EPHRAM N. HOPPING
Page 437
EPHRAM N. HOPPING
Page 437
 EPHRAM N. HOPPING. In recalling the labors which have made of the county a region noted for its agricultural resources, we feel a glow of admiration for all who bore a part in the scenes of the early days, and take great pleasure in noting prominent incidents in their lives. One of the early settlers is the worthy gentleman above named, who has abundantly shown his industry and good judgment by the accumulation of an excellent estate, well supplied with improvements. He is now living retired in the city of Havana, and is able to relate many an interesting event in connection with the early settlement of Havana Township. His companionship is desirable, and his reputation excellent. The birth of Mr. Hopping took place in Canada, April 2, 1815, and his residence in Illinois began in 1860. He is the son of Ephram Hopping, Sr.. a native of New Jersey, who departed this life in Dearborn County, Ind., whither he had removed in 1816. He married Mary Young, a member of a prominent family of Virginia. Our subject was an infant at the time his parents removed to Dearborn County, Ind., where he received a common-school education, and when old enough to do so, aided his father in carrying on the farm. He began life for himself as an agriculturist in 1860, at which time he came to Illinois and located in this county. During the years that have since elapsed, he has acquired a solid reputation as a straightforward, honorable man and as a thrifty, hard-working, capable farmer. He has managed with skill and profit his well equipped farm on section 36, Havana Township, since it came into his possession. There he resided until 1890, when, on account of failing health, he moved into the city of Havana. With whatever will best promote the highest interests of his adopted county, Mr. Hopping thoroughly identifies himself. His liberality helps forward many schemes for its improvement, and he is numbered among its most loyal citizens. In politics he votes with the Republican party. Socially he is prominently identified with the order of Odd Fellows, and belongs to Lodge No. 143, A. F. & A. M., at Havana. In 1841, Mr. Hopping was united in marriage with Miss Ann Horsley, who was born in Indiana July 15, 1815, and was the daughter of Thomas Horsley. The latter was born in Virginia and became one of the early settlers of Indiana, where he spent the rest of his life. Mrs. Hopping became the mother of four children, and departed this life April 15, 1851. Her sons and daughters were: Ephram, Jr., now residing in Arkansas; Sarah Ann, the wife of Wallace Caldwell, of Nebraska; William, living in Wyoming; and Mary E., Mrs. L. W. Coon, of Havana Township, this county. The lady whom our subject married January 1, 1854, was Miss Harriet Hunter Andrews. She was born in Versailles, Ind., and was the daughter of Luman Andrews, a native of Massachusetts. Their union resulted in the birth of eight children, all but one of whom are living, viz.: Charles, a resident of Mason City, this state; Luman, residing in Beaver City, Neb.; Luther, who located near Cedar Bluff, Kan.; Ida A., Luella and Fannie, who are at home; John, living in Beaver City, Neb.; and May, also at home, The wife and mother died September 28, 1889. The fine property of Mr. Hopping is a standing monument to the energy which he has put forth in the labors of live and the good judgment which has characterized his efforts. While his high standing among his fellow-men is an equally satisfactory evidence of his worth as a neighbor and citizen. |