Biographies Listed in the History of Coles County, IL

Genealogy Trails - Finding Illinois Ancestors

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

Edgar, James R.

Edgar, Wm

Elkins,Clark

ELLIS, James W., farmer, Lafayette Township, Coles county, Ill., was born on Section 21, Lafayette Township, July 9, 1840, the son of John and Lucretia (True) Ellis, Natives of Kentucky, who came to Coles County, in 1830. Both are now deceased. Mr. Ellis remained on the paternal homestead until 1850 when he went to Missouri. and three years later he drove a team from that State to California. In 1860 he returned to Lafayette Township, and in April 1861 enlisted in Company B, Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving for three months, after which he reenlisted in Company D, Forty First Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving with this regiment until February 1863. He then enlisted as a member of the Marine Brigade on a Mississippi River gunboat, remaining in this service until October, 1864, when he returned to his home, where he has since been engaged in farming on his ninety acre farm. On February 22, 1863, Mr. Ellis was married to Hulda, daughter of William and Eunice Leach, and eight children born of this union are now living, namely: Lucretia, William L., John F., Anna B., Vernie V., Lilly M., Georgie and James R. In his political views Mr. Ellis is a Democrat and is a member of the G. A. R. at Mattoon.

ELLIS, Smith T., a well-known and successful contractor, Mattoon, Coles County, Ill., was born in North Okaw Township, Coles County, November 14, 1861 the son of Pleasant M. and Rebecca Ellis, natives of Tennessee. Pleasant M. Ellis came to Coles County in 1835, locating in North Okaw Township, where he carried on farming until his death, at the age of seventy-two years. Smith T. Ellis was reared on a farm, and in early youth enjoyed the advantages of the district school. At the age of nineteen years he began teaching school, and continued in this occupation for three years. In 1885 he moved to Mattoon and engaged in the grocery business, which he conducted four years. He then turned his attention to the contracting business, which he has successfully followed ever since. On August 21, 1884, Mr. Ellis was united in matrimony with Martha E. Luce, who was born in Oakland, Coles County. Ill., and pursued her girlhood studies in the North Okaw schools. Three children have blessed this union, namely: Lucy Edith, Grace and Bertha Mabel. The parents of Mrs. Ellis came to Coles County at an early period and located in East Oakland Township. Her father was a native of Ohio and her mother was born in Indiana. In politics, Mr. Ellis upholds the principles of the Democratic party. For two years he was a member of the City Council of Mattoon. Fraternally, he is identified with the K. of P. and the M. W. A. His religious belief is that of the Baptist Church. He is a man of high character and good business capacity, and conducts his affairs with energy and diligence.

ELLISON, Arthur, farmer, North Okaw Township, Coles County, Ill., was born in Miami County, Kan., February 6, 1871, the son of Theodore and Jane (Gallion) Ellison, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively, both of whom are living in retirement at Mattoon, Ill. They own 400 acres of fine land, which their sons oversee. Arthur Ellison attended the public schools in lllinois and then decided to lead an agricultural life. On May 30, 1894, he was married to Martha, daughter of Marion and Frances Watson, and of this union three children have been born: John M., Theodore A. and Cleburn. Mr. Ellison farms 130 acres of his father’s estate. In his political views Mr. Ellison is a Republican.

ELLISON, James H., farmer, North Okaw Township, Coles County, was born in Adams County, Ohio, April 12, 1845, the son of Johnson and Elizabeth (Boyle) Ellison, who came to Coles County in 1861, settling near the present home of their son. Both are now deceased, the father’s death occurring in 1889 and the mother’s, in November, 1878. Mr. Ellison attended the public schools in both Ohio and Illinois, and early chose agriculture as his life work. He and his wife now own 572 acres of land, a large portion of which they lease to tenants. They have a good residence and their farm is well improved in all respects. On March 4, 1869, Mr. Ellison was married to Rachael Wilson, who died in May, 1871. They had one son, Arthur. On September 6, 1874, Mr. Ellison was united to Harriet, daughter of William and Sarah (Miller) Gibbs, natives of New York and early settlers of Illinois. Of this union eight children have been born: Frank, Sarah Elizabeth, wife of Ernest Fleming; William J., Walter, Jesse, Olive May, Margaret, Estelle (deceased at eight months of age), and Irma L.
In his political relations Mr. Ellison is a Republican. He has served as School Director, and is now acting as School Trustee. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he holds the position of trustee.

