Montgomery County IL Archives Bios......Fillmore Township 1882 
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History of Bond and Montgomery Counties Illinois 1882 - Part II, pages
300-310, Fillmore Township, 


[Page 300] 

Joseph T. ALEXANDER, farmer, P. O. Fillmore, was born in this county 
September 17, 1834, and was raised to a life of farming; was educated 
in the common schools of the county, and commenced business for himself 
as a farmer, and inherited sixty acres of land, unimproved, on which he 
built all necessary improvements, and remained there sixteen years, and 
added to that forty acres, making one hundred acres in the tract; sold, 
and bought the place on which he now resides, and has erected a very 
elegant dwelling with all the necessary out-buildings, and has a beautiful
location, the land being rolling enough to drain well, which makes it 
valuable, and was married in Fayette, May 3, 1850, to Miss Irene WRIGHT. 
She was born in this State July 23, 1839, to Joseph WRIGHT. Her father 
was born in Kentucky in 1813; was a farmer by occupation, and died 
November 27, 1873. Rebecca KIRK, her mother, was born in Tennessee in 
the year 1810, and died in the year 1876. They reared a family of six 
children, all living. Richard Alexander, the father of subject, was born 
in Tennessee January 10, 1810, and was a farmer by occupation. He came 
to this State when quite a boy, and enlisted in company of rangers 
against the Indians, and lived and died on the place now owned by subject. 
His death occurred about May 12, 1874. Sarah WHITTEN was the mother of 
six children, the subject being the oldest child, and he has a family of 
four children, whose names are as follows: Eveline C., Easton W., Sarah R. 
and Homer L.; was elected Assessor and served one year, and has been
Commissioner six years, and filled other offices of township. He belongs 
to the Masonic fraternity, and is identified with the Democratic party.

Lyman C. ALLEN, Fillmore, was born in New Hampshire in the year 1836; 
worked with his parent until twenty-one year of age, and entered on his 
business career as a school teacher, and followed that profession for 
several years. He went to Minnesota in 1860, and pre-empted 160 acres 
of land, improved it, and remained there five years, at the expiration 
of which time he came back to Montgomery County, Ill., and settled on 
the farm on which he now resides, on which he has erected a good 
dwelling and barn, with all other buildings necessary for comfort and
convenience. His farm contains 330 acres of good, tillable land; he 
also owns 400 acres of good farming and stock land in Minnesota. He 
married in Montgomery County in 1864, Miss Alice D. BLISS. She was born 
in this State in March, 1843, and was the mother of four children; she 
died in June, 1879. Her father, a native of Vermont, her mother born in 
New Hampshire, are now living in this State. His second wife, Emeline 
RUSSELL, was born in this State in February, 1846; was married in 
January, 1881. Her father, William RUSSELL, was a farmer by occupation; 
her mother is still living in Montgomery County. Winslow ALLEN, the 
father of subject, was born in New Hampshire in the year 1800; was a 
farmer by occupation, and died in 1859. His wife, Nancy (GROUTY) ALLEN, 
was also born in New Hampshire in the year 1803, and died in 1856. She 
was 

[Page 301]

The mother of eleven children, the subject being the sixth child, and 
he has a family of three children (one deceased), named as follows: 
Ned B., Jesse A. and Carlos E. Mr. ALLEN has been Supervisor for two 
years; he is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the Lutheran Church.

Aaron G. BUTLER, farmer, P. O. Fillmore, was born in Tennessee January 
1, 1838; was raised on a farm; educated in the common schools of the 
country, and remained with his father until twenty-one years of age. 
He began business for himself as a farmer, in this State, in 1860, 
with an uncle in Fayette County, with whom he remained about two years; 
then came to Montgomery County, and settled on the farm on which he now 
lives, which contains about six hundred and forty acres of land, four 
hundred of which are under cultivation, and has all necessary 
improvements. He also owns seventy acres of land in Fayette County, also
improved. He married in Montgomery County in 1863, Miss Jane CASEY, born 
in that county in the year 1847. Her father, John CASEY, born in Kentucky
November 26, 1825, a farmer by occupation, died August 5, 1863. His wife, 
Louisa McCASLIN, was born in Tennessee November 29, 1825, and died in 
September, 1868. Calvin J. BUTLER, the father of subject, a farmer, born 
in Tennessee, died about 1872. Martha J. HIX, subject's mother, also a 
native of Tennessee, died about the year 1868. She was the mother of 
eight children, the subject being the second child, and he has a family 
of three children, viz., Charlie L, Ora and J. L. S. Mr. BUTLER was 
elected Sheriff in 1878, and served one term; has also been Supervisor 
two terms. He is a hospitable, genial and accommodating gentleman, and 
has a high social standing in his community. He is a Democrat, and a 
member of the A., F. & A. M. His wife is a Methodist.

