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ILLINOIS GENEALOGY EXPRESS

A part of Genealogy Express

 

Welcome to
Piatt County, Illinois
History & Genealogy

Biographies

Source:
Piatt County History

together with a
Brief History of Illinois
from the
Discovery of the Upper Mississippi to the Present Time

by Emma C. Piatt
With Map and Illustrations.
1883

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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  MR. JEREMIAH BAKER, (Monticello) farmer and stock-raiser, Monticello, is a native of Pickaway county, Ohio.  His parents were natives of Ohio, and died there.  He came directly from Ohio to Piatt county in 1843.  He immediately entered 700 acres of land, one mile north of Milmine.  David Kuns now lives on hte place.  Mr. Baker improved 400 acres, besides two other farms; 400 acres where Jesse Yakum lives, two hundred of which was bought of Gov. Oglesby, and one which he sold to Samuel Allerton.  His nearest neighbors were three miles distant.  In 1854 Mr. Baker lodged part of the surveyors of the Wabash road.  Deer were quite plenty then, and even after he had been there a year, one morning he counted sixteen walking off his wheat.  He moved from the Mr. Kums lives to where Jesse Yoakum lives, and remained there during the war; then bought the Suver farm, now owned by Mr. Allerton.  He traded that for property in Decatur, and moved there for two years, when he came to Monticello, and he recently built a nice house on one of the most desirable lots in town.  Mr. Baker is a member of Masonic lodge of Decatur.  Mrs. Baker nee Jane Ater was born in Ross county, Ohio.  Her parents were natives of that state and she was the eldest of ten children.  Mr. Baker's father was in the war of 1812, and the Black Hawk war.  While in the war in 1812, was taken sick and brought home in a litter carried by two horses.  He never did a day's work afterward, and though he had a pension offered him, would not accept it, some $4,000 coming to him. 
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 261
  Cerro Gordo Twp. -
MR. HIRAM BARBER, merchant and postmaster, Milmine, is a native of Rhode Island.  He moved from there to Piatt county in 1858, settling two miles west of Milmine.  He owned a farm of 136 acres, which he broke, fenced and improved himself.  He sold this and bought a farm of 160 acres joining Milmine part of which was improved when he purchased it.  In 1879 he bought a lot, store and goods, and has since been a merchant.  Mr. Barber was married in 1846, to Susan E. Sherman, who died, leaving two children: Mathew S., who married Jennie Stanton and lives in Kansas; Susan A., who is the wife of Wm. Briggs, lives in Chicago and has two children.  At Mr. Barber's second nuptials, in 1857, he married Mary F. Briggs.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 470
  Cerro Gordo Twp. -
MR. STILLMAN BARBER, formerly of Milmine, now of Gonzales, Texas, is a native of Rhode Island, which state his grandfather and two uncles helped to sake out.  He was born in 1821, and in 1857 moved to Piatt county, Illinois.  He lived, however, near Carlinville, Illinois, previous to moving to Piatt county.  When he first settled here he bought land where Mr. Henry Kuns lives and began making extensive improvements.  At the time of his settling on it there was not a stick of wood on the place, but he soon had out a forty-acre apple orchard, which has yielded as high as a thousand bushel of apples a year.  He set out two other orchards before leaving the county.  After living about eight years on the farm Mr. Barber moved into Milmin, where he resided until 1875, when he went to Texas.  While in Milmine Mr. Barber kept a store, was - railroad agent and bought grain.  He was also school director, treasurer and justice of the peace.  He can justly be called one of the most energetic men of the county.  Mr. Barber came to Illinois a bachelor, but was married in Madison county to Mrs. Mary A. Murphy née Mary Clark, who had had four children, three of whom are living.  John Murphy married Sarah Hays, has one child, Jno. Delmer, and lives on a farm north of Bement.  Julia A. Murphy is not married and makes her home with her brother John.  Robert married Mary Barber, has three children, James, George and Charles, and lives in Unity township.  Mr. Barber has had seven children, five of whom are living.  Katie S. married Thomas W. East in 1873, has had three children, Victor, Herbert and Arthur, and lives near Milmine.  She was bookkeeper in her father's store for several years.  Mr. East has put most of the improvements on his 140 acres of land.  He has a cottonwood and a maple grove of about six hundred trees.  Margaret Barber attended the State Normal for one term and then studied at the State University at Champaign for two terms.  She is now teaching at Luling, Texas.  Moses, Ida and Clark are attending college near their home in Gonzales, Texas.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 469
