White County, Illinois - Chapter 13: Eminent Dead, 1883

Chapter 13: Eminent Dead

Moat of the public men of the past of White County, who are now deceased, are sketched elsewhere in this volnme, in those chapters and sections where notices of them would appropriately come. In this chapter are given a few either of a miscellaneous character, or of those whose prominence or varied sphere of action entitles them to special mention.

Hon. John M. Bobinson

the most prominent statesman from Southern Illinois, a brother of ex-Governor James F. Robinson, of Kentucky, and an early set¬ tler in White County, was born in Scott County, Ky., in 1794, and emigrated to Illinois about 1818, first landing at Shawneetown and settling at Carmi. Being well knowu as a thorough lawyer, he was immediately appointed by the Governor as Prosecuting Attorney for this district. In January, 1831, he was elected by the Legislature as United States Senator, to fill the unexpired term of John McLean, and over D. J. Baker, the Governor's choice. This was a most overwhelming testimonial to the high character which Mr. Robinson must have held in the estimation of Illinois statesmen. In 1834 he was re-elected for a full term, which ex¬ pired March 4, 1843, when he was appointed by President Van Burenas Judge ot the United States District Court for the North¬ ern District of Illinois. Two months a'terward Mr. Robinson died at Ottawa, the seat of the court. His remains were brought home and buried in the Carmi cemetery. A portrait of Yan Buren, painted in oil, was presented to Hon. Mr. Robinson by the President himself, in token of his esteem, and is now at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Robert Stewart, Carmi. There is also in possession of this family a life-sized, steel portrait of Mr. Robinson, and also a small, beautifully mounted portrait in ivory.

Mr. Robinson was a social and kind-hearted gentleman, a man beloved in his family as well as honored abroad. In stature he was six feet four inches high ; his eyes were blue, and his hair a rich auburn.

Hi8Tory Of White County

Jan. 2$, 1829, Mr. Robinson married Mary P. D. Ratcliff, daughter of the eminent James Ratcliff, so well known to the old citizens of White County. Their tirst housekeeping was in a house just below the present Damron Rouse. Some time afterward Mr. Robinson bought the residence built by John Craw, and now occu¬ pied by Robert Stewart, his son-in-law. This house was at tirst the old-time, highly-honored double-log cabin; but Mr. Robinson weather-boarded it, and since his time additions have been made to it. This was Mr. Robinson's home until his death. His widow died in 18t>4. The following are their children - James S., the eldest son, who became a lawyer, and at one time a prose¬ cuting attorney, and died in 1859, in Carmi; and Margaret R., now the wife of Robert Stewart, and residing at the old home¬ stead, at the south side of the public square.

Hon. William Wil80N

Judge of the Circuit Court from 1S20 to 1849, except about seven years, was a native of Virginia. lie came to White County in 1819, and resided on his farm, a short distance southeast of Carmi, until his death about 1857 or '58. He was fanious for story-tell¬ ing, and of a jolly disposition, although given to the use of lauda¬ num to a remarkable degree. He was an eminent man in many respects; was also a lover of tine horses, and a breeder of improved livestock, including horses, cattle, sheep and swine. Politically, he was a Whig, until the rise of the Republican party, when he became a Democrat. For a time he was Chief Justice of the State. At his death he left a large family, some of whom still reside in his county.

Mr. Wilson was born April 27, 1794. When quite young his father died, leaving his wife with two sons and an embarrassed estate. At an early age his mother obtained for him a situation in a store; but he had no aptitude for merchandising, and, young as he was, developed an unusual greed for books, reading every one attainable, to the almost total neglect of his duties in the store. At the age of eighteen he entered a law office under the tuition of the Hon. John Cook, who ranked high as a lawyor at the bar of Virginia, and who also served his country with honor and distinc¬ tion abroad as Minister to the court of France. In 1812 Mr. Wilson was a commanding officer under General Jackson at New Orleans, and the land warrant which he received for his services was never located. In 1817 he came to Kentucky, thence to