ELLISON, Morton, farmer, North Okaw Township, Coles County, Ill., was born in Miami County, Kan., May 19 1876, the son of Theodore and Louisa Jane (Gallion) Ellison, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. Mr. Ellison secured his education in the schools of Illinois, and then began farming. He resided for some time with his parents, and is at present cultivating sixty acres of his father’s valuable estate. On January 8, 1899, Mr. Ellison was united in marriage to Eva Agnes, daughter of William H. and Jennie P. (Harris) Selby, natives of Illinois, and of this union two children have been born —Kenneth Edmond and Hazel Grace. In his political views Mr. Ellison is affiliated with the Republican party.

EMHUFF, Stephen, retired farmer, Charleston, Ill., was born October 18, 1826, in Silver Creek Township, Clark County, Ind, the son of Elijah and Hila (Allen) Emhuff, natives of Virginia and New York, respectively. Mr. Emhuff received his education and spent his youth in Clark County until the year 1849, when he removed to Rock Island County, Ill., farming there until the spring of 1856, when he went to Sullivan County, Ind. Again he removed to Coles County, Ill., settling in Morgan Township in 1861. The year following he betook himself to Seven Hickory Township, where he purchased forty acres of land, which has been increased to 360 acres at the present date. Engaged in the occupation of farming and stock-raising, it was not until 1895 that he felt he could retire from business. On April 3, 1831, Mr. Emhuff married Martha Wilson, in Clark County. Ind., and of the children born to them three are now living: William, who is on the home farm; Emily, wife of Bert McAllister, of Madison County. Ind., and Margaret, wife of James O. Toland, of Seven Hickory Township. Mrs. Emhuff died on May 7, 1901. On June 23, 1902, Mr. Emhuff was united in marriage to Mary Gill. Mr. Emhuff belongs to the Democratic party, and is a member of the Christian Church at Charleston.

ENDSLEY, Thomas Lee, farmer. Charleston Township. Coles County. Ill., was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, November 21, 1842, the son of Thomas and Matilda (Karr) Endsley, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. Mr. Endsley received his education in the schools of Ohio. In 1866 he came to Westfield. Ill.. where, for a short time. he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He then purchased land in Hutton Township, and for three years managed his farm, but at the expiration of this period moved to Charleston, where for five years he acted as clerk. He then returned to Hutton Township and engaged in merchandising in Salisbury until 1886. In March, 1891, he bought his present farm of 168 acres, upon which he has made all necessary improvements. He has a herd of thirty Red Polled cattle. and a large number of Tamworth hogs, and is quite extensively engaged in breeding pure-blooded stock. On October 24, 1867, Mr. Endsley was married to Mary J. Endsley, a native of Illinois, and of this union two children were born: Clarence and Lizzie, wife of W. E. Adams, Jr. Mrs. Endsley died on January 31, 1876. On September 12, Mr. Endsley was united in marriage to Mrs. Eliza J. (Marshall ) Karr, and of this union two children have been born : Carlos M. and Antha Euphemia. Mary J. Endsley, Mr. Endsley’s first wife, was a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Endsley of Hutton Township, Coles County. Mr. Endsley’s second wife, who was Mrs. Eliza J. (Marshall) Karr, is a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Marshall—the father of Scotch—Irish blood and the mother a native of Pennsylvania. The present Mrs. Endsley is a great-granddaughter of a soldier of the Revolution, who crossed the Delaware with Gen. Washington just before the battle of Trenton. Mr. Endsley was a private in Company H, One Hundred and Forty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War, in politics is a Republican and a charter member of Hutton Lodge, No. 692, I. O. O. F., at Salisbury, Coles County. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder.

ENNIS, William B., farmer, LafayetteTownship, was born in Sussex County, Del., January 28, 1850, the son of Joshua R. and Martha Ann (Prettyman) Ennis, natives of Delaware, who went to Ohio in 1858, the mother dying there. In 1863 the family removed to Coles County and settled in Charleston Township, where the father’s decease occurred. Mr. Ennis remained in Charleston Township during his youth, working on the farm until 1889, when he purchased seventy-six acres for himself. In addition to this he operates considerable rented land. On March 10, 1880. Mr. Ennis was united in marriage to Emma Florence, daughter of David and Margaret (McKeever) Osborn. Of this union four children have been born: Harry W., Frank H. and Emma Frances, who are twins, and John Bryan. In his political views, Mr. Ennis is affiliated with the Democratic party.

Ernst, Jacob

Ernst, J.M.

Farrar, Joseph

Faris, Charles H.

Feagan, Charles T.

Fears, Joseph W.

Ferguson, George W.

Fleming, George

Ficklin, Hon. Orlando B.

