The Biographical Record of DeWitt County, Illinois, Illustrated.
Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
Note: These biographies were transcribed as written and may contain errors. We welcome your corrections concerning factual data. Just send an e-mail to the County Coordinator, and be sure to give us your name and return e-mail address.
WILLIAM M. PERSINGER. (Volume 1, Page 348)
The fertile prairies of Illinois have opened up possibilities before the expectant eyes of many of her adopted sons, and of these none have better improved their chances than W. M. Persinger, one of the larger farmers and stock-raisers of Dewitt county. A native of the Buckeye state, he was born in Sidney, Shelby county, December 2, 1830, and is a son of William R. and Priscilla (Beatty) Persinger, natives respectively of Virginia and Maryland. Both removed from the place of their nativity to Ohio about 1813, and were there united in marriage. They were among the early settlers of Shelby county, and there made their homes during the remainder of their lives, the father dying at the age of eighty-four, and the mother when sixty-nine years old. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church and died in the faith. By occupation the father was a farmer, which vocation he followed throughout life. In politics he was a Whig. In the family were eight children, four sons and four daughters, of whom two sons and two daughters are now living. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Jacob Persinger, removed with his family to Ohio early in 1813, and leaving them there, enlisted in the second war with Great Britain, and served about six months.
William M. Persinger was third in order of birth in his father’s family. In his native state he grew to manhood and was educated in its public schools. At the age of twenty-one he started out to earn an independent livelihood by working on a farm by the month. When twenty-three years of age he rented land and carried on general farming for several years, and in 1868 came to DeWitt county, Illinois, where he also rented land which he continued to farm until 1874.
While still residing in Ohio, and during the dark days of the Civil war, on the 2d of May, 1864, Mr. Persinger enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was assigned to the Tenth Army Corps, under command of General Butler, in front of Richmond, and was in several minor engagements during its term of service, but was principally occupied in picket duty. At the close of his term of service, Mr. Persinger was honorably discharged, September 4, 1864, at Columbus, Ohio.
On the 6th of August, 1854, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Persinger and Miss Eliza Chrisman, a daughter of David and Leana Chrisman, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Virginia. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom are yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Persinger have been born five children: Harvey H., Newton R., Charles G., Lenora Florence, and Nettie Priscilla. Of these, Newton R. married Miss Amy Howard, a native of Kenney, Illinois, and they have two children, Rosanna and Newton R., Jr. Lenora Florence married L.[Lorenzo] D. Scott, now living in California, and they have six children, Harry, Mame [Nanna], Lewis, Roy, Nettie and Ralph. Charles G. married Adelia Taylor, and they reside in Macon county, with their two children, Linn and Florence.
In 1867, one year prior to his removal to DeWitt county, Mr. Persinger bought forty acres of land, which was eventually sold, and eighty acres purchased in its place, and this is turn was disposed of and one hundred and forty acres purchased. To this he later added until he now owns two hundred and twenty acres of land in DeWitt county, upon which he carried on general farming and stock-raising. He also owns eighty acres of well improved land in Macon county, Illinois, and eighty acres of timber land in California. The latter is covered with a heavy growth of pine, and on account of the remarkable growth of the box industry in that locality, it is rapidly increasing in value. All of the improvements on the home farm were made by him, and his farm is one of the best in his township.
In politics Mr. Persinger is a Republican, and for two terms he served as justice of the peace, and for twelve years he was a member of the school board. Fraternally he is a member of Kenney Lodge, I. O. O. F., and has passed all the chairs. As a citizen he is enterprising and progressive and never shirks his duty in any respect. His friends are numerous in both Dewitt and Macon counties.
FRANCIS E. PINKERTON. (Volume 1, Page 320)
As the founder and proprietor of the leading daily and weekly paper of Clinton, Mr. Pinkerton, during his short residence in this city, has become prominently identified with her business and social interests. He was born in Tremont, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, December 20, 1852, and is a son of Colonel C. L. and Fanny (Singer) Pinkerton, and a grandson of George Pinkerton, who was also a native of the Keystone state.
Colonel C. L. Pinkerton was born in Halifax, Pennsylvania, and received his early mental training in the public schools. For a while he engaged in teaching but when a young man took up the study of law and later was admitted to the bar of the state. As a lawyer he obtained a widespread reputation and was sent to the legislature by the Republican party, of which political faith he was a strong advocate. During the Civil war he served on the staff of Governor Curtis. He was an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His marriage with Miss Fanny Singer resulted in the birth of nine children, five of whom are now living, namely: Margaret; F. E., our subject; Jane Mary; Edward E.; and Bertrand D. The two latter are residents of this state, the former is engaged in paper box manufacturing in Chicago, while the latter is one of the editors and part owner of the News-Herald, of Lincoln, Illinois. About a year previous to the death of our subject's father, he emigrated west and the death of both he and his wife occurred in this state.
