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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:
Past and Present of Piatt County, Illinois
together with biographical sketches of many
prominent and influential citizens.
Publ.:
Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
1903
| Jacob Oaks |
Frederick Adolph
Odernheimer, The German
element in our American citizenship has been of the utmost
importance. The sons of the fatherland have come to the new
world, bringing with them the knowledge of business methods in the
old country. They have readily adapted themselves to the
conditions found in America, and improving opportunities have worked
their way upward to positions of prominence here, but not only have
they attained individual success, but have also labored for the
welfare of the various communities in which they have made their
home. Frederick A. Odernheimer is a worthy representative of
the fatherland, and has become a leading farmer of Piatt county, his
home being on section 12, Monticello township. He was born in
Wiesbaden, Germany, on the 31st of March, 1857, a son of Frederick
and Marian (Rudder) Odernheimer. Far back can the ancestry of
the family be traced. There is an account of the lineage on
the paternal side back to 1200, while on the maternal line the
subject of this review is descended from Sir Miles Patrick, who
flourished in 1099. The father of our subject was born at
Wiesbaden in 1808, and spent his entire life in that place, his
death occurring on the 12th of December, 1885, when he was
seventy-eight years of age. His wife, who was born at Sydney,
New South Wales, Australia, passed away in 1863.
Mr. Odernheimer, whose name introduces this review,
obtained his early education in the common schools of his native
place, where he pursued his studies until nine years of age.
He then entered what is known as a gymnasium, where he pursued a
course equivalent to a high school course in America. At the
age of sixteen years he put aside his text-books and entered the
navy as a cadet, being thus engaged with the military service of the
country for five years. Successfully passing an examination
which made him a lieutenant, he served in that capacity for a short
time or until he was obliged to leave the navy on account of failing
eyesight. He then determined to try his fortune in the new
world, and in February, 1881, he sailed for the United States,
locating first near Austin, Texas, where he acted as deputy sheriff
of the county and also as deputy United States Marshall for five
years. In 1886 he arrived in Illinois, going first to
Mansfield, and in that locality he purchased a farm which he
continued to operate until 1890. On selling his property he
purchased eighty acres of land five miles east of Monticello, to
which he removed. He has since made excellent improvements
upon the property, placing three hundred rods of tiling upon the
land, building new fences, a commodious and substantial barn and
other outbuildings. He has also planted an orchard which is
now returning a good yield. He feeds annually quite a number
of hogs for the market, and he also keeps on hand a number of milch
cows. He makes a specialty of the production of the production
of corn, oats and clover and he also has rich pastures lands.
This farm was purchased in 1890 for forty-seven dollars, but because
of the many improvements he has placed upon it and because of the
rise in land values it is today worth at a low figure one hundred
and twenty-five dollars per acre. Mr. Odernheimer is a
progressive agriculturist and the methods which he follows in
carrying on his work have brought to him excellent success in his
undertakings.
In Austin, Texas, in 1884, Mr. Odernheimer was united
in marriage to Miss Sarah Buchanan, of marriage to
Miss Sarah Buchanan, of Mansfield, Illinois, who died at Champaign, this state,
in the year 1886, leaving a daughter, Virginia Frances, who is now
at home. She has completed the common-school course and
expects in the year 1903 to become a student in the Illinois
University. On the 10th of August, 1887, in Monticello,
Illinois, Mr. Odernheimer was again married, his second union being
with Charlotte Jane Baird, a daughter of William
and Marie Baird, of
Circleville, Ohio. Three children were born of this union, but
all died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Odernheimer is a stalwart
Republican, and takes a very active and influential part in the work
of the party. He has served as a committeeman of Monticello
township for six years, being chairman for three years, and for
three years he has also been a member of the county central
committee, acting as its chairman for two years. He is
likewise a member of the executive committee of the Illinois
Republican State League Club, and is chairman of the Monticello
League Club. He keeps well informed on the questions and
issues of the day, thus being able to give an intelligent support to
the party and his labors in its behalf have been effective and
far reaching. He is now acting as government crop reporter for
Monticello township and is secretary for the Piatt County Farmers'
Institute. Fraternally, Mr. Odernheimer is connected with the
Modern Woodmen of America and is now venerable consul of Monticello
Camp, No. 346. He also belongs to Fraternity Lodge, No. 58, F.
