HISTORY OF MORGAN
COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Its Past and present
Chicago: Donnelley, Loyd & Co.,
Publishers, 1878.
WADE, ISAAC R., farmer, Sec. 14, P.O.
Murrayville. The parents of our subject were Isaac Wade and Miss Hannah Goucher,
natives of Milledgeville, Ga.; father born in 1776, and married in 1812 at their
native town; during and after their marriage three children were born in
Georgia, Sallie, Aiken B., and Stephen. In 1818 he started in a covered wagon
with his family, crossing Waldron's Ridge and settled in the Seguatchie Valley,
Tenn.; There were born there Arty, Dollie and Isaac. The valley abounded with
plenty of game, hence for a time the family were contented and happy. After a
residence of five years, fearing for the safety of his little family, folded his
tent in a wagon and silently stole away, crossing the Cumberland Mountains,
settling in Overton County, same State; here he engaged in a new line of
business, bought a distillery, and iron forge; there were born here two
children: Abraham and Ascisca; he had long thought of making his future home on
the prairies of Illinois, hence he packed up his worldly treasure in a covered
wagon; by the aid of one horse and two oxen, the little band of pioneers reached
Illinois, and camped on "Big Sandy," south of Jacksonville, April 12, 1829,
renting a farm from old John Whitlock; while living here the entire family were
prostrated with sickness; it was in that cabin that one more child was born,
Polly; moved to Jacksonville, and there Hannah was born, which was the seventh
birth in the western hamlet; while a resident of the little town, drove a dray
for five years; the cholera made it necessary for Mr. Wade to move his family to
a more congenial place of habitation; moved to the Jacob Redding farm; in the
Fall of 1836, received a fracture of the skull, by being thrown from his horse,
this mishap impaired his mind, and afterwards caused his death, which occurred
in 1858, aged 82 years; had none of the responsibilities of the family to rest
upon him; the mother died Feb. 14, 1838; Mr. Isaac R. Wade was born in
Tennessee, Jan. 27, 1823, and during his early life, shared the hardships and
vicissitudes incident to a boy's life, born at a time when each home was a
sequestered hermitage; his first labor on his "own hook" was for Montgomery
Pitner, receiving for one year's work $120; worked for Mr. Pitner until he was
married, Jan. 23, 1842, to Miss Susan Waddell, daughter of Armstead Waddell, by
Rev. Johnnie Green; she was a native of Virginia, visiting in Morgan County, her
parents were then residents of Pike County, Illinois; the children to this union
were: James, Abraham, Jennie, Dollie, and John - twins, Frederick A. and Anne
Onella - twins; the wife and mother died March 17, 1855; he was married the
second time, Aug. 23, 1855, to Mrs. Sarah M. Crumpler, by Rev. W. Evans; by this
marriage have had two children: Alice, and Mary Susan; after a wedded life of 17
years, Mr. Wade was again visited by death, taking from him his second
companion, which took place July 15, 1871; following the precepts of the Bible,
that it is not good for man to be alone, married again, April 9, 1874, to Mrs.
Elizabeth Kingsley, daughter of William Sharp, one of the oldest Methodist
preachers in the Northwest, who was sent in 1840, by the Ohio Conference as a
missionary minister with "old Peter Cartwright;" after a long life as a minister
of the gospel, died Sept. 28, 1868. Mr. Wade, although not required to render
any service to his country, having passed the age of fifty, volunteered Aug. 21,
1862, to serve in Co. I, 101st Regiment, Illinois volunteers, and before muster
in was transferred to Co. F, same regiment, and followed the hardships of that
command, as will be related in another part of this work, to the taking of
Atlanta, Georgia; here he met with a dislocation of the hip; was sent to
Nashville, Tennessee, for treatment, received a furlough to his home, in 1865,
and was discharged at Springfield, Illinois, June 27, 1865; Mr. Wade is a near
relative of the late deceased Ben Wade, of Ohio, of free soil notoriety; is a
good Republican, and loves his country first, last, and all the
time.
WALDO, DANIEL, was born in Alstead,
Cheshire Co., N.H., Jan. 6, 1802; boot and shoemaking and itinerant trading was
the early business of his life. He was married to Maria T. Baker, in New
Hampshire, July 18, 1831; they had by this union two children: Mabel Rebecca,
who married Capt. Thos. White, who was killed at Dallas, Ga., while in command
of the 116th Reg. Ill. Vol.; Mrs. White is now residing at Maroa, Ill.; his
second child died in infancy; his wife died Sept. 8, 1834. Mr. Waldo came to
Meredosia, Oct. 10, 1832, and his family in Nov. of the next year. He was again
married March 31, 1836, to Miss Emily Fox, of Batavia, N.Y. He had by this
marriage: Maria E., wife of E.E.L. Reylard, of Meredosia; Frances E., wife of
Barritt Allen; Eveline, wife of Thos. Word; James D., residing now in Wabash,
Ind.; Albert M., living in Meredosia; and Mary R., who died in infancy. His wife
died Jan. 23, 1855. Was again married, July 5, to Mary Jane Thomas, formerly of
Ohio. By this union, only one child was born, Miss Nellie, residing with her
parents. Esq. Waldo, with his brothers James E. and Geo. C., commenced business
in Meredosia 1832. In the Fall of 1832, they built the first steam saw mill in
the present limits of Morgan Co. In 1833-4, they erected a mill and distillery,
capable of running from 300 to 500 bushels per day; afterward sold to Rowe &
Gove. He has since devoted his time to improving his lands and serving the
people as postmaster and justice of the peace; is now past seventy-eight years
of age, and the record of an active life of that number of years can not have
but a partial notice in our limits.
WALSH,
JOHN, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 8, P.O. Alexander; was born in
Tipperary County, Ireland, where his parents presided over a small farm; he
received a liberal education in subscription schools; September, 1849, in his
nineteenth year, he emigrated to America, landing in New Orleans; from this
point he made his way to Vicksburg, Mississippi, thence to St. Louis, from St.
Louis to Morgan County, settling near Jacksonville, where he first worked for
Field Samples, in a brick yard, for $13,00 per month; for Theodore Stout he
worked nearly seven years, and there procured his first start in life; for a
short time he became a resident of Sangamon County; on his return to Morgan
County he rented the Roger farm, now belonging to the Strawns; there he married
Johannah Leahy; in 1864, he bought 80 acres of land, part of the property he now
owns; adding to this, he now owns 120 acres; for the past nine years has been
school director.
WALSH, THOMAS, farmer and
stock raiser, Sec. 8, P.O. Alexander; Mr. W. was born in Limerick County,
Ireland, in 1819; there he became employed on his father's farm, from the time
he could handle a plow; his education was received in subscription schools; on
reaching man's estate he left the little green spot so dear to every Irish
heart, situated near to the broad Atlantic; he first went to Montreal, Canada,
and from there by way of the lakes to Vermont, where he married Miss Mary Gluly;
from Vermont he made his way into Morgan County, Illinois; five children, three
now living: James, Morris, and Hannorah; Mrs. W. died in 1859, and the following
year he married Bridget Carroll; by the second marriage ten children, eight
living: Mary, Catherine, Michael, Lizzie, Thomas, John, William, and Patrick; it
may be well to mention in the life history of Mr. Welsh, that wages were low,
money scarce, and many a month he toiled on for eight dollars per month; he is
now a very successful farmer, owning 240 acres, acquired by an industry that
would have discouraged men of less energy.
