History of Coles County, Illinois
By Charles Edward Wilson
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CHAPTER IX
CITIZENS OF COLES COUNTY
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Transcribed by ©K. Torp, 2009
The verdict of mankind has awarded to the Muse of History the highest place among the Classic Nine. The extent
of her office, however, appears to be, by many minds, but imperfectly understood. The task of the historian is
comprehensive and exacting. True history reaches beyond the doings of court or camp, beyond the issue of battles,
or the effects of treaties, and records the trials and triumphs, the failures and the successes, of the men who
make history. It is but an imperfect conception of the philosophy of events that fails to accord to portraiture
and biography its rightful position as a part--and no unimportant part--of historical narrative. Behind and beneath
the activities of outward life the motive power lies out of sight, just as the furnace fires that work the piston
and keep the ponderous screw revolving, are down in the darkness of the hold. So, the impulsive power which shapes
the course of communities may be found in the molding influences which form its citizens.
It is no mere idle curiosity that prompts men to wish to learn the private, as well as the public lives of their
fellows. Rather it is true that such desire tends to prove universal brotherhood: and the interest in personality
and biography is not confined to men of any particular caste or vocation.
The list of those to whose lot it falls to play a conspicuous part in the great drama of life is comparatively
short: yet communities are made up of individuals, and the aggregate of achievements--no less than the sum total
of human happiness--is made up of the deeds of those men and women whose primary aim, through life, is faithfully
to perform the duty that comes nearest to hand. Individual influence upon human affairs will be considered potent
or insignificant according to the standpoint from which it is viewed. To him who, standing upon the seashore, notes
the ebb and flow of the tide and listens to the sullen roar of the waves, as they break upon the beach in seething
foam, seemingly chafing at their limitations, the ocean appears so vast as to need no tributaries. Yet, without
the smallest rill that helps to swell the "Father of Waters," the mighty torrent of the Mississippi would
be lessened, and the beneficent influence of the Gulf Stream diminished. Countless streams, currents and counter
currents--sometimes mingling, sometimes counteracting each other--collectively combine to give motion to the accumulated
mass of water. So is it--and so must it ever be--in the ocean of human action, which is formed by the blending
and repulsion of currents of thought, of influence and of life, yet more numerous and more tortuous than those
which form "the fountains of the deep."
In the foregoing pages are traced the beginning, growth and maturity of a concrete thing, Coles County. But the
concrete is but the aggregate result of individual labor. The acts and characters of men, like the several faces
that compose a composite picture, are wrought together into a compact of heterogeneous whole. History is condensed
biography; "Biography is History teaching by example."
It is both interesting and instructive to rise above the generalization of history and trace, in the personality
and careers of the men from whom it sprang, the principles and influences, the impulses and ambitions, the labors,
struggles and triumphs that engrossed their lives.
In the pages that follow are gathered up, with as much detail as the limits of the work allow, the personal record
of many of the men who have made Coles County what it is. In each record may be traced some feature which influenced
or has been stamped upon, the civic life.
Here are pioneers who, "when the fullness of time had come," came from widely separated sources, some
from beyond the sea, impelled by diverse motives, little conscious of the import of their acts, and but dimly anticipating
the harvest which would spring from their sowing. They built their little cabins, toiling for a present subsistence
while laying the foundations of private fortunes and future advancement.
Most have passed away, but not before they beheld a development of business and population surpassing the wildest
dreams of fancy. A few yet remain whose years have passed the allotted three score and ten, and who love to recount,
among the cherished memories of their lives, their reminiscences of early days in Coles County.
Among these early, hardy settlers and those who followed them, may be found the names of many who imparted the
first impulse to the county's growth and homelikeness, the many who, through their identification with agricultural
pursuits and varied interests, aided in her material progress: of skilled mechanics who first laid the foundations
of beautiful homes and productive industries, and of the members of the learned professions--clergymen, physicians,
educators and lawyers--whose influence upon the intellectual life and development of the community it is impossible
to overestimate.
Municipal institutions arise: Commerce spreads her sails and prepares the way for the magic of Science that drives
the locomotive engine over the iron rails. Trade is organized, stretching its arms across the prairie to gather
in and distribute the products of the soil. Church spires rise to express, in architectural form, the faith and
aspirations of the people, while a university, together with schools, public and private, elevate the standards
of education and of artistic taste.
Here are many of the men through whose labors, faith and thought these magnificent results have been achieved.
To them and to their co-laborers, the Coles County of to-day stands an enduring monument, attesting their faith,
their energy, their courage and their self-sacrifice.
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(The following items of personal and family history, having been arranged in encyclopedic (or alphabetical)
order as to names of the individual subjects, no special index to this part of the work will be found necessary.)
