Marshall County IL Biographies
B
Daniel Needham Blood
Taken From The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties,
Illinois
Daniel Needham Blood, now deceased, was for more than forty years one of the leading and most highly respected citizens of Henry, Marshall county, Illinois. He was a native of New Hampshire, born at Hollis, July 7, 1813, and was a son of Joseph P. and Rachel (Needham) Blood. His father was a contractor and stone-mason by trade, and when Daniel was but five or six years of age, removed with his family to Boston, Massachusetts, and later to Rochester, New York, where he was a contractor in the construction of the locks on the Erie Canal. There our subject spent his youth and secured a fair education in the public schools of the city. In early manhood Mr. Blood removed to Victor, New York, were he engaged in farm work, and was there married January 1, 1838, with Miss Salome Root, a native of that village. For eight years the young couple lived at Victor, and there three children were born to them. In 1845 he made a trip to Illinois, with the view of locating should he be pleased with the country. This visit satisfied him that in this grand state the poor man, who was industriously inclined, had a rare opportunity for bettering his condition in life. He therefore determined to remove here, and so, in 1846, with his wife and three children, he moved to Farmington, Illinois, where he joined his brother, James Blood, in the manufacture of plows. This brother, when the news came of the discovery of gold in our newly acquired possession, California, was attacked with the gold fever, and was among the first in 1849 to go to the new Eldorado. He returned in 1851, and organized a company, which included several members of the family, again took up his westward march, and is yet living in Santa Barbara, California. Our subject continued in the manufacture of plows but a short time, and then purchased a flouring mill in Fulton county, which he operated until 1851, when he removed to Henry, Illinois, and here engaged in the hardware business for three years. He then purchased a small farm about two miles northwest of the village, to which he added by subsequent purchase, making a farm of over two hundred acres, on which he made extensive improvements. This farm for the succeeding thirty-four years was his home, and here his children grew to manhood and womanhood, and from which they went out to pursue their various callings in life. Mr. Blood was a thorough and practical farmer, confining himself to no special feature of farm work, but carrying on a diversified farming. He was quite successful in stock raising, and made some money in that line. In addition to his home farm he invested somewhat in other lands, and also engaged to a limited extent in trading and speculating. At the time of his death he was the owner of considerable land and personal property, and was considered among the well-to-do and prosperous men of Marshall county. In 1888 he determined to leave the farm, and purchasing a residence in Henry, he removed to the village and practically lived a retired life. For two years he was a great sufferer from heart trouble, and death came to his relief July 11, 1890, and the age of seventy-seven years and four days. His wife preceded him to the "land beyond" some six weeks, so their separation was of but short duration. To Mr. And Mrs. Blood six children were born, two of whom died in infancy. The living are William M., a farmer, now residing at Whitewood, South Dakota; James A., a merchant of Santa Barbara, California; Mary L. of whom mention is made further on in this sketch, and Daniel N., a farmer, living near York, Nebraska. In his political views from the organization of the party until his death, Daniel N. Blood was a thorough and consistent republican, and while really averse to holding official position, yet held several offices of a local character, the duties of which he discharged with conscientious fidelity. In later life neither himself nor wife were connected with any church, though favoring the work of both church and Sunday school. --Transcribed and Donated by Nancy Piper
The Henry Female Seminary
Taken From The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties,
Illinois Daniel Blood was a great friend of education and gave freely toward the erection of the Henry Female seminary which stood on a part of his farm, and which was erected under the auspices of Rev. H. G. Pendleton, the first Congregational minister of Henry, and opened November 12, 1849. For some years, the school was conducted by Rev. Pendleton as a boarding school for young ladies, having an attendance of about one hundred pupils. The first building was burned February 15, 1855, after which a more pretentious four story brick was built, together with a handsome brick residence, the latter still standing. The first corps of teachers employed were from Mount Holyoke seminary. Until after the beginning of the war the school flourished, but it then began to decline, and that struggle proved its death blow. For some years school was conducted in the building by various parties, but without success, and it was finally passed into the hands of Mr. Blood, who, on being convinced no good would come of it, had the main building torn down. Mr. Blood was a man of strong, positive character, and a most careful business man. He was loved in his home, and had many warm friends in the community where he so long resided. -- Transcribed and Donated by Nancy Piper |
