Montgomery County IL Archives History of Bond & Montgomery Counties 1882 
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[Page 200]

George W. BROWN, Jr., grain dealer, Butler, was born in Montgomery County, 
Ill., May 30, 1843; son of George W. and Sarah A. (JENKINS) BROWN, he born 
in Ohio July 9, 1819, a farmer by occupation, and coming to Illinois in 
1836; she, a native of South Carolina, born June 30, 1819.  They were the
parents of six children. Our subject received his education in Hillsboro
Academy. He came to Butler in 1865, and was employed as salesman by Joe 
Baum & Co. for two years, and in April, 1867, commenced business as a 
grocer, in the building known as Haywood’s old stand. In a few months he 
and his brother, Charles O. BROWN, entered into partnership, constituting 
the firm of Brown & Bro. In the early part of the year 1869, they purchased 
the Haywood Building, and continued to do business in it until 1873. In 
1871, they added to their stock dry goods and boots and shoes. In May, 
1873, they purchased the McReynolds property, and moved their goods to 
this building, adding to their stock ready-made clothing, where they 
continued until April, 1881, when they sold their stock of goods to Hoes 
& Bro. In July, 1879, they commenced buying grain, to which business they 
now devote their entire attention. They have increased in business, and
prospered greatly since their small beginning, until they now own 280 acres 
of excellent land, besides houses and lots in Butler, and an elevator at
Hillsboro. They do a very extensive business, having handled in 1880-81 
over 120,000 bushels of grain. January 4, 1865, Mr. BROWN was married to 
Miss Henrietta M. JUDSON, born in Newark, N. J., November 15, 1844, daughter 
of James P. and Elizabeth F. (GALE) JUDSON, natives of New Jersey. Six 
children have been born to Mr. BROWN – James Park, Winnie Pauline, Charles
Judson, Frank Harold, Louis Sylvester and Roland Otis.

George W. BURRIS, farmer, P. O. Butler, was born in Montgomery County, 
Ill., February 22, 1860.  He received his education in the common schools 
of the county, and entered upon his career in life as a farmer, and 
remained upon the old homestead until the death of his father, when he 
assumed all the cares and responsibilities of the family and farm.  He 
was married in Montgomery County, November 3, 1881, to Miss Fannie V. 
HARRIS, who was born March 7, 1861, to John and Elvira HARRIS.  Dewitt 
C. BURRIS, the father of George, was born in Jackson County, Ohio; was 
one of the early settlers of Montgomery County.  He was an energetic 
and enterprising man, and a practical farmer, and, perhaps, no man has 
done more for public improvements and for the advancement of agricultural
interests in the county than Mr. BURRIS.  His death occurred January 4, 
1879, at the age of fifty-three.  He was a man of prominence in the 
township, and his loss will long be felt.  His wife, Roseline MACK, was 
born in New Hampshire.  She is still living, and is the mother of eight 
children - George, Emma J., wife of John WALLACE; Hattie Ellen, Carrie A.,
Elzina, William O., Charles D. and Wesley C., all of whom are living on 
the old homestead, except Emma, who, with her husband, is living in Butler
[Page 201]
Township.  George, the subject, is identified with the Democratic party.  
He devotes his time to growing the usual crops and raising stock.  The 
farm consists of about nine hundred acres of choice farm land, which he 
keeps in a high state of cultivation.

John BURNAP, farmer, P. O. Butler, was born in Montgomery County, Ill., 
October 2, 1854, son of Joseph S. and Sarah (HUGG) BURNAP, he born in 
Ohio September 21, 1821, a farmer by occupation; she born in New Jersey 
December 25, 1833.  They had five children, John being the eldest child.  
Our subject, after attending the common schools of his county, began 
farming, which he has followed through life, being in charge at present 
of his father’s fine farm of 340 acres of choice land, his father having 
removed to Texas, where he owns a large tract of land, upon which he 
expects to locate permanently. March 6, 1878, he married Rosa NAIL, born 
in Montgomery County September 21, 1856, daughter of Hiram and Susan 
(WILLIAMS) NAIL, he born in Indiana December 22, 1833; she in Montgomery 
County December 7, 1834. Three children have blessed the household of Mr. 
BURNAP – Earle, Tessie and Ina. They are members of the Presbyterian 
Church. He is a Republican.