WANAMAKER,
GEORGE, distiller, Sec. 10, P.O. Jacksonville. The subject of this sketch
was born in Rockland Co., N.Y., June 7, 1841, and removed to Morgan Co.,
January, 1867; has resided here since that time; was married Jan. 9, 1868, to
Mrs. Sardelia Payne, of Jacksonville, born Oct. 7, 1843. Mrs. Wanamaker's
father, Thomas Deaton, is one of the oldest living settlers in this
neighborhood, having come here in 1820, and settled within the limits of what is
now Morgan Co., and still resides at the old homestead. This union has been
blessed by three children: Mary E., born July 16, 1869; Howard, May, 18, 1873;
and Anna, Oct. 12, 1874. Mr. Wanamaker enlisted in Co. H, 33d Wis. V.I., on Aug.
12, 1862, and served in the siege of Vicksburg, battles of Jackson, Nashville,
and various other engagements: was discharged June 30, 1865. Mr. W. devoted his
earlier years of industry to agricultural pursuits, and has held his present
position for five years.
WANING, FRANCIS L.,
ditcher and tile drainer, Orleans, P.O. Orleans. Was born in Ohio in 1843, and
came to this county in 1874. Has been very successful in tile draining of
land.
WATERS, WM. C. farmer and stock raiser,
Sec. 3, Macoupin Co., P.O. Waverly; Mr. Waters, now a resident of Macoupin Co.,
but contemporary with the early settlements of Morgan, was born in Casey Co.,
Kentucky, March 6, 1825; the oldest son of Zachariah and Elizabeth, whose maiden
name was Canaday; during the autumn of this year Zachariah determined to locate
in the West, where the buffalo still remained comparatively undisturbed, and the
North American Indians were a numerous people; after weeks of travel, he settled
in Morgan Co., Illinois, on the Mauvaisterre, where now stands the residence of
Judge Woods; here was spent the youthful days of young Waters, where he received
a subscription schooling, consisting of a course of reading, writing, and
arithmetic; to illustrate the simplicity of construction of these schools, we
will here narrate a few facts; entering the schoolroom, the scholars seated
themselves on rude wooden benches, while the teacher, a dignified man, moved
around like a fire-marshal on dress parade, the shutters, a novelty in their
way, were manufactured from clapboards, and swung to and fro on wooden hinges;
the teacher's desk was an ancient affair, made of slabs, and would look out of
place in our modern school rooms; in 1845 Mr. Waters married Miss Keziah
Brulton, a daughter of Wm. And Rebecca Brulton natives of Kentucky; the capital
of Mr. W. at this time was small, but he set resolutely to work to clear away
the timber, two years later he moved to Macoupin, where he has since resided,
owning a tract of 272 acres, and among the most successful farmers of that
county; in 1853 Mrs. Waters died; two children, born of this marriage, are not
living; in 1854 he married Miss Martha Moore; seven children, five of whom are
living: Zillford C., Wm. D., Mary F. Palmer and Wealthy; Mrs. Waters died in
1864; June 13, 1866, married Miss Eliza Devenport, daughter of Wm. Devenport; by
this marriage one child, not living.
WATSON
THEODORE, retired, Waverly; was born August 27, 1814, in Hartford County,
Conn., settled in Waverly in 1839; was married to Miss Sophia Clapp in the year
1840; she died Nov. 24, 1854; married again in the fall of 1855, to Mrs. Abbie
Clawson; politics rep; religion Episcopalian
WEATHERFORD, JAMES H. deceased, a farmer in the bounds of
Morgan Co. during life; was born in Memphis, Tenn., Feb. 16, 1820; two years
later his parents moved to Morgan Co., and located on the property now owned by
George Criswell; for some time, until he raised a crop, he lived a camp life; no
sooner was the crop gathered, however, than a log cabin reared its front on the
prairie, and it is quite probable the family lived in this dwelling many a year.
Mr. W. was a well educated man and possessed of great force of character, a
prominent man; in his day he held numerous offices, and subsequently he became a
colonel in the Mexican war; his oldest son, James, who heads this sketch, also
went to the scene of warfare at the same time, in the capacity of first
lieutenant; both father and son engaged in the battle of Buena Vista. After the
war they were honorably discharged and returned to Morgan Co where James died
shortly after; his father removing to Texas, did not long survive him. Mrs.
Weatherford, from whom this sketch is obtained, is now residing on her farm
property, a lady of culture; she was born in North Carolina, Person Co., and
married her husband in 1840; by this marriage three children, only one now
living, Elizabeth, who married John Seymour.
WEATHERFORD, Jonas, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 29, P.O.
Waverly; the subject of this sketch was born in Franklin, Morgan Co., July 3,
1844, second child of John and Melinda Weatherford, natives of Kentucky, who
settled in Illinois when railroads were scarcely known in the West, and
steamboats seldom seen on the western waters. The father of Jonas was unmarried
when he arrived in Morgan County, but shortly after his settlement he was united
in marriage to Miss Melinda McDonald; starting in to the hard work that became a
matter of necessity, he toiled early and late, while the years rolled rapidly
onward, and his family grew up around him; removing to Missouri and remaining
four years, the head of the family then moved to Sangamon County, where himself
and wife now live; Jonas passed the greater portion of his life in Morgan
County; at 18 he entered the service of Uncle Sam, Co. H, 101st Illinois
Infantry, for three years' service; in some of the more noted engagements of the
war; his arm was badly shattered by a minnie ball at Dallas, Ga., which
incapacitated him from service for some time; after the war closed, Mr. W.
returned to Morgan County, where he has since followed farming: on the 13th of
September, 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Wright, a daughter of
Thomas and Jane Wright, whose biography will be found elsewhere; two children
blessed this union, Ernest and Edward; Mr. W. now resides on his farm property,
comprising 40 acres.
WELCH, LAWRENCE, farmer,
Sec. 26, P.O. Jacksonville. Mr. Welch was born in Tipperary, Ireland, in 1835;
when seventeen years old, he emigrated to America and first settled in New
Jersey; there he lived five years, and then moved to Morgan County, settling
nine miles south of Jacksonville. At the first call for volunteers, he enlisted
in Co. G, Jacksonville Vols., for three months' service, but remained two years,
under the command of Captain Woods, of Jacksonville; on being honorably
discharged at Cairo, Ill., he returned to Jacksonville; in 1865, he was married
to Miss Bridget O'Donnell, daughter of Richard O'Donnell, a native of Ireland.
Since the close of the rebellion, Mr. Welch has devoted his time to farming, in
which he is very successful.
WELCH, RICHARD,
farmer, Sec. 18, P.O. Chapin, third son of James Welch, born in Scott Co., Dec.
2, 1856; removed to Morgan Co. 1876; was married March 31, 1876, to Jennie,
daughter of Alfred and Mary Ann Slagle, who are among the oldest settlers of
Scott Co., born Oct. 18, 1855. This union has been blessed by one child; Mary
Lizzie, born Jan. 22, 1877.