Illinois, to look for a home, and such was his personal bearing and prepossessing appearance, that one year later, at the inauguration of the State government, his name was brought before the Legis¬ lature for Associate Supreme Judge, and he came within six votes of an election. Aug. 17, 1819, he was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Foster, who had been elected one of the Supreme Judges the June previous. For five years he served the people so acceptably upon the bench as to be at this time chosen to the first position by a large majority over the former Chief Justice Reynolds. This was the more a mark of approbation, because Judge Wilson was totally devoid of, and never in his life could wield, anjr of the arts of the politician or party scheme. In all his long public career of nearly thirty years as a Supreme Judge of Illinois, he commanded the full respect, confidence and esteem of the people for the probity of his official acts, and his upright conduct as a citizen and a man. His educa¬ tion was such as he had acquired by diligent reading and self culture. As a writer his diction was pure, clear and elegant, as may be seen by reference to his published opinions in the Supreme Court reports. With a mind of rare analytical power, his judg¬ ment as a lawyer was discriminating and sound, and upon the bench liis learning and impartiality commanded respect, while his own dignified deportment inspired decorum in others. By the members of the bar he was greatly esteemed; no new beginner was ever without the protection of almost a fatherly hand in his court against the arts and powers of an older opponent.

In politics, upon the formation of the Whig and Democratic parties, Judge Wilson associated himself with the former. He was an amiable and accomplished gentleman in private life, with manners most engaging and friendships strong.

April 27, 1820, Mr. Wilson married Mary S. Davidson, a native of Wheeling, Ya., and born in 1800. They were the parents of ten children, viz.: William H., born June 12, 1821, became a doctor, and died Aug. 3, 1850; John Cook, born July 29, 1S23, now a farmer in Hawthorne Township; Robert Davidson, born Jan. 5, 1826, living in California; Charles J. F., born June 19, 1827, now residing in Carmi; Philip King, born March 4, 1829 (the day that Jackson took his seat as President of the D. S.), became an eminent lawyer, and while a resident of Burlington, Iowa, came within a few votes of the nomination for Governor; he died in that city in 1856; Mary Illinois, born Aug. 5, 1830, married Dr.

Hi8Toby Of White County

B. Stnrvi and resides in Springfield, Ill. ; Margaret Eleanor, born Feb. 25, 1832, married John Pearson, of Harrodsburg, Ky., and lives at Uliopolis, Sangamon Co., 111.; Thomas K., born July 27, 1833, resides in Carmi; Susan Jane, born March 11, 1835, died Nov. 14, 1844; Byron, born April 16, 1843, died May 18, 1844.

Judge Wilson bought throe farms in White County, amounting to 11,000 acres, and for a permanent home his wife selected the one two miles west of Carmi, which was their residence during his lifetime. This is said to be one of the prettiest places in the State, and the Judge remained upon it, although strongly urged by his friends, Judges Lockwood and Thomas, to go to Jacksonville, Ill., which has since been one of the most beautiful places in Illinois. The hospitality of Judge Wilson was of the old Virginia style. Seldom did a summer season pass at his pleasant country seat, on the banks of the Little Wabash, that troops of friends, relatives and distinguished official visitors did not sojourn with him. His official career terminated with the going into effect of the new Constitution, Dec. 4, 1848, when he retired to private life. Mrs. Wilson died in Carmi, Nov. 23, 1868 ; the Judge died at his home, in the ripeness of age, and the consciousness of a life well spent, April 29, 1857, in his sixty-third year.

James Ratcliff

was a native of Virginia, and located in Carmi a short time pre¬ vious to 1818. He soon after succeeded Edward H. Piper as Clerk of the County Commi86ioners, Court, and was also appointed Clerk of the Circnit Court. He was also, for a period, Postmaster at Carmi, and held various other public trusts. He was County Clerk until 1848, and was all his life here considered one of the fathers of Carmi, if not even of all White County. His family con¬ sisted of a wife, one son and two daughters, none of whom are now living. A granddaughter is now Mrs. Frank E. Hay. Mr, Ratcliff owned considerable land in the county, was a good man¬ ager, a man of sterling honesty, unbounded hospitality, full ot impulses, a warm politician, but never a demagogue. He was not a public speaker, and never stooped to -the many low artifices in which demagogues take delight.

