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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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JOHN S. MADDEN
is one of the representative farmers of Piatt County and one who has
gained a competence by his well-directed efforts in tilling the
soil. He owns two hundred and fifty-four acres of good land in
Sangamon Township whereon all needful improvements have been made.
That the land is carefully and intelligently cultivated goes without
saying, and that the stock kept is of good breeds and grades and
modern machinery is used in carrying on the work of the estate is
plain to be seen by the most careless observer.
The parents of our subject were John and
Elizabeth (West) Madden, well-known in this
section of Illinois as among the earliest settlers in Sangamon
Township and owners of a large tract of land here. Some notice of
their lives may be found in the biographical sketch of Silas
Madden, on another page in this ALBUM. Their son, of whom we
write, was born in the parental home here, November 1, 1840, and
being reared on a farm naturally adopted his father's calling as his
own. He received his elementary education in the old-fashioned log
schoolhouse in which the subscription school of the pioneer days was
kept, but was able to attend but little after he became old enough
to aid in farm work. He started out in life for himself when
nineteen years old, and from that day to the present, with the
exception of the months spent in the service of his country, has
been closely identified with the agricultural work of the county.
Mr. Madden was married in
February,1866,taking to share in life's fortunes Miss Cynthia
Burton, who was born and reared in Ohio. This congenial union
has resulted in the birth of twelve children, viz: Dora,
Irene, Minnie, Charles, Harris (deceased),
John, William, Perry, Josephine,
Ralph, Olive and Edith. The happy parents are
anxious that their children should fill an honored place among their
fellow-men, and are giving them every possible opportunity to
acquire the knowledge that will fit them for usefulness.
Mr. Madden rendered excellent service as
a soldier in the late Civil War and suffered for two months as a
prisoner of war in the hands of the enemy in Arkansas. He was reared
as a Republican, but for a dozen years has supported the Democratic
party. The worthy son of a father who was a prominent and
influential citizen and a mother whose good qualities were
appreciated by her neighbors, he has the confidence of his
fellow-men who are assured of his reliability and good citizenship.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page |
GEORGE L. MARQUISS
is one of those who are cultivating a portion of the soil of Piatt
County in an intelligent and painstaking manner and reaping a due
reward for their labors. He is a native of Sangamon Township in
which he continues to make his home and opened his eyes to the light
of day, January 31, 1839. His father, John Marquiss,
was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1815, and came to this State
with his parents in 1833, the family settling on the territory now
comprising Piatt County.
The grandfather of our subject, Abraham
Marquiss, entered a large tract of land and his son, upon
reaching manhood, purchased a part of this tract and also made an
entry. He carried on his agricultural pursuits until May 5, 1856,
when he was called from time to eternity. He was a prominent member
of the Masonic order. He had married Harriet P. Mallory, who
was born at Harper's Ferry, Va., in 1818, removed to Ohio and thence
to Illinois. She lived to a goodly age, breathing her last in 1885.
Of her eight children three are now living. Grandfather
Marquiss was a soldier in the War of 1812. He was born in
Virginia in the latter part of the eighteenth century and died in
this State about 1858.
The subject of this biographical notice received his
education in his native county, mostly in the district schools. He
was seventeen years old when his father died and being the eldest of
five children he was called upon to assume the management of the
farm and in other ways take a man's place as his mother's chief
support and assistant. He continued to form a part of the parental
household until 1870 when he established a home of his own. He has
an estate consisting of one hundred and seventy acres of excellent
land in the cultivation of which he finds sufficient occupation for
his time, and use for his powers of observation and judgment. The
estate is supplied with the usual improvements and the family enjoy
many comforts.
The lady who on October 26, 1870, became the wife of
Mr. Marquiss was Miss Olivia Vincent,
who was born near Winchester, Ill., in 1849. Her parents, Enoch
and Catherine (Jones) Vincent, natives of
Delaware, came to this State about 1847 and Mr. Vincent
is still living engaged in the drug trade in Moultrie County. To
Mr. and Mrs. Marquiss seven children have been
born, named respectively, Elmer, Francis, Catherine,
Mary O., Bessie G., Susan E. and
Clara E. The household band has been broken by death, the
only children now living being Mary, Susan and
Clara. In their great affliction the parents have been comforted
by the hope of a happy meeting in a land which death will never
enter.