F. E. Pinkerton availed himself of the common schools and of a night school and in this way obtained a good elementary education. While still at home he began learning the trade of a printer, being for two years in the employ of the "Tremont News." The succeeding two years was spent at Plymouth, Pennsylvania, where he was employed as a printer on the "Star." Thinking that a larger city offered better inducements, he secured a position as a compositor on the "Scranton Republican," which position he retained for six months. At the end of that period he engaged in reportorial work on the "Scranton Times," where he remained another six months. He then became identified with the Nicholson Examiner, which paper he conducted for two years, or until 1875. In that year he came west and located at Rantoul, where he gained possession of the "Rantoul Journal," which he published for two years. Then in partnership with H. E. Bullock, they consolidated the Journal and the "Rantoul News" and established a new paper called "The Rantoulian." Later he purchased his partner’s interest and changed the name to "The Rantoul Press," which paper he conducted for eighteen years. In the publication of this paper, Mr. Pinkerton met with success and in 1896 he disposed of it for four thousand dollars. This was in 1895, and in May of the same year we find him a citizen of Clinton, where he purchased the "Clinton Weekly Public," which he continued to publish for about six months. Thinking that Clinton offered a field for an evening daily paper, he established the "Clinton Daily Public," which he continued to publish until April 15, 1901, when he formed a partnership with his brother, B. E. Pinkerton, and F. R. Cross, under the firm name of Pinkerton, Cross & Co. They then purchased the "Lincoln Daily News" and "The Weekly Herald," both of Lincoln, Illinois, which they consolidated and now publish under the name of "The Lincoln Daily News-Herald" and "The Weekly Herald." This company also continues the publication of the Clinton Daily and Weekly Public, which are under the direct supervision of our subject. In addition to his newspaper interests, Mr. Pinkerton is a half owner of the Paper Box Factory in Chicago, which is under the management of his brother.
Mr. Pinkerton’s venture has proven a profitable one and his paper has become a power, not only as a newspaper, but as a fearless exponent of the principles of the Republican party.
In 1881 Mr. Pinkerton was united in marriage with Miss Mollie E. Boise, of Rantoul, a daughter of J. J. and Lucy S. Boise. For thirty-five years Mr. Boise held the position of station agent for the Illinois Central. He is now deceased, but his wife is still living and makes her home in Rantoul.
To Mr. and Mrs. Pinkerton have been born the following children: Charles, who has a position in his father’s and uncle’s box factory in Chicago; Francis; Leon; and Maisie, all at home.
Fraternally Mr. Pinkerton is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias, both of Clinton. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pinkerton attend the Methodist Episcopal church. In Politics Mr. Pinkerton is an ardent supporter of the men and measures of the Republican party, and while a resident of Rantoul was secretary of the board of education for six years.
Since coming to Clinton, our subject has always been found ready and willing to do all in his power to advance any cause which promised to be for the public good. He was one of the thirteen gentlemen that organized the Clinton Chautauqua and has never hesitated to use the columns of his paper to promote its interests.
DR. EDWARD PORTER. (Volume 1, Page 104)
On March 1st, 1879, there passed away from his home in Clinton a well beloved physician, whose many years of faithful toil in his profession made his name a household word in that community. Nor had his influence and efforts been confined to professional lines only, for in all the varied activities of our common life he had taken a helpful part as a loyal citizen, devoting his abilities to the cause of progress. Dr. Porter was a man whose death was felt as a loss among all classes and the following brief account of one so esteemed will be read with unusual interest.
Dr. Porter was a native of Ohio and was born at Sinking Springs, Highland county, February 6, 1833. His father George Porter, was born in Pennsylvania, but when a child came to Ohio, where he grew to manhood and followed the pursuits of a farmer. Here he married Miss Eliza Lee Lowe, daughter of John W. Lowe and a second cousin to Robert E. Lee. They reared a family of three children, as follows: Edward, whose name heads this review; John W., of Clinton, and L. Josephine, who married Isaac N. Tully, a physician of Red Cloud, Nebraska. In 1852 George Porter came with his son to DeWitt county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm in Barnett township, where he spent his remaining days, dying in 1859, at the age of fifty-six years, his wife attaining the age of seventy. His son John, who is now living retired in Clinton, served from 1861 to 1865 in Company E, Twentieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was promoted to second lieutenant.
