1882 Biographies - Zion Precinct
J.M. BINGHAM, farmer, P. O. Woburn, is a Carolinian by birth, born March 19, 1828, in Lincoln, County, N. C. His parents were Samuel BINGHAM and Barbara CARPENTER, both natives of the same State. His maternal grandfather was Jacob CARPENTER. Samuel BINGHAM was a farmer by occupation, and raised a family of ten children, viz., Susan, William, Elizabeth, Jacob, Christopher, Anna, Samuel, Martin, Peter and Joseph M., who is the youngest in the family; his father died when he was fifteen; he then remained with his mother until he attained his majority, at which time, in 1849, he came to Macoupin County, where he engaged to work by the month. Having no means left him by father he had to "paddle his own canoe," and depend solely upon his own exertions. In August, 1860, he came to Bond County, and the same year he married Narcissus V. GRIGG, a native of this county, daughter of Frederick GRIGG. By this marriage five children were born, viz., John F., William E., Lizzie R., Carroll S. and Emma J. After his marriage he located in Town 6, Range 2, where he remained until the spring of 1863, when he moved to Town 7, Range 2, and located where he now resides, purchasing at first eighty acres on Section 32; he has since added to the same, until he now has 190 acres; he has put all the substantial improvements on the same, has a good location and a pleasant home, all of which he has acquired by his industry and frugal economy. Of his brothers and sisters the following settled in North Carolina - William, Susan, Elizabeth, Jacob and Christopher. Jacob finally removed to Iowa, and settled in Marion County. Samuel settled in Lucas County, Iowa. Annie settled in Marion County, having married John LACKEY. Since 1867, Mr. BINGHAM has been identified with the United Baptist Church, and an efficient member of the same.
John T. BUCHANAN, farming and insurance, P. O. Mulberry Grove, is a descendent of one of the early settlers. He was born March 31, 1842, in this township, on the southeast quarter of Section 35; his father was John BUCHANAN, born February 17, 1797, and in 1828, July 31, he married Eleanor LONG, who was born November 18, 1809. Ten children were born of this marriage, of whom eight lived to be grown - James L. Mary A., Nathaniel W., Sarah J., Martha E., Priscilla J., John S., Nancy E., George P. Deceased are Martha, Priscilla, Nathanal W. John BUCHANAN died March 13, 1880; he was for many years a member of the Baptist Church. In his early life he followed the shoemaker's trade, but later he took up farming. His widow yet survives him. Our subject was raised to farm labor. April 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, Sixty-fifth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served in this command until the close of the war; was in Miles surrender at Harper's Ferry, and taken prisoner here. He came through the war without wounds or receiving serious injury. In 1866, he married Lizzie R. MATTINLY, daughter of Dr. MATTINLY, of this county. After marriage he lived at the Grove some time; came here in February, 1879, locating on Section 15, where he purchased eighty acres and is engaged in farming. In addition to his farming he is interested in protecting his neighbors and friends against loss by fire, and gives them a reliable indemnity is such companies as the Rockford, Continental and American Companies. In pol-[Page 79] itics Mr. BUCHANN is Republican; has three children - Jesse E., born October 15, 1867; Sallie J., born August 22, 1869; and Annie R., March 15, 1876.
M. W. CRUTCHLEY, farmer, P. O. Mulberry Grove; born February 13, 1829, in Jefferson County, Va., fifth son of John CRUTCHLEY and Ann CHAMBERS. The family emigrated west to Saline County, Mo., in 1839, and the following May came to this county; father died 1844, mother two years later. But three children now living - Samuel and M. W. of this township and county, and George a physician in Carroll County. Our subject started in life upon his own merits, and for seven years and nine months he worked continuously for John S. HALL on his farm of Town 5, Range 2; during this time he saved some money which he invested in land. November, 1856, he married Elizabeth MILLER, born in this county, daughter of John MILLER. The same year of his marriage he located on the farm he now owns, which land he entered. In politics he has been Democratic, and stanch in the principles of his party. His brother, Frank, was accidentally killed on an adjoining farm in 1869. He has 140 acres on southwest quarter Section 33, where he resides, and since his location here has given his attention mainly to farming. March 3, 1881, the partner of his bosom and mother of his children was borne away to the spirit land, leaving eight children to mourn her loss, whose names in order of their birth are George N., Anna E., Mary F., Thomas S., Frances A., Albert W., Elizabeth G. and Silas W.
