Edgar County IL Archives Biographies.....Edgar Township, Biographies ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com March 19, 2006, 3:26 pm Author: The History of Edgar Co IL 1879 pages 710-716 EDGAR TOWNSHIP C. W. CLARK, farm and stock; P. O. Edgar; the subject of this sketch was born in Edgar Co., Ill., on his present place, Oct. 23, 1849. He married Miss Lizzie Francis Oct. 23, 1878; she was born in Edgar Co., Ill., July 4, 1853. He has always lived in this township; he has held no office, except connected with the school and road; at the age of 18, he began working on his own account, though he had charge of the farm since he was 15 years old, at which time his father died; he owns 390 acres in this township, which he has principally earned by his own labor and management. His parents, James S. and Mrs. Eliza A. Barbour Clark, were natives of Pennsylvania and New York; they were married in Indiana, near Terre Haute, June 25, 1835, and came to Illinois and settled in Edgar Co. in 1843; he died Aug. 14, 1864; Mrs. Clark is living here, on the old homestead, with her son. B. O. CURTIS, horticulturist; P. O. Paris; was born in Edgar Co., Ill., March 19, 1824. He married Miss Jane W. Stout, Sept. 3, 1856; she was born in Edgar Co., Ill., Feb. 5, 1828; they had five children, one living, viz., Mary E. He lived with his parents until he was 22; he then went into partnership with his brother in the nursery business near Paris, which they continued until 1856, when they dissolved partnership, and Mr. B. O., getting married, moved to his present place, a part of which he entered in 1849; he brought the nursery here, and continued same until 1868, when he quit propagating and sold out the stock, since which time he has engaged in fruit-raising and farming. His parents, Joseph and Mrs. Hannah Shelby Curtis, were natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania; they were married in Ohio and settled in Edgar Co. in 1818; his wife's parents were Adriel and Mrs. Eliza Means Stout; they were natives of Kentucky and South Carolina; they were married in Ohio, and settled in Edgar Co. in 1822; he was one of the first members and Elder of the Presbyterian Church at Paris, and took an active part in its affairs. R. K. COLLINS, farming; P. O. Horace; the subject of this sketch was born in Henry Co., Ind., June 7, 1841. He married Miss Susan M. Calvin Nov. 23, 1865; she was born in Edgar Co., Ill., Jan. 30, 1844; they had five children, three living, viz., Nettie, Jennie and Robert S. He lived in Indiana until fall of 1856, when he came to Edgar Co., Ill., and has lived here since; he came to his present place in 1872. In 1861, he enlisted in the 29th I. V. I; was in service four years and three months; he went in service as Fourth Sergeant, and, on April 6, 1862, he was made Captain of Co. H; he was in the battles of Ft. Henry, Ft, Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg and forts at Mobile. In spring of 1868, he was appointed Assistant Revenue Assessor of this district; he was elected Supervisor of Edgar Tp. in spring of 1878. He owns 261 acres in this township, which he has earned by his own labor and management. GEORGE W. EDWARDS, farming; P. O. Horace; the subject of this sketch was born in Edgar Co., Ill., Dec. 7, 1836. He married Miss Catharine Broshar Dec. 6, 1858; she was born in Ripley Co., Ind., April 9, 1837; they have five children, viz., Julia E., Ida M., Emily E., Albert J. and Orlando D. He was born and raised on the farm; when 7 years old, his father died; he then, with his mother, moved to his grandfather's, where he lived until he was 21; he then, with his brother, improved an adjoining farm to the one he now owns; in 1865, he came to his present place; he owns 285 acres in this county. Much he has earned principally by his own labor and management. His parents, Altemus and Mrs. Sarah Tucker Edwards, were natives of Tennessee and Kentucky; they were married in Edgar Co., where they came at an early date; he died in the fall of 1844; she is living in Nebraska with her son. WILLIAM HOULT, farmer; P. O. Chrisman; is a native of Monongalia, now Marion, Co., W. Va.; he was born Oct. 27, 1814. He married Mrs. Rebecca McKee Smith Feb. 21, 1848; she was born in Montgomery Co., Ky., Aug 26, 1824; they had eight children, seven living, viz., John, Mary Jane, Dorothy L., Emily, James, Rachel