  MR. WILLIAM BARLOW (MONTICELLO), carpenter, is a native of Vermont, from which state he moved to New York.  From there he moved to Ohio, and in 1854 came to Monticello.  He was married in 1842, to Marietta Steeley.  They have four children living in the county.  Eliza, who married Mr. Norforth, lives in Monticello, and has two children.  Frank, Cyrus and Ada are at home.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 262
  MR. JOHN BARNES (Monticello) (deceased) was born July 1, 1823, in Ohio.  He came to Piatt county in 1833, and on October 15, 1846, was united in marriage to Martha M. Philipps, who was born January 12, 1828.  Seven of their eight children are still living.  Hannah R. married Mr. John W. Fitzwater December 19, 1867, and one of their three children, Emma M., is living.  Mr. Fitzwater died Mar. 19, 1873.  Mary E. was married in September, 1882, to Mr. C. F. Chamberlain.  Ellen married James Fitzwater February 25, 1873.  George A. Barnes married Sadie A. Hiatt July 4, 1877.  They have had two children, Alta J. and Maud M., who died recently.  Joseph L. Barnes is now in the railroad office at Mansfield.  John G. Barnes is a member of the class of '83 in the Monticello High School.  Etta is also in school.  We subjoin the following from Mr. Barnes' obituary:  "Died, February 4, 1871, at his residence near Centerville, Mr. John Barnes, aged forty-eight years.  He emigrated to this state when the country was new and sparsely settled.  Hence, during his residence here, he became identified with the growing interests of the country, more especially with his immediate locality.  Having a progressive spirit, he took an active interest in all measures that pertained to the welfare of the community, and in this particular his counsel was often obtained.  As a citizen he was peaceable, and sought to allay all disturbing elements that threatened peace and harmony.  Quiet and unostentatious in his movements, never seeking to make a display, or to gain a conspicuous elevation, and somewhat distrustful of his own powers; yet when the right had to be maintained in opposition to error, he never faltered for a moment, but perseveringly pursued the path of duty.  In his commercial relations he was prompted by the principles of moral uprightness and integrity of purpose.  Among all with whom he mingled he was distinguished by honesty and truthfulness.  He was an instance of God's noblest work, 'an honest man.'  He cultivated moral sentiment and was a regular attendant at church and the Sabbath school.  Being a man of musical talent he invariably conducted the singing.  He took an interest in inviting ministers to his neighborhood, and his home was often their abode during their transient visits.  By his persevering industry he amassed considerable wealth, and was liberal with his means.  The various objects of charity and the general enterprises of christianity were fully met.  He was kind and indulgent to his family, and sought to render the home circle desirable and happy.  He had recently built a handsome brick residence, and everything that contributed to make home a loved retreat flowed in uninterrupted harmony.  The surroundings were pleasant and highly attractive.  To all appearances he had reached the summit of earthly ambitions.  But in the midst of this tide of social prosperity he was suddenly called to cross 'death's shadowy valley.'  His sickness was of short duration, during which time he gave the future some consideration.  When asked by a friend in regard to his preparation for death, he answered:  'That is all settled; my mind is perfectly clear.'  His funeral was attended by the largest assemblage convened here on a like occasion.  Mind possesses the mysterious power of assimulation, and may the surviving emulate his virtues, revere his memory, and cherish his rich legacy of an unsullied character. 