FERGUSON, Thomas - merchant and grain dealer, Etna, Paradise township, Coles county, Ill., was born in Coles County January 22, 1867, the son of William B. and Fanny M. (Hart) Ferguson. The father, who was a native of Pennsylvania, located in Coles county in 1841, where he met his future wife. both parents are now deceased. Mr. Ferguson's youth was spent on the home farm, and he followed farming until 1897, when he embarked in the mercantile and grain business, which he now conducts so successfully. He still owns 120 acres of land in Paradise Township.
On December 25, 1887, Mr. Ferguson was married to Luella, daughter of J.H. and Margaret (Hart) Deckard, natives of Kentucky and Illinois, respectively. They are the parents of five children, of whom four are living: William J., Bertha E., Lottie V and Frederick G. Mr. Ferguson is a Republican in his political views, and has served as School Treasurer for eleven years, and as Assessor of Paradise Township for one term. He is a member of the Masonic Order, of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Court of Honor. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

FLESHNER, Joseph, bookkeeper, Mattoon, Ill., was born July 31, 1851, in Covington, Ky., the son of Ferdinand and Agatha (Struff) Fleshner, who came from Germany and settled in Mattoon in May 1847. Their son received his education in Mattoon and for the past ten years has followed the avocation of bookkeeping.
On April 22, 1879, Mr. Fleshner was married to Jessie A., daughter of David E. and Sarah A. Pierce, natives of Kentucky, but at present residents of Coles County. Of this marriage have been born five children: Mary A., Frank F., William, Charles R. and Ralph. A Democrat in his politics and a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Fleshner finds enough work for his willing hands to accomplish.

FOREMAN, John R., farmer, Seven Hickory Township, Coles County, Ill., was born in Lexington, Ky., December 14, 1845, the son of John and Harriet E. (Richardson ) Foreman, natives of the District of Columbia and of Ohio, respectively, who located in Coles County in 1853. Mr. Foreman was educated in the district schools of his neighborhood, and remained on the homestead with his parents until starting in life for himself. Early choosing agriculture for his field of labor, he soon became a prosperous farmer. He owns at present 100 acres of land in Seven Hickory Township.
On January 26, 1870, Mr. Foreman was married to a daughter of Henry and Theresa Nickles, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively, who located in Coles County in 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Foreman are the parents of three children: Olive A., Henry E. and Milton C. In his political affiliations Mr. Foreman is a Democrat. He has served as School Trustee for nearly five years, as Assessor for twelve years. Drainage Commissioner for three years. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has held the position as Trustee since 1871.

FOREMAN, Joseph, farmer. Hutton Township, Coles County, was born in Fayette County, Ky., November 23, 1847, the son of John and Hannah (Richardson) Foreman, natives of Kentucky, where their marriage took place. In 1853 they came to Charleston, later moving to Seven Hickory Township, where both died. Mr. Foreman received his education in Seven Hickory Township, and here he took his first lessons in farming. In 1878 he moved to Hutton Township, where he has since resided. He owns 270 acres of land, upon which he raises considerable fine stock.
On September 10, 1874, Mr. Foreman was married to Cynthia R., daughter of William and Harriet Berkley, who came to Hutton Township in 1840, and of this union two children have been born, both of whom are deceased: Otto C. and John E. In his political affiliations Mr. Foreman is a Democrat. He has served one term as Supervisor, and one term as Collector of Hutton Township. He belongs to Hutton Lodge, No. 569 I.O.O.F., both he and his wife being members of the Rebecca Lodge at Westfield. Mrs. Foreman belongs to the Baptist Church.

FRAZIER, J. B., farmer, Lafayette Township, Coles County, Ill., was born in Vermilion County, Ill., February 27, 1859, the son of Henry and Laura A. Frazier, natives of the same county, who came to Coles County in 1864, settling in Lafayette Township, where the father remained until 1900, when he removed to Moultrie County. Mr. Frazier received his education in the township schools, after which he took up agricultural pursuits. He is owner at present of eighty-seven acres of land.
On February 14, 1882, Mr. Frazier was united in marriage to Emma C., the daughter of Samuel and Eliza J. Rittenhouse, of Ohio. Of this union two children have been born: Chester and Myrtle — the latter being the wife of John Creviston, of Illinois. In his political affiliations Mr. Frazier belongs to the Republican party. Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church at Mattoon, and at Chester also.

