|
|
|
|
Ashmore Twp. -
THOMAS W. HALLOCK, farmer and stock-raiser; P.
O. Ashmore; was born in Dutchess Co., N.Y., Jan. 20, 1811; he was
raised on a farm until he was 15 yeas old, and then went to Troy, N.
Y., where he learned the trade of a coachmaker; he worked for Eaton
& Gilbert, at that time one of the largest coachmaking firms in the
country; He helped to build the first railway-coach in this
country, in 1829; this coach was run on the Amboy & Burtontown R.
R., and was drawn by horses. Going to New York City in 1833,
he entered the employ of John Stephenson, then located on
Bleecker St., near the Bowery, and continued with him after he went
to Harlem, and put up his large manufactory there; he remained in
New York, and Newark, N. J., until 1837, when he came to Coles Co.,
and entered 400 acres of land on the Embarass; he then rented a farm
of H. J. Ashmore for five years, but owing to a lack of rain
his farming venture proved an unfortunate one, and at the end of
three years he abandoned it, and removing to Charleston, engaged in
carpentering, wagon-making and blacksmithing. On the
restarting of the Terre Haute, Alton & St. Louis Railroad, he
returned to Ashmore Twp., and settled on his present farm; at that
time it was all Government land to the east, except around the
groves; there was but one house on the prairie, that being on Wolf
Hill; he could see, any day, from 20 to 30 deer in the vicinity;
notwithstanding his first failure in farming, he has since been, and
is now one of the most successful farmers in the county. He
owns 340 acres of land, well improved, with a large, fine house,
seven acres of orchard and shrubbery, etc.; he has made a specialty
of raising and shipping hay - shipping a few years ago about 400
tons, annually. Like most other successful farmers, he has
attended strictly to his farm, leaving public offices to those
having more leisure and inclination to attend to them. His
first marriage was in May, 1840, to Miss Jane Johnson, of
Coles Co.; she died a few years later, leaving one daughter -
Alice, wife of Benjamin Honold, of Edgar Co. Mr.
Hallock was married again Nov. 19, 1846, to Mrs. Elizabeth
Tuttle; her maiden name was Elizabeth Clark; she was born
in Pulaski Co., Ky., May 14, 1820; her father, James Clark,
was one of the pioneers of Coles Co., coming with his family in
1829; they have five children living - George R., James H.,
Aldora A., wife of R. M. Childress, Thomas L., and
William H.; Mrs. Hallock has one daughter of her former
marriage - Margaret T. Tuttle, wife of Charles S. Olmsted,
of Charleston.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 599 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
BENJAMIN
D. HAMBLEN, (PARADISE TWP.), farmer; P. O. Etna; is the son
of Francis and Martha B. Hamblen; was born in Mt. Pleasant,
Hardin Co., Ky., Mar. 17, 1840; moved with his parents Dec. 24,
1852, to Moultrie Co., and then to Coles Co., Mar. 13, 1868; is the
owner of 120 acres of land, valued at or near $5,000; was Justice of
the Peace five years; also School Director and Road Overseer.
Was married to Sarah M. Newport, the daughter of Benjamin
and Ellen Newport, of Coles Co., Ill.; names of children -
boys, Henry F. (born Oct. 3, 1870); girls, Nellie M.
(born Dec. 28, 1871), Rossa M. (born Dec. 6, 1873); deceased
- boys, Claude (died Aug. 4, 1876). He was in the late
war; served as a Duty Sergeant of Co. C, 10th I. V. C.; his father,
Francis Hamblen, died Oct. 27, 1877; his mother died
Nov. 12, 1865.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 |
|
|
JAMES HAMILTON,
farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Cook's Mills; one of the early
settlers; was born in Ohio, May 1, 1826; came to this State in 1852,
and settled in Coles Co. in the same year. He was married Nov.
16, 1853, to Miss M. L. Hoskins, who was born in
Illinois, July 12, 1831; they have seven children, viz.,
John R., William H., James L. (twins), David W.,
Albert G., Samuel L. and Margaret I.
