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BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron, Jr., & Co.
1879
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1879 BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX >
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East Oakland Twp. -
GEORGE F. HACKETT, farmer, S.
18; P. O. Oakland; born in Scott
Co., Ky., Aug. 27, 1827: he emigrated
with his parents, in the fall
of 1834, to Illinois, and located in
Coles Co., where he attended school during
the winter, and assisted his father farming
during the summer, until 18 years of age, when he worked by the month during the
summer driving cattle from Coles Co. to
Wisconsin, and attending school during
the winter for four years; in 1850, he
he drove an ox-team, overland, to California,
going via the old Oregon route, by
Fort Hall, arriving in Wearville, Aug.
26, of the same year, being on -the road
six months and twelve days, leaving St. Joe,
Mo., May 14; he traveled 2,200 miles without seeing a house or
habitation, save
three forts, which were occupied by United
States soldiers; he then went directly to
the mines, where he followed mining,
meeting with fair success, for two and a
half years; when he came home, by steamer,
via New York, arriving at Oakland, Apr. 16, 1853, having been gone for upward
of three years; he then engaged in
farming five miles from Oakland, which he
followed until 1858, when he purchased
his present place, where he has since lived
for a period of upward of twenty years. He married Mar. 9, 1854, to
Edna Pemberton; she was born in Virginia Feb. 8,
1826; they have four children now living— Fred S., Anzonett M., William E. and
Greorge W. Mrs. Hackett is the youngest
daughter of Stanton Pemberton, one of the
pioneers of Coles Co., locating here in 1831.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 568 |
East Oakland Twp. -
MERRILL F. HACKETT, retired
farmer; P. O. Oakland; born in Lexington,
Fayette Co., Ky., Sept. 10, 1821; he removed
with his parents, when 8 years of
age, and located in Springfield, Sangamon
Co., Ill., where he learned and worked at the
trade of brickmason until 1841, at which
time he removed to Charleston, Coles Co.,
and engaged at his trade and farming and
stock-raising until 1856; he then removed to the northern part of Coles Co., where
he followed farming and stock-raising until
1875, when he purchased his present
place of about thirty acres, upon which he has a fine residence, and
removed to Oakland,
where he has since continued to live;
he also owns 613 acres of land in Douglas
Co., which he has rented. He married
Jan. 22, 1867, Elizabeth J. Sargent; she
was born in Coles Co., Ill., Mar. 22,
1839; her parents were among the early
pioneers of Coles Co., locating in 1830;
they have four children by this union — Snowden S., Gennella C.,
Lora E. and Florence M.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 568 |
Charleston Twp. -
RICE P. HACKETT, farmer and stock-raiser; P.
O. Charleston; was born in Coles Co., Ill., Nov. 28, 1838; he is a
son of Levi Hackett, who came from Scott Co., Ky., and
settled in Coles Co. in 1835, and now lives in Douglas Co., to which
he removed in 1861. Mr. Hackett is the second of a
family of eight children, five of whom are living. He was
married Feb. 25, 1857, to Miss Ann M. Waltrip, of Hutton Tp.,
also a native of the county, and a daughter of John Waltrip,
one of the early settlers of the county. They have nine
children - William J., Eliza E., Noah M., Legrand A., Henry M.,
Ida J., Lula E., Eva R. and Reason A. In August,
1862, Mr. Hackett enlisted in Co. K, 123d I. V. I.,
and served three years, participating in all the principal
engagements of that regiment; he was severely wounded at the battle
of Milton, Tenn., and carries to this day a bullet in his hip as a
memento of that engagement; he was again slightly wounded during a
skirmish while on a foraging expedition below Murfreesboro; he
settled on his present farm in 1872, where he owns 205 acres of
land, well improved. Mr. Hackett and family are members
of the Church of God, of which he is a Trustee and Deacon; he took
an active part in the erection of their house of worship in 1876,
donating a lot for that purpose from the corner of his farm.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 522 |
Pleasant Grove Twp. -
JAMES L. HACKLEY, farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. Mattoon; owns seventy-four
acres; was born in Grayson Co., Ky., Nov. 25, 1842, and lived with
his parents on the farm until 1855, when he came with parents to
this county in 1856, where he has since resided. He was
married Feb. 14, 1867, to Martha Jeffries; she was born in
Coles Co., Ill., Jan. 28, 1847, and has five children - Katie,
Emma, Olga, Harden, Oren; Mr. Hackley has been School Director
six years, and Overseer of roads two years in this township; Mr.
Hackley's parents were natives of Kentucky; Mrs. Hackley's
father was a native of Kentucky, and her mother of Virginia.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 587 |
Pleasant Grove Twp. -
GEORGE HALBROOKS, M. D., physician, Sec. 23, Larna; owns 160
acres; was born in Gibson Co., Ind., Feb. 14, 1814, and lived with
his parents on the farm until 24 years of age; was then married to
Eliza Ann Beels Feb. 22, 1838; she was born in Gibson Co.,
Ind., Aug. 18, 1817, and has had nine children, viz., Sylvester,
William H., Nancy E., Thomas, Samuel and George A.;
deceased, Columbus, Catharine and George L.
Dr. Halbrooks was Surgeon for six months in the late war; he
commenced the study of medicine in 1842, and has been practicing
ever since; he has been practicing in this county twenty-seven
years, and has a very extensive practice and been very successful.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 587 |
Ashmore Twp. -
THOMAS W. HALLOCK, farmer and stock-raiser; P.
O. Ashmore; was born in Dutchess Co., N.Y., Jan. 20, 1811; he was
raised on a farm until he was 15 yeas old, and then went to Troy, N.
Y., where he learned the trade of a coachmaker; he worked for Eaton
& Gilbert, at that time one of the largest coachmaking firms in the
country; He helped to build the first railway-coach in this
country, in 1829; this coach was run on the Amboy & Burtontown R.