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ABERNATHY, George W., farmer. Hutton Township, Coles County, Ill., was born in Tippecanoe
County, Ind., March 4, 1858, the son of Samuel and Mary Abernathy, natives of Indiana. Both parents died while
Mr. Abernathy was very young. He was then taken to Cumberland County, Ill., and soon familiarized himself with
the labor connected with working a large farm. At length he was promoted to the dignity of a regular paid farm
hand; later, rented property, and in 1891 was able to purchase his present place of seventy acres in Hutton Township.
On this farm its owner has made substantial improvements.
On January 1, 1890, Mr. Abernathy was married to Belle, daughter of J. J. Cottingham, and of this union five children
have been born: William, Clara, Blanche, Mary and Freddie. In his political affiliations, Mr. Abernathy is a Democrat.
He is a member of Hutton Lodge, No. 692, I. O. O. F., at Salisbury.
ADAMS, Captain William E., (deceased)
was born in Bedford County, Tennessee, October 15, 1830, the son of John J. and Martha (Gamme) Adams, natives of
Tennessee, who came to Coles County, Ill., and settled in Pleasant Grove Township in December of 1830. The subject
of this sketch received his early education in the country schools of his district, but after reaching his fifteenth
year, spent several years in other schools and in his leisure hours read law. Finally after a course in the Law
School at Madison, Wis., he was admitted to the bar in 1857. He began to practice at Mattoon, and was engaged in
this profession, when in August 1862, he felt called upon to enlist in Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-third
Volunteer Infantry, being at once made Captain of the same, and serving until his discharge, which occurred in
July 1865. He then returned to Coles County, and was elected CLerk of the Court, serving as such for two terms.
In 1873, he was elected County Judge, acting in this capacity for four years. He was a member of the City Council
for three years, and of the Board of Education for a considerable time.
In August, 1858 Captain Adams was married to Olive A., daughter of David and Olive (Green) Holton, natives of Vermont,
who emigrated to Wisconsin in 1853. Of the children born to them, the following survive: Jennie M., wife of W.V.
Miles; Sarah S., widow of S.M. Leitch; William E., an attorney, and Helen, wife of I.H. Johnston, Jr. Captain Adams
was a member of the Charleston Post, No. 271. G. A. R. He served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church for many
years before his death, which occurred September 21, 1884. [picture]
ADKINS, William R., (deceased) was born in Charleston Township, Coles County,
Ill., December 14, 1851, the son of Gowen and Nancy Adkins, residents of Kentucky. Being brought up on the home
farm and receiving his education in the public schools he began to do general farming and to be interested in stock-raising
at an early age, and soon had accumulated enough to purchase three hundred acres of fertile land.
On the 5th of September 1877, Mr. Adkins was united in marriage to Addie, daughter of H. H. and Hannah Cecil. Five
children were born to them: Henry G., John H., Elizabeth M., Charles E. and Frances E. Mr. Adkins was affiliated
with the Democratic party, and was a member of the Baptist Church. His decease occurred April 30, 1895. [picture]
ADKINS, William Francis, farmer, Lafayette
Township, Coles County, was born in Wheatland, Knox County, Ind., July 17. 1862, the son of William F. and Rebecca
(Long) Adkins, natives of Tennessee and Indiana, respectively. The father served as a soldier in the Mexican War,
and also for four years in our Civil War. In 1866 the family removed to Princeton, Ind., and here the subject of
this sketch received his education and spent his youth. In 1882 he came to Mason County, Ill., where for four years
he was engaged in farming. Then he went west butr eturned in 1892 to Mason County, finally locating in Coles County
in October of 1894.
On April 29, 1897, Mr. Adkins was united in marriage to Miss Alice (McPherson) Montgomery and to them has been
born one daughter — Ruth Marion. Mr. Adkins is affiliated with the Democratic party in his political views, and
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, connected with the Blue Lodge it Mattoon. He belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian
church.
ALLISON, Charles W., Justice of
the Peace and Notary Public, Etna, Coles County. Ill., was born in Coles County March 13, 1837, the son of Doctor
William and Edith (Everett) Allison, the former a native of Hardin County, Kentucky, and the latter of North Carolina.
The parents located in Coles County in 1831, where the father practiced his profession as a physician and was likewise
a minister in the Methodist denomination. The son. Charles W., spent his youth upon a farm, and on June 9, 1862,
enlisted in Company D. One Hundred and Twenty-third Illinois Volunteer infantry, serving as a non-commissioned
officer. and being mustered out in 1865. On February 22, 1861. Mr. Allison was married to Susan J., daughter of
James and Carrie Jones, natives of Kentucky, who came to Coles County in 1848. and of this union four children
were born, three of whom survive: William E., James E. and Frances A.