Their farm consists of 108 acres, valued $3,500. Since
Mr. Hamilton's residence in the township he has held the
office of Justice of the peace three years and on the Board of
Commissioners six years; he was also a participant in the late war,
he having enlisted in the 130th I. V. I., served about eight months,
and was discharged with honor on account of disabilities
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 |
|
|
RICHARD
HANCOCK (LAFAYETTE TWP.), farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Loxa; owns
150 acres; was born on the farm where he now resides, Oct. 20, 1838;
was raised a farmer. Married Mary E. Snitt (daughter of
John S. Snitt, Esq.) Nov. 30, 1865; she was born in Guernsey
Co., Ohio, Apr. 3, 1848; have six children - Nona, Anna, Nellie,
John C., Carrie and Amanda S. Mr. H.'s father was
born in North Carolina, Mar. 13, 1797; went to Kentucky with his
parents when an infant. At the age of 10 years he went to
Indiana, and then to this county in 1830. His death occurred
Feb. 19, 1871, where the subject of this sketch now resides.
His first settlement was on this farm; here he raised a family of
ten children, only two of whom are now living (the subject of this
sketch and Mrs. Jones, of Loxa), Mr. H.'s mother (Keziah)
was born in Virginia, Apr. 13, 1801; her death occurred here Apr. 4,
1876. Mr. H. had two brothers in the army during the
late war - John F., killed at Perryville, Ky., Oct. 8, 1862,
and William T., who died at home, Jan. 20, 1872. Both
were members of the 12rd I. V. I.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 |
|
|
ADAM W.
HART, farmer; P. O. Mattoon; is the son of Silas and
Hannah Hart, of Davis Co., Ky.; was born in White Co., Ill.,
Jan. 3, 1823; moved with his parents to Coles Co., Paradise Twp.,
Jan. 3, 1827; is the owner of 475 acres, valued at $20,000.
Was married to Nancy D. Gunnaway, of Coles Co., Dec. 28,
1843. Was Supervisor, School Trustee, Director, Treasurer and
Road Commissioner. The names of their children are Amanda
E., Elizabeth J., Hannah M., Polly A. and Mercena;
deceased, Abraham D. and Thomas, who died in infancy;
Mary, Louisa and Adda and three infants not named.
His father, Silas Hart, was the oldest settler of this
township; died Oct. 12, 1848; his mother, Hannah Hart, died
in this county and township Sept. 18, 1863, in the 68th year of her
age.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 |
|
|
AMBROSE
Y. HART, JR. (PARADISE TWP.), farmer; P. O. Paradise;
is the son of Miles H. and Catharine C. Hart; was born in
Effingham Co., Ill., Nov. 15, 1834; moved to Coles Co. Feb. 12,
1836; is the owner of fifty acres of land, valued at $2,000.
Is Justice of the Peace, and has been for twelve years; also Town
Clerk, School Treasurer and Commissioner of Highways. Was
married to Nancy Sexson of Coles Co. Jan. 22, 1857; the result of
this marriage is - David S., John M.; deceased, Miles O.,
Willie A., Catharine C. and Ada. Mr. Hart was in
the late war, serving as Corporal of Co. D, 123d Ill. Reg. His
father, Miles H. Hart, died in Coles Co. Feb. 17, 1855,
in the 59th year of his age; his mother Catherine C. Hart,
died in Coles Co. Nov. 12, 1872, in the 68th year of her age; they
were one of the three first families who settled in this township.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 |
|
|
JAMES L. HART,
(PARADISE TWP.), farmer; P. O. Etna; is the son of Oliver and
Zorada Hart; was born in Grayson Co., Ky., June 18, 1846; moved
with his parents to Coles Co., Ill., Oct. 12, 1848; is the owner of
seventy-six acres of land, valued at near $3,500. Was
Postmaster at Etna for one year. Was married to Elizabeth
Smith, of Coles Co., Sept. 24, 1866. His father, Oliver
Hart, was born in Grayson Co., Ky., Mar. 31, 1825; died Jan. 25,
1867, in the 42d year of his age; his mother Zorada Hart, was
born in Hardin Co., Ky., Oct. 26, 1823, and is now living in
Cleburne, Johnson Co., Texas; his wife's folks are still living,
Mr. and Mrs. George N. Benefiel, of this county, township and
State. His father was the first man who built a house south of Etna,
and one of the first settlers of this township.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 |
|
|
THOMAS HART (PARADISE
TWP.), farmer; P. O. Paradise; is the son of Miles H. and
Catharine C. Hart, of Coles Co.; was born in Hardin Co., Ky.,
Sept. 5, 1824; moved to Coles Co. with his parents Mar. 12, 18126;
was Assessor, School Trustee; Overseer of the Poor and Road
Overseer. Was married to Vianna Sexson, of Coles Co.,
Mar. 2, 1851; names of children: Mary E., Hallie B.; deceased
- Annie Hart. His father, Miles H. Hart,
was born in North Carolina Jul. 24, 1796; was married to
Catharine C. Yocum, of Kentucky, and moved to Wayne Co., Ill.,
and then to Coles Co.; names of children - boys, Thomas,
Joseph B., John D., Ambrosa; girls, Eliza A., Martha
P., Mary H., Fanny M.; deceased, Joseph B. (died in
Paradise, Coles Co., Jan. 26, 1874) all living in this county with
the exception of Mary H., and she now lives in Harrison Co.,
Mo.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 |
|
|
Ashmore Twp. -
O. D. HAWKINS, farmer and stock-raiser,
Ashmore; was born in Fleming Co., Ky., Feb. 28, 1822; he is a son of
Gregory R. and Elizabeth (Ballard) Hawkins, the former a
native of Maryland and the latter of Kentucky; when he was about 8
years old, his parents removed to Scott Co., Ind., and in 1841, to
Coles Co., settling about two and one-half miles west of Ashmore;
they landed here on the 4th of March, the day on which Gen.