& A. M., of Monticello and Markwell Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M., while
his wife is connected with the Order of the Eastern Star. He
and his wife and his daughter are all members of the First Methodist
Episcopal church and are people of the highest respectability,
having the warm regard of many friends. The hope that led Mr.
Odernheimer to seek a home in America has been more than realized,
for here he has gained an excellent competence and has won the
friendship and regard of a large majority of those with whom he has
been brought in contact. His business affairs have been so
capably managed that they have returned to him a splendid income,
and his methods have ever been above question. Keen and
clear-headed, always busy, always careful and conservative in
financial matters, moving slowly and surely in every transaction, he
has kept in the steady progress which invariably reaches an
objective point. The story of his advancement should inspire
all young men who read the history of his life with a truer esteem
of the value and sure rewards of character. |
William Parker.
The diversified wants of man afford an interesting study to one of
philosophic mind, and even a cursory view of the business streets of
a town will give many illustrations of the tact and enterprise which
takes advantage of these wants and derive therefrom a thriving
trade. In Bement a good place in which to study character
would be the agricultural implement warehouse of William Parker, as
there one will see many customers, and be able to note the
distinguishing characteristics, not only of the proprietor, but of
his patrons. Mr. Parker handles a full line line of the tools
needed by our farmers, and has secured a good run of custom, being
the leading dealer in his line in the place.
Mr. Parker was born in Harrison County, Ohio.
September 4, 1821, and spent the early years of his life on a farm.
In 1830 his father removed to Wyandotte County, where he first
received wages for farm work, his remuneration being $3 per month.
When twelve years old he worked in a brick yard, receiving $3 per
month and his board. In the meantime he pursued the studies
which were taught in the common schools and making use of his
theoretical knowledge by his early start in business, he became more
thorough even than would have been the case had he spent his time
entirely in school.
When nineteen years old Mr. Parker learned the trade of
a wagon-maker in the village of Crawfordsville, serving an
apprenticeship of about two years, after which he carried on the
business for himself. He continued his occupation in
Crawfordsville until 1854, when he determined to remove farther West
and in October located in Piatt County. For about four years
he occupied a farm north of Monticello, bordering on the Sangamon
River, and then came to Bement and resumed his former business.
He was obliged to go to Chicago for a small stock of lumber with
which to begin his manufactory. After having labored at his
trade some thirty years, Mr. Parker determined to abandon it, and in
the spring of 1888 turned his entire attention to the sale of
agricultural implement. For about three years prior to that
time he had been selling them on a small scale and it was a
comparatively easy matter to work up an excellent trade.
At the head of the household economy in the home of Mr.
Parker is a lady who was known some years since as Miss Mary A. Sipple. She is a native of Stark County, Ohio, but at the time
of her marriage to our subject was residing in Seneca County.
She understands well the household arts which tend to home comfort
and has been faithful to the interests of her husband and devoted to
the welfare of her children. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have five
sons and daughters, named respectively: Artemus F., Arvilla,
Edmund A., Abigail and Alice. One of them awaits the parents
beyond the river of death, Abigail having died in Ohio when about
six weeks old. Arvilla is the wife of George Motherspaw.
The principles advocated by Republican speakers and
laid down in the Republican platform find an earnest supporter in
Mr. Parker. He has been a member of the village board and
served efficiently, being one of those progressive men who believe
in public improvements and think fund well spent that add to the
appearance of a town. He and his good wife are members in good
standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church and throughout the
community are regarded with respect. |
Aaron
Peck occupies an honorable position among the progressive
and public-spirited farmers and stock-growers of Piatt County.
