Montgomery County IL Archives Bios......Harvel Township 1882 
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History of Bond and Montgomery Counties Illinois 1882 - Part II, 
pages 244 - 258, Harvel Township, 

[Page 244]

W. W. ADAMS, retired farmer, P. O. Harvel, was born in Macoupin County, Ill., 
September 28, 1836, to Giles M. and Elizabeth (TAYLOR) ADAMS. His early life 
was spent in receiving such an education as the common schools of his native 
county afforded, and assisting in tilling the soil of his father's farm. He 
embarked on his career in life as a farmer in his native county, where he 
remained until the spring of 1861, when he removed to Montgomery County, where 
he bought 240 acres of wild prairie, which he improved; also 160 acres more 
which he bought soon afterward. By business ability and energy he succeeded 
in accumulating a good property, and the social esteem of all well-disposed 
citizens. He has been a prominent farmer and stock-raiser. In 1880, he rented 
his farms, it being his desire to retire from active labor. Father was born in 
Halifax County, Va., in the year 1801; removed to Tennessee, and subsequently 
settled in Illinois, where he became one of the successful farmers of the 
State. He died in 1870, in Montgomery county. His wife, and mother of our 
subject, was born in Greenville, S.C., in 1809, and is now residing with her 
son, our subject, and enjoying good health. She is the mother of five children, 
three of whom are living - our subject, F. M. ADAMS and Nancy A. DILLIARD, 
residents of Macoupin County. Of the five children born to his parents, W. W. 
ADAMS was the fourth child. He has held the office of Supervisor of the 
township. In politics, he is identified with the Democratic party.

Clayton H. ADAMS, lumber, coal and agricultural implement dealer, Harvel, was 
born April 19, 1839, in summit County, Ohio, to John and Sarah (KELSEY) ADAMS. 
He was brought to near Brighton, Macoupin County, in 1845, by his parents, when 
but six years of age, and from there removed to Gillespie, of the same county, 
in 1849, where they located permanently. He received his education from McKendree
College, Lebanon, Ill., and high school at Hillsboro, and remained with his 
parents to the age of twenty-one, and then made a trip West to the Rocky Mountains, 
where he engaged in mining for two years, and at the expiration of that time 
returned home to Macoupin County, Ill., where he engaged in farming, and continued 
the same until 1866, when he engaged in grain and agricultural implement business 
at Gillespie, and in 1868 a milling business in connection with his other business. 
He continued the same until the spring of 1870, when he removed to Oregon, and 
there again resumed the occupation of a farmer, and on January 1, 1875, removed to
Harvel, where he engaged in the lumber, coal and agricultural business, and by his 
energy and attentive business qualities, soon procured a good trade, and has since 
been steadily increasing until it extends far into Christian and Montgomery 
Counties. He has also a branch business at Morrisonville, under the management of 
S. S. WHITNER, being under the firm name of ADAMS & NELSON. His partner is Mr. R. 
S. NELSON. On January 22, 1878, in Litchfield, he married Miss Mary E. WILLIS, a 
native of Carmi, Ill., but raised in Missouri, born November 20, 1846, daughter

[Page 245]

of James E. Willis, a native of Kentucky, born July 23, 1820, came to White County, 
Ill., with his parents when a boy. In 1841, he went to Cape Girardean, Mo., and in
September, 1845, was married to Miss J. Rosanna SHORT, a native of North Carolina. 
Father of our subject was born in New Hampshire, in 1802, and died in November, 
1867. He was a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Macoupin County. He was a 
Republican, and a very resolute man in all of his business undertakings. Mother 
was born in 1805, in New Hampshire, and is now enjoying good health in Sheldon, 
Iowa. She is the mother of six children, four daughters and two boys, subject 
being the fifth child. He is an active member of the A., F & A. M. order; has been 
a member since 1863. Politically, he is identified with the Republican party. Mr. 
and Mrs. ADAMS have had two children, one of whom is living. Charley Willis died 
in infancy; Florence Rosana was born April 5, 1881.

Henry AULL, retired farmer, Harvel, was born in St. Clair County, Ill., December 2, 
1838, to Frederick and Elizabeth (SCHRAG) AULL. His education was limited to such 
as the common schools afforded. He remained at home to the age of twenty, when he 
left his home, at that time in Bond County, and returned to his native county, 
where he embarked on his career in life as a farm hand, but eventually settled in
Montgomery County in May, 1862, and settled in Pittman Township. By his industry 
and business habits, he succeeded in gaining a good property. His first purchase 
of land in Montgomery County was forty acres, and has at the present time about 
three hundred acres. Father was born in Germany in 1813, and during his life 
followed the occupation of a farmer; he died in 1858. His wife, and mother of 
subject, was born in Germany in 1819, and died in 1857. She was the mother of 
eleven children, subject being the second child. Politically, independent.

Francis M. COX, M. D., Harvel, was born in Montgomery County, Ill., November 18, 
1853. His father, Tipton COX, was born in Monroe County, Tenn., April 24, 1825. He 
was a farmer by occupation; came to Montgomery County in 1852, and settled near
Donnellson, where his death occurred February 12, 1880. He was in the Mexican war, 
and held a prominent position among the practical farmers of the county. His wife, 
Eliza WILSON, was also a native of Tennessee, born in 1827, and died in 1869. She 
was the mother of eight children, of whom Francis was the second child. His early
education was received in the common schools of the county, and while out of 
school, he assisted his father upon the farm, where he remained until of age, when 
he began farming for himself, following in that occupation about five years, and 
two years of which, in addition to the duties of farming, he read medicine, and at 
the end of which time he entered the American Medical College, at St. Louis, where 
he graduated June 2, 1881, and received his degree as M. D. He located at 
Walshville, where he immediately entered upon the practice of his profession, and 
where he was very successful, and had a large ride. Six months later, he disposed 
of his practice, and located at Harvel, where he is successor to Dr. MATNEY, and 
where he is highly respected, not on account of his professional abilities alone, 
but owing to social qualities. He was married in his native county, January 28, 
1875, to Miss Malissa BUZAN, who was born in the same county December 4, 1854. She 
has borne him two children, viz.: Norma D. and Walter E. Mrs. COX is a daughter of 
Thomas and Mary A. (MOSS) BUZAN.; he deceased in 1854; she liv-

[Page 246]

ing. The Doctor has held the office of Township Clerk of Grisham Township. 
Politically, he is identified with the Republican party. 