FREEMAN, Joseph B. (deceased), was born in Adams County, Ohio, March 8, 1830, the son of William and Tamar (Beach) Freeman, natives of Ohio, where both died. Mr. Freeman was educated in the public schools of Ohio, and remained on the paternal homestead assisting about the farm until 1864, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighty-second Ohio Infantry, serving until the close of the war. On May 31, 1857, Mr. Freeman was married to Mary J. daughter of Newton and Rebecca (Burkett) Moore. The Burketts were natives of Maryland. Mr. Moore's parents were Hosea and Isabel (Hanna) Moore, natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman were the parents of six children: Alice, wife of Harry D. Ashworth: Newton W., Eva Agnes, widow of Dr. L. A. Lagle: Wheeler C., Dr. T. O. Freeman of Mattoon, and Dr. Elmer Burkett Freeman, of Baltimore, Md.
At the time of his death, April 18, 1901, Mr. Freeman was seventy-one years, one month and ten days old. He left an estate of 398 acres of land, where his widow spends her summers The farm is under the management of one of the sons, Wheeler C., who was born in Coles County September 14, 1868. In his political views Wheeler C. is a Republican, and belongs to the orders of I.O.O.F. and K. P.
Mrs. Joseph B. Freeman, the mother, resides in Mattoon during the winter.

FREEMAN, Dr. Thomas O., physician, Mattoon, Ill., was born in Coles County November 4, 1872, the son of Joseph B. and Mary J. (Moore), Freeman. The subject of this sketch remained with his parents on the homestead until he was eighteen years of age, at which time he began teaching school. After three years' experience as a teacher, in 1893 he entered the Baltimore Medical College, from which he graduated in 1898, spending the following year as an interne in the Maryland General Hospital. Locating in Mattoon in January 1899, the doctor soon found himself possessed of a fine practice. He is also at the present time Attending Physician at the Odd Fellows' Home.
On December 29, 1898, Dr. Freeman married Nellie, daughter of John F. Voight, Sr. One daughter has been born to them—Bernadine. Dr. Freeman is a Democrat in his political views, and belongs to the I.O.O.F. and to the B. P. O. E., and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

FRYER, Andrew J., lawyer. Charleston, Ill., was born near Falmouth, on the Licking River, in Pendleton County Ky., received his education in the subscription and public schools near his home, and at an early age began teaching, meanwhile pursuing his studies as opportunity afforded. In February, 1863 he came to Illinois, where he attended various schools, and at times taught in Coles, Douglas and Cumberland Counties. In order to gratify his desire to study law he devoted two years to reading in different law offices, and then spent one term at the Michigan University at Ann Arbor. In 1868, under a license granted by the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois, he began to practice.
In 1882 Mr. Fryer was married to Nellie Ball, LaGrange, Ga., and of this union two children have been born: Andrew J., Jr., and Margaret F.
In his political affiliations Mr. Fryer is a Democrat. He has served as City Attorney, as Alderman and as Supervisor, and at times as a member of the Democratic Central Committee for the Fifteenth Congressional District. He is a member of the Episcopal Church.

FUGATE, Cornelius, farmer and stock-raiser, Mattoon Township, Coles County, was born in Scott County, Va., March 13, 1824, the son of Cornelius and Margaret (Seymour) Fugate, natives of Virginia and New York City, respectively. Mr. Fugate was brought up on a farm. He came to Coles County in 1851, locating in Charleston, and later he removed to Mattoon Township, where he owns 315 acres of fine land; also owns an additional fifty acres in Moultrie County.
On November 17, 1850, Mr. Fugate married Francina, daughter of Francis and Rebecca (Jett) Ellington, of Virginia, and of this union three children have been born, two of whom are living: Rebecca V. and Frank. One son, Stephen, is deceased. In his political views Mr. Fugate is a Democrat. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

FUGATE, George, farmer, Mattoon Township, Coles County, Ill., was born in Coles County February 8, 1879, the son of Stephen and Maggie (Welch) Fugate, natives of Coles County and Indiana, respectively. George Fugate's grandfather was Cornelius Fugate, a well-known pioneer of Coles County. His father, Stephen Fugate, is deceased; the mother is still living. Brought up upon the homestead where he now resides and educated in the district schools of that neighborhood, Mr. Fugate has followed the occupation of a farmer all his days. He is an enthusiastic stock-raiser as well, and operates 132 acres of land.
On February 28, 1900, Mr. Fugate was married to Annie, daughter of Samuel N. Davis, of Moultrie County, Ill., and of this union two children have been born: Frances and George. In his political affiliations Mr. Fugate is a Democrat. He is a member of the K. P. and M. W. A. fraternities.