R., and was drawn by horses. Going to New York City in 1833,
he entered the employ of John Stephenson, then located on
Bleecker St., near the Bowery, and continued with him after he went
to Harlem, and put up his large manufactory there; he remained in
New York, and Newark, N. J., until 1837, when he came to Coles Co.,
and entered 400 acres of land on the Embarass; he then rented a farm
of H. J. Ashmore for five years, but owing to a lack of rain
his farming venture proved an unfortunate one, and at the end of
three years he abandoned it, and removing to Charleston, engaged in
carpentering, wagon-making and blacksmithing. On the
restarting of the Terre Haute, Alton & St. Louis Railroad, he
returned to Ashmore Twp., and settled on his present farm; at that
time it was all Government land to the east, except around the
groves; there was but one house on the prairie, that being on Wolf
Hill; he could see, any day, from 20 to 30 deer in the vicinity;
notwithstanding his first failure in farming, he has since been, and
is now one of the most successful farmers in the county. He
owns 340 acres of land, well improved, with a large, fine house,
seven acres of orchard and shrubbery, etc.; he has made a specialty
of raising and shipping hay - shipping a few years ago about 400
tons, annually. Like most other successful farmers, he has
attended strictly to his farm, leaving public offices to those
having more leisure and inclination to attend to them. His
first marriage was in May, 1840, to Miss Jane Johnson, of
Coles Co.; she died a few years later, leaving one daughter -
Alice, wife of Benjamin Honold, of Edgar Co. Mr.
Hallock was married again Nov. 19, 1846, to Mrs. Elizabeth
Tuttle; her maiden name was Elizabeth Clark; she was born
in Pulaski Co., Ky., May 14, 1820; her father, James Clark,
was one of the pioneers of Coles Co., coming with his family in
1829; they have five children living - George R., James H.,
Aldora A., wife of R. M. Childress, Thomas L., and
William H.; Mrs. Hallock has one daughter of her former
marriage - Margaret T. Tuttle, wife of Charles S. Olmsted,
of Charleston.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 599 |
Seven Hickory Twp. -
JACOB HARRY, farmer and stock; P. O. Humbolt;
the subject of this sketch was born in Preble Co., Ohio, Jan. 14,
1816; he married Miss Susannah Tobey, Aug. 1, 1839; she was
born in Washington Co., Md., Dec. 15, 1819. They had eleven
children, nine living, viz., Jefferson, Madison and Amanda,
Hiram, Nathaniel, Franklin, Clinton, Stephen A. D. and
Nelson. He lived in Ohio until 1855; he was raised on the
farm and also learned the brickmason's trade; he then went west,
visited Kansas and finally settled in Callaway Co., Mo., near
Jefferson City, where he engaged in arming, remaining one year; he
then, in 1856, came to Coles Co., Ill., and settled in Humbolt Tp.,
where he farmed until 1865, when he came to his present place; in
1867, he was elected Supervisor of Seven Hickory Tp., and held the
office for three terms; he owns 167 acres in the township; his
parents, Jacob and Mrs. Mary Davis Harry, were natives of
North Carolina, where they were married; they moved to Ohio in 1811,
where both have since died.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 642 |
Mattoon Twp. -
ADAM HASBROUCK, City Mayor, and dealer in
hardware and agricultural implements, Mattoon; was born in Ulster
Co., N. Y., in1825; his early life was passed upon the farm, and his
education, such as was derived from the common schools; he remained
on the homestead un-about 25 years of age; in 1854, he came West and
first settled in Michigan; here he engaged in operating a hotel; in
1857, he moved to Milwaukee, and conducted the "Walker House" two
years; the winter of 1859 he spent in Chicago, not actively engaged
in business; in 1860, he located in Mattoon, and opened his present
business; his is the pioneer hardware establishment of the city; he
was chosen Mayor of the city in the spring of 1878, and is
deservedly popular as a city official and business man. He was
married in 1855 to Louisa G. Smith, a native of Vermont; has
one daughter - Helen S. Owns 140 acres in Coles Co.,
some fine business property in the city, and an eligible city
residence.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 547 |
Charleston Twp. -
J. P. HARRAH, attorney at law, Charleston; is
a native of Putnam Co., Ind.; he was born near Greencastle June 4,
1848, and is a son of Daniel F. Harrah; in 1858, he removed
with his father's family to Jasper Co., Ill., where he remained on
the farm until 1867; he then engaged in teaching school in Jasper
Co.; in August, 1868, he entered Westfield College, Ill., and
remained as a student in that institution two years; returning home
in 1870, he began reading law, and, in the fall of 1871, went to
Newton, the county seat of Jasper Co., as deputy in the office of
the County Treasurer, continuing his law studies under the direction
of Col. John H. Halley, a prominent attorney of that city; in
November, 1872, he was elected State's Attorney for Jasper Co.,
although he was not admitted to the bar until October, 1873, owing
to a rule of the Supreme Court of the State requiring candidates for
admission to spend two years in an attorney's office; he continued
to hold the office of State's Attorney until 1876; he also served
one term as City Attorney; he was appointed a Justice of the Peace
in December, 1876, by Gov. Collom; in 1877, he came to
Charleston and has since been engaged in the practice of law in this
city. He was married Jan. 8, 1873, to Miss Emma L. Gill,
a daughter of Thomas Gill, of Cumberland Co., Ill.; she died
Oct. 6, 1878, leaving two children - Edith A. and Hattie
A.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 521 |
Paradise Twp. -
BENJAMIN
D. HAMBLEN, farmer; P. O. Etna; is the son
of Francis and Martha B. Hamblen; was born in Mt. Pleasant,
Hardin Co., Ky., Mar. 17, 1840; moved with his parents Dec. 24,
1852, to Moultrie Co., and then to Coles Co., Mar. 13, 1868; is the
owner of 120 acres of land, valued at or near $5,000; was Justice of
the Peace five years; also School Director and Road Overseer.