Henry HAUPTMANN, hotel keeper and merchant, Harvel, was born in Germany April 3, 
1833. He remained in Germany with his parents, receiving such an education as the 
common schools afforded, and learned the trade of a tailor with his father. In 
1854, he emigrated to America and settled in New Orleans for a period of eight 
months; worked at his trade, and then removed to St. Louis, where he worked at 
his trade for one year and a half, and then removed to Morgan County, Ill., at
Jacksonville, and there worked as a farm hand for three years, and then rented a 
farm and gave his attention to agricultural pursuits on his own account, and 
after renting there for seven years removed to Montgomery County in 1864, where 
he bought a farm of eighty acres of wild prairie, and by his energy and business 
habits, succeeded in accumulating over three hundred acres, and has been the 
owner of five different large tracts of land, being one of the men who has done 
much for the improvement of the county. In the fall of 1878, he started a hotel 
at Harvel, which he still continues in connection with his grain dealing, 
merchandising and meat market. In 1880, he sold out his land, his business in 
Harvel increasing to such proportions that he was compelled to retire from 
farming. In 1880, he built the large and commodious hotel he now occuies. In 
1853, in Germany, he married Louisa HILGENBAEUMER; she died in 1873, aged 
fifty-six years. She bore him four children – Mary, Henry, George and Lizzie. 
In March, 1876, in Montgomery County, he married Mrs. Sophia KALKHORST, born 
November 12, 1845; she has borne him three children – Lena, Charlie and Nettie. 
Father was Henry HAUPTMANN, born in Germany in 1812, and during his life 
followed tailoring, and died about 1864. Mother died when he was only two 
weeks old. They were the parents of two children; subject the youngest child. 
Self and wife are religiously connected with the Lutheran Church. Politically, 
he is a Democrat.

William F. JORDAN, farmer, P. O. Harvel, was born in Maryland September 1, 1825, 
and when ten years of age his parents went to Trumbull County, Ohio, where he 
received his education, and assistsed his father upon the homestead until he 
was twenty-one years of age, when he came to Greene County, and eight years later 
removed to Montgomery County, and settled upon the farm where he now resides, and 
which was at that time unbroken prairie, and the house built at that time was the 
first in that portion of the county. He has since made all the improvements 
necessary for comfort, and which are usually found upon a well-regulated farm. 
His father, William JORDAN, was born in Maryland April 11, 1796, and died May 23, 
1870. His wife, Catharine RUMMEL, was also a native of Maryland, born April 6, 
1797, and is still living. She is the mother of ten children, viz.: William F., 
our subject; Hiram W., born February 3, 1827, and died August 5, 1831; Mary A., 
born December 9, 1828; Elizabeth J., born February 1, 1830, and died November 8, 
1854; Cyrus H., born August 3, 1831; Lewis W., born April 28, 1833; Catharine E., 
born June 28, 1834; Montgomery P., born October 11, 1836, and died November 15, 
1838; Alpheus C., born January 10, 1841; Emily A., born November 20, 1842, and 
died August 3, 1864. William, the eldest son, was married May 24, 1860, to Welta 
WINN, who was born in Greene County, Ill., in 1840, in April. She is the mother 
of nine children living, viz.: Josephine, Henry, William, Charles,

[Page 247]

Marion, Cora, Birdie, George and Hardan. Politically, Mr. J. has been identified 
with the Republican party, but now his sympathies are with the Greenback party. 
Although he grows all the crops usually raised upon a farm, he makes a specialty 
of grain.


John R. LEIGH, farmer, P. O. Raymond, was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., January 
28, 1846, to Samuel and Annie (CASE) LEIGH. He received his education from the 
common schools of his native county. His early days were spent upon the homestead 
farm. At the age of nineteen he left his home and removed to Jersey County, Ill., 
where he embarked on his career in life as a farm hand, and continued the same in 
that county for a period of seven years. In 1872, he bought 160 acres of unimproved 
land in Montgomery County, and removed to the same in the spring of 1873, where he 
has since remained engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has, by his studied economy 
and business habits, succeeded in accumulating 240 acres of land, all of which are 
under a high state of cultivation. Mr. LEIGH commenced his life very poor, and, by 
his hard work, succeeded in accumulating a good property, and a name and reputation 
which is beyond reproach. He was married in 1869, in Jersey County, to Miss Carrie 
M. DAVIS, a daughter of Wilson DAVIS, a native of North Carolina, and among the 
first settlers of Jersey County. Mrs. LEIGH was born in Jersey County, Ill., June 
5, 1849. Subject’s father was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., in 1804, and is now
residing in New Jersey, where he has always been engaged as farmer and drover. His 
wife, and mother of our subject, was born in New Jersey in 1806, and died April 16, 
1882. She was the mother of six children, subject being the youngest child. He has 
held the offices of Road Commissioner and School Trustee. Politically, he is like 
his father, his sympathies being with the Democratic party. His wife is a member 
of the Methodist Church. Mr. LEIGH is worthy of much credit for the interest he 
takes in all public improvements. He has met all the ups and downs of a business 
career, and now stands high in the estimation of his friends. Upon his farm he 
makes raising grain and hogs a specialty.

