Blissville Township

Blissville Township

lars, labored on the wharves, and worked at anything his eager hands could find to do. He returned to this county, and with his hardearned savings built a little house, opened a little farm, and last, though not least, married a good little wife, and thus he commenced the journey of life, with fair winds and a clear head. His liappy affianced was Naomi Booth, born March 4, 1809. She is still living, and the venerable couple have long since celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedded life. Having no children of their own, they have raised several during their life, most of whom have grown up and started out for themselves. Mr. Dees has farm property to the extent of 1,400 acres of selected land, all in this county, four or five hundred of which constitute the home place, on which he had moved in the spring of 1 837. In 1871, he erected a handsome and commodious residence, the finest, perhaps, in the surrounding country. During his life, he has engaged in farming in its various. branches, and has given particular attention to stock, having at times large herds of cattle and mules, and at present has a herd of sixty of the latter. Mr. Dees is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Clay Lodge, No. 152, being also a Royal Arch Mason. He has tilled most of the offices of his township, and for many years has served as President of the County Agricultural Society, and is a present stockholder therein. Politically, he is a Democrat of the Jacksonian school, but his votes have repeatedlj' shown that he strives to secure the services of an honest man, be his political faith what it may. We have now given the record dates in the life of Mr. Dees, and as these mark the different periods therein, they but feebly portray the many vicissitudes t hrough which he has passed. Being born to a poor mother, whose humble circumstances permitted her to do but little for her child, he was thus thrown upon his own resources, and the ingenuity and energy which he displayed in his endeavors to secure means to pay for an early schooling . and to obtain a start in life, developed traits in his character upon which a solid foundation could rest. He was virtually his own educator, his own genius was his teacher, and he was likewise the architect of his own fortune, for he never inherited a dollar. His life was at first varied. He was a great lover of the cha.se, and many bear, and hundreds of deer have succumbed to his unerring aim. Still hale and hearty, Mr. Dees and his noble wife have, apparently, j'ears yet to live, and as they go down in the evening of life, the blessings and well-wishes accompany them of the community in whose midst they have lived and toiled for so many years.

ELI PAIRCHILD, f^u-mer, P. 0. Laur. is a native of Wabash County, Ind., born December 11, 1829. to Erastus and Elizabeth (Gid-. dings) Fairchild, he of New York and she of England. The fivther was a farmer. He moved to Ohio, then to Indiana, where Eli was born, and afterward back again to Ohio. He came to Jefferson County in 1839, and located in Blissville Township, but removed again to Bond County, 111., where he died. He was married a second time to Edith Shelton. By his first wife he had eleven children, of whom three are living - Eli, Melissa- and Ann M. Our subject obtained but a limited education, and he has alvva^'s given his attention to farming pursuits; he has 320 acres of land, and in 1871 he erected a fine frame residence. He was first married to Maranda L. Haines, who bore him one child - Maranda L. His second marriage was with Sarah L. Place, by whom he had nine cliildren - Ilhoda, George W., Emily, Luna, Daniel S., Eli W., Dora M., Minnie F. and Eunice. Mr. Fairchild was married a third time, to Susan E. Boswell,|wlio has also departed this life, the mother of one child - Mary E. Politicallj-, Mr. Fairchild is a^Republican.

Biographical

bert, natives of New Hampshire. Tlie father was a cloth dresser by trade, and worked at it for several years in Ohio; he also ran a water mill, a'nd in after years gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. He was a very enterprising man, and after coming to Jefferson County in 1839, built the house where our subject now resides, out of lumber brought from Ohio. The old folks had a family of seventeen children, of wliom there are living Ira, Truman, Josiah, Philo, Cyrus, Malissa, Menzis R., Waldo, Lois and Alvin. Our subject received a little schooling in his native State, and after coming to this countj' with his parents, attended the old schools here. In 1842, he contracted a scrofulous disease, which was cured under the skillful treatment of an Indian doctor, who resided in this State. Mr. Gilbert studied with him a year, and he has since been called upon himself to attend to many cases of this nature, and his knowledge of the various herbs which seem to possess remarkable medicinal qualities has rendered his services of value to the afflicted. Mr. Gilbert has several hundred acres of land, and he engages mostly in farming. He married Eliza J. McClendon, and has a family of four children - Mary E., Stephen U., Mary F. and Annie. Mr. Gilbert has five children deceased. He is a member of the A. , F. & A. M., Mt. Vernon Lodge, and with his wife of the Universalist Church. Politically, he is a Republican.

MENZIS R. GILBERT, farmer, P. 0. Laur, was born February 23, 1831, in Washington County, Ohio, a son of Eli Gilbert. (See sketch of Cyrus Gilbert elsewhere.) Subject came with his parents to Jeffersoii County in 183!), and here continued his attendance at school, although his eyes, which had been seriously affected from his birth, prevented him from doing much studying. He was brought up on a farm, and has during his life, given his attention to no otiier emplo3'ment. His present farm of 400 acres is under a good state of cultivation.

and he engages in mixed farming. He was married, January 19, 1858, to Elizabeth Ford, born January 22, 1841, a daughter of Solomon Ford, of this county. Five children have blessed this union, of whom three survive - Waldo E., born September 30, 1861; Luna 0., June 12, 1863, and Tilman I., August 15, 1868. Mr. Gilbert has a good residence, which he built in 1859, and made some subst.mtial additions in 1875. Having a farm especially adapted to the raising of stock, he intends to devote some time to this branch of farming hereafter. He is a Republican in politics, and, with his wife, a member of the Universalist Church.