Willis Hargrave

the fair-ground now is. He had been a Captain in the war of 1812, and while a resident here he was at one time a Representa¬ tive in the Legislature. He was a farmer while here, but had followed salt-manufacturing for a time previous to his coming. His brother, Hezekiah, is still seen occasionally in Carmi. There are several grandchildren of his residing in the county.

Hon. Edwin B. Webb

This name is intimately associated with the early history of Carmi, and with its advancement and prosperity up to the time of his death. He was one of its most prominent citizens. He came to Carmi in 1828 or 1830, and commenced the practice of his pro¬ fession - the law. He commenced his law studies in Transylvania University, Ky., and completed them after coming to this State. Soon after coming to Carmi he was elected, by the Legislature, Prosecuting Attorney for the circuit in which he resided. From 1834 to 1848 he served continuously in the Legislature, first in the House of Representatives and afterward in the Senate. In 1842 he was defeated by Colonel J. T. Lawler, by forty-three votes, but in 1844 was elected to the Senate, and served his full term. In the Presidential election of 1844 and 1848 he was on the Whig electoral ticket and one of the most able advocates for their suc¬ cess. In the Whig convention of 1852 he was nominated by ac¬ clamation as the candidate for Governor.

Mr. Webb was in partnership with his brother, George W. Webb, in the mercantile business, and retained his partnership while practicing his profession. For integrity, high appreciation of principle and an exact sense of justice, Mr. Webb had no supe¬ rior. As a lawyer he had not only, in an eminent degree, the confidence of his clients, but also that of those to whom he might be opposed, so fair and honorable was he in the practice of his profession. As a Legislator and Statesman he was courteous, able and useful; as a friend and neighbor he impressed and won all hearts.

Mr. Webb died Oct. 14, 1858, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. His two children are now living in Carmi - James Ratcliff, of the firm of Hay & Webb, and Patty, wife of Frank E. Hay, of the same firm.

Sen J Amin Franklin 8Pilman

in 1790 and emigrated immediately to Kentucky. In 1806 they moved into what is called the Green River country, when a part of the time B. F. drove a four-horse team from a landing on the Kentucky side of the river to Salem. While stopping to rest and feed his horses he improved his time in studying the Latin gram¬ mar. He was very desirous of pursuing a course of study, but many obstacles intervened. At last his health compelled him to give up teaming, and his parents decided to accede to his ardent desire to prosecute a course of study. He proceeded to Chillicothe, Ohio, and pursued preparatory studies with Rev. Robert G. Wil¬ son, D. D. He entered Jefferson College at Cannonsburg, Pa., in 1817, and graduated in October, 1821. He then returned to Chil¬ licothe and studied theology with Dr. Wilson, and was licensed by the Chillicothe Presbytery Dec. 3, 1823. He immediately pro¬ ceeded home that he might preach his first sermon in his father's house. His text was: "Unto you, therefore, who believe, He is precious." It was the second Sabbath of December, 1823. This was his introduction to Southeastern Illinois. There were then two Presbyterian churches in this part of the State, one at Sharon and one at Golconda. With these two churches Mr. Spilman at once commenced his labors, connecting with them such other promising points as he found accessible. One of these was Shawneetown; he preached his first sermon at this point at the close of 1823. There wa9 only one member of the Presbyterian church at this place, and that was a woman.

He fixed his residence at Golconda in the latter part of 1824. He was ordained to the ministry, and installed pastor of Sharon church in November, 1824, by Muhlenburg Presbytery. It was understood, however, that he was to spend with them only onefourth of his time. This pastoral relation continued only eighteen months. March 17, 1827, Mr. Spilman married Miss Ann B. Can¬ non, of Cannonsburg, Pa. In 1832 he removed his family to Shawneetown. In May of that year he organized a church at this place. As they had no fixed place] of worship, they occupied warehouses and private dwellings until the "old log church" was erected; this was followed in 1842 by a neat brick edifice. May 26, 1832, he organized the church at Equality. Nov. 16, 1833, he lost his infant son, James Franklin, aged four days, and Feb. 4, 1835, he met with a still greater misfortune in the loss of his wife.

