Edgar County IL Archives Biographies.....Ross 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, 3:52 pm Author: The History of Edgar Co IL 1879 pages 626-637 ROSS TOWNSHIP. H. L. BOVELL, clerk, Chrisman; born in Paris, Paris Tp., Ill., June 14, 1848; he removed with his parents when about 2 years of age, to Coles Co., and located in Pleasant Grove Tp., living there until 1864, when he attended school in winter, and assisted his father farming until 1864, when he removed to Arcola, Douglas Co., where he learned and worked at the carpenter's trade for five years, when he engaged in school-teaching for a period of six years; he then went to Robinson, Crawford Co., and engaged as clerk in the furniture business for nearly three years; from there he came to Chrisman, July 1, 1878, where he is now manager in the general merchandise store of S. W. Thayer. Mr. Bovell is son of Stephen Bovell, who located in Illinois in 1836, emigrating from East Tennessee, and who is now living in Osage City, Kansas. L. B. BACON, farmer; P. O. Chrisman; born in Ross Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., Dec. 10, 1845, where he has since continued to live; he owns eighty acres of Sec. 21, and an interest in 200 acres in other parts of the township, with property in Chrisman valued at $1,600. He married Jan. 29, 1869, Nancy J. Baldwin; she was born in Richland Co., Ill., July 6, 1849; they have by this union two children, now living — Charles G., born Jan. 12, 1870; George E., born Jan. 25, 1874. Mr. Bacon was son of Elijah and Zalima Bacon; they were early pioneers of the West, locating in Indiana at about 1818, where they remained two years, when they returned to New York, his native place, remaining there until 1845, when they again came West, and entered about 400 acres of land, at $1.25 per acre, where he lived until his decease, which occurred Nov. 17, 1877. He devoted a large part of his life to the abolition of slavery, and lived to witness the total extinction of the above institution; he also made the canvass for Congress at an early date on the Antislavery ticket, but was defeated. HORATIO BLANCHARD, farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. Chrisman; one of the early settlers of Edgar Co.; born in Brown Co., Ohio, Oct, 17, 1805, where he engaged in farming until 25 years of age, when he emigrated West and located in Edgar Co., in 1830; he has lived within two miles of his present home for a period of forty-eight years; he owns his home farm, which contains 175 acres, and 320 acres in Missouri. At the close of the Black Hawk war, in 1832, he walked to Chicago, to be there at the treaty; remaining there a few months, he walked back, and the following year repeated the trip, and was employed on the first brick building built in Chicago, being a ware-house, built by Henry and Gurdon S. Hubbard; Mr. B.'s trip to Chicago was through a wild and unsettled country, the distance between houses in some places being twenty-five miles; he afterward, for several falls, made the trip with his team, loading up with grain and fruit, and taking back groceries and salt; he made one trip to Rock Island via Joliet, taking up dried fruit and feathers, returning via Chicago with groceries and salt. He married in the fall of 1830, to Rebecca Hannah; she was born in 0hio March 13, 1813; they have six children now living by this union — John H., Asa, Elizabeth C., Jennie, Bruce B. and Harvey W. Mrs. Blanchard died Aug. 20, 1863. C. T. CARAWAY, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 36; P. O. Chrisman; owns upward of 1,200 acres of land in Ross and Prairie Tps., he makes a specialty of raising, buying, selling and feeding stock; born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Dec. 14, 1821, where he was engaged in farming until 1851, when he emigrated to Illinois and located upon Sec. 36, where he purchased upward of 500 acres where he now lives; he afterward added by purchase, as he was able, until he now owns upward of 1,200 acres; in 1860, he erected a fine brick residence upon his home farm. He married, October, 1849, to Sarah J. Kenton; she was born in Champaign Co., Ohio; they are the parents of seven children, now living, viz., Martha C., Susanna, John H., Mary S., Sarah E., Laura A. and Minnie F. D. M. CAMERER, physician and surgeon (firm of Camerer & Musselman, druggists), Chrisman; born in Clermont Co., Ohio, July 10, 1824; he removed with his parents in 1830, and located in Edgar Co., Ill., where he attended the common school while in session until 20 years of age, when he devoted two years to constant study, then entered upon the study of medicine with Dr. Ten Brook at Paris for three years, during which time he attended two courses of lectures at Rush Medical College in Chicago, graduating from the same in 1848; he then located in Brouillett Tp., and followed his profession three years; in 1850, he made a trip overland to California, being absent fifteen months, during which time he was engaged in mining and practicing medicine; returning in 1851, he again located in Brouillett Tp., and followed his profession until his removal to Chrisman Nov. 24, 1873; he then engaged in the drug trade, but devotes his whole time to his profession; in 1876, he built the only three- story brick building in Chrisman, the first story being occupied by his drug store, the second as Town Hall, and the third as Masonic Hall. He married March 4, 1849, to Ella Brown; she was born in Edgar Co., Ill., March 13, 1833; they have three children living by this union — John D., George V. and Laura D. Mrs. C. died Sept. 20, 1868. His marriage with Eliza J. Pritchard was celebrated Dec. 27, 1870. Mr. Oamerer owns a fine residence in Chrisman, which he erected in 1873; also a farm of 400 acres in Brouillett Tp. MATHIAS CHRISMAN, farmer; P. O. Chrisman; born in Fleming Co., Ky., Dec. 31, 1815, where he engaged in farming until 1851, when he emigrated to Ross Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., and with his brother purchased 550 acres of unimproved land, which they worked together for three years, when he purchased the interest of his brother in the above land, and soon after added 250 acres