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McDonough County Biographies
George Washington Hobbs
G. W. Hobbs, now living in Mound Township, McDonough County, was one of the early pioneers of this county, who
was for many years closely identified with its industrial interests, as one of its most successful farmers and
skillful mechanics, and is eminently worthy of a place among its representative men in this Biographical Album.
Mr. Hobbs was born in Maryland, not far from the city of Baltimore, in 1817. When he was a child his parents took
him to the pioneer wilds of Jefferson County, Ohio, of which they were early settlers. In his youth he was apprenticed
to a blacksmith by the name of James Simeral, and during the term of his apprenticeship received his board and
clothes. At the expiration of that time he went to work with a noted mechanic, Joseph Fields, and toiled hard for
the meager sum of $2 a month, from which he had to clothe himself and his board. He followed his trade for two
years, and then made a trip to New Orleans on the river. He afterward worked in Washington, Pa., the year of the
cholera, until all employment was suspended on account of the dreaded disease. In 1834 he came North from New Orleans,
whither he had been sojourning, and worked in Georgetown, Ohio, until 1835, when he came to Illinois. He landed
at the mouth of the Spoon River, in company with two blacksmiths and two clothiers who had come from Philadelphia.
Mr. Hobbs and Joseph McCoy, who came with him, worked at the blacksmith's business that year in Monmouth. We may
mention in this connection that our subject still has the old anvil with which he worked in that place over fifty-five
years ago. It had been bought by his father-in-law from a person in the East, and when it was sold with the other
effects of the old gentleman, Mr. Hobbs bought it at the rate of twenty cents a pound. It is of English manufacture
and is of the best make. Our subject and his partner pursued their calling very profitably at Monmouth, and at
the end of the first six months had $106 each. The former very judiciously invested his when he came to Harris
Township from Monmouth in the spring of 1836, in a tract of eighty acres of land. He still worked at his calling,
however, in the village of Marietta, where he lived, with the exception of the time of his residence in Lewistown
during the war, until about nine years ago, when he sold out and removed to his present place of residence in McDonough
County. He had three hundred acres of land in Fulton County, and a full section in McDonough County, which he had
purchased when it was cheap. He engaged extensively in raising stock and carried on the business in partnership
with Mr. Wilson. At the breaking out of the war they had five hundred head of cattle, and as pasture was plentiful
and cheap, they made money fast. This county is greatly indebted to our subject for what he did toward improving
stock in the early days by the introduction of horses, cattle and hogs of a high grade. He believed in raising
none but good stock, and whenever he made a purchase always bought the best in the market.
When Mr. Hobbs came here he had an idea that if he should be able to get forty acres of land he would be well off,
and when he obtained eight acres he considered himself quite rich. With characteristic enterprise he decided that
he would have an orchard, and he sent to an old Quaker friend to have him send him a lot of fruit trees such as
he thought he would want. His friend sent him one hundred apple trees and a variety of pears, which he planted,
and they afterward became famous for their fine fruit. From one of his trees our subject often sold as much as
$50 worth of fruit each year, and his orchard was regarded as one of the finest in all the country around.
Our subject was married April 20, 1837, to Miss Eliza Humphrey, and their wedded life of more than fifty years
duration has been one of great felicity. Mrs. Hobbs is a most excellent woman, of many Christian virtues, and is
a true member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She is a daughter of William Humphrey, of Ohio. His brother, John
Humphrey, of Warren County, Ill., was a Colonel in the Black Hawk War. Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs are fine people, and
are in every way worthy of the high regard in which they are held by the people among whom they have settled. They
have had six children, four sons and two daughters, of whom the following is recorded: George F. was a young married
man of thirty-six years when he died, his wife having died before him; John, who is married, owns and occupies
a large tract of land which his father purchased in Cass County, Mo.; Jane married James Wallace, a druggist at
Lewistown, and they have one daughter; Addison, who bought of his father the old home place of two hundred acres
of land lying near Marietta, is married and has two sons and four daughters; Martha married A. J. Franklin, a merchant
of Los Angeles, Cal., and they have three children; William, at home, living on the farm near his father, is married
and has three children.
["Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois: containing
full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county: together
with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state;" Biographical
Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 265-266; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst]
John C. Moore
John C. Moore came to Fulton County as early as 1843, and as one of its pioneers has done his share of the hard
labor necessary to develop its agricultural resources. His work has been blessed to him, and he is now passing
his declining years in honorable retirement, enjoying the competence that he has gathered together.
Mr. Moore was born in Washington County, Pa., December 17, 1817. He was reared and received his schooling in his
native place, and in the early years of a stalwart manhood made his way to Fulton County, and cast in his lot with
its early settlers. He first located on section 27, Bernadotte Township, where he bought ninety acres of land which
he improved into a good farm and there reared his children. After his last wife died he took up his residence with
his youngest son and is still a welcome inmate of his home. He still owns the old homestead, his son-in-law, Anthony
C. Ernst, renting the place. It is provided with the necessary buildings and the soil is admirably tilled, making
it a very productive and valuable piece of property. When he first came here he was extensively engaged in raising
sheep and in 1843-44 herded eleven hundred on the branch of the Spoon River.