Mr. Marquiss was engaged in valiant service in his
country's cause from August 13, 1862, until discharged on account of
physical disability. He was a member of the One Hundred and
Seventh Illinois Infantry and received his discharge at Louisville,
Ky. He, as a matter of course, belongs to the Grand Army of
the Republic. He has been a member of the Masonic order for
more than a quarter of a century. In politics he is a stanch
Republican, and he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal
Church, in which they have high standing as they have throughout the
section" in which they live.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page
NOTE:
See 1883, 1903 & 1917 Histories for more on this family. |
JAMES E.
MARQUISS. The representative of a well-known pioneer
family of Piatt County is a prominent young farmer and stockman, of
Goose Creek Twp. He was born here on the old homestead Aug.
25, 1860. His grandfather, Abraham Marquiss
was a Virginian by birth and was born Jan. 5, 1789. He was a
son of William Marquiss who was also a native of
Virginia where his birth occurred Aug. 9, 1766. He emigrated
to Kentucky thence to Cincinnati and finally settled in Pickaway
County, Ohio, as one of its early pioneers and there died.
Abraham Marquiss served as a soldier in the
War of 1812. He accompanied his father to Pickaway County and
assisted him to build a log cabin for the shelter of his family in
the dense forests that then covered the country which were inhabited
only by Indians and wild animals, no white settlers having then
ventured to locate so far in the wilderness. This was shortly
after the settlement of Cincinnati and was prior to 1800. A
farm was cleared up and improved and in time became a valuable
possession in the family.
Abraham Marquiss was married while living in Ohio to
Elizabeth Barnes, in 1809. In 1833 he removed
to this State, journeying hither with his family in wagons with one
team of horses and one of oxen. He was thirty-one days on the
way and after his arrival selected a suitable site for a home on the
banks of Goose Creek in Piatt County. Here he erected the
third cabin that was built on this stream, as the settlers here then
were few and far between, he being among the earliest pioneers of
this county. In that humble home the father of our subject,
Henry Marquiss, was reared to the life of a farmer.
He experienced many of the hardships and inconveniences incidental
to the first settlement of a country. He had not long reached
the meridian of life when he died in 1868, at the age of thirty-nine
years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary J.
Corn, was a native of Ohio and died here in January, 1890,
at the age of fifty-eight years. Seven children were born of
their marriage, of whom five are living.
He of whom we wright laid the foundation of his education in the
public schools. He attended one term at a school in Monticello
and a part of the time in the St. Louis Business College. He
has always lived on the old Marquiss homestead in
Goose Creek Township, with the exception of a few years which he
spent with his parents in Monticello. He owns one hundred and
eighty-one acres of good land which formerly belonged to his father
and is well fitted up with all modern improvements, including a
large frame dwelling and other conveniences. He devotes his
time entirely to his farming and stock-raising interests and is a
young man of exceptional energy and industry, so that though he is
yet in the flush of early manhood he has won for himself an assured
position among his fellow-farmers.
Mr. Marquiss was happily married in 1888 to
Miss Louisa Moore, a native of Piatt County and a daughter
of Caleb and Louisa Moore, of Monticello.
They have established here a home where comfort and hospitality
reign and their household is completed by their little son Henry.
Mr. Marquiss' career has thus far been a credit to
the citizenship of his native county and he is highly thought of by
the people among whom he has always lived and who know him well as a
bright, enterprising young man of excellent habits and good repute.
Socially he is a Knight of Pythias. Politically, he is a
Republican.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page
NOTE:
See 1883, 1903 & 1917 Histories for more on this family. |
WILLIAM McCANN.
All lovers of their country, and especially those who recall the sad
days of the Civil War, will agree in paying a tribute of respect to
every man who has an honorable war record. The simple fact that a
man was willing to give up the pleasures and comforts of his home
life and embark upon the hazardous enterprise of a soldier, is
sufficient to make us look with interest upon him, and when we learn
that his valor was unmistakably shown and his patriotism displayed
in many a hard-fought contest, our admiration and respect are
deepened.
William McCann, of whose history we purpose to give
a brief record, is well known in Piatt County as one of her
enterprising and successful farmers, as a man of strict integrity,
and as an old soldier whose conduct during three years of martial
life was such as to win from his captain a "war diploma." His home
is pleasantly located in Sangamon Township, the substantial dwelling
being accompanied by adequate farm buildings of various kinds, and
the estate comprising two hundred and fifty-five acres of choice
land which owes its present condition to the man who now owns and
occupies it.
Plaza McCann, grandfather of our subject,
was one of the first male children born in Kentucky and spent his
entire life in that State, dying some time in the '30s. Among
the members of his family was a son, Neal, who was born in
Fayette County in 1788, and removed to Shelby County, Ind., in 1822.