James S. CORNISH, farmer, P. O. Smithboro. Among the young farmers of this township, who have been here less than a score of years, is the above, who was born October 10, 1847, in Clarion County, Penn., son of Henry CORNISH, who was born September 26, 1806, in Massachusetts, son of Andrew CORNISH. His mother's maiden name was Susan, daughter of Andrew, who was a son of Mark NOBLE, of Massachusetts. The family first settled in Venango County; afterward, in 1847, located in Clarion County, where James S. took his first observations. Father died in his sixty-eighth year; he was for many years a member of the German Baptist Church, and minister of the same. The children born to Henry CORNISH and wife are Rosanna, Henry, Mark, Susan, Sarah, John, James and Aurilla. James received but a common school education. His early manhood was spent in the lumber woods, yet at the age of twenty he began doing business on his own account. In 1874, January 1, he married Susan McDOWELL, born in Clarion County May 1, 1848, daughter of James McDOWELL. In the spring of 1876, he emigrated to this State, locating in Bond County. His first purchase was forty acres on Section 21; soon after he added twenty more. In the spring of 1879, he sold out, and purchased eighty acres on Section 28, where he has since lived, having added to the same until he now has 120 acres. He began upon his own resources, and had nothing donated to him, but by industry and frugality he has secured his present possessions solely upon his own individual merits.
Thomas K. CLINE, farmer, P. O. Woburn, was born on the farm where he now lives, Sept. 28, 1842. Is the youngest son of Thomas CLINE, the pioneer, who was born July 15, 1800, in Lancaster County, son of Henry CLINE, from Germany, with whom he emigrated from Pennsylvania to North Carolina when young. He had several brothers and sisters, who were Amos, Martin (Thomas) and Mary. October 18, 1825, Thomas CLINE was married to Sarah MITCHEM. She was born June 12, 1807, in Lincoln County, N. C., daughter of Nathaniel and Mollie (TUCKER) MITCHEM. After marriage, they raised one crop, and made a sale that fall which amounted in all to $109.25, which they could not then collect. The same [Page 80] fall, they came to this county with one old blind mare. During that winter, Mr. CLINE went to Vandalia, where he was allowed to enter eighty acres, and pay for the same when he could command the money; he after entered eighty more. This land is now owned by his son Thomas, on Section 29. It was a wilderness then; but two houses between his home and Greenville at that time. He died June 24, 1868, and for many years was identified with the Presbyterian Church, but before his death a few years joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, there being no church here at that time. Eight children were born to him who grew up: Mary, William, Nancy, Lizzie, Jennie, John, Sarah and Thomas; the two latter are residents of this township. Thomas was raised a farmer. February, 1864, he enlisted in the Third Illinois Cavalry, Company G, and served until the fall of 1865, when he was mustered out, having participated in all the battles in which his command was engaged. In 1867, he married Sallie, born in Fayette County, daughter of Frank DOYLE. Has six children - Lucy, Willie, Jennie, Frank, Josie and Peter. In 1879, he moved to the farm he now owns, where he has recently erected a new house. He has a very fine spring on his farm, which feeds a large fish pond, which is being stocked with many varieties of fish. His mother is yet living, and is like a shock of corn, fully ripe for her Master's use. She is a member of the Free Methodist Episcopal Church.
Philibert DECHENNE, farmer, P. O. Woburn. The old countries have furnished no better husbandmen and citizens than Mr. DECHENNE, who hails from Valdajal, Lorraine, France, where he was born February 2, 1813, son of Nicholas DECHENNE, a farmer, whose wife was Marianna BOLMONT, who bore him Isadore, Florinne, Philibert, Virginia, Julian, Francis, Mary, Gilbert, all of whom, except Isadore, emigrated to American, in 1837, coming direct to St. Louis, locating near there at a place called French Village. The father of our subject was a farmer, and owned considerable property in France, but being largely in debt he resolved to sell out and pay his creditors, and emigrated to the United States, and cast his lot with those of his family. When he arrived at St. Louis, he had but about $200. He located at French Village, where he died October, 1844, aged sixty-two; his wife died 1839. Philibert, at the age of eighteen learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed at French Village for several years, working on the farm a portion of the time. In 1850, he went to California, where he spent two years at his trade. Upon his return to this State, he located in Rich Prairie, St. Clair County, where he lived until 1858, when he came to this county the fall of the same year and purchased ninety acres in this township, where he has since remained, having now 170 acres. In 1847, April 14, he married Agatha ROYER, born 1829 in Lagarde, Lorraine, France, daughter of Francis ROYER, who emigrated to St. Clair County with his family in 1846; he died two years after. His children were Frances, Jacob, Celestine, Agatha, Mary and Matilda. Francis and Jacob are deceased. Matilda resides in Jasper County, Celeste and Mary in California. Mr. DECHENNE has nine children - Jules, Delphine, Eugene, Leonora, Theodore, Victor, Henry, Edward and Millie. Delphine is the wife of Jacob METCALF, and resides near the homestead. Mr. DECHENNE has one brother in Pocahontas, this county. Has one brother, Frank, in California, and one sister in New Orleans. Member of the Catholic Church.