Mr. Moore was not married until after he came to this county. In 1845, he married Elizabeth J. Walters, and their
union brought to them four children, two sons and two daughters, of whom the following is recorded: Mary Ann, the
oldest, born November 16, 1845, died and was buried in the Walters Cemetery, in Bernadotte Township; Walter T.,
the next in order of birth, was born April 6, 1847, married Mary L. St. Clair, and they live in McDonough County,
Ill.; Martha L., born in March, 1848, married Anderson Clark, and they live on a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres belonging to them in McDonough County; William H. born October 6, 1851, married Martha, daughter of Joseph
and Lucy J. McMillan, and they reside on their own farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Bernadotte Township.
Mrs. Moore, the mother of these children, departed this life June 28, 1852, and was buried in the Walters Cemetery.
Our subject married his second wife Miss Mary Jane Scott. They had four children born to them, two sons and two
daughters, as follows: John I., born August 5, 1853, deceased; Nancy A., born November 10, 1855, married Anthony
C. Ernst, and they live on the old homestead on section 27; Samuel R., born June 2, 1858, married Lucinda, daughter
of Dr. J. M. and Mary E. Steel, and they reside on their own farm of ninety-six acres on section 27, of Bernadotte
Township; Alice, born in January, 1862, died in the month of July, the same years. Mrs. Moore's death occurred
in August 1862, and her mortal remains were placed in Walters Cemetery. The maiden name of Mr. Moore's third wife
was Ellen C. McCullough. She lived until March 2, 1880, and then passed away, and is now sleeping her last sleep
in Walters Cemetery.
Our subject has led a peaceful, quiet life. He has never been on but one jury and that was before a justice of
the peace, and he never had a lawsuit in this country and has never testified as a witness. He has aimed to deal
justly by his fellow-men and has been honorable in his dealings. He was for several years a School Director and
Roadmaster. The first vote he ever cast was for Gen. Harrison in 1840. He now gives his support to the man and
not to the party, and has not taken a very active part in politics of late years. He is a worthy member of the
Presbyterian Church and contributes liberally to the support of the Gospel. Our subject comes of along-lived and
hardy race and has a sister living at an advanced age. He has eighteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild to
perpetuate his name.
["Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois: containing
full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county: together
with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state;" Biographical
Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 282 & 285; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst]
Albert K. Tate
Albert K. Tate, editor and proprietor of the Astoria Argus, is a wife-awake young journalist and is successfully
conducting an excellent family newpaper. He is also an enterprising man of business, dealing in real estate and
representing five different insurance companies.
Mr. Tate is a native of this State, born in Macomb, McDonough County, February 28, 1861. He is a son of the well
known Richard Tate, who was born in what is now Carter County, Ky., July 5, 1831. His father, David Tate, was a
native of the same county and a son of one of the pioneers of Kentucky, who early located in Green County, and
there spent his last years. The grandfather of our subject was reared and married in the county of his nativity,
taking for his wife Miss Nancy Wilson. He learned the trade of a tanner and engaged in that in connection with
farming during his residence in Green County. In 1845, he came from Kentucky to Illinois, bringing with him his
wife and six children. He stopped a short time in Henderson County, and then located in McDonough County, buying
a tract of land about two miles south of Macomb. That town was then but a hamlet and the surrounding country was
thinly inhabited. Mr. Tate lived on his farm in that vicinity several years, and then bought property in the village
of Macomb, and resided there until 1871. In that year he sold his property there and moved to Arkansas. He lived
a short time in Hico, and there shortly after his arrival his wife died at the age of sixty-eight years. Mr. Tate
subsequently removed to Washington County, and still resides on the farm he then purchased, he being now quite
an old man.
Richard Tate was fourteen years old when his parents came to Illinois. He was bred to a farmer' s life on the old
homestead, and continued to live with his father and mother until he established a home of his own. He learned
the trade of a tanner and brick moulder, and after he assumed the cares of married life he settled in Macomb and
was occupied at his trades for some years. He finally entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
Railroad Company in the contractor' s department, and has remained with that company most of the time since. He
married Emeline Hall, who was born in Maxwell, Washington County, Ky., October 17, 1837, and is a daughter of Joel
and Mary (Clark) Hall. Two children have blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Tate, Effie and our subject. Their
daughter resides with them.
The gentleman of whom this sketch is written was reared in Macomb, and received excellent educational advantages
in its public schools. When he was fourteen years old he commenced to work on a farm at $15 per month. He was thus
employed for a few months in the fall and then clerked in a fruit store a few weeks. August 10, 1875, he entered
the office of the Macomb Eagle and for four years thereafter, served an apprenticeship to learn the printer' s
trade. After that he went to Chicago and was employed in the office of the Times four months and then worked on
the Prairie Farmer a few months and subsequently was engaged in a job office on Dearborn Street. He remained in
Chicago about a year and we next hear of him in a printing office in Warsaw, where he was employed six months.
At the expiration of that time he returned to Macomb and studied dentistry a while. He abandoned that, however,
and resumed the printer' s trade in the office of the daily Republican-Register at Galesburg. From there he went
to Bushnell and worked in the office of the Gleaner. On account of ill health he gave up office work for a while
and went to Iowa, whither he was sent by the Union Publishing Company, of Springfield, to assist in compiling county
histories. A year later he entered the employ of the Illinois State Journal, and six months after that went back
to Macomb as foreman in the office of the Macomb Eagle .