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 255
  MR. WILLIAM BARNES (deceased) (Monticello) was born in 1792, and in 1813 married Sarah Marquiss, who was born in 1794.  In 1833 they, with their family, moved to Piatt county from Ohio, and lived through the first winter in a little cabin near Monticello.  During the winter Mr. Barnes built a cabin northwest of Monticello, on the place where Mr. Wollington now lives, and in the spring of 1834 the family moved onto this farm.  Of their children only two are now living in this county.  Abraham died at the age of two years.  Henry  was born in 1816, and in 1840 married Sarah Ann Norris.  They had six children, two of whom are now living.  William Harrison (or "Tip") was married about 1878, to Catharine Hoover and now lives in Monticello.  Ann married Hiram Smock.  Susan Barnes, who was born in 1817, married Nicholas Devore (see account of Mr. Woolington)Elizabeth married Mayhew Stewart in 1837.  They lived in Willow Branch township for a time and then moved afterward married Solomon Osburn.  She died in the same neighborhood.  Mr. and Mrs. Stewart had four children, two of whom died when young.  Sarah married Frank Brady and moved to Kansas, where she died, leaving two children.  Levi Stewart was in Jacksonville when last heard from.  Sarah Louisa was born in 1820.  She was married to Samuel Morain while he held the office of sheriff.  After his term of office ended they moved to what is now the poor farm.  Their next move was to Monticello, where Mr. Morain engaged in the mercantile business.  After Mr. Morain's death Mrs. Morain lived for several years on Goose Creek and then moved to Monticello, where she and her one living child, Eva R., now reside.  John Marquiss Barnes married Nancy Winsted.  He now lives in Neosho county, Kansas, and has three children living.  William Mills Barnes married Ellen Tulley, who died leaving five children.  He is now living in Kansas.  Caroline Barnes married M. P. Winsted and is living in Barton county, Missouri.  They have three children, all married.  Jemima Barnes died at the age of eighteen. 
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 256
  MR. HARRISON BARTLEY, (MONTICELLO) a farmer in Monticello township, began his worldly career in 1808, in the State of Ohio.  He is of German descent and his parents were from Virginia.  He was married in 1835, to Elizabeth Newhouse, who was born in 1816, in Pickaway county, her husband's native county.  Her father was a private in the war of  1812.  Mr. and Mrs. Bartley lived in Pickaway county until 1868, when they moved to Piatt county, Illinois.  They have six children living and three dead.  Edward Bartley married Sarah Fry and is a farmer in Sangamon township.  They have six children living: Lucy, Elmer, Elmer, Clinton, John, Will and Claude.  Sarah Bartley married John Hildinger.  At the time of his death; they, with their two children, Della and William, were living at Decatur.  Mrs. Hildinger married Mr. R. Williams, and is now living in Monticello township.  They have three children: Winnie, Olive and Maud.  Mr. Williams had been married before and had one child, Harry.  Catharine Bartley married Mr. Jacob McLain, and with her two children, William and Ella May, lives in Monticello township.  Louis Bartley married Miss A. Coon, and they, with their children, Charles and Fannie, live in Sangamon township.  Nelson Bartley married Emma Coon and lives in Monticello township.  They have two children, Nellie Myrtle and a babe.  Lemuel Bartley is a farmer in Ohio, while his brother Reuben is a farmer at home.  Two of Mr. Bartley's family who died reached the age of maturity.  Ella married Abraham Long and at her death left four children.  William was twenty-four years old when he died.  Benjamin died in Ohio.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 262
  Cerro Gordo Twp. -
SQUIRE E. A. BARNWELL, Cerro Gordo, was born near Nashville, Tennessee.  He moved from that state to Macon county in 1833.  His father was then one of the early settlers of that county.  His father was on a war vessel in the war of 1812.  Mr. Barnwell lived in Macon most of the time previous to his coming to Piatt county.  He lived there continuously from 1856 until 1874, when he settled in Cerro Gordo.  After locating in this town he followed photography for a time, and now for the last six years has been police magistrate of the place.  He has also held the office of town clerk for four years.  He is a member of the Masonic lodge, and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since 1846.  He owns a house and lot in Cerro Gordo.  Mr. Barnwell and Susanna Whidky were united in marriage in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1848.  They have had five children, two of whom, E. A. Barnwell, Jr. and Gracie R. are at home.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 471
  MR. WILLIAM BEATTIE (MONTICELLO), is a native of Dumfriessire, Scotland.  He was born in 1808, came to Canada in 1827, thence to New York in 1835,and to Piatt county in 1864.  He was married in Canada in 1833, to Jeannet Hudgert, who died in 1874.  Mr. Beattie has three children living.  Kate, who is the wife of Mr. Brown, a native of Scotland, was married in New York city in 1864, and came to this county with her parents, Mr. Brow following the next year.  They moved from Quincy here in May, 1866, and have six children: William, Robert, Nettie, James, Charles and KatieWilliam Beattie is now in California, and James lives in Piatt county.  William Beattie paid a short visit to Scotland in 1879, but had no desire to remain.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page  264