Mary Blood Hildebrant
Taken From The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties,
Illinois Mary L. Blood, the only daughter of Daniel N. and Salome (Root) Blood who grew to womanhood, was born in Fulton county, Illinois, but removed with her parents to Marshall county in early childhood. Here she grew to lovely womanhood and in the Henry seminary received her literary education, which was, however, finished in the Hyde Park seminary of Chicago. She remained with her parents until her marriage, July 11, 1873, with Captain Thomas Q. Hildebrant, a native of Ohio, who for ten years was a prominent attorney of Joliet, Illinois. Captain Hildebrant was a great admirer of the "Little Giant", Stephen A. Douglas, and in the presidential campaign of 1860, stumped the state for that eminent statesman, who was a candidate for the presidency. The "Little Giant" was, however, defeated, and Abraham Lincoln elected. The southern states which, in the event of such an occurrence, had threatened to secede, made good their threats as far as was in their power by passing acts of secession and the appeal to arms. Like his great leader, the patriotic blood of Mr. Hildebrant was fired and he determined to do all in his power to put down the rebellion and wipe out the insult to the old flag. At the first call to arms, he offered his services and raised a company, which became Company F, Twentieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and at the head of his company he marched to the front. On account of Ill-health he was compelled to resign after one year's service. On leaving the service, Captain Hildebrant removed to Ohio, and as his old-time health was renewed, he determined again to enter the army and became a member of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, mainly on staff service. On one of the fields of battle, Captain Hildebrant lost his sword, which was a present to him by his old company. It was picked up by a rebel who sold it, and after having been used by a rebel officer, at the close of the war was taken to his home in Florida. A friend of Captain Hildebrant, while traveling in that state, some twenty-three years after, saw the sword on which the name of the captain was engraved, recognized it, arranged with the soldier for its purchase and returned it to its owner, then residing in Washington, D. C. It is now among the archives of the Grand Army post at Joliet, to which several of the original company belong. Soon after their marriage, Captain and Mrs. Hildebrant removed to Cincinnati, where he engaged in the practice of law until 1884, when they removed to Washington, D. C., where he resumed practice, making a specialty of practice before the court of claims, and where he attained great distinction as a successful advocate. He resided in Washington until his death, April 9, 1890. His death, however, occurred at Henry, at which place he was then visiting. His remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Henry, which was laid out on land formerly owned by her father. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Hildebrant has made her home in Henry. Until the death of her parents she lived with them, and since that time has resided in the house where they peacefully passed away. Mrs. Hildebrant is a woman of no ordinary ability, which has been recognized by those with whom she has been associated. She was one of the first women elected a member of the school board, and was secretary of the Henry school board for one year. A member of the Congregational church, she takes an active interest in all its work. She also belongs to various clubs, among them being the Woman's club and the Chautauqua club, and her influence for good is felt in each. --Transcribed and Donated by Nancy Piper |
John P. Boice Transcribed and Donated by Nancy Piper
Taken From the Henry Republican, Henry, IL In this city, May 11, of congestive chill, John P. Boice, aged 69 years. Death of John P. Boice
In the year 1833 he settled in Lewiston, Fulton county of this state, and married, in the same year, Miss Vesta Bagley, with whom he traveled the rough journey of life for near 40 years, and who still survives him. Mr. Boice, upon settling in Fulton county, at once entered into the practice of his profession with an enthusiasm incident to the members of the bar in those early days, and we are assured by those who knew him during that period, that he soon reached a position of prominence among the members of the profession that was awarded to but few of his associates. Mr. B. was never a fluent speaker, but was considered in his palmy days one of the best judges of law in the entire district in which he resided. It is within the recollection of some of our citizens that Mr. B., in his earlier years, was the compeer and intimate associate of many men whose names stand high on the roll of fame. Among them we will mention Judge Douglas, Browning, Blackwell, Ralston, P. H. Walker, Judge Young, Judge Purple, Judge Weed, Judge Kellogg, the gallant Ed. Baker who was killed at Ball’s Bluff, Mitchell, Ross, and many others, whose names do not now occur to the writer of this sketch. In politics, Mr. Boice, during his sojourn in Fulton county, was a Whig of the old school Clay type, and to say that he was a true disciple and lover of Henry Clay, and an uncompromising devotee of the political principles of which that great man was the acknowledged leader, is only repeating what is well known to every old citizen of Fulton