He retained that position one year, and then bought the Astoria Argus , and has edited and published this paper
ever since. His experience in various printing offices and on various papers, was invaluable to him in his new
work, and laid a solid foundation for his career as a journalist. His paper is well managed, and is published in
a neat and attractive form, is bright and interesting and keeps apace with the times. For a young man of his energy
and capacity for work, his labors as an editor are not sufficient to take up his time, so our subject has branched
out in other directions, and, as before mentioned, is engaged in the insurance business, as agent for five different
companies, and he also makes money by his dealings in realty.
Mr. Tate was wedded to Miss Bertha Farr, September 25, 1884. Mrs. Tate is a native of Astoria Township, and a daughter
of John and Nina Farr. The names of the children that have been born to our subject and his wife in their pleasant
home are: Mildred F. and Albert Dean. Mr. and Mrs. Tate are people of high personal character, and are greatly
esteemed by the entire community. They are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Tate belongs to Astoria Lodge No.
100, A.F. & A.M. and Astoria Camp, M. W. A. No. 381.
[Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois: containing full
page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state; Biographical
Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 316-317; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst]
Andrew J. Bacon, MD
Dr. A. J. Bacon was born in McDonough Co., Ill., Sept. 23, 1836; received a common-school education; reared on
a farm until he was 21 years old, when he began reading medicine; in the winter of 1859-60 attended the Eclectic
Medical College of Cincinnati, O.; in March, 1860, he began the practice of medicine, locating in Ipava, where
he remained one year, and then removed to Table Grove, where he has since practiced with good success. He graduated
at the Rush Medical College in Chicago in 1865. He married, in 1857, Miss M. Durham, by whom he had one daughter,
Carrie, now the wife of John Leonard, of this place. Mrs. Bacon died in 1860, and Mr. B. married again May 4, 1863,
and they have one child, Nellie, now 13 years of age. Mr. Bacon's father, Charles Bacon, was one of the first settlers
in McDonough county, and like others, suffered many hardships and privations in paving the way for the future prosperity
of their family.
Note: 1st wife, Mariam Durham married February 25, 1858 Fulton County, Illinois. Second wife was Martha Miner,
married May 04, 1865 Fulton County, Illinois.
[History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches
of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits
of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois,
1879, page 651, Farmers' Township - submitted by Sara Hemp]
Charles Bryant Edmonson
Chas. B. Edmonson, farmer and blacksmith, sec. 10; P. O., Ellisville; was born in Jackson county, Nov. 29, 1827.
He was brought to this county, in 1830, by his parents, who first settled upon Totten's Prairie. They now reside
in McDonough county. Mr. E. enlisted Aug. 12, 1862, in Co. D, 103d Ill. Inf., to help defend our dear old flag
and maintain a united country. He was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps; was sick for a year. He has had
the misfortune to have both legs broken, - one October 12, 1865, by a saw-log, the other Nov. 10, 1876, by being
kicked by a cow. He was married June 5, 1870, to Rebecca Dyckman, native of Deerfield, Two girls and one boy have
blessed the union.
[History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches
of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits
of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois,
1879, page 605, Deerfield Township - Submitted by Sara Hemp]
Charles Bryant Edmonson is a fine representative
of the veterans of the late war who did such valuable service in defense of the Union. He is the oldest settler
now living in Deerfield Township, with whose agricultural interests he is connected, and he is held in genuine
respect by the entire community. Our subject is a son of one of the earliest pioneers of this county, John S. Edmonson,
who was born in North Carolina, November 1, 1800. He married Feredic Lackey, who was born in South Carolina, February
8, 1808. They came to Fulton County in 1830, being among the first settlers of Bernadotte Township, then moved
to Smithfield, this county, where they stayed about two years. They then moved to Deerfield Township, and for many
years were active in its pioneer labors, having their home on section 2. In 1864 they took up their residence in
Walnut Grove, McDonough County, and from there went to Good Hope, in the same county, where the father died August
12, 1887, at a ripe old age. The mother of our subject is still living. He of whom we write is the oldest son of
thirteen children, and he was born in Jackson County, Ala., November 29, 1827. In the month of March, 1848, he
started out in life for himself, and the ensuing two years was engaged in learning the trade of a blacksmith with
John Shuver at Lewistown. At the expiration of that time, having acquired a thorough mastery of his calling, he
did journey work for eight months at Knoxville. Returning to his old home he opened a smithy of his own on section
2, Deerfield Township, and was actively engaged as a blacksmith till 1862. In that year Mr. Edmonson laid aside
all personal considerations to take part in the war. He enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Third Illinois Infantry,
and was with his regiment until January 1864. He was then transferred to the reserve corps and continued with it
until June 29, 1865, when he was honorably discharged from the army, having faithfully performed his duties as
a brave, patriotic and efficient soldier, whether in camp or on the field of battle.
