ELI COOLEY FISK
Page 637
ELI COOLEY FISK
Page 637
 ELI COOLEY FISK, a representative farmer of Havana Township, Mason County, now living on section 3, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 22, 1825, and is one of the pioneer settlers of this community, where he has made his home since the age of ten years. He is a lineal descendant of John Fisk, an English lord of the realm, who flourished from 1399 to 1422. The original American ancestor, who also bore the name of John, crossed the Atlantic in 1637, locating in Wenham, Mass. From him and his three brothers the Fisk family in the United States is descended. Samuel Fisk went to Windham, Conn., with Rev. Thomas Hooker and located in Stafford, Conn. His old home there was occupied by his descendants until 1784. Asa Fisk was the grandfather of our subject, and Eli Fisk was the father. He was born in Stafford, Conn., April 9, 1781, and married Margaret, daughter of John and Maria (Lawson) Moore. Her father commanded a company under General Gates at the battle of Saratoga during the Revolution, and helped to carry Benedict Arnold off the field. He was also at the massacre in New London, Conn., but escaped. His daughter was born in Union, Conn., May 16, 1788, and for several years was a school teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Fisk were married in Union, May 13, 1813, and there resided until 1817, when they removed to Indiana County, Pa. From 1824 until 1835, they resided in Cincinnati, Ohio, and while in that city their property was destroyed by fire. Coming to Illinois, they lived for two years in Havana, and then moved to the farm, where the mother died February 12, 1857, while the father's death occurred February 27, 1861. He was an expert with tools, and was a farmer, shoemaker, millwright and builder of steam engines. In the Fisk family were three children. Esther Lawson, born February 5, 1814, in Union, Conn., was married to Frederick Buck in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 26, 1832, and died May 5, 1871. His death occurred April 14, 1874. Their children were, Henry C., born August 21, 1835; Louisa C. Lindley, October 22, 1838; Mrs. Ann Maria Rogers, November 9, 1844; and Mrs. Esther Elizabeth Ross, March 11, 1849. John Moore Fisk was born in Indiana County, Pa., September 17, 1822, married Sarah Ann McReynolds February 27, 1845, and lives in Sangamon County, Ill. Their children are, Mrs. Frances Lucinda Canterbury, born February 25, 1846; Mrs. Margaret Jane Bentley, June 30, 1850; Warren Chauncey, September 26, 1853; Willis Elbert, August 15, 1858. Mrs. Esther Elisabeth Canterbury, June 10, 1860; and Elmer M., born in June, 1868. Eli C. Fisk was educated in the schools of Cincinnati and Mason County until 1847, when he entered Illinois College of Jacksonville, from which he was graduated in 1853. He taught school at intervals, and studied theology under the Rev. Albert Hale, of Springfield, Ill. He was ordained on the 19th of February, 1858, by the Rev. L. Foster, and was pastor of the Congregational Church of Havana for two years, but resigned on the 9th of February, 1859. Since August, 1837, his home has been upon the farm where he still resides, and since 1858 he has carried on agricultural pursuits. He owns four hundred and twenty acres of farm land, and raises hogs, cattle, corn, wheat, rye and oats. He has developed two new varieties of corn, and is engaged in the culture of fruit. One of the most progressive farmers of Illinois, he is always interested in everything pertaining to the development and improvement of agriculture. Mr. Fisk was united in marriage June 23, 1867, with Rosanna Wagoner, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, in 1840, and is a daughter of Casper and Maria Wagoner. They have seven children: Margaret Maria, wife of James W. Edlin, by whom she has two sons; Lucy Adda Olive; Eli Casper, who married Adda Crater, and is a farmer of Pennsylvania Township, Mason County; John Moore, Frank Fredrick, Rose Mary Ester and Bertha Eleanor, at home. Mr. Fisk has served as School Directory and Treasurer for twelve years, has been a Republican since the organization of the party, and was a member of the first Republican convention in Springfield. He was also one of the committee who invited Abraham Lincoln to address that body. He has frequently been a delegate to conventions, and always takes an active part in political affairs. He has delivered many speeches throughout the county, and frequently contributes articles to newspapers. He has a large and finely selected library, and his extensive reading has made him a well educated man, whose opinions on various subjects are well worthy careful consideration. |