county. Mr. B., notwithstanding his residence in a strong democratic county, was frequently honored by his fellow citizens with public office. He served nine years as probate judge and 21 years as a magistrate, all of this time occupying the same office, built by himself on Main street in Lewiston. Just previous to his removal to our town in 1855, Mr. B., was afflicted with two paralytic strokes, which it is thought by his most intimate friends, somewhat impaired his intellectual powers and his usefulness. Since his residence in our city, his career and life are too well known to need any extended notice. He has served as justice of the peace and police magistrate about 12 years of the 17 he has been among us, and was re-elected at our recent annual town meeting. For the last 10 years (or about that time) Mr. B., has been afflicted with a cancer, and for the most of that time, either from pain of the dreadful malady itself, or from dread of its terrible and generally fatal results, has been a great sufferer. Mr.. B., previous to his death, had been confined to his room a little less than one week, and was considered by his family in a fair way of recovery, until Sunday evening about 8 o’clock, he was taken with a congestive chill, from which, in his weakened condition he was unable to rally, and not withstanding his faithful physician and others were by his bedside the entire time, doing all that human skill could devise to restore him, he peacefully breathed his at 3 o’clock on Monday morning. The funeral obsequies were conducted by Rev. I. C. Goff in the Christian church, and the large assemblage present, as well as the attendance of the Marshall county bar in a body, fully attested the esteem and respect with which the deceased was held in our community. It is only necessary to add, that the afflicted and bereaved companion of 40 years toil and labor, and his orphaned daughters, have the condolence and the sympathy of the entire community. RESOLUTIONS OF MARSHALL COUNTY BAR At a meeting of the members of the Marshall county bar, held in the court house, in Lacon, Illinois, on the 12th day of May A. D. 1873, the following resolutions were reported by the committee, T. M. Shaw, P. S. Perley and G. L. Simpson, and were unanimously adopted: Whereas, Our lamented brother, John P. Boice, in the fullness of his years now rests from his labors. Resolved, That in his death the bar has lost an old associate and honored friend, his daughters a father of whom they may well have been proud, the church of his choice a worthy member, and the community in which he lived a sensible, clear-headed citizen and honest man whom all will mourn and long miss out of their midst. 2. That we tender to the family our sincere sympathy and mourn with them over their honored and beloved dead. 3. The bar attend the funeral in a body, and wear the usual badge of mourning for 30 days. 4. That a copy of these proceedings be sent to the family, and to the papers of the county to be published, and that they be presented to the circuit court now in session to be entered on the records in honored remembrance of the dead.
John Burns, Chairman
|
Mrs. Brooks was born in the State of New York, and there received her education. She was married in June, 1837, to Mr. Brooks and eight children were born to them, viz. John D., Cordelia King, George W., Harriet M. Wilder, Charles E., Sarah E. Stratton and Mary A. Another daughter, Leonora, died September 17, 1861. Mrs. Brooks owns an cultivates 160 acres.-- Transcribed and Donated by Nancy Piper
From "The Record of Olden
Times or Fifty Year on the Prairie" |
Robert Boal, M.D., who came to Marshall county and located at Lacon in 1836 for the practice of his profession, is now living a retired life, making his home with his daughter, the widow of the late Congressman G. L. Fort. He was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1806, and when five years of age went with his parents to Ohio, and in what was then a new and undeveloped country, grew to manhood amid the scenes of pioneer life. After attending the subscription schools of that early day, long before free schools became known in that locality, he entered the Cincinnati College to complete his course. However, the desire to obtain a thorough classical education was never realized, as he left the school when just about to be promoted to the junior class. Soon after leaving college Robert began the study of medicine under a good preceptor, and later entered the Medical College of Ohio, from which he graduated with honor in 1828. From early boyhood he had desired to be a physician, having a natural inclination in that direction. Soon after graduating he commenced the practice of medicine at Reading, Ohio, and four years later in 1832, was united in marriage with Miss Christiana W. Sinclair, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and of Scotch extraction. By this union three children were born - Charles T., now residing in Chicago; Clara B., now the widow of G. L. Fort, who for years represented hiss district in congress and was well and favorably known throughout the state, and James Sinclair, who for ten years was assistant district attorney for the northern district of Illinois, with headquarters at Chicago, serving under Judge Bangs, General Leake, Judge Tuthill and Judge Ewing and died in office. Mrs. Boal, who was a woman of strong character and lovely disposition, was a worthy helpmeet to the young doctor in pioneer days, being ever ready and willing to cheer his pathway, and