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ILLINOIS GENEALOGY EXPRESS
A part of Genealogy Express
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Welcome to
Piatt County,
Illinois
History & Genealogy |
Biographies
Source:
Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois
Containing Full Page Portraits and Biographical
Sketches
of Prominent and Representative Citizens
of the County
Together with Portraits and Biographies of all
the
Presidents of the United States
and Governors of the State
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros
1891
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DANIEL HALL. We
are pleased to be able to present to the readers of this
Biographical Album the chief incidents in the career of Daniel
Hall, now Treasurer of Piatt County. It is not possible in
a volume of this nature to furnish all the details even in a life
which includes but the brief span of thirty years, yet we can touch
upon the prominent incidents and note the more salient points of
character by and through which our subject has reached his proud
place in the minds of the community.
Mr. Hall was born in the county in which he
still resides, his natal day being Feb. 5, 1860. His parents,
Elias and Mary J. (Robison) Hall were born in the Buckeye
State and removed hither in 1851. They settled on section 4,
Willow Branch Township, Piatt County, being the first to occupy the
farm. Elias Hall bought the quarter section from the
Government, receiving his patent during President Pierce's
administration. He made it his home until he laid aside the
cares of life and entered into rest, Oct. 1, 1862. He was one
of the early Supervisors of the town and also served as Justice of
the Peace a number of years. In politics he was a Republican.
By dint of energy and wise management he secured a good estate
although he had come hither a comparatively poor man. The
hardships of his early life here were made up to him by the respect
that he gained from his fellow men and the sound financial basis on
which he placed his affairs.
The mother of our subject is now living in Monticello
and in her seventieth year is comparatively free from the
infirmities usual to those of advanced age. The parental
family was a large one, the present survivors being David,
whose home is in South Dakota; Frank, who lives in Nevada,
Mo.; Elmira, wife of William Lamb of Piatt County,
Ill.; George W., how living in Clark County, Kan.; Daniel,
the subject of this sketch; and John, whose home is in
Colorado.
The preliminary education of Daniel Hall was acquired
in the public schools of his native county and he further advanced
his knowledge by attending the State Normal School at Normal during
five terms, alternating them with teaching. He has taught nine
winter terms in the district schools of the county and has a good
reputation as a pedagogue. Until he was elected Treasurer he
was proving his ability as an agriculturist, as he had already done
his value in the school room.
The lady whom Mr. Hall won for his wife was
Effie J. Fisher, daughter of Elihu and Lydia J. Fisher,
who are residents of Bement. The marriage rites between the
young couple are solemnized Mar. 28, 1883, and they have become the
parents of five children, of whom Clara and Mary R. are
living. Mr. Hall was elected Treasurer of Piatt County
in the fall of 1890 for a term of four years, his name being placed
before the public by the Republicans, with whom he is in political
accord. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, as was his
father before him, the lodge to which e belongs being Bement, No.
365. He and his wife are active members of society, being
fitted for a prominent position by their intelligence and good
breeding. Mr. Hall is identified with the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and is an influential factor in the political
affairs of the county, while in business circles he is known and
honored as one of the successful young citizens.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page 960 |
JAMES W. HAMILTON
is one of the young farmers of Piatt County, who is doing a good
work and is thereby helping to extend the agricultural interests of
this section and to sustain its material prosperity. He is
carrying on his operations on section 2, Unity Township, where he
has an excellent, well-cultivated farm, which comprises eighty acres
of very fertile land. He is one of the native-born citizens of
Illinois, his birth occurring in Douglas County, Oct. 18, 1858.
His father, Samuel V. Hamilton, was a native of Ohio, and his
mother's maiden name was Sarah E. Crain. For many years
they have been residents of Douglas County, and are well-known and
respected people of their community.
James Hamilton of whom these lines are written
grew to manhood on his father's farm in his native county and
remained an inmate of the parental household until he was twenty-two
years old. He was married Nov. 24, 1879, to Miss Sarah Ann
Harshbarger. Miss Hamilton was born in Champaign
County, this State, Sept. 21, 1863, and is a daughter of Isaac
and Mary Jane (Goff) Harshbarger, well known residents of Unity
Township.
After this marriage Mr. Hamilton continued to
live on his father's farm until 1880, when he removed to Unity
Township, of which he has ever since been a resident. he has
always been engaged in farming, is doing well at his occupation, and
bids fair to be one of the solid men of hte county. He is
industrious, is a young man of good habits, and is well liked by his
neighbors and associates. In politics he is a sturdy
Republican. The pleasant wedded life of Mr. and Mrs.