Levi HILL, farmer, P. O. Fillmore, was born in this county and State in 
the year 1825, and commenced life as a farmer. His father gave him 100 
acres of land, and he has added to that until he has reached the handsome 
estate of 290 acres, on which he has erected a good and comfortable 
dwelling and barn, with all necessary improvements, and was married in 
this county in the year 1848, to Miss Wilmoth (LANDERS) HILL. She was 
born in this State in the year 1831. Henry LANDERS, her father, was born 
in Kentucky, and died in 1842. Elizabeth HINTON, her mother, was born 
in North Carolina, and died about 1868. She was the mother of six 
children, one deceased. Henry HILL emigrated to this State from Kentucky 
in 1816; he was a farmer by occupation; he entered quite a large tract 
of land; died April 5, 1855. Mary PRATER, his mother, was born November 
6, 1803; she died April 16, 1842. She was the mother of twelve children, 
the subject being the third of the family, and he has a family of seven
children, three deceased; names as follows: Mary HILL, December 8, 1849; 
Henry E. HILL, July 11, 1851; Simeon M., December 15, 1852; Martha, 
January 22, 1857; Sarah, June 23, 1858; Orlena, February 10, 1860; 
Illinois, November 17, 1861; Layfayette, August 21, 1863; Celeste, 
July 9, 1868; Theodore HILL, born August 13, 1869.

Squire HILL, farmer, P. O. Fillmore, was born in Montgomery County, 
Ill., January 17, 1844, and inherited 160 acres of land, located in 
Fillmore Township, on which were no improvements. This he sold and bought 
a place containing 160 acres of unimproved land, which he improved and 
lived upon about four years; sold out and bought the place on which he 
now resides, which contains 160 acres of good, fertile land, on which he 
has erected a fine dwelling and barn, with all necessary outbuildings. 
The farm is lo- 

[Page 302] 

cated on Section 33, Town 8, Range 2, about twelve miles east and south 
of Hillsboro. He was married in Fayette County October 22, 1868, to Miss 
Mary L. BOST, born in Fayette County in 1849. Her father, Henry BOST, was 
born in North Carolina about 1826; was a farmer by occupation, and died 
in 1876. Her mother, Elizabeth (HARRIS) BOST, was born in Illinois. Henry 
HILL, the father of subject, was born in Kentucky; his wife was born in 
North Carolina. She was the mother of six children, the subject being 
the youngest child. He has a family of three children, one deceased, named 
as follows: Ollie O., born September 5, 1869; Henry C., born October 29, 
1873; Anna E., deceased, born February 28, 1876, died August 26, 1876; 
Mary E. was born April 19, 1878. He has been Supervisor of this township 
for two terms. He enlisted in Company E, First Illinois Cavalry, in 1862, 
Capt. Paul WALTERS; principally on escort duty, and served a short time. 
He has been always identified with the Democratic party; has taken great
interest in public improvements, and the advancement of agricultural 
interests.

Dr. John T. HENDRIX, Fillmore, was born in Tennessee in 1845. Harrison 
HENDREIX, his father, a merchant, was born in Tennessee. Editha TAYLOR, 
his mother, was a descendant of President TAYLOR, and was the mother of 
four children, the subject being the second child. He was raised near
Elizabethton, Tenn., and remained with his father until sixteen years of 
age. He then entered the Confederate army, in Company C, First Regiment
Tennessee Artillery; was taken prisoner at the siege of Vicksburg; had 
taken part in several previous engagements; was sent to St. Louis prison, 
but, through the influence of President Johnson, was released in a short 
time. He remained in St. Louis six months after being released from 
prison; then came to Montgomery County, and settled in East Fork Township. 
He was married in 1865 t Miss Clotilda B. COFFEEN, born in Jeffereson 
County, N. Y., in the year 1850. She was the mother of five children, 
all living. She died March 9, 1875. His second wife, Dorcas F. BOST, was 
born in Illinois in the year 1857. Her father, Martin BOST, born in North
Carolina, died about the year 1872. Hannah J. BOST, her mother, born in 
New Hampshire, is still living. Subject commenced the study of medicine 
in 1873, with Drs. HANES & WASHBURN, of Hillsboro; remained with them 
three years; then attended Medical College in St. Louis, Mo., in 1877, 
and graduated in Keokuk, Iowa, in 1878. He first settled at Fairview, in 
June, 1879, and remained there until October; then removed to the place 
where he now resides, and bought fifteen acres of land, and has it well 
improved with all conveniences necessary. He is highly esteemed as a man, 
as well as a physician; has a good practice.