Jacob CRESS, farmer, P. O. Hillsboro, was born in Harrisburg, Washington 
Co., Ind., May 5, 1818, son of Jacob and Catharine (BOST) CRESS, natives 
of North Carolina, he born December 26, 1779, a cabinet-maker by 
occupation and dying November 10, 1865; she, born August 28, 1786, and 
dying February 1, 1859.  They had ten children.  Our subject, after 
receiving an ordinary education, began life as a farmer, which he has 
continued to the present time. When but a few weeks old, the parents of 
Mr. CRESS moved to Montgomery County, and located a mile northwest of 
Hillsboro, on what is known as the Cress Mill farm, but on the 5th of 
May, 1840, Jacob removed to the farm he now owns, and upon which he 
resides, two miles east of Butler. He contains 784 acres of land, and 
is highly improved, having fine buildings, etc. He also owns 200 acres 
in Kansas, eighty acres in Franklin County, and eighty acres in Missouri.
December 23, 1840, he married Miss Helena SCHERER, born in Pendleton 
County, Va., October 8, 1818, daughter of Rev. Daniel SCHERER, a native 
of North Carolina, and eleven children have blessed the union – 
Alexander A., John M., Jacob D., William S. Samuel E., Benjamin L., 
Sophia Lucretia, Joseph E., James H. (deceased), Mary Illinois (deceased) 
and Thomas J. Mr. CRESS has served as Road Commissioner six or seven 
years, is a member of the Lutheran Church, and a Democrat.

Mary BASSETT CLINESMITH, farmer, P. O. Butler, was born in Middlesex, 
Yates Co., N. Y., September 18, 1828, daughter of Ira and Louisa 
(CLEAVELAND) BASSETT, he an architect by profession, born April 10, 1788, 
and dying July 29, 1844; she, born August 26, 1798, and dying 
February 2, 1873, being a native of Massachusetts. They were the parents 
of nine children, Mrs. CLINESMITH was educated in Rushville, Yates 
Co., N.Y., and married March 4, 1861, in Athens, Mo., John CLINESMITH, 
a native of Pittsburgh, born December 18, 1812, and died January 20, 
1876, leaving one child, Orville H., born May 27, 1862. When eighteen 
years of age, Mrs. CLINESMITH, then Miss Mary BASSETT, who had adopted 
the profession of school teaching, and which she followed afterward 
for sixteen years, went to Warren County, Penn., where she remained one 
year, after which she spent one year in Geauga County, Ohio, when she 
removed to Fond du Lac, Wis., where she resided ten years, after which 
she removed to Lee County, Iowa, and remained
[Page 202]
There two years. After her marriage with Mr. CLINESMITH, she removed with 
her husband to Montgomery County, where he settled on a farm in Butler 
Township, and where he died.

S. F. CRESS, farmer, P. O. Butler, was born in Montgomery County November 
8, 1847, son of Absalom CRESS, who was a native of North Carolina, and a 
farmer by occupation. He had eight children born to him, all of whom are 
living. Our subject, after receiving an education in the schools of his 
native county, bagan the life of a farmer, and in connection with that 
has followed milling about eight years. He has a fine farm of 200 acres 
of land in Montgomery County, and fifteen acres in Litchfield. Mr. CRESS
married, in January, 1868, Miss Jennie CLODFELTER< born in 1847, daughter 
of William and Susan (SHERER) CLODFELTER, he a native of North Carolina. 
Mr. CRESS has four children living. He is a Democrat.

Isaac DOYLE, farmer, P. O. Butler, was born in Greene County, Ill., June 
14, 1842; son of Thomas and Mary (COATS) DOYLE, both natives of Kentucky,
who emigrated to Greene County in 1832.   They were the parents of eight
children, Isaac being the sixth in order of birth.  Our subject received 
an ordinary education in the common schools of his native county, and 
commenced life as a farmer, in which he has continued, owning at the 
present time 160 acres of well-improved land, three miles northeast of 
Butler.  September 15, 1869, he married Miss Mary MITTS, born in Sangamon
County, Ill., March 15, 1845, daughter of Jesse and Zerilda (SHELTON) 
MITTS.  Two children have been born to them - John L. and Noah E.  
Mr. DOYLE has served as School Trustee, is a Mason and a Democrat.