FULLER, Henry H., dealer in lumber, coal, etc. Charleston, Ill, was born in Coles County March 20, 1856, the son of William and Phynetty (Ellis) Fuller, natives of Virginia and Tennessee, respectively, but who were brought by their parents to Coles County, Ill., about 1834. Hawkins Fuller, the paternal grandfather, was a well-known farmer in North Okaw Township, Coles County.
Henry H. Fuller was educated in the public schools and resided on the home farm until he was twenty-three years of age. In having entered into partnership with his brother, Ross R., they bought the lumber interests of W. S. Coon, and an extensive business was thereafter conducted under the firm name of Fuller & Fuller. In 1900 Ross R. Fuller retired and a brother-in-law, John A. Shorters, became the new partner, the title of the firm thereafter being Fuller Brothers. On December 20, 1880, Mr. Fuller was married to Isabel, daughter of Alexander and Permelia Hitch, of Coles County, and of this union four children have been born: Claude, deceased in 1903 at the age of twenty years: Wilfred W., Pearle and Esther. Wilfred W. is a graduate of the Charleston High School and is now (1905) a senior in the University of Illinois. Pearle, also a Charleston graduate, has attended the Eastern Illinois Normal School and is now a senior in the Ohio Wesleyan University. Esther is a student at the Eastern Illinois Normal School.
In his political views Mr. Fuller is a Democrat. He has served four years as County Treasurer, for a time as Supervisor, and was a member of the Construction Committee when the Coles County Court House was in course of construction. He has for two terms been a member of the School Board. He belongs to the Masonic order, and is a member of the Baptist Church, being Chairman of the Official Board.

FUNKHOUSER, George W., farmer. Lafayette Township, Coles County, Ill., was born in Pleasant Grove Township, October 3, 1851, the son of Wilson L. and Mary (Henry) Funkhouser, natives of White and Effingham counties, Ill., respectively. Mr. Funkhouser, Sr., was one of four brothers who came to America from their native land Germany. He settled near Leona, Coles County, about 1840, but afterwards moved to Lafayette Township, where he died in 1886.
George W. Funkhouser received the customary education given a farmer's lad, and at his father's death came into possession of eighty acres of land, a part of the old homestead. He has since added 160 acres to this property and now owns an aggregate of 240 acres, upon which he conducts a general farming and stock-raising business. On March 8, 1875, Mr. Funkhouser was married to Ridley, daughter of Squire W. M. and Eunice Leach, natives of Virginia, but early settlers of Coles County, and of this union five children have been born: George A.. Flossie M., Horace E., Lehman E. and Rosamond A. In his political affiliation Mr. Funkhouser is a Republican—belongs to the M. W. A. and K. P. fraternities. Mr. and Mrs. Funkhouser are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Leona.

FURNESS, John, farmer, North Okaw Township, Coles County, was born in the locality in which he now resides, April 28, 1868, the son of Thomas and Mary (Kippler) Furness, natives of Ohio. The father, Thomas Furness, was born in 1822, the mother in 1826. They moved from Ohio to Moultrie County, Ill., in 1852, purchasing land, and left an estate of 240 acres of land. The mother died March 25, 1902, the father April 11, 1904.
John Furness, their son, secured his education in the public schools of Coles County, and at the State Normal at Danville, Ind., and then began farming. He now owns ninety acres of land, and has control of an additional 220 acres. He raises line stock to quite a large extent. On January 25, 1893, Mr. Furness was married to Cora, daughter of Nathaniel and Eliza Crookshank. of Cumberland County, Ill., and of this union four children have been born: Mabel, Edna, Carl and Elmer. In his political views Mr. Furness is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Church.

FURRY, Daniel, farmer, Lafayette Township. Coles County, Ill., was born one mile south of old Farmington, Cumberland County, Ill., January 11, 1844, the son of John and Jane (Price) Furry, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. The grandfather, Peter Furry, settled in Pleasant Grove Township, Coles County, as early as 1837, dying of the cholera there in 1851. The maternal grandfather, William Price, located in Coles County at the same time. Daniel Furry lived in his native county of Cumberland until 1809, when he located in Charleston Township, Coles County, there spending one year. He then removed to Lafayette township, where he now resides. He is interested in agriculture, being the owner of a farm of 116 acres.
On November 11, 1863, Mr. Furry was married to Elizabeth J., daughter of William and Amanda Burrow, who had come to Coles County from indiana in 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Furry are the parents of five children: Ida, wife of Russell Shores of Lafayette township; james L., George and Edward, all farmers in lafayette township, and Amanada, wife of Alva Rutan, of Pleasant Grove Township.
Mr. Furry is affiliated with the Democratic party, and has served as Constable, as School Director and as Road Commissioner. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist church, in which he holds the office of deacon.

James A. Galbreath,

Galbreath, John

Gasaway, C.D.

Gerard, Charles

Gerard, Jackson

Gilduff, James

Glassco, Mrs. Ann E.

Glassco, Emmet

Grant, John

Grove, J.W.

Gustafson, Victor

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