William D. MATNEY, M. D., Harvel, was born in Shelby County, Ill., January 26, 
1840. His early life was spent in assisting upon the homestead farm in the summer, 
and in winter attending the common schools of the county, where he received the
foundation of his subsequent learning. He remained at home until twenty-one 
years of age, when he entered the service at the commencement of the rebellion, 
in Company K, Fifty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with Capt. T. C. RODRIG; 
regiment commanded by Col. HARRIS. He remained in the service until the close 
of the war, when he again took upon himself the duties of a farm life, following 
in that occupation about two year, when he began the study of medicine, and 
shortly after entered a drug store at Oconee, Shelby County, where, in addition 
to the duties of the store, he continued the study of his profession. He 
remained in the drug business about five years, practicing a portion of the 
time. In August, 1875, he located at Harvel, Montgomery County; went before the 
State Board of Health, where he successfully passed examination and received a 
license. Owing to his perfect knowledge of and the thorough manner in which he 
attended to his calling, he has been very successful and built up a large 
practice, the duties of which would fall heavily upon the shoulders of a man 
many years his senior. He has been twice married. The first marriage occurred 
in 1867, in Shelby County, to Sarah E. LOWE, who was born

[Page 248]

in Johnson County, Ind., January 28, 1840. Her death occurred October 16, 1876, 
at Harvel. She was the mother of six children, all deceased except the oldest 
child, viz., Mary Ellen, born August 2, 1867. The Doctor was again married 
September 30, 1878, to Miss Drucilla C. SCOTT, who was born at Portsmouth, 
Ohio, April 23, 1854, to Jeremiah and Sarah (DAVIS) SCOTT, he deceased, she 
still living. The father of William D., our subject, Leonard MATNEY, was a 
native of Tennessee, born in 1811, a farmer by occupation, and was in the 
Mexican war. He died in September, 1847. His wife, Mary BURRIS, was a native 
of Kentucky, born in March, 1821, and still living, and is the mother of six 
children, of whom William D. was the second and the oldest living. He has held 
the office of Postmaster at Oconee for five years, and is the present Clerk of 
Harvel. Politically, his sympathies are with the Republican party; has been an 
active member of the Masonic order at Oconee for a number of years. The Doctor 
has also become a successful inventor, and at present holds a patent upon a 
burglar alarm, which is operated by means of electricity.

H. C. MILLOT, grain dealer, Harvel, was born in France September 13, 1850, to 
Peter F. and Justine (CARY) MILLOT. He was brought to this country by his 
parents when but about four years of age. His parents first settled in the 
northern part of New York, in Jefferson County, where he received his common 
school education. In 1864, he came with his parents to Montgomery County. Here 
he attended the Blackburn University, at Carlinville, and afterward the 
Illinois Industrial University, at Champaign, and Fort Edward Collegiate 
Institute, at Fort Edward, N. Y. Here he graduated in 1872, and then returned 
to the Blackburn University, where he attended for two terms, and left in 
1874. In the fall of 1875, he entered upon his career in life by embarking in 
the grain business, in partnership with Mr. Henry NIEHAUS, and conducted a 
successful business in the copartnership until 1879, when he bought out the 
interest of his partner, and has since conducted it alone. Although large at 
first, his business has steadily increased until the present time. It assumed 
large proportions, extending far into Christian and Montgomery Counties. They 
found markets at St. Louis and Toledo, and for the last few years at the latter 
place. In 1876, in Montgomery County, he married Miss Margaret MARTINDALE, born 
March 1, 1858, a native of Indiana. They have two children – Henry F. and Roy. 
In politics, he is independent. His father was born in France, in 1809, and is 
now a resident of Harvel. He has during his life followed the occupation of a 
farmer. His wife, also, was a native of France, born in 1815, and is the mother 
of tree children, two of whom are living. Stephen is a prominent farmer of 
Christian County, and Augustus, who was murdered in 1866 by the Indians; served 
through the last rebellion, and entered as a volunteer soldier, and was 
mustered out as Second Lieutenant at the close of and in the year of 1866 
removed to Kansas, where he was murdered by the Indians, in the same year. Our 
subject expects to remodel his large elevator, and embark in the milling 
business. Subject’s father came first to America in 1830, and settled in 
Northern New York for two years, and then returned to France; married and 
came back to America in 1854. 

Andrew J. NASH, farmer and Justice of the Peace, was born in Edmonson County, 
Ky., February 29, 1832, to Lewis C. and Millie (OLLER) NASH. He was born in 
Pulaski County, Ky., April, 1807, and died in Harvel, Ill., February 17, 1881. 
He was by

[Page 249]

occupation a blacksmith. She was born in Illinois in 1814, and is now a resident 
of Harvel. They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom Andrew J. was the 
second child. His early life was spent in receiving an education and assisting 
his father in the blacksmith shop. In 1848, with his parents, removed to Grayson 
County, Ky. In 1849, he embarked on his career in life as a farmer. In the fall 
of 1851, removed to Wayne County, Ill.; in June, 1854, removed to Macoupin 
County, Ill.; in 1869, removed to Christian County, and there remained engaged 
in Agricultural pursuits until February, 1879, when he removed to his present 
residence, where he has since remained engaged in farming in connection with 
his official duties. In Christian County, in May, 1877, he was elected Constable, 
and at the same time was appointed Deputy Sheriff, which offices he held for 
two years. In Harvel he is now holding the office of Justice of the Peace, in 
connection with several minor offices. In Grayson County, Ky., April 4, 1849, he 
married Miss Sarah HAYNES, a native of the same county, born March 1, 1830. They 
are the parents of nine children, three of whom are now living - George W., born 
July 22, 1851, and died August 18, 1874; Paradine, now the wife of John A. TOSH, 
and residing near Grayville, Ill.; Lucinda, now the wife of Charles A. VARNER, 
and residing in the county; Franklin E., at home; and Millie J., James M., Mary 
E., Arthur B. and Herchel, who are dead. Mr. NASH is an active member of the 
I. O. O. F., at Harvel Lodge, No. 607. In politics, he is identified with the 
Democrat party. Mr. NASH is regarded as an honest, fair-minded, liberal in his 
views, genial and gentlemanly in his social relations and an industrious, public 
spirited citizen.