After he left the army, our subject returned to a farm of his own on section 3, Deerfield Township, and for two
years carried on his trade while managing his farm. He added forty acres to his homestead, the latter purchase
being located on section 10, where he now resides. He kept house for himself from the time he returned from the
South, till by his marriage, June 5, 1870, with Rebecca Dykeman, he secured the valuable assistance of one who
knows well how to manage household affairs and has looked carefully after his comfort ever since. Mrs. Edmonson
was born June 15, 1851, in Deerfield Township, and she is a daughter of Richard and Sarah (Leeper) Dykeman, natives
respectively of Indiana and Ohio. The fruit of her marriage with our subject is four children Charles F., Minnie
E., John A., and Frank M.
Our subject has a fine farm of one hundred and fifteen acres of which seventy-five acres are under good cultivation.
It is well-stocked with cattle, horses and hogs of good grades, as our subject engages in general farming, and
the buildings are neat and well arranged.
At one time, our subject took considerable interest in politics and was active in such matters, and he still votes
with the Republican party. He is interested in the welfare of the township which has been his home for so many
years, and for two years he did good service as Road Commissioner. He is a man of high religious character, and
in him the Cumberland Presbyterian Church finds one of its most useful members, and he takes part in the Union
Sunday-School near by.
[Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois:
containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county:
together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state;
Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 404; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst]
Evan B. Baily, MD
Baily, Evan B. - An instance of the call of the country rising above the din of the city and the more rapid compensation
of one of the learned professions is found in the return to nature of Dr. Evan Baily, owner of a 240 acre tract
on section 13, Bernadotte Township. Dr. Baily comes of farming stock, and his first years were spent among agriculture
surroundings in El Dorado Township, McDonough County, Ill. were he was born March 9, 1865. On the paternal side
he is of German ancestry, a son of Thomas and grandson of Evan Baily, the latter of whom came from Ohio to Vermont
Township, Fulton County, at a very early day, where his son Thomas was born, reared and finally married Nancy Battenburg.
After his marriage Thomas Baily removed to McDonough County, Ill., where his wife died in 1892, and whence he removed
to Table Grove, Fulton County, his present home.
The educational advantages of Dr. Baily consisted of the district schools and the high school at Macomb, and after
graduating from the latter he returned to the home farm, where he remained until attaining his majority. In 1889
he entered the office of R. W. Baily, a dental practitioner of Macomb, and the following year took a course at
the Chicago College of Dental Surgery, graduating therefrom in the class of 1890. In the meantime the elder Dr.
Baily had opened an office in Omaha, Neb., and with him Dr. Evan B. practiced during his vacation, in the fall
locating in Vermont., Ill., where he practiced dentistry for five years. He next located in Fairfield, Wayne County,
Ill., where he maintained and added to his former success, but in 1903, selling out his business, removed with
his family to Chicago. Two years later (1905) he came to his present farm, and now is engaged in stock-raising,
having on hand a large number of cattle, horses, hogs and sheep.
September 17, 1891, Mr. Baily married Lizzie A. Branson, who was born at Ipava, Fulton County, November 22, 1868,
a daughter of William T. Branson, one of the honored pioneers of Fulton County, of whom mentioned may be found
elsewhere in his work. Dr. and Mrs. Baily have two children, of whom Anna Maurine was born in Vermont Township,
July 25, 1892 and Evan B. in Fairfield, Wayne Co., September 2, 1900. Dr. Baily is a Republican in politics, and
fraternally is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors. With
his wife he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Ipava. The Doctor has made a success of both dentistry
and farming, and in either occupation would be sure of an excellent livelihood. He is a man of broad outlook, progressive
mind and large capacity for painstaking industry.
[Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, Illustrated 1908,
and the History of Fulton County, by Newton Bateman, LL.D. and Paul Selby, A.M., Edited by Jesse Hevlin, page 776
- submitted by Michael Frizell]
George Woods
George Woods was born in Sullivan, N. Y., June 5, 1831, and is the son of Asa Woods, who came to this county with
his family in 1836. They came in a two-horse wagon, and were on the road six weeks, and the old gentleman was sick
nearly the entire time. Asa Woods' brother, Salem Woods, came to McDonough Co., Ill., in 1831, and still lives
on the farm he first entered. The subject of this sketch, Mr. George Woods, attended the first school in Union
township. It was taught by a Mr. Davis. He was married, Dec. 20, 1854, to Sarah A. Parkin, who is a native of England,
and was born July 4, 1832. They have 5 children, 1 boy and 4 girls. Mr. W. is engaged in farming. P. O., Avon.
[History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches
of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits
of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois,
1879, page 895, Union Township - submitted by Sara Hemp]
Hiram Horace Harris
Hiram H. Harris; P. O., Table Grove. At 22 years of age this man settled on the northwest quarter of sec. 31, in
Farmers' township, - nice rolling prairie. His father, James H., was a native of N. H., and raised in Mass. When
he obtained his majority he went to Cayuga Co., N. Y., and from thence to Onondaga Co. While in N. Y. he engaged
in farming and salt-manufacture. He emigrated to McDonough Co. in 1834 or '35, where he established the first dairy
in McDonough Co. He has since died, leaving many friends to mourn the loss of one so highly esteemed. Our subject,
H. H. Harris, owns 529 acres of land and is a leading farmer and stock-raiser in this part of Fulton county. He
was married, Aug. 4, '36, to Lydia Rutledge, by whom he had 4 children, of whom 1 is living. Mrs. H. died Nov.