E. and William F. He lived in Virginia till spring of 1832, when, with his parents, he came to Illinois, and settled in Edgar Co., and engaged in farming; he lived with his parents until 1836, when he went to Virginia and remained one year; then returned to Edgar Co., and remained until 1839, when he again went to Virginia, and engaged in carpentering and building; remained until 1843; he then went to Iowa, via Edgar Co., but again returned Virginia, and, in 1844, he went to Arkansas, and, in 1845, he came to Edgar Co., and followed his trade until 1848, since which time, he has been farming exclusively; in 1849, he came to his present place. He has held no office, except connected with school and road. He owns 950 acres in this county, which he has principally earned by his own labor and management. His parents, Elisha and Mrs. Dorothy Prickitt Hoult, were natives of Monongalia Co., W. Va.; they were married in Virginia, and came to Edgar Co., Ill., in 1832; they were born in 1785 and 1787, respectively; both died in Edgar Tp. H. C. JOHNSON, farming and stock; P. O. Horace; the subject of this sketch was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., June 30, 1822. He married Miss Mary E. Tucker Aug. 26, 1849; she was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., Nov. 19, 1828; they had eleven children, nine living, viz., Susan I., George E., Oscar B., Cyntha S., Stephen A., Clara J., Dillard N., Minnie L. and Albert C.; Francis M. and Charles T. died. He lived in New York fifteen years; when, with his parents, he came to Illinois, and settled in Edgar Co., and engaged in farming; he lived at home until 1848, when he came to his present place. He has held offices connected with school and road, and has also been Collector, Assessor and Supervisor of this township. He owns 270 acres in this township, which he has earned by his own labor and management. His parents, Newberry and Mrs. Sylva Tefft Johnson, were natives of New York and Rhode Island; they were married in New York, and settled in this county in 1837; he died Nov. 8, 1857, and his wife died Aug. 21, 1876. MRS. REBECCA J. LARKIN, farming; P. O. Edgar; this lady, whose maiden name was Swan, was born in Vermilion Co., Ind., Jan. 11, 1829; she lived in Indiana until 1849, when she came to Edgar Co., Ill. She married Mr. Geo. T. Johnson Nov. 17, 1851; he was a native of Oneida Co., N. Y.; he was born July 10, 1826, and died May 26, 1863; they had seven children, four living, viz., William N, Sylvia C., Norris D. and Joseph T. Mr. Johnson settled here in 1837. In 1865, Nov. 17, she married Mr. Geo. K. Larkin; he was a native of Oneida Co., N. Y.; he was born April 12, 1818, and died March 27, 1870; they had three children, one living, viz., George K. Mr. Larkin settled in Edgar Co. in 1838, and engaged in farming; he held the office of County Judge one term. Mrs. Larkin is living on the old homestead in Edgar Tp. HARRISON MOSS, farming and stock; P. O. Paris; the subject of this sketch was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Sept. 1, 1838. He married Miss Caroline R. McClain, Oct. 4, 1870; she was born in Edgar Co., Ill., Aug. 4, 1849; they had three children, two living, viz., Blanche and Bertha. He lived in Ohio sixteen years, when, with his parents, he came to Illinois, and settled in this township, engaging in farming; he lived with his parents until 1868; he then lived with his brother until 1870; when, on being married, he came to his present place. In 1862, he enlisted in the 79th I. V. I., and served nearly three years, he being Corporal; he was in the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga; at the latter place he was, with the greater part of his company, taken prisoner, he being confined at Richmond, Andersonville, Savannah and Milan, Ga.; from here he was sent to Florida, from where he made his escape in company with two others, they walking 150 miles to the coast, subsisting by kindness of negroes and rebel deserters; from the coast, they finally reached Annapolis, Md., and later their regiment at Decatur, Alabama; and soon after the regiment was mustered out. He owns 650 acres in this township earned by his own labor and management. ALEXANDER MOSS, farming and stock; P. O. Paris; the subject of this sketch was born in Clark Co., Ohio, April 26, 1841. He married Miss Sarah