He is a leader among the farmers of Willow Branch Township were he
has a valuable farm on section 32. He is a native of Pickaway
County, Ohio, and was there born Jan. 13, 1835. His parents
were Adonijah and Mary (Ater) Peck, natives respectively of Virginia
and Ohio. They were among the pioneers of Piatt County,
whither they came from the Buckeye State in 1838 settling in Willow
Branch Township where our subject now resides. The family
experienced many hardships and trials in their new pioneer home and
lived a life of self-denial and sacrifice, until they became more
comfortably situated. When our subject was a lad he had to go
as far as Perryville, and even to Covington, Ind., to get grist
ground, and to obtain other articles for family use.
The parents of our subject had nine children of whom
eight are living: Mary, wife of Cyrus Widick of Piatt County;
Peter, who lives in Cerro Gordo Township; Aaron David, a resident of
Missouri; Catherine, Mrs. Taylor a widow, living in Piatt County;
Emily, Mrs. Griswold, a widow living in Moultrie County;
Miranda, a
resident of Piatt County; Daniel, who lives in Ohio; and Sarah J.,
deceased, she having been the first born child of the family.
The father departed this life in 1859. The mother is still
living in the home left her by her husband; is now in her
eighty-first year and is subject to the infirmities of old age.
She is one of the oldest pioneers still living in Willow Branch
Township.
Aaron Peck, of whom we write, was bred to a stalwart
manhood, in the pioneer home of his parents. Being scarcely
more than an infant when he was brought to Piatt County, he grew up
with it, as it were, and has not only witnessed much of its
development, but has taken an active-hand in bringing about the
wondrous change from a wilderness to a well-settled and flourishing
farming country. His education was conducted in the
subscription schools of his youth, which did not offer many
advantages but he has since made up for early deficiencies in
learning by experience, observation and reading.
Mr. Peck has one hundred and sixty acres of farming
land that is of superior fertility and productiveness. He has
shown great skill and practicality in the management of it, and is
constantly increasing its value by the good improvements that he
places upon it. He is a man of independent thought and
character, whose geniality and courtesy make him popular with all
with whom he associates, and have gained for him hosts of friends.
He is well versed in pioneer history and takes great pride in his
township and county. In his political sentiments he is a
decided Democrat and uses his influence in the interests of his
party in this locality. |
Abram
Peck a leading farmer and stock-raiser of Willow Branch
Township, is well-known throughout the entire limits of Piatt
County, where he has made his home for more than fifty years, and he
enjoys in an unusual degree the confidence and esteem of all who
have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
Mr. Peck was born in Ross County, Ohio, July 27, 1824. He is
a son of Enoch and Elizabeth (Ater) Peck, natives of Virginia.
His paternal ancestors were Hollanders. His maternal ancestors
are supposed to have been Germans. Three Ater brothers, uncles
of the mother of our subject fought in the War of 1812. In the
fall of 1839 the Peck family came to Piatt County, which then formed
a part of Macon County and became pioneers of Willow Branch
Township. Enoch Peck purchased a tract of wild prairie land
and in time became quite prominent in the county as he was public
spirited and progressive. He served as County Commissioner
under the old law and also as Justice of the Peace. He was in
early life an old-line Whig. He later joined the Republican
party and remained true to its principles until death. It is a
singular fact that he was the only Republican of eight brothers, the
other seven being straight Democrats, as was their father before
them. The father of our subject died in October, 1869, leaving
behind him an honorable record as a man, as a pioneer and as a
citizen.
Mr. Peck was the father of ten children, of whom eight
are living, namely: Abram, our subject; Rebecca, wife of
George Matsler, of Texas; George; John; Monroe; Charity, the widow
of Mr. Crook, of Milmine, this county; Elizabeth, wife of
Austin Durham of Macon County; Henry; James, and one other are deceased.