of the General Assembly; took charge of the Gallatin Academy one year; labored for one year as a home missionary under the General Assembly's Board of Domestic Missions. In that time he supplied ssven congregations - Carmi, Sharon, New Haven, Morganfield, Union, Tilford's and Douglas. In'1840 Mr. Spilman completed seventeen years of service in Southeastern Illinois and the adjoining parts of Indiana and Kentucky, and organized thirteen churches. June 22, 1840, he married Mary B. Pot er. Nov. 13, 1843, he buried his son, John Calvin, aged thirteen.

During his ministry of thirty-six years Mr. Spilman organized about twenty churches; five or six of these have ceased to exist from deaths, removals, etc., but most of them have acquired strength and great influence. His death took place at Shawneetown, May 3, 1859; his age was sixty-two years. He was buried from the Presbyterian church, and his remains were deposited in Westwood Cemetry.

Daniel Hay

was born in 1781, in Prince Edward County, ^a. Tn "788 the family emigrated to Kentucky and settled in Bourbon County, where tliev remained until about 1801, then removed to Butler County. In 1809 Mr. Hay married Priscilla i obbins, and they had ten children - eight sons and two daughters; all lived to ma¬ ture age. In 1813 he volunteered and was made Ensign of a Ken¬ tucky regiment that was held as a reserve in the battle of Tippe¬ canoe. In 1816 he concluded to seek a home in the then Territory of Illinois, and started on horseback; crossed the Ohio at Shawneetown and spent the first night at Equality. His intention was to go to Sangamon County, but at Equality he met with a c m any ot gentlemen, consisting of James Ratcliff, Willis Hargrave and others, who were just starting out to locate the county seat of the new county of White, and he was easily induced to join them. He assisted in the locating and laying out of the town of Carmi. At this time Lowry Hay was building a mill just above the site selected for the county town, and the proximity of the mill deter¬ mined the location of the town. In those days all town sites were located on running streams, and a mill propelled by water was conidered a very desirable, if not a necessary, adjunct. Lowry Hay was not a relative of Daniel, although of the same name; the lat¬ ter assisted in covering the mill with shingles. He bought a lot in Carmi and built a log cabin for his family to occupy when he should bring them. In September he returned to Kentucky, and soon after moved his family, consisting then of his wife and four children, and they arrived at their new home in Carmi the evening* of Oct 31, 1816.

Mr. Hay was the first Sheriff of White County, being elected in 1818; was re-elected in 1820 and 1822, thus serving six years. In 1824 he was elected to the State Senate and served four years. In 1820 he removed to a farm five miles west of Carmi, where his numerous family of boys were taught to till the soil and trained to habits of industry and economy. In 1831 he moved back to Carmi and kept a hotel and ferry for about eighteen months, then returned to his farm, where he remained until the fall of 1847. By this time his large family had become scattered, and he again moved to Carmi. In 1847 he was elected and served as a member of the Convention to revise the Constitution. He was the first and only mail contractor in that section of the country for many years. From 1825 to 1829 he had the contract to carry the mail from Shawneetown through Carmi and Fairfield to Yandalia and return, once a week. His eldest son, William, then about twelve years old, was the carrier. It took six days to make the trip, giv¬ ing but one day for rest. In 1829 the route was shortened and the contract was let only to Maysville, then the county seat of Clay County, and located one mile south of Clay City. In 1832 the service* was increased to twice a week in two-horse stages between Shawneetown and Carmi. All of Mr. Hay's sons, as they became old enough, carried the mail on horseback, and when a little older, drove the stage. In 1838 the service was again advanced to a fourhorse stage three times a week, and the route let from Shawnee¬ town through Carmi, Gray ville and Mt. Carmel to Vincennes. In 1842 the contract ended and Mr. Hay went out of the business. In 1831 he was appointed United States Pension Agent and held the position until 1842; he then resigned and turned his attention to prosecuting claims for pensions, and obtained pensions for a great many persons.