A. Hazelton Dec. 31, 1868; she was born in Rockingham Co., N. H., June 2, 1843; they had five children, three living, viz., Frank H., Chester A. and Josephine May. He lived in Ohio until 1854, when, with his parents, he came to Illinois and settled in Edgar Co., and engaged in farming; he lived with his parents until 1868, when he came to his present place. In 1862, he enlisted in the 79th I. V. I,; was in service three years; was a non-commissioned officer; he was in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Atlanta and others, in all seventee. He owns 610 acres in this township which he has earned by his own labor and management. His parents, Henry and M. Barbara Arbogest Moss, were natives Virginia; they were married in Ohio, and settled in this county in 1854; he died Jan. 9, 1868; she is living here with her son. JOHN McKEE, farming and stock; P. O. Chrisman; the subject of this sketch, was born in Edgar Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., March 28, 1836. He married Miss Amanda J. Osborn, Aug. 20, 1857; she was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, May 11, 1834; they have seven children, viz., Emma J., Flora T., Effie Ann., Robert E., Marion Grant, Orion and infant. He has always lived in Edgar Tp., remaining on his father's place until 1873, when he moved to his present place; he is not an office-seeker, and has held no office except that of Director in the district school which he has held for the past twenty-one years; he started on his own account without any capital and now owns 300 acres, which he has earned by his own labor and management. His parents, John and Mrs. Rachel Ellisbury McKee, were natives of Virginia and North Carolina; they came to this county in 1829, from Kentucky, where they were married; he died Aug. 29, 1877; Mrs. McKee is living here in Edgar on the old homestead. OLIVER S. MORRIS (deceased); the subject of this sketch was born in Rush Co., Ind., Dec. 22, 1837. He married Miss Mary C. Retherford Dec. 29, 1859; she was born same place April 6, 1838; they had five children, four living, viz., William H., Laura B., Mary A. and Oliver S. He lived in Indiana until 1862, being engaged on the farm, he then came to Illinois, and settled on the present place, where he lived until his death, Oct. 4, 1870. Mrs. Morris has carried on the farm since the death of her husband, and has been very successful, having built a large and elegant house and other improvements, besides paying off a large amount of incumbrance; she has under her management 440 acres in this township. A. W. MARK, farming and stock; P. O. Edgar; the subject of this sketch was born in Fayette Co., Ohio, Feb. 6, 1826. He married Miss Mary E. Hopes June 6, 1850; she was born in Fayette Co., Ohio, Nov. 15, 1831; they had ten children, eight living, viz., Nancy J., Naomi J., Mary H., Lewis E., Margery E., Billie Sherman, Joe Hooker and Carrie H. He lived in Ohio until 1852, being engaged in farming; he then came to Illinois, and, in March, 1853, he settled on his present place, and has lived here since. He has held no office except connected with the schools. He started in poor circumstances, and now owns 343 acres in this county, which he has earned by his own labor and management. His parents, Joseph and Mrs. Naomi Bush Mark, were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia; they married in Ohio, where they now reside. JOHN MITCHELL, farming and stock; P. O. Edgar; the above gentleman was born in Edgar Co., Ill., Nov. 1, 1831. He married Miss Mary E. Smith May 22, 1860; she was born in Edgar Co., Ill., Aug. 11, 1841; they had eight children, six living, viz., Ida B., William T., Margaret E., Ella C., Olie O. O. and Carrie E.; he lived with his parents until he was 18, when he went to Oregon and engaged in farming; remained one year; he then Went to California and engaged in mining; remained three years, during which time he served three months in the Rouge River Indian war, he being in the 2d Battalion Oregon Mt. Vols.; he took part in the fights at Hayes' Hill, Big Meadows, etc.; he then returned to Edgar Co., Ill., overland, and engaged in farming. In 1861, he enlisted in the 79th I. V. I. and was made Second Lieutonant of Co. A, and, in 1863, he was promoted to First Lieutenant; he was in service nearly three years, and was in the battles of Stone River, Liberty Gap