more, making a farm of 800 acres, which Mr. Chrisman operated until in 1872, when the Paris & Danville and the Illinois & Indiana Central Railroads (the latter being now known as the Indianapolis, Decatur & Springfield Railroad) were completed through here, dividing his farm in nearly four equal parts; at the above date, laid out about 100 acres in town lots and organized the town bearing his name, which has built up very rapidly with good substantial buildings of both frame and brick; it is the largest and best business point between Danville and Paris. Mr. Chrisman erected in 1876 a fine residence upon his home farm, which contains 250 acres of well-improved land; he also owns upward of 1,000 acres in other parts of the county. He married in October, 1866, to Mary Jane Mitchell, of Ohio; she died Aug. 16, 1867. His marriage to Mary J. Brown was celebrated Nov. 24, 1868; she was born in Edgar Co.; her parents were among the pioneers of this county, her mother being now the oldest resident of the county; three children were the fruits of the last union — John, Mathias, Clarence. THOMAS CARSON, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Metcalf; born in Washington Co., Penn., May 15, 1825, where he engaged in farming until 1852, when he emigrated to Tipton Co., Ind., at the above date, living there three years, engaged in farming; in 1856, he removed to Vermilion Co., Ill., living there one year; then to Edgar Co. for one year; then to Vermilion Co. until 1868, when, selling his farm, he removed with his family to Kansas, but not liking the county he returned to Marshall Co., Ill., for two years, then to Ross Tp., Edgar Co,, and settled, in 1870, upon his present place. He owns 360 acres of well-improved land in one body, which he has earned by his own hard labor and industry. He married Sept. 15, 1848, to Bathsheba Mitchell; she was born in Washington Co., Penn., Jan. 18, 1831; they are the parents of six children now living — Joel G., Oella J., Alvin J., John B., Clarence, Charles. GEORGE O. DINSMORE, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 19; P. O. Cherry Point City; born in Rockingham Co., N. H., July 7, 1828, where he was engaged in farming until 1850, when he removed to Chicopee Falls, Mass., and worked in the cotton factory for two years, when, in 1852, he emigrated to Edgar Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., and was employed as clerk in Bloomfield for two years, when he engaged with N. B. Stage in buying, feeding and shipping stock for three years, when he withdrew from the above firm and continued in the same business until 1860, at which time he located upon his present place, where he has since continued to live. He owns 240 acres in one body, and makes a specialty of stock raising and feeding. Landing in Edgar Co. in 1852 without capital, he has secured all of the above property by his own hard labor and good business management. He married in the fall of 1852 to Annette E. Hazelton; she was a native of Chester, N. H.; they are the parents of five children by this union — Abbie H., Emroy H., John T. G., George H. and Sadie A. Mrs. Dinsmore died in Ross Tp. Nov. 8, 1867. Mr. Dinsmore's marriage with Fannie Choate was celebrated Nov. 9, 1869; she was born in Derry, N. H., July 6, 1827; they have no children by this union. F. &. J. EARHART, general blacksmiths and dealers in pumps and agricultural implements, Chrisman. F. Earhart, the senior member of the firm, was born in Warren Co., Ohio, April 3, 1846, where he learned and worked at blacksmithing until 22 years of age, when, in 1863, ne came to Paris for a short time; then to Bloomfield, where he engaged at his trade for two years; then to Cherry Point nearly two years; he located in Chrisman in 1873. He married Sept. 9, 1874, Adelia Smitn, she was born in Edgar Co.; her parents were among the early settlers of Edgar Co.; they have one child — Daisie C. James A. Earhart, the junior member of the above firm, was born in Warren Co., Ohio, July 29, 1850, where he learned and worked at the above trade until 20 years of age, when he came to Bloomfield, Edgar Co., and engaged in business with his brother, which business he has since followed. They are the pioneer blacksmiths of Chrisman, being the first purchasers of real estate in the town; they keep on hand all their own hardware and wagon stock, and manufacture farm wagons in addition to their other business. D. W. FOUTS, Police Magistrate and Notary Public, real estate and collecting agent, Chrisman; born in Vermilion Co., Ind., March 4, 1843; he removed with parents when he was an infant to Lawrence Co., Mo., living there five years, when they returned to the old home in Indiana, living there until 1858, when they removed to Edgar Co., Ill., and located in Young America Tp., living there and engaged in farming and stock-raising until 1870. He enlisted in September, 1864, in the 44th I. V. I, and was engaged under Sherman until the close of the war, and was mustered out June 10, 1865. He located in Chrisman in 1872; engaged in carpentering, being one of the first in the town, which business he followed for two years, when he was elected Justice of the Peace of the township, to fill an unexpired term; at the expiration of the term, he was elected Police Magistrate, which position he now holds. He married Feb. 29, 1871, Rebecca Kelly; she was born in Plymouth, Ohio, April 18, 1843; they are the parents of two children now living - Florence K., born Nov. 17, 1875; Burt, born June 28, 1877. D. H. FACKLER, farmer; P. O. Ridge ; born in Dauphin Co., Penn., in 1823; he lived in Pennsylvania until 30 years of age; being engaged in the hotel business, when, in 1853, he removed to Ohio and located in Van Wert Co., and engaged in farming for a period of twelve years; in 1865, he removed to Champaign Co., Ill., and engaged in farming for five years; then to Kansas for three months, when he returned to Edgar Co., Ill., in 1874, and located in Chrisman, where he followed butchering for two years; when he removed upon Sec. 4, Ross Tp., and engaged in farming, which he has since followed. He married Dec. 20, 1845, Louisa A. Elbridge; she was born in Chester Co., Penn.; they