WELLER, SAMUEL,
farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 11, P.O. Waverly. Mr. Weller was born in Logan
Co., Ky., Aug. 26, 1821. Educated in district schools, at 16 he became
apprenticed to the trade of a tailor; serving his time, he became a journeyman,
and the proprietor of an establishment for the transaction of general tailoring
business. In 1845 he married Miss Elizabeth A. Lyndsey, a daughter of Samuel and
Jane Lyndsey, natives of Kentucky. In 1852 Mr. Weller settled in Morgan Co.,
Ill., in the vicinity of Waverly, where he has resided since his removal to the
county, renting property the first few years. In a few years he became the owner
of sixty-four acres near the city of Waverly. The marriage was blessed with
eleven children, nine living: Samuel, born 1847; Elizabeth, born Nov. 4, 1848;
Joseph M., Sept. 4, 1850; James T., June 29, 1853; John H., April 10, 1855;
William F., May 24, 1857; Mittie, Aug. 10, 1860; George E., April 13, 1862;
Clara A. July 13, 1864
WELLS, JOSEPH H.,
farmer, Sec. 31, P.O. Murrayville, son of Joseph and Sarah, whose maiden name
was Nettleship. In Nottinghamshire, Eng., young W. was born; when two years old,
the family crossed the ocean for America, and settled in Lake Co., Ill., and
there entered land from the government. Joseph received his education in
district schools; at eighteen, he became apprenticed to a stone mason, and
served three years; during the Crimean war he went to England; on his return to
America he settled in Jacksonville, and there married, Nov. 4, 1860, Elizabeth
Davis, daughter of William and Catherine. Mr. W. first worked at his trade in
Jacksonville, and for seven years was on the police force there; in after years,
as plasterer, stone mason and contractor, he was quite successful. Sept. 19,
1875, his wife passed off the stage of life, leaving three children: William,
Ellsworth, and Harry. Mr. W. at present time owns 120 acres.
WHALEN, HENRY H., blacksmith, P.O. Murrayville. The father
of Mr. Whalen was born at New River, Va., his occupation was that of blacksmith
and farming; during the stormy days of Jackson's war in 1814, he enlisted, but
did not go to the scene of conflict; he died in Warren Co., Kentucky, aged 66
years; the mother died more than thirty-five years ago at the above place. The
subject of this notice was born Dec. 9, 1814, in Warren Co., Kentucky. His
attendance and study of Webster would not make him rank as a linguist, but was
endowed by his Creator with a well balanced intellect, hence his success in
life. He cast his fortunes with Miss Sarah, daughter of John Jones, the marriage
occurred in March, 1834. In 1836 he moved with his family to Miller Co.,
Missouri, and there farmed. In 1844, moved and identified his fortunes with the
people of Scott Co., this State, settling near Glasgow, and it was here that Mr.
Whalen's enterprising genius cropped out, by purchasing a blacksmith outfit and
opening up a "village smithy." Having never served an apprenticeship in the
forge, Henry was often perplexed in his new line of business, but, by close
application and keen observations in other shops, was soon a master of his
trade. In 1854, moved and settled in Winchester, Scott Co.; lived there sixteen
months. In 1856 moved and bought a small farm of forty acres in Sec. 18, Morgan
Co.; when the town of Murrayville was laid out, moved and built the third
residence in that little hamlet, and before many moons erected a blacksmith
shop; the work was done by R.T. Seavers. Mr. Whalen was the first to break the
monotony of life by the cheerful ring from his anvil. In a few years he added a
paint and wagon shop, with a spacious hall for public meetings, and the first
Masonic meeting was organized in that hall. By his first marriage has had six
children; all died in their juvenile years except America Jane, who lived until
her majority, and died of typhus fever; was married second time in 1855 to Mrs.
Minerva Buck. Mr. Walen is an old time Whig, and an uncompromising Republican; a
good citizen, and well respected by a large circle of friends.
WHITLOCK, ALEXANDER, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 5, P.O.
Franklin. The above-named gentleman was born in Washington Co., Tenn., in 1840.
His father, Johnson Whitlock, was also a native of Tennessee, who married in
1839 Miss Rebecca Wheeler, a daughter of Jessie J. and Charity Wheeler by whom
he had nine children: Amasa who died in the army; John, who married Miss Martha
Woods; Elizabeth, who married Chamberlain Belk; Minerva, who married George
Bonds; Mary, who married James Manly; Eveline, unmarried; George, who married
Sylvanus Taylor, and Orletha, who married Willis Burch. Alexander, in his
twelfth year, 1852, accompanied his parents to Illinois, and located on arrival
near Waverly, where he attended during his early years a district school. June
15, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary C. Bowyer, a daughter of James E. Bowyer.
By this marriage six children: William T., George B., Freddie E. (not living),
James O., Jessie M., and Wealthy. In 1861, Mr. Wheeler enlisted in Co. I, 14th
Ill. Infantry. On account of general disability, at the end of three months'
service, he was honorably discharged, but on regaining his health, he
re-enlisted in Co. G, 101st Regt. Ill. Infantry, on Sept. 2, 1862. A participant
in one marine engagement. Honorably discharged in 1863, he returned to Morgan
Co., where he now follows farming.
WHITLOCK,
S. school teacher, Sec. 7, P.O. Murrayville. There is perhaps but few
names connected with the history of the settlement of this county better known
than Thos. Whitlock, the father of the gentleman at the head of this history,
who was a contemporary settler with the Shepherds, Storys, and Wrights as early
as 1823, nearly a year prior to the location of now the "Athens of the West."
During his early years, the subject of this sketch had the advantage of
acquiring a good practical education; when arrived at the age of man's estate,
he was united in marriage to Miss Polly Anne Kennedy, daughter of William
Kennedy, the first schoolmaster known here to the western wilds; they have a
nice family of interesting children. Mr. Whitlock has successfully taught many
terms as a worthy school teacher, receiving the highest salary; is an erudite
scholar and a practical demonstrator of the profession of inculcating the young
mind with that knowledge which is pre-requisite to a good citizen and a
gentleman. Mrs. Whitlock is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and from girlhood to the present, has been a devout Christian, and was often
caressed by the fatherly hand of good old Peter Cartwright.
WHITLOCK, MARY MRS. wid. John Whitlock, born in North
Carolina in 1799; parents were Lewis and Ali; when ten years old, her parents
moved to Kentucky; in 1821, was united in marriage to John; in 1828, Mr.
Whitlock with wife and children settled in Morgan County, some four miles from
what is now the city of Jacksonville. Mr. W. was then but twenty-one, of a
strong, hardy disposition, possessed of great energy, that carried him
successfully over every obstacle, and as the years rolled by and old age came on
at a good round pace, he found himself the possessor of a fine property; when he
came to the county he had but $50 in money and a team and wagon. To follow the
details of his successful career, would be superfluous. Jan. 29, 1871, he passed
peacefully away, and was laid at rest in the cemetery known as Sheppard's; at
time of decease owned some 800 acres. Mrs. W., whose name appears at the head of
this biography, is now upward of eighty, still vigorous, with a sufficiency of
this world's goods; children: Rosan, Emily, Herbert G., Minerva, Samantha, Mary,
and Della; deceased: John and Ali; Della married Joseph Harper, and at this
writing they are living with Mrs. Whitlock.
WHORTON,
JOSEPH W. retired, P.O. Concord; born in Nicholas Co., Ky., Jan. 19,
1826; married March 20, 1852, to Miss Ruthana Patterson, born in Clark Co., Pa.,
Oct. 24, 1831; had two children: John A., born June 6, 1853 - is living; came to
Morgan County in 1830; they had to live in a little cabin, sixteen feet square,
with his uncle's family that winter, on account of the fearful snow, his father
not being able to build a cabin; he was farming up to 1854, then keeping the
Union hotel at Bethel; in 1853, he was elected constable on the old-line Whig
ticket, and served till 1861, when he resigned; in 1856, he rented his hotel. He
enlisted Aug. 11, 1862, in the 101st Ill. Regt., Co. B; at Cairo he was detailed
to the hospital, and acted as wardmaster-general for one year; went with his
regiment to Chattanooga latter part of 1863, wintering at Bridgeport, Ala., till
May; was in the spring campaign under Sherman and wounded in the second
engagement at Resaca in three places, left arm, right side and left thigh, May
14, 1864, losing the use of the arm; discharged Oct. 14, 1864; came back here
and elected justice of the peace that fall, and held the office for thirteen
years; this fall he resigned, retiring to a private life. He drove every stake
in the survey of Concord, taking a lively interest in its welfare.