G W. ISBELL, farmer, P. O. Hurricane, was born in Fayette County, in the 
year 1833, and has a good practical education. He commenced business as a
farmer, and took charge of his father's farm at the age of fifteen years 
(his father being an invalid), and remained in charge until twenty-three 
years of age. He then married and moved to Montgomery County, where he 
now resides. His first purchase of land was sixty acres, which were 
partially improved, to which he has added until he has reached the 
handsome estate of 235 acres of good, tillable land, on which he has 
erected a fine house, barn and outbuildings. It is considered one among 
the best improved places in the vicinity. He also owns, in Fayette County, 
440 acres of land, the most of which is in good state of cultivation. He 
was married in 

[Page 303] 

Fayette County, in 1856, to Miss Mahala HILL. She was born in Kentucky; 
is the mother of six children, four of whom are living. She died in May, 
1873. Her mother, a native of Kentucky, is still living in Fayette County, 
Ill. His second wife, Theresa (ELAM) (MASON) ISABELL, was born in Bond 
County, Ill., in 1848; married in bond County in 1873. Her parents were 
natives of North Carolina, and both are now living in Bond County. James 
ELAM, her father, is a minister of teh Gospel. Pasehal ISBELL, the father 
of subject, was born in Kentucky in 1807, a farmer by occupation, and 
emigrated to this State in 1828 or 1829 settled in Fayette County, Ill., 
and died there in April, 1879. Clarissa (SEERS) ELAM, the mother of 
subject, was born in Kentucky in 1809, and is the mother of fourteen 
children, this subject being the fourth child. He has a family of seven
children, five living, viz.: Diana, Melvina, William Jackson, Lewis, 
Jasper (deceased), Jennie; one died in infancy. His wife is a member of 
the Baptist Church; he is a Democrat. He has always been an advocate in 
favor of public improvements and agricultural interests. He started out 
to battle with the world without anything, but, being possessed of a 
stout heart and an indomitable energy, he has accumulated quite a fortune. 

John H. KNOWLES, farmer, P. O. Fillmore, born in Piermont, Grafton co., 
N. H., March 16, 1822; raised on the farm. His boyhood days were spent 
in assisting his father; educated in the common schools of the country; 
entered on his business career as a farmer; brought to this county by 
his parents in 1838; settled near Fillmore Township, his father having 
bought land there, when subject commenced farming; stayed about three 
years; sold out and went to Vera; bought a half-interest in a mill, and 
operated that four years; sold out and bought a farm about a mile from 
the mill, containing 280 acres of land; remained there two years; and 
bought the place where he now lives, containing 260 cares of land. He has 
all necessary improvements on the farm, and which is in a good state of
cultivation. Subject was married at Vandalia, Ill., December 27, 1843, 
to Miss Sarah A. CASEBEER, born in new Philadelphia, Ohio, March 1, 1827. 
Her father, Christian CASEBEER, a farmer and millwright, born in Somerset
County, Penn., February 1, 1803, and died October 8, 1849. His wife, 
Rosanna (WILLSON) CASEBEER, still living, was born near Pittsburgh, Penn., 
May 17, 1807. The father of subject, Joseph KNOWLES, born in New Hampshire 
April 1, 1783, a farmer by occupation, died February 15, 1860. His mother,
Hannah (HAINES) KNOWLES, also a native of New Hampshire, born July 12, 1787,
died October 31, 1845; was the mother of eight children, the subject being 
the fifth child. He has a family of four children, Dianna J., Lillie G. and 
Adel G., and one child deceased. He has been Deputy Sheriff and Constable 
for five years; also School Trustee for a number of years; is a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, a Mason and a Democrat; grandfather was in 
the Revolutionary war.

Albert LIVINGSTONE, farmer, P. O. Fillmore, was born in Amsterdam, 
Nomtgomery Co., N. Y., April 16, 1821; assisted his father in the tanning 
and coloring business in his boyhood days; was educated in the common 
schools of the country; commenced business for himself as a farmer, in 
this State, at twenty-two years of age; bought 100 acres of land, his 
first purchase, which was slightly improved, a log cabin being the only
dwelling, and four or five acres of land broken. He has added to his 
first purchase until he now has 355 acres of good, tillable land, on 
which he has all necessary buildings. 