John C. GRASSEL, farmer, P. O. Butler, was born January 10, 1853; son of 
George C. and Kathrine (ESPERT) GRASSEL, both natives of Bavaria. They 
had ten children, our subject being the second child. Shortly after 
their marriage, the parents removed to this country, first settling in 
Ohio, and afterward in this State, where, in Montgomery County, he owns 
800 acres of land, upon which the son, our subject, has a fine residence, 
with all suitable outbuildings. After receiving an ordinary education, 
he adopted the life of a farmer, in which he has continued. In April, 
1879, he married Miss Mollie LEWEY, born in this county in 1853, daughter 
of Oliver and Jane (STEVENSON) LEWEY, and the union has been productive 
of one child, Harry Lewey. Mr. GRASSEL has served as School Director 
two years, and is a Republican. His wife is a Presbyterian.

C. H. HOES, merchant, Butler, was born in Washington County, Md., 
September 15, 1845; son of Hartman and Elizabeth (KNOBLE) HOES, he 
a native of Germany, a tailor by trade, who emigrated to America in 
1837, dying in 1864; she, a native of Maryland, born January 1, 1814. 
They were the parents of nine children, eight boys and one girl. Our 
subject received his education in the common schools of his county, 
and commenced life as a farmer, which he followed for eight years. 
In 1869, he went to California, where he remained two years, and then 
returned to Butler, and went into merchandising, in which he is still 
engaged, the firm being known as Hoes Bros.  Mr. Hoes was in the late 
war for the preservation of the Union, having been a member of an 
Illinois regiment. April 7, 1868, he was married in Montgomery County,
to Miss Mary A. RUSH, born in Kentucky in 1847, daughter of Isaac RUSH, 
a native of Pennsylvania. Three children have been born to Mr. HOES – 
Lillian, Lucretia and George E. He is a Republican.

L. Scott HOES, merchant, Butler, was born in Hancock, Ind., September 6, 
1853;
[Page 203]
son of Hartman and Elizabeth (KNOBLE) HOES, he a native of Germany, a 
tailor by trade who emigrated to America in 1837, dying in 1864; she, 
a native of Maryland, born January 1, 1814. They were the parents of
nine children, eight boys and one girl. At the age of three years, our 
subject was taken to Freeport, Ill., and at four years to a farm near 
Butler, where he lived until 1877, during which time he followed 
threshing for about ten years, and farming. In 1877, he took a trip 
to California for the purpose of going into mining with his brother. 
After working several months without turning up a dollar’s worth of 
the shining metal, he at last “struck it rich,” and to such an extent 
as to justify the erection of a ten-stamp mill, which proved profitable, 
paying large dividends. He remained in California until the fall of 
1880, when he returned to Butler, leaving his brothers to control the 
mining interests, and in the spring of 1881, engaged with his brother 
Charles in merchandising. September 14, 1881, Mr. HOES married Miss 
Ida E. SHEELOCK, born June 21, 1861, in Decatur, Ill., daugther of 
Thomas and Mary WHEELOCK, he a native of New Hampshire, born November 
29, 1830; she, born February 10, 1830. Mr. HOES is a Republican.

Thomas F. HODGES, farmer, was born in Jersey County, Ill., September 29, 
1851, son of E. M. and Nancy (DAVIS) HODGES, he born in Missouri in 1820, 
and died in 1875; she born in Kentucky in 1821. They had nine children,
Thomas F. being the fourth child in order of birth. Our subject was 
raised to the life of a farmer, and attended the common schools, 
receiving such an education as they afforded. In 1872, he removed from 
Greene County to his present place. He owns two shares in 370 acres 
of fine land, which belongs to the heirs of his father’s estate. In 
September 1875, he married Miss Mary SHERER, born in 1857, daughter 
of John and Nancy (PETERS) SHERER, all natives of this State. Three 
children have been born to them – Arthur, Gracie and Walter. His wife 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is a Democrat.