Since 1884, Squire Allison has devoted himself to his official duties. A Republican in his politics. he has served
as a Justice of the Peace for twenty-eight years, and Notary Public for eight years. He belongs to the Methodist
Church, and has been Superintendent of the Sunday School for the past twenty-five years.
AMES, Newton C.
AMES, Newton C., farmer. North Okaw Township, Coles County, Ill.. was born in Somerset County. N. J., September
16, 1850, the son of Nelson W. and Susan A. (Cramer) Ames, natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respectively,
who moved to Coles County in 1857, settling in Section 36, North Okaw Township, on [more coming]
Ames, Oliver H.
Anderson, Bartholomew
Anderson, David
Anderson, Samuel T.
Andrews, Emery
Annin, S.A.
Arend, George H.
Armstrong, William G.
Ashworth, L.A.
Baber, Elijah
Bails, Charles L.
Bain, Alexander N.
Baird, N.M.
Baker, George W.
Baker, William H.
BALCH, George Theron, farmer, Pleasant
Grove township, coles county, Ill., was born in Coles county, Ill., July 9, 1847, the son of William Boyd and Mary
Ann (Faris) Balch, natives of Tennessee, who joined a party of emigrants from that State to Illinois in the early
part of the ninetheenth century. William Balch, the great-grandfather of George T., and his brother, Amos, were
soldiers of the Revolution, having enlisted in North Carolina, the home of the family at that period. Theron Balch,
father of William (2d), and grandfather of George T., came with his wife, Alpha, and his family to Coles county
in 1829, and secured land in what is now known as Pleasant Grove Township. They assisted in the organization of
Pleasant Prairie presbyterian Church near their home. Theron E. Balch died November 1, 1838. In the course of
time William became owner of nearly 200 acres of land. His death occurred in Pleasant Grove Township when he was
seventy years of age. His wife died in the same township, aged 55 years. They left a family of five children:
George Theron, Thomas C., Susan M., the wife of Jacob Phipps; Alpha, the wife of Doctor O.L. Wilson, of Nebraska,
and Annie E., the wife of Benjamin McNeal.
George Theron Balch, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the district schools, with a course of two terms
at Lee's Academy at Loxa. For fifteen years thereafter he spent his winters in teaching and his summers at work
upon the farm, at length purchasing property of his own. He now owns 348 acres, 228 being in the home farm and
120 on Section 35, in Lafayette township. His homestead in Pleasant Grove is one of the best in the county.
On January 27,1877. Mr. Balch was married to Nancy C., daughter of Andrew and Evelyn (Dryden) Allison, early settlers
of Coles County, and four children have been born of this union: Mary Evaline, Susan Helen, Flora Emily and Nelly,
the first three named being Normal school graduates. In his political views Mr. Balch
is a Republican. He has served as Supervisor for two terms and School Director for many years. He belongs to the
Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder and superintendent of the Sunday School.
BALCH, Captain James A. (deceased), was born October 20, 1833, in Coles County,
Ill., the son of Alfred and Elizabeth (Gambell) Balch, residents of Tennessee and Kentucky, but who came among
the very earliest settlers of Coles County, their arrival dating about 1820. During the progress of the Civil War
Mr. Balch enlisted in Company E, Fifth Illinois Cavalry, and later was elected Captain of Company I, of the same
regiment. In all he served more than four years.
On November 12, 1857, Mr. Balch was married to Patience Ann, daughter of Patrick and Elizabeth Nicholson,
natives of Tennessee, who were also among the early settlers of Coles County. Mr. and Mrs. Balch were blessed with
five children, all of whom are deceased, with the exception of one daughter. Sarah C. Mr. Balch's death occurred
January 4, 1869. During his life he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which body his wife at present
belongs.
BARNES, Rev. L. G., farmer, Ashmore Township, Coles County, Ill., was born in
the locality in which he now resides February 24, 1868, the son of Milton W. and Mary J. (Goodnight) Barnes. The
mother was a daughter of the Rev. Stephen W. Goodnight, a pioneer, and an itinerant of the last century, his death
occurring in 1898, at the age of eighty years. Mr. Barnes, the father, was born in Ashmore Township, Coles County,
in 1830, being the son of Enos Barnes, who came to Coles County about 1820, lived the life of a farmer, was the
first Supervisor of Ashmore Township, and died July 5, 1900, his wife having preceded him by twenty years, her
death occurring in 1880. They were the parents of eight children, the subject of this sketch being the twin brother
of Doctor W. E. Barnes, of Clarkville, Ill.