[Page 304]

He gave his children 200 acres, north of the home tract, 160 of which 
is improved. He was married in Fayette County February 26, 1846, to 
Ann Elizabeth BARRINGER, born June 17, 1824, in Cabarrus County, N.C., 
and died August 2, 1862, leaving nine children. She was the daughter of 
John M. and Crissey M. (PITTS) BARRINGER, he born in 1803, and died 
August 4, 1854; she born in 1805, and died in February, 1849. Jane 
GATEWOOD, his second wife, was born in Ohio, in the year 1832, and is 
the mother of four children. Her father, a native of Ohio, died in 
January, 1879. Her mother, a native of Virginia, is still living. 
Timothy LINVINGSTONE, the father of subject, was born in Massachusetts 
October 19, 1777, and died in 1861. His wife, Mary (GURAN) LIVINGSTONE, 
born April 29, 1786, in Massachusetts, and died April 5, 1821, leaving 
nine children, of whom subject is the youngest. He has been Highway 
Commissioner for several years; also School Director for a number of 
years; has done all he could toward public improvements and agricultural
interests; has always been identified with the Republican party. His 
children are Mary, born December 14, 1846; Joseph P., born June 9, 
1848; Adeline, born February 25, 1850; Timothy A. born May 21, 1851; 
Catharine E., born February 4, 1853; Charles E., born April 2, 1855; 
George Albert, born September 3, 1857, and Alfred W., born February 
22, 1861.

J. Bowers LANE, farmer and merchant, Fillmore, born in Cheshire County, 
N.H., September 10, 1826. His father, Timothy L. LANE, was born in 
Marlboro, N. H., September 1, 1800; was educated at Groton, Mass.; 
afterward attended Medical College at Hanover, N. H., where he graduated 
in 1824; commenced the practice of his profession at Sullivan, N. H.; 
moved to Lunenburg, Vt., in 1832, and remained there two years, at the
expiration of which time he located at Gilsum, N. H., where he remained 
until 1838; thence to Daysville, Ill., practicing his profession there 
until 1840; then removed to Fillmore Township, and continued his practice 
until his death, which occurred September 1, 2849. Roxana (HARVEY) LANE, 
the mother of subject, was born in Marlboro, N. H., August 2, 1802, and 
died January 1, 1849; was the mother of four children, two of whom are 
living. The subject, the eldest of the family, was raised in town; was 
educated in the common schools of the country; entered on his business 
career as a farmer, his first purchase being ninety acres of land, to 
which he has added from time to time, until he has now a handsome estate 
of 650 acres of fine farming land. He has given his children 200 acres 
from that tract, and now has 450 acres on his home place, on which he has 
all necessary buildings conducive to the health and comfort of man and 
beast. He has also had a store on his farm since 1861, and is doing a 
good business; has been Postmaster for a number of years. His place was 
mostly raw prairie, and he has made all the improvements; was elected 
Associate Judge in 1869, and served four years, acquitting himself with 
honor. He is a stanch Republican. He married, February 3, 1852, Rachel 
G. BOST, born in North Carolina march 22, 18830, daughter of Jacob and 
Margaret (CRESS) BOST, he born in Pennsylvania April 4, 1794; she born 
in North Carolina February 26, 1797, and died in May, 1853. From this 
union eight children have been born to them – Timothy L., Margaret R., 
Torrance H., Augusta F., Ora E., Carrie M., Elsie V. and Ella L.

Asa PRATER, farmer, P. O. Fillmore, was born in Bond County December 10, 
1829. Alexander PRATER, his father, was born in Tennessee October 17, 
1807. He was 

[Page 305] 

brought to this State by his father in 1818. Halloway PRATER, the 
grandfather of subject, was born in North Carolina in 1777, of Scotch 
descent; was a farmer and wheelwright by occupation, and died in 
November, 1846. His grandmother, Anna ADAIR, was born in North Carolina 
about 1779. She was the mother of eight children; the father of subject 
was the fifth child, and married Mary SEARS, the mother of subject. She 
was born in Kentucky about 1809, and was the mother of four children, 
one deceased, our subject being the second child; was educated in the 
common schools of the country, but has, by observation and application, 
a good practical education. He entered 120 acres of Government land 
which was slightly improved, paying $100 for the improved part, and has 
added to his first purchase 120 acres more, making 240 acres of good, 
tillable land, on which he has erected a fine house and barn, with all 
necessary improvements, and also owns about forty-three acres of timber. 
He married in this county Artemisia BROWN PRATER, who was born in this 
county November 10, 1830. She died June 9, 1857. As his second wife he 
married, in 1861, Sarah H. BROWN, born December 1, 1836, and she is the 
mother of four children, all living; the names as follows: Horatio L., 
born February 13, 1862; Flora B., born August 13, 1864; Lillie May, born 
May 7, 1868; John H., born April 21, 1871. He was Town Clerk one year, 
in 1873. Members of Primitive Baptist Church; he is also a member of the 
Masonic fraternity; is identified with the Democratic party, and 
extremely liberal in his views. His grandfather was in the war of 1812; 
his father was in the Black Hawk war; has always been an advocate of 
public improvements, taking great interest in agriculture. 