Frederick DURR, farmer, P. O. Woburn, a thrifty farmer in Town 7, Range 2, son of John DURR, a native of Germany, who came to America, and when a young man cast his fortunes with Bond County, when it was but partially improved. For several years he worked out by the month and earned sufficient means to enable him to purchase a home in this town- [Page 81] ship. He married Malinda KIMBRO, a native of North Carolina, daughter of Frederick KIMBRO, which family were likewise very early settlers in this part of the county. Mr. DURR and wife had born them the following - John H., Mary E, Frederick, George, Isley, Jonathan, Martha A. and William. Of the above John H, Martha A and Jonathan are deceased. Mr. DURR died November 15, 1860; Frederick, his successor, was born February 12, 1844, on Section 28, Town 7, Range 2, on the homestead upon which he lived as his home until his marriage. In March, 1865, he enlisted in Company K, Third Illinois Cavalry, in which he served until the fall of the same year; his range of observation during this time extended from Eastport, Miss., to St. Paul, Minn.; received his discharge October 19. December 3, 1868, he married Julia S. ROBERTS, born in this township, daughter of R. S. D. ROBERTS, an old and highly respected resident of the county. By this union he has four children - Keturah E., John R., Samuel T. and Illinois Maude. Mr. DURR has 360 acres; located on the farm he now owns in 1868; after his marriage sold his farm on the south half of Section 32, Town 7, Range 2. He and wife are members of the United Baptist Church.
F. M. ELAM, farmer, P. O. Woburn. One of the largest land-holders and most successful farmers in Town 6, Range 2, is Francis Marion ELAM, known among his friends as "General", not that he earned the title from his association with gory battle fields or valorous deeds in martial array, but his father dubbed him with this handle to his name when a youth, which name he has since borne. This gentleman was born in Rutherford County, N. C., April 18, 1826, the eldest son and fifth child born to his parents, who were Thomas and Elizabeth ELAM, the latter a daughter of Edward ELAM. The paternal grandsire of Francis M. was Alexander, a native of Virginia, who emigrated to North Carolina. In 1827, the family moved to Sumner County, Tenn., where they remained until 1833, when they came to Fayette County, this State; here Thomas ELAM died in 1854, his wife dying in 1877; he and wife were members of the United Baptist Church. Twelve children were born to them, nine of the number lived to be grown, viz., Susan, Nancy, Cicely F. M., Thomas A., Sabra C., Lovincia, Sarah and Edward. Francis M. remained at home until he reached his majority. In 1846, he married Nancy, born in Sangamon County, this State, daughter of Richard WALKER, a Kentuckian by birth. When Mr. ELAM was married he moved to this township; he had a small commencement in the way of this world's goods; had one yoke of young steers, three cows and a three-year-old filly. His outfit for keeping house was bought for $5; he worked hard during the day, and at night he made such furniture as they most needed; with a cheerful heart and willing hand he pushed ahead, and as fast as he made money he invested it in land. In 1849, he located where he now resides. Before he divided up his land among his sons he owned 1,200 acres; he has now about 700. He has been a zealous member of the United Baptist Church for many years. Liberty Church, of which he is an officer, stands upon the land he deeded for that purpose. Of the following eight children born to him but five are living - Mary E., James F., John S., A. J., Daniel E., Sarah, Samuel D. and Joel A..