and Chickamauga; at the latter place, was taken prisoner and sent to Libby Prison, where he was confined nine months; Was one of the thirteen who tunneled out, he alone of the number failed to escape, though five were later recaptured; one of the knives used in tunneling is now in his possession; from Libby he was sent Macon, Ga.; thence to Charleston, S. C., where he with 1,600 others was confined in a part of the city most exposed to the federal fire; from here he was sent to Columbia, S. C.; on his being exchanged, he returned to Edgar Co.; and has lived here since. His parents, Ensign and Mrs. Elizabeth Calvin Mitchell, were natives of New York and Kentucky; they were married in Ohio and settled in Edgar Co. in 1830; she died Nov. 28, 1845; he then married Mrs. Mary Ann Eliza Riley; both are living here on the old homestead; Mr. Mitchell was born March 3, 1787, and is therefore the oldest resident in this township. GEORGE H. PATRICK, farming and stock; P. O. Edgar; the subject of this sketch was born in Nelson Co., Ky., June 21, 1825. He married Miss Eliza J. Wood Nov. 9, 1851; she was born in Edgar Co., Ill., and died Jan 12, 1856; his second wife was Miss Mary Dawson; they were married Sept. 11, 1856; she was born in Edgar Co., Ill., and died May 2, 1863; they had three children, viz., Mary J., Alma E. and Samuel M; his present wife was Miss Sarah E. Brown; she was born in Edgar Co., Ill., Dec. 25, 1842, and married Oct. 27, 1863; they have two children, viz., Oron E. and Grace. He lived in Kentucky five years, when, with his parents, he came to Illinois and settled in Edgar Co., engaged in farming; he lived at home until he was 27, when he moved to a farm near by and engaged in farming on his own account; he remained there until 1864, when he came to his present place. He has been School Director and Trustee, Road Commissioner and Assessor; he owns 148 acres in this township, which he has earned by his own labor and management. His parents, Thomas C. and Mrs. Eleanor Hopkins Patrick, were natives of Nelson Co., Ky., where they were married; they settled in Edgar Co., Ill., in 1830, in Hunter Tp.; both have since died. MILES ROGERS, farming and stock; P. O. Cherry Point; the subject of this sketch was born in Hardin Co., Ky., July 23, 1823. He married Miss Mary G. Brittenham July 23, 1854; she was born in Marion Co., Ind., May 12, 1838, and died April 18, 1878; they had seven children, four living, viz., Eliza, Susie, Jane and Albert. When but 1 year old, his parents moved from Kentucky to Illinois, and settled in Edgar Co. near where he now lives, and he remained there until he was about 30 years old; he then moved to his present place and has lived here since. He is no office-seeker, his only offices being connected with the school and road; he began in very poor circumstances, and now owns 438 acres in this county, which he has earned by his own labor and management. His parents, Elias and Mrs. Permelia Holden Rogers, were natives of Vermont and New York. NAPOLEON B. STAGE (deceased), whose portrait has a place in this work; was born in Ohio, in the year 1819; he came to Edgar Co. in the year 1841; and settled in Edgar Tp., at what was then called "Marion's Point," where he was extensively engaged in farming, buying and shipping cattle; by upright dealing, he acquired the confidence and good-will of his neighbors; he took an active part in the question of township organizations, and was elected the first Supervisor of his township after its organization, and served as such for three terms; in the fall of 1860, he was elected to the State Legislature over one of the most active, popular citizens of that day; up to the breaking out of the rebellion he was known as a Democrat, took an active part in politics, and was elected to the Illinois Legislature by that party; in the spring of 1861, Gov. Yates having convened the Legislature, Mr. Stage took an honorable and patriotic part in clothing the Governor with power to aid the National Government in suppressing the rebellion, although the majority of his party in the Legislature opposed these necessary measures; on the adjournment of the Legislature, he returned to his home and took an active part in encouraging the people to volunteer in support of the Government, and himself joined the 126th Regt. I. V. I., acting as Quartermaster until disabled from