make his burden light. She died in Peoria in 1883. Four years after his marriage Dr. Boal came with his young wife to Marshall county, and locating at Lacon, at once commenced an active practice, which continued uninterruptedly for twenty-six years. In those early days the rides were long, road poor, bridges almost unknown and the practicing physician was required to hold himself in readiness to go at a moments warning at a call from any source and at whatever inconvenience. Many were the calls to which he responded, lonely the long night rides and but little was the pay expected or received. In common with all professional men, Dr. Boal was somewhat of a politician in the early days of the history of Marshall county. He was an eloquent speaker and his services were often called into requisition in the exciting campaigns which rapidly followed one another. The newspapers did not circulate then as now, and the public and professional speaker was expected to enlighten the people upon the issues of the day. Politically, Dr. Boal was a whig after attaining his majority, and the principles of that party especially with reference to the great question of the tariff, were in consonance with his ideas of right and for the best interest of the entire country. He took the stump in advocacy of these principles in each succeeding campaign, and was a most effective speaker. In 1844, he was placed in nomination by his party for the state senate in the district comprising of Marshall, Tazewell, Woodford and Putnam, and was triumphantly elected, succeeding Major Cullom, the father of the present United States Senator Cullom. While in the senate the doctor strongly advocated the building by the state of a hospital for the insane, and was instrumental in securing its passage. For some yars previous the state had been engaged in the construction of a canal and which virtually swamped the state in the panic of 1837. The doctor advocated turning the uncompleted canal over to the bond holders for its early completion, which was accordingly done. He also advocated the calling of a constitutional convention to revise the constitution, and an ac was passed for that purpose, resulting in the constitution of 1848, which for twenty-two years was the basis of our state laws, or until repealed by the constitution of 1870. Dr. Boal was a politician of state reputation, and was on intimate terms with all the great leaders of the whig party. He first met the immortal Lincoln in 1842, and was at once drawn to him, and the personal acquaintance formed with him at the congressional convention of that year was kept up and lasted through the life of Lincoln. In 1854 Dr. Boal was elected a member of the general assembly of the state, the last whig elected from the district; at the session of the legislature following his election a United States senator was to be elected. Lincoln was the whig candidate and was enthusiastically supported by the doctor. Every student of history knows the result of that election. A small number of what was known at anti-Nebraska democrats, of whom John M. Palmer was one, held the balance of power, and when convinced their favorite could not be elected the entire whig vote was case, with that of the anti-Nebraska democrats, for Lyman Trumbull, who was duly chosen. The whig party was nor virtually dead, and in 1856 a convention of anti-slavery men met at Bloomington, Illinois, in which was brought into existence the republican party of the state. In this convention Dr. Boal sat as one of the delegates, and was thus instrumental in the birth of that party, which four years later succeeded in electing Abraham Lincoln as president, an event followed by the greatest war of modern times, resulting in the entire abolition of slavery and the cementing of the ties binding the states of the union together, stronger than ever before. Dr. Boal was renominated for the house of representatives in 1856, and again elected, and served with credit to himself and his constituents. William H. Bissell was elected governor in 1856, and soon after his inauguration he appointed Dr. Boal as one of the trustees of the deaf and dumb asylum at Jacksonville, a position which he held by reappointment by succeeding governors, for seventeen years, the last five years of which time serving as president of the board. Soon after the commencement of hostilities between the states Dr. Boal was appointed surgeon of the board of enrollment, with headquarters at Peoria, which position he held until the close of the war. The active political life of Dr. Boal closed with the war. He then moved his family to Peoria and engaged in general practice, which he continued successfully for twenty-eight years. As a physician he was recognized by his co-laborers and the public as well, as one of the best in the state. His practice was very large, patients coming for treatment by him for many miles around. In 1882, he served as president of the State Medical association, an honor worthily bestowed. Dr. Boal continued in the active practice of his profession until he was eighty-seven years of age, when he retired and returned to Lacon, where he now makes his home. He is a well preserved man, mentally and physically, and an inveterate smoker. A great reader, he has kept posted in the current and general literature of the day and has also been a lover of the drama. In the social circle he is always surrounded by those who love to listen to an attractive conversationalist, one who can instruct as well as amuse.