The section to which he went was heavily timbered and very sparsely
settled, wild game, such as wolves, panthers, deer, etc., being
still seen in large numbers. He entered land upon which he built a
log cabin, where a few years later the eyes of his son, our subject,
opened to the light. Prior to his death, which occurred in 1834,
Mr. McCann had cleared up forty acres and placed it under
thorough cultivation. He was a consistent member of the Baptist
Church.
Neal McCann married Eliza Young,
who was born in Clark County, Ky., in 1796, and died in California
in 1885 at the venerable age of eighty-nine years. Her father,
James Young, who was born in Virginia, went to Kentucky
in an early day and soon after the removal all the other members of
the family to which he belonged were killed by the Indians. Escaping
the calamity that had befallen his relatives, he lived to the ripe
old age of ninety-two years, dying in the '30s. He served in the
Revolutionary War. Mrs. Eliza McCann became the
mother of ten children, but two of whom are living at this writing.
The subject of this biographical notice was born March
6, 1830, and received but a limited education, his attendance at
school not exceeding three months. The home of his parents was far
distant from the schoolhouse, and during his early boyhood it was
impossible for him to make the long trip except when the weather was
favorable, and even then it was attended with some danger on account
of the density of the forests, wherein wild animals prowled. In
1846, at the age of sixteen years, the lad began working on the
Shelbyville & Edenburg Railroad, and from that time on during three
years, he was busy at railroad work of some kind. He then worked at
odd jobs until he was of age and a few months after reaching his
majority came to Piatt County.
Selecting a tract of land in Sangamon Township Mr.
McCann began the course of steady agricultural effort that
has given him an honorable place among his fellow-craftsmen and
secured to his family many privileges that were unknown to his own
early life. He was accompanied hither by the bride of a few months,
he having been married January 16, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth
Schryock, who was born in Shelby County, Ind., October 20,
1834. She has had many opportunities to display the worth of
her character and the usefulness of her knowledge, both in the cares
of her home and in her association with those about her, and she
occupies as high a place in the regard of the community as does her
companion.
Mr. McCann enlisted in the Union Army
July 13, 1862, and was mustered into the service at Camp Butler
September 4. Among the battles in which he bore an active part were
Huff's Ferry, Campbell Station, Dandridge, Resaca, various battles
around Atlanta during the campaign, Columbus, Spring Hill and
Franklin. At the siege of Knoxville he distinguished himself for
valor and patriotism, and on account of his action there was
presented with the testimonial in which he takes just pride. He was
mustered out of the service June 22, 1865, at Camp Butler, and
discharged July 2. Upon the organization of the company of which he
was a member he was appointed Corporal, an office which he held from
that time on. The only misfortune that befell him other than the
usual privations, was a confinement in the hospital in Marietta for
about two weeks.
To our subject and his good wife nine children have
been born, of whom those now living are Eliza, James,
Ella, Frank, Charles, George and
Joseph. They have been given excellent school privileges, some
having been graduated from the Normal School and others having
attended college. Several of the family are engaged in the
profession of teaching, transmitting to others the valuable
knowledge which they acquired.
Mr. McCann was brought up under
Democratic influences and voted that ticket until 1856, but since
that date has been a Republican. He has served as a delegate to
conventions and is ready to advance the interests of the party by
his expression of opinion and by joining in the local work, but has
not aspired to any office except the minor ones in his immediate
vicinity. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and has been
a Mason since 1854. He has been a Steward and Trustee in the
Methodist Episcopal Church and has also represented the congregation
at various religious meetings. He has the sympathy of his wife in
his religious faith and practice, she belonging to the same church.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page |
Daniel K. McClure.
An honorable place among the farmers and stock-raisers of Piatt
County is by universal consent accorded to the gentleman above
named, who especially identified with the interests of William
Branch Township. His home is on section 34, where he owns
eighty acres of land that is in good condition as regards its
tillage and productiveness, and is supplied with all needful
improvements. Mr. McClure is a young man of
progressive ideas and good business ability, together with an amount
of energy that carries his enterprises for ward rapidly and promises
to greatly increase his prosperity in the future. He is a
native of the State, born in Macon County, May 22, 1853, and is a
son of Samuel and Eliza McClure, of whom
further mention is made in this ALBUM.
The parents of our subject came to Piatt County when he
was but a child and aided in the development of a section that was
not reclaimed from its primitive wildness. He therefore recalls the
days when the houses of the neighbors were few and scattering, and
when much of what may be called pioneer labor was still to be done
in the vicinity of his home. He grew to manhood in the
enjoyment of the public school privileges and under home training
that developed his vigor of mind and body. When in his
twentieth year he entered Bryant & Stratton's Business College at
Springfield and completed the commercial course, receiving his
diploma in due form. He then spent several months as clerk in
a hardware store at Hammond after which he resumed farm work with
the intention of making it his vocation.