Rev. L. G. Barnes worked on his father's farm and attended district school until 1888, when he was able
to take a course at the University at Lincoln, Ill. He taught school between terms, and graduated in theology,
being ordained to preach in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1897. His first regular charge was at St. Omer's
Church near his home in Ashmore Township. In 1903 he decided to take up agricultural pursuits, and having an interest
in the homestead estate of 163 ¼ acres, he went there to live.
On August 23, 1893, Mr. Barnes was united in marriage to Bessie B. Hallock, daughter of George R. and Virginia
(Gower) Hallock, and of this union one daughter has been born, Mary Leak. In his political views Mr. Barnes is
a Prohibitionist, and he is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
BASSETT, Martin H., well-known editor and publisher, Mattoon, Coles County,
Ill., was born at Arcola, Ill., June 15, 1867, and there received his education. His parents, William H. and Helen
M. (Gruelle) Bassett, are natives of Cynthiana, Ky., and his grandparents, Jonathan and Elizabeth (Discher) Bassett,
natives of the same State. Jonathan Bassett, the great-grandfather, was a Virginian. On the mother's side his grandfather,
John B. Gruelle, was a native of Kentucky and his grandmother, Prudence (Moore) Gruelle, was born in Macon, Ga.,
the great-grandfather, William Gruelle, being a native of Lyons, France.
William H. Bassett, father of the subject of this sketch, is editor and publisher of the Charleston, Ill.,
"Plaindealer-Herald." During the Civil War he enlisted at Mattoon as a private in the Seventy-ninth Regiment
Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was promoted to be Captain of Company K in that regiment. He later served twenty
years as County Judge of Douglas County, Ill.
Mr. Bassett learned the printer's trade in the office of the Arcola (Ill.) "Record.," becoming an apprentice
therein at the age of eleven. He has since served as city editor of the Springfield (Ill.) "Evening Telegram,"
and from there he went to Chicago, where he served as police and court reporter on papers of that city. In 1895
he bought the "Arcola Record" in 1899 became connected with the "Mattoon Journal" and in August
of that year in connection with Hon. Emery Andrews he bought that paper. On January 1 1905, they sold "The
Journal." On September 16, 1891, Mr. Bassett was united in marriage with Mary C.
Logan, who was born in Arcola, Ill., where she received her early mental training, afterwards pursuing a course
of study in the Oxford (Ohio) Female Seminary. One child resulted from this union: William, who was born in Arcola,
Ill., July 17, 1896. Mrs. Bassett is a daughter of Samuel B. Logan, Deputy Sheriff of Coles County, just before
Doulgas county was created from it, and he was elected the first Sheriff of Doulgas County. He enlisted in Mattoon
in the Union Army for service in the Civil War; was also a soldier in the Mexican War.
In politics Mr. Bassett is a Republican. In fraternal circles he is identified with the Royal Areanum and the
A.F. & A.M.
Bates, John Iria
Beavers, Solomon
Beavers, Sol. Jr.
Becker, William
Bell, Dr. F.E.
Belnap, Hiram W.
Bidle, Charles
Bird, William
Black, James S.
Bland, Thomas
Blenkenbaker, Felix A.
Block, Frederick
Bohlander, L.W.
Brading, William B.
Breedlove, Robert L.
Brewster, John F.
Briggs, Alexander
Brooks, Frank A.
Brooks, John C.
BROWN, James A., a well-known resident of Mattoon, Coles County, Ill., where he
is engaged as freight agent of the "Big Four" Railroad, was born in Montgomery County, Ill., March 23,
1848. He is a son of George W. and Sarah A. (Jenkins,) Brown, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of South
Carolina. In early youth the subject of this sketch received his mental training in Hillsboro (Ill.) Academy. On
approaching years of maturity, he became connected with the "Big Four" Railroad as telegraph operator
at various points, and since 1872 has performed the duties of station agent at Hillsboro, Ill. and Mattoon, Ill.
He has been identified with the "Big Four" Company for forty years. In 1896 he was stationed at Mattoon,
and since then has filled the position of freight agent of the "Big Four" with the same ability, diligence
and fidelity which have characterized his previous years of service.
On September 20, 1871, Mr. Brown was united in matrimony with Margaret S. Evans, who was born in Montgomery County,
Ill. This union has been the source of four children, namely: Ethel M., Frederick G., Horace E. and Lois. Ethel
M. married W. O. Dunlevy, an attorney-at-law, of Indianapolis, Ind., where she resides.
Mr. Brown is a consistent member of the Methodist Church and in politics supports the principles of the Republican
party. He has served two terms as Alderman in the Mattoon City Council front Second Ward. In fraternal circles
he is affiliated with the A. F. & A. M. and the M. W. A. He is a man of upright character, and is highly esteemed
for his sterling worth.