have four children by this union now living - Rachel A. (now Mrs. Sam Hoaglin), Aaron A., Augustus C. C., and Charlie W. GE0RGE W. FISHER, farmer, Sec. 9, P. O. Indianola; born in Vermilion Co., Ill., March 4, 1846, where he engaged in farming until 1874, when he removed to Ross Tp., Edgar Co., and purchased 320 acres of land in Sec. 9, since which time he has added, by purchase, 120 acres more; he has 360 acres in one tract in his home farm; he has about seventy-five head of cattle, about twenty horses and thirty-five hogs. He married in March, 1874, Cynthia Ross; she was born in Ross Tp., Edgar Co., Ill.; they are the parents of three children, all living, viz., Ethel Bianca, Etna May and Nora. Mr. Fisher is now School Director in the township in which he lives. F. P. GREEN, Principal of the Public School at Chrisman, Edgar Co., Ill.; born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., July 21, 1852; his parents removed, when he was quite young, to Edgar Co., Ill., and located in Ross Tp., living there two years, when they removed to Palermo, Young America Tp., where they now reside; Mr. G. lived with his parents until 15 years of age, when he attended school at Oakland one year; from there to the college at Bloomingdale, Ind., for six months; from there to the high school at Attica, Ind., where he remained fifteen months, when he entered Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, Ind., where he remained for a period of five years, graduating June 22, 1875; from there he studied law with Judge Eads, in Paris, for three months, then attended a course of lectures at Ann Arbor, Mich.; then studied law with Capt. T. J. Smith, at Champaign, Ill., for a short time; he was admitted to the bar in Terre Haute, Ind., in February 1877; he engaged as Principal of the school at Chrisman, in September, 1877, which position he now holds. He married Sept. 13, 1876, to Alzina M. Conrad; she was born in Cass Co. Ind., Jan. 2, 1853; they have one child by this union, viz., Lena, born July 13, 1878. ABIJAH B. GIBBS, farmer; P. O. Chrisman; residence on Sec. 16; born in Troy, N. Y, April 1, 1830; at 12 years of age, he emigrated with his parents to Middle Tennessee, where he engaged in cotton manufacturing until February, 1862, when he enlisted as private in the 2d regiment Tenn. V. C., and was at once detailed as scout, which position he occupied for upward of two years, when he was appointed local agent of the trade stores of Middle Tennessee, which position he held for six months, when, his time having expired, he emigrated North and located at Tuscola, Douglas Co., Ill., and engaged in carpentering until 1872, when he came to Chrisman, Edgar Co., and was one of the first carpenters engaged in building in that town, living there until 1875; he removed five miles northwest of Chrisman, where he has engaged in farming since that date. He married Oct. 10, 1854, to Eveline M. Shannon; she was a native of Tennessee; born Oct. 10, 1832; they are the parents of eight children now living, viz., William Wallace, Ada A., Anna E., Gazelle, Leonard, Lilly May, Lincoln, Tennessee. W. W. GRAHAM, lumber, etc., Chrisman; the subject of this sketch, a member of the firm of George W. Henry & Co., was born in Frankfort, Ky., Nov. 7, 1831. He married Miss Ellen F. Henry, Sept. 11, 1860; she was born in New Orleans, La., Sept. 19, 1839; they had eight children, six living, viz.: George G., Harry M., Julia W., Lillie S., Nellie M. and Robert H. While he was yet in infancy, his mother died, and he lived with his grandparents; he lost his father while he was yet under age. Upon getting married, he engaged in farming for two years; he then engaged in general merchandise at Peak's Mills; continued four years, when he erected a saw-mill and engaged in the lumber business; continued six years; he then followed general trading until 1878, when he came to Chrisman and engaged in his present business. SAMUEL R. GRAY, physician and surgeon, Chrisman; born in Washington Co., Penn., Sept. 5, 1838; when 7 years of age, he emigrated West, and located in Greencastle, Putnam Co., Ind., where he engaged in farming and attending school until 1860, when he entered the State University at Bloomington, Ind., where he remained four years; then, after devoting two years of constant study to medicine, he entered the Linn Medical College, at Chicago, now known as the Chicago Medical College, where he remained through two courses; he then received an appointment as Surgeon in the army, and went to Indianapolis to receive his commission; but upon his arrival there, orders having been issued to grant no more commissions, he came to Edgar Co., and located at Baldwinsville April 20, 1865, where he practiced medicine until March 4, 1873, when he removed to Chrisman, where he has given his whole time to his profession, being the first physician in town; he owns sixteen acres within the corporation, upon which he has a fine residence and other suitable buildings; he also owns a farm of 100 acres one mile south of town. He married Dec. 13, 1866, to Isabella Morse; she was born in Kentucky Feb. 13, 1847; they have by this union two children now living, viz-: Mary Bell, born Sept. 21, 1867; Maggie, born Jan. 7, 1872. WILLIAM T. HUNT, law student, Chrisman; born in Randolph Co., Ind., March 23, 1837, where he engaged in farming and attending school until 19 years of age, when he attended Liber College, Indiana, for one year, at the expiration of which time he came to Vermilion Co., Ill., and taught school one year; then to Asbury University, Greencastle, Ind., for one year; returning to Vermilion Co., Ill., he taught school most of the time until 1870, at which date he removed to Edgar Co., and farmed until 1874, then he removed to Chrisman and engaged in the dry goods business until 1876, since which time he has been farming in a small way, but has given most of his time to the study of law. He married Sept. 1, 1859, to Celestine N. Baum; she was born in Vermilion Co. Mr. Hunt owns a fine residence in Chrisman, which he erected in 1877. J. S. HARTLEY, general merchandise; of the firm of Smith & Hartley, Chrisman; born in Edgar Co., Ill.,Feb. 15, 1837,where