24, 1864; and he was married again, Jan. 8, 1872, this time to Mary E. Robinson, by whom he had 2 children, of
whom one is living; the only boy living is Horace B. Mrs. Harris' brother, Benjamin Robinson, came to Illinois
in 1849, where he pursued the occupation of tailor successfully until his death, which occurred Feb. 7, 1879.
[History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches
of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits
of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois,
1879, page 658, Farmers' Township - Submitted by Sara Hemp]
J.W. Morgan
J. W. Morgan, is a prominent farmer living over in McDonough county. P. O., Table Grove.
[History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches
of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits
of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois,
1879, page 665, Farmers' Township - submitted by Sara Hemp]
James G. German
James G. German was born in Cass township, Fulton Co., Feb., 22, 1853, and is the son of James and Mahala (Cannon)
German, the former a native of Kentucky, and died Jan. 17, 1862; the latter is living in McDonough Co., Ill. The
elder German was one of the first settlers of Totten's Prairie in Cass tp. Our subject received a good education
at Lewistown, and is engaged in farming with Mr. Eli E. Smith in Harris tp.; P. O., New Philadelphia.
[History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches
of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits
of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois,
1879, page 700-701, Harris Township - Submitted by Sara Hemp]
James M. Seamans
James Martin Seamans, farmer, was born Sept. 27, 1828, in Butler Co., O., and is the son of James and Hannah Seamans,
the former a native of the Buckeye State and the latter of Darby Plains, N. Y.; she was born April 2, 1807. They
live in Sheridan Co., Mo. Our subject moved to Gibson Co., Ind., in 1845, to McDonough Co., Ill., in 1850 and to
Harris tp. in 1867. He has been School Director and Constable here and was Deputy Sheriff in McDonough Co. for
12 years. He was married, Feb. 15, 1857, to Miss Sarah Hayhurst. They have had 8 children, 4 of whom are living.
The other 4 died of typhoid fever. The names of those living are Hannah, Margaret, Ellen and Maria: the two latter
are married. Mr. S. owns a good farm of 200 acres; never had a lawsuit in his life. P. O., Bushnell.
Note: Surname also spelled "Seaman"
[History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational,
Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative
Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois, 1879, page 707-708, Harris Township - submitted by Sara
Hemp]
John Smith
John Smith; P. O., Table Grove, Our subject is a veteran of Ill.; we do not say an early settler, for he was born
in St. Clair Co., Ill., Mar. 3, 1814. At the time of the war of 1812 his parents, Philip and Susan (Penn) Smith,
were in the fort. Mr. Smith when a boy had the Indian boys for playmates. His parents removed to Sangamon Co. when
he was quite small, where he received a limited education in the log school-house, with a fire-place in each end,
and a crack in the wall. Mr. Smith was intimately acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, and saw him work on a flat-bottom
boat on Sangamon river. He also heard Mr. Lincoln make one of his first political speeches, when he was a candidate
for the Legislature against the late Peter Cartwright. Mr. S. was an intimate friend of Mr. Cartwright, and heard
him preach many a sermon. He settled in McDonough Co. in Aug., 1837; was a leading farmer for nearly 40 years in
that county, when in March, 1877, he located in Table Grove, Ill., where he lives in comfortable circumstances.
He was married, March 1, 1835, to Jane Hargis, by whom he had 11 children, and all are living. He was a soldier
in the Mormon war. Has been a member of the M. E. Church for over 40 years.
[History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches
of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits
of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois,
1879, page 671, Farmers' Township - submitted by Sara Hemp]
Joseph C. Morgan
Joseph C. Morgan was born in Fulton Co., Nov. 21, 1847, and is the son of Dr. Darius T. Morgan, a native of New
York, and who has been a practicing physician for 27 years. He is now located at Bushnell, Ill. Mr. M.'s mother,
Martha Morgan, nee Harris, is a native of Ohio. He received a common-school education in Fulton Co.; was married
Aug. 20, 1867, to Julia E. Fuller, daughter of Amos S. Fuller, whose biography appears in this work. She was born
Oct. 19, 1850, in Lorain Co., O., and is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. M. is engaged in farming. P. O., Seville.
[History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches
of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits
of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois,
1879, page 707, Harris Township - submitted by Sara Hemp]]
Joseph L. Mackey
Joseph L. Mackey, wagon-maker and blacksmith, Seville, is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Foresman) Mackey, and
was born in McDonough Co., Ill., Oct. 19, 1847. His parents were natives of the Keystone State; his father is a
prominent farmer in McDonough Co., and his mother is deceased; she died July 17, 1868. He came to this county in
1871, and located in the village of Seville, where he has since successfully followed his trades. He was married
Dec. 16, 1869, to Mary M. Shamblen, a native of Ohio. They had a family of 4 children born to them, viz: Chas.
L., George W., James W., and an infant, deceased.
[History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches
of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits
of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois,
1879, page 703, Harris Township - submitted by Sara Hemp]]
Millard DeWitt Hall
M. D. Hall, sec. 28, Farmers' tp.; P. O., Table Grove; was born in McDonough Co., Jan. 5, 1851, and hence is connected
with the history of this part of Illinois. His father is a native of Kentucky, and came to Illinois when but a
boy. He still resides on the place he first purchased at Pennington's Point, McDonough Co. Our subject received
a common-school education, and has since engaged in farming and stock-raising, in which he has been successful.