Abram Peck was reared under pioneer influences
principally in Piatt County, as he was but a small boy when the
family came here. When they located in the county, there were
then but two houses in Monticello, one a log cabin and the other a
rude frame building, and the county itself was but thinly inhabited
and had been but little improved. The schoolhouse in which
our subject obtained the rudiments of an education was a log cabin,
with a puncheon floor and puncheon hewed for seats and writing
desks, which were held up by means of wooden pegs projecting from
the wall. After starting out in life on his own account, our
subject obtained a valuable helpmate in the person of Miss Catherine
West, to whom he was wedded September 15, 1844. Mrs.
Peck was
born in Pickaway County, Ohio, March 24, 1828. Her parents,
John and Eleanor West, were pioneers of Piatt County, coming to
Willow Branch Township in 1835 and residing here until death, Mr.
West dying in 1871.
Mr. Peck has always followed farming and he and his
wife own two hundred and nine acres of choice land on sections 29
and 34, Willow Branch Township. Here they have built up an
attractive home whose hospitality is noted far and wide. Mr.
Peck has his land under fine tillage and has placed an excellent
class of improvements upon it, so that it is among the most valuable
estates in its vicinity.
To Mr. and Mrs. Peck have been born several children,
of whom these survive: Cyrus; George; Mary, wife of
David
Zimmerman; Etta, Millard, Abraham L., Rodolphus C., Lewis G. and
Charles E. The deceased children are William, Samantha,
Alice,
and one who died in infancy.
Mr. Peck began his career as a farmer on rented land
and finally settled on a farm of his own. He and his wife are
among the few pioneers of Willow Branch Township now living within
its limits and they have witnessed much of its growth and talk
interestingly of their experiences of pioneer hardships. Mr.
Peck has borne an honorable part in the public life of the county,
which he served six years as Coroner and he was the first duly
elected clerk of Willow Branch Township, which office he held three
years. He has also been Assessor and Collector of the
township. Politically he stands with the Republicans and is a
stanch defender of Republican principles. He is also
identified with the Farmers Mutual Benefit Association. His
liberality and public spirit have contributed to advance the welfare
of the county and the sterling integrity and honesty in business
matters that have been characteristic of his life make him a worthy
example for the young men of today who are just starting out in
life. Mrs. Peck shares with her husband the regard in which he
is held by the entire community, and in her the Christian Church
finds one of its most exemplary members. |
James
Peck. In the death of this gentleman Aug. 27, 1888,
Piatt County suffered the loss of one of her native-born sons, who
had become an important factor in sustaining and extending her great
agricultural interests. A life-long resident of Willow Branch
Township, he was long associated with its leading farmers and had
improved a fine farm within its borders.
Mr. Peck was born Dec. 22, 1846 and was a son of
Enoch
and Elizabeth Peck, of whom further mention is made in the sketch of
Abram Peck on another page of this
Biographical Album. He was reared on a farm and early selected
that calling for his life work. He obtained his education in
the public schools of his native township, and was a well-qualified
business man. He was an active worker and devoted himself
strictly to improving his farm, which he left to his heirs in a good
condition. It comprises one hundred and forty-seven acres of
excellent farming land, which is mostly under cultivation, and is
supplied with suitable buildings. Here his family have a
comfortable home and the farm is under good management.
Mr. Peck was married Dec. 12, 1872, to Miss
Emma Campbell who was to him all that a devoted wife could be, and is
highly respected by all around her. Mrs. Peck is a native of
Carroll County, Ind., and was born July 24, 1846. She is a
daughter of the late James D. and Lucinda P. (Moore) Campbell.
Mrs. Campbell is now living in Emporia, Kan., and has attained the
venerable age of three score years and ten. Mrs. Peck is
identified with the Christian Church and is an active worker in the
society.
The marriage of our subject and his amiable wife was
blessed to them by the birth of five children, of whom these three
are living - L. J., Lillie M. and Justin H. Mrs.
Jane Peck,
widow of the late Enoch Peck, an early settler of Piatt County,
resides with the family. She came to this county in 1857 and
has since lived here.