Gideon RICHMOND, farmer, P. O. Fillmore, born in Licking County, Ohio, 
September 14, 1820; raised on a farm and assisted his father until 
twenty years of age; was educated in the common schools of the country, 
and began his business career as a farmer, his first purchase of land 
being fifty acres, partially improved, on which he remained only two 
years; sold out and moved to Montgomery County, Ill., and bought 100 
acres of land; has increased his property to 500 acres of good farming 
land. He has given his son eighty acres recently; has erected a fine 
dwelling and barn, with all necessary outbuildings, and his farm is in 
a high state of cultivation He was married first in Ohio, to Miss Lois 
AMES, who died, and then married Miss Cynthia DOTA, also of Ohio, who 
died, leaving one child; her parents were natives of New Jersey. His 
third wife, Harriet A. KNOWLES, whom he married March 14, 1847, was born 
in New Hampshire August 11, 1830; her father, Joseph KNOWLES, was born 
in New Hampshire April 1, 1784; was a farmer by occupation, and died 
February 16, 1860. Her mother, Hannah (HAINES) KNOWLES, was also born 
in New Hampshire June 29, 1788, and died October 31, 1845. Mrs. RICHMOND 
is the mother of four children. The father of subject, Henrey W. RICHMOND, 
was born in Adams County, Mass., December 5, 1798; was a farmer by 
occupation, and died May 4, 1874. His wife, Eliza CUBBERLY, was born 
near Trenton, N. J., April 11, 1800, and is still living. She is the 
mother of three children, the subject being the eldest child. Mr. 
RICHMOND has by energy and economy accumulated a handsome property, 
and he and wife seem to be enjoying the fruits of their labor in their 
old age; is a good citizen and useful to the community in which he 
resides. His children are Henry F., Hiram F., George A., Dora I. and 
Ernest H. 

[Page 306] 

G. A. RICHMOND, Fillmore, was born in Fillmore, Montgomery County, 
October 8, 1851; worked on the farm with his father until of age, and 
was educated in the common schools of the country. He commenced life 
as a farmer, and settled on the old home place of his father's, 
beginning on eighty acres of land that his father had given him, to 
which he has added forty acres of good land, and has erected a good 
dwelling and barn, and all necessary outbuildings. He was married, 
September 18, 1877, at Irving, Ill., to Miss Addie BOST, born in 
Fillmore August 8, 1859, daughter of John J. and Rebecca M. (SANDERS) 
BOST, he a farmer by occupation, born in Cabarrus County, N. C., 
January 4, 1836, and is still living; she, also living, born in 
Montgomery County, Ill., January 16, 1839. Gideon RICHMOND, subject's 
father, was born in Ohio in 1820, a farmer by occupation. His wife, 
Harriet KNOWLES, was born in New Hampshire in August, 1830, and is the 
mother of four children, the subject being the oldest of the family, 
and he has but one child, Nellie V., two and one-half years of age. 
Is a Democrat.