He was married Oct. 10, 1872, to Clara Dilworth, daughter of James Dilworth, of Vermont, Ill. Mr. D. was among
the early settlers of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have one child, Willie D.
[History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches
of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits
of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois,
1879, page 657, Farmers' Township - submitted by Sara Hemp]
Randolph Hall.
In recalling the labors which have made of this 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 of Farmers Township is the worthy gentleman above name, who
has abundantly shown his industry and good judgment by the accumulation of an excellent estate, well supplied with
the improvements which make life in the country enjoyable, and add to the value of property. He possesses the hospitable
spirit and cordial manners which belong to all natives of the Blue Grass State, and which are also distinguishing
characteristics of the pioneers in any sections of the country. Honorable in his dealing, well-informed regarding
topics of general interest, and able to relate many an interesting event in connection with the early settlement
of the township, his companionship is desirable and his reputation excellent.
The birth of Mr. Hall took place in Washington County, Ky., September 4, 1823, and his residence in Illinois began
when he was a youth of fifteen years. At that period in his life he accompanied his parents, Joel and Mary (Clark)
Hall, to McDonough County, their home for a few years being in the vicinity of Macomb. In 1843 they removed to
Pennington's Point. Three years later our subject was united in marriage with Miss Almeda L. Woods, a capable and
efficient woman who has nobly borne her part in building up the prosperity of the family and fitting its younger
members for usefulness and honor. The happy union has been blessed by the birth of five children.
The eldest son, Platte, was stricken down within a few days of his majority, and the bright promise of his future
swallowed up by death. The older daughter, Mary Cornelia, is the wife of Josiah Hammer, of McDonough County; she
has one daughter, Della, who married Frank Harlan, and also has one child. As the mother of Mrs. Hall is yet living,
baby Mabel is the fifty generation of females in the family now living. Three of these were born in McDonough County,
Mrs. Hall in Erie County, Pa., and Mrs. Woods in the Empire State. A picture representing the five - Mrs. Cornelia
Woods, Mrs. Almeda Hall, Mrs. Mary Hammer, Mrs. Della Harlan and little Mabel - is of great interest, not only
to the family but to all visitors whom they receive. The second son of our subject and his good wife is Millard
DeWitt, who with his wife, son and daughter, resides in Table Grove. In McDonough County lives the youngest son,
Leonard Grow, with his wife and one child. The second daughter and fourth child of Mr. and Mrs. Hall is Genevra,
wife of Frank Ward, of Table Grove, their family including several children.
Our subject bought the first improved farm of eighty acres in McDonough County. His house was built by himself,
he hewing the logs and splitting the shingles, which were of black walnut from his own land, forty acres of which
was timber. The house was 16x22 feet in dimensions. A few years after it was constructed Mr. Hall covered it with
boards, which were sawed by his brother-in-law in a portable mill on the place. To the original eight acres he
added until his estate amounted to two hundred acres, all of which had been reclaimed by himself from its primitive
condition, except about thirty acres which was plowed when he purchased it. He resided upon the farm until 1882,
when he left it to take possession of a comfortable home in Table Grove. In the early days Mr. Hall hauled wheat
to Beardstown, about twenty-five miles distant, and thought himself fortunate when he could get fifty cents per
bushel, nearly half of which was consume by the expenses of remaining overnight. The first hogs driven to that
place sold for $2 per hundred, which was considered a high price, good dressed pork having previously been disposed
of in Macomb for $1.25 per hundred.
The early settlers generally owed all they raised to the neighboring storekeeper, their sole trouble being to turn
the products of their farms over to their creditor, the 1st of January being the usual time of settlement. By a
special arrangement they sometimes obtained a little money with which to pay taxes. All grain was cut with a cradle,
and it was generally tramped out with horses. Mrs. Hall vividly remembers seeing the wheat thrown in a pile, and
horses driven around it until the threshing was completed. The first chimneys were of sod built on the outside
of the log houses, and all cooking was done at an open fire, except in rare instances.
Mr. Hall is one of four sons and seven daughters born to his parents, all of whom are now living in this section
of the State in convenient visiting distance. He is the only Republican in his father's family, but his own sons
and sons-in-law belong to the same party as himself.
Salem Woods, the father of Mrs. Hall, emigrated from the Keystone State to McDonough County in 1831, prior to the
Black Hawk War, in which father Hall took part. Mr. Woods was a harness-maker in Erie, Pa., and having traded for
a piece of land somewhere in the West, started on foot to look up his new estate. He made his way over the mountains
and through the wilderness to the vicinity in which he supposed his land to be, but was then at a loss to locate
it. He heard a rooster crow, and going whence the sound came, found the home of Stewart Pennington, who helped
him to locate the land, of which he had a plat and description. He then returned to the East and brought his wife
and family, the journey being made in a wagon. The boards from the roof of his wagon were used as a door to the
first house he built on his farm. This home was of logs, notched and fastened to the sleepers with wooden pins,
no nails being used in its construction. The floor was of split logs. Mr. Woods has the first cook stove in the
county, it being shipped from the East to Chicago, whither it was brought in a wagon by the owner and Harvey Harris.