further duty by ill-health; in 1868, he was again called upon by his neighbors to serve them in the State Legislature; he was a public-spirited citizen, a man of great energy, carrying to a successful completion all measures that he undertook; he was a kind husband and father, and a good neighbor, cheerfully serving the generation in which he lived. He died July 10, 1874. He had a family of ten children, only three of whom survive him, viz., Lizzie A., Charles A. and Marion O. ALEXANDER SOMMERVILLE, retired; P. O. Edgar; the subject of this sketch was born in Donegal Co., Ireland, Aug. 8, 1798. He married Miss Rosanna Cochran Jan. 16, 1838; she was born in Fleming Co., Ky., Feb. 5, 1815; they had ten children, eight living, viz., James, John W., Joseph H., Mollie J., Nancy A., Malinda, Rosanna and Margaret. He lived in Ireland until May, 1802, when, with his parents, he came to the United States and settled in Kentucky, where he lived until 1836, when he came to Illinois and settled in Edgar Co.; engaged in farming, and has lived here since; he owns 300 acres in this township, which he has earned by his own labor; he has during the past few years, lost his eye-sight; though he did not settle here until 1836, he had visited this county as early as 1830; he kept hotel in early days, his first sign being a picture of Washington at the battle of Yorktown; which was later changed to a sign bearing the inscription of "Our House," which latter gave way for one called the "Green Tree," the latter being cut down during the war, since which time he has not kept public-house. His farm is under the management of his sons James and John W.; James also owns a farm near by of eighty acres, which he uses as a pasture for his stock, he being engaged in the stock business. T. M. SIDENSTRICKER, farming and stock; P. O. Edgar; was born in Grand View Tp., Edgar Co., Ill, Jan. 27, 1841. He married Miss Carrie Johnson Oct. 24, 1868; she was born in Douglas Co., Ill., Nov. 27, 1846; they have four children, viz., Anna, Lorena E., Flora B. and James L. He lived at home until he was 19, he then worked transient until he was 21, when he enlisted in the 12th I. V. I., he being a non-commissioned officer; he in the service four years and three months, during the latter part of which he was made Second Lieutenant; he was in the battles of Ft. Henry, Ft. Donelson, Corinth, Atlanta campaign and march to the sea; at Corinth, he was slightly wounded. After his discharge, he returned to Edgar Co. and engaged in the stock business with Mr. Paxton, at first working by the month; then he formed partnership, which continued until 1876, since which time he has been in his present business on the Alex. Mann Stage farm, which consists of 960 acres. His parents, James and Mrs. Rachel Folden Sidenstricker, were natives of Virginia; they were married there, and came to Edgar Co. in 1839; she died in Grand View; he has since married, and lives in Douglas Co. OSBURN TUCKER, farming and stock; P. O. Horace; the subject of this sketch was born in Clark Co., Ky, Jan. 22, 1818. He married Miss Irene J. Parks Feb. 9, 1843; she was born in Owen Co., Ind., Nov. 29, 1824, and died Oct. 8, 1864; they had nine children, seven living, viz., James A., Rachel S., Emily E., Sarah E., George K., Jarett O. and Franklin J. His second wife was Mrs. Susan Beard Fair; they were married Feb. 7, 1867; she was born in Edgar Co., Ill., June 24, 1829, and died April 23, 1874; they had one child, viz., Lucy I. His present wife was Mrs. Sarah A. Edmiston Hunsinger; they were married Oct. 19, 1876; she was born in Lincoln Co. Tenn., April 26, 1831; he lived in Kentucky until 1829, when, with his parents, he came to Illinois and settled in Edgar Co., and engaged in farming; he lived with his parents until he was 25 years of age, when he came to his present place. He has held the offices connected with the school and road, and has been supervisor of this township. He owns 365 acres in this township, which he has earned by his own labor and management. His parents, Kelly R. and Mrs. Susan Battershell Tucker, were natives of Maryland and Kentucky; they were married in Clark Co., Ky., and settled in Edgar Co. Ill., in 1829. NATHAN TUCKER, deceased; was a native of Clark Co., Ky.; he was born Nov. 12, 1825, and married Miss P. M. Riley Feb. 4, 1849; she was born in Pendleton