Eugene ENLOE, merchant and P. M., is the eldest son of Thomas B. ENLOE, born in this county in Town 6, Range 3, August, 1830, son of Ezekiel ENLOE, of North Carolina. The wife of Ezekiel was Charlotte WHITE, daughter of Richard WHITE, of North Carolina. In 1858, May 1, Thomas B. was married; his wife was Sarah CLINE, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (MITCHEM) CLINE. After the marriage of Mr. ENLOE, he moved to the old homestead, where he died November 20, 1864. Four children were born [Page 82] to him - Eugene, Henry, Ellen and Thomas B. To Ezekiel ENLOE were born ten children: eight grew up, viz., Marshall, Clayburn, Thomas B., William, Edward, Mary, Benjamin and George; five are now living; Thomas Marshall and Clayburn are deceased. Eugene, whose name heads this sketch, was born April 24, 1859; he was raised on the farm. April 30, 1879, he married Clara M. MOSS, daughter of L. S. MOSS; has two children - E. M. and baby unnamed; is now running a store at Woburn. November 15, 1881, he was commissioned Postmaster.
Lewis S. HUBBARD, farmer, P. O. Smithboro. This gentleman is a grandson of one of the earliest settlers of this part of the county, and son of T. S. HUBBARD, and Ann E. SAUNDERS. Lewis S. was born on the homestead farm, situated in the northwest corner of Town 5, Range 2. He first saw the light of day January 11, 1845. His father, T. S. HUBBARD, being a farmer, his sons were brought up with the same education. While in his nineteenth year, he volunteered his services to put down the rebellion, enlisting in January, 1864, in the third Illinois Cavalry. The first six months of his service he, with his company, E, acted as an escort to Gen. STEELE, after which, he, with his company, joined the regiment, and started in pursuit of HOOD, on his march in the rear of SHERMAN. He participated in all the principal battles in which his company was engaged, and escaped without wounds, but during his exposure he contracted rheumatism, which is now a source of considerable annoyance to him. After the close of the war, he and his command were sent North into Minnesota, to look after the Indians, and he did not receive his release from the army until the fall of 1865, after which he returned home and resumed labor on the home farm. September 17, 1873, he married Frances SEAMAN, daughter of Jonathan and May Ann (MILLER) SEAMAN. Since his marriage, he has been a resident of the farm he now owns, situated on the southwest quarter of Section 33, which farm he began improving in 1866. He has 120 acres, and his wife sixty. He has one son, Earl S.
William A. JETT, farmer, P. O. Greenville, born January 15, 1819, in Fauquier County, Virginia, second child and son of Thomas and Elizabeth (ROGERS) JETT. When ten years of age, he went with his parents to Tennessee, and from there they removed to this county, about the year 1831, his father making his location in Zion Precinct. William A. remained with his father until several years past his majority; in fact, he made his father's house his home until he was married, which was August 28, 1856. His wife was Emma S. DAVIS, a native of La Grange Precinct. Her parents were William and Lucy A. (NANCE) DAVIS. William DAVIS was a native of Trigg County, Kentucky, son of Rev. John T. DAVIS, a Baptist minister. Lucy A. NANCE was born in Versailles, Woodford County, Ky. Mr. DAVIS removed with his family to Bond County, locating in La Grange Precinct, on Section 9, about 1836 - 37, where the FOSTER brothers reside. Mr. DAVIS died April, 1857; Mrs. DAVIS, August, 1865. To them nine children were born; of this number the following are living: Robert Dale, traveling salesman; Amanda, wife of Samuel PLANT, of Greenville Precinct; Margaret resides in Fayette County, wife of Henry CASEY; Lucy A., wife of James SAUNDERSON, same precinct; also Laura, who married Addison THOMPSON. Mr JETT located on the farm he now owns, shortly after his marriage; he has 160 acres. His family consists of six children: Sarah M., the eldest, is the wife of James W. REED, of Greenville; Flora Married John H. BOOHER, and resides in La Grange Precinct; those at home are Stephen A. D., William L., L. Virginia, and James Arthur Dale. Mr. JETT is not a member of any church society; Mrs. JETT, of the Christian Church.