Robert S. NELSON, grain and produce dealer, Harvel, was born near Brighton, 
Macoupin Co., Ill., March 9, 1837, to Robert S. and E. (KELSEY) NELSON. He was 
a native of New Hampshire, and was one of the early settlers of Macoupin County, 
having settled there long before a railroad intersected that part of the State. 
His death occurred in 1857. She was also a native of New Hampshire. Her death 
occurred in 1857. She was the mother of six children, of whom Robert S., our 
subject, was the youngest child. He spent his boyhood days in assisting his 
father in farming, and receiving such an education as the common schools of 
the neighborhood afforded. His first enterprise for himself was at Irving, 
Ill., where he entered upon his business career in the grain and agricultural 
business. He remained there two years, and then sold his interest to William 
CHAMBERLIN and removed to Litchfield, where he engaged in the same business, 
but remained only one year, when he removed to Harvel and erected a large grain 
elevator, and continued as a grain and produce dealer. His business, although 
large at the start, has been steadily increasing until now it has assumed very 
large proportions, and his custom extends far into Montgomery and Christian 
Counties. In 1879, he entered into partnership in the agricultural implement 
business with Mr. C. H. ADAMS, which he continues in connection with his other 
business. Mr. NELSON was married in Litchfield, Ill., April 4, 1872, to Miss 
Harriet A. JONES, who was born in Carrollton, Greene Co., Ill., May 23, 1850. 
They have but one child, R. S. Kent NELSON. Mr. NELSON in social life is one 
of the most genial of men, liberal in his views, and gentlemanly in his social 
relations. As a citizen, he is enterprising and public-spirited, and has ever 
taken a leading part in all matters calculated to advance the material interests 
of his town and county.

[Page 250]

Henry NIEHAUS, retired farmer, P. O. Harvel, was born in Germany in April 1814. 
Henry NIEHAUS, the father of this gentleman, was also born in Germany, in 1770, 
and died in 1836. During his life, he followed the occupation of a farmer. His 
wife, and mother of Henry, was named Miss SLATER. She was born in Germany in 
1799, and died in 1854. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Henry 
NICHAUS was the second child. He received his education from the common schools 
of his native country, and began life by working as a farm hand in Germany, 
which he there continued until 1855, when he emigrated to America, and first 
settled at St. Louis, Mo., for a period of three months, and then removed to 
Morgan County, Ill., rented a farm, and began farming on his own account, and 
continued the same for eight years. In 1863, he removed to Montgomery County, 
where he bought a small farm. By his energy and business habits, he succeeded 
in accumulating over seven hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he made 
all necessary improvements. In 1877, in connection with his farm duties, built 
a large elevator at Harvel, and embarked in the grain business in partnership 
with Mr. MILLOT, but in the year 1879 sold out to his partner and retired from 
active labor, he having disposed of all his real estate at that time. In 1839, 
in Germany, he married Miss Katharine HIESELMAN. She died in 1868, aged sixty 
years. The result of this union was three children, of whom Mena and Katharine 
are living, and residents of Montgomery County. Mr. NIEHAUS has lived a blameless 
life, and, as hi sits down at nightfall, around the domestic hearth, he has the 
proud consciousness of knowing that he has wronged no one (at least intentionally), 
and that his peace is made with the Great King of kings beyond the shores of time. 
Thus does he live, and thus he awaits the last great change, which his locks, now
whitened by the frosts of nearly seventy winters, indicate is not far distant.

John W. PETRIE, M. D., Harvel, was born in North Carolina November 7, 1832. His 
early life was spent upon his father’s farm and in receiving his early education, 
the foundation of his subsequent learning. At the age of twenty-two years, he 
began the study of medicine, but soon after entered upon an extended tour through 
Central America, Great Britain, New Mexico, and eventually located in California, 
where he remained about five years, engaged at different times in mining, 
surveying, and upon a ranch. In the fall of 1860, he came to Montgomery County, 
Ill., near Hillsboro, where he entered upon the practice of his profession four 
years later, having spent most of the time in study at the Eclectic Medical 
College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated in 1866 and received his 
diploma. In February, 1866, he went to Taylorville, remained two years, and 
then removed to Palmer, where he entered upon the practice of his profession,
and remained twelve years, and during the time was very successful, having built 
up a large practice, the result of his knowledge of and his close attention to 
his calling. In the fall of 1881, he removed to Harvel, where his success has 
followed him, and where he has gained the highest esteem, socially, of the people, 
and professionally the good will of all. His father, John PETRIE, was a native of 
North Carolina, where he was born in the year 1778, and where he followed the 
occupation of blacksmithing and farming to the time of his death, which occurred 
April 4, 1872. His wife, Elizabeth JORDAN, was also a native of North Carolina, 
born May 1, 1792, and died in 1864. They were the parents of eight children, of 
whom John W. was the

[Page 251]

Seventh child. He was married in Montgomery County June 16, 1861, to Miss Mournen
FRANKLIN, who died in 1863. She was the mother of one child, who died in infancy. 
The Doctor was married again in October, 1869, to Anna O’ROURKE, a native of 
Ireland, and who has borne him seven children, viz., Ulysses S., David A., 
Henderson C., Scott T., Elery E., Margaret E. and Albert R., all of whom are 
living. The Doctor has been a member of the I. O. O. F., and the Encampment and 
Grand Lodge.