June 22, 1885, Mr. McClure married
Mary Rhodes, daughter of Frank and
Hester Rhodes of Piatt County. Mrs.
McClure is an intelligent woman with pleasing manners and that
knowledge of domestic affairs that insures order and comfort in the
home life. She is the mother of one son, Jesse D., who
was born June 8, 1889. The infantile graces of the little lad
add a charm to the home and the parents look hopefully toward his
future. Mr. McClure is a Republican in politics
and possesses a sufficient amount of public spirit to be able and
willing to aid in public enterprises. His career so far in
life has been a successful one and his friends predict a continuance
of the good record.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page 958 |
George E.
McMillen is a member of the firm of Saint & McMillen,
dealers in hardware, agricultural implements, carriages, etc. in the
town of Monticello, Piatt Co. Our subject is a native of Cass
Co., Ind., where he was born Nov. 18, 1849. His father,
Thomas McMillen, was a native of Greenfield, Ross
Co., Ohio, and was there reared and married. After marriage he
moved to Indiana and was a pioneer of Logansport. He bought a
tract of timber land, on which he built a log cabin which was
occupied by his family for a time. He then erected a more
commodious frame house, cleared quite a tract of his land and
resided there until 1856. In that year with his wife and nine
children he came with a team to Illinois, and took up his residence
in Piatt County. Three years later he removed to Hensley
Township, Champaign County, where he bought a tract of improved land
three miles northwest of Champaign. He made his home there
until his eyes were closed in death in 1865.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Mary
Hathaway, and she was born at Ft. Harrison, Ind. Her
father was one of the earliest settlers of Terre Haute, and was
killed at the battle of Tippecanoe. Mrs. McMillen
now makes her home in Monticello.
George E. McMillen of whom we wright, was seven
years old when he came to Illinois with his parents, and he was
reared on a farm in Champaign Co. He commenced to assist his
father at an early age, and after he attained his majority continued
farming on his own account in Champaign County for several years,
making his home with his mother until his marriage. After that
he removed to Piatt Co. and bought a farm in Goose Creek Township,
and for three yeas actively engaged in its management. At the
expiration of that time he came to Monticello and carried on
manufacture of tile and brick until 1888 when he formed a
partnership with Henry H. Saint, and engaged in his
present business. He and his partner carry a good line of
hardware, stoves, agricultural implements, etc., deal extensively in
carriages, wagons and farm machinery, and are conducting a
flourishing business.
Mr.
McMilllen was married in 1876 to Miss Christina
Leatherman, a native of Salem, Ind. They have a cozy
home and three children have been born to them - Willert,
Gertrude and Rolla. Mr. McMillen is
a sterling, wide-awake man, who possesses excellent business
qualifications and stands well among the business men of this
county. He is one of the leading members of the Fraternal
Lodge, No. 58, A. F. & A. M. In politics he is a stanch
Republican.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page 436 |
GEORGE F. MILLER,
a well-known resident of Monticello and formerly Sheriff of Piatt
County, was born on a farm in Carroll County, Ind., October 18,
1831. His grandfather was a pioneer of Montgomery County,
Ohio, and on a farm on the Little Miami River, Stephen A. Miller,
the father of our subject, was born and reared. The latter
removed to Indiana and took up pioneer work in Carroll County.
He bought land now included in the village of Delphi, lived upon it
a short time, then bought wild land three miles from town and put up
a log house in which our subject was born. After some years'
residence there the father sold out and after a short sojourn in
Dayton went to White County, which was his home until after the
death of his wife. He then came to Monticello and spent the
remnant of his days with his son George. The mother of our
subject, formerly Julia A Fortune, was a daughter of George and
Margaret Fortune and a native of Pennsylvania.
The early life of George F. Miller was spent on a farm
in the ordinary alternation of study, play and work. When
twenty-two years old he began to learn the trade of a carpenter,
which he followed in his native State until 1858. He then came
to Monticello, Ill., and continued his handicraft here until 1861,
when he entered the army. He was enrolled July 10, in Company
F, Second Illinois Cavalry, and in January, 1864, veteranized,
continuing to lead a soldier's life until January 1866, when he was
honorably discharged. Among the most important battles in
which he participated were Bolivar, Holly Springs, Port Gibson,
Raymond, Champion Hills and the siege and capture of Vicksburg.