he attended school in winter and engaged va farming during the summer, until he finished his education, when he devoted his whole time to farming, remaining with his father until 24 years of age, when he married and purchased a farm of 200 acres, which he worked successfully, making a specialty of raising and feeding stock, until 1873, when he engaged with Mr. C. A. Smith in the above business, which they have since successfully followed. The above firm are the pioneer merchants of Chrisman; Mr. Smith selling the first goods sold in this town in November, 1872; they carry a large and complete stock of goods, and have a trade which is rapidly increasing. He married Margaret Scott Feb. 19, 1861; she is a native of Edgar Co.; they are the parents of three children now living, viz., Nettie, William T., Susan. Mr. Hartley has held the office of Assessor of Ross Tp., and Town Collector of Edgar Tp. EUGENIO HOULT, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Cherry Point City; one of the pioneers of Edgar Co.; born in Monongalia Co. (now known as Marion Co.), W. Va., May 12, 1825. He emigrated with his parents when 7 years of age, to Edgar Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., where he engaged in farming until 23 years of age, when he purchased 120 acres of land on Section 28, Ross Tp., where he lived, and engaged in farming and stock-raising for eight years, when he purchased his present place, where he has since resided; he afterward added by purchase 200 acres more, making in all a farm of 360 acres, which he has secured by his own hard labor, energy and industry. He erected his present residence in 1870, his other buildings being erected in 1867. He married Nov. 5, 1848, to Martha H. Lowry; she was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Aug. 5, 1823; four children were the fruit of this union, viz., Virginia, born Feb. 5, 1850, died July 18, 1851; Charles, born Jan. 26, 1853; Maria, born Jan. 19, 1855; Caroline, born Sept. 14, 1858, died May 24, 1873. S. D. JENNESS, general merchant, firm of Tucker & Jenness, Cherry Point; born in Rockingham Co., N. H., Aug. 26, 1845, where he engaged in farming until 21 years of age, when he emigrated West and located in Edgar Tp., Edgar Co., Ill, and engaged in raising, feeding, buying and shipping stock to the Eastern markets, for three years. He then engaged for two years in farming, when, selling his farm in 1873, he formed a partnership with J. A. Tucker, and engaged in the above business, which he has since successfully followed. He also owns 122 acres of well-improved land, within one mile from Cherry Point, the above place being located upon a part of his farm. He married Jan. 25, 1872, Rachel Hoult, she was born in Edgar Co., Jan. 17, 1855; she was the daughter of James Hoult, her parents being among the early pioneers of Edgar Co. They have, by the above union, two children now living, viz., Florence and Emma L. SAMUEL KENTON, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 23; P. O. Chrisman; one of the pioneers of Ross Tp.; owns 700 acres on Secs. 22, 23 and 24, valued at $30 per acre; born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Dec. 15, 1830, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising until 22 years of age, when in 1852, he emigrated to Ross Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., and located upon his present place, where he has since continued to live; he makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock; he now has 200 head of cattle and 100 hogs. He was married Jan. 10, 1856, in Edgar Co., to Mary Scott; she was born in Edgar Co.; they are the parents of two children now living — John, born Oct. 30, 1856, and Susan, born February, 1858. Mr. Kenton was a son of Mark Kenton, one of the early settlers of Ohio, locating in Champaign Co., Ohio, in 1801, where he lived until his death, which occurred May 5, 1851; he was a native of Kentucky; his mother was born in Maryland, and died in Ohio, about 1858. Mr. Kenton owns, aside from the above land, 300 acres. JESSE LOWTHER, far., S. 30; P. O. Cherry Point City; born in Harrison, now known as Ritchie Co., West Va., March 29, 1823, where he lived and engaged in farming until 1865, when, selling his farm in West Virginia, he emigrated West and located on Sec. 30, Ross Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., where he has since continued to live; he owns 160 acres of well-improved land in his home farm, and has an interest in eighty acres more, which he has secured by his own hard labor and industry; living in West Virginia during the late rebellion, and being a strong Union man, the inconveniences and persecutions which he suffered from his outspoken sympathies and heartfelt interest in the success of the Union army, led him to look for a new location, where he could settle quietly, free from the above persecutions; coming West, he selected his present place, which at that time was unimproved; he has improved it since that time until it is second to none in the township. He was married Dec. 25, 1845, to Hannah Leeson; she was born in West Virginia March 27, 1827; they are the parents of eleven children now living, viz., Granville, Mary J., Elizabeth, Nancy, Rosetta, Charles L., Sarah A., Rachel, William A., Virginia and Arminta. JOHN MITCHELL, dealer in grain, seeds and agricultural implements, firm of Mitchell Bros., Chrisman; born in Edgar Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., Jan. 12, 1844, where he engaged in farming until July 29, 1862, when he enlisted as private in Co. A, 79th I. V. I.; he first encamped at Mattoon, Ill., for several weeks, when he was sent first to Louisville, Ky., then to Shelbyville, Frankfort, Elizabethtown, Danville and Bowling Green; he served in many hard- fought battles, among which were Stone River, for seven days, afterward Liberty Gap, one of the passes to the Cumberland Mountains, where he was severely wounded, and placed in the hospital at Murfreesboro, where he remained several weeks, when he was assigned duty in the 153d Co Veteran Reserve Corps, on detached duty at Nashville, Tenn., where he remained one year, the last eight months of which he had