Herman POGGENPOHL, farmer, P. O. Harvel, was born in Prussia, Germany, March 7, 
1833, where his early life was spent in attending the common schools of his native
country and assisting his father upon the farm. At the age of eighteen, his father 
sent him to America to view the New World. His expectations were more than realized, 
and two years later his parents followed him and entered 160 acres of land in 
Montgomery County, where they were among the first to break and improve the wild 
prairie. Francis POGGENPOHL, the father of Harmon, was born in Prussia, Germany, 
and died soon after his arrival in America. His wife, Maggie GURKA, was also a 
native of Germany, and died in 1874. She was the mother of six children, of whom 
Herman was the oldest child. After the death of his father, he bought the interests 
of the balance of the family, and entered upon his career in life as a farmer, at 
which he has since continued, and at which he has been more than ordinarily 
successful, making all the improvements himself, and has by his energy and 
industry accumulated about seven hundred acres of land, nearly all under 
cultivation. All the surroundings on Mr. POGGENPOHL’s property show him to be 
a practical farmer, and well worthy of the high esteem in which he is held by 
the community socially. In 1873, he returned to his native country upon a visit,
remaining there two months. In 1855, he was married to Dena BROKAMP, who was born 
in Germany and brought to America when a child. She died in 1872, leaving to his 
care six children, viz., Henry, deceased at the age of eighteen years; Mary, wife 
of L. YOUNG; John, at home; Lizzie, at home; Toney, at home; Maggie, at home. Mr. 
P. was again married in 1871 to Ragena MUSSHAFER, also a native of Germany, born 
June 7, 1852. She has borne him six children, viz., Frankie, Christina, Lena, 
Anna, Kattie and Charles. Politically, Mr. P. is identified with the Democratic 
party. Himself and family are connected with the Catholic Church.

George J. RAMSEY, druggist and hardware, Harvel. William Hamilton RAMSEY, the 
father of this gentleman, was a native of Pennsylvania. During his life has been 
engaged in agricultural pursuits; is now a resident of Milroy, Penn. His wife, 
and mother of George J., was Mary RARER, a native of Pennsylvania; she is the 
mother of nine children, of whom George J. RAMSEY is the fourth child. He was 
born in Pennsylvania September 17, 1849. He was raised upon a farm, and remained 
upon the old homestead with his parents during his school days. At the age of
twenty-five, he entered a drug store at Irving, Ill., as clerk, where he remained 
two years, and then removed to Harvel and engaged in the same business on his own
account, and has by his energy and close attention to business succeeded in 
building up a large and increasing trade. In 1880, he added to his business a 
full line of hardware and agricultural implements, taking into partnership a year 
later Mr. Clisby SIMS, in the agricultural department. Mr. RAMSEY has a thorough
knowledge of business, and possesses the faculty of making himself agreeable to 
the public, and socially enjoys the

[Page 252]

highest esteem of the community at large. He was married in Montgomery County 
November 5, 1878, to Miss Laura T. AUSTIN, a native of Mississippi, born July 
22, 1856. They have one child living, Charles Earle RAMSEY, who was born January 
19, 1881, and one dead. Politically, Mr. RAMSEY is identified with the Republican 
party. He has served as Township Clerk for a term of three years, and was 
appointed Postmaster in 1877, which position he still holds. He is identified 
with the growth and prosperity of the town by way of public improvements and 
educational privileges.

Clisby SIMS, farmer and agricultural implement dealer, Harvel, was born in Madison
County, Ill., February 10, 1824. His early life was spent in attending the common 
schools of his native county, and in assisting his father upon the homestead farm. 
At the age of nineteen he left home and began his career in life in a saw mill, in
Missouri, where he remained eighteen months, at the end of which time he purchased 
a farm in Missouri, consisting of eighty acres of unbroken prairie and ten acres 
of timber land, upon which he made all improvements. He remained in Missouri eight 
years, and then removed to Macoupin County, Ill., and rented a farm and continued 
in that occupation there about three years. He then moved to Shaw’s Point, same 
county, where he remained six years, and then removed to Montgomery County, where 
he has improved three farms, and in addition to attending to the duties of his 
farming interests, he has been engaged about four years in mercantile business, 
three years of the time at Harvel. At present he owns a farm of 100 acres of
well-improved land in Missouri, and town property at Harvel. In January, 1882, he 
entered into partnership with George J. RAMSEY, in dealing in agricultural 
implements, at Havel, and where they have succeeded in building up a fair trade 
for the time they have been engaged in the business. Mr. SIMS is a thorough 
business man and a practical farmer, and socially enjoys the highest esteem of 
the entire community. His marriage occurred in 1848, in Morgan County, to 
Elizabeth J. MASTERS, who was born in Morgan March 9, 1824. She has borne him 
eight children, viz., Thomas Q., Nancy Ellen, Malissa Ann, James B., William, 
Benjamin, Jane and Emma Isabell, the tow latter of whom are deceased. Mrs. SIMS 
is a daughter of Irving MASTERS, born in Kentucky, and died at the age of 
forty-nine, and Mary Jones, born in Morgan County, and died in 1836. The father 
of our subject, James SIMS, was a native of Kentucky, born in 1810, a farmer by
occupation, and one of the early settlers of Madison County, Ill, and still living 
in Macoupin County. His wife, Margaret ROBINSON, was a native of North Carolina, 
and died in 1865 at the age of sixty years. The result of their union was six 
children, of whom Clisby, our subject, was the oldest child. He served the people 
of the county as Justice of the Peace for four years. Politically, his sympathies 
are with the Democratic party. Religiously, himself and wife have been members of 
the Baptist Church for several years.