Stephen Jackson JETT, farmer, P. O. [Page 83] Greenville, is a representative of Jett Prairie born June 12, 1827, in Fauquier County, Va., and emigrated to this State, with his parents, when only eighteen months old. They located on Section 6, Town 6, Range 2; her he was reared, and has since been a constant resident. His father's name was Thomas JETT, a native of the Old Dominion, son of William JETT, a Revolutionary soldier. When Thomas JETT came here, he entered about two hundred and sixty acres of land which he cleared, and remained on the same until his death, which occurred June 29, 1854, at Pocahontas, of cholera, while on his way from St. Louis. He was a Whig and a member of the Christian Church. His wife died 1859. To them ten children were born, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood - James H., William A., Alexander W., Thomas J., Stephen J., Wesley, Susana, Mary J., Eliza and Sarah. Stephen J. and William reside on farms adjoining. Our subject was married, in February, 1849, to Nancy, born in this State, daughter of John BOOHER. She died 1866, leaving four children - John W., William E., Thomas M. and Stephen. Mrs. JETT died May 9, 1866. His second marriage was to Eliza BULL, of Morgan County, daughter of Moses BULL, and four children were born to them - Solomon, Oscar, Nancy and Charles. Mr. JETT has 210 acres of land.
L. S. MOSS, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Woburn, is the eldest son of W. W. MOSS and Drusilla SCOGGIN, daughter of Lemuel SCOGGIN. The former was born in North Carolina, 1878, son of Henry MOSS, a Revolutionary soldier. The MOSS family are of English stock. Three brothers emigrated from England, one of whom settled in Virginia, another in North Carolina, and the third in the Eastern States. The subject of these lines came West with his parents and grandfather in 1830. They located first in Madison County, and about five years later his father came to Bond County and bought a claim; he died 1861; his wife, one year previous. The number of children born were L. S., James H., Henry J., Martin V., Edward A., W. Preach and Mary; but two of the above are in this county - L. S. and James H. L. S. not liking the way matters were being "run" about the parental roof, he ran off at the age of sixteen and began to scratch for himself, and, hiring out at $6 per month, he thus continued on, and well knows what is to "paddle" his own craft, and in this time saw much of the workings of human nature and the cold side of humanity. At the age of eighteen, he went to Wisconsin; remained here some time. While in this State, cast his first vote for Gen. PIERCE, and has since been a Democrat, and voted his sentiments as well as talked them. From Wisconsin he settled here permanently in this county, where he has since been identified, not only in farming, but in trading and commercial pursuits. Was for several years engaged in running a store in Woburn, also a mill in company with his brother J. H. In 1850, he married Sarah, daughter of Lewis KERR and Selma WATSON, both families from North Carolina. Seven children have been born him, viz.: America, Josephine, Clara, Dolera, George L., James H. and Edith H. He has 370 acres of land adjoining Woburn; has forty-eight acres set in orchard; raises stock and grain. Is a member of the A., F. & A. M.
James H. MOSS, farmer, P. O. Greenville, born February 11, 1833, in Madison County, this State, is the second son born to his parents, who were William MOSS and Drusilla SCOGGIN. J. H. remained with his parents until he attained his majority, or nearly; left home at the age of twenty. In 1856, he married Elizabeth JAY, born near Shelbyville, this State, daughter of Edward JAY. The mother of James was Jane, daughter of Burril GRIGG. After his marriage, he first located on the KLINE place, and from 1854 to 1858 he was interested in running a saw-mill. Afterward he moved to the Cross Roads (Woburn), where he and his [Page 84] brother, L. S., were for some time engaged in the mercantile business, also in running the steam saw and grist mill. In 1868, he located on the farm now owned by Lemuel S., which he improved, where he lived until 1874, when he located on the farm he now owns, containing 680 acres on Section 30. Of a family of ten children born to him, six are living - William W., Rose E., Amy L., Della A., Lena E. and babe unnamed. Since 1859, he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; more recently has been associated with the Free Methodist Church, as well as an official member of the same.