Hamilton has brought to them two children, whom they have named
Emery V. and Charles C.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page 347 |
DAVID F. HANNAH.
A favorably located and well-improved farm of two hundred and forty
acres forms the home of the gentleman above named, who has been
identified with the interests of Piatt County since his early
manhood, having come here in 1849. Our subject is the owner of a
valuable property consisting of a fine house and two lots in
Mansfield, Piatt County. He began his life work with but limited
means, making his first purchase of land in 1856, when he secured an
eighty-acre tract in Sangamon Township. It was some years before he
felt justified in making another purchase, but adding an eighty, he
subsequently still further increased his estate, bringing it up to
its present extent. The zeal and enterprise that he has displayed
are highly creditable, and all who know him rejoice in the success
that has attended his efforts.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was David
Hannah, who was born in Virginia, and removed to Ohio during
the early settlement of the latter State. His son, Hugh V.,
father of our subject, was also born in the Old Dominion, and going
to Ohio operated a farm there for many years. He came to Piatt
County, Ill., in 1849, and established a home in Sangamon Township,
where he died in 1876, at the advanced age of seventy-two years. He
was a member of the Baptist Church, and was highly esteemed by his
acquaintances. His widow, formerly Miss Rebecca
Ford, is still living and has reached a venerable age, she
having been born in Virginia in 1806. She has been a member of the
United Brethren Church for thirty years. Of her eight children but
two are now living.
David F. Hannah, the subject of this notice was
born in Logan County, Ohio, January 6, 1827, in a little log house
such as afforded shelter for the pioneers, and has been the
birthplace of many of our best and most famous citizens. He attended
school in a similar structure, perusing the text books which to
modern eyes seem strangely old-fashioned, and gained a practical
knowledge of those branches of study most necessary in carrying on
the work of life. After his arrival in this State he worked by the
month for some time, carefully hoarding his resources in order to
secure a home, and being aided in his efforts by a prudent and
capable wife, to whom he was married in 1850.
Mrs. Hannah bore the maiden name of
Frances Oulrey, and is a native of the Buckeye State,
born April 15, 1832. She has borne her husband the I following
children: Rebecca, William T., Nancy, Elizabeth, Vance,
James, Samuel, John; and one unnamed, who died in infancy.
Both parents are identified with the United Brethren Church and
earnestly endeavor to make their lives accord I with the principles
in which they believe. They are therefore regarded with respect by
neighbors and friends, and are considered an honor to the community
of which they form a part. Mr. Hannah was reared as a
Whig and in 1856 became identified with the Republican party which
he still earnestly supports.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page |
JOHN HEATH has a boy and man known much of what is necessary
in order to bring an uncultivated region into a condition fitting it
for the abode of civilized men. His early years were spent
amid pioneer surroundings in Lorain County, Ohio, and after some
years of mature life as a farmer there, he came to this State
to become the developer of raw land in Piatt County. He was
the first to settle in the locality which he chose for his future
home. Which is now a well-improved farm on section 19, Willow
Branch Township.
Mr. Heath was born in Jefferson County, N. Y.;
December 3, 1820, and was the third son in a family of seven
children. All are still living but one; Daniel, making
his home in Wisconsin; Dorlisca being the wife of William
Viles, in Lake County, Ohio; Frederick, residing in Nebraska;
Fidelia, wife of William McConnell, living in Lorain
County, Ohio; and Oliver G., making his home in California.
The father, Squire Heath, was a rifleman in the War of 1812.
He died in Lorain County, Ohio; and Oliver G., making his
home in California. The father, Squire Heath, was a
rifleman in the War of 1812. He died in Lorain County, Ohio,
April 1, 1845. The mother, Abigail (Smith) Heath, subsequently
came to this State and died in Piatt county in June, 1863.
During the boyhood of our subject the family removed from the Empire
State to Ohio, and taking possession of a tract of timber land in
Lorain County, literally hewed out a home from the wilderness.
Young Heath assisted in the work necessary to build up their
home, and more than once of the forest trees felt the weight of his
ax, while the other pioneer locals also became familiar to him.
The first schools attended by young Heath were
kept up by subscription and were held in the rude log cabins whose
description has become historical. The curriculum embraced
only the most important branches, but all who were studious and
attentive could become well versed in "the three R's. Upon a
foundation of this kind it is comparatively easy to rear a structure
of general intelligence, and many a man whose life was passed under
such circumstances is to-day better informed than he who has
depended upon the instruction gained in the higher schools and
academies.