WIDENHAM, J. C., (picture)
dentist, Gallaher's Block, rooms 3 and 6. Dr. W. was born April 7th, 1852, in
Peoria, Illinois, where he resided until he attained his majority. He began the
study of dentistry in 1868; completed his education and began the practice of
his profession in 1870; practiced in his native city until 1874, when he removed
to Jacksonville and began the practice of his profession in that city; he has
been closely attentive to his business, and has established an extensive
practice; he is a member of the Peoria local and State Dental Society; his
office is supplied with all the necessary appliances known to the profession;
the operating rooms are separated from the reception rooms, and every
convenience is offered to those desiring his professional services; especial
attention is given to the preservation of the natural teeth and their filling;
his plate work included artificial teeth made on any base; mineral, whalebone,
celluloid, gold, or silver. Those in want of good work, neatly and accurately
executed, will do well to call and see Dr. Widenham. Wm. Widenham and Charlotte
Henrietta Benden, the parents of Dr. Widenham, were married in St. Martin's
church, on the corner of St. Martin's lane and Temple Bar, London, England, in
December, 1836; they came to this country in 1838, and settled in Peoria, Ill.
Dr. Widenham's father was born in Ireland, Jan. 1st, 1809; his mother in England
in 1819; his father went to England at the age of 13 years, and was raised
there; he was a watchmaker; he and his brother had quite an extensive
establishment in London; many of the watches manufactured by said firm were sold
in New York, where they had an agency years before he came to this country. The
family are descendants from Widenham Castle, 18 miles form Cork, Ireland. The
old castle is still standing. They have ten children, of whom the following only
are living: John C. Widenham, dentist, in Jacksonville; Wm. W., Jr., carpet
store, Peoria, Ill.; Miss Lizzie W., Peoria, Ill., and Margaret W. (now Mrs.
James M. Hadley) of Peoria, Ill.
WILD, SAMUEL,
farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 14, P.O. Murrayville. The family of which our
subject is a member, were of a noble family of Britons, and were for many
generations natives of Lancashire, England; the gentleman at the head of this
sketch, is the son of John Wild; the father died in Lancashire, when Mr. Wild
was very young, hence he had to strike out on his "own hook," and make the
acquaintance of a cold world, by working in a cotton factory; followed this
occupation for many years, and at the time of his leaving old England, was an
overlooker; after a very stormy voyage, landed at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
Jan. 26, 1848, moved thence to Chester, Pennsylvania, and there found employment
as boss in a cotton factory, stayed there seven years, then struck for the
prairies of Illinois, landed at Jacksonville, in April, 1855, and for fifteen
years was a good citizen of the "young Athens," worked at various employments,
such as house-moving, sinking wells, and at times doing odd jobs of carpenter
work; met the lady who was to be his bosom companion, and was married in the
Fall of 1857, to Mrs. Mary Clay, daughter of James Taylor, at Naples, by 'Squire
Keener; have had five children: John, Emma, Samuel, Sarah, and Anna, the last
named child, died in infancy; in 1871 became an agriculturist, purchased a neat
farm of 80 acres of fertile land, from Phillip Day, and during the years since
he became a farmer, he has improved the little farm, until it is a model home,
having many adornments, such as money and good taste could devise, is a good
citizen, enjoys many friends and no enemies.
WILKINSON, R. M., farmer, Sec. 4, P.O. Jacksonville, born
in Morgan co., in 1846; married in 1864, to Miss Louise Gibbons, born in this
county. Have four children: Mary F., William, Ardena, and Anna
WILLIAMS, ALFRED, farmer and stock raiser, Sec I, P.O.
Chapin. Born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Jan. 9, 1822; married May 22, 1851, to
Esther A. P. Bean, born in town Readfield, Kennebeck Co., Maine. Have two
children, both born in this township: Joseph B., Aug. 1, 1853; Arthur C., Jan.
12, 1862. Julius S., born April 14, 1852, died Jan. 24, 1856; Alfred S., born
March 10, 1857, died July 7, 1859. Mr. A. Williams left New York in 1837, coming
to this county with his uncle, Seth Witherbee, and attended school in
Jacksonville about five months, then went to Springfield, remaining one year,
helping his uncle at black smithing; leaving Springfield, he went with his uncle
to the farm called Chapin farm. Shortly after, he started into threshing for the
neighbors, he being the only at that time in the county who had the running of
machines, except the party who introduced the machine, and paid somewhere near
$1,200 for the county right. At the age of twenty-five years he took a vacation
of six months going East to visit his folks; returning he bought an interest in
the carding and clothing works of Edward March; remained in this business two
years, then bought his present farm in 1847; has lived here since. When Mr.
Williams first came here the county was wild and unbroken, and he often hunted
up cattle on horseback. He helped break up prairie soil with horses, on the
present site of the village of Chapin. On the first passenger train of the T. W.
& W., Mr. Williams was a passenger. Himself and wife are members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, situated just a quarter section north of his
residence. The congregation is composed of the well-to-do farmers in Mr.
Williams; neighborhood. He now holds the office of trustee of the church. His
father, Joseph was born in Bridport, Vermont; he was about eighty years old in
1877, and is now living in Fulton, Whiteside Co., Ill. His mother was Hannah
Johnson before marriage, born in Bridport, Vermont; is a few months older than
her husband. A few years ago she was sick, not expecting recovery, the entire
family met at her bedside; this, the meeting of all the family in one place, had
not occurred for over forty years; she recovered, and is still living. Mrs. A.
Williams; father is Joshua Bean, born in Readfield, Kennebeck Co., Maine, about
1794, now living at Chelsea, Mass., fifteen minutes ride from Boston, going
north. His wife was Abigail Pierce, born in Westbrook, Maine, died Aug. 31,
1876; was about eighty-four years old at her death. The children of this family,
now living, are: Angeline, born Sept, 1818, married Samuel Higgins, now living
in Wellfleet, Mass.; Esther A. P., wife of A. Williams, subject of this sketch;
Joseph P., born Sept, 1830, married Ellen P. Pratt; Albina L., born about Dec.
1834. Mr. Alfred Williams; fathers family consisted of the following children
now living: Maria, born, Aug. 25, 1819, married Milo Jones, living at Fulton,
Ill.; Sanford, born Jan. 2, 1824, married Laura Marshall, living at Kewanee,
Henry Co., Ill; Marion, married Reuben Myers now living in Morrison, Whiteside
Co., Ill.; Amasa, married, living in Michigan; Linas, married Elzina Williams,
living in Whiteside Co., Ill., Unionville township; and Alfred, subject of this
sketch.
WILLIAMS, BARNETT, farmer and stock
raiser, Sec. 16, P. O. Youngblood. The above affable gentleman was the sixth
child of Reese and Nancy C. Williams, natives of Virginia, who removed to
Kentucky in an early day, settling in Shelby County, where Mrs. Williams passed
off the stage of life, leaving to her husband's care nine children; Barnett was
born in 1831; three years later the Williams family set out for Illinois, and
first located in Sangamon County, Old Berlin, shortly after moving to Morgan
County, where the old people lived many years, and where the subject of this
sketch married Miss Lucinda VanWinkle; by this union three children: Lillie B.,
born June 15, 1856; Mary E., born June 13, 1858; Adelia, born April 3, 1862;
Mrs. Williams died Jan. 11, 18963, and the following year Mr. W. united his
fortunes to Miss Julia M. Pogue, who died Jan. 19, 1876; on the 22d of February,
1878, Mr. W. was married to Miss Ann Wilkinson, a daughter of John Wilkinson,
who is well remembered by the early pioneers of this county; at the present time
Mr. Williams resides on his farm property; a courteous gentleman, he has many
friends.