BROWN, John, farmer and stock-raiser. Charleston Township,
Coles County, Ill. was born in Quincy, Adams County, Ill. January 22, 1845, the son of Abner and Edie J. (Glassco)
Brown, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, and early settlers of Coles County, Ill. In 1850 the father went overland
to California, but returned to Coles County, where his death occurred June 12, 1869. The mother is yet living and
resides in Mattoon.
Mr. Brown was but five years of age when his parents brought him to Coles County. When he was about ready to venture
in life for himself the war broke out, and he enlisted in Company B, Fifth Illinois Cavalry, in August 1861, serving
until discharged in 1865. Then, returning to Coles County, he engaged in general farming and stock-raising operations,
in which he has been very successful, being the owner at present of 238 ½ acres of land on Section 7, Charleston
Township, on which he and his son Fred B. are breeding pure blooded Hereford cattle.
On September 4, 1872. Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Susan A. Martin, of Lafayette Township, Coles County,
and of this union four children have been born: Fred B., Elmer E.. who married Laura Teepell; Bert C. and Oscar.
In political affiliations Mr. Brown is a Republican.
He belongs to the G. A. R. post at Charleston, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Salem, in which
he is acting as a steward.
BROWN, Captain Lewis W., Postmaster
at Trilla. Pleasant Grove Township, Coles County, Ill. was born in Crawford County, Ind., February 5, 1837, the
son of George and Sophia (Williams) Brown, natives of Tennessee and Pennsylvania, respectively. Captain Brown came
to Coles County in 1852. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for
ninety days. At the expiration of that period he re-enlisted in Company F, Thirty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry
and served until discharged in 1865. For meritorious service he was commissioned Captain, with command of Company
F. Thirty-first Regiment, Indiana Volunteers.
On February 12, 1867, Captain Brown was married to Hannah, daughter of Lemuel and Lucy Landrus of Pennsylvania,
and of this union nine children were born, seven of whom are living: Otto W., Joshua, Andrew E., Celinda, John
A., Ellen S. and Grace L. After the close of the war Captain Brown returned to Coles County and began farming operations,
which he continued until 1889, when he moved to Trilla and became a pension attorney. In 1897 he was appointed
Postmaster at that place, an office which he still holds. Captain Brown owns a forty-acre farm in Cumberland County,
Ill. In his political views he is a Republican. He belongs to the Masonic order, and the Eastern Star and G. A.
R. organizations, and is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
BULL, Thomas Jefferson, farmer and
stock-raiser. Ashmore Township, Coles County, was born in Edgar County, Ill.. March 23, 1837, the son of Henry
and Jane (Simpson) Bull, natives originally of England. who settled in Virginia. Mr. Bull had just begun to take
an interest in agricultural pursuits when the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in Company C, Fifth Iowa Cavalry,
in September, 1861, serving thereafter four years and taking part in the battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing,
Corinth, Antietam, Selina and others of lesser historical importance. He received his discharge in 1865, returning
then to Edgar County, and after marrying, moved to Coles County, where he now owns 240 acres and has a fine residence
with all improvements.
On January 16, 1866, Mr. Bull was united in marriage to Isabel Olmsted, daughter of John T. Olmsted, of Ashmore.
Of this union six children have been born, of whom three daughters are now living: Minnie, wife of William Stinson;
Mollie and Blanche. Three other children, Nelly, Henry and Edwin are deceased.
In his political views Mr. Bull is a Republican, and he has served as Road Commissioner, as School Director and
as Township treasurer. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
BURGNER, J. Morris, farmer, Lafayette
Township, Coles County, Ill., was born on the farm where he now resides, November 15, 1860, the son of Conrad and
Nancy (Whitesel) Burgner, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, who came to Lafayette Township in 1854, where they
purchased a farm, and, in 1867, built the substantial brick house which their son now occupies. Both parents are
deceased, the father's death occurring in 1894 and that of the mother in 1898. Mr. Burgner was educated in the
common schools near his home and at Lee's Academy. Since attaining manhood he has been engaged in general farming
and stock-raising, and so successful has he been that he now owns 720 acres of valuable land.
On September 16, 1885, Mr. Burgner was married to Anna M., daughter of Richard J. and Mary Hancock, and of this
union six children have been born, three of whom are living: Joseph, Orr and Victor. Those deceased are Maude,
Zella and Emery. In his political views Mr. Burgner is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church at Salem.
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