Realizing that it is not good for a man to live
alone, Mr. Heath was married July 21, 1845, to Charity
Warner an estimable young woman who was born in Ashtabula
County, Ohio, November 6, 1827. Her parents were Hiram
and Elizabeth A. (Franklin) Warner, the latter distantly related to
Benjamin Franklin. Both Mr. and Mrs. Warner were born
in Connecticut and are believed to be of English descent. For
a number of years they resided in New York and subsequently passed a
long period in Ohio. In the '40s they came to this State,
making a settlement in Macon County, where Mr. Warner died in
1854, two years after his wife had been called hence. He was a
Minuteman in the War of 1812. Out of a large family born to
Mr. and Mrs. Warner four are now living, namely: Nancy M.,
widow of James Dunbar, whose home is in Macon County;
Austin, who lives in Nebraska; Jane L., wife of Henry
Crandall, of Minnesota; and Mrs. Heath.
The first home of Mr. and Mrs. Heath after
their marriage was in Lorain County, Ohio, but in 1852 they removed
and established themselves at their present location. Here not
a furrow had yet been turned, and Mr. Heath and his
brother-in-law, Austin Warner, during the first season broke
forty acres and put in a crop of corn. Mr. Heath
subsequently broke forty acres himself, and by degrees the entire
tract was put under cultivation. Some hardships and privations
were endured by the husband and wife, but they were cheerfully borne
in the hope of future prosperity for themselves, and better
advantages for their children than could otherwise be obtained.
They have succeeded in their effort to make a home, and have been
able to give their children good educations as well as careful home
guidance. They now see about them a finely improved tract of
one hundred and fifty acres and share in the enjoyment of the
comforts of life, as they did in the labor necessary to secure them.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Heath are eight in
number. Of the family we note the following: Adella
is the wife of George Robertson, their home being in
Monticello; Harvey E. and Alfred B. are editors and
proprietors of the Nebraska Farmer, published at Lincoln,
Neb., and are recognized among the leading journalists in their
line; Ellen H. is the wife of James Robertson and
lives in Clay County, Neb.; Hubert A. is the editor of the
Kansas Farmer published at Topeka; Eva J., is
the wife of Edward Moyer, whose home is in Piatt County;
Ora M. married Owen Hitch who lives in Paris, this
State; Elmer H. is deceased.
Mr. Heath has served as School Director several
years and has taken much interest in the cause of education.
In fact he is one who is interested in all movements which will
improve the status of society, either morally or intellectually, or
increase the material prosperity of the people. In politics he
is a Republican. He and his wife belong to the Methodist
Episcopal Church and he has filled the office of Steward. Both
are active and esteemed members of society, and have many friends
who rejoice in their prosperity and wish them a long life and
happiness.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page |
MARK M.
HERSHBERGER.
One of the best homesteads in Goose Creek Township, Piatt
County, is owned and occupied by Mr. Hershberger and represented by
a view linked here. The
soil of this tract of land is not better than that of many others in
the locality, but it has been carefully and intelligently tilled,
and means have been taken to secure buildings that will properly
house the crops and stock and give to the family commodious and
pleasant quarters. The dwelling is a fine large frame
structure of pleasing architectural design and furnished with the
many conveniences and means of enjoyment that our prosperous farmers
are finding necessary in their homes as in those of the dwellers in
towns. The estate consists of two hundred and eighty-five
acres.
Mr. Hershberger traces his ancestry to Germany, whence
his grandfather emigrated in Colonial days, settling in the Old
Dominion. In that State Samuel Hershberger, father of our
subject, was born in 1780. Upon leaving his native State he
first went to Ohio, and in 1834 made a second removal to Carroll
County, Ind. He bought unimproved land, cleared it and made it
into a good home, his nearest market town for some time being
Michigan City. He died in 1842, when our subject was a lad in
his eighth year. He had been married three times, his last
wife being Nancy Shealey, who was of English and Irish ancestry and
was born in Virginia, Oct. 13, 1798. She was the mother of
nine children, only one of whom besides our subject is now living.
She lived until 1878 and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
The natal day of the subject of this sketch was March
30, 1835, and his birthplace Carroll County, Ind. He opened
his eyes to the light in the farmhouse built of logs, with a
puncheon floor and primitive furnishings, such as was common on the
farms in that section of the country. During his early boyhood
he attended a subscription school, the temple of learning in which
he pursued his studies being of the same rude construction as his
home. Soon after the death of his father he began his
apprenticeship as a cabinet-maker, a trade to which he devoted but a
comparatively short time but the knowledge of which has been of
great advantage to him. For one year he was engaged in
pattern-making for a foundry in Pittsburg, Ind.