Henry H. MULL, farmer, P. O. Woburn, is a thriving farmer of Pennsylvania origin, born September 20, 1840, in Venango County; son of Abraham MULL, who was born in Berks County, 1812, and married Hannah GILGER, who was a native of Lancaster County, same State, daughter of James GILGER. This marriage was crowned by the birth of nine children, of whom Sarah was the eldest. In order of birth came the following: Margaret E., Henry H., Samuel E., Jonas L., Catharine J., Charles W., David E. and Oliver G., all of whom are living in Pennsylvania, in Venango and Clarion Counties. Father died in 1862; mother yet survives him. Henry H. received a good common school education, and early in manhood learned the carpenter's trade of his father. In June, 1862, he volunteered to serve three years in the defense of his country's flag, joining Company A, of the One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment, which command he continued with until the close of the war, serving in all the hotly contested battles from that of Antietam on. At the battle of Gettysburg, he was taken prisoner, but joined his command two months after. He returned home at the end of the war unscathed. In 1866, he cast his lot and his fortunes with the good people of Bond County, arriving in this township April 18, and immediately engaged at his trade, which he followed regularly until 1873, having, three years previous, located where he now resides, and has improved the place very materially since his occupation. The forty acres occupied by the house was given his wife by her father, when she married, in January, 1870; her name is Priscilla, born in Clarion County, Penn., daughter of Jacob LILLIGH. Mr. MULL has added to the forty acres given his wife 180 more, all of which he has earned by his industry and management, having received but about $200 from his father's estate. Has three children - Charles O., John W. and babe not named.
A. W. MAHLE, farmer, P. O. Woburn. This gentleman was born June 19, 1812, in Hesse-Cassel, and emigrated to Lancaster County, Penn., with his parents in 1819; three years later they moved west, to what is now Clarion County. Here his parents died, having had to them born twelve children, ten of whom grew up, three of whom are now living. The mother of our subject was Maria STRICHENBERGER. Mr. MAHLE was first married to Catharine SICKWORTH, who bore him several children of whom Edward, Sarah and Maria are in Pennsylvania, Louisa and Emanuel in Arkansas. John resides in this county, a druggist in Mulberry Grove. Mr. MAHLE married for his second wife Sarah SHANER, a native of Pennsylvania; by her has three children - Elizabeth, Marietta and Clemons. She was born March 16, 1827, daughter of Henry SHANER and Elizabeth RAPP, the former a native of Lehigh, she of Berks County. To them were born six children, Mrs. MAHLE being the eldest of the number. Mr. MAHLE purchased land in this township in the spring of 1865, on Section 21, where he lived until 1882; in March located near Woburn, where he has improved a home. Since 1847, he has been identified with the German Baptist Church, and was mainly instrumental in getting the church built in this township. His farm he now rents, he being in a manner retired from active business associations. [Page 85]
E. P. POINDEXTER, physician, Woburn, takes rank among the first physicians in the county. He is a representative of an Old Virginian family. He was born August 10, 1838, in Patrick County, in the Old Dominion, a son of Joseph S. POINDEXTER, a native of Campbell County and of French descent, born Oct. 5, 1802, son of John POINDEXTER. His mother's maiden name was Martha FRAISER, who was born and raised in Rockingham County, in North Carolina, near the Yadkin River, daughter of Thomas, an Englishman, a man noted for his large size and physical development, being six feet and seven inches in height, and weighed 240 pounds, and a giant in strength; he moved to Jackson County, Ohio, in 1837, and died in 1845. John POINDEXTER, the paternal grandsire of our subject, was a large slave-owner, owned nearly 300 slaves in Virginia. He married Elizabeth CHILTON, and by her had seven children. Joseph S., the father of our subject was the eldest, who emigrated with his family West to Saline County, Mo., where he died July 3, 1863, leaving four children, three sons and one daughter. The subject of these lines, by the force of circumstances, was thrown upon his own resources when a young man; he received the advantages afforded by the common schools, and in 1858 he entered McKee College, but the war broke out, preventing a further prosecution of his studies at that time. Dr. H. B. REDMON was his first preceptor. In the spring of 1861, he joined Capt. BROWN's company (Capt. BROWN was a son of Sam BROWN, who fought Cassius M. CLAY), after, in Col. BROWN's regiment, in PARSON's division, in PRICE's army. The Doctor served through the entire war. He at one time raised a company and served as Lieutenant under Capt. GULLET; he was wounded but once. In the battle of Pea Ridge he was gunner in one of the batteries, and did effective work. He followed the fortunes of PRICE's army all through the war, serving in various localities and in different positions, enduring much hardship and exposure. Returning to his former residence after the war, the feeling being so strong against him on account of his advocacy of the Southern cause that he came away, and cast his fortunes in the Sucker State, where he has since lived. In 1867, he began the study of medicine at Charlestown, in Coles County, under Drs. SILVERTHORN & TROWER, continuing his studies, graduating in the spring of 1874 in St. Louis Medical College. His course was a slow, yet a thorough one; he burrowed the money to enable him to prosecute his studies to completion. April 16, 1870, he came to Woburn, Bond County, and has since been in the practice of his profession, and he has been very successful, having the entire confidence of the people. In his practice has given the poor the benefit of his skill without fee or reward, and did it cheerfully. September 17, 1873, he married Tabitha J. GOODRICH, born in Salem, Marion County, daughter of Chauncy and Ruth (COLBURN) GOODRICH, of Massachusetts. The Doctor has three children - Don Victor, Annie and Della Maude. In religious matters, he is a free-thinker.