From 1840 to 1848 he was partner with his son William in a store, under the firm name of D. & W. L. Hay; at the latter date he turned over his interest in the business to his son William and took his written obligation to support his parents during the remainder of their lives - an obligation which was faithfully per¬ formed. Mr. Hay died in 1853, at the age of seventy-two, uni¬ versally esteemed and beloved - one of nature's noblemen. He was born in Virginia and in 1787 moved to Woodford County, Ky. He read medicine in Frankfort, Ky. ; came to Shawneetown in a very early day and practiced there many years; practiced also In Equality. In 1820 he came to Carmi, where he had a sister (Mrs. Wm. Richardson) living, and where he had some practice as a physician; Mr. Richardson subsequently died in Missouri. In 1821 Dr. Shannon married Eliza Dupuy, of Shelby County, Ky., and was a practicing physician of Carmi till 1844, when he was thrown from his horse and killed, while returning from visiting a patient. As a physician he was eminently successful; exhibited great skill during the cholera siege of 1832. His office was where Mrs. Talbut now resides, a few rods east of the court-house. The building still stands, but is now in the rear of the Damron House. The Doctor was one of the pillars of Jacksonian Democracy in Southern Illinois of forty-two years ago.

Samuel Snowdon Hayes

one of the most prominent lawyers and public men of former times in White County, was born in Williamson County, Tenn. When about twenty years of age he removed to Shawneetown, Ill., where he engaged as a druggist for some time. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in March, 1842, when he opened an office in Carmi and commenced practice, in competition with such men as Hon. E. B. Webb, of this place, and U. F. Linder, Charles H. Constable, Henry Eddy, Samuel D. Marshall and others, who prac¬ ticed in the courts of White County. Young Hayes, with good talent and an indomitable will, was equal to the emergency, and immediately entered upon a career of success in his profession, ob¬ taining a large and lucrative practice, not only in this but also in all the adjoining counties. But, like most brilliant young lawyers, he began to desire official situations, and being a radical Jack¬ sonian Democrat, and so in sympathy with a majority of the peo¬ ple in this part of Illinois, he could not withstand the temptation ot political preferment, and became a very loud and noisy politician. He soon found himself a leader of the Democratic party in White County; was nominated in 1846, and in August elected for the House of Representatives in the State Legislature, by a majority of forty-six over his Whig competitor, Reuben Emerson. Abraham Miller and Yearbv Land were also candidates for the same office, but were left far in the distance.

Mr. Hayes at once took high rank as a legislator, and on his re¬ turn home, in the spring of 1847, he was elected a delegate to the State Constitutional Convention, which met in June that year, and formed the organic law that lilted Illinois out of her bankrupt con¬ dition into the proud position which she has since enjoyed. In 1848 he was again returned to the Lower House of the Legislature, being elected over Win. Harrow by only twelve majority. Elated by continued victory, he was led to overleap the mark, by making an extended canvass fora seat in Congress during the summer of 1850, in which he was defeated by the late Willis Allen, in the convention at McLeansboro in August of that year.

Hayes then became very much discouraged with Southern Illinois, and set his face toward Lake Michigan. In the fall of that year (1850) he married a daughter of Colonel Richard Taylor, of Mich¬ igan City. In the spring ot 1851 he located in the city of Chicago, where he opened out in the practice of his profession and in realestate business, and made quite a little fortune ; but in the panic of 1857 he became a wreck, and for a time partially insane. His assets becoming afterward more valuable, however, he recovered himself, both mentally and pecuniarily.

In 1870 he was again elected a member of the State Constitu¬ tional Convention, which formed the present organic law of Il¬ linois. For one term he was also Controller of the city of Chicago, and was asplendid financier. In the crisis of 1873 his fortunes again became wrecked, and he never afterward recovered. On account of misfortune and severe labor his health became impaired and he gradually declined until he died, in 1880. Amid all his adversi¬ ties, however, he had no personal enemy. Every person who knew him, man woman or child, without regar to party, sect or condi¬ tion, ever entertained a warm feeling of sympathy and respect for him.