When but seventeen years old, Mr. Hershberger
determined to try his fortune in Illinois, and traveling via the
Wabash & Erie Canal to Covington, Ind., he continued his journey by
stage to Monticello which was then but a small village. During
the ensuing four years he was engaged at divers occupations, being
willing to turn his hand to anything by which he could advance his
fortune, provided only that it was honest work. In 1856 he
rented land and began farming, although still making Monticello his
place of residence. For three years he tilled the soil on Camp
Creek and in March, 1862, settled on land he had previously bought
in Goose Creek Township. He was among the first to locate in
that vicinity, which was still so wild that deer were killed on his
farm several years after he took possession. His market towns
were Champaign and Bement. From an humble beginning he has
reached a position of financial solidity and during the years of his
residence in the county has demonstrated his worth as a man and a
citizen.
The many virtues of mind and heart possessed by Miss
Julia A. Barnes made her companionship seem so desirable to Mr.
Hershberger that he wooed her for his wife, their union being
solemnized April 21, 1857. She was the second female child
born in Piatt County, her natal day being Oct. 26, 1836. Her
parents, Andrew and Elizabeth (Norris) Barnes, had become hither
from Ohio in 1833. They were natives of Ohio and Maryland
respectively, and are remembered by the few pioneers who survive as
energetic and upright citizens. Mr. Barnes died in 1838 and
his widow in 1882. The latter was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and was careful and conscientious in the care of
her six children, three of whom are now living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hershberger eight children have been
born, two of whom - Samuel A. and America, have crossed the river of
death. The survivors are William E., Ada B., Mary F., Mark M.,
Gertie B., and Ernest A. Their father is deeply interested in
their advancement and has given them good advantages, Mary and
Gertie having been especially well schooled. The father is one
of those whose chief interest centers on his family, and Mrs.
Hershberger, although most hospitable and kindly in her associations
with her acquaintances, also believes her home the very center of
the universe as far as her affection and forethought is concerned.
The home is therefore one of the most pleasant associations, and the
sons and daughters are sure of the parental sympathy in every good
thing toward which their tastes lead them.
Mr. Hershberger has served as Supervisor of Goose Creek
Township two terms, was Town Clerk an equal length of time, Assessor
two years and has also been Highway Commissioner. It will thus
be seen that his neighbors have a high opinion of his ability and
honor. He has always been independent in politics. Since
1857 he ahs been a Mason. He is a man of more than ordinary
intelligence, careful and judicious in business ventures, and
thoroughly honorable in all his dealings.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page |
ELIAS HOFFHINES has been a resident of Piatt County for more than twenty
years, and in that time has made a substantial place for himself
among the farmers and stockraisers of this part of Illinois.
He has a farm in Monticello Township pleasantly located on section
26, that is well improved and is under excellent management.
Mr. Hoffhines was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, May 5, 1832.
He was a son of Isaac and Elender Hoffhines, natives of Pennsylvania
and Virginia respectively. His paternal ancestors were of
German origin. His father was twice married and had a large
family of children, of whom the following survive: William, a
resident of Pickaway County; Joseph also a resident of Ohio;
Susannah, wife of Warren Dern of that State;
Isaac, a resident of
Hocking County, Ohio; and Elias.
Our subject lived in his native county until he was
fourteen years old, when he accompanied his parents to Hocking
County where he grew to manhood and where his father and mother
died. When he was about twenty two years old he returned to
Pickaway County, and lived there for several years. He was
first married there to Sarah E. Hoffhines, but she lived only about
seven months afterward. He was subsequently married to Martha
Robeson and to them have come twelve children, of whom the following
survive: Prof. Isaac Hoffhines, a teacher in the Monticello
schools; Zelda, wife of Martin Gale, of Piatt County
Sarah, wife of
Harvey Trotter of Champaign County; Homer, David, Cassius, Daniel,
Mary and Clara. Those deceased are Ratio,
Ezra and Wayne.
Our subject had but few educational advantages but he
gained such knowledge as was afforded by the primitive subscription
school of his younger days. In 1869 he came to Piatt County,
and farmed as a renter for a number of years. He then bought a
farm of eighty acres in Monticello Township, along the line of
Champaign County, and he resided on that until he removed to his
present farm in the spring of 1890. Here he has a quarter
section of land whose soil is of exceptional fertility, and is
admirably adapted to grain growing and stock-raising purposes to
which he devotes it.
Starting out in life a poor man, our subject has placed
himself in comfortable circumstances by his unwearying industry,
thrift and wise economy. He may well be called a self-made
man, and be proud of the fact that all that he is and all that he
has he owes to his own exertions. He has sensible views on all
subjects with which he is familiar, and his political convictions
place him with the Democratic party.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page |
NOTES:
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