John W. PRATER, farmer, P. O. Greenville. The PRATER family were about the first settlers in this part of the county. the pioneer was Halliday, born January 23, 1777; he married Anni ADAIR, who was born May 1, 1776. The family emigrated from the Carolinas to Kentucky in the early part of the century, but remained here but a few years; finally came to this locality before it was a State, making his settlement on Section 31, Town 7, Range 2; here he remained until his death in 1846, November 28; his wife the same year, August, 30. The father of John W. was Samuel PRATER, born March 31, 1800, in South Carolina; he married Nancy WALKER, daughter of James WALKER, of Virginia. Five children were the issue of this marriage, who were in order of birth as follows: Tabitha, John W., Mich- [Page 86] ael H., Martha Ann and Mary. Tabitha married William BEARD and settled in Madison County. Michael never married, but remained with his mother; Martha A., married James M. BROWN; Mary, Willis SANDS, all of whom reside in this locality; father died February 26, 1852. John W. was married March 12, 1846, to Sarah HUNT, born in 1827, in Warren County, Ky., daughter of John HUNT and Elizabeth WRIGHT, who raised a large family of children, a dozen or more. Mrs. PRATER's parents never came here; she came with her uncle, Joseph WRIGHT, who settled here in Illinois. In the spring of 1848, our subject located on the farm he now owns; first lived in a cabin, but a few rods from his present residence, which he built in 1871. His farm consists of 266 acres; has had seven children - James, William, John Thomas, Caroline, Samuel, Sissie and Jessie K. Mr. PRATER was born on his farm December 5, 1824; since been a constant resident of the township. He drinks neither tea, coffee, whisky nor uses tobacco.
R. S. D. ROBERTS, farmer, P. O. Woburn, was born in Kentucky, Henry County, September 15, 1822, and came to Bond County with his parents when three months old, remaining here about two years, when he went with the family to Montgomery County, where he came to manhood's years. He was married in July, 1843, to Mary R. WHITE, a native of Loudoun County, Val, daughter of James and Mary (VERNANDO) WHITE, who came to this State about the year 1839. Shortly after his marriage, he came to this county, locating in Town 6, Range 2, purchased land, and has since been identified with this township and been engaged in farming pursuits. He has been successful in his business, having 272 acres of land. Had eight children - four sons and four daughters - six living. Mary is the wife of Hardin ELMORE; James H. resides in Fayette County; Julia is the wife of Frederick DEEN; Elizabeth ;married Fred KIMBRO, now deceased; George, deceased; Harriet, wife of J. F. ELAM; and Richard at home; Stephen. Mr. ROBERTS has been a member of the United Baptist Church many years, having joined the church at Liberty soon after its organization. Mr. ROBERTS served in the Mexican war under Col. FOREMEN; was a member of Company E., Third Regiment, and has been a Jackson Democrat of the first order, and has always since he cast his first vote been a warm supporter of Jeffersonian principles. The father of our subject was a son of Capt. Benjamin ROBERTS; he died in Kentucky. ROBERTS died 1847; he was one among the first school teachers in Montgomery County. He married the mother of R. S. D.; her maiden name was Sarah SIMMONS, daughter of Samuel SIMMONS, a Revolutionary soldier of seven years' service; he lived to be one hundred and fifteen years old. His wife died at the age of one hundred and seven of cancer. Our subject had one brother, Henry, who served in the Black Hawk war, and was out with the Rangers, and also in the Florida war, and one bother, Marcus S., who was in the Mexican war; he is now in Colorado.
Extracted by Norma Hass from the History of Bond and
Montgomery Counties