After his brave career as a defender of the Union Mr. Miller
returned to Monticello and followed his trade three years, at the
expiration of which time he engaged in business as a merchant.
He continued this career until 1884 since which time he has mostly
been in public service.
The marriage of Mr. Miller and Miss Nellie J.
Russel, a
native of Anderson, Ind., was solemnized at the bride's home in
1858, and has been blessed by the birth of two children - Ida N. and
Anna B. Mr. Miller is a sturdy Republican and was nominated on
the ticket of his party for Sheriff and elected to that office in
1886 for a term of four years. He is identified with the
Franklin Post No. 256, G. A. R., Fraternal Lodge No. 58, F. & A. M.,
and Markwell Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M. He has been an
efficient officer, an honorable business man and a reliable citizen,
and as such is duly respected.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page |
|
GEORGE
MILLER.
In the death of Mr. Miller, Piatt County lost a good citizen,
who, though he had not long been a resident of this part of the
State, had already gained an assured place among its substantial
farmers and stock-raisers. He was the proprietor of a fine
farm in Blue Ridge Township, which was under admirable tillage and
was well improved. Mr. Miller was a native of Somerset County,
N. J., where his birth occurred May 30, 1831. His parents were
George and Sarah (Duham) Miller. His father was born in
England in 1798 and emigrated to America at the age of twenty-one
years. He settled in New Jersey and passed the remainder of
his life in this country, dying in his eightieth year in 1878.
His wife departed this life in 1864. They were people who were
well thought of in their neighborhood, and were active in religious
Episcopal Church, and she being a stanch Presbyterian. In 1845
the Millers became pioneers of Fulton County, Ill. Our subject
was then a boy of fourteen years. He was reared on a farm and
was educated in the common schools, which in his day did not afford
very good advantages for an education.
When our subject was twenty-one years old he began his
career as a farmer on his own account, and in due time by diligent
and unwearying labor he secured a competency. He removed to
Piatt County in 1876 and settled on land which he had purchased two
years before in Blue Ridge Township. His homestead was a tract
of wild prairie when he located upon it, and in the years that were
spared to him he made many fine improvements and greatly increased
the value of his farm. In the midst of his usefulness death
stayed his hand and when scarcely past the prime of life he was
called upon to give it up May 13, 1879, on the very day that he was
forty-eight years old. His death was a sad blow to his family
and the removal of so good a citizen was felt to be a great loss to
his community and to the interests of his township. He was
strictly moral an upright in his habits and was a valued member of
the Baptist Church in which he had been associated since he was
twenty-six years old. In him the Democratic party found one of
its most honest and earnest supporters. Mr. Miller merited and
received the esteem of all with whom he came in contact either in a
social or business way. He began life with limited means, but
his industry and close attention to his duties brought their due
reward.
Our subject was very fortunate in the married life upon
which he entered Oct. 11, 1859, with Miss Christiana Kline.
Mrs. Miller is a native of Franklin Co., Pa., and was born March 16,
1838. She is the daughter of John M. and Elizabeth (Hawker)
Kline, natives respectively of Maryland and Pennsylvania. They
were among the pioneers of Fulton County, to which they came in
1854. They located upon a farm and there the father was
actively engaged in his occupation until his death in 1864, at the
age of seventy-one years. The mother died in 1885, at the
venerable age of eighty-seven years. They were fine Christian
people and members of the German Baptist Church. Of their ten
children six are now living. To our subject and his wife were
born the following five children: Susan E., wife of Flem. T.
Osborn, a farmer living near Osborn; Lizzie B., wife of
George D.
Brown, a farmer in Blue Ridge Township; Frank L.,
Clara A. and George S., the three latter of whom are at home with their mother.
Mrs. Miller is an active, capable woman an excellent
housewife and a good manager. After her husband's death she
assumed the management of the farm and under her skillful
supervision it is one of the most productive and desirable estates
in this vicinity. It comprises two hundred and thirteen acres
of good land and is amply provided with neat buildings and all the
necessary machinery to operate is successfully. Mrs. Miller is
a woman of a kind disposition and possesses of her attributes of
character that make her respected by all who know her, and is a
member of the German Baptist Church.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page |
JACOB R.
MITCHELL, a well-known resident of Hammond, is
connected with the agricultural interests of Piatt County, as the
owner of a large farm in Unity Township, from the rental of which he
derives a good income. Mr. Mitchell was born in Pickaway
County, Ohio, January 1, 1859. When he was quite young his
parents Jacob and Mary Mitchell, who were of German descent, came to
Piatt County, and died not long after settling here. They had
five children named as follows: William, John,
Joseph, George
and our subject. Thus sadly bereaved of a father's and
mother's care, he of whom we write was reared to manhood by
James R. Brown, of whom see sketch on another page of this volume.