  MR. JOHN BECK  (MONTICELLO), harness maker, is a native of Ireland, from which country he came to America in 1875.  He was married in 1851, to Lucy M. Bond, who died in Monticello in December, 1881.  His daughter May was a music teacher in Monticello for some time.  Mr. Beck went to the army from New Jersey in Co. E. of the 1st N. J. Lt. Lart.  He was in the engagements at Drury's Bluff and at Richmond.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 264
  MR. JERRY BENDER, (Monticello) merchant, Monticello, came to this county from Ohio, his native state, in 1842, and has resided here ever since, having been in business at Monticello for at least twenty-four years.  He owns his present store building, a residence, and over one block in Monticello.  Mr. Bender was married about 1860, to Miss M. J. Moffitt, who died in June, 1872, leaving two children - Charles, now in Idaho, and Annie, who is in Colorado.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page
258
  MR. SAMUEL BENDER, (Monticello) merchant, Monticello, is a native of Ohio, who came to Piatt county, Illinois, in 1842.  His parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Bender, with their family, settled in Monticello at this time and lived for awhile in the Piatt cabin.  But two of their five children, Samuel and Jerry, are now living.  Henry Bender, who married Mary Ann Barnes, died leaving one son, John Bender, now living Goose Creek township.  Harriet. who first married James Campbell and then A. J. Wiley, is now dead.  Ann, who married James Jacobs, is also dead.  Mr. Samuel Bender owns several hundred acres of land in Goose Creek township, which he has improved himself, and a business residence and five lots in Monticello.  He married Elizabeth Marquiss in 1846.  She died in six years, leaving one daughter, Effie, who died January 10, 1869, being stricken down in the very bloom of her young womanhood.  In 1853 Mr. Bender was united in marriage to Rebecca Rea, who died in California, in 1877, leaving six children.  Of these, Ida is the wife of L. M. Taylor, of Monticello, and has two children, Roy and Ethyl; Bertie is the wife of J. J. Hobson, of California, and has two children.  The names of the other children are Will, Dick, Louise B. and S. R.  In July, 1882, Mr. Bender and Inez Jamison were united in marriage.  Within the last decade Mr. Bender has been to California several times, having lived there  in all seven years.  (Source #1 - Pg. 257)
  MR. JONATHAN BETTS (MONTICELLO) is a native of Ross county, Ohio.  He came with teams from Pickaway county, Ohio, to Piatt county, in 1856.  After coming to this place, he first worked on a farm for Mr. William H. Piatt, and has followed farming most of the time since.  He was in the late war from 1862 to June 1865.  He went in Col. F, 2d Ill. Cav., and was in the battles of Hollow Springs, Mississippi, and Sabine Cross Roads.  He was wounded in the hand and face, but was never taken prisoner. 
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page
263
  DR. EDWARD BLACKSHAW (MONTICELLO), dentist, is a native of Staffordshire, England, and came to America about 1852, and was in Wisconsin until 1858, when he moved to Urbana, which has since been his home.  He obtained his dental education at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, with Dr. J. R. Cole, has followed this business while in Urbana, and since 1862 has made professional visits monthly to Monticello.  At present, and for some time since, these visits have been made the first Monday and Tuesday of each month.  For a time he was with Dr. Coleman, but of late years, and in general, has been with Dr. Noecker.  Dr. Blackshaw was married in England in 1852, to Elizabeth Jones, when after three days of married life he came to America, leaving his wife, who followed the next spring.  She died May 7, 1881.  He recently married a Mrs. Strachan, of Urbana.  Dr. Blackshaw's trips to Monticello have been made overland.  He used to travel most by way across open prairie, has several times been mired in the swamps, and once his horse had to swim a slough.  At one time he was lost in a rain storm.  It was often his experience to come through severe storms, and all for the sake of "teething" people.  Dr. Blackshaw was the first dentist in this part of the state to introduce artificial dentures on rubber, the work previously having been done on gold and silver.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 263
  MR. J. BOHN  (MONTICELLO), druggist, is a native of Germany, and came to America in 1847.  In 1860 he came to Illinois and in 1867 located in Monticello.  He studied chemistry at the Illinois State University and attended a course of medical lectures at Keokuk, Iowa.  He went into partnership in drugs with Mr. Van Gundy in 1878, and still remains with him.  Mr. Bohn was lately elected a member of the school board, and already shows himself a proficient worker for the interest of the city schools.