Mr. Peck, our subject, was well and favorably known
throughout the county. He was a liberal, broad-minded man and
was always pleasant and obliging in his intercourse with others, so
that during his life he contracted a strong friendship with many who
sincerely mourn his death with his bereaved family. He was
happy in his domestic relations, and was a considerate husband and a
kind father. Though not a church member he was a generous
contributor toward all religious objects and was glad to see the
churches prosper. His fellow-citizens having full confidence
in his integrity and capability, called him to responsible offices,
and he had served as Township Collector for two years, and as School
Director of his district. Politically he was a Republican. |
John Peck,
the son of a pioneer of Piatt County, is now assisting in carrying
on the extensive agricultural interests of the county, owning and
managing a good farm on section 16, Willow Branch Township. He
was a volunteer soldier in the late war in which he did honorable
service. Mr. Peck was born in Ross County, Ohio, Dec. 29,
1833. His parents were Enoch and Elizabeth (Ater) Peck, of
whom further mention is made in the sketch of Abram Peck, which will
be found on another page of this volume. Our subject was a lad
of six years when he came with his parents to Piatt County, and here
he was reared in their pioneer home, being one of a large family of
children of whom these survive: Abram, George, John, Monroe,
Henry; Rebecca, wife of George Matshler; Charity, wife of J. M.
Crook; and Elizabeth wife of Austin Durham.
Mr. Peck had to perform much pioneer work in his youth
and broke prairie with four yoke of oxen and an old fashioned wooden
moldboard plow. His education was gained in the early
subscription schools of the county, which were conducted in log
houses with puncheon floor, slab benches that had wooden legs and a
plank was used for a writing desk. After his marriage in 1863,
he settled on his present farm and has lived here ever since, with
the exception of a few months spent in Missouri. He has one
hundred and eighteen acres of land, which is exceptionally well
tilled, and has upon it many good improvements, which make it a very
desirable piece of property. The reader's attention is
directed to a view of this fine farm on another page.
We should do our subject injustice if we omitted his
war record. He enlisted Dec. 13, 1861, in Company D,
Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry, and took part in several important
engagements. He fought at Shiloh, helped to capture Ft.
Donelson, and faced the enemy on other memorable battlefields.
The privation and suffering that he had to undergo while in the army
undermined his naturally strong constitution, and he was honorably
discharged on account of disability in August, 1862.
Nov. 26 ,1863, was the date of the marriage of Mr. Peck
with Maria Crawford, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio.
She was born August 30, 1848, to George and Rebecca (Rambo)
Crawford, natives respectively of Delaware and Pennsylvania.
Her father was of Irish ancestry and her mother of German lineage.
They were the parents of ten children of whom these eight survive;
Eliza, wife of J. H. Johnson of Pickaway County; June, wife of
Thomas Martin of Indiana; Allen, a resident of Ohio; Alfred of
Indiana; Susan, wife of Martin Bailey of Ohio; Rachael, wife of
David Peck of Missouri; Augustus, a resident of Ohio; and Mrs. Peck,
wife of our subject. In the spring of 1863 the Crawfords came
to Piatt County and lived for a short time in Willow Branch
Township. The father and mother then returned to Ohio and
there died. To Mr. and Mrs. Peck have come nine children, whom
they have named: Andrew, Oliver, Ross, Otis, Arch, Arthur,
Daisy, Anne, and Nellie.
Mr. Peck has displayed great practicality and good
business talent in the management of his affairs, and he and his
wife have a charming home, one of the finest residences of this
locality in which they are enjoying life as sociable, genial people
who have the regard and confidence of all about them. Mr. Peck
has a very vivid memory of the pioneer scenes and experiences of his
youth, and talks in a straightforward interesting manner concerning
them; he has ever been interested in his township, and as School
Director has helped to advance its educational privileges. (See
pictures of which were donated by Jack Arthur) |
Peter
Peck. Inquiry into the lives of the citizens of
Piatt County reveals the fact that there are still living those who
shared in the labors necessary to change the forests and prairies
from their natural condition into smiling fields and fruitful
orchards. One of the old settlers is Peter Peck, who with the
estimable wife occupies a farm on section 25. Cerro Gordo
Township. He was but six years old when his father's family
came hither from Ohio, making their home in Willow Branch Township,
and during the half century that has sine elapsed he has been an
eye-witness to the growth of this region in material advantages and
all that goes to make up true civilization.