command of the Company; at this time the war being at a close, he was mustered out of service at Nashville, Tenn., July 8, 1865; he was promoted while in camp at Mattoon, to Corporal, and was afterward promoted to Sergeant for meritorious conduct at the battle of Stone River, Dec. 25, 1862; he then returned to Edgar Co. and engaged in farming until the spring of 1873, when he associated with his brother as partner in the above business and located at Chrisman, Edgar Co.; they are largely engaged in buying and shipping grain to Chicago and the Eastern markets, and keep a full supply of agricultural implements; he owns 230 acres of land in Prairie Tp., and thirteen acres of timber in township adjoining. He married March 1, 1868, Lucinda Thompson; she was born in Edgar Co. March 4, 1848; they are the parents of three children by this union, viz., Charles W., Laura A. (deceased), and Freddie J. WILLIAM H. MATHENEY (deceased), one of the early settlers of Edgar Co.; born in Harper's Ferry, Va., March 25, 1820, living there until 10 years of age, he removed to Newport, Ind., where he lived until 1850, when he emigrated to Prairie Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., and secured 320 acres of wild land, after which he bought more to make 500 acres, which he owned at the time of his death; in 1867, he rented his land in Edgar Co., Ill., and removed with his family to Parke Co., Ind., and followed farming and stock dealing until 1871, when he returned to his farm in Edgar Co., Ill., and lived until his death, which occurred Sept. 21, 1878. He married March 25, 1852, Julia A. Thompson; she was born in Owen Co., Ind., April 26, 1830; five children were born to them, two of whom are deceased; the living are: Melvin, who is a partner of Joseph Weaver in the furniture business at Chrisman. Ill.; he was born July 22, 1853; Fannie, born Oct, 20, 1856; Otis, born May 31, 1868. SAMUEL McKEE, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 27; P. O. Cherry Point City; one of the pioneers of Edgar Co.; born in Montgomery Co., Ky., Dec. 8, 1822; he emigrated with his parents in the fall of 1829, and located in Edgar Co., Ill., in what is now known as Edgar Tp., where he lived and engaged in farming until 1854, when he located upon his present place, where he has since continued to live; he owns 240 acres of well-improved land, which he has improved by his own hard labor. Mr. M. has held the offices of Town Clerk, Supervisor, and School Director and School Trustee for upward of eight years, and Justice of the Peace for twelve years. He married Feb. 23, 1843, Lethe Tucker; she was born in Clark Co., Ky., Nov. 29, 1823; they are the parents of ten children by this union, viz., Garrad R. (died in U. S. service), Enoch E., Benjamin F., Kelly T., Rachel, Sarah Anna, Marsaline, Mary, Susanna and one which died in infancy. WILLIAM NUCKLES, farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Chrisman; one of the pioneers of Edgar Co.; born in Vermilion Co., Ind., Dec. 9, 1829; he removed with his parents in 1838 to Edgar Co., before the organization of the township of Ross, where he engaged with his father in farming until 18 years of age, when he went to Iowa and worked upon a farm one year, then to Mississippi for one winter; returning to Edgar Co., Ill., he worked as farm laborer about two years, when, at the age of 21, he married and worked upon a farm until March, 1865, when he enlisted as private in the 28th I. V. I., and went forward to battle for the Union; he was sent to Mobile, from there to Texas, when on account of sickness he was sent to New Orleans and placed in the hospital, when upon his recovery he was detained as nurse for about seven months; he was mustered out of service with his regiment in the spring of 1866, when he again engaged in farming. He owns eighty acres, valued at about $35 per acre. He married in 1851, to Elizabeth Pierce; she was born in Indiana; one child now living from that union — Caroline; Mrs. N. died Feb. 27, 1854. His marriage with Margaret E. Clark was celebrated Nov. 8, 1855; they are the parents of eight children now living — Mary E., Dorinda E., Charles, Edgar, William H., Albert, Nancy J., James H. WILLIAM V. PRUNTY, farmer; P. O. Chrisman; born in Ritchie Co., W. Va., Jan. 12, 1853, where he lived until March, 1865, when he emigrated with his parents and located in Ross Tp., Ill., remaining there until 1868, when he removed to Paris Tp., where he lived until 1871, when he removed to where he now lives. He married Jan. 12, 1875, Mary C. Ellis; she was born in Indiana; they are the parents of two children now living — Ida G., born Jan. 10, 1876; Virgil E., born Nov. 28, 1877. S. J. PRUNTY, farmer; P. O. Chrisman; born in Taylor Co., W. Va., April 24, 1824; he removed when quite young to Ritchie Co., and engaged in farming until 1865, when, selling his farm, he emigrated West and located in Ross Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., purchasing 120 acres, which he worked until 1868, when, selling his farm, he removed to Paris Tp. for three years, when, in 1871, he removed one- half mile from Chrisman, where he has since lived. He married Elizabeth Lowther July 8, 1847; she is a sister of Jesse Lowther, whose biography appears in this work; she was born in Ritchie Co., W. Va., June 12, 1828; they are the parents of four children now living, viz., Thomas A., Sarah E., William V. and Mary Virginia, the last two being twins; the oldest daughter married Clayton Ross, a native of Ross Tp., and now resides in Southern Texas. T. A. PRUNTY, farmer; P. O. Chrisman; born in Ritchie Co., W. Va., Nov. 7, 1848, where he lived until 16 years of age, where he attended school in winter and worked upon his father's farm in summer, when at the above age, he emigrated, with his parents to Ross Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., and engaged upon his father's farm for four years; then, in 1868, he removed to Paris Tp., and engaged in farming three years, then removed to his present location, one-half mile from Chrisman, where he has since lived for six years. He married Jan. 3, 1875, to Catharine Rebecca Leggett; she was born in Ritchie Co., W. Va., May 