Transcribed and Donated by Nancy Piper |
Samuel Buck, who resides upon section 19, Richland township, while not classed specially among the pioneers, has yet spent in Marshall county nearly forty years of active business life, and is well and favorably known, not alone in his own county, but in the adjoining counties as well. He is a native of Montgomery county, Indiana, born September 25, 1831, and is a son of Andrew and Hannah (Butt) Buck, the former a native of Pennsylvania, born May 14, 1797 and the latter of Maryland. They settled in Montgomery county, Indiana, near Crawforsville at a very early day and there lived the remainder of their lives, the mother dying April 3, 1843, when Samuel was in his youth, the father August 10, 1869. They were the parents of ten children, six sons and four daughters, all of whom grew to maturity, but three daughters and our subject are the only ones now living. One son, Daniel, was a soldier in the Mexican war, and another, Jacob, who was a soldier in the civil war, died in the service. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on his father's farm in Indiana, and was educated in the district schools. He there learned the making of brick, and became an expert in that industry. It was for the purpose of engaging in this industry that he came to Marshall county, Illinois, in the spring of 1857. Purchasing a small tract of land on section 19, Richland township, which was then covered with timber and brush, he at once set about the improvement of the place, clearing and developing a farm. He also commenced the manufacture of brick, in which business he continued in connection with farming until 1882, a period of twenty-five years. At that time he made many thousands of superior brick and sold his products for miles around. For some years he also operated a steam saw mill, and in carrying on the three lines of business it may well be conceived that he was a busy man. Two years after coming to this locality Mr. Buck was united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Malone, a daughter of Joseph Malone, now deceased, who located here in 1843, coming from Fountain county, Indiana, where Mrs. Buck was born. On coming to this county she was but a very small child, and here she grew to lovely womanhood, and in 1859 married our subject. Three children were born of this union - Andrew, Ella and William. The daughter is now the wife of Lincoln Kunkle and resides in Richland township. The mother died April 30, 1888, after a happy married life of twenty-nine years. She was an earnest Christian woman, a member of the Christian church for many years and died in the hope of the resurrection and the blessed reunion beyond the grave. On coming to this county, Mr. Buck was in limited circumstances, but he came with an object in view, and with a steadfast determination to succeed in life. From a small beginning and to his original purchase of one hundred and sixty acres of land, he added from time to time until today he is the owner of seven hundred and seventy-five acres of fine land, all of which is highly improved. Almost all the improvements made have been by his own hands or under his supervision. Success has crowned his efforts and he is able to enjoy the fruits of a life well spent in honest toil and the honest accumulation of years. Samuel Buck has, from the beginning of his life in Marshall county, enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. A man of fine qualities and of excellent judgment, he has frequently been called upon to administer upon estates and it can be safely assumed that he never betrayed a trust, and every duty was faithfully discharged. Fraternally, Mr. Buck was for some years a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but at present does not affiliate with the order, although its principles he holds in the highest respect. Politically, he is a democrat, with which party he has always been associated, believing strongly in the principles of the party, as advocated by its great leaders, Jefferson, Jackson, Douglas and others. Of late years, however, he has taken but little interest in political affairs, leaving such matters to younger men. During his residence here he has often been called upon to fill local office, having served as supervisor of the township, and for many years as school director, having taken great interest in educational matters. Purely a self-made man, his life is worthy of emulation by the youth of the land. Taken From The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois., Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1896, page 59-60 |
The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois, Published in Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company. 1896. - Marshall county Biographical extractions pages 100-199 Transcribed March 2011 by Norma Hass Richard BAGULEY, a leading tailor and the popular postmaster of Van Orin, Illinois, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, January 8, 1828, a son of Charles and Anna BAGULEY, who for many years made their home in that state. By trade the father was also a merchant tailor, which business he followed, both in Wheeling, West Virginia, and in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. He had learned his trade in the old world, but in his early days served as a sailor, and traveled around the world, visiting Africa and all the eastern countries. His death occurred in 1864, at the age of seventy-four years, and his wife died in 1844, at the age of fifty-three years. In religious belief they were Presbyterians. During his youth our subject learned the trade of a tailor, but for six yeas was engaged in the drug business at Wheeling, West Virginia, with his brother-in-law, James REED. He is one of a family of twelve children, three still living, his sisters being Fanny, who has now reached the age of eighty-two years, and is the widow of William J. JOURDAN of Muscatine, Iowa, and Mary, aged seventy-six years, who is the wife of James REED of Wheeling. On coming to Illinois Mr. BAGULEY engaged in the grain business in Henry, and subsequently carried on the same business in Van Orin for ten years. In 1885 he was appointed postmaster, which position he has since efficiently filled, his duties being discharged in a most creditable manner, and to the satisfaction of the many patrons of the office. He is an ardent democrat in politics, is a man of undoubted integrity and honor, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. In 1864 Mr. BAGULEY was united in marriage with Miss Malvina HULBEN, a daughter of George and Mary HULBEN, of Pennsylvania, and they have two children - Clara and Edith. Mrs. BAGULEY, a most estimable lady, is a consistent member of the United Brethren church.