Mr. Mitchell grew to manhood upon a farm and has made
agriculture his chief business, having acquired a thorough practical
knowledge of the calling in his youth. The most of his life has been
passed in Piatt County, and sine 1887, he has lived at Hammond.
He is a large land owner, his possessions including three hundred
and twenty acres of land in Unity Township, the most of which he
rents, and besides his farms he owns two houses and eight lots in
the thriving village of Hammond. Thus it will be seen that he
has been prospered in his life work, for although still a young man,
he has acquired a fine property. In politics he believes in
the principles of the Democratic party, and supports the candidates
who are pledged to uphold those principles. His reputation is
excellent, both in social and financial circles.
A very important event in the life of Mr. Mitchell, was
his marriage, solemnized at Hammond, May 21, 1882, when Miss Delitha
B. Ponder became his wife. To them have been born three
children, namely: Bertha E., born Feb. 13, 1885; James H., March 11,
1887; and Jacob Marcus, Mar. 6, 1889.
Mrs. Mitchell was born in Tennessee, Nov. 13, 1859, and
is a daughter of Joseph P. Ponder, a prominent citizen of this
county, who is now living in retirement in Unity Township. He
was born in North Carolina, May 22, 1816, and there he grew to
manhood and was married Dec. 14, 1837, to Miss Matilda
Radford, who
was also a native of North Carolina, born Mar. 8, 1820. They
passed the early years of their wedded life in their native State,
whence they subsequently removed to Tennessee, and there they lived
about ten years. From there they went to Kentucky, and spent
six years in Clay County, that State. In 1864 they came to
Piatt County, Ill., and located in Unity Township, where they have
since made their home. Mr. Ponder followed agricultural
pursuits during his active live, but has not retired from former
enterprises, and he and his wife are passing their declining years
in their home at Hammond, in the enjoyment of the fruits of their
early labors.
Mr. and Mrs. Ponder have been greatly blest in their
wedded life by the birth of eight children, as follows:
Sophronia J., Naomi, Verlancia C., James, John, Delitha, Marcena L.,
and one that died in infancy. The parents are people of true
Christian worth, and are members in high standing of the Missionary
Baptist Church, to which their children also belong.
We invite the attention of our readers to the
lithographic portraits of Mr. Mitchell and his wife, presented in
this connection. This young couple enjoy the friendship of a
large circle, and are remembered among the most refined and cultured
people in the county.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page |
JAMES R. MITCHELL has been engaged in farming
and raising stock in Piatt County since 1882, and has gained an
assured position among the successful members of his class in
Monticello Township, where his interests are located. He is a
native of Franklin County, Ohio, and was there born June 8, 1837.
His parents, William and Mary (Reed) Mitchell, were natives
of Pennsylvania. His great-grandfather Mitchell was a
native of Ireland, and his maternal ancestors were also of Irish
origin.
William Mitchell was a young man when he left
the home of his birth and accompanied his parents to the wilds of
Franklin County, Ohio, of which they were early settlers.
there he made his home several years until his son, our subject, was
sixteen years old, when he came with his family to McLean County,
Ill. He and his wife subsequently removed to Fairbury, and
there spent their remaining days. They were the parents of the
following eight children: Mary J., wife of Leroy
Ferris of McLean County; Elizabeth D., who lives in
Fairbury; David M., a resident of McLean County; Samuel R.
of Piatt County; Sarah, lives in Kansas; James R.; Hannah,
wife of Daniel R. Potter, of Kansas; and Lurinda, wife
of Dr. E. Holderness, of Chenoa, Ill.
James Mitchell was bred to the life of a farmer
and received his education in the pioneer schools of his day.
He was married in Woodford County, this State, in November, 1867, to
Mrs. Maria Little, a native of West Virginia and a daughter
of the late Lewis Lane of McLean County. Mrs.
Mitchell at the time of her marriage with our subject was the
widow of Charles Little, formerly of McLean County, who was a
soldier during the late Civil War and was killed in battle. To
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have been born three children of whom
but one is living - James C. the names of those
deceased are William and Henry. By her first
marriage Mrs. Mitchell had one daughter - Mary.