WILLIAMS, Elias, farmer and
stock-raiser, Sec. 4, P.O. Murrayville, son of Josiah and Sarah A. Williams,
natives of Kentucky. The father of Elias emigrated to Indiana in 1820, thence
moved and cast his lot with the early settlers of Illinois in 1822, hence was
one of the few whose life is a part of the history of the early settlement of
the Northwest, and died Oct. 14, 1864, aged 56 years. Elias was born March 16,
1836, in Sec. 25, T. 15, R. 12, Scott Co., Ill.; when in his sixth year first
visited the log school house, then under the management of a good old Yankee. In
the Winter of 1853-4 attended Jacksonville Western District School, then under
the argus eye of that genius of learning, Hon. Newton Bateman; in 1855-6 placed
his growing faculties under the training of Prof. Turner, in Illinois College;
having thus gained a good English education, turned his energies to the work on
his father's estate. In 1857, moved to Iowa; continued westward in company with
his uncle to Kansas, taking with them a load of flour, and soon returned to the
homestead; during the fall of his return made rails, and accompanied his
brother-in-law, Rev. P. N. Minear, in the work of camp meetings. In 1859, in
company with John Isom and William Campbell, visited McDonough Co. Dec. 21st was
married to Miss Anne J. Bane, daughter of George and Mary Bane; lived in
McDonough Co. until the Spring of 1861; moved and settled on the "old Shepherd"
farm, south of Jacksonville. After the death of his father at Merritt, Scott,
Mr. W. sold out and moved on his father's estate; here he was prostrated with
typhoid fever, and for three months his life was in jeopardy. In 1867 he joined
interests with his brother-in-law, P. N. Minear, and bought out the shares of
the heirs; in 1870 bought and shipped cattle and grain, which business soon left
him penniless; the crisis coming on him in 1875, gave up farming in '76, and
moved to Merritt, thence to Kansas, and took up a claim of 160 acres; but just
then a dispatch summoned him to the death bed of his wife, which occurred April
21, 1876, leaving to his care six children: George B., born Sept. 24, 1860;
Charles H., Dec. 4, 1862; henry C., July 15, 1866; Rosalie, oct. 9, 1868; Lillie
M., July 5, 1871; Mary G., Aug. 13, 1873. After the death of his wife, his aged
mother looked and cared for her little grandchildren. Now his sister-in-law,
Rhoda J. Bane, is doing the good part of mother and aunt. Mr. W. is a good
farmer, and has no enemies.
WILLIAMS, J. W.
teacher, Sec. 3, P.O. Prentice. Was born in Virginia in 1833. Came to Macoupin
County in 1835 and to this county in 1867. Has been teaching since he was 18
years old.
WILLIAMS, UEL, farmer and stock
raiser, Sec. 0, P.O. Chapin, born in Addison Co., Bridport, Vermont, April 12,
1808; married Dec. 15, 1831, to Elizabeth M. Lee, born in same place, May 11,
1813. Have three children living; Elzina, born March 30, 1833, married L.
Williams, living in Whiteside Co., Ill., near Morrison; Harriet J., born May 7,
1843, married William Markham, and have three children living; Effie, aged
eight; Thomas aged five; Emma, aged three. Charles C., born Nov. 5, 1849; Mary
E., deceased, was wife of Oliver Hatfield, leaving three children: Walter R.,
Cora G., Minnie, they are living in Pike Co., Ill. Mr. Williams came to this
county by wagon, together with six others, all the way from Vermont, being six
weeks on the road, landing at Jacksonville, Sept. 26, 1834, where he remained a
few months. Lived in present village of Lynnville seven years, then moved to
this farm, and has lived here ever since; has been a farmer his entire life. He
remembers when the T. W. & W. R.R. was first built; this was when he moved
on his farm. He owns 110 acres, value about $75 an acre; owns twenty acres in
Missouri, value about $15 an acre. In politics he has always been
Republican.
WILLSON, NANCY MRS., farmer, Sec.
6, wife of S.M. Wilson (deceased), born in Kentucky, 1834; married in 1856; Mr.
Wilson was born in Maryland, 1826; settled in Morgan Co. in 1851. Have two
children: Sarah Ann, and Lewis N.; owns 40 acres, valued at $2,500.
WILSON, JOHN M., farmer, Sec. 17, P.O. Arcadia; he was born
in Gallatin Co., Ky., Jan. 14, 1815, and came with his father to Morgan Co., in
1823; unmarried; his father, James Wilson was born in Pennsylvania Oct. 23,
1772, and died Aug. 24, 1858; he married Bridget Custer May 3, 1796; she was
born in Virginia, Dec. 1775, and died May 8, 1851; they raised twelve children,
five of whom are still living.
WILSON, JOHN
WM., laborer,, Sec. 20, P.O. Jacksonville, born in Missouri in 1843, and
removed to Illinois in 1863, settling in Morgan Co.; married April 28, 1869, to
Martha, daughter of Bartley and Mary Price, of Springfield, Ill., born Jan. 14,
1841. This union has been blessed by four children, viz.: William, born Aug. 3,
1869; Charles, Nov. 27, 1871; Eugene, Feb. 20, 1873; Elone, July 29, 1877. In
1860, Martha Price (now Mrs. Wilson) accompanied her uncle to Liberia, where she
remained seven years. Mrs. Mary Shelby, grandmother of Mrs. W., was born at
Baltimore, April 15, 1801; she came to Springfield before Illinois was admitted
to the Union; is one of the earliest living settlers in the neighborhood, and
relates many incidents of the early settlement, when this country was chiefly in
the hands of the Indians; this lady still lives with her
granddaughter.
WINTER, DAVID, farmer and stock
raiser, Sec. 16, P.O. Jacksonville; was the son of William and Mary Winter. He
was born in Yorkshire, Eng., May 13, 1825; his father was a brick and tile make,
and at this occupation the boy worked for a considerable length of time. Sept.
10, 1850, he stepped on board the sailing vessel Liverpool, bound for America,
and in due time arrived in New York city; shortly after, he went to
Pennsylvania, where he resided but a short time, and then proceeded to Morgan
County; he first worked by the month, at $13 per month; in 1858, he was united
in marriage to Miss Nancy Redding. Mr. W., on his arrival in America, had no
capital, but was possessed of a strong constitution and a vigorous will, that
carried him successfully over every obstacle, and in time he acquired a fine
property; he is now the owner of 250 acres of choice land, and is very
successful as a farmer; children are: William T., John D., James E., Mary,
Isabel, Dorotha Ann, George W., Lewellyn, Charles H., and Sarah J.
WOLCOTT, ELIZUR, superintendent waterworks, office at city
offices, residence 700 W. College av.; was born in East Windsor, Connecticut,
Aug. 7, 1817; came to Jacksonville in the Fall of 1830; was connected with the
Wabash railroad for some ten years, occupying the position of roadmaster; he has
been a member of both the city council and Board of Education, of this city; was
secretary of the first Board of Water Commissioners, and Superintendent of
construction of the works; was married July 15, 1846, to Miss Martha L. Dwight,
of Westmoreland, New Hampshire; they have two daughters, living; and two sons
deceased.