The parents of our subject were Adonijah and Mary (Ater)
Peck, the father a native of Virginia. The paternal
grandparents were natives of Germany. When their son Adonijah
was very young they removed from the Old Dominion to Pickaway
County, Ohio, where the lad grew to maturity. After his
marriage he lived in Madison County a few years when they moved back
to Pickaway County where he lived until 1838, when with his family
he came to this State as before noted. He was one of the early
settlers in Willow Branch Township, in which he continued to reside
until called from earth, Dec. 20, 1861. His widow is still
living and is now quite advanced in years. Of their nine
children seven survive, namely: Mary, wife of Cyrus Widick; Peter,
the subject of this notice; David, whose home is in Missouri;
Catherine, widow of Elijah Taylor, of Piatt County; Mrs. Emily
Griswold, of Moultrie County; Maranda, who lives in Piatt County;
and Daniel, whose home is in Ohio. |
Miles Quick
is the owner and occupant of a well-developed farm in Bement
Township, Piatt County, and is carrying on the labors of life with
zeal and industry. He has been a lifelong resident of the
county and always lived upon a farm. He was born in Unity
Township, August 25, 1849, and remained under the parental roof
until he was about twenty-two years old, learning useful lessons of
personal conduct and farm management. He acquired a good
education in the common schools and since reaching years of
discretion has continued to gain knowledge by means of observation,
experience and reading.
At the bride's home in Douglas County, this State,
September 16, 1875, Mr. Quick was married to Miss Margaret
Landers. This lady was born in Monroe County, Ohio,
March 6, 1854, and had been carefully reared, and was a lady of
estimable character and useful attainments. Her wedded life
was but short, she being called hence October 17, 1879. She
had borne her husband three children, one who died in infancy, and
one, Rosanna, when two years old. The survivor is a daughter
Gracie. After having lived a widower until March 25, 1883,
Mr. Quick was again married in Douglas County, hais bride on
this occasion being Miss Amanda Landers. She was born
in Monroe County, Ohio, May 13, 1856, and she too was so reared as
to be well fitted for the duties which lie before her in her home
and in society. This union has been blest by the birth of two
children - Ethel A. and Orville.
After his first marriage Mr. Quick settled in
Unity Township, but in 1879 or 1880 took possession of his present
estate. Having always been engaged in farming he understands
his business and is able to secure the best results from the
cultivation of his fields. He was given intelligent thought to
the political situation and is a sound believer in Republican
principles, which he therefore never fails to support. As a
citizen he is peaceable and law-abiding, as a member of the
community social and kindly, and in home life is all that can be
expected of thehusband and father. |
John T.
Quick. Among those who are tilling the soil in
Piatt County in such a manner as to secure by their efforts a good
livelihood and make provision for declining years, is Mr. John T.
Quick, whose home is in Unity Township. For many years
past he has been engaged in Agricultural pursuits, and so successful
has he been that he now owns a valuable estate consisting of two
hundred and four and one-half acres, situated in the township before
named and in Douglas County. His residence is on section 1 and
is a comfortable and homelike structure, while conveniently arranged
near it are the barns, granaries, etc., which belong to a
well-regulated farm. As air of neatness and order prevails
both in and about the dwelling, indicating a thorough understanding
of farm and home economy, and good taste in the use of the means at
the command of the occupants.
Mr. Quick was born in Montgomery County, Ind.,
January 30, 1838, being a soon of Benjamin F. and
Elizabeth (Utterback) Quick. He was in his fifth year when
his parents turned their steps westward and located in Unity
Township, Piatt County. There the father carried on farm work
until his death, which occurred in December, 1875. The widowed
mother is still living. Our subject grew to manhood on
parental farm, acquiring as god an education as the schools of the
time afforded the opportunity for, and becoming skilled in farm work
to which he has devoted himself since he grew to manhood, with the
exception of a short time spent in the army.