|
The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois, Published in Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company. 1896. - Marshall county Biographical extractions pages 100-199 Transcribed March 2011 by Norma Hass Andrew J. BISHOP, one of the self-made men of Marshall county, who now makes his home in Wenona, is the possessor of valuable property, all of which has been accumulated by his own perseverance and industry. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, April 28, 1828, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (HEATHERINGTON) BISHOP. The birth of the father occurred in the same county, in 1800, but the mother was born in Ireland, in 1801, and when three years old was brought by her father, Hugh HEATHERINGTON, to America. When a young man the maternal grandfather participated in the rebellion in Ireland, was for over eighty years a member of the Masonic order, and died in Pennsylvania at the extreme old age of one hundred and five years. After their marriage, in 1824, the parents of our subject located upon a farm in the keystone state, where they spent their remaining days, the father dying in 1854, and the mother ten years later. Both held membership with the Methodist Episcopal church. In their family were eleven children, namely: Mrs. Martha Jane BLACKBURN; James, deceased; Andrew J., William H., deceased; John, of Mt. Palatine, Illinois; Mrs. Isabel CLAYBAUGH of Pennsylvania; Thomas B., deceased; Mrs. Susanna MATEER of Rutland, Illinois; Hiram and Margaret Ann, both deceased, and Jeremiah K., of Iowa. The last named served as a soldier in the union army during the civil war. The education of our subject was such as the district school afforded, and although he was reared to agricultural pursuits, he also worked at the carpenter's trade. Emigrating to Putnam county, Illinois, in 1853, he worked by the month as a farm hand for one year, and after his marriage lived on Ox Bow Prairie, in that county, until 1861, when he removed to Evans township, Marshall county, settling on section 27. The farm of eighty acres which he purchased was all wild land, but he has now placed it under a high state of cultivation, erected good and substantial buildings, and added to the tract until he now has two hundred and forty acres of valuable land. For thirty-three years he made his home in one house, but since 1892 has lived retired in Wenona, where he is surrounded by many warm friends. In 1854 Mr. Bishop was united in marriage with Miss Eliza J. CHAMP, the daughter of John W. and Lydia (HORROM) CHAMP, the former a native of Rockingham, New Hampshire, and the latter of New Jersey. Her maternal grandfather, Timothy HORROM, came to Illinois in 1832, settling in Grundy county, where he resided until his death. When a young man her father followed the carpenter's trade, but later went to California and Washington, in the employ of the Hudson Bay company, with which he remained for forty years. Returning to Putnam county, Illinois, although over sixty years of age, he joined the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as a member of Company H, with which he served for three years, and was then discharged on account of illness. During his service he was taken prisoner by the enemy. He died in 1869, and his wife, who had long preceded him to the other world, passed away in 1837. They had two children - Mrs. BISHOP, and William W., who lives in Hope township, La Salle county, Illinois. Mrs. BISHOP was the first white child born at Princeton, Illinois, the date of that event being January 1, 1834, and losing her mother when only three years old, she was reared by Lyman HORROM, a native of New Jersey, who came to Illinois in 1830, settling on Ox Bow Prairie in Putnam county. There he improved a farm, and in the early days also worked in the lead mines of Galena. He finally laid aside business cares and removed to Henry, Illinois, in 1863, where he passed away in 1886. He had married Eleanor BAKER, who still survives him, making her home in Henry at the age of eighty-four years, but for the past ten years has been an invalid. They had no children of their own, but reared both Mrs. BISHOP and her brother. Four children were born to our subject and his wife - Charles W., who lives on section 27, Evans township, Marshall county, married Clara SWISHER. Mary Ella is the wife of Fred WHITING, by whom she has five children, and they also make their home in Evans township. Lydia, who lives in Nebraska, is the wife of John McLAUGHLIN, and they have four children. Lyman Hamlin completes the family. The children were all provided with good common school educations. The parents are both conscientious Christians, worthy members of the Methodist church, and politically Mr. BISHOP is a republican, but has never accepted office with the exception of school director, which position he held for about twelve years. Although starting out in life with no capital, he struggled along and by hard work has succeeded in gaining a competence. During the first year at Ox Bow Prairie he was able to lay up seven hundred dollars.