WOOD, JAS. W. farmer and stock
raiser, Sec. 26, P.O. Waverly. Mr. Wood was born in Jacksonville, Aug. 2, 1840,
second child of Wheatly and Elizabeth Wood; the father of James was a native of
England, born near Sykehouse, July 22, 1798; the subject of this notice passed
many years of his life on the homestead property, and received a moderate
education, in a log cabin in the boundary of Macoupin County; in July, 1874, Mr.
Wood was married to Nancy E. Hart, daughter of John and Martha Hart, who were
among the first to settle in Illinois; two children blessed this union: Lewana,
born May 29, 1875; Mary F., born Feb. 17, 1877; Mr. Wood is the owner of 220
acres of land, that will compare favorably with any in the West.
WOOD, JOHN W. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 36, P.O.
Waverly; third child of Wheatly and Elizabeth Wood, and was born in 1842; the
head of the family, an Englishman by birth, crossed the ocean in 1838, coming
direct to Morgan County, and settling in Jacksonville, and there married his
wife, a native of Georgia, and whose maiden name was Lincoln; Wheatly Wood was
for a number of years a farmer in Macoupin and Morgan Counties, and also became
proprietor of a brick yard in Jacksonville; he died in 1873, leaving an estate
of 200 acres, acquired by great industry; there are four children living: Martha
Ann, who married, first John H. Dennis, who departed this life, Mrs. Dennis
afterward marrying Reuben Jones; Jas. W., who married Elizabeth Hart; Sarah, who
married Jas. Arnold; and John W., who heads this sketch, married Miss Mary
Hughes; by this marriage three children, two of whom are living, Eugene and
Harriet in 1862, when the 101st Regiment was organized, Mr. Wood became enrolled
as a volunteer in Co. H, for three years' service, or during the war, and took
an active part in numerous battles; on the close of the war he was honorably
discharged, and returned to this county, where he has since resided; owns 67
acres.
WOOD, SAMUEL, JUDGE, farmer and stock
raiser, Sec. 16, P.O. Pisgah; he was the oldest son of a family of nine
children; he was born in Madison County, Kentucky, October 16, 1813; his parents
moved from Virginia to Kentucky as early as 1810; the trip was made overland;
the household goods were packed on horses; after sone weeks of travel the little
party reached the Blue Grass State, locating near Richmond; there they purchased
land, and set about the hard task of clearing timber; they built a log cabin;
the floors were made of split puncheon, the chimneys were made of sticks and
mud; the prospect was gloomy indeed; but Richard Wood seems to have been the
right man in the right place; among the many hardy pioneers perhaps none could
be found who worked harder than he, to procure the necessaries of life; in 1826,
they set out for Illinois; they first settled in Madison County, on silver
Creek; here the family were attacked by bilious fever, which resulted in the
death of the wife, who had shared with him innumerable hardships, and three
children, Elizabeth, Martha, and Richard; the first school Samuel attended was
taught by Rice Duncan; the school house was a log structure, where no floor was
laid down, and no window panes interfered, but the ventilation was abundant;
here the scholars were instructed in Webster's spelling book and the New
Testament; when these were thoroughly understood their education was completed;
before the deep snow set in Samuel had taken his last look at Webster, and now
the hard work of the farm commenced; in his thirteenth year his parents moved to
Morgan County; at the early age of nineteen he married Mrs. Martha Smith, relict
of Harvey Smith, who perished during the winter of the deep snow; the occurrence
is vividly impressed on the memory of many old settlers still living; at this
time he did not have a capital of $100, and moved into a rough cabin where th
door swung to and fro on wooden hinges, the bed was a one legged affair, and the
table manufactured of puncheons; for eight years the young couple lived happily
together in this rough backwoods style, and then built a more elegant affair of
hewn logs; both buildings have long since gone to decay, but they stood in the
vicinity of where now stands Judge Wood's large and handsome residence; amid the
surroundings of pioneer life, young Wood grew up with a vigorous constitution;
how he became so successful in after years may be summed up in a few words - hf
he had anything to do he wasted no time, but attended to it; he did not believe
in sending a boy to mill when he could go himself; from the little log cabin and
the little patch of ground containing but a few acres, the pioneer boy of forty
years ago, has got together over 3,000 acres in one of the most fertile
counti8es in Illinois; during the Mormon war of 1848, he was elected captain by
the soldiers, and commissioned by Gov. Ford; for four years he was County Judge;
in 1874 he was elected to legislature, 29th General Assembly; he served in this
capacity but one year, as there was but one session; Judge Wood is an extensive
cattle buyer; he handles on an average of 800 head of cattle; his facilities for
grazing are unsurpassed. Although wealth and prosperity attended the efforts of
Mr. Wood, his liberality and kindness of heart are well known; no man today,
perhaps. Stands higher in the estimation of the people of Morgan Co. than the
gentleman whose name heads this sketch.
WOOD,
WILLIAM, farmer, P.O. Concord; born Lancashire, Eng., March 14, 1840;
married Sept. 4, 1866, to Miss Margaret J. Sims, born Morgan County, Jan. 29,
1843; have five children; James Cornelius, born June 23, 1867; Lucy Ann, March
31, 1869; Arthur, Dec. 6, 1872; Harry Clifford, Feb. 17, 1873; Robert Vivian,
Sept. 6, 1875. His parents came to this country in 1842, settling in Cass
County; he was raised on the line of Cass and Morgan. In 1858, he left his
parents, coming to this county; buying and selling horses till the war broke
out; he enlisted, Aug. 1, 1861, in the 1st Regt. Mo. Cavalry, Co. I.; was
private in his company six months, then was detailed as battalion wagonmaster;
was also detailed in the U.S. detective service; he remained in the army till
the war closed, and since which time has been living in Concord.
WOODS, JAMES J., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 35, P.O.
Waverly; oldest son of M. F. and Sarah Y. Woods. He was born in Morgan County,
Nov. 29, 1857; the father of James, M. F. Woods, is one of the early settlers of
Morgan Co., a stirring business man, who, for a number of years was a merchant
in Waverly. James went through the usual routine of farm work, and the usual
course of study in a district school; at 22 he became the owner of 160 acres of
valuable land; Jan. 5, 1870, he was married to Miss Mary E. Luttrell, a daughter
of Hiram and Sarah Luttrell. Two children: Charles C., born Aug. 12, 1874, J.
J., born May 12, 1877.
WOODS, SAMUEL C.,
farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 26, P.O. Waverly. The subject of this sketch was
the fourth son of Michael and Martha Woods, natives of Kentucky, where Samuel
was born July 2, 1816; receiving a liberal education, at 21, possessed of an
enterprising spirit, he concluded to follow the fortunes of the old pioneers to
the western prairies, and in company with a party of emigrants he set out on
horseback. Crossing the Ohio on a flatboat, he wended his way to Illinois,
settling in the vicinity of Waverly, Morgan County, where he first worked by the
month for William Woods, an uncle, for some six months, attending school the
balance of the year. For M. F. Woods, a brother and merchant at Waverly, he
worked some two years, and then branched off for himself, turning his attention
to agriculture. July, 1849, he married Miss Maria Branson of Sangamon County, a
daughter of John and Mary Branson; one child, Maria Isabel, who married Platt S.
Carter, Jr., of Sangamon County, Aug. 5, 1875. Mrs. Woods departed this life and
was laid to rest in the cemetery of Waverly Jan., 1877. He married Mrs. Mary E.
Jackson, of Audrian County, Mo., relict of W. G. Jackson of Boone County, an
estimable man, whose death occurred Oct. 28, 1869. He was the son of Col.