Hiram S. SHORT, physician, Fillmore, was born in Randolph County, 
N. C., May 4, 1840. The main part of his early childhood was spent in 
attending the common schools, where he received the foundation of his 
subsequent learning. In January, 1854, he was removed by his parents 
to Fayette County, Ill., where they remained three years, and then 
removed to Shelby County. Lemuel SHORT, the father of our subject, a 
native of Guiford County, N. C., was born February 24, 1814, and from 
the time he reached maturity followed teaching until the time of his 
death, which occurred May 6, 1858. His wife, Mary HASKETT, was also a 
native of North Carolina, born November 21, 1816, and is still living, 
the wife of John H. BUCKMASTER, residing five miles north of Vandalia. 
By her first husband she gave birth to eleven children, nine of whom 
are still living, and of whom Hiram S. was the second child. After 
reaching Illinois with his parents, he continued to attend the common 
schools for a short time, and then entered the Quaker High School of 
Westfield, Ind., where he remained one year and then returned home and 
taught school a large portion of the following four years, and a portion 
of which time, in connection with his other duties each year, he read 
medicine with Dr. J. C. JONES, of Ramsey, with whom he continued from 
1865 to 1869, at the end of which time he entered upon the practice of 
his profession, and, after attending the Cincinnati Medical College two 
terms, he successfully passed the rigid examination necessary to become 
an M.D.; received his diploma May 19, 1873, and continued in his practice 
at Fillmore, where he first located. He removed to Ramsey in September, 
1875, and remained until October, 1878, when he returned to Fillmore. 
His farm consists of eighty acres of choice farm land, which he now 
rents out and devotes his time to his calling. By his prompt attention 
to and thorough knowledge of his profession, he succeeded in building 
up a large and steadily increasing practice, the duties of which would 
fall heavy upon the shoulders of a man many years his senior, and is 
the result of a good education, energy and business ability, and 
qualifications necessary to gain the esteem of all. July 3, 1861, he 
entered the service in Company C, Thirty-fifth Illinois Volunteer 
Infantry, with Capt. James WILLIAMS, regiment commanded by Col. G. A. 
SMITH. He received his discharge September 27, 1864. While in the 
service, he took part in several notable engagements, among which 
are Pea Ridge, Ark., Perryville, Ky., Stone River, Tenn.; … 

[Page 307]

was also upon duty at the evacuation of Corinth, Miss.; also at the 
battle of Chickamauga, and in Sherman's campaign in Georgia. He was 
married, October 31, 1871, at Ramsey, Fayette Co., Ill, to Miss Sarah 
M. STOKES, who was born October 25, 1851. She is the mother of five 
children, viz., William T., born July 27, 1872; Mary L., born March 
12, 1874; Emma E., born October 31, 1876; Ulysses S., born February 
25, 1878; Walter C., born March 30, 1880. Mrs. SHORT is a daughter of 
Bird and Margaret J. (CASEY) STOKES, he a native of Tennessee, born 
December 25, 1817, and died November 16, 1877; she of Fayette County, 
Ill., born July 16, 1832, and still living. Although a man not very 
much interested in politics, his sympathies are with the Republican 
party. He is an active member of the order of A., F. & A. M., of 
Fillmore Lodge; has been a member of the Montgomery County Eclectic 
Society since its organization in May, 1870; has also been a member 
of the State Society since June, 1880.

S. P. TROUTMAN, Fillmore, was born in Cabarrus County, N. C., October 
3, 1822, and has a good, practical education. He commenced business 
for himself as a farmer; coming to Montgomery County at eighteen years 
of age, stayed there two and a half years, working on the farm, and 
then returned to North Carolina, where he remained until 1847. He 
served about eighteen months in the Mexican war, having enlisted 
under Gen. Zachary TAYLOR; went back to North Carolina; remained there 
until August, 1849, when he returned to Montgomery County, Ill., and 
worked on the farm one month, and at different other occupations until 
1852, when he entered 120 acres of raw prairie land on which there were 
no improvements of any kind. He has since added eighty acres, making 
200 acres of good, tillable land, on which he has erected a good and 
substantial dwelling, with all necessary outbuildings. He also owns 
ninety-two acres of land one and a half miles west of his home lace, 
Section 30. He was married in Montgomery County in the year 1852, to 
Miss Sarah HILL, a native of that county, who died in 1853. She was 
the mother of one child, dead. His second wife, Mary A. SHEPPARD, a 
native of Illinois; died in 1865. She was the mother of eight children, 
only five of whom are living. Christina L. CRUSE, his third wife, was 
born in Union County, Ill., in 1822. Henry CRUSE, her father, was born 
in North Carolina, and was a farmer by occupation. Her mother was also 
a native of North Carolina. Jacob TROUTMAN, subject's father, was born 
in North Carolina; served in the war of 1812; was a farmer by occupation, 
and died about 1829. Christina WALKER, subject's mother, was born in 
North Carolina, and died in 1850; was the mother of eight children, the 
subject being the third child. He has an elder brother living in North 
Carolina. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. He is independent in 
regard to the political issues of the day; has always done his utmost 
in aid of public improvements, and the advancement of agricultural 
interests.