8, 1853; they are the parents of one child by this union — Gracie Maud, born Oct. 24, 1875. W. H. ROTH, County Superintendent of Schools, Chrisman; born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, where he engaged in farming during the summer and attending school during the winter until 1857, during which time he attended school two and one- half years constantly; he removed to Douglass Co., Ill., in 1857, living there one year; from there to Embarrass Tp., Edgar Co., in 1858, living there and engaged with his father farming until 23 years of age; from there to Henry Co., Iowa, and engaged in farming during the summer and teaching during the winter for a period of five years; he removed back to Edgar Co. in 1868; he located at Redmon, where he remained until 1876, when he located in Chrisman and engaged in teaching school one year, when he was elected County Superintendent of Schools, which office he now holds; he owns his residence in Chrisman and 100 acres of land in Iowa. He married Jan. 10, 1865, Lenora M. Prichett; she was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, Nov. 30, 1840; two children were the fruit of this union, both deceased. E. G. RAFFETY, livery and feed stable, dealer in lumber, manufacturer of wagons and buggies, and general blacksmith, Chrisman; born in Dearborn Co., Ind., Jan. 6, 1847; at the age of 8 years, he removed with his parents to Edgar Co., Ill., where he engaged in farming until 22 years of age, with the exception of one year in the army, when he removed to Clinton Co., Ind., a short time; then to Logan, Edgar Co., Ill., and engaged in farming for two years, when, in 1873, he located in Chrisman, in the hardware, grocery and lumber business for several months, then, selling out, he engaged in the furniture and stove trade for a short time, when, selling out, he started his present business, which he has since successfully followed; he keeps from twelve to fourteen horses and good carriages, which receive his own personal attention, and are always in good repair; he has kept the only livery in Chrisman since the town was laid out. He married Jan. 20, 1870, Hannah Stubbs; she was born in Marion Co., Ind.; they are the parents of three children — Gracie, Maud and Mabel. In 1864, he enlisted, at the age of 17 years, in the 43d Ind. V. I., and served until the close of the war, being mustered out of service at Indianapolis, in the summer of 1865. JOSEPHUS STANFIELD, general merchant, of the firm of Stanfield & Mitchell, Chrisman; born in Edgar Co., March 1, 1846, where he engaged in farming until 21 years of age, when, in 1867, he engaged as clerk in Bloomfield, where he worked until 1873, when he engaged with John Mitchell in the general merchandise trade, in Chrisman, which they have since successfully continued, with a rapidly increasing trade; they keep a full and complete stock of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, groceries and drugs, and are also largely engaged in buying grain and shipping to Chicago and Eastern markets. He married, March 9, 1869, Lucy A. Heffelfinger; she was born in Ohio; they have by this union three children now living, viz., Otis, Miley and Olie. C. A. SMITH, general merchant, firm of Smith & Hartley, Chrisman; born in Highland Co., Ohio, Aug. 24, 1836, where he engaged in farming and stock dealing until July, 1861, when he enlisted in the 2d Ohio V. C., as private, and remained with the above command until the close of the war; he served under Buell and Burnside in the West, during which time he was in many severe engagements; among them Pea Ridge, Knoxville and Cumberland Cap; he was transferred with Burnside's command to the Eastern Army, in the spring of 1864, serving with his command, then under Custer, in all his battles; afterward with Sheridan, with whom he remained until the close of the war, participating in all the severe engagements with the army, under the above Generals; fought in the Shenandoah Valley, Stone River, Wilderness, etc.; he was promoted in 1864, to Lieutenant of Co. L, which position he held until being mustered out of service in October, 1865. He then visited his home in Ohio for a short time, when, coming West, he engaged in general merchandising trade at Cherry Point, Ross Tp,, Edgar Co., Ill., until 1872, when, upon the formation of Chrisman, he located here in his present business, being the pioneer merchant of Chrisman; he associated with Mr. J. S. Hartley in the fall of 1873, under the firm name of Smith & Hartley, and has been doing a very successful and constantly increasing business. He married Sept. 9, 1870, to Martha Scott, her parents being among the early pioneers of Edgar Co. Mr. Smith was Postmaster at Cherry Point, from 1866 to 1872; was appointed Postmaster at Chrisman in 1872, which office he has since held. ALLEN SLY, retired farmer; P. O. Chrisman; one of the pioneers of Prairie Tp., Edgar Co.; born in Northamptonshire, England, Aug. 15, 1827, where he lived until 24 years of age, being engaged in farming until the above age, when he emigrated to America; landing in New York Feb. 1, 1852, going directly to Pennsylvania, he engaged in railroading for two months, when he came to Edgar Co., Ill., and settled in Prairie Tp. in the spring of 1852; here he worked as farm laborer for five years, when he purchased forty acres of land, which he improved until 1860, when he added, by purchase, forty acres more; in 1865, he purchased one hundred and twenty acres, and, in 1868, forty acres, making a farm of two hundred and forty acres, all in one body, which he worked and improved until 1875, when he sold his entire farm, and retired from hard labor; he then purchased his present place, containing sixty acres, upon which he has a fine residence, located just northeast of the village of Chrisman, and known as Chrisman Park. He married Jan. 8, 1848, to Eliza Boone; she was born in Northamptonshire, England, Nov. 28, 1824. Mr. Sly has filled the office Of School Director for six years. COMMER SMICK, farmer and stock-raiser, Secs. 28 and 29; P. O. Cherry Point City; born in Salem Co., New Jersey, Jan. 10, 1812, where he engaged in farming and teaming until 18 years of age, when