Was married to Sarah M. Newport, the daughter of Benjamin
and Ellen Newport, of Coles Co., Ill.; names of children -
boys, Henry F. (born Oct. 3, 1870); girls, Nellie M.
(born Dec. 28, 1871), Rossa M. (born Dec. 6, 1873); deceased
- boys, Claude (died Aug. 4, 1876). He was in the late
war; served as a Duty Sergeant of Co. C, 10th I. V. C.; his father,
Francis Hamblen, died Oct. 27, 1877; his mother died
Nov. 12, 1865.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 652 |
North Okaw Twp. -
JAMES
HAMILTON,
farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Cook's Mills; one of the early
settlers; was born in Ohio, May 1, 1826; came to this State in 1852,
and settled in Coles Co. in the same year. He was married Nov.
16, 1853, to Miss M. L. Hoskins, who was born in
Illinois, July 12, 1831; they have seven children, viz.,
John R., William H., James L. (twins), David W.,
Albert G., Samuel L. and Margaret I.
Their farm consists of 108 acres, valued $3,500. Since
Mr. Hamilton's residence in the township he has held the
office of Justice of the peace three years and on the Board of
Commissioners six years; he was also a participant in the late war,
he having enlisted in the 130th I. V. I., served about eight months,
and was discharged with honor on account of disabilities
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 647 |
Lafayette Twp. -
RICHARD
HANCOCK, farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Loxa; owns
150 acres; was born on the farm where he now resides, Oct. 20, 1838;
was raised a farmer. Married Mary E. Snitt (daughter of
John S. Snitt, Esq.) Nov. 30, 1865; she was born in Guernsey
Co., Ohio, Apr. 3, 1848; have six children - Nona, Anna, Nellie,
John C., Carrie and Amanda S. Mr. H.'s father was
born in North Carolina, Mar. 13, 1797; went to Kentucky with his
parents when an infant. At the age of 10 years he went to
Indiana, and then to this county in 1830. His death occurred
Feb. 19, 1871, where the subject of this sketch now resides.
His first settlement was on this farm; here he raised a family of
ten children, only two of whom are now living (the subject of this
sketch and Mrs. Jones, of Loxa), Mr. H.'s mother (Keziah)
was born in Virginia, Apr. 13, 1801; her death occurred here Apr. 4,
1876. Mr. H. had two brothers in the army during the
late war - John F., killed at Perryville, Ky., Oct. 8, 1862,
and William T., who died at home, Jan. 20, 1872. Both
were members of the 12rd I. V. I.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 654 |
Mattoon Twp. -
J. W. HANNA, book and music store, Mattoon;
was born in Freeport, Harrison Co., Ohio, Dec. 2, 1848; he derived
his education from the common schools, and, at the age of 13 years,
began clerking in his father's general merchandising establishment
at Deersville, Ohio; July 4, 1866, he came West, stopping a short
time at Preston, Minn., and, in September following, came to
Mattoon, where he attended school six months; he then entered the
employ of Finley & Richardson as clerk in their book store;
in October, 1869, he and his brother James R., bought out the
firm, and in May, 1871, sold out to a Mr. Decker; J. W.
then formed a partnership with Geo. P. McDougal and opened a
new store; in 1872, McDougal and opened a new store; in 1872,
McDougal retired, and the firm became that of Thieleus &
Hanna; in October, 1877, he sold out to Thieleus, and,
Nov. 20 following, purchased his present business. He was
married, July 25, to Mary E. Hendeson, a native of Marion
Co., Ohio; four children have blessed their union - Gertrude,
Ethel, William, living, Charles, deceased.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 548 |
Paradise Twp. -
ADAM W.
HART, farmer; P. O. Mattoon; is the son of Silas and
Hannah Hart, of Davis Co., Ky.; was born in White Co., Ill.,
Jan. 3, 1823; moved with his parents to Coles Co., Paradise Twp.,
Jan. 3, 1827; is the owner of 475 acres, valued at $20,000.
Was married to Nancy D. Gunnaway, of Coles Co., Dec. 28,
1843. Was Supervisor, School Trustee, Director, Treasurer and
Road Commissioner. The names of their children are Amanda
E., Elizabeth J., Hannah M., Polly A. and Mercena;
deceased, Abraham D. and Thomas, who died in infancy;
Mary, Louisa and Adda and three infants not named.
His father, Silas Hart, was the oldest settler of this
township; died Oct. 12, 1848; his mother, Hannah Hart, died
in this county and township Sept. 18, 1863, in the 68th year of her
age.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 652 |
Paradise Twp. -
AMBROSE
Y. HART, JR., farmer; P. O. Paradise;
is the son of Miles H. and Catharine C. Hart; was born in
Effingham Co., Ill., Nov. 15, 1834; moved to Coles Co. Feb. 12,
1836; is the owner of fifty acres of land, valued at $2,000.