Matthew McMURTRY, farmer, P. O. Butler, was born in Doagh, County 
Antrim, Ireland, December 12, 1807; son of Ezekiel Simm and Jane 
(McALLISTER) McMURTRY, of Thorndyke, Ballyclose, Antrim, Ireland. 
At the age of fourteen, our subject went to Belfast to learn the 
trade of millwright, and the first steam flouing –mill built in 
Belfast was built during his apprenticeship, by his uncle. Matthew 
was afterward employed at mill–wrighting in this mill until he came 
to America, in 18831. Arriving at New Orleans, he went to Nashville, 
Tenn., where he remained about one year; then went to Cincinnati, 
Ohio, and from there to Covington, Ky., where he lived many years. 
In 1855, he went to St. Louis, and other points, prosecuting his 
business, and in 1858 moved with his family to this county, and 
settled on the farm which has been his home ever since. He has 
dealt in grain, also, to some extent, in Butler. October 8, 1827, 
at Strandtown, County Down, Ireland, he was married to Elizabeth 
SMYTH, born in 1804, daughter of Robert and Janet (LAIRD) SMYTH, 
resident of County Down, Ireland, and by this union they have had 
the following children: Jane, born July 24, 1828, at Belfast, 
Ireland, and died November 2, 1937, at Covington, Ky.; Sarah, wife 
of Robert BRYCE, born November 9, 1830, at Belfast, Ireland; 
Elizabeth, born February 22, 1833, near Nashville, Tenn., and died 
October 27, 1837, at Covington, Ky.; Mary Ann, born December 26, 
1834, at Covington, Ky., and died August 2, 1855, at St. Louis, 
Mo.; Ezekiel James, born August 17, 1837, at Covington, Ky., and 
died November 
[Page 204]
1, 1837, at Covington, Ky.; Jane Elizabeth, wife of James S. McMURTRY, 
of St. Louis, Mo., born November 13, 1838, at Covington, Ky.; Susanna 
Esther, born February 10, 1841, at Covington, Ky.; James Matthew, 
born April 20, 1843, at Covington, Ky., and died September 17, 1877, 
at Davidson, Colo.; Abigail Emma Simm, born March 12, 1847, at 
Covington, Ky., and died April 16, 1861, near Butler, Ill. Mr. 
McMURTRY is a member of the Seceder Church.

M. L. MOYER, physician, Butler, was born in Iredell County, N. C., 
March 19, 1850, son of J. M. and M. A. (KIMBALL) MOYER, he a farmer, 
born in Cabarrus County, N. C., April 7, 1820; she, also born in 
North Carolina, April 7, 1825. They had four children, two of whom 
are dead. Our subject received his primary education in the schools 
of Hillsboro, and commenced his business career as a carpenter, 
afterward trading in stock, dealing principally in the far South. 
In 1876, he began the study of medicine and attended the Medical 
College at Keokuk, Iowa, from which institution he graduated in 
1880. He immediately located in Butler, where he has worked into 
a fine practice. The Doctor is an able and conscientious 
practitioner, having been and still is a hard student, leaving 
no modes or processes untouched that may increase his skill in 
his profession. He is a genial gentleman, and highly respected in 
the community where he has made his home. He has been for sixteen 
yeas a member of the Lutheran Church, and is an Odd Fellow and a 
Democrat.

Francis PHILLIPS, farmer, P. O. Butler, was born in Randolph 
County, Ill., February 14, 1827. His education was limited to 
such as could be obtained in the old log cabin schools at that 
early day. He commenced his career in life as a farmer. He 
purchased his first land in Butler Township, the farm containing 
200 acres of land, only a part of which was improved, and on 
which the only building was a log cabin. He remained on the 
property for about seven years, when he sold it and bought the 
property he now resides upon. He has made all the improvements 
himself, but had the misfortune to have his buildings all 
destroyed by fire in 1872; but, being possessed with a stout 
heart and an energetic spirit, he at once erected a new residence, 
and the appearance of his property denotes Mr. PHILLIPS to be a 
practical farmer and a man who labors for public improvements, 
and for the advancement of the agricultural interests of the 
county. He has endured the hardships of a trip to the gold 
regions of California, where he remained about one year, and 
returned to his native State, the recollections of which trip 
are still fresh in his memory. He was married on February 1, 
1826, to Miss Sarah Jane SCHERER, who was born in North 
Carolina, and brought to this State while yet a child. She is 
the mother of two children living – Harriet Virginia and David. 
The father of Francis was Burrell PHILLIPS, a native of one of 
the Southern States, but sought a home in the far West, and 
settled in Randolph County, Ill. He was a prominent farmer in 
an early day. His death occurred in 1832. His wife, Harriet 
BROWN, was the mother of four children, of whom Francis was the 
youngest. Politically, his sympathies are with the Republican
party. Religiously, himself and wife are connected with the 
Lutheran Church. He has been a prominent member of the Odd 
Fellows order of a number of years.