In April, 1865, Mr. Quick enlisted in the
Fifty-third Illinois Infantry and after serving four months returned
to his former home and resumed his peaceful pursuit. After his
marriage he spent a few years in Douglas County, but returned to
Piatt County with which he was better pleased as a place of abode.
In both, he has held the office of School Director and satisfied the
people of his deep interest in the cause of education. He is a
member of the Masonic fraternity, in whose workings he finds some
outlet for his social and benevolent feelings. Although not a
politician in the ordinary acceptation of that term, he is
sufficiently interested in party affairs to keep himself well
informed regarding the issues of the day, and votes intelligently a
Republican ticket.
In the township in which he is now living Mr. Quick
was united in marriage with Miss Mary H. Bryson, who is a native of
Ohio. She is an intelligent, enterprising woman, who has made
many friends by her piety and goodness of heart. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Quick have belonged to the Christian Church for more
than a quarter of a century and it is their constant endeavor to
order their lives aright and to train their children in the way they
should go. Six sons and daughters have been born to them, the
first and second dying in infancy, and Ada B. when about
three years old, while they were living in Douglas County. The
survivors are Nora E., Cary C. and Ivy O., an
interesting group of maidens whose active minds make their future
bright with promise. |
Isaac Quick.
So many pleasant homes and fine farms are to be seen in Piatt
County that a stranger might find it difficult to give any one
pre-eminence even though he would see at a glance that some of them
are deserving of more than a passing notice. In Unity Township
one of the most attractive is that owned and occupied by Isaac
Quick, comprising a part of section 1. It is evident to
even the most casual observer that the one hundred and twenty broad
acres included in the estate are operated by a man who thoroughly
understands the vocation of an agriculturist, while it is equally
evident that the fine house, substantial barn and other ample
conveniences could only have been built by a man of good judgment
and a lover of home comfort.
The birthplace of Mr. Quick was Montgomery
County, Ind., and his natal day April 18, 1839. He was a child
of three years when his parents, the late Benjamin F. and
Elizabeth (Utterback) Quick, came to the Prairie State, settling
in Unity Township, Piatt County. Here the father died in 1875.
He was a native of the Empire State while his widow, who is still
living, was born in Kentucky. He of whom we write grew to
maturity in the new home and, reared to farm life, adopted the
occupation as his own and has followed it continuously with the
exception of the years devoted to the service of his country.
In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Seventh
Illinois Infantry and served until the close of the war, being
mustered out in North Carolina. Believing that he did his duty
in entering the army and hazarding his life in defense of the flag,
he makes no boast of his conduct while in the service, leaving it to
his comrades to tell of his gallantry and faithfulness in the
discharge of duty.
Soon after he was mustered out of the service Mr.
Quick returned to his home and resumed the peaceful occupation
of a farmer. He was married in Vermilion County to Miss
Mahala Prather who died February 1, 1867, after but a brief
wedded life. She left one son, William S., who married
Miss Ella Greene. Mr. Quick was married a second time,
October 1, 1868, the ceremony being performed in Douglas County, and
the bride being Miss Rachael Landis who was born in Monroe
County, Ohio, October 13, 1844. This lady is one who looks
well to the ways of her household, managing the affairs of her home
in such a way that the domestic machinery moves smoothly and the
comfort of the family is secured without undue expense or
extravagance. She is an affectionate and careful mother and
while devoting her chief thought to husband and family does not
neglect her neighborly duties but finds opportunity to join in the
social and philanthropic work going on. She was born her
husband five children - David A., Andrew J., Benjamin F., Edward
E. and Emma J.
The scenes enacted on "the old camp ground" and
fields of carnage are commemorated by Mr. Quick in his
connection with the Grand Army. He exercises the elective
franchise in behalf of the candidates of the Republican ticket,
believing that in the principles of their party and hope of the
country rests. He is well informed regarding the topics of
general interest, expresses himself readily regarding them and has a
manly character which leads his neighbors to respect him. |
NOTES:
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