(Source #1 - Pg. 264)
  MR. D. S. BOND (MONTICELLO), farmer, is a native of Virginia, and moved from there to Indiana about 1847, then came to Champaign county about 1851, and to Piatt county about 1852.  He owns 160 acres of land, which he has improved himself.  Mr. Bond was married about 1859, to Mary Gates, and has had ten children, of whom eight are now living: Edwin, Albert, Earnest, Lillie, Florence, Charlie, Irving and Nellie.  AFter traveling in the north and west, he returned to Piatt county, satisfied this place is the best for a home.  He has held some township offices.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 263
  MR. L. J. BOND (MONTICELLO), is a native of West Virginia, from which state he moved to Indiana in 1849.  He remained in that state at Wabash and Lafayette until 1854, when he came to Piatt county, and in 1856 located in Monticello, where he still resides, owning 44 acres of land just outside of the city limits, and one of the most attractive residence of the vicinity.  He was married October, 25, 1849, to Margaret V. Bond, and has had eleven children, six of whom are now living. Lona is the wife of Mr. P. Keenan, of Monticello.  Oswick is quite a musician, and has traveled a good deal over the United States.  Bert, Ada, Lena and Lonis are at home.  Alice died at the age of fourteen.  Mr. Bond  was supervisor of Monticello township ten or twelve years, has held several local offices, was circuit clerk two terms, and was a member of the legislature one term.  He belongs to the Masonic lodge, blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery, of Decatur.  At present Mr. Bond is connected with railroad business, and, through he is from home a great deal, we count him one of our most earnest and worthy citizens.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 258
  Cerro Gordo Twp. -
MR. BENJAMIN BOWMAN, a farmer, is a native of Ohio.  He moved from his native state when quite young, and was reared in Indiana.  He moved to Piatt county, Illinois, in 1865, and settled on the place of eighty acres which he has principally improved, and which he now lives on.  He was married in Ohio, to Mary A. Laird, and has had four children, three of whom are living, Silas M., Anna Eliza and Della.  Mr. Bowman is a member of the German Baptist church.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 470
  Cerro Gordo Twp. -
MR. F. A. BOWDLE, farmer, is a native of Ohio, from which state he moved to Illinois in 1862.  In 1868 he settled on  his present homeplace of 160 acres, upon which he has made all improvements.  He was married in Ohio, to Catherine Willis, who died in 1860, leaving eight children, seven of whom are living.  Sally E. is living at home.  Wm. married Lucy McDonald, of Pennsylvania, and lives in Cerro Gordo township.  Maria C. married Uleric Born, and has one child, Selah.  Emma J. is the wife of Mr. HumerMary is living at home.  Mr. Bowdle has been school director for four years.  He thinks that their neighborhood has changed somewhat in regard to morals since he first came into it.  Now the people do seem to know what Sunday is, while some years ago all days seemed the same.  He considers this county one of the finest he has ever seen.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 470
  MR. REUBEN BOWMAN (MONTICELLO).  Mr. Reuben Bowman's life began July 4, 1806, in Pennsylvania in which state he remained until he was ten years of age.  His parents, Peter and Christina (Fagley) Bowman, died in Ohio, the one near  seventy years of age and the other eighty-eight years old.  They had a family of fourteen children, of which Reuben is the youngest and the only one living.  Some of the children lived to be ninety years old.  His father was in the revolutionary war and three of his brothers were in the war of 1812.  He started to the Mexican War, but returned.  When the late war began, he went out for over a year, until he was crippled by the falling of his horse.  After leaving the army he lost the use of one of his eyes.  Major Bowman had three sons and almost a whole company of nephews in the rebellion.  Mr. Bowman was married in 1832, to Miss Sarah Bradley, who died in 1874.  Their daughter, Samantha, died after her marriage to John Albert.  One of their children is now married and living in Champaign county.  Julia Bowman married Mr. G. M. Bruffitt and lives in Mansfield.  They have three children.  Harriet was married to Dr. David Robinson.  They have no children.  Mary Bowman is still living at home, while George is also at Monticello.  Both of his wives are dead.  Two of his children are living.  John Bowman is married, has four children, and living in Bates county, Missouri.  Milton Bowman died in Piatt county in 1876, while his brother, James K. P., died in Missouri.  Harrison Bowman is married, has several children, and is living in Shelby county.  Major Reuben Bowman has lately received a pension, and, with at least a portion of this, has purchased property just south of the fair grounds.  During the summer of 1881 he put up quite a nice frame residence on the place.  The major doubtless expects to take comfort in his old days.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 260