Is Justice of the Peace, and has been for twelve years; also Town
Clerk, School Treasurer and Commissioner of Highways. Was
married to Nancy Sexson of Coles Co. Jan. 22, 1857; the result of
this marriage is - David S., John M.; deceased, Miles O.,
Willie A., Catharine C. and Ada. Mr. Hart was in
the late war, serving as Corporal of Co. D, 123d Ill. Reg. His
father, Miles H. Hart, died in Coles Co. Feb. 17, 1855,
in the 59th year of his age; his mother Catherine C. Hart,
died in Coles Co. Nov. 12, 1872, in the 68th year of her age; they
were one of the three first families who settled in this township.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 652 |
Paradise Twp. -
JAMES L. HART, farmer; P. O. Etna; is the son of Oliver and
Zorada Hart; was born in Grayson Co., Ky., June 18, 1846; moved
with his parents to Coles Co., Ill., Oct. 12, 1848; is the owner of
seventy-six acres of land, valued at near $3,500. Was
Postmaster at Etna for one year. Was married to Elizabeth
Smith, of Coles Co., Sept. 24, 1866. His father, Oliver
Hart, was born in Grayson Co., Ky., Mar. 31, 1825; died Jan. 25,
1867, in the 42d year of his age; his mother Zorada Hart, was
born in Hardin Co., Ky., Oct. 26, 1823, and is now living in
Cleburne, Johnson Co., Texas; his wife's folks are still living,
Mr. and Mrs. George N. Benefiel, of this county, township and
State. His father was the first man who built a house south of Etna,
and one of the first settlers of this township.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 652 |
Paradise Twp. -
THOMAS HART, farmer; P. O. Paradise; is the son of Miles H. and
Catharine C. Hart, of Coles Co.; was born in Hardin Co., Ky.,
Sept. 5, 1824; moved to Coles Co. with his parents Mar. 12, 18126;
was Assessor, School Trustee; Overseer of the Poor and Road
Overseer. Was married to Vianna Sexson, of Coles Co.,
Mar. 2, 1851; names of children: Mary E., Hallie B.; deceased
- Annie Hart. His father, Miles H. Hart,
was born in North Carolina Jul. 24, 1796; was married to
Catharine C. Yocum, of Kentucky, and moved to Wayne Co., Ill.,
and then to Coles Co.; names of children - boys, Thomas,
Joseph B., John D., Ambrosa; girls, Eliza A., Martha
P., Mary H., Fanny M.; deceased, Joseph B. (died in
Paradise, Coles Co., Jan. 26, 1874) all living in this county with
the exception of Mary H., and she now lives in Harrison Co.,
Mo.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 652 |
Ashmore Twp. -
O. D. HAWKINS, farmer and stock-raiser,
Ashmore; was born in Fleming Co., Ky., Feb. 28, 1822; he is a son of
Gregory R. and Elizabeth (Ballard) Hawkins, the former a
native of Maryland and the latter of Kentucky; when he was about 8
years old, his parents removed to Scott Co., Ind., and in 1841, to
Coles Co., settling about two and one-half miles west of Ashmore;
they landed here on the 4th of March, the day on which Gen.
Harrison was inaugurated President of the United States; his
father died here in 1868, and his mother in 1873. They had a
family of fifteen children, twelve of whom grew to adult age, and
five of whom are now living. Oliver D., the subject of
this sketch, started in life for himself at 13 years of age, working
out by the month and by the day; he is now one of the most
substantial citizens of the township; his farm of 287 acres,
adjoining the village of Ashmore, is one of the best improved in the
vicinity. In 1852, Mr. Hawkins contracted to clear
about ten miles of the Terre Haute, Alton and St. Louis Railroad,
and, also, for several years, was engaged in supplying ties and wood
for the road, clearing for that purpose some 150 acres of land.
He served nine years as Constable. In 1860, he removed to the
village of Ashmore, and in April, the same year, was elected Justice
of the Peace; he still holds the office, having been re-elected
every four years to the present time; he was the first Police
Magistrate in Ashmore, serving several years; he was also Postmaster
from 1861 to 1866, when he resigned; he has served one term on the
Board of Supervisors, and one term as Coroner of the county; in
1870, he became Superintendent of the County Alms-house and
Poor-farm, remaining in charge of that institution until 1873, when
he removed to his present farm; he also held the office of Township
School Treasurer a short time. He was married Mar. 21, 1844,
to Miss Mary Laffler, a daughter of John and Mary (Hurd)
Laffler; she was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Jan. 6, 1823, and came
with her parents to Coles Co. in 1837; her father died in 1843, and
her mother in 1853. Mr. Hawkins has four children, all
living in Ashmore, viz., William, John, Albert and Ellen,
wife of William N. Austin.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 600
(1850 Census Coles Co., Illinois - Charleston - Series M432 Roll 101
Page 20 - Gregory & Elizabeth Hawkins on line 18 with John,
Louisiania, Mary, James, Lorenzo E.) |
Humbolt Twp. -
WM. B. HAWKINS, retired farmer; P. O Humbolt; the subject of
this sketch is one of the early settlers of this township; he was
born in Boone Co., Ky., July 31, 1821. He married Miss
Abigail Morgan Feb. 20, 1843; she was born in Ohio, and died
Oct. 8, 1846; they had two children, viz., Francis M. and Louisa
A.; his present wife was Miss Nancy Banner; they were
married Oct. 4, 1848; she was born in Rush Co., Ind., Oct. 11, 1823;
he lived about two and a half years in Kentucky, when, with his
parents, he moved to Rush Co., Ind., where they engaged in farming;
he lived there until 1840; he then came to Illinois and engaged by
the month on a farm on the Okaw, now in Coles Co.; he lived there
about eighteen months, then went to Indiana, and lived there until
1850, when he again came to Coles Co. and settled in Humbolt Tp.,
about one mile from the present village of Humbolt; at this time
there were less than one dozen settlers in this township; he lived
on his farm until 1865, then here to the village; he was the first
Township Collector in this township and served in offices connected
with the school and road; though he yet retains the old homestead,
he takes no active part in its management; in 1866, he engaged in
the drug business in this village, and continued the business until
1874, since which time he has been living retired.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 635 |
East Oakland Twp. -
WM. HENDERSON, blacksmith, Oakland; born in Gurnsey Co.,