George W. SLATER, lawyer and farmer, Harvel, Ill., born in Lawrence County, Ill., 
July 14, 1832, to William and Jane (WILSON) SLATER, he being a native of England, 
and she of Kentucky. The early education of George W. SLATER was very limited, 
owing to the fact that no schools were near his native place. His time was fully 
employed upon his father’s farm. In 1843, he removed with his parents to Montgomery
County; here his parents settled upon an unbroken timber fam near Audubon. At the

[Page 253]

Age of fourteen, his father died, and he lived with his older brother for about 
one year, and then engaged as a farm hand, and entered upon his career in life, 
which has been more or less varied. He continued in the occupation of a farmer 
until 1863, when he went to Litchfield and ran two wood saws by horse power, in
the employ of a railroad company, with whom he remained over four years, at the 
end of which time he again took upon himself the duties of a farm life, at which 
he remained one year, and then went to milling, and continued the same for over 
four years. While in Litchfield Mr. SLATER was elected to fill the office of 
Street Commissioner, and was appointed Deputy Sheriff. He has, since his 
residence at Harvel, served the people in the different offices of Constable 
and Justice of the Peace, and is now a member of the Town Board. He has obtained 
more than ordinary education by his observation and study. He has been practicing 
law in the Justice’s Court about seven years in connection with his other duties. 
He was married, August 19, 1851, to Sarah MATTHEWS, who was born in Christian 
County March 16, 1832. She is the mother of eleven children, five of whom are now 
living, viz., Elie, Lewis L., Serene A., James E. and Sarah E. Mr. SLATER is an 
active member of the A., F. & A. M.

Andrew Jackson THOMASON, merchant, Harvel, was born in Carrollton, Greene Co., 
Ill., February 16, 1843. His educational privileges were limited to the common 
schools of his native county. His early life was spent on the homestead farm, but 
at the age of eighteen he entered the service during the rebellion in Company G, 
of the Sixty-first Illinois Infantry, with Capt. J.B. NELTON, his regiment being
commanded by Gen. Jacob FRY. He remained in the service a period of three years, 
and, after his discharge, he took upon himself the duties of a farm life, 
locating in Greene County, where he remained three years, and then removed to 
Montgomery County, where he continued the same occupation five years, at the end 
of which time the town of Harvel had just been incorporated, and he erected the 
third store in the town, and opened a grocery store, having at that time disposed 
of his farming interests. By his energy, courteous manners, and strict attention 
to business, he soon built up a large and steadily increasing trade, which demanded 
an increase of stock, until now he is engaged in a general merchandising business, 
and has also enlarged his storeroom in order to make room for his increasing stock, 
and to better facilitate his business. He has always been identified with the growth 
and prosperity of the town, and held a prominent position in the advancement of 
public improvements and educational privileges of the town and county, having held 
the different offices of School Director, Village Trustee, President of the Board 
of Trustees, Trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and President of the Coal
Company. He was married in Carrollton, Green County, September 7, 1879, to Miss 
Mary Jane SWIRES, who was born in New Jersey February 7, 1849. By this union they 
have had seven children, viz., Alice, Freddie, Frankie, Bertie, Roy, Flora and 
Nellie. Mrs. THOMASON is a daughter of James and Elizabeth (LISLES) SWIRES, who 
were natives of England; they are both living. The parents of Mr. THOMASON, 
Spencer and Mary (STONE) THOMASON, were natives of North Carolina, and early 
settlers of Greene County, having emigrated to that county in 1830. He was a 
farmer, and died in 1847, she died in 1861. They were the parents of seven 
children, of whom Andrew J. our subject, was the fifth child. He is a member 
of the A., F. & A. M. at Raymond, and

[Page 254]

also a member of the Royal Arch Chapter at Litchfield. In politics, he is a 
Democrat. Mr. THOMASON has, by his own unaided endeavors, made life-work thus 
far more than ordinarily successful, and is entitled to a place among the 
substantial men of Montgomery County. 

John H. TODT, farmer, P. O. Harvel, was born in Germany October 21, 1834. His 
early life was spent in receiving such an education as the common schools of 
his native country afforded, and in working as a hired hand upon a farm. At 
the age of seventeen, he left his native country and sailed for America, when 
he settled in Greene County, Ill. Here he embarked on his career in life as a 
hired hand upon a farm for three months, and then removed to Jersey County, 
where he remained two years engaged in the same occupation, when he spent two 
years in Montgomery and Macoupin Counties, working summers in the former, and 
winters with his own people in the latter place. In 1857, he had, by his energy 
and business habits, accumulated enough funds to enable him to make a small 
purchase of land, which he did in Macoupin County, a tract of 120 acres of 
unimproved timber land. Here he remained for a period of eight years; during 
the time he improved his tract. In 1865, he sold his farm and removed to 
Montgomery County, where he first bought 160 acres of mostly wild prairie. Here 
he has since remained, and by his own endeavors has succeeded in accumulating a 
large tract of land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. He is 
now the owner of 480 acres, upon which he built a fine residence, by his own 
design, in 1879. He has also built large barns, etc., and everything about his 
place denotes the home of a first-class farmer. Much credit is due to Mr. TODT 
for the interest he has taken in improving surroundings, all of which show 
toward the wlefar of the county. In 1857, in Madison County, he married Miss 
Maria POGGENPOL, a native of Germany, born April 15, 1835. She is the mother 
of nine children, five of whom are living, viz., William, Herman, Frank, 
Elizabeth and Margaret; all are at home. Father of subject was Joseph TODT, who 
was born in Germany; during his life followed farming; joined the army when but 
seventeen years of age, and fought bravely under Napoleon Bonaparte I. He died 
in 1835, aged about forty-seven years. His wife, and mother of our subject, was 
Elizabeth MILLER. She was born in Germany in 1801; came to America with her sone 
in 1851; she died in April, 1873. She was the mother of seven children, John H. 
being the fourth child. He was appointed Postmaster in 1866, and held the office 
about three years. He has also held the office of Road Commissioner, and has been 
holding the office of School Trustee for eighteen years. He is also serving the 
people as County Supervisor to the satisfaction of all. He was elected in 1881.
Religiously, self and family are connected with the Catholic Church. Politically, 
his sympathies are with the Democratic party. When he first came to the county 
to live, it was but thinly settled, between his place and L. H. THOMAS’, of Bois 
D’Arc, there was no settlement a distance of thirteen miles.