Harrison was inaugurated President of the United States; his
father died here in 1868, and his mother in 1873. They had a
family of fifteen children, twelve of whom grew to adult age, and
five of whom are now living. Oliver D., the subject of
this sketch, started in life for himself at 13 years of age, working
out by the month and by the day; he is now one of the most
substantial citizens of the township; his farm of 287 acres,
adjoining the village of Ashmore, is one of the best improved in the
vicinity. In 1852, Mr. Hawkins contracted to clear
about ten miles of the Terre Haute, Alton and St. Louis Railroad,
and, also, for several years, was engaged in supplying ties and wood
for the road, clearing for that purpose some 150 acres of land.
He served nine years as Constable. In 1860, he removed to the
village of Ashmore, and in April, the same year, was elected Justice
of the Peace; he still holds the office, having been re-elected
every four years to the present time; he was the first Police
Magistrate in Ashmore, serving several years; he was also Postmaster
from 1861 to 1866, when he resigned; he has served one term on the
Board of Supervisors, and one term as Coroner of the county; in
1870, he became Superintendent of the County Alms-house and
Poor-farm, remaining in charge of that institution until 1873, when
he removed to his present farm; he also held the office of Township
School Treasurer a short time. He was married Mar. 21, 1844,
to Miss Mary Laffler, a daughter of John and Mary (Hurd)
Laffler; she was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Jan. 6, 1823, and came
with her parents to Coles Co. in 1837; her father died in 1843, and
her mothe rin 1853. Mr. Hawkins has four children, all
living in Ashmore, viz., William, John, Albert and Ellen,
wife of William N. Austin.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 600
(1850 Census Coles Co., Illinois - Charleston - Series M432 Roll 101
Page 20 - Gregory & Elizabeth Hawkins on line 18 with John,
Louisiania, Mary, James, Lorenzo E.) |
|
|
|
JOHN HENTON,
farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Coles Station; one of the most
prominent settlers; was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Jan. 11, 1826;
came to this State with his father's family, and settled in Moultrie
Co. in 1847, and in 1879, he removed to Coles Co., and settled in
North Okaw Twp.; his farm consists of 410 1/2 acres, valued at
$8,000. He was married to Miss Pheba Staley, who was
born in White Co., Ill.; they have six children, viz, Alvaretta,
George W., Olly, Melvin, Emma and Pheba L. During
Mr. Henton's residence in Moultrie Co., he has held the
offices of Township Supervisor and School Trustee, and Director,
etc., seven years.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ALEXANDER HITCH,
farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Cook's Mills; one of the early
settlers; was born in Louisville, Ky., Jan. 9, 1827; moved to Ohio
with his parents when he was 1 year old; he was raised there, in
Ross Co., and in 1850 he came from Ohio to this State and settled in
Coles Co. He was married May 10, 1855, to Miss
Permelia Ellis, who was born in Kentucky Oct. 13, 1833;
they have had four children, three of whom are living, viz.,
Belle, Sarah L. and Melissa E.; deceased,
Francis Maron. The farm of Mr. Hitch
consists of 200 acres, valued at $5,000; since Mr.
Hitch's residence in the township he has held office of
School Director three years. Of the farm he now owns, eighty
acres of it he purchased from the R. R. Co. in 1862; the balance
which consists of 120 acres, eh has since purchased, the entire
amount of which he has made by his own labor and management.