Michael REMENSNIDER, farmer, P. O. Butler, was born in Germany 
in 1826, son of Andrew REMENSNIDER, he a native of Germany, and 
a farmer by occupation, born in 1793, and died about the year 
1863.  Subject, who is the youngest of a family of four
[Page 205]
children, received a fair education in the common schools in 
Germany, and began life as a farmer. When he was twenty-six 
years old, he emigrated to America; landed in New York, where 
he remained ten months; removed to Indiana, and lived there 
seventeen years, and in 1870 came to Sangamon County, Ill., 
where he stayed six years, and finally removed to Montgomery 
County, where he now resides on a farm of 155 acres of fine, 
improved land. In Indiana, in 1856, he married Miss Recilla 
SHEAR, born in Ohio in 1839, and died in 1861, leaving two 
children – Elizabeth and Alain. Her father, Christian SHEAR, 
was a native of Germany; her mother of Pennsylvania. Mr. 
REMENSNIDER’s second wife, Noretta REED, born in Ohio September 
24, 1838, daughter of James REED, a native of Pennsylvania, who 
died leaving seven children. His third wife is Eliza BROWN, 
born in Illinois December 15, 1841, daughter of Samuel BROWN, 
a native of Kentucky; she is the mother of one child, Henry. 
Mr. REMENSNIDER is a Democrat and member of Charter Oak Lodge, 
No. 232, A., A. & A. M., Litchfield, Ill. His son, Alain, an 
energetic young man who has just begun farming on his own 
account, owns a farm adjoining his father’s, and bids fare to 
be one of the leading agriculturists of the county.

Joseph STICKEL, farmer, P. O. Butler, was born in York County, 
Penn., August 26, 1814; son of John and Mary (BENZLY) STICKEL, 
he a farmer, born about 1791, and dying in 1869; she, born 
about 1791, and dying in 1862; both natives of York County, 
Penn. They were the parents of nine children, Joseph, our 
subject, being the eldest. After receiving the education 
obtainable in the common schools of his native county, Joseph 
began his business life as a farmer and carpenter. After 
following for three years the businesses named, he entered 
into merchandising, after which he went into milling and 
farming, in which he has continued since, in the meantime 
filling the position of School Trustee and Director of his 
township. He owns a fine farm of 308 acres of land, which is 
highly improved. Mr. STICKEL has been married three times; 
first, in Pennsylvania, and twice in Illinois. The first wife 
was named Susanna SHELLY, the second, Catharine SMITH, and 
the third, who is living, was Sarah SCOTT, born in Kentucky 
October 9, 1828, their marriage occurring November 8, 1855. 
Mr. STICKEL has been blessed with eight children, three 
deceased – Francis M., Susanna M., Fletcher A., Nancy A., 
John A., Alexander W., James H. and Ellie C. He is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Republican.

John M. TUMES, farmer, P. O. Butler, was born in Hillsboro, 
Montgomery Co., Ill., April 27, 1848, son of Thomas and Theresa 
(ALLEN) TUMES, he a native of Ireland, she of Illinois.  They 
had eight children, John M. being the second in order of birth. 
 Our subject received his education in the Hillsboro Academy, 
 and commenced life teaming and farming, in which latter 
 ccupation he has been engaged to the present time.  October 26, 
 1876, he married Mrs. Fannie M. (CHAPELL) HARKEY, whose husband, 
 Daniel Lee HARKEY, died in 1875, leaving two children - Ida 
 Sophia and Ella Lee.  Mrs. TUMES is the daughter of George and 
 Rebecca CHAPELL, the latter having departed this life in 1862.  
 One child, Mattie H., has been born to Mr. and Mrs. TUMES.  He 
 is an Odd Fellow and a Democrat.