B. TULPIN, merchant, Harvel, was born in France April 5, 1836, where he received 
his education. On August 14, 1855, when nineteen years of age, he was married, 
and on the day following, emigrated to America with his bride, and landed in 
Virden, Ill., where he did his fist day's manual labor of Mr. John MORRELL. He 
remained near Virden and Girard about three years, working by the month. From 
there he went to Assumption, Christian County, and commenced farming. He followed 
that occupation two years in that 

[Page 255]

county, and three years in Montgomery County, at the end of which time he entered 
upon a mercantile business at which he has since continued. In 1865 or 1866, he 
erected a store building about half a mile south of where Harvel is now located, 
and between the surveys of two proposed railroads. His was the first store, and 
he the first to engage in an enterprise of this nature. His facilities for doing 
business were somewhat limited, and his stock necessarily small, but being 
energetic and enterprising in business, and possessing the faculty of making 
himself agreeable to the public, he was soon enabled to increase his stock. His 
principal drawback was in speaking the English language, which, during his 
business career, he has mastered. In 1870, his stock and business had increased 
until it demanded more room, and he erected the building he now occupies, and 
where he has the satisfaction of conducting a large and increasing trade, the 
result of a successful business career; and, perhaps, no man has done more for 
public improvements and for the growth and prosperity of Harvel than Mr. TULPIN. 
He is always first in all enterprises, and socially enjoys the highest esteem of 
the entire community. He has at different times held town offices, but usually 
declines the honors which would otherwise be bestowed upon him. Aside from his 
business relations, he has added materially to the growth of the town by way of 
erecting several dwellings. He received his naturalization papers October 8, 1868, 
and has since been identified with the Republican party. His family consists of 
his wife and five boys, four of whom are living at home, Arthur, the oldest 
being married, but assisting his father in the store. Mr. TULPIN has had the 
misfortune to lose five children, for girls and one boy, all of whom died quite 
young. He has been a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity for several 
years. Although usually able to oversee his business, his health has been 
impaired to such an extent that he is at times obliged to remain at home. His 
children are Arthur Victor, Hector Maxamillian, Frank Octave, Charles Albert 
and Maurice Emmanuel, five boys, all living.

George W. VanSANDT, carpenter and joiner, Harvel, was born in Fleming County, 
Ky., December 14, 1817, where he received a common school education, and where 
his childhood days were spent upon the old homestead farm with his father. 
During the winter season, his time was employed in working at and learning the 
millwright and carpenter’s trade, and at which he still followed when, at the 
age of twenty-one years, he left his home and entered upon his career in life. 
He remained in his native State until he was forty-five years of age, when his 
politics as a Whig did not make it pleasant for him at the breaking-out of the 
war, and, not being willing to take the oath to not oppose the Confederacy, he 
removed to Aberdeed, Ohio, where he remained two years, and then came to 
Montgomery County, Ill., and located in Butler Township, and there worked at 
his trade for about five years. In January, 1870, he removed to Harvel, his 
present residence, which was then just laid out and was surrounded by wild 
prairie. He built the first house which was erected at Harvel, and has also 
built many others, several of which belonged to him, which he rented to others. 
To him is due much of the credit for making Harvel the prosperous town it now 
is. For one year he was engaged in the mercantile business, but eventually 
returned to his trade. He was married in Lewis County, Ky., July 2, 1840, to 
Miss Isabella A. COOPER, who was born March 15, 1819, to Murdock and Elizabeth 
(PARKER) COOPER, natives of Kentucky.

[Page 256]

She died January 2, 1875, leaving five children, viz., Allen Jerome, George B., 
Eliza Bell, James C. and Nelson M. Mr. VanSANDT was married again in Montgomery 
County Ill., January 1, 1878, to Miss Mary A. B., who was born in Buffalo, N. 
Y., in March, 1842; she has borne him one child, Hattie. Mr. VanSANDT has been 
an active member of the Masonic order for about thirty years. Politically, he 
is identified with the Republican party. Religiously, he and wife are connected 
with the Methodist Church at Harvel. His father, William VanSANDT, was born in 
Kentucky in 1794; during his life, followed the occupation of a millwright and 
farmer. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years. His wife, and mother 
of our subject, was Margaret WILLIAMS; she was also a native of Kentucky, and 
lived to be about sixty years of age, and raised a family of nine children, all 
of whom grew to man and womanhood.

Conrad WILLAR, farmer, P. O. Raymond, was born in Germany, December 17, 1840. He 
received such an education as the common schools of his native country afforded, 
and in tilling the soil of his father’s farm. At the age of fifteen, he left his 
home and began working as a farm hand, continuing the same until he was tenty-five 
years of age, and then, in the year 1865, came to America, making his first stop 
at St. Louis, where, at the end of a month, he was compelled to leave, not being 
able to obtain employment. He then went to Butler, Montgomery County, and hired 
out as a farm hand, continuing thus for four years. In 1869, he married, and 
bought 240 acres of the farm upon which he now resides, and began farming on 
his own account. By his energy and business habits, he succeeded in paying for 
this tract, and in 1871 bought eighty acres more, which makes his farm consist 
of 320 acres, and it is as fine land as any in the State. January 13, 1869, in 
Montgomery County, he was married to Miss Elizabeth MUNSTERMAN, born in Germany, 
daughter of Henry and Margaret (WUCHERBFENNIG), both natives of Germany, from 
which union has been born five children, four of whom are living – Minnie, 
Henry, Joseph C. and Elizabeth K., all of whom are at home. The father and 
mother of our subject were both natives of Germany, and the parents of six 
children, two girls and four boys, Conrad being the third child. Mr. WILLAR 
and wife are members of the Catholic Church, and he is a Democrat.