  ALEXANDER GEORGE BOYER (MONTICELLO) was born in Ohio, Aug. 5, 1825.  His parents were natives of Pennsylvania.  His father kept hotel in Ohio.  His mother's death occurred in January, 1875.  Mr. A. G. Boyer was married in this county in 1849, to Hannah Duckett, of Butler county, Ohio.  They had eight children: Lenora, who died when a babe; Olive, who is at home; Frank, dead; James, living at home; Dolly, Martha and Douglas are dead; and Berta, who is at home.  Mr. Boyer attended business and law college in Chicago, previous to his marriage, and taught school several terms in this county.  At one time he lived on a farm.  He belonged to the Masonic lodge of Monticello, and died Apr. 11, 1868.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 262
  Cerro Gordo Twp. -
MR. SAMUEL BRANDENBURG, farmer, is of German descent and a native of Kentucky.  He moved from that state to Illinois in 1864, and settled where he now lives upon eighty acres of land, upon which he has made all improvements.  He has married in Kentucky, to Adaline Haggard.  Their eight children are all living.  David is married and lives in Kansas; Alvin is also in Kansas; Wm., Jas., Louisa, Elizabeth, Mary and Samuel are at home.  Mr. Brnadenburg has been school director for nine years.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 471
  MR. JAMES BROWN (MONTICELLO) (deceased) came from Virginia to Piatt county Nov. 16, 1857, and bought a farm on Goose Creek of Dr. Hull.  He lived on the farm at the time of his death, Oct. 22, 1878.  He was married in 1844, to Margaret A. Hull, a graduate of the Kalorama Seminary in Stanton, Virginia.  Several of their children were born in Virginia.  Belle was married July 3, 1873, to Joseph M. Wollington and has three children.  Emma is the wife of Mr. Joseph H. Rankin.  Mollie was married Nov. 30, 1880, to Robert Hays.  J. Hull Brown was a promising young man who attended school at Lebanon and at Ann Arbor.  He taught school for several years in the county.  He died Jan. 21, 1879.  Lucy was married Feb. 8, 1876, to Rufus C. Gordon.  Ada E. was married Mar. 14, 1878, to Ellis Reed.  Floyd F., Clara M. and Olive F. are still at home with Mrs. Brown, who now lives in Monticello.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 260
  MR. JOHN A. BRITTENHAM (MONTICELLO) (deceased) was born in Ross county, Ohio.  His mother was a native of Maryland.  Both parents remained in Ohio until their death.  Mr. Brittenham received a common education in Ohio and came to Illinois about 1839 or 1840.  He settled near Naples, and while there he entered the Illinois conference and began preaching on the Pontiac circuit.  His second circuit included Monticello.  During this second appointment he was married, in 1846, to Miss Martha Harshbarger, of Pittsburg, Indiana.  After his marriage he traveled on various circuits, including that of McLean and Carlinville, but finally in 1851 located in Monticello, Illinois.  While located here he dealt in real estate for a time. He built some fifteen or twenty houses in the town.  After dealing for a time in real estate he farmed awhile and then went into merchandise.  He had just gone out of this business at the time of his death, May 28, 1872.  His death was quite sudden.  In the morning of May 28, he had been preparing some horse medicine.  Just a little while before he died and sent into the kitchen at his home and asked for his sons, remarking that he thought he was going to die.  In spite of all efforts to save him, he died in a very short time.  Mr. Brittenham belonged to the I. O. O. F. Lodge, and was an honored and respected citizen.  His first wife died in1857.  Tow of her children are still living.  Chas. K. Brittenham is married, has one child, and is a merchant at or near Pontiac.  Wm. R. married Ellen Ewing in 1880.  They have one child.  Wm. R. Brittenham is living in Monticello and farming.  Mr. John Brittenham the principal subject of this sketch, was married in 1858 to Sarah J. Funk, of Heyworth, McLean county, Illinois.  She is still living and at present resides in the same house in Monticello in which she went to housekeeping.  She has four children living, John Richard and Thomas L., who are both farming, and Allen O. and Sarah J., who are both at home.  His sister, Mrs. Howes, in speaking of Mr. Brittenham, says that he was always of a religious turn of mind and united with the church when about seventeen years old.  He was made class-leader in Ohio when eighteen years old, began his work as a local preacher in Illinois about 1839, and in 1843 joined the Illinois conference.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 259
 