In the place of his nativity Edward Porter spent his boyhood days and attended the common schools. He was an industrious lad and eager to obtain a good education, spending all his leisure time in reading the best literature. When seventeen years of age he began teaching, oftentimes having pupils older than himself. In 1851 he first began the study of medicine and in 1852 he came to DeWitt county, Illinois, with his parents. The following ten years he devoted to farming and continued the study of medicine during his spare time. In 1862 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which he faithfully served for two years, at the end of which time he was discharged for physical disability. On his return to DeWitt county, in 1864, he was nominated by the Republican party to fill the office of county treasurer, and at the ensuing election he was elected by a large majority and re-elected in 1866. The next two years were spent on the farm, and in the winter of 1868 he attended a course of medical lectures in the Homeopathic College of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, and in the spring of 1869 he graduated with honors.
On his return to Clinton, he bought the practice of Dr. Mitchell and soon became one of the leading physicians of Dewitt county. He was a man of great force of character and strong prejudice, yet the warm impulses of his nature made him a generous enemy while he was the truest of friends. Whatever he believed was right, he believed with his whole soul, and gave his conviction the full strength of his manhood.
On June 18, 1856, he was united in marriage with Miss Lucy E. Mills, whose father was one of the early settlers of DeWitt county. As a result of this union the following named children were born: Chancey H., of Lincoln, Illinois; George B., of South Dakota; Mrs. Susan H. Wilson, county superintendent of schools, of Clinton, Illinois; Mrs. Lucy E. Turner, of Lincoln, Illinois; J. Guernsey, a practicing physician of Clinton. In the spring of 1888, he was graduated from the Clinton high school and was then associated with the American Express Company, of Springfield, Illinois, but was later promoted to messenger and served in that capacity until 1895. Having devoted a great deal of time to the study of medicine, he entered the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College, where he was graduated in 1899. He at once came to Clinton where he has already built up a lucrative practice, and is fast reaching the degree his father held in the science of medicine. He is a member of DeWitt Lodge A. F. & A. M., Goodbrake Chapter and Clinton Council, all of Clinton. He is also a member and examining physician of the Modern Woodmen, Foresters, Court of honor, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and Loyal Sons of America. Giles G., a physician in Warren, Arkansas, is the next in order of birth; Mrs. Eliza J. Gatchell; Mrs. Nellie E. Owen, and the youngest member of the family is Freddie A., a teacher of Clinton.
Dr. Edward Porter was an ardent supporter of the men and measures of the Republican party and in religion was a firm believer in the teachings of Swedenborg. A vigorous writer, he could ably defend his professional and religious views. His morality was of the highest type and his voice and influence were at all times on the side which favored and upheld good government.
J. GUERNSEY PORTER, M. D. (Volume 1, Page 232)
This prominent and successful physician and surgeon of Clinton was born in Clinton, July 12, 1868, and is descended from an old substantial family, who have borne an important part in the history of this country. His grandfather, George Porter, was born in Pennsylvania, but when a child was taken to Ohio, where he grew to manhood and followed the pursuits of a farmer. He there married Miss Eliza Lee Lowe, daughter of John W. Lowe and a second cousin to Robert E. Lee. They reared a family of three children, as follows: Edward, our subject's father; John W., of Clinton; and L. Josephine, who married Isaac N. Tully, a physician of Red Cloud, Nebraska. In 1852, George Porter came with his sons to DeWitt county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm in Barnett township, where he spent his remaining days, dying in 1859 at the age of fifty-six years. His wife attained the age of seventy. His son John, who is now retired in Clinton, served from 1861 to 1865 in Company E, Twentieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was promoted to second lieutenant.