Francis F. Jackson of Clark County, Ky., Mrs. Jackson, now Mrs. Woods, was born
near Lexington, Ky., March, 1827; her parents natives of Kentucky, and Maryland,
the father a man of influence and wealth; in 1852, the partner of his joys and
sorrows was laid at rest; in 1867, the husband also passed to his reward; a man
of sociable and generous disposition, he was regretted by a large circle of
friends. Following the fortunes of Mr. Woods, for many years after his first
marriage, he became engaged as a merchant at Waverly; retiring from this in
1857, he purchased a farm of 180 acres, the property he now owns, and which he
has brought to a high state of cultivation.
WOODS,
WM. C. farmer, Sec. 6, P.O. Franklin; son of Sterling and Elizabeth. As
early as 1828, they removed from Kentucky to Illinois, settling in Morgan Co.,
where Wm. C. was born in 1831. The country was then new, and the emigrant
frequently went fifteen miles to horsemill. At times a numerous party would meet
at these mills, where they would remain all night, parching corn, cracking
jokes, and having a good time generally, for they were a whole - souled,
sociable people. Wm. attended a log school house, the furniture of this school
was of the rudest kind, some benches being in use and awkwardly constructed, and
the first teacher was Joel Heddington. Dec. 28, 1859. Mr. Woods was married to
Celestine Boulware, daughter of Philip and Nancy, pioneers of Morgan Co. Eight
children blessed this union: Minerva, wife of Leander A. Colwell, Robert, James
P., Mary, Clara, George, Nora, and Margaret. Mr. Woods owns 160 acres of well
improved lands, is a good farmer and successful trader. The father, in 1849,
moved to Macoupin Co., where he now resides, who, in his younger days, was a
very sterling, energetic man
WOOTON, ALFRED,
farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 14, P.O. Franklin; parents of Alfred were John and
Ann Wooton, natives of Hastings, Sussex, England; John the father, was a tailor
by trade, who lived in very comfortable circumstances, and who gave his children
the advantages of a good education; Alfred, possessed of energy and daring, at
the early age of fourteen, shipped on board a merchant vessel, bound for Central
America and the West Indies; for eight years he sailed the waters of the broad
Atlantic; on leaving the vocation he had followed so many years, he proceeded to
Canada, thence to England; the year 1868 found him en route for America, on
board the steamship Colorado; landing in New York, he from there made his way to
Morgan County, where he first became employed by the month, for Mrs. Jacob
Strawn, there he formed the acquaintance and married Miss Ruth A. Wilburn, a
daughter of John Wilburn, a native of England; three children, John, Albert, and
Jacob S.; Mr. Wooton owns forty acres in township 13, range 9.
WRIGHT BROS., dealers in general merchandise, drugs, oils,
paints, varnishes, etc., etc. The firm first became established in business in
the Spring of 1875; both members of the firm were born in Morgan Co.; A. H., the
elder member, was born Oct. 3, 1844, received his preliminary education in
district schools, which was afterward completed in the Jacksonville High School,
there becoming proficient in the rudiments of bookkeeping; for some years
followed farming; April 6, 1871, married Miss Mary Poling, granddaughter of
James Langley and daughter of Wyckoff Poling; moved to Franklin in 1871. B. F.
Wright, the junior member, born Oct. 21, 1852, likewise received his preliminary
education in district schools, and subsequently attended Illinois College, at
Jacksonville; married Miss Sallie Hill, daughter of J. H. Hill, of Franklin.
Children of A. H. Wright: J. Langley, born April 22, 1872; Geoffrey P., born
April 9, 1874; Carl, March 11, 1878, an infant child. B. F. Wright has one
child: Emma; one deceased.
WRIGHT, JAS.
(deceased). Among the many early pioneers of Morgan Co., came the subject of
this sketch, who deserves more than a passing notice. By those who knew him he
is described as a man of strong determination and iron will. Making his way from
Kentucky in company with other emigrants, he traveled westward. He was born in
Virginia, settled in Kentucky at an early day, and there formed the acquaintance
of Miss Sarah Head, daughter of John A. and Mary Head, whom he married Sept. 25,
1830. Reaching Illinois after weeks of traveling, Mr. Wright settled some two
miles south of Franklin. In a short time a primitive log cabin loomed up on the
sparsely settled prairie. At this date he was cotemporary with the early
settlers. Leaving a comfortable home in the South, both husband and wife found
it at times a difficult task to attend to the duties of a farm and care for the
stock. It may be well to mention that the cabin entered was a very rude affair,
with a puncheon floor, a clapboard door in use - to be sure it hung on a wooden
hinge, and perhaps was not so common as those that graced the mansions of some
of his neighbors. The tables and chairs were of the usual order; the place,
however, bore an air of neatness that always made the little home attractive. In
time land rose in value and more substantial buildings began to appear. A
history of the life of Mr. Wright would be incomplete were we not to mention the
early incidents connected with his career. Once a year, sometimes twice, he
would take a trip to St. Louis, distant about ninety miles. At times it became
necessary to drive a drove of hogs to the St. Louis market. On the return trip
he laid in a good stock of provisions; clothing was then wholly made by the
pioneer wife. In time, however, the spinning jenny gave place to the loom, and
other improvements became manifest. In 1872 Mr. Wright died and was laid to rest
in the Franklin cemetery. His death was universally regretted by all who formed
his acquaintance. He left an estate of 400 acres. On the old homestead Mrs.
Wright is still living. There are eight children living: A. H., B. F., Wm. H.,
J.A., G. M., T. B., Maggie and Pamelia. Sarah Wright resides on Sec. 30, P.O.
address, Franklin.
WRIGHT, THOMAS, farmer and
stock raiser, Sec. 18, P.O. Waverly. Mr. Wright is the descendent of a numerous
family, who have helped in a great measure toward the improvement and public
interests of this county; Thomas was the eighth child of Jas. And Frances
Wright; of Jas. But little is known, he was born in Virginia, where he was
overseer of a plantation; in Virginia he formed the acquaintance of Miss Frances
Finney, they were married soon after the close of the Revolutionary war; in this
struggle for the independence of the colonies, Jas. Wright shouldered the old
flint-lock musket, one of the seventy-five chosen and known as the forlorn hope,
he fought bravely at the storming of Stony Point, and endured many privations at
Valley Forge; an intimate friend of Generals Washington and Lafayette, he served
under their command, sharing the hardships of the soldiers; after the close of
the war he returned to Virginia and in middle life moved to Kentucky, where the
subject of this sketch was born, in the year 1860; in the beginning of 1829, his
attention was attracted to the West, and accordingly in company with the old
folks he made his way into Waverly precinct, this county; in 1834 he was married
to Miss Jane D. Burch, daughter of Benjamin and Ann D. Burch, natives of
Virginia; settled on the farm where he now lives; the place where he settled
being heavily timbered, he realized the extremely difficult task it would be to
fell the monarchs of the forest, and thereby get a sufficiency of land under
cultivation; one trait in the character of this family may here be noticed; of a
kindly sympathetic nature, their thoughts often turned toward that Supreme Being
from whom their prosperity emanated. During the Black Hawk war of 1832, Mr.
Wright was unanimously elected by the soldiers of his company second lieutenant,
by Governor Reynolds he received his appointment, serving seventy days, until
the treaty of peace was declared. An intimate friend of colonel Richard Johnson,
whom he described as a thick set man, black-eyed, and rather fierce appearing,
he inspired a feeling of awe among the Indians; but little more remains to be
told; in time he became the owner of a nice property, what is somewhat
remarkable; the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. W. was blessed with seven children, all
of whom are living, Lydia Frances, who married John Groves, of Missouri; Jas.