he removed to Delaware; for three years engaged in teaming; from there to Pennsylvania, where he worked farming and teaming until 1850, when he came West and located in Edgar Co., working upon a farm for five years, when he settled upon his present place, where he has since lived; he owns 253 acres of well-improved land, which he has bought since he came here, entering 80 acres in 1850, at $1.25 per acre, and has since added by purchase as he has been able to; the above property, he has secured by his own hard labor, energy and perseverance. He married, Oct. 3, 1867, to Emeline Madden; she was a native of Kentucky; they are the parents of six children — John W., Charles E., Mary Jane and Jacob P. (the last two being twins), Hannah A. and Lucilla. ISAAC SCOTT, farmer and merchant: P. O. Chrisman; one of the pioneers of Prairie. Tp., Secs. 13 and 24; born in Prairie Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., in 1843, where he resided until 1868, when he removed to his present place, where he has since resided; being engaged in farming and attending school until he attained his majority; when he remained with his father two years, and at the age of 23, he engaged in farming and trading upon his own account, which business he has since successfully followed. He owns 288 acres of well- improved land in Ross Tp., and 37 acres of timber in townships adjoining his home farm, and store being seated two miles north of Chrisman. He married Dec. 24, 1866, to Sarah E. Crow; she was born in Kentucky Oct. 27, 1836; three children were born to them, viz., Emily C., born Aug. 10, 1869; Benjamin F., born Sept. 8, 1870; Carrie B., born July 21, 1872. Mrs. Scott died July 13, 1878, of consumption after three years of patient suffering. HARVEY STUBBS, insurance and stationery, Chrisman; one of the pioneer business men of Chrisman; born in Union Co., Ind., Oct. 10, 1839; he removed when quite young with his parents to Marion Co., Ind., living there until 1855; then to Decatur Co., Ind., where he engaged in farming until 1858; then to Paris Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., until 1861, when he engaged in a saw-mill at Vermilion for one year then he removed to Elbridge Tp., and followed school-teaching for four years; returning to Vermilion, he served as clerk in a general store one year; he then removed to the village of Kansas, where he served as clerk in a grocery and hardware store for three years; he then formed a partnership and purchased the above business of his employers which he carried on for two years. In November, 1872, he sold his interest in the above business and located in the above business at Chrisman, which he continued for a short time, when he sold out and engaged in his present business, which he has since successfully followed. He married, August, 1863, to Martha J. Miller; she was born in Preble Co., Ohio; one child was born to them — Maggie J., born Oct. 7, 1866. Mrs. Stubbs died Dec. 5, 1866. Mr. Stubbs' marriage with Judith H. Lansdown was celebrated Jan. 1, 1868; one child was born to them which died in infancy. Mrs. S. died June 22, 1878. THEODORE SCHANCE, farmer and stock dealer, Sec. 25; P. O. Cherry Point City; born in Sweden Dec. 25, 1827, where he learned and worked at the machinist trade until 24 years of age; when he emigrated to America landing in New York Aug. 22, 1851; he then went to Jamestown, N. Y., where he worked at his trade for seven years; when, in 1858, he removed to Edgar Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., where he engaged in blacksmithing for three years; then to Cherry Point, and worked at his trade for several years; then removed upon his farm in Sec. 33, Ross Tp., living there five years; when, in 1874, he located upon his present place, where he has since continued to live. He owns 415 acres of land, all under cultivation, which he has earned by his own hard labor and industry. He married in Pennsylvania Caroline Jones; she was born in Sweden; they are the parents of two children now living — Clarence E., born April 13, 1855; John G., born April 7, 1864. JAMES A. TUCKER, general merchant and Postmaster, firm of Tucker & Jenness, Cherry Point City; born in Edgar Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., Nov. 16, 1843, where he attended school, and engaged in farming during his youth; when he taught school four winters, and engaged one season in a saw-mill. In December, 1870, he engaged in partnership with James Boles in the grocery trade at Cherry Point City, continuing in the same until the following year, when he purchased the interest of his partner and continued the business alone until 1872, when he admitted as partner I. N. Wells, which partnership continued until December of the same year, when, buying the interest of his partner, he continued alone until August, 1873, when he admitted S. D. Jenness and Charles Fair, under the firm name of J. A. Tucker & Co., continuing under the style until the following spring; when Mr. Fair selling his interest in the business to the other partners, the firm changed to Tucker & Jenness, which has since continued under the above style. They are the only merchants of the place, and have a constantly-increasing trade. His wife's maiden name was Catherine E. Bush; she was born in Ohio May 2, 1847; they are the parents of three children now living, viz., Alvin Gr., Bertie E. and Jessie M., and one deceased — Mertie J., died May 14, 1873. S. W. THAYER, general merchant, Chrisman; born in Norfolk Co., Mass., Nov. 6, 1851, where he lived until 10 years of age, when he came alone to Chicago, where he remained clerking a few years, when in 1866, he went to Douglas Co., Ill., and taught school two years; then as clerk at Arcola one year; he then went to Cincinnati, where he clerked for two years in the wholesale dry goods trade; returning to Illinois, he located at Newman in the dry goods and clothing business for two years; selling out in 1874, he was engaged as traveling salesman for two years, with the jobbing house of Lockwood, Nichols & Tice, jobbers of hats, caps, gents' furnishing goods, etc., at Cincinnati, during which time he also ran a clothing house at Robinson, Crawford