Edward Porter was born in Sinking Springs, Highland county, Ohio, on February 6, 1833, where he spent his boyhood days and attended the common schools, and, as before stated, in 1852 came with his parents to DeWitt county. He was an industrious lad and eager to obtain a good education, and aside from his regular schooling he sought the knowledge of authors, spending all his leisure time in reading the best literature, which was beneficial to him in his future profession. At seventeen years of age he began teaching, often having pupils older than himself. In 1851 he began the study of medicine, which he kept up for several years, devoting what time he could spare to it. In 1862 he proved his patriotism by enlisting in the One Hundred and Seventh Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which he faithfully served for two years and was then discharged for physical disability. In 1864 he was nominated by the Republican party for county treasurer and was elected by a large majority, which office he filled with so much credit to himself that he was re-elected in 1866. The next two years were spent on the farm, after which he attended a course of medical lectures in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the Homeopathic College, from which he graduated with honors. He then returned to Clinton and bought Dr. Mitchell's practice, but this was not necessary, for almost immediately his skill was recognized and he was acknowledged as one of the leading physicians of the county. He was a great reader, spending his spare moments in the study of able writers, a conscientious practitioner, a noted writer and an eloquent speaker, believing firmly in the teachings of Swedenborg. On June 18, 1856, he was united in marriage with Lucy E. Mills, whose father was one of the early settlers of DeWitt county. Their children were Chancey H., of Lincoln, Illinois; George B., of South Dakota; Mrs. Susan H. Wilson, county superintendent of schools of Clinton, Illinois; Mrs. Lucy E. Turner, of Lincoln, Illinois; J. Guernsey, our subject; Giles G., a physician of Warren, Arkansas; Mrs. Eliza J. Gatchell, Mrs. Nellie E. Owen; and Freddie A., a teacher of Clinton. The father of this family died March 1, 1879. He was a member of the A. F. & A. M. Lodge. His widow, who survives, has a beautiful brick residence, where our subject also makes his home.
In the spring of 1888 J. Guernsey Porter graduated from the Clinton high school and was then associated with the American Express Company, of Springfield, Illinois, but was later promoted to messenger and served in that capacity until 1895. Having devoted a good deal of time to the study of medicine, he entered the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College and graduated in 1899. He at once came to Clinton, where he has already built up a lucrative practice and is fast reaching the degree his father held in the science of medicine. He is a member of DeWitt Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Goodbrake Chapter and Clinton Council, all of Clinton. He is also a member and examining physician of the Modern Woodmen, Foresters, Court of Honor, A. O. U. W., and Loyal Sons of America.
JAMES H. PRICE. (Volume 1, Page 266)
Among the energetic and successful farmers of Waynesville township, whose success is due entirely to their own unaided efforts, is numbered the subject of this biography, who now owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 19, within a mile and a half of the village of Waynesville. He was born on the 12th of September, 1839, in Page county, Virginia, of which state his ancestors were early settlers. His father, William Price, was also born in that county, about 1799, and on reaching manhood was united in marriage to Miss Mary Decker, a native of the Old Dominion and of German descent. After farming for some years in his native county, William Price came to Illinois, in 1850, and settled at Brooks Grove, Tazewell county, where he died in 1852. His wife only survived him about two years.
After the death of his parents James H. Price was thrown upon his own resources, and his early life was fraught with many hardships and privations. For some time he worked as a farm hand. In 1854 he came to DeWitt county and was in the employ of Samuel Hammitt for four or five years. Feeling that his country needed his services during the dark days of the Civil war, he enlisted in August, 1862, in Company A, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. His first engagement was the battle of Knoxville, Tennessee, and was followed by the Atlanta campaign. After the battle of Resaca, Mr. Price was taken ill and sent to the hospital in Knoxville, where he remained three weeks. He was then placed on detached duty in the quartermaster’s department, where he served until the close of the war. He was mustered out at Knoxville and honorably discharged in time to reach home on the 4th day of July, 1865. For several years thereafter he was engaged in farming on rented land.
In September, 1867, in this county, Mr. Price was united in marriage with Miss Barthena Williams, who was born on the farm where Mr. Price now resides, and was a daughter of Moses and Catherine E. Williams, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of S. Dean Williams, on another page of this volume. About 1871 he purchased his farm on section 19, Waynesville township, and to its further improvement and cultivation he has since devoted his attention with good results. The land is now well tiled and fenced and under excellent cultivation, and a good set of buildings adorn the place, making it a most desirable farm. In connection with general farming our subject is also engaged in stock raising.
Mr. Price’s first wife died in 1879, and was laid to rest in Fremont cemetery, McLean county. She left three children, namely: (1) William M. is a well educated young man, having attended the Waynesville Academy, and also taking a commercial course at a business college in Lexington, Kentucky. For eight or ten years he successfully engaged in teaching school, but is now assisting his father in carrying on the home farm. He possesses good business ability and takes quite an active and prominent part in local politics, serving as a member of the county board of supervisors three terms of two years each. While filling that office he was chairman of some important committees, and a member of a number of others. He has also served as township trustee three years, and has been a delegate to numerous county and congressional conventions of the Democratic party, with which he always affiliates. (2) Mrs. Myra Griffin is the next of the family. (3) Mary Catherine is the wife of Matthew Connell, the present supervisor of Waynesville township. Their only child, John S., died in infancy. In 1881, Mr. Price married Mrs. Sarah Milburn, who was born in Ohio, but was reared in Logan county, Illinois, where she was first married. By the second union there are two children, Leslie and Leo.