Ohio, Sept 25, 1831, where he learned and worked at the blacksmith
trade until the fall of 1858, when he emigrated West and located in
Lawrence Co., Ill., where he followed his trade until 1862, when he
enlisted as a private in the 60th I. V. T., and went forward to
battle for the Union; he served with his regiment one year, when he
was detailed as blacksmith in the Quartermaster's Department at
Chattanooga, Tenn., where he remained until the fall of 1865, when
he returned and worked at his trade at Marion, Ill., and Terre
Haute, Ind., until August, 1866, when he located in Charleston and
worked at his trade until June, 1872, when he removed to Oakland,
where he has since lived. He is President of the National
Christian Temperance Union, and is held in high esteem for the noble
stand he has taken in the cause of temperance; he was elected
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Oakland at the last municipal
election, which office he now holds. His marriage with
Ellen Eaglan was celebrated March 27, 1871; she was born
in Virginia June 2, 1835; they have four children now living by this
union, viz., Francis, John, Edward and
William.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 569 |
East Oakland Twp. -
SOLOMON HENDRIX, stock dealer; P. O. Oakland; born in
Champaign Co., Ohio, May 13, 1820, where he attended school during
his youth until large enough to labor upon a farm, when he followed
farming for his father until he attained his majority, when, in
1842, he located upon a farm of eighty-six acres, all heavy timber,
where he lived seven years and succeeded in clearing and placing
under cultivation upward of sixty acres, the first year by hard
labor he raised eight acres of corn and potatoes enough for his
family use during the winter. In the summer of 1850, he came
to Illinois, but not finding a location to suit, he returned to
Ohio, and purchased a farm of 160 acres, which he worked for three
years, clearing off upward of seventy acres of timber, when he sold
his farm and purchased the old homestead, living there until 1857,
when he emigrated West and located in Edgar Co., purchasing 320
acres of land six miles north of Paris, where he lived until the
spring of 1861, when, selling his farm, he engaged in stock raising
and feeding and selling, confining his business mostly to sheep,
which business he followed until 1866; at the above date he located
in East Oakland Tp., and engaged in farming and dealing in stock,
which business he followed for a period of eleven years, when he
removed with his family to Oakland, where he has since continued to
live. He owns his residence, and is interested in about 200
acres of well-improved and timber land. He married June 19,
1842, to Nancy G. Wilson; she was born in Pennsylvania in
1823; died Mar. 5, 1866, leaving seven children, viz., William
T., Mary E., Lucy E., Charles, John E., Joseph and Alice M.
His marriage with Melvina Berry was celebrated
Dec. 11, 1866; she was born in Clark Co., Ill., May 14, 1834; they
have one child by this union—Raymond Hendrix.
Mrs. Hendrix's father and mother are among the early
settlers of Clark Co., locating there at a very early date, about
1829 or 1830; she has one child by her previous husband—Amelia
Berry.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 567 |
|
North Okaw Twp. -
JOHN HENTON,
farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Coles Station; one of the most
prominent settlers; was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Jan. 11, 1826;
came to this State with his father's family, and settled in Moultrie
Co. in 1847, and in 1879, he removed to Coles Co., and settled in
North Okaw Twp.; his farm consists of 410 1/2 acres, valued at
$8,000. He was married to Miss Pheba Staley, who was
born in White Co., Ill.; they have six children, viz, Alvaretta,
George W., Olly, Melvin, Emma and Pheba L. During
Mr. Henton's residence in Moultrie Co., he has held the
offices of Township Supervisor and School Trustee, and Director,
etc., seven years.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 646 |
Pleasant Grove Twp. -
J. W. HILL, farmer and stock-dealer, deceased;
deceased owned 342 acres; was born in Washington Co., Va., May 7,
1814; died Mar. 13, 1875; he lived with his parents on the farm
until 20 years of age. He was married to Elizabeth Fudge
Feb. 28, 1833; she was born in Washington Co., Va., Jan. 15, 1814;
they had twelve children - Barbara A., Samuel H., Benjamin R.,
Noah W., Elizabeth, Zachariah T., Emma, Jonah Hill was
born in Coles Co., Ill., Apr. 22, 1853, and lived with his father
until 21 years of age. HE then married Mattie A. Barr
Oct. 17, 1878; she was born in Coles Co., Ill., Jan. 6, 1864.
Mr. J. W. Hill commenced business on the farm where he died,
in this township, with only 42.50, and in a few years of industry
and economy, he accumulated and left at his death a large amount of
property.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 587 |
Humbolt Twp. -
REV. R. C. HILL, farming and stock; P. O. Charleston; the
subject of this sketch was born in Sullivan Co., Ind., Dee. 11,
1817. He married Miss Mary A. Woods Dec. 10, 1839; she was
born in Sullivan Co., Ind., May 23, 1817; they had six children,
four living, viz., Franklin P., John W., Martha J. and
Elizabeth M.; he lived in Indiana twelve years, when, with his
parents, he came to Illinois and settled in Clark Co., where they
engaged in farming; in 1846, he came to Coles Co. and settled in La
Fayette Tp., remaining one year; he then went to Charleston Tp.,
where he lived about eighteen months, when he again went to La
Fayette Tp., and, in 1853, he came to his present place, and has
lived here since, except two and a half years in Charleston; he has
been connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for
forty-seven years, and has been preaching since; licensed 32 years
ago; he owns 160 acres in this county, which he has earned entirely
by his own labor and management; his parents. Rev. Isaac
and Margaret Cunningham Hill, were natives of Kentucky and
Pennsylvania; they were married in Kentucky; he died in Clark Co.,
Ill., and she died here in Coles Co.; they had thirteen children,
eight boys and five girls; four of the boys studied medicine, two
engaged in the grocery and pork trade and another engaged as a
traveling salesman; Mr. F. P. Hill, eldest son of Rev. R.