Since 1860 he had been a member of the Missionary Baptist
Association, and in 1863 he was ordained Deacon in that
denomination.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 |
|
|
Ashmore Twp. -
ELDER PETER K. HONN, retired; P. O. Ashmore; was born in Nicholas
Co., Ky., July 22, 1814; he is a son of Daniel and Anna Honn;
he passed his early yeas upon a farm, and that the age of 18 years,
began the trade of a blacksmith; in 1835, he decided to follow
Horace Greeley's advice, "Go West, young man, go West," and
accordingly joined the family of Jeremiah Powell and with
them made the journey to Illinois, with a horse-tam and two
ox-teams; they stopped in Edgar Co., where Mr. Powell
settled, and where many of his descendants still reside; after
spending a short time in Edgar Co., and about six months in Sangamon
Co., working at his trade, he came in 1836 to Hitesville, and opened
a blacksmith shop; about five years later, he purchased a
quarter-section of land, which he began to improve in connection
with his trade; after a number of years, he abandoned his shop and
devoted his entire attention to farming; he continued on the farm
until 1875, when, having accumulated a comfortable competence, he
retired to his present home where he enjoys the harvest gathered in
the summer of life. During his whole life, Mr. Honn has
always been ready to assist in carrying forward any public
enterprise; he had served the public in various offices of trust -
having held four commissions as Justice of the Peace, covering a
period of sixteen years; he was Postmaster for three years, and has
served one term as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors; he takes an
active interest in educational matters, and has been School director
most of the time since the organization of the public-school system
in the county. He has never failed to meet an obligation as
agreed upon, and was never before a court as plaintiff or defendant
in a suit at law; it has been a rule of his life not to become
security for any one, a course which has proved beneficial not only
to himself but to others. About five years after coming to the
county, he was ordained a minister of the Christian Church, and has
devoted himself more or less to the work of the ministry ever since.
He was married June 22, 1837, to Miss Matilda Woods, who was
born in Madison Co., Ky., April 19, 1817, and came to Coles Co. with
her mother's family in 1835. They have raised a family in
1835. They have raised a family of six children -
William S., now occupying the old homestead in Ashmore Twp.;
Martha A., wife of D. R. Bain, of Edgar Co.; Peter K.,
who died in 1872; Sarah E., wife of F. M. Shaver, of
Monroe Co., Ind.; Samuel H., a practicing physician in
Ashmore, and Mary E., wife of R. L. Tremble, of Coles
Co.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 - Page 599 |
|
|
MRS. ELLEN HOOTS,
farming and stock-raising; P. O. Cook's Mills; one of the natives of
Illinois; was born in Clark Co., July 4, 1845. She is the
widow of the late Francis M. Hoots; they were
married Nov. 21, 1861; they have had ten children, eight of whom are
living, viz., Edwin, Wm. W., Linea M.,
Albia, Bertie N., Arthur A., Nora Eva, and Francis
M.; deceased, Albert B. and Rosa.
The farm of Mrs. Hoots is principally managed by
herself and her children; it contains 316¼ acres, valued at
$9,500.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 |
|
|
DUDLEY HOPPER,
farmer; P. O. Mattoon; one of the first settlers of Coles Co.; was
born in Knox Co., Ky., Aug. 18, 1826; came to this State with his
father's family in 1837, when he was but a boy. He was married
to Miss Jane Dixon, now deceased; they have had
four children, viz., Felitha, George, Harvey and
Matilda. Mr. Hopper was married the second time to
Miss Margaret Easter. His farm consists
of 330 acres, valued at $9,900; since his residence in the township,
he has held the office of Commissioner three years. He was a
participant in the Mexican war, where he served eighteen months.
His land, on which he now resides, was partially entered by himself
from the Government.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JAMES M. HUNT, retired farmer; P. O. Cook's
Mills; was born in Indiana Jan. 16, 1840; his father, James Hunt,
now deceased, was one of the early settlers of that State; they
moved to Illinois and settled in Coles Co. in 1868; Mr. Hunt
has followed the pursuits of a farmer and stock-raiser from boyhood;
he enlisted in the 83d Ind. V. I.; served nearly three years, and
was discharged at the close of the war; at the battle of Dallas he
was wounded, the effects of which now compel him to retire from
business. He was married to Miss Rachel R. Janes April
13, 1875, who was born in Illinois, Oct. 17, 1857.
Source: History of Coles County, Illinois - Chicago - Wm. LeBaron,
Jr., & Co. - 1879 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