The Democratic party has always found in Mr. Price a stanch supporter of its principles, and he cast his first presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas, "the Little Giant," in 1860. He served six years as commissioner of highways, and was an efficient member of the school board ten or twelve years. He and his son William M. are both members of Waynesville Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and he also belongs to the Grand Army Post at that place, and his son to the Odd Fellows lodge, in which he has filled all the chairs and is now past grand. For the success that he has achieved in life Mr. Price deserves great credit, and he well merits the high regard in which he is held by his fellow citizens.
HENRY QUERFELD. (Volume 1, Page 119)
Henry Querfeld, one of the substantial German-American farmers of DeWitt county, Illinois, was born in Hanover, Germany, February 9, 1834, and emigrated to the United States in 1868. A happy inspiration caused him to direct his steps to Illinois, where for a number of years he farmed on eighty acres of rented land in DeWitt county. He later rented a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Clintonia township and successfully managed and worked the same until his removal to Texas township, where he rented another farm until about twelve years ago. He then became the possessor of the one hundred and sixty acres at present owned by him on section 17, Texas township, upon which he has instituted many improvements, remodeled and increased the size of the house, and added many needed and substantial buildings for general use. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on a large scale, and has one of the best appointed and best equipped farms in the county.
The parents of Mr. Querfeld, William and Mary (Magers) Querfeld, were born, reared and spent their entire lives in the fatherland, and died before their son came to America. There were only three children in the family, the sister, Minnie, having died two years after her brother Henry left home. In the meantime he has never heard from his brother, and is in doubt as to whether he is alive or dead. May 20, 1856, Mr. Querfeld married Christine Peters, at Mondelsloh, Germany, daughter of Henry and Mary (Hinneman) Peters. Henry Peters was a farmer during the greater part of his life, although for sixteen years he was a soldier in the British army. The parents died in Germany, having reared a family of six children, all of whom with one exception came to America, but Mrs. Querfeld is the only one living now. To Mr. and Mrs. Querfeld have been born seven children, five of whom are now living: Minnie C., who was born in Germany December 13, 1857, is now the wife of Daniel B. Stivers, of Clinton, formerly chief of police of the town for many years, and has two children, Charles and Walter; Sophia, who was born in Germany February 22, 1859, is the wife of Jacob Hoffman, of DeWitt township, and has six children, Mildred, Minnie, Frank, Edna, Russell, and Ray, all born in DeWitt township; Henry, who was born in Germany October 18, 1863, and died in his native land January 8, 1865, at the age of fifteen months; Mary C., who was born June 13, 1867, and died in Dewitt county June 14, 1884; Frank C., who was born February 24, 1870, married Sarah Beckman, has one child, Helen, and farms in Clintonia township; Hermann C., who was born January 4, 1872, is a farmer on the home place, was formerly president of the Christian Endeavor Society of Clinton, has been a deacon in the Christian church at Clinton for four years, and is fraternally a Knight of Pythias, and a member of Mozart Lodge, No. 96, of Weldon; and William, who was born October 28, 1877, in DeWitt county, and lives on the home farm. The children were all educated at the public schools of Germany, and DeWitt county, Illinois.
Mr. and Mrs. Querfeld are members of the Christian church of Clinton and in politics he is a Republican, but has never cared for office.
WILLIAM H. RANDALL. (Volume 1, Page 254)
Not only is Mr. Randall one of the prominent farmers of DeWitt county but he is also a business man of ability, and closely identified with all that promotes enterprise and enlarges the commercial and other welfare of his township and state. A native of Ohio, he was born in Preble county, September 16, 1851, and is a son of Andrew C. and Ursula (Cox) Randall, natives, respectively, of Preble and Butler counties, Ohio, and the former one of the best known of the pioneers who came to DeWitt county in the latter fifties. William H. received his education in the public schools of DeWitt county and lived on the home farm until twenty-one years of age. His natural ambition and independence then asserted itself, and he started out to face the problem of an individual livelihood. As a preliminary, he rented land on section 31, Texas township, for eight years and eventually purchased one hundred and six acres on section 30 in the same township. From time to time other lands have come into his possession, and he now also owns a quarter section on section 25, Tunbridge township. His land is well tilled and yields satisfactory harvests in response to his incessant industry and excellent management. A large and substantial dwelling has been erected, convenient barns and outhouses, and it is needless to say that all modern implements which tend to scientific and up-to-date farming have been added, regardless of cost. Eight years ago Mr. Randall purchased an interest in the Rowell Elevator Company, of which he is manager, the elevator having a capacity of twenty thousand bushels. In politics he is a Republican and has held the office of collector and school trustee, although he makes no effort to secure official recognition. Fraternally he is associated with the Kyle Lodge, No. 282, Knights of Pythias, of Kenney, Illinois.