C. Hill, enlisted, in 1862, in the 123d Ill. V. I., which was
mounted after four months' service; he remained in the service until
the close of the war; he took part in the battles of Chickamauga,
Selma, Atlanta, and the other battles of the regiment.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 635 |
North Okaw Twp. -
ALEXANDER HITCH,
farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Cook's Mills; one of the early
settlers; was born in Louisville, Ky., Jan. 9, 1827; moved to Ohio
with his parents when he was 1 year old; he was raised there, in
Ross Co., and in 1850 he came from Ohio to this State and settled in
Coles Co. He was married May 10, 1855, to Miss
Permelia Ellis, who was born in Kentucky Oct. 13, 1833;
they have had four children, three of whom are living, viz.,
Belle, Sarah L. and Melissa E.; deceased,
Francis Maron. The farm of Mr. Hitch
consists of 200 acres, valued at $5,000; since Mr.
Hitch's residence in the township he has held office of
School Director three years. Of the farm he now owns, eighty
acres of it he purchased from the R. R. Co. in 1862; the balance
which consists of 120 acres, eh has since purchased, the entire
amount of which he has made by his own labor and management.
Since 1860 he had been a member of the Missionary Baptist
Association, and in 1863 he was ordained Deacon in that
denomination.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 647 |
East Oakland Twp. -
WILLIAM HOLLIS, retired farmer; P. O. Oakland; born in Essex
Co., Del., Jan. 18, 1800, where he engaged in farming until 25 years
of age, when he emigrated West, and located in Pickaway Co., Ohio,
and engaged in farming until 1845, when he came to Illinois and
located in Edgar Co., where he followed farming for a period of
thirty years; in 1875, he purchased his present residence in
Oakland, where he has since lived, with the exception of a short
time, which he lived upon his farm; he also owns a farm of 160
acres, upon which are good buildings, the same being now managed by
his son George. His marriage with Elizabeth Lane
was celebrated Apr. 28, 1825; she was born in Essex Co., Del., Aug.
28, 1800; they have five children now living, having lost the same
number by death; the names of the living are George,
Catharine, Henry, Erastus and Mary Ann.
Mr. and Mrs. Hollis are the oldest couple now living in
Oakland, Mr. H. being 79 years of age and Mrs. H.
lacking but a few months of the same age; their marriage was
celebrated fifty-four years ago.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 568 |
Ashmore Twp. -
ELDER PETER K. HONN, retired; P. O. Ashmore; was born in Nicholas
Co., Ky., July 22, 1814; he is a son of Daniel and Anna Honn;
he passed his early yeas upon a farm, and that the age of 18 years,
began the trade of a blacksmith; in 1835, he decided to follow
Horace Greeley's advice, "Go West, young man, go West," and
accordingly joined the family of Jeremiah Powell and with
them made the journey to Illinois, with a horse-tam and two
ox-teams; they stopped in Edgar Co., where Mr. Powell
settled, and where many of his descendants still reside; after
spending a short time in Edgar Co., and about six months in Sangamon
Co., working at his trade, he came in 1836 to Hitesville, and opened
a blacksmith shop; about five years later, he purchased a
quarter-section of land, which he began to improve in connection
with his trade; after a number of years, he abandoned his shop and
devoted his entire attention to farming; he continued on the farm
until 1875, when, having accumulated a comfortable competence, he
retired to his present home where he enjoys the harvest gathered in
the summer of life. During his whole life, Mr. Honn has
always been ready to assist in carrying forward any public
enterprise; he had served the public in various offices of trust -
having held four commissions as Justice of the Peace, covering a
period of sixteen years; he was Postmaster for three years, and has
served one term as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors; he takes an
active interest in educational matters, and has been School director
most of the time since the organization of the public-school system
in the county. He has never failed to meet an obligation as
agreed upon, and was never before a court as plaintiff or defendant
in a suit at law; it has been a rule of his life not to become
security for any one, a course which has proved beneficial not only
to himself but to others. About five years after coming to the
county, he was ordained a minister of the Christian Church, and has
devoted himself more or less to the work of the ministry ever since.
He was married June 22, 1837, to Miss Matilda Woods, who was
born in Madison Co., Ky., April 19, 1817, and came to Coles Co. with
her mother's family in 1835. They have raised a family in
1835. They have raised a family of six children -
William S., now occupying the old homestead in Ashmore Twp.;
Martha A., wife of D. R. Bain, of Edgar Co.; Peter K.,
who died in 1872; Sarah E., wife of F. M. Shaver, of
Monroe Co., Ind.; Samuel H., a practicing physician in
Ashmore, and Mary E., wife of R. L. Tremble, of Coles
Co.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 599 |
Humbolt Twp. -
JAMES HOOD, farming and stock; P. O. Areola; the subject of
this sketch was born in West Union, Adams Co., Ohio, Oct. 29, 1834.
He married Miss Sarah E. Willson Jan. 1, 1861; she was born
in Adams Co., Ohio; they have seven children, viz., John E., Mary
S., Sarah B., James W., Annie E., Robert B. and Clara Dell.
His father was engaged in general merchandise, and he assisted in
the business until he was about 26 years of age; he then came West
and herded cattle in this neighborhood for one year; he then went
back to Ohio and engaged in the milling business, renting his
father's grist-mill; he followed the business one year; he then came
West and improved a farm in this township, remaining here one year;
he again went back to Ohio, and engaged as assistant manager of the
Etna Furnace, at Ironton, Ohio, and followed the business three
years, when for the third time he came West, and finished the
improvements on his farm, and lived there until 1877, when he came
to his present place. He is no office-seeker, and has held no
office except connected with the schools. He owns 500 acres in
this county.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 636 |
North Okaw Twp. -
MRS. ELLEN HOOTS,
farming and stock-raising; P. O. Cook's Mills; one of the natives of
Illinois; was born in Clark Co., July 4, 1845. She is the
widow of the late Francis M. Hoots; they were
married Nov. 21, 1861; they have had ten children, eight of whom are
living, viz., Edwin, Wm. W., Linea M.,
Albia, Bertie N., Arthur A., Nora Eva, and Francis
M.; deceased, Albert B. and Rosa.