Jaret WRIGHT, farmer, P. O. Fillmore, was born in Montgomery County in 
the year 1819, and was raised on the farm and assisted his father in 
his boyhood days; was educated in the common schools of the country, 
and entered on his business career as a farmer; went into the Mexican 
war in 1846, under Capt. McADAMS, Company C, Infantry; was at the 
battle of Cerro Gordo, at the taking of Vera Cruz; was in the service 
a year, at the expiration of which he came back to Montgomery County, 
and settled on the land he received for his services in the war, 

[Page 308]

Which was 160 acres of slightly improved land, and remained on it for 
several years, and sold that and moved to the place on which he now 
resides, consisting of 530 acres, the most of which is good, tillable 
land, and has it well improved with a good, comfortable house and barn, 
with all necessary outbuildings, and was married in this county November 
8, 1849, to Miss Mary WHITTEN. She was born in this county in 1821. 
Easton WHITTEN, her father, was born in Sough Carolina; was a farmer 
by occupation, and died in this State in 1855. Her mother was born in 
South Carolina, and died in this county in 1851, and was the mother of 
eight children, wife of subject being next youngest. Joseph WRIGHT, the 
father of subject, was born in South Carolina, and his mother, Sarah 
REVIS, was born also in the same State; she died in 1855, and was the 
mother of ten children, the subject being the fifth child, and he has 
a family of five children living. The names are as follows: Araminda, 
born July 17, 1851; Emora, born May 8, 1853; Ezra, born July 17, 1855; 
Esta, born November 17, 1858; Elbert, born October 8, 1861. John Ambler 
JOHNSON, the grandfather of subject’s wife, was in the Revolutionary 
war; Democrat all his life. He being one of the old settlers, has done 
as much as any man, according to means, to ward the advancement of 
agricultural and public improvements.

Elijah WRIGHT, farmer, P. O. Hurricane, was born in Fillmore 
Precinct, Montgomery County, November 24, 1824. Joseph WRIGHT, his 
father, was born in Kentucky, April 20, 1780. He emigrated to this 
State in 1814, and entered a large tract of land besides what he 
purchased; was one among the prominent men of the day; was a farmer 
and blacksmith by occupation, and died October 1, 1844, after having 
raised a large and useful family of children, who are among the best 
citizens of the county at the present day. He married in Kentucky 
about 1802, Miss Sarah REVIS, who was the mother of eleven children, 
four of whom are living, our subject being the eighth child; was 
educated in the common schools of the country, and commenced business 
for himself as a farmer, his first purchase being a tract of eighty 
acres, and he has added to it until he has reached the handsome estate 
of 500 acres, 300 of which he has given to his children, and has 
erected on his home place a fine dwelling and barn, with all 
necessary outbuildings, and has his farm in a high state of cultivation. 
He married in Montgomery Co., Nov. 13, 1851, to Miss Drucilla LYNN, 
born in Kentucky December 1, 1833. Her father, Jefferson LYNN, was born 
in Kentucky; Elizabeth CASEY, her mother, was also a native of Kentucky; 
her father was a farmer; they both died in this county. Her mother had 
seven children, all living except one. She is the oldest of the family, 
and is the mother of seven children, two deceased. Camallia, born in 
1853; Celestina, born in 1855; Joseph Jefferson, born in 1858; Sarah E., 
born in 1861; Emmerson, born December 14, 1870, Mary Rosetta, born in 
1860, and died in 1864, and two infants died without name. He is 
identified with the Democratic party, and has always been instrumental 
in helping on the agricultural interests and public improvements - a 
man who stands high where he is known.

Easton WHITTEN, farmer, P. O. Bost Hill, was born in Warren County, 
Ky., May 22, 1827, and when four years of age was brought to Montgomery 
County, Ill., by his parents, where his early childhood was employed 
upon the homestead farm assisting his father in his agricultural 
pursuits. When he reached the age of twenty-two, he 

[Page 309] 