On December 3, 1873, Mr. Randall married Alice Putnam, a native of Scott county, Illinois, and a daughter of Jason and Eliza (Drummond) Putnam, the former a native of New Jersey and a farmer during the years of his activity. Mr. Putnam removed to DeWitt county many years ago, and during the latter part of his life lived in Texas township, but later moved to Missouri, Barton county, where his death occurred in 1881, at the age of fifty-seven years. He was well-to-do and a reliable and upright man and was esteemed by all who knew him. His wife died before he removed to Texas township. To Mr. and Mrs. Randall have been born the following children: Frank, who is attending the college at Valparaiso, Indiana, is twenty-seven years of age, and has for some time taught school in Texas township; Luella, who is the wife of Fred Owens, has one child, Hubert, and lives on a farm of one hundred and fifty-six acres on section 19, Texas township; Fred, who is assisting with the care and management of the home farm; Harry; Mabel; and Rolla. The children were all born in Texas township, all were educated in the public schools, and the last three named are living at home.
Andrew C. Randall, the father of William H., is one of the strong and reliable pioneers in whose keeping has rested accepted responsibility of bringing about the splendid agricultural prosperity of DeWitt county. From lands wild and timber covered he has participated in the general development, watched with the eye of the enthusiast the clearing of the trees, the erection of comfortable homes and the increasing fertility and yield of the well-tilled acres. A man of force and determination, good judgment and kindly heart, he has necessarily impressed his worth upon the community, and is appreciated in proportion as his services have been fundamental in building up the township. A native of Preble county, Ohio, he was born January 18, 1823, and is a son of Jehu and Elizabeth (Conrow) Randall, natives, respectively, of South Carolina and Ohio. The father removed to Ohio with his parents when a young man, and in the timber himself and wife started life together, and continued to farm until his death, at the age of sixty-five years, his wife surviving him until ninety-three years of age. They were the parents of nine children, four of whom are living, Andrew C. being second in order of birth.
During such time as he could be spared from his duties on his father’s farm Mr. Randall attended the early subscription schools. On departing from the homestead to seek his own living, he came to Illinois in 1857 and purchased the farm upon which he now lives, and which consists of eighy acres of rich land on section 34, Texas township. He has here engaged in general farming and the ordinary amount of stock-raising, his farm being most complete as far as improvements and buildings are concerned. Mr. Randall is a Republican in politics, and is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since October, 1851.
The marriage of Mr. Randall and Ursula Cox occurred in 1846, Mrs. Randall being a native of Butler county, Ohio, and a daughter of Gilbert and Anna (Craig) Cox, the former a farmer and mechanic by trade. Mrs. Randall was a helpmate, indeed, to her husband, a woman of sterling characteristics, in whom was combined nobility and gentleness and ideal motherly traits, and whose death, in 1888, at the age of sixty-five years, left a void in the hearts of all who knew her. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Randall are as follows: Ann Eliza, who is the wife of Isaac Smith, of Peoria, Illinois, and who, by a former marriage with Sylvanus Cooper, had five children, William, Cora, Ada, Sadie and Eva; Gilbert C., who is a liveryman at Mitchell, South Dakota; William H.; Lydia Ellen, who is the widow of Jacob Cree, has one child, Elmer, and lives in Clinton; Mary A., who is the wife of Alfred Geiling, of Edgar county, Illinois, and has the following named children: Pearl, Carl, Frank, Eva, Homer and Ray; John, who married Maggie Revis, has one child, Alva, and lives on a farm in Piatt county; Lettie, who is the wife of Corwin Smallwood, has two children, Clarence and Ina, and lives on the home place with her father and husband; Cornelius, who is a farmer in Piatt county; and James, who is farming in Piatt county with his brother Cornelius, has two children, Freda and Leta. By a former marriage with a Miss Cochran, who died seven years ago, James Randall had one child, Adelphia.
Of the ancestry of the Randall family, the paternal grandfather of Andrew Randall was of English descent, was born in South Carolina and moved to Ohio many years ago with his father and five brothers and two sisters, and here the grandparents lived and died. On the maternal side the grandfather was John Conrow, a native of New Jersey, and of English-Welsh descent, and who removed to Ohio, where he eventually died at an advance age.