The farm of Mrs. Hoots is principally managed by
herself and her children; it contains 316¼ acres, valued at
$9,500.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879- Page 647 |
North Okaw Twp. -
DUDLEY HOPPER,
farmer; P. O. Mattoon; one of the first settlers of Coles Co.; was
born in Knox Co., Ky., Aug. 18, 1826; came to this State with his
father's family in 1837, when he was but a boy. He was married
to Miss Jane Dixon, now deceased; they have had
four children, viz., Felitha, George, Harvey and
Matilda. Mr. Hopper was married the second time to
Miss Margaret Easter. His farm consists
of 330 acres, valued at $9,900; since his residence in the township,
he has held the office of Commissioner three years. He was a
participant in the Mexican war, where he served eighteen months.
His land, on which he now resides, was partially entered by himself
from the Government.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 647 |
Pleasant Grove Twp. -
WILLIAM F. HORTON, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O.
Mattoon; owns 231½ acres was born in
Bedford Co., Penn., Jan. 31, 1824; moved to this county with his
parents in 1837; went to Cumberland Co., in 1838, and returned to
Coles Co., In November, 1851, where he has since resided. He
was married to Emeline Dryden Feb. 1, 1849; she was born in
Tennessee Sept. 15, 1821, and has had seven children, two of whom
are living, viz., Mary E. and William D.; deceased are
R. H., Alice, Amarintha and two infants not named.
Mr. Horton has been School Director and Pathmaster several
years, and was one of the first and most extensive manufacturers of
sorghum molasses in this county, and has been in the business for
twenty years. Mr. Horton's parents are natives of
Pennsylvania and Mrs. Horton's of Tennessee.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 588 |
Morgan Twp. -
JESSE HUDSON, farmer and Justice of the Peace;
P. O. Charleston; born in Jessamine Co., Ky., June 27, 1840, where
he attended school until 11 years of age, when he emigrated to
Illinois and located in East Oakland Tp. in October, 1851; here he
remained and assisted his father in farming until upward of 20 years
of age, when he raised one crop upon his father's farm, of which he
gave one-third for the use of the land; the following year he farmed
upon rented land, and in 1864, he removed to Morgan Tp., where he
rented land four years, and, in 1868, purchased his present place,
where he has since continued to live; he first purchased eighty
acres of land, mostly upon time, giving his notes for $2,180, which
he met promptly, and has since added, by purchase, forty acres ore,
for which he paid $1,200 cash; he built a brick addition to his
house in 1872, and, in 1877, erected the finest barn in Morgan Tp.
The above property he has accumulated by his own hard labor, energy
and good business management, in which he has been nobly assisted by
his wife, to whom he was married Oct. 10, 1861; her maiden name was
Harriet Stark she was born in Indiana Nov. 15, 1842; they
have two children now living, viz., Laura B., born Dec. 12,
1869, and Emma May, born Nov. 8, 1871. Mr. Hudson
has held different township offices, and has been elected to the
office of Justice of the Peace for the second term, which office he
now holds.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 624 |
East Oakland Twp. -
L. M. HUDSON, farmer. Sec. 29; P. O. Oakland; born in Carter
Co., Tenn., Sept. 5, 1809, where he engaged in farming until 24
years of age, when he removed to Jessamine Co., Ky., where he
engaged in farming until 1851, when he removed to East Oakland Tp.,
Coles Co., Ill., and purchased 200 acres, upon which he has since
continued to live, during a period of twenty-eight years; he has
since added by purchase until he now owns 320 acres, upon which he
has good buildings erected by himself; at the time of his locating
here, corn was worth but six cents per bushel and pork $2 per
hundred. He was married Oct. 23, 1833, to Sophia Rader;
she was born in Virginia July 22, 1808; she died Feb. 13, 1866,
leaving five children now living—Lemuel, Minervia,
Jesse, John and Mary Jane. His
marriage with Delilah J. Rutherford was celebrated Sept. 15,
1866; she was born in Dubois Co., Ind., Dec. 6, 1836; they have no
children by this union. Mr. Hudson has filled
the office of School Director four years in his district, and Road
Commissioner the same length of time.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 569 |
Mattoon Twp. -
J. F. HUGHES, attorney at law, Mattoon; was
born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Jan. 17, 1839; his early life was that of a
farmer's son; in addition to his common-school education, he enjoyed
the advantages of the Academy at Fredericksburg and Smithville, in
his native county. Apr. 19, 1861, he entered the U. S. service
as a member of the 16th Ohio V. I., and served three months in West
Virginia; in July, 1862, he re-enlisted in the 102d Regiment for
three years; was 1st Sergeant of Co. F. In October, 1865, he
entered the Law Department of Michigan University, from which he
graduated in the spring of 1867; he next associated himself with
A. P. Green, and was engaged with him fifteen months in editing
and publishing the Okaw Republican, at Sullivan; in 1869, he
was admitted to the bar, and began the practice of his profession in
Mattoon, in partnership with W. J. Henry, of Shelbyville; in
1872, the firm of Henry & Hughes was dissolved, and in 1873,
that of Steele & Hughes formed; this was dissolved by the
death of Mr. Steele, in July, 1877. He was married
Sept. 17, 1874, to Julia Chrisman, a native of Jasper Co.,
Ill; has two children - Columbia and Arlington. Owns $5,000
worth of real estate.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 548 |
North Okaw Twp. -
JAMES M. HUNT,
retired farmer; P. O. Cook's
Mills; was born in Indiana Jan. 16, 1840; his father, James Hunt,
