in his early days in watching sheep during the day to protect them from the wolves, and at night would drive the sheep in close pens near the house, for safety during the night; there were no roads in those days, and to go to Charleston and other points, they would follow by-paths, taking a direct line to whatever point they wished to go; he remained with his father and assisted him in farming until 21 years of age, when he was employed by his father for two years, at $100 per year, when he, with his brother farmed upon the old farm for six years, receiving half of the crops for their labor; he then continued farming alone on the same conditions, for a period of three years longer; he removed upon his present place in the spring of 1864, where he has since continued to live; he owns 161 acres of land in his home farm, and 110 in other parts of the county.  He married Jan. 3, 1856, to Jemima Fowler; she was born in Coles Co , Oct. 14, 1836; she died Mar. 26, 1862, leaving no children; his marriage with Margaret J. Woodfull was celebrated Feb. 12, 1863; they have six children now living by this union—Willis N. Ida May, Alma L., Robert H., Oscar A., and Thomas D.  Mr. Craig was the first Collector of Morgan Tp., which office he held for two years, when he was elected Supervisor for ten years in succession; took the census in 1865, and served for two years as School Director.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 622

East Oakland Twp. -
JOHN G. CRAWFORD, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Oakland; born in Morgan Co., Ind., Aug 10, 1837, where he attended school in winter and was engaged in farming in summer until he was 23 years of age, when, in the spring of 1860, he removed to Illinois, locating in Douglas Co., where he engaged in farming until 1865, when he returned to his native home, remaining there two years; then coming West again, he continued farming nearly two years in Douglas Co., when in 1869, he removed to Oakland and erected a fine residence where he now lives; he also owns several farms, containing upward of 1000 acres, in this and adjoining counties, all under cultivation; he makes a specialty of stock-raising, usually feeding from 100 to 200 head of cattle.  He married Jan. 10, 1866, to Virginia Valodin; she was born in New Madrid, Mo., November, 1838; three children were the fruits of this union - Dora and James, both deceased, John F. now living, born Aug. 9, 1874.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 563

Morgan Twp. -
THOMAS H. CRISPIN, farmer; P. O. Rardin; born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, May 5, 1833, where he attended school and assisted his father in the mason trade until 14 years of age, when he went to Bellefontaine, Logan Co., Ohio, where he learned and worked at the trade of mason and plasterer until 1852, when he emigrated to Carlinville, Ill., and followed his trade for six years; he located in Coles Co. in the spring of 1859, on Sec. 30, Morgan Tp., where he engaged in farming one year, then six years upon Sec 9; he located upon his present place in 1864, where he has since continued to live, and where he owns 110 acres of prairie and timber land.  His marriage with Susannah J. Painter was celebrated in 1852; she was born in Macoupin Co., Ill., Nov. 15, 1833; they have seven children now living, having lost one by death; the names of the living are Nancy C., born Jan. 19, 1853; Isabel J., born July 27, 1854; Jacob J., May 2, 1856; Thomas J., Feb. 16, 1858; William H., Dec. 15, 1860; Geo. B. McClellan, Oct. 1, 1863; Mary H., Dec. 16, 1868; Jesse, Mar. 21, 1875; the deceased is Alonzo G., born Sept. 10, 1866, died Apr. 19, 1868; Mrs. Crispin died Aug. 18, 1871.  He married for his second wife Agnes McKiney, Aug. 24, 1873; she was born June 7, 1855.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 622

Mattoon Twp. -
REV. FATHER CROWE, Pastor of the Catholic Church, Mattoon; was born in Oswego, N. Y., Sept. 19, 1851; his early life was passed in the public schools of his native city; here he completed a full course of instruction, passing regularly through the high school and normal department; at about the age of 18 years, he engaged in the profession of teaching, and was a member of the Faculty in the College at Tutopolis, and, at a later date, in that at Ruma, Ill.; having for some time directed his thoughts in the channel of the legal profession, and, at a later date, to that of the medical profession, finally, in 1873, he entered the Grand Seminary,, at Montreal, Canada, where for four years he pursued a course in theology; he was ordained to the ministry Dec. 22, 1877; he then took charge of a church at Flora, Ill., for a short time, and, in March, 1878, came to Mattoon, his present residence; by virtue of his position, he is President of the schools connected with the Church, conducted by the Ursuline Sisters, from Springfield.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 542

Pleasant Grove Twp. -
JAMES W. CRUME, farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. Mattoon; owns eighty acres; was born in Marion Co., Ky., Mar. 17, 1830, and lived with his parents on the farm until 21 years of age.  He was married to Emily J. Maine, Dec. 29, 1856, who was born in Dubois Co., Ind., Aug. 25, 1834, and died Sept. 21, 1862.  He then married Mary E. Reynolds Dec. 31, 1864; who was born in Coles Co., Ill., Mar. 29, 1834, and has had eight children, four of whom are living, viz., William R., Benjamin R., James H. and Emily O.; the deceased are L. D., F. C., E. O. and one infant.  Mr. Crume  was Commissioner of Highways three years, School Director ten years, Township Trustee three years and was elected Justice of the Peace in the year 1870, which office he held for seven years, and is Township Treasurer at the present time.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 585