|
M. M. BOON, residing on section 22, Richland township, is a type of that class of men born to a life of toil, and whatever their surroundings, have a fixed determination to make the best of them. He is a native of Sullivan county, Indiana, born December 16, 1819. His father, George BOON, was a native of Kentucky, born in 1783. He married Elizabeth McCAMMON, also a native of Kentucky, born in 1790. Their wedding was celebrated in their native state, and shortly afterward, in 1815, they located in Sullivan county, Indiana, where the remainder of their lives were spent and where they reared a family of eleven children, only two of whom are now living - our subject and Mrs. Martha CLARK. George BOON figured largely in politics in his native state. He was a stanch democrat, and served as a representative and senator thirteen years. Mr. BOON, of this review, grew to manhood on his father's farm in Sullivan county, Indiana, and was reared to the life of a farmer, which occupation he has always followed. In that early day the free school system had not been established, and as the country was new and thinly settled with a class of people with very limited means, the only recourse for an education was in the subscription schools, taught by some wandering pedagogue, who knew but little of books and less of human nature. In such schools, in the old-fashioned log school house, with its puncheon floor and slab seats, the rudiments of an education were received by our subject. What little opportunity he had he improved as best he could, early showing an earnest purpose. But it was work, hard work, that developed in him the man. Until reaching maturity, Mr. BOON remained with his parents, assisting in the work of the farm. He then started in life for himself, going out from home empty-handed, but with a brave heart and an earnest desire to succeed in life, making for himself a home somehow and somewhere, which he might invite another to enjoy with him. The time soon came when he determined to share his lot with another, and so, on the 22d of October, 1846, he married Miss Elizabeth CARITHERS, whose birth occurred in Sullivan county, Indiana, April 25, 1825. By this union five children were born, all sons, of whom three are now living: Alexander, who resides in Nebraska; William P., living in Eureka Illinois, and Benjamin F., of Woodford county, this state. After his marriage, Mr. BOON rented a farm in his native county, which he operated one season, and then came by wagon to Marshall county, which has since been his home. For thirteen years he rented land and had no permanent home. In the fall of 1860, however, he purchased his present farm, which at that time was all covered with a heavy growth of timber. Commencing at once its improvement, he has cleared more than half of the land, and has one of the most productive farms in this section. After a happy married life of sixteen years, Mrs. BOON was called to her long home, dying in 1862. Mr. BOON again married, taking as a wife Mrs. Sarah E. BECKWITH, nee BURGESS, a native of Massachusetts, and daughter of Cornelius and Dorothy (LORD) BURGESS, both of whom were also natives of Massachusetts. Her parents moved to Marshall county in 1859, locating in Evans township, where they both died. In their family were eight children, of whom four are now living: Mrs. BOON, Otis, Nancy PACKENHAM and Louisa BURBEY. Mrs. BOON was born February 22, 1835. She first married John W. BECKWITH, and moved to Marshall county, Illinois, in 1858. When the war for the Union broke out he enlisted and died in the service in 1862. The marriage of Mr. BOON and Mrs. BECKWITH was celebrated February 25, 1864, and to them four children have been born: Abby C., now Mrs. ADAMS, of Peoria, Illinois; Darling B., who married Addie WHITTLE and resides in Belle Plain township; Myra A., now Mrs. GERHART, of Grossdale, Illinois, and Telva, at home. To each of his children Mr. BOON has given a good education, as he has often felt the need of such in his own life. In politics he is classed as a democrat, but is not a partisan. He cares nothing for official position but has served his township as road commissioner and school director in a satisfactory manner. He built the Harper bridge across Crow creek, but his life has been mainly devoted to agricultural pursuits. Mrs. BOON is a member of the Christian church at Washburn, and is a woman worthy to be the wife of the genial, generous and manly man - M. M. BOON. [Source: The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois, Published in Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company. 1896. - Transcribed by Norma Hass] |
|