B., who married Lizzie Oyer; Mary E., who married Robert Seymour; W. C., who
married Miss Mary Minnick; Amanda L., who married Jonas Weatherford; Sarah Jane,
who married Wm. Albright, of Missouri; John W. S. unmarried; Thos. Wright owns
160 acres of land in this township; now well advanced in years.
WRIGHT, WILLIAM H. County Treasurer and Assessor, office,
Court House, boards Park house; was born in Morgan County, Dec. 20, 1834; his
father's name was James Wright, a Virginian by birth; his mother's maiden name
was Sallie Head, and was a native of Kentucky. They were among the early
settlers of this county; the subject of this sketch spent ten years of his early
life in California, and returned to this county in the Fall of 1863; soon after
going South in the government service; returning again in the Fall of 1864, and
engaged in teaching school, in the eastern part of the county, at which he
continued five years. In 1871 he was elected County Treasurer, and re-elected in
1873, 1875, and 1877, which position he now holds.
WRIGHT, WM. Farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 12, P.O.
Franklin, the subject of this sketch, was the youngest of a family of twelve
children. His father, James Wright, was born in Virginia, and served seven years
as a soldier in the war of the revolution; married Miss Frances Finnie, of
Virginia. As early as 1800 the family made their way over the Cumberland
mountains to Scott Co., Ky., where William was born, June 5, 1808. In 1829, when
but few emigrant trains could be seen taking up their line of march westward,
James Wright sought the fertile prairies of Illinois, settling on the farm
property now owned by William. Building a cabin he set about the difficult task
of subduing the stubborn prairie. In Morgan Co. the old people passed the
remainder of their days. At twenty-three William married Miss Ella Burch, a
daughter of Benjamin Burch. When the Black Hawk war broke out, Mr. Wright became
an active participant until the treaty was declared. Understanding fully the
duties of farming, in a few years he owned large tracts of land in Macoupin and
Morgan Counties. Like many another ambitious man, his pathway was beset with
difficulties; at seventy years he owns some fifty-seven acres, but is content,
and still works with unabated energy. This union was blessed with thirteen
children: James B., born Dec. 4, 1831, died Oct. 4, 1832; Amanda J., born Sept.
11, 1833; John C., born April 20, 1836; Margaret A., March 3, 1838; Melvina F.,
March 15, 1840; Mary E., March 4, 1842; George W. S., Jan. 1, 1844; Eliza A.,
Jan. 10, 1846; Newton C., nov. 4, 1847; Edwin R. and Edgar B., twins, Dec. 2,
1849; Charles M., Feb. 22, 1852; Henry A., April 7, 1854.
WYATT, B. W. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 33, P.O.
Waverly; eighth child of Thomas and Rebecca Wyatt, natives of Kentucky. Prior to
the deep snow the Wyatt family followed the tide of emigration westward,
settling in Morgan County, near what is now the City of Jacksonville, suffering
great hardships, often going without the necessaries of life. It would not have
been strange had Mr. Wyatt turned back to his native place, but instead he went
steadily forward, and in time came success. He passed away, April 28, 1878.
After a long and eventful life he passed away, leaving to the care of his wife,
who now lives in Virden, Macoupin County, a large property. B. W. Wyatt, who
heads this sketch, was educated at district schools. At 23 married Miss Lizzie
Duggan, who died some years ago, and was laid to rest in Springfield, Ill. At 28
he married Miss Louisa Kennedy; one child.
WYATT, W.
J., COL., son of John and Rebecca Wyatt. His father was a native of
Virginia; Rebecca, his wife, was born in Kentucky; as early as 1822 they moved
from Missouri to Morgan Co., Ill., and settled near what is now the city of
Jacksonville, on farm property; on this farm the subject of this sketch was born
in 1825, and here passed the days of his boyhood and early youth; at the age of
twenty he entered the Mexican service, in 1846, raising Co. G, 1st Ill. Vol.,
and was unanimously elected captain, under the command of Colonel J. J. Hardin;
as an officer, Captain Wyatt was universally respected by the soldiers; mustered
into the service June 17, 1846, and went to the front shortly afterward, and
became a participant in the famous battle of Buena Vista; here it will be
remembered the brave and talented officer, Colonel Hardin was killed in the heat
of action. Capt. Wyatt, who was an intimate friend, in company with his orderly
sergeant and others, brought in the lifeless remains from the field; the body
first found a resting place in Mexican soil; it was subsequently interred in the
East cemetery at Jacksonville, Ill. Capt. Wyatt was honorably discharged in
1847, at Camargo, Mexico, and returned to Morgan Co. The following year married
Mrs. Eliza A. Williams, of Manchester, Scott Co., Ill.; three children: Mary A.,
born Nov. 2, 1849; James, born Nov. 17, 1851, deceased; and George H., born
1854. When the rebellion came on Mr. Wyatt was commissioned Lieut. Colonel of
the 101st Regiment Ill. Vol., by Gov. Yates; he was the choice of the boys in
blue; for ten months he remained in the service of Uncle Sam, and on account of
physical disability, was honorably discharged at St. Louis, Mo., May 9, 1863,
and returned to Morgan Co. At this writing he resides in Franklin; he takes a
leading position in farming and stock raising; his judgment as a stock raiser
and buyer is unparalleled; he also figures conspicuously as a politician, whose
name has been frequently mentioned in connection with responsible offices, but
he has invariable declined.
WYCKOFF, ALBERT
merchant, Woodson; born in Warren Co., N.J., May 22, 1846. His father was a
woolen manufacturer at Finesville, N. J., for several years; when he was ten
years of age, the family moved to Athens Co., Ohio, and carried on same business
for a number of years; at the breaking out of the rebellion, young W. enlisted
in the 7th Ohio Cavalry for three years' service; participated in battles of
Dutton Hill, Mt. Sterling, Monticello, Ky., Cumberland Gap, Ky., Knox Valley,
Kay., Nashville, Tenn., and taken prisoner at Rodgersville, Tenn., in 1863;
wounded in battle, was first taken to Belle Island; remained four months; thence
to Andersonville; remained six months; made his escape; was retaken near
Newbern, N.C.; sent to Salisbury, N.C.; remained six weeks; made escape; retaken
and sent to Charleston, S. C.; remained one week; thence to Florence, N.C.;
taken to Goldsborough, N.C.; made escape, and joined Union troops at Wilmington;
time of service had then expired; married Miss Rachel Seegar at Jacksonville,
April 10, 1866; one child, Sarah M., born 1872, in Des Moines,
Iowa.
YOST, JOHN, harness maker, Meredosia.
Was born Nov. 18, 1847, in Cass Co., Ill.; came to Meredosia and commenced
business in 1869. In 1873 was married to Miss Lizzie Tieman, daughter of William
Tieman, of Meredosia; have two children: Lizzie and William F.
ZERBY, JARED, station agent and telegraph operator,
Concord; was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., Oct. 15, 1847; came to this county in
1852; in 1866 he went into partnership with his brothers John and A. H., in the
nursery business; he also had an interest in a store in Concord the same time;
one year, when the nursery business was at its height, they sold $16,000 of
hedge plants in a radius of two hundred miles; John's death and the panic forced
him out of business. In 1869, he learned telegraphing, and four months from that
time he got charge of Browning, Ill., his first station; since then he has held
stations between St. Louis and Browning, on the St. Louis division of the C. B.
& Q. R.R.; on the Chicago, Alton and St. Louis road and on the Iron
Mountain, he was stationed at Poplar Bluffs, Butler Co., Mo.; he was transferred
to his present station here December,
1877.