Mattoon Twp. -
JAMES T. CUNNINGHAM, deceased, Mattoon; the subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Grayson Co., Ky., July 11, 1802; his early life was spent on the farm, and his education limited to a few months attendance upon the public or subscription schools of his native State; from a very early period in life, the support of the family mainly devolved upon him; in the fall of 1830, he came West to Illinois with his mother-in-law, Mrs. Yocum and her family, and settled in what is now Paradise Tp., Coles Co.  He is mentioned in that township as being among the early settlers; when he came West he was possessed of but little means but here he found a wide field for speculation; he was uniformly successful in his various undertakings, and his gains, though great, were always honorably gotten; he scorned to do a mean act, and, though at his death, he left a large competency to his family, no one could justly say that one farthing had been gained by trickery or dishonest means.  He took a deep and abiding interest in whatever tended to advance the interests of his State.  Being a man of good native ability, he was at an early day chosen by his fellow-citizens of Coles Co. as their representative; he served eight years in succession in the Lower House while the capital of the State was at Vandalia.  His marriage to Elizabeth C. Yocum occurred Sept. 15, 1825; she died Sept. 3, 1849; for almost a quarter of a century, she was to him a faithful helpmeet; he was married a second time, Feb. 3, 1853, to Mrs. Sarah E. Hendricks; from first wedlock five children were born - John, William, James, Mary J., James H.; of these William and James are dead; from the second marriage two daughters were given him - Nancy T. (deceased) and Elizabeth C. (now wife of Elder W. T. Mason).  At his death, which occurred June 26, 1863, he left an estate valued (after the liquidation of all debts) at $300,000.  This legacy he left to his family, as the reward of a faithful, industrious, honest, upright life - a life of strict sobriety, and full of earnest, manly effort.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 543

Mattoon Twp. -
E. T. CURRENS, farmer and fruit-grower; P. O. Mattoon; was born in Bracken Co., Ky., in 1816; his father was a farmer and tanner, and for fifty-five years conducted the two interests jointly, at Germantown, Ky.; E. T.'s early life was spent upon his father's farm and in learning the tanning business; he entered Augusta College, Ky., in 1832, and graduated therefrom in 1836; he then engaged in mercantile life and farming till 1854, when he moved to Iowa and established the Kentucky settlement in Marshall Co.; in 1861, he returned to Maysville, Ky., and engaged in the hardware trade, in the firm of Currens & Owens; in 1864, he came to Mattoon, Ill., where he has since resided.  Mr. Currens has thrice plighted himself at the nuptial altar; his first marriage occurred in 1839, his second in 1849 and his last in 1859, each time choosing for his helpmeet one of Kentucky's fair daughters.  His life has been one of marked activity; he has been enterprising and liberal business man, and has always taken an active and leading part in introducing and rearing fine stock, in agricultural and horticultural exhibitions; he was the first merchant to building a tobacco warehouse outside of the river towns, and to buy, price and ship the farmers' crops of Mason and Bracken Cos.; he founded the Union Agricultural Company of these counties, and gave his woodlands for their first exhibitions, in 1854-55; he was a member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer of the Company so long as he remained a citizen of the State; he was also a member of the Mason and Bracken Importing Co., and few men exerted more influence in the introduction of fine stock, machinery, or in the general improvement of his part of the State; he organized the Marshall County, Iowa, Fair Co., and was President of that and the Central Iowa Fair Co., at the College Farm, up to the commencement of the war; both societies he left in great prosperity, and they are today leading associations for that great State; during his administration, interesting exhibitions were held at the college farm at Newton, Marshalltown and Des Moins City, at each of which he took many premiums with individual animals and his fine herd of short horns.  Mr. Currens has taken an active interest in horticulture, fruit growing and gardening since he has been a citizen of Mattoon; to his influence and activity Mattoon owes the existence of her Horticultural Society, and most of her advancement in the matter of ornamental shade-trees, fine fruits, berries, etc.; as a clever and enterprising citizen, he stands second to no man in his community.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 542

THOMAS J. CURRY, farmer; P. O. Mattoon; is a son of James and Polly Curry, of Coles Co., Ill.; was born in Lincoln Co., Tenn., Sept. 7, 1812; moved to Coles Co. with his folks Dec. 12, 1832.  Is the owner of 250 acres of land valued at or near $10,000; was School Trustee and Director for a number of terms.  Was married to first wife, Martha Langston, March 29, 1833; names of children - boys, James E., William L., (Thomas T., deceased); girls, Mary A., Stacy J. Penia N.  Was married to his second wife, Debora Matthews, Dec. 8, 1846; names of children - John H., Daniel W.; girls, Martha E., Sarah B. Ange; his father, James Curry, died March 6, 1846, in the 55th year of his age; his mother died Aug. 5, 1855, in the 60th year of her age; both died in this county and Paradise Twp.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879

East Oakland Twp. -
CHARLES CURTIS, farmer, P.O. Oakland; born in Oakland, Coles Co., Ill., Dec. 5, 1841; his father died when he was an infant, and he continued to live with his mother until her marriage with John Dollar with whom he then lived until the spring of 1862, when he enlisted in the 63d I. V. I., and went forward to battle for the Union; he was in many severe battles, among which were the siege and capture of Vicksburg, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, and was with Sherman's army through Georgia, spending the Christmas of 1864 in Savannah; then north through South and North Carolina, being in many engagements, until the surrender of Johnston and his army, when he continued his march via Richmond to Washington, where after the grand review of the army, he with his regiment went to Louisville, Ky., where he was mustered out of service, after which, he went to Springfield, where he received his discharge in July, 1865, having served upward of three years in the Union army; he then returned to Coles Co., Ill., and in the spring of 1866, removed upon his present place, where he has since lived.  He married April, 1864, to Martha I. Hannah; she was born in North Carolina in 1844, and died January, 1873, leaving three children now living, viz., James W., Lucinda E. and Roddie Ellsworth; his marriage with Margaret M. Yeager was celebrated Apr. 30, 1874; she was born in Ohio Apr. 18, 1855; three children were the fruit of this union, one of which is deceased; the living are Lula M., born Oct. 3, 1876, and John Sherman, Mar. 14, 1878.
Source:  History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 564