Justus H. WARE, farmer, P. O. Butler, was born at Ware's Grove, 
near Butler, Montgomery Co., Ill., July 11, 1834; son of Benjamin 
and Sarah (SLAYBACK) WARE, he born at Gilsum, Cheshire Co., N. H., 
May 27, 1796, a farmer by occupation, and dying
[Page 206]
July 31, 1855; she, born near Lexington, Ky., September 13, 1805, 
and still living. They had two children born to them, our subject 
being the second. Mr. WARE, after attending the schools of his 
county, began life as a farmer, and at present owns a farm of 280 
acres of excellent land, which is under a high state of cultivation,
and with good improvements thereon. He was married in Keene, N. H., 
September 26, 1860, to Miss Luceba A. BRIGHAM, born at East Alstead,
N. H., August 25, 1836, daughter of Aaron and Susan (PROCTOR) 
BRIGHAM, and the following children have been born to them: Mary 
Flora, born November 29, 1862; Carrie Susan, born May 5, 1864, and 
died December 1, 1866; George Vincent, born September 5, 1867; Amy 
Lillian, born April 24, 1873. Mr. WARE has served as School Director 
of his township, is a member of the Lutheran Church and a Republican.

Dr. W. A. WESNER, druggist, Butler, was born in Indiana February 27, 
1851, and emigrated to Montgomery County in 1874.  His father was Jacob 
WESNER, born in North Carolina in 1800, and died in 1860; his mother, 
Elizabeth (KILLIAM) WENER, born in 1806, and dying in 1857. They had 
eleven children. Our subject, after his education in the schools of 
his county, when to farming, and then in the restaurant business. In 
1872-73, he attended medical lectures at Indianapolis, and, after 
finishing his course, located first at Nokomis, Montgomery Co., Ill., 
and remained one year practicing medicine, and in drug business. He 
moved to Butler in 1878, where he has a large and remunerative business 
in the drug line, it being the only establishment of its kind in that 
town. March 29, 1876, he married Mary J. PHILLIPS, born in Montgomery 
County, Ill., in 1860, and three children have been born to them – Glen 
Allen, Donard Clayton and Iva Leena. He is a member of the Lutheran 
Church, an Odd Fellow and a Democrat.

Henry WARE, farmer, P. O. Butler, was born in Butler Grove Township May 
4, 1845; son of Obadiah and Electa (POST) WARE, he born in Gilsum, 
Cheshire Co., N. H., January 2, 1795, a farmer by occupation, and dying
September 24, 1876, she born in Addison County, Vt., July 15, 1800, and 
dying November 15, 1859. Our subject was educated in the common schools 
of his county, and began life as a farmer, in which he has been and still 
is engaged, owning at the present time a fine farm of 240 acres of 
well-improved land, lying on the cross road running from Springfield 
to Hillsboro. In addition to general farming, Mr. WARE makes a specialty 
of raising fine sheep, having a large flock always in his fields. In Lee 
County, Iowa, January 24, 1867, he married Miss Louisa H. MORRISON, born 
March 14, 1846, daughter of Joseph and Miriam (BAUGH) MORRISON, he a 
native of Tennessee, and she of Kentucky.