An old fashioned chest with a lid, which was made to ship goods in, is still preserved in the family.
Mrs. Hall is the only daughter of her parents, but they have likewise four sons. One of these, Edward, was born
in this State, and still lives on the farm on which he first saw the light. Mr. Woods was an Abolitionist of the
deepest dye, and he and his children naturally became Republicans. They are of the Universalist faith.
[Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois:
containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county:
together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state;
Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 307-308; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst]
Robert Hood
Robert Hood, proprietor of coal mines, was born June 12, 1832, in Petenweams parish, Fifeshire, Scotland, and crossed
the ocean to Maryland in 1854; Sept. 18, 1857, he married Theresa Mary Ann Vivian, a native of London, Eng., and
they have had 8 children, 7 of whom are living. Mr. Hood opened the first coal mine in Colchester, McDonough Co.,
and became a salesman for the company in Quincy. He settled in Harris township. One miner, Simon Roser, has worked
for Mr. Hood for 23 years. Mr. H. still retains the mine he first opened here, although he has much competition.
Republican. P. O., Bushnell.
[History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches
of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits
of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois,
1879, page 702, Harris Township - submitted by Sara Hemp]
S.S. Chapman
Sidney Smith Chapman was born near the mouth of Black river on Lake Erie, in the vicinity of Amherst, Ohio, Nov.
12, 1827, and is the son of Jacob Kimble and Julia (Griffith) Chapman. The great-grandfather of Jacob K. was Benjamin
Chapman, who lived in England. He had 3 sons: Benjamin, jr., James and John. They left their father and went to
different countries in Europe. The first named went to France, James went to Ireland and John to Scotland. At an
advanced age Benjamin, sr., died, leaving a large fortune to his sons. Benjamin, jr., was informed of this fact,
and before he returned from France the entire estate had been confiscated by the English Government. Benjamin then
came to the U. S. and landed in South Carolina. After this James returned from Ireland, and John came some years
later to the U. S. and stopped near Salem, Mass., and was there during the period of the witchcraft and persecution.
John had 13 children, of whom Isaac and Adam, the youngest, are the only ones now remembered. Adam 3 years ago
lived in Ohio at the age of 95, Isaac, the grandfather of Sidney S. had 5 sons and 3 daughters, Uriah, Elenius,
Daniel, Isaac and Jacob, twins, Roxy, Olive and Rebecca. Daniel now lives in Pawnee Co., Kansas, at the age of
84 years. Jacob K., the last mentioned, was the father of our subject, and was born in New York in 1803. Isaac,
sr., moved from Mass. to Cataraugus Co., N. Y., where Uriah and Daniel married; the former had one son named Elenius,
and died: his widow now lives in N. Y. Elenius, sr., died in N. Y., and Daniel, Isaac and Jacob K. moved to Ohio,
where the latter married in 1825 or '26, and went to farming. In the spring of 1832 or '33 he took his carpet-sack
upon his back and started on foot and alone through the thick forests of Ohio and Ind., and came to Ft. Dearborn,
now Chicago. He rested there 2 days and proceeded to Jackson Co., Mo. He remained there 6 weeks, when he started
back the same road he went and reached his home in the fall, after traveling 1,400 miles. In the spring of 1838
he started with his family to Illinois, but stopped in Ind., until 1839, when he again started and finally landed
in Hancock Co., Ill., in 1840 or '41. In 1845 his wife died, and in 1846 he moved to Wisconsin, nd in '47 to Ohio,
and in 1854 to Macomb, Ill., where he lived one year, when he again returned to Wis., and in '68 to Ohio, where,
Jan. 15, 1870, in Claridon, he died. His children were Sidney, Franklin, Albert B., Corydon C., Willard D., Orson,
Barbara and Sarah: all are living save Willard, who was killed in the Rebellion. Our subject's grandparents on
his mother's side were Germans.
S. S. remained in Ohio until he was 10 years old, when he came to Illinois with his parents. When they went to
Wisconsin he was sick with the "chills" and did not go. In Aug., 1845, he went to Macomb, where with
the exception of a season upon a farm a few miles east of that city and one year at Bardolph in the same county,
he lived till 1868. On Nov. 3 of that year he moved to Vermont, this county, and in 1872 to Chicago, and returned
to this county, locating in Astoria, in 1876. His father was a mechanic, and labored at ship-carpentering. He also
adopted the life of a mechanic, and has been engaged at almost all the trades at different times, and as a mechanic
possesses an ingenious mind. During the years he lived at Chicago and for several years previously, he was engaged
in contracting and building, at which business he is now employed. He enjoyed but limited advantages to obtain
an education, the early years of his life being passed upon the frontier at hard labor.
He was united in marriage with Rebecca Jane Clarke, March 30, 1848. She was the daughter of David and Eliza Swink
(Russell) Clarke, and was born in Kentucky Nov. 20, 1829. Her parents were pioneers of this State. The former was
born Sept. 28, 1799, and the latter July 3, 1805, both in Ky., and she died Sept. 18, 1875. There were born to
S. S. and Rebecca J. Chapman 10 children: Frank M., born Jan. 1, '49; Emma E., Oct. 24, '50; Chas. C., July 2,
'53; Eliza H., Feb. 21, '55, died Sept. 13, '60; David E., Feb. 6, '57; Christopher C., Aug. 23, '58; Wm. D., Feb.