MRS. MARY RUTLEDGE. (Volume 1, Page 98)
Mrs. Mary Rutledge, one of the oldest and most esteemed residents of Rutledge township, as well as one of the pioneers of this section of the state, was born in Claiborne county, Tennessee, June 2, 1822, and is a daughter of Jacob and Rachel (Hughes) Van Deventer, both of whom were natives of Sullivan county, Tennessee. Her paternal grandparents were Abraham and Martha Van Deventer, the former of German and the latter of English descent. They were farming people and lived to a good old age. In their large family of children there were five sons, Thomas, Abraham, John, Peter and Jacob. In 1831 Jacob Van Deventer came with his family to Illinois and settled in McLean county, where he died in the fall of 1833, his remains being interred at LeRoy. He fought in the war of 1812 under General Jackson. His wife entered land in McLean county, and with the assistance of her children improved it, making it her home throughout the remainder of her life. She was a devout Christian being a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and died in that faith at the age of eighty-three years. She had a family of five sons and five daughters, namely: Thomas; Abraham; John; David, a minister of the Cumberland church; Martha, Mary; Mahala; and Marana, twins; James; and Louisa.
Mrs. Rutledge was about nine years of age when she accompanied her parents on their removal to this state, and on her mother’s farm in McLean county she grew to womanhood. She was married, January 17, 1839, to William Jackson Rutledge, who was born in White county, Illinois, June 23, 1816, a son of Thomas and Sarah (Officer) Rutledge. His father was born in North Carolina, of English ancestry, and his mother in South Carolina, of Irish parentage. History says the family was first founded in Georgia. While living in Kentucky, Thomas Rutledge served as a ranger in the war of 1812, and after its close migrated to White county, Illinois, where he made his home until 1828, and then removed to what is now Randolph Grove, McLean county. There he died in 1830, at the age of sixty-two years. His wife was well advanced in years at the time of her death, which occurred thirteen years later. In their family of ten children were James, Mark, Officer, Robert, William J., Mrs. Jane Dickinson, Mrs. Polly Craig, Mrs. Sally cline and Mrs. Betsey Britten.
William J. Rutledge aided his mother in the operation of the home farm until nineteen years of age, and made the most of the educational advantages afforded him by the public schools conducted in an old log school-house near his home. He first married Miss Eliza Duffield, a daughter of Robert Duffield. She died three years after their marriage, leaving two children: Martha J. and John A., who died, leaving large families that are represented elsewhere in this work. For his second wife Mr. Rutledge wedded our subject, as previously stated.
In 1838 Mr. Rutledge bought a claim and entered one hundred and sixty acres of prairie and timber land on section 17 of what is now known as Rutledge township, it being named in his honor. His first home here was a small log house, twenty by eighteen feet in dimensions, with two doors but no windows. There was a large fireplace at one end, with a mud and stick chimney, and the furniture of the cabin was all of the most primitive sort. This house was subsequently replaced by a small frame residence, and when that was destroyed by fire the present home of Mrs. Rutledge was built, though it has since been remodeled and enlarged. In 1846 while her husband was working with his oxen he stuck his cottonwood whip in the lane and it took root and grew, so that it is today a beautiful tree standing in the center of the road one half mile east of his residence— a landmark of early days. The oldest pear tree of Rutledge township, if not of DeWitt county, stands in his yard at the corner of the road running north of section 17, and many of the old residents of that locality have eaten of its fruit. It was grafted on an apple tree.
Mr. Rutledge was a man of exceptional business ability and an able financier, and at his death, which occurred July 6, 1882, he had accumulated over seven hundred acres of land. Charitable and benevolent, he gave to all worthy enterprises for the public good, and he assisted many of the early settlers in buying houses, often loaning his friends money without interest. In politics he was a stalwart Democrat, but never aspired to office. Religiously he was an active member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and was a man highly respected and esteemed, his memory being cherished by all who knew him. His widow is in possession of the old homestead, which goes to the grandchildren at her death. She is a most estimable woman, who has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who hold her in high regard.
WILLIAM J. RUTLEDGE. (Volume 1, Page 387)
Among the prosperous farmers of Rutledge township, DeWitt county, Illinois, is William Jackson Rutledge, who owns and operates a fine farm and takes an active interest in the affairs of the locality in which he resides.