Our subject and his wife spent the first years of
their wedded life in Woodford County and then settled near Fairbury
where they lived eight years. At the expiration of that time
they took up their residence in McLean County and lived there a
number of years. In 1882 they came to Piatt County and located
in their present place of residence. Mr. Mitchell has
eight acres of land on section 18, which he has improved with his
own hand. Its soil is well cultivated, its buildings are neat
and convenient and the place wears an air of thrift, giving evidence
of care in its management.
Mr. Mitchell is practically a self-made man, as
he has acquired his property mainly by hard work, seconded by
foresight and shrewd and careful dealing. He justly attributes
a part of his success, however, to the aid he has received from his
wife, who has ever been to him a cheerful and ready helper.
They are among the most zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Monticello which he has served as Steward. He
is a decided Democrat in his political sentiments and he aims to do
all that he can to improve and elevate his community.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page 772 |
JOHN B. MITCHELL
is one of the young farmers and stock-growers of Piatt County.
He has displayed an intelligent enterprise in the prosecution of his
calling and his farm on section 10, Willow Branch Township, shows
the effect of his excellent management. He is a native of Ross
County, Ohio, born Dec. 9, 1856. Jacob and Mary Mitchell,
his parents were born in Germany. When he was nine years old,
they came from Ohio to Piatt County, and settled in Willow Branch
township, where the father and mother died. They were the
parents of five children: William F., a resident of
Milmine; John B.; Jacob, who lives in Hammond, Ill.,
and Joseph and George who reside in Jewell County,
Kan.
He of whom we write passed the most of his boyhood and
youth in Piatt County, where he was reared to the life of a farmer.
He was educated in the public schools of Ohio and Illinois, and
since leaving school has extended his knowledge by careful reading.
He was a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Willow Branch
Township, which is under excellent cultivation and is provided with
a good residence and other improvements. His good fortune is
the reslt of constant attention to his business together with
sagacious foresight and a capacity for well-directed labor.
The marriage of our subject with Cynthia Hardisty
was consummated Jan. 13, 1877. Mrs. Mitchell was born
in Pickaway Co., Ohio, Jan. 11, 1857, and is a daughter of James
and Mary J. (Warren) Hardisty, natives of Ohio. Her
maternal ancestors were of mixed French and Irish blood and she was
the only child. When Mrs. Mitchell was three years old
the father died, and when she was twelve years old she and other
members of the family came to Piatt County and here her mother
married William Kennedy. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy moved to
Kansas and there Mrs. Kennedy died Jan. 8, 1889, leaving two
children: Charles, a resident of De Witt County, and
Adam, who lives in Wilson County, Kan. Mr. and Mrs.
Mitchell have one son, named Wade H., who was born Jan.
15, 1881.
Mr. Mitchell is endowed with sound
understanding, decision of character and other fine mental traits
that have enabled him to make his own way in the world without the
adventitious aids of fortune and he has a promising career before
him in his work. He is a devoted adherent of the Republican
party and is interested in all political matters. As a loyal
citizen he is desirous to promote that best interests of his
township, and in the office of School Director he has helped to
forward the cause of education here.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page 351 |
LYLE A. MOORE came to Piatt County in the opening years of a
stalwart manhood and since then has been identified with its
agricultural interest as a skillful practical farmer in Bement
Township. He is a native of Guernsey County, Ohio, where his
birth occurred September 8, 1847. His parents were Thomas
and Mary (Redd) Moore, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and
Ohio. The father was a farmer by occupation and was a pioneer
of Ohio, where he passed his remaining years dying at a ripe age in
1883. After the death of the father, the mother came to Bement
Township on a visit to our subject, was taken sick and in about two
weeks her death occurred in July, 1886. She was the mother of
twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, and our subject was
the fourth child of this large family.
Mr. Moore's early life was passed in his native
place till he attained the age of twenty-three years. Then
wisely thinking that he could better his fortunes by carrying on the
calling to which he had been bred - that of a farmer, in the Prairie
State - he came here and located on a quarter of section 16, Bement
Township, which he purchased at that time. He has been a
resident here ever since, with the exception of a few months spent
in Iowa and Ohio. He has succeeded well in agricultural
pursuits, and has a farm that compares favorably with the best in
its vicinity. It is supplied with a good set of neat and
conveniently arranged buildings and its land is under admirable
tillage. Our subject took part in the late war as a member of
Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Ohio Regiment, enlisted
in April, 1864, and was stationed at Gallipolis, Ohio, a period of
four months.