William WATSON, farmer, P. O. Hillsboro.  Among the prominent families 
of Butler Grove Township is that of him whose name heads this sketch.  
Mr. WATSON, whose portrait appears in this volume, was born in Machery 
Knappen, parish of Refo, County Donegal, Ireland, January 14, 1800; his 
father, James WATSON, was a native of Ireland, and was born about the 
year 1755; he married Margaret McCLARY, a native of Ireland; they had 
four children, of whom the subject was the eldest; he died in 1825. Our 
subject was educated in the schools of the country, and emigrated to 
America, arriving at Albany, N. Y., when he was eighteen years of age; 
he went from there to Geneva, N. Y., where he remained ten years, then
removed to Genesee County and lived there ten years, when, on the 26th 
of November, 1839, he came to Montgomery County, Ill., and settled
[Page 207]
on the farm where he now resides, five miles north of Hillsboro.  He 
was married, August 4, 1834, in New York, to Miss Mary TAFT, who was 
born December 10, 1815, and is a daughter of William and Elizabeth 
(DAVIDSON) TAFT, all of Ireland; Mr. and Mrs. WATSON have had born to 
them the following children: William, Aaron, Margaret, John James, an 
infant (died without name), George W., Anna, Augusta, James, Eliza and 
Isabella.  Mr. WATSON is one of the stanch farmers of the county, who 
settled in it more than forty years ago; has grown up with it, advanced 
in prosperity, and has grown in wealth and importance; has become 
identified with it in its growth and development, and is a part of its 
history; he has never sought office nor political preferment, but has 
always been an energetic friend of education, and a determined advocate 
of all public improvements calculated to promote the welfare of his 
adopted county. Politically, he is a Democrat, and socially, a warm 
friend and pleasing companion. His wife is a woman of intelligence, a 
helpmate to her husband, and a zealous member of the Presbyterian 
Church. William WATSON, Jr., deceased, the eldest son of the above, 
died from the accidental discharge of a pistol in his own hand, March 
20, 1882; he was born in Genesee County, N.Y., November 20, 1835, and 
came with his parents to Illinois in 1839; he was never married, but 
owned a fine farm some five miles north of Hillsboro, and his brother 
John, and sister Margaret (likewise unmarried), lived with him; he 
was a dutiful son, and, to the day of his untimely death, never 
undertook any enterprise without consulting his parents, whose advice 
and more mature judgement he always heeded; he left to mourn his sad 
fate his aged parents and his brothers and sisters – Aaron, Margaret, 
John, George, James, Eliza and Isabella; though not a member of any 
church, he was a moral man and a constant reader of the Bible; he never 
swore an oath, was temperate in all his habits, and a firm believer 
in Christianity; he lived nobly, prospered in wealth, won the confidence 
of all, and died an honest and upright man. Aaron WATSON, the second 
son, was born also in New York, February 7, 1837, and brought by his 
parents to Illinois in 1839; he was reared on the farm, and received 
his education in the common schools of the county, and began life for 
himself as a farmer; owns forty acres of excellent land, in a fine state 
of cultivation, and which joins the old homestead; politically, he is 
a Democrat, and socially, he is – unmarried. John WATSON, Jr., was born 
in Montgomery County, Ill., January 28, 1840, and is the third son of 
William WATSON, Sr.; he was brought up on the farm, and received such
educational advantages as the common schools afforded; he began life 
as a farmer, and purchased eighty acres of land, to which he has added 
since until he now owns an excellent farm in Butler Grove Township; he 
is an energetic and industrious farmer, and, like his father, is a 
good Democrat. George W. WATSON, the fourth son, was born in Montgomery 
County July 8, 1842; he attended the common schools, and afterward took 
a regular commercial course in a business college at Poughkeepsie, N.Y., 
from which he graduated in 1865; he then entered the telegraph office 
there, in the employ of the Hudson River Railroad, remaining two years, 
when his health gave way and he was obliged to return home, since which 
time he has engaged in farming; he lives in Rountree Township (this 
county), where he owns a farm of 360 acres of well-improved land. On 
the 23d of December, 1869, he was married to Miss Lucy A. PECK, a 
daughter of William H. PECK, of Montgomery County; they have three chil-
[Page 208]
dren living, viz., Estella, Lenna and Rolla; also have three children 
dead. Mr. WATSON is Treasurer of Rountree Township. James WATSON, the 
youngest son, was born on the homestead, in Montgomery County, in 1849; 
he was brought up on the farm; educated in the common schools of the
neighborhood, finishing his education at Hillsboro Academy; he commenced 
his business career as a farmer and stock-raiser, which business he 
has successfully followed to the present time; his first purchase of land 
was twenty-three acres, to which he has since added until he now owns 188 
acres of as fine land as any in Butler Grove Township; he makes a 
specialty of raising and handling cattle, but gives more or less attention 
to all kinds of stock; he is liberal in his views upon all matters of 
public enterprise, and contributes freely of his means to promote the
prosperity and welfare of his town and county; he has always been 
identified with the Democratic party, believing its principles to be 
the foundation stone of our free institutions; he still lives with his 
parents, and takes care of them in their old age, thereby winning the 
respect and approval of his neighbors and friends. The Watson family own 
about two thousand acres of land, well improved and well cultivated; they 
are noted far and wide for their enterprise, public spirit and generous
hospitality.


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