W. W. WHITLOW, farmer, P. O. Harvel, was born in Greene County, Ill., April 1, 
1834; son of Daniel and Fanny (RAY) WHITLOW. The early life of our subject was 
spent on his father’s farm, and, at the age of nineteen, hired out as a farm 
hand. In 1854, with his brother, he took charge of his father’s farm and in 
1856, whent to Macoupin County, where he contracted in breaking prairie. In the 
fall of 1857, he rented a farm at Macoupin Point, and remained there one year, 
when he returned to Macoupin County; then six years more in Macoupin County. 
In 1865, he removed to Montgomery County and settled upon a portion of the farm 
upon which he now resides, which at that time consisted of 240 acres of land, 
most of which has been improved by Mr. WHITLOW, and to which he has added until 
he has 560 acres. In 1881, he erected from his own designs a fine residence 
upon his farm, which, with barns, windmill, stock scales, etc., make the 
surroundings complete. In 1858, in Greene County, he married Miss Fannie 
THOMASON< a native of Greene, born September 16, 1835, who has borne him ten 
children, six of whom are living – Mary A., born September 25, 1860; Flora A., 
May 31, 1862, George E., Septem-

[Page 257]

ber 1, 1863; William A., March 21, 1865; John W., January 26, 1867; Sarah T., 
September 10, 1868, dead; Eva E., March 26, 1871; Olive, March 20, 1874, dead; 
Oscar, March 20, 1874, dead; Herbert, December 1, 1875, dead. Mr. WHITLOW is a 
Patron of Husbandry, and a Democrat; has held the position of Commissioner of 
Highways for ten years. The father of our subject was a native of Kentucky, a 
farmer, and died in 1878; the mother a native of North Carolina, and died in 
1867. They had three children, subject being the oldest.

John P. YOUNG, farmer, P. O. Harvel, was born in Germany May 19, 1839. His 
father was Vincent YOUNG, who was born in Germany in 1799; during his life, 
followed rafting on the River Rhine, acting as steersman. He died October 25, 
1851. Mother was Katharina (GLASER) YOUNG; was born in Germany in 1803, and 
died in 1865. She was the mother of ten children, of whom John P., our subject, 
was the ninth child. His education was limited to such as the common schools 
of his native country afforded. His early life was spent at home. At the age 
of eighteen, he left his home to see the New World. His first settlement in 
America was in Jersey County, Ill., where he began life as a hired hand upon 
a farm; he remained here one year. In 1858, he removed to New Orleans, where 
he worked unloading cares for one winter, when he returned to Jersey County for 
one year, following farming again. In 1859, he removed to Wisconsin, where he 
followed farming and other different kinds of work. In the spring of 1860 he 
returned to Illinois and settled in Montgomery County, where he rented a farm 
for three years. In the fall of 1863, he removed to Macon County, Ill., where 
he also rented a farm. In 1865, he removed to Decatur and engaged in meat market 
business for one year. In 1866, he returned to Montgomery County, where he again 
took upon himself the duties of a farm life, where he has since remained. By his 
energy and business habits he succeeded in saving enough funds to buy him a place 
of eighty acres, all of which ha been improved by Mr. YOUNG. He commenced life a 
poor man, and by his own unaided efforts he has succeeded in gaining a good 
property and a name and reputation which is beyond reproach, being well worthy 
of the esteem in which he is held by his neighbors. He was married in 1867, in 
Decatur, to Miss Stefania FEHR, a native of Germany, born in December, 1843. She 
is the mother of seven children, six of whom are now living, viz., Frank, Mary 
E., Annie K., Mena, Sophia K., John P.; Frederick G. is dead. Mr. YOUNG is now 
holding the office of School Director. Religiously, himself and family are 
connected with the Catholic Church. Politically, his sympathies are with the 
Democratic party.

Orson YOUNG, mechanic, Harvel, was born in August, 1810, in Otsego County, N. Y., 
to Elam and Irene (EATON) YOUNG. His father was born near Ballston Springs, N. Y., 
and during his life followed his profession in the practice of medicine. He served
through the war of 1812. He died in Oregon, several years ago. His wife, and mother 
of our subject, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., and died in Oregon; she has also 
been dead many years. They were the parents of eight children, six boys and two 
girls, Orson YOUNG being the oldest child. He was brought to Clermont County, Ohio, 
by his parents when but six years of age. Here he received such an education as 
the common schools afforded. At the age of fifteen, he apprenticed himself at the 
trade of cloth dressing in the factory of Timothy SPRAGUE, and remained three 
years, but, be-

[Page 258]

ing more adapted to mechanical tools, gave up his trade and followed that of a 
carpenter. In the summer of 1853, he removed to Montgomery County, Ill., and 
entered 320 acres of wild prairie, he being among the early settlers of that 
county. In 1877, he removed from his farm to the town of Harvel, his present 
residence, where he is engaged in wagon-making. From 1853 until 1877, in 
Montgomery County, he worked at the carpenter’s trade, and was the builder of 
many pioneer churches and dwellings. He is a man of good moral habits, and has 
the esteem of all well-disposed citizens of the community. In 1878, he was 
elected to the Board of Trustees, which office he filled to the entire 
satisfaction of the community. He has been twice married. The first time in 
Clermont County, Ohio, to Miss Hanna BURNETT, April 28, 1833. She was born in 
Clermont County, Ohio, April 13, 1810, and died in 1846. The second time, he
married Miss Sarah HALL, May 31, 1846, a native of Ireland; she was born in 1824. 
By his first marriage he had five children, Elizabeth A., residing now in Ohio; 
Sarah E., now a resident of Indiana; Mary J., Irene and William B. who are dead. 
By his second marriage he as had six children, Samuel H., a resident of 
Montgomery County; Edmond B. and George D., of Iowa, and Matilda, of Montana, 
John and James O., who are dead. Mr. and Mrs. YOUNG are members of the Methodist 
Church, he having been a member for forty-five years.


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