The marriage of our subject to Miss Etta Shoemaker,
a native of Ohio, was celebrated in Bement Township, September
28, 1876. Their wedded life has been one of mutual benefit and
happiness and has brought to them two sons whom they have named
Charles T. and Wilber I. Mr. and Mrs Moore have a
cozy home that is rendered attractive to their many friends by their
cordial hospitality. Mr. Moore is a man who is alive to
the interests of his township and seeks in every way to promote
them. He is especially concerned in educational matters and
has held the office of School Director and of School Trustee.
He has sound views upon political matters and gives the Republican
party his support.
Mrs. Moore's father is a farmer by occupation,
and was one of the pioneers of Ohio. Her parents now reside in
Monticello Township; they have five children living and one
deceased.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page |
ROBERT MURPHY. An assured position among the farmers of Piatt
County is that held by Robert Murphy, who is
successfully prosecuting his calling on section 32, Unity Township.
His estate is sufficiently large to afford him abundant occupation
for mind and body, and to furnish the means with which to secure all
the comforts of life and make some provision for his declining
years. It consists of one hundred and twenty acres which the owner
has supplied with good improvements, including all necessary
outbuildings, a comfortable dwelling, and the minor conveniences and
attractions of a farm home. On every part of the estate the
evidences of intelligent management may be seen, and the
surroundings of the residence indicate the presence of refined
womanhood and her controlling hand in the household economy.
The birth of Mr. Murphy took place in Macoupin County,
this State, February 15, 1844, his parents being Robert P.
and Mary Ann (Clark) Murphy. The father
was born in Kentucky and died at his home in this State, February
22,1847. The mother, who was born in Tennessee, survives, her
present home being in Texas. The parental family consists of five
children, our subject being the third in order of birth. Deprived of
his father's care in early childhood, Robert Murphy
owes to his mother's counsel and influence all that is best in his
character and habits. His early life to the age of about thirteen
years was spent on a farm in his native county and be then came to
Piatt County, living in Cerro Gordo Township until December, 1874.
At that date he located where he has continued to live, in Unity
Township.
The graces of mind and heart and the pleasing manners
of Miss Mary A. Barber won the deep regard of Mr.
Murphy and his wooing proving successful, she became his wife
April 7, 1870. She was born in Madison County, this State, October
31, 1854, and is the fourth in a family of nine children. Her
parents, Lyman and Elizabeth Ann (Judy)
Barber, are now living at Pierson Station. They are natives
respectively of Rhode Island and Madison County, Ill. Mr. and
Mrs. Murphy have had six children, who are named
respectively, James A., George L., Charles R.,
Etta F., Walter L. and Jesse E., Etta F. was
cut down by the reaper, death, when ten months old.
Mr. Murphy is a reliable and
public-spirited citizen, interested in whatever will promote the
welfare of his fellow-men and ready at all times to lend his aid to
worthy enterprises, though never desirous of making himself
conspicuous. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife belong
to the Baptist Church, have high standing in that religious body,
and are regarded with great respect by all to whom their characters
and lives are known.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page |
WILLIAM
MUTHERSBAUGH is one of Bement's active business men,
dealing in live stock and fresh and salt meats. He was
formerly associated with his father upon whose death he succeeded to
the entire business, in the control of which he is manifesting an
energetic spirit and a judicious understanding of business methods
and the avenues of trade in which success may be won. He is
the third in a family of five children, his brothers and sisters
being Adeline (now the wife of William Hale), James Harvey and
Mary,
wife of William Devore.
The late Jacob Muthersbaugh, father of our subject, was
a native of Mifflin County, Pa., whence he came to Bement in 1862.
For a time he was engaged in various occupations but for some years
prior to his demise had operated a meat market. He laid aside
the cares of earth and entered into rest February 19, 1890. He
had been bereft of his faithful companion in September, 1876.
She was a native of the same county as himself and bore the maiden
name of Mary Jane Bell.
The birthplace of our subject was Lewistown, Pa., and
his natal day April 4, 1859. He was therefore but a child when
he took up his abode in Bement, of which he has been a resident
since, with the exception of about two years when he was located in
Nebraska. During his boyhood and youth he enjoyed the usual
school privileges and laid the foundation for a useful career.
About 1880 he engaged in business with his father, the firm being
known as Jacob Muthersbaugh & Son. As before stated he
succeeded to the business and now in addition to carrying on a meat
market buys and ships live stock quite extensively. His market
is well located and is kept up in first-class shape. Mr. Muthersbaugh is doing a good business and enjoys the confidence and
esteem of his fellow townsmen and all with whom he has dealings.
He is financially solid, owning considerable valuable property.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album
of DeWitt and Piatt Counties, Illinois,
Publ.
Chicago: Chapman Bros.,
1891~ Page |
NOTES:
* Picture
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