now deceased, was one of the early settlers of that State; they
moved to Illinois and settled in Coles Co. in 1868; Mr. Hunt
has followed the pursuits of a farmer and stock-raiser from boyhood;
he enlisted in the 83d Ind. V. I.; served nearly three years, and
was discharged at the close of the war; at the battle of Dallas he
was wounded, the effects of which now compel him to retire from
business. He was married to Miss Rachel R. Janes April
13, 1875, who was born in Illinois, Oct. 17, 1857.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 647 |
Mattoon Twp. -
JOHN HUNT, meat-market, Mattoon; was born in
Fayette Co., Ohio, Nov. 6, 1837; his father came West to Illinois
and settled in Jasper Co. in 1845; his early life was that of a
farmer's boy, and his advantages for securing an education somewhat
limited; most of his education he obtained in the schools of Xenia,
Ohio, and as a student of Antioch College, after he had attained to
manhood; he left home at the age of 18 years and engaged in teaching
school some four years; in 1860, he purchased a farm in Coles Co.,
and followed agricultural pursuits for ten years; in 1870 he formed
a partnership with J. L. Scott, under the firm name of
Hunt & Scott, and engaged in the grocery trade in Mattoon; in
the spring of 1875, he retired from the firm, and for two years was
engaged in buying and shipping horses and mules to the Southern
market; in 1876, he engaged in his present business. He was
married in 1858 to Eliza J. Gowin, a native of North
Carolina; has two children - Alva and Orris. Has
held the office of Assessor for the past four years, and is also a
member of the Board of Education on the East Side.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 548 |
East Oakland Twp. -
WILLIAM HUNT, farmer and Justice of the Peace, Oakland; born
in Coles Co., Ill, Feb. 11, 1845, upon the place where be has since
continued to live; he is the son of James D. Hunt, who
located in Coles Co., previous to 1838, where he died July 3, 1856;
the subject of this sketch continued upon the old homestead, and
attended school and assisted in farming, until the decease of his
mother, which occurred July 3, 1865; after which he purchased the
interest of a portion of the other heirs, and continued farming upon
the old place upon his own account, which business he has since
successfully followed; he owns 110 acres upon his home farm, upon
which he has erected good farm-buildings. He was elected to
the office of Justice of the Peace in the spring of 1877, for a term
of four years, which office he now holds. He married Mar. 3,
1864, to Susan E. Handley; she was born in Clark Co., Ill.,
Aug. 22, 1848; her parents were among the early pioneers of
Illinois; they have five children now living by this union —
Justin H., born Feb. 11, 1867, Ruth T., born Sept. 24,
1872, Luviee B., born July 2, 1874, Sherman W., born
June 10, 1876; Alvira L., born Oct. 2, 1877.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 568 |
Charleston Twp. -
ELI HURON, dealer in books, stationery,
musical instruments, toys, etc., Charleston; was born in Hendricks
Co., Ind., Oct. 14, 1836 up to the breaking out of the rebellion he
remained on his father's farm. In February, 1862, he entered
the Union army as a member of Co. A, 53d Ind. V. I., serving in the
Army of the Cumberland; he participated in the siege of Corinth, and
was wounded at the second battle of Corinth, on the 5th of October,
1862, from which he lost his right arm. He spent the spring
and summer of 1864 as a student in Bryant & Stratton's Business
College, Indianapolis, after which he went to Washington, D. C., and
entered the office of the Indiana State Military Agency as a clerk
under Gen. Hannaman; here he remained several months and then
obtained an appointment in the War Department as a clerk in the
Quartermaster General's office, where he remained till 1869, when he
resigned his position and came to Charleston; he entered upon his
present business, starting at first with a small stock; his business
has continued to increase until he now has the largest business in
his line in the city. He was married July 1, 1869, to Miss
Annie Harding, of Charleston, and has one son - Rolph E.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 522 |
Hutton Twp. -
JOHN HUTTON, farmer; P.O. Diona; is one of the
pioneers of this county, and after whom this township was named; he
was born in Montgomery Co., Ky., Jan. 20, 1801; in the year 1816,
his parents moved to Crawford Co., Ill., where his father died
January, 1819; his mother and family remained there until the year
1834, when they came to Coles Co., and settled on Sec. 20, where his
mother died Nov., 1853, at the age of 77; Mr. Hutton
still resides upon the homestead; he held the office of Supervisor
the three first terms after the organization of the township; in the
year 1824, Mr. Hutton was upon the spot upon which the
city of Charleston, in this county, now stands; at that time not
another white man was to be found in the neighborhood, inhabited
only by the Kickapoo Indians, who were owners of the soil. He
married the widow of Isaac Baker Apr. 18, 1843; she
was a daughter of George Cottingham, a native of Kentucky,
who came to Coles Co. in the year 1837; she was born Oct. 27, 1813;
she had one child by Mr. Baker— Levi H., now living in
California, and nine children by Mr. Hutton—six boys, all
living—George W., born Apr. 18, 1844; James Alexander,
Nov. 19, 1847; Isaac Y., Jan. 6, 1850; John A., Mar.
13, 1852; and Alfred and Albert (twins), born Mar. 24,
1855, and three girls, one living— Martha E., born Sept. 30,
1860; two died; Sarah E. died when tour months old, and
Mary Jane, (formerly Mrs. Wm. M. Sanders), born May 15,
1846, died Nov. 27, 1878, leaving five children—David C.,
Oscar, Laura E., Annie and Willie.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 615 |
. |