ALVIN GILBERT, farmer, P. O.Laur, was born in Washington County, Ohio, March 3, 1839 (for parents see sketch of Cyrus Gilbert), coming to this count}' with his parents in October of the same year. Our subject obtained what little education the common schools of this vicinity afforded. He has given his constant attention to farming pursuits, with the exception of two years, 1858-60, during which period he ran a general store in Ashley, 111., in partnership with his father. His present farm property consists of 440 acres of land, located mostly in Blissville Township. He was united in marriage, June 4, 1858, to Annie M. Watkins, a daughter of Jacob R. and Ann E. (Anderson) Watkins. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert are the parents of six children - Walter J., Thomas E. Orloff, Linnie, Maggie M. and Maude. Politically, Mr. Gilbert is a Republican.

EDWIN GREEN, farmer, P. 0. Laur, was born December 30, 1823, in this county, to Reuben and Drusilla (Dees) Green, both of whom were natives of Georgia. Reuben Green was one of the lirst settlers in Jefferson County. He was a farmer by occupation, and he served in the Black Hawk war. The parents were blessed with a large family, eight of whom are living. Our subject obtained but a few months' schooling in his early life, and he started in life as a tiller of the soil, and has alwa}'s been thus engaged, with the exception of a short period (luring which he was engaged in business in Ashley, 111. His first marriage was with Nancy Landrum, a daughter of Henry Landrum. She died December 30, 1870, the mother of eight children, of whom five survive - Sarah, K. F., Mary C, Charles L. and Thomas J. Mr. Green's second marriage was with Jane Outliouse, a daughter of Meredith Outhouse. This union has given five children - William M., Lulu M., Claude E., Harry E. and Andrew F. In February, 1865, Mr. Green joined the One Hundred and Fift^-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. Stevenson. He was mustered out at Memphis, and came home the first of September of the same* year. He has filled man> offices in the county, including those of Constable, Assessor, Justice of the Peace, and is at present an oflBcer in the latter capacit3'. He is a Democrat in politics. He has a farm of 240 acres, which is given to farming in its general branches. Mr. Green and his brothers are among the oldest citizens that were born in Jefl'erson County.

BARNETT GREEN, farmer, P. 0. Laur, is a native of this county, born September 23, 1827, a son of Reulien Green. (See sketch of Edwin Green.) Our subject received but a limited education in his younger year.s. and farming has always been his occupation. His present farm consists of 160 acres, whicli is given to mixed farming. He was united in marriage to Martha J. Page, a daughter of William and Margaret (Taylor) Page, and the union has been blessed with eleven children, nine of whom are living - Margaret, Harve^', Mary E, Sarah, Delilah, Marshall, Albert, George and Charlie. Politicall3', Mr. Green is a Democrat.

WILLIAM HICKS, farmer, P. 0. Laur, was liorn in this county September 16, 1828, to Isaac and Rebecca (Casey) Hicks, both of wiiora were natives of Kentuckv. The father was a substantial farmer; he moved from Kentucky to this county at an early day, and one of his sons, Thomas, was the first wliite male child born in this county. The parents had six children, only two of whom are now living - James and our subject. The latter obtained but about three months' schooling, in the old subscription schools, and, giving his attention to farming in early life, has been thus engaged most of his life. He has at present a farm of 120 acres, which is given to general farming. He was married, in December, 1848, to Martha M. Ames, and nine children have blessed the union, of whom six are living - Thomas, Mary, George W., Millie, Charlie and Eliza. In 1861, Mr. Hicks enlisted in the Forty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Col. Noblosdorf The first time out he served as Lieutenant. He resigned on account of ill health, came home and in the spring of 1864 volunteered again and rejoined the same regiment, and served until the fall of 1865, being mustered out at Springfield; he fought at Pea Ridge and other battles in Slissouri, and was with Sherman thoughout his campaign. Mr. Hicks served also in the Mexican war - a year in the Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry; was at Cerro Gordo, and other severe engagements. Politically, Mr. Hicks is a Republican.

SAMUHL JOHNSON, farmer, P. 0. Ashley, came from Washington ('ounty, Penn., where he was born October 28, 1822, a son of John and Lydia (Updegraff) Johnson, both natives of the same State. The ftither, who was a son of John Johnson, came from England, learned the shoe-maker's trade and worked at it many years, but gave his attention to farming pursuits in after life. The parents had thirteen children, of whom five are supposed to be living - Samuel, Henr^', Harmon, William and possibly Timothy. Our subject olitained a little schooling in early life, and ut the age of ten removed to Ohio, where he remained until coming to this county, in 1S()5. having the year before purchased 140 acres of land here; he is at present engaged in general farming He was married to Hester Johnson, a daughter of Thomas J. and Julia (Bruce) Johnson, and the union has given twelve children, seven of whom survive - Jennette, Dennis J., Sarah, John W., Samuel A, George W. and David P. Mr. Johnson has three grandchildren living with him - Allen T., Hester and Elizabeth - children of his daughter Julia, who was the wife of Richard J. Brunson. She died October 17, 1879. Mr. Johnson is an A., F. & A. M., Clay Lodge; he has filled the office of Supervisor, and is at present School Treasurer and J. P., having discharged the duties of the latter office for a period of fifteen