Colonel John E. Whiting

deceased, was bornApril 12, 1821, in Vanderburg County, Ind., where he lived with his parents until the age of fifteen years. His father, Rev. Charles Whiting, was a Baptist divine, having charges in Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. He was born in Kentucky. When about forty years old he married Miss Selina Endicott, a native of Virginia. Colonel Whiting graduated at the Evansville

High School and subsequently at the Lexington, Ky., law school. He was first admitted to the bar in Carmi, where he practiced un¬ til his death, His legal abilities were of the first order, and the large amount of business entrusted to him proved the full reliance the people placed upon him, his practice extending over a territory embracing twelve counties. During the war he raised a regiment of volunteers from the immediate vicinity of his home, of which he was appointed Colonel, his commission dating from Oct.3, 1862. After two years' service he resigned, his health being impaired, and the war being virtually at an end. His death, Oct. 25, 1866, was caused by cholera, and was very sudden and unexpected, he hav¬ ing been in perfect health six or seven hours before his decease. Politically, Mr. Whiting was a life-long Republican, and took an active part in every important election canvass. His first political speech was made when nineteen years old. He served one term in the Legislature. He was unquestionably the leading spirit of his day in Republican politics in White County and vicinity. Colonel Whiting was married Feb. 22, 1855, at Phillipstown, to Miss Laura Buckner, of Carmi. They had four children, three of whom are living - Charles W., John E., and Phillip E. Vir¬ ginia B. died in infancy. Chas. W. is a professor of music, hav¬ ing graduated at Warren, O. John E. is practicing law in Dakota, and Phillip E. is teaching mnsic in Southern Illinois. He, how¬ ever, intends to make the law his profession. Mrs. Whiting has a pleasant home in Carmi.

John Storms

a native of Harrisburg, Penn., settled in Carmi about 1825, and was soon appointed County Surveyor by the Governor, rnd elected and re elected to that position until he had fi led it thirty year . The oldest, and for a long time the most prominent, business block in Carmi was his property, well known at the present day as the "Storms Place." Mr. Storms was a Pennsylvanian of true Qua¬ ker honesty, steady and reliable, and at his death, May 9, 1S57, had the respect of all his fellow citizens. For a notice of his fam¬ ily, see the sketch under the name "Hail Storms," near the close of the history of Carmi.

Hosea Pearce

tence of capital punishment upon Wm. B. Ledbetter, the only case of hanging ever done in this county. Mr. Pearce was from Ten¬ nessee, and resided in what is now known as Herald's Prairie Town¬ ship, where he lived about sixty years, and died about 1875. For a more full account of this eminent man, see the history of Herald's Prairie Township, toward the latter part of this volume.

Captain James Faoxney

This genuine philanthropist was a native of Scotland and a tailor by trade. He was born in Argyleshire, Sept 17, 1817; learned the tailor's trade; came to this country in 1832, settling in Cincinnati; afterward he resided for a time in Gray ville, this county, and in 1839 he came to Carmi, in all these places following his vocation. In Carmi his place of business was the building now occupied by E. W. Gaston's clothing store, under the Courier office, where he enlarged his business to that of merchant tailor. In 1845 he mar¬ ried Mrs. Mary Ann Wilson, and after her death he married, Sept. 24, 1850, Miss Elizabeth Bozeman, a native of White County, near Carmi. After this last marriage he began to buy property, especially land, and entered the grain business and general mer¬ chandising. During the war he was Captain of Company F, in the famous White County regiment, the Eighty-seventh Illinois; was present at the siege of Vicksburg, where his health failed, and after the taking of that city, which was also near the close of a year's service in the army, he was discharged. After his return home he recuperated and pushed forward with his business. He aided the railroads through this county, and probably did more than any other man to build up Carmi. At one time railroad building on the Cairo & Vincennes route would have entirely stop¬ ped did he not step in with about $8,000 worth of supplies, nearly all of which he ultimately lost. Other losses added to this, and the great stringency of 1873, and Asiatic cholera in this region, - all at the same time, - broke the camel's back in 1877, while he was on a visit to his native country.

He died Aug. 11, 1879, at his residence in Carmi, and his funeral was more largely attended than that of any other person in the whole history of the place.