left the paternal roof, purchased eighty acres of wild prairie land 
which he improved and eventually sold, with the intention of trying 
his fortune in the gold region of California, where he remained about 
two years, and succeeded in laying up enough money to enable him to 
make a start in the world with a good footing. Upon his return home, 
he again took upon himself the duties of a farm life, at which he has 
since remained engaged, and has, by his energy, industry and economy,
accumulated 580 acres of land near the line between Fillmore and East 
Fork, the greater portion of which he has under a state of cultivation 
which shows Mr. WHITTEN to be a practical farmer. He grows all the 
usual farm crops, and is also a breeder of stock having now in his 
stable as fine a stallion as can be found in the county, and which is 
of Black Hawk Morgan and Arabian stock. Mr. WHITTEN was married 
February 6, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth SANDERS, who was born in Montgomery 
County March 7, 1831. The have two living children, Thomas T. and Henry 
H. Mrs. WHITTEN is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (POWELL) SANDERS, 
natives of Kentucky, he born in the year 1799, and died February 12, 
1864; she living, born November 19, 1802. Austin WHITTEN, the father of 
our subject, was born in South Carolina, November 29, 1802, a farmer 
by occupation; located in East Fork Township, Montgomery County, in 
1831, where his death occurred May 12, 1869. His wife, Keziah CASEY, 
also a native of South Carolina, born March 15, 1800, and died October 
1, 1856. She was the mother of twelve children, all of whom grew to 
manhood and womanhood, and of whom Easton was the fourth child. Himself 
and wife are members of the Methodist Church. Politically, Mr. WHITTEN 
was identified with the Democratic party, but of late years has been a 
stanch Republican. Being a progressive man himself, he is always in 
favor of any enterprise that will in any way tend to the advantage of 
the county, and especially for the advancement of religious and 
educational privileges.

Otis M. WILLIAMSON, farmer, P. O. Bost Hill, was born in Montgomery 
County, Ill., November 19, 1840, to John and Nancy G. (CARD) WILLIAMSON 
(see history), and passed his early childhood in the manner common with 
the children of that day, in attending the common schools, and in 
assisting his father in his agricultural pursuits. Owing to the limited 
school privileges, his education was necessarily limited to such as 
could be obtained in the common schools at that early day. He has, 
however, continued to add to the foundation laid in the log schoolhouse, 
and now considers his education to be one, if not above the average, a 
practical education, and realizing from his own meager opportunities the 
value education gives one at the present time, he has spared no means to 
provide such a one for his children, and in return they have taken 
advangtage of the privileges allowed them, and bear a reputation as 
scholars of which they, as well as their parents, may well feel justly 
proud. At the age of twenty-one years, Mr. WILLIAMSON left his paternal 
roof with nothing but his hands with which to enter upon the battle of 
life, but possessed with all the energy and enterprise of a man who 
considers that the world owes him a living and sets out fully determined 
to make his own way. Upon leaving home, he engaged in the carpenter and 
joiner’s business, at which occupation he remained engaged about three 
or four years, at the end of which time he took upon himself the duties 
of a farm life. In 1866, he purchased his first real estate, upon which 
he has since resided engaged in farming and handling stock, more or less 
exten- 

[Page 310]

sively. During the years of 1862-63, he was in Colorado engaged in mining, 
and, in connection with the duties of his farm, he has traveled in several 
of the States where his stock dealing may have called him. He was married 
in Montgomery County, Ill., February 28, 1864, to Melvina Jane CRESS, who 
was born September 12, 1843. She is the mother of four children, viz., 
Peter P., born May 12, 1868; Hattie A., born January 27, 1871; Walter A., 
born February 5, 1875; Torney, born December 16, 1865, and died March 27, 
1867. Mrs. WILLIAMSON is a daughter of Peter and Katy (NUSMAN) CRESS; he 
living, she deceased. Mr. WILLIAMSON is an active member of the order of 
A., F. & A. M., Fillmore Lodge, No. 670. He served as Assessor during the 
first term after township organization, and is the present Supervisor. He 
is a man that takes a deep interest in all the political issues of the 
day, and also in all progressive movements favoring the growth and 
prosperity of the county, and especially in the advancement of religious 
and educational privileges.

George O. WOLCOTT, farmer, P. O. Fillmore, was born in Worcester County, 
Mass., October 26, 1831. William WOLCOTT, subject’s father, was born in
Massachusetts in the year 1801; is a farmer by occupation, and a resident 
of Montgomery County. His wife, Lucy FAIRBANK, was born in New Hampshire 
about 1813; she is also a resident of Montgomery County. She is the mother 
of six children, the subject being the second child. He was educated in 
the common schools of the country, and entered on his business career as a
farmer. He married in Montgomery County May 11, 1857, Miss Jane MACK, born 
in New Hampshire in 1835. He is the father of seven children, viz., William 
O., Alice J., George E., Charles W., Illinois, James F. and Frederick. Mr.
WOLCOTT has 240 acres of good farming land, with all necessary improvements, 
in Fillmore Township, where he now resides, and also twenty acres in Fayette
County. He commenced with eighty acres of land, and has by his economy and 
enrgy amassed a large and handsome property. He has always been identified 
with the Democratic party.


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