Our subject was born on the old homestead on section 7, that township, in 1865, and here makes his home. His education was received in the schools of the district and during the summer months he assisted his father upon the farm. When he had attained his majority he began farming for himself upon forty acres of land, to which he has added one hundred and twenty acres. All this he has placed under a fine state of cultivation and built the necessary barn and sheds, as well as a comfortable house. At one time his farm consisted of two hundred acres, of which his father purchased one hundred and he one hundred acres, but he has disposed of part of this.
Mr. Rutledge was married to Lucy Parvin, a daughter of George Parvin, of DeWitt county, and the children born of this union are as follows: George Omar, Cecil Allen and Pearl. In politics Mr. Rutledge is a Democrat and is now serving as road commissioner. Although still a young man he has demonstrated his ability as a farmer and his influence among the people of the township is great, giving him an excellent position in the community and making for him many friends.
HENRY C. RYBOLT (Volume 1, Page 417)
Henry C. Rybolt, one of the early settlers and highly respected citizens of DeWitt county, Illinois, now residing in the village of Kenney, is a native of Ohio, born in Clermont county, November 17, 1825, and resided in the place of his birth until he was twenty-eight years of age. He is a son of John and Catherine Rybolt. The father was a native of one of the southern states and came to Ohio when about nine years of age. He was a farmer all his active life and lived and died in Clermont county, Ohio, his death occurring October 3, 1857, when he was about sixty years old. The mother died when our subject was only one year old, so he was deprived of her love and care when he most needed it.
Like the majority of farmer boys, Mr. Rybolt attended the district schools of his native county in the winter and worked upon his father’s farm in the summer. The educational advantages were very meager and the structure in which the school was held was made of logs. Remaining with his father until his death, our subject then came to Illinois and settled in Tunbridge township, DeWitt county, where he has since made his home, becoming thoroughly identified with the best interests of the community.
He first purchased one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land on section 17, which was the first land he ever owned and was accordingly highly prized. He broke the land and erected a large brick house on it and put up other buildings, all of which were somewhat of a luxury in those days of hardships and log houses. In this pleasant home he resided until October, 1891, when he leased the remainder of the farm and retired to some twenty-one acres, where he lives surrounded by the comforts of life. From time to time he added to his original farm until he is now one of the largest property owners in the county. He owns over thirty-seven hundred acres in DeWitt and Macon counties and six hundred and forty acres in Calhoun county, Iowa. On these farms are substantial dwellings and buildings, numbering fifteen in all. The six hundred and forty acres in Iowa is a cattle ranch.
Our subject started out in life a poor man with nothing to assist him but a pair of willing hands and the determination to win for himself a position in life worthy of his ambitions. That he has succeeded, his present prosperity amply demonstrates. For nine years he has lived retired from active labor in the pleasant town of Kenney, where he built a handsome and substantial house. On his property he tried no new or speculative methods of becoming wealthy, but carried on general farming and stock-raising, using his own common sense and thorough knowledge of all the details of farm life in directing the management of affairs. In addition to his farm property Mr. Rybolt also possesses some valuable real estate and in 1898 he erected the opera house of Kenney, which is a very fine building, comprising three stores, and is considered one of the best business structures in the town.
Mr. Rybolt was married March 28, 1850, to Miss Mary Hester Shaw. She was born in Clermont county, Ohio, and was a daughter of John and Casiah (Smith) Shaw, both of whom are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Rybolt were born six children, four of whom are living. Those dead are Charles and Henry, both of whom died in infancy. The living are as follows: Amos married Annie Reiser, who died two years ago last spring, and he operates the old homestead farm on section 27, Tunbridge township; John married Annie Todd and resides on one of his father’s farms in Austin township, Macon county; Robert resides on section 27, Tunbridge township, where he farms two hundred and forty acres of his father’s land, and he married Alice Jump; Martha married Robert Monroe, of section 16, Tunbridge township, DeWitt county, where he farms five hundred acres belonging to his father.
When Mr. Rybolt first came to this county it was all wild prairie land. Now it is recognized to be one of the richest farming districts in Illinois. This great change has been brought about by the industry and public spirit of the men who had the courage to brave the perils and discomforts of the wilderness and push forward the advance of civilization. Their own reward has been great, but it is well deserved, for it was through the droughts of summer and the discouraging storms of winter that they toiled. Beside the clear stream sprang up prosperous towns and cities, and churches and schools were erected by these same earnest, hard-working, God-fearing men, who struggled that those who came after them could enjoy the advantages never given them. All that Illinois is now or will become is largely due to its pioneer settlers and among them none deserves greater praise than does Henry C. Rybolt.