MR. JOHN BRITTON (MONTICELLO) (deceased) was a native of Pennsylvania.  He married Miss Jane Graham, a native of Ohio, and for ten years, until 1846, he made that state his home.  They then moved near Monticello, Illinois, on a farm, where they remained until the death of Mr. Britton in 1856.  Two children survived him.  Wm. J. Britton married Miss Laura Dyer and at present is living in Monticello.  They have had four children, two of whom, Nellie and Willie, are living.  Johnny, the eldest of the family, showed remarkable artistic and mechanical talent for one so young.  Mr. Britton has been road commissioner of Monticello township for nine years.  He is school director at present, and reports the Monticello schools in a good condition, financially.  Mr. Britton is a member of the Masonic lodge 58, A. F. and A. M., Markwell chapter 48, R. A. M., Monticello council No. 48, and the Urbana commandery No. 16.  Miss Ella Britton married Dr. Noecker, a resident physician of Monticello.  Mrs. Britton remained a widow until December, 1879, when she married Mr. David P. Bunn, a Universalist minister of Decatur, Illinois.  He has been a resident of that city for a number of years.  He used to preach quite frequently in this county, and from the time Mr. Britton first settled near Monticello, made his home a stopping place.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 258


F. E. Bryant
 
  MR. C. BULLA (MONTICELLO) confectioner, Monticello, is a native of Wayne county, Indiana, which place he still calls his home.  He came to Piatt county in 1877, and for two years was in the drug store with W. H. Reese, after which time he went into business for himself.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 264
  MR. G. A. BURGESS (MONTICELLO), superintendent of schools is a native of Iowa.  His parents died when he was quite young and he returned to Illinois in 1866 to make his home with his uncle.  Mr. Burgess left the farm in 1876, graduating at the State Normal School in 1878.  He owns a farm of 120 acres in Bement township, which he has improved, in addition to his residence property in Monticello.  He was married in 1874, to Jane Conoway and has three children, Louis, Fred and an infant. Mr. Burgess was in the Monticello schools three years, two of which he was principal.  For the last year he has successfully held the position of superintendent of schools.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 264
  Cerro Gordo Twp. -
MR. JONATHAN BURNS, a farmer of Cerro Gordo township, is a native of Scott county.  He moved from there to Macon county, native of Scott county.  He moved from there to Macon county, and from thence to Piatt county in 1866.  He lived in Bement township for a time, but for the last nine years has been in Cerro Gordo township, where he owns eighty acres of land, upon which he has made some improvements.  He was married to Francis V. Burrows, of Scott county.  They have had eight children, seven of whom, Chas. R., Alice M., Tho. W., Frederic F., Daniel, Jennie P. and Carrie are living.  Mr. Burns went to the army from Scott county, in Co. F of the 61st Ill.  He was out nearly four years, but was never wounded.  He served as second and first lieutenant, and was veteranized.  He took part in the following engagements:  Shiloh, Vicksburg, Mechanicsburg, Little Rock, Murfreesborough and The Cedars.  Mr. Burns once had a narrow escape from bushwhackers in the grand prairie of Arkansas.  He with others were out deer hunting, when they suddenly found themselves in the midst of their enemy.  By a little maneuvering they escaped from the bushwhackers, who luckily were attracted elsewhere.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 471
  MR. O. P. BUSH (MONTICELLO), carpenter, was born in 1829, in Ohio.  He moved from his native state to Illinois in 1836, and on the 24th of Jan., 1853, located in Monticello, where he now owns one house and two lots.  He was married in 1851, to Barbara J. Cook, and has had four children, three of whom are living.  Wm. J. married Miss L. J. Kendel, and has one child, Mabel.  Maria J. married James Graham, and, with one child, lives in Champaign county.  Charles W. Bush is at home.
Source: Piatt County History, by Emma C. Piatt - With Map and Illustrations - Publ. 1883 - Page 263

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