Co., Ky., April 30, 1828; they had seven children, five living, viz., Samantha R., James K., Charles F., Albert B. and Dora N. He came to Edgar Co., Ill., with his parents in 1829, and lived at home until 1849, when he came to this present place, where he lived until August, 1862, when he enlisted in the 79th I. V. I., and was in the service until Dec. 10 following, when he died in the hospital in Nashville. Mrs. Tucker has carried on the farm since; it consists of 130 acres in this township, and 160 in Shiloh; all her children are single, and living at the old homestead. Her parents, James H. and Mrs. Mary Ann Eliza Riley, were natives of Kentucky; they were married there, and came to Vermilion Co., Ill., in 1829, and remained there one year, when they came to Edgar Co., Ill., and settled in Edgar Tp. JOHN WILLIAMS, farming and stock; P. O. Edgar; the subject of this sketch was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Sept. 20, 1836. He married Miss A. M. Henderson Jan. 1, 1861; she was born in Piatt Co., Ill., Sept. 3, 1838; they have five children, viz., Ella M., Phillip H., M. A., L. S. and John. When he was 3 years of age, his parents moved from Ohio to Illinois and settled in Edgar Co., near where he now lives, remaining one year at first settlement; they moved about one mile south, where they lived two years, and then came on the present place, where he has lived since; when about 20 years of age, he began business on his own account, working his father's farm on shares; he now owns 1,700 acres in this township, in which he has principally earned by his own labor and management. His parents, Phillip and Mrs. Martha Wright Williams, were natives of Ohio and Virginia; they settled here in 1839; he died March 10, 1875; Mrs. Williams is living here with her son. THOMAS WYNN, farming and stock; P. O. Edgar; the subject of this sketch was born in Schuylkill Co., Penn., Nov. 22, 1820. He married Miss Lina Hoult Oct. 1, 1845; she was born in Monongalia Co., W. Va., Dec. 26, 1823, and died March 3, 1861; they had eight children, seven living, viz., Mary E., John W., Charles M., Sarah J., Rachel A., Viola and Vilinda. His second wife was Mrs. Dorothy Hoult McKee; they were married July 7, 1861; she was born in Monongalia Co., W. Va., being a sister oŁ his first wife; she, died July 26, 1875; they had three children, viz., Jonathan, Isaac N. and Elisha H. He lived in Pennsylvania until 1839, when, with his father, he moved to Indiana, and settled in Madison Co., where they engaged in farming; he lived with his father until 1843, when he came to Illinois and settled on his present place. He has held several minor offices in this township, and has been Master of the Bloomfield Lodge of P. A. Masons for sixteen terms. He owns 600 acres in this township, which he has principally earned by his own labor and management. His parents, Jonathan and Mrs. Mary Wynn were natives of Pennsylvania; he died at Monticello, Ill., while on a visit; she died at the old homestead in Chester Co., Penn. TRUMAN WRIGHT, farming; P. O. Horace; the subject of this sketch was born in Terre Haute, Ind., March 6, 1821. He married Miss Serilda Gilkison in May, 1843; she was born in Kentucky, and died Aug. 8, 1875; they had seven children, six living, viz., Handy K., Winfield S., John, Florence, Franklin T. and Nettie; Serena died. His present wife was Mrs. Mary Jane Hunter Cary; they were married Dec. 28, 1876; she was born in Vermilion Co., Ind., May 25, 1834; his parents left Terre Haute when he was about six months of age, when they moved to Vermilion Co., Ind., where they engaged in farming; when he was 6 years of age, he went to live with a brother on an adjoining farm; he remained here until he was about 16 years of age; he then engaged on the farm on his own account, continuing until 1852, working in Parke, Vigo and Vermilion Cos., Ind.; he then came to Illinois and settled on his present place. He owns 560 acres in this township, which he has earned by his own labor. His parents, George and Mrs. Annie Handy Wright, were natives of New England; they died in Vermilion Co., Ind. Additional Comments: The History of Edgar County, Illinois. Chicago: Wm. Le Baron, Jr. & Co., 186 Dearborn St., 1879 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/edgar/bios/edgartow552nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 26.5 Kb