4, '61, deceased Dec. 30, '61; Samuel J., Oct. 22, '62; Dollie E., Aug. 14, '64, and Luella, May 22, '70. All of
them were born at Macomb save Columbus and Luella, the former of whom was born at Bardolph and the latter at Vermont.
Mrs. Rebecca Chapman died suddenly on the evening of Jan. 2, 1874, in Chicago, and was laid at rest in the cemetery
at Macomb. Sidney S. was again married Dec. 30, 1875, to Ann Eliza Clarke, a sister of his former wife. Two children,
Ira and an infant, have been born to them. Emma E. married L. W. B. Johnson Dec. 18, 1873, and now resides in Kansas.
[History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches
of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits
of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois,
1879, page 425-426, Astoria Township - submitted by Sara Hemp]
W. G. Kelly
W. G. Kelly, farmer; P. O., Table Grove. Although a resident of McDonough Co., his western life has been spent
principally in good old Fulton. Our subject was one of the "stand-bys" during the cholera scourge in
Vermont in 1851. His wife and 2 children died with that dreaded disease. Great credit is due Mr. Kelly, Cephas
Toland, Joseph Royle and others, for their untiring efforts to save the afflicted, and for the tender care they
exercised over all stricken with the scourge. Mr. Kelly is a brother of the proprietor of the Kelly House, of Table
Grove. He was born in Fleming Co., Ky., June 16, 1818; is now a prominent farmer of McDonough Co. Mr. Kelly improved
the farm now occupied by David Corbit, one mile south of Vermont. He is the father of 5 children, of whom but 1
is living, - John W.
[History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches
of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits
of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois,
1879, page 660 & 663, Farmers' Township - submitted by Sara Hemp]
Thomas Jefferson Sparks
Among all classes of toilers is demonstrated the fact that some lives are shaped by circumstances, while others
overcome circumstances and shape their own lives. To the latter class belongs Thomas J. Sparks, a legal practitioner
of Bushnell since 1876, an ex-member of the General Assembly, ex-City Attorney, and prominent Democratic politician.
Tens of thousands, born in comparative poverty, as was Mr. Sparks, never emerge from it. From his parents, however,
he inherited the best of legacies, health, industry and integrity, and the ability to recognize and grasp a waiting
opportunity.
Born in Clinton County, Ind., Mr. Sparks is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Deford) Sparks, natives of Pennsylvania
and Ohio, respectively. When Joseph Sparks was twelve years old his family moved to Ohio, where he was apprenticed
to a wheelwright, learning a trade which he combined with farming for many years. In 1845 he moved from Ohio to
a farm in the vicinity of Ellisville, Fulton County, Ill., where the balance of his life was spent and where his
son, Thomas J., completed his common school education. Longing for a broader life than that of the devotee of agriculture,
the lad began at an early age to teach school, that his education might penetrate deeper channels of knowledge
through his own ability to meet his tuition. Untiring effort and rigid economy made possible the realization of
his hopes, and he entered Lombard College, at Galesburg, Ill., later taking a two years' course at Howe's Academy,
Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
In the meantime, having developed a compelling interest in law, Mr. Sparks in 1864 began the reading of law with
S. Corning Judd, at Lewistown, and, upon being admitted to the bar, removed west to Central City, Neb., where he
practiced his profession for six years. Returning to Illinois in 1867, he settled in Bushnell, then a rising town
having need of serious minded, purposeful young men, and which, because of the high character of its citizens,
promised support and appreciation of his efforts. Thirty-eight years of continuous residence have seen many of
his professional dreams realized and even exceeded, for it is doubtful if the economizing law student took into
account the public honors which would be accorded him.
At an early stage of his career, Mr. Sparks identified himself with the Democratic party, and for years he has
been an important factor in its local undertakings. For several years he filled with credit the exacting office
of City Attorney, and his election to the Thirty-eighth General Assembly of Illinois resulted in capable representation
of the needs and requirements of his district. At Mount Pleasant, Iowa, in 1871, Mr. Sparks was united in marriage
to Agnes Patton, of Wheeling, W. Va., and of this union there are two children , of whom Maud is the wife of Professor
W. W. Ernest, of Macomb, Ill., and Ray is a student at the University of Illinois. Socially, Mr. Sparks is connected
with the Masonic fraternity. Around his strenuous life he has built a wall of public confidence, and his qualities
of mind and heart are such as may well be emulated by the men of a younger generation.
(source: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and the History of McDonough County. Chicago: Munsell Pub. Co., 1907.
pp 1006-7 - Submitted by Ida Maack Recu who adds:
"He was a twin brother of John Wesley Sparks. Thomas completed a common school education in Fulton County,
Illinois, and then he attended Lombard College at Galesburg, Illinois. He later studied at Howe's Academy at Mt.
Pleasant, Iowa. In 1864, he began "reading law" with S. Corning Judd at Lewistown, Illinois and was admitted
to the bar. He then went to Central City, Nebraska where he practiced for six years.")