Co., Ill.; in 1876, he purchased his present store at Chrisman, which he has since successfully continued, keeping a full and complete stock of general merchandise; he owns 160 acres of well-improved land in Douglas Co., one mile from Arcola, and other real estate in Douglas and Edgar Cos., valued at $10,000, all unincumbered; landing in Chicago all alone at 10 years of age, he, with a capital of 50 cents, has accumulated all of the above property by his own hard labor, industry and careful business management. DANIEL M. TRIPLETT, farming and stock; P. O. Cherry Point; the subject of this sketch was born in Frederick Co., Va., June 24, 1798. He married Miss Elsie Mitchell in January, 1828; she was born in Fauquier Co., Va.; they had two children, one living, viz., Mary C; his second wife was Miss Emeline Rogers; she was born in Edgar Co., Ill., and died January, 1853; they were married in November, 1847; they had one child, viz., George. He lived in Virginia until Aug. 4, 1829, and was brought up on the farm; he then went to Franklin Co., Ohio, and, in 1839, he came to Illinois and settled in Edgar Co., at Martin's Point; engaged in farming, remained two years; he then went to Lawrence Co., Ind., and remained one year, when he returned to Edgar Co., and took management of Mr. Neff's farm near Paris; remained four years; he then came to his present place. He has held position of Road Commissioner six years. He owns 318 acres in this county, which he has earned by his own labor and management. J. S. WALLACE, farmer; P. O. Chrisman; one of the pioneers of Edgar Co.; born in Warren Co., Ohio, Nov. 8, 1823, living there until 11 years of age, when he emigrated with his parents to Indiana, living one year, when he came to Edgar Co., Ill., and located in what is now known as Brouillett Tp., Ill., in 1835; here he engaged in farming, with the exception of five years, when he lived in Piatt Co., Ill., until he removed upon his present place, Dec. 24, 1872, a period of thirty-seven years; he owns 277 acres of well-improved land in Brouillett Tp., and two acres in the town of Chrisman, upon which he erected a fine residence in 1873; his removal to Chrisman was prompted by a desire to give his children better opportunities to attend churches and schools. He married, Nov. 12, 1843, to Lucinda L. Patterson; she was born in Ohio, May 10, 1821; they had by this union six children, four of whom are now living — Mary P., John B., Allen M. and Margaret A.; Mrs. W. died Nov. 10, 1857; his marriage to Mrs. Ann Belt was celebrated Oct. 31, 1858; her maiden name was Ann Bellus; she was born in Licking Co., Ohio, Aug. 8, 1828; they have two children now living by this union — Jesse C. and Lucinda N. J. M. WELCH, physician and surgeon, Chrisman; born in Annapolis, Parke Co., Ind., Nov. 26, 1845; he began his academical studies when 16 years of age, when he entered the Bloomingdale Academy and graduated from the above in 1866; he then engaged in teaching for three years; in 1871, he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. A. Goldsberry, of Annapolis, Ind., for two years, and taking one course of lectures at Miami College, Ohio; in March, 1873, he located in Chrisman, and practiced medicine three years, when he returned to Miami College, and graduated in the spring of 1877; he then located permanently in Chrisman; he is one of the first settled physicians in town, being preceded by about one week by Dr. Guy. He enlisted March, 1865, in 154th Ind. V. I.; went South, remaining till the close of the war; mustered out with his regiment at Winchester, Va., in August of the same year. He married Nov. 24, 1874, to Mary B. Cunningham; she was born in Sangamon Co., Ill., Nov. 22, 1854; they have one child by this union — Jessie, born Aug. 13, 1877. W. S. WALTRIP, hardware, Chrisman; born in Coles Co., Ill., Nov. 21, 1850, where he engaged in farming until 1871, when he taught school for two years; in 1873, he located in the hardware and grocery business in Chrisman, Edgar Co., under the firm name of Waltrip Bros.; in 1874, he closed out his stock of groceries and confined his business to hardware, stoves, tinware, etc., running in connection with his store a shop in which he makes all kinds of tinware, does general jobbing, roofing, etc., in 1875, he purchased the interest of his brother since which time he has continued the above business very successfully; he also owns eighty acres of land five miles from Chrisman, in Ross Tp. He married Dec. 24, 1872, to Sarah J. White, born in Coles Co., Ill.; she died June 16, 1875, leaving no children; his marriage with Mary E. Barkley was celebrated Sept. 5, 1876; she was born in Edgar Co. Sept. 15, 1856. Mr. Waltrip now holds the office of Town Clerk of Ross Tp. JOSEPH WEAVER, furniture and undertaker and Justice of the Peace, Chrisman; firm of Weaver & Matheney; born in Coles Co., Ill., Oct, 20, 1840; where he learned and worked at the trade of carpenter and builder until Sept. 10, 1861, when he enlisted in the Fremont Ranger Battalion, and was at once sent to the front in 1862; he was transferred to the 3d Mo. V. C., in which regiment he remained until the close of the war, being in active service nearly four years; he was in many severe engagements, among them Little Rock, Saline River, Little Missouri, Hartsville and many others, under Fremont; after the removal of the above officer, he served under Steele, then Reynolds, of the 7th Army Corps; he was promoted to the office of Lieutenant of Co. H, in the fall of 1863, and with his regiment was mustered out of service at Little Rock., Ark., in the summer of 1865. He then returned to Charleston, Coles Co., where he engaged at his trade until 1873, when he removed to Chrisman and engaged in contracting and building for one year, and, in 1874, he engaged in the above business which he has since successfully followed. He married in August, 1864, to Harriet Ingle; she was born in Washington Co., Ind. Mr. Weaver has held the office of Village-Trustee, and is now serving his second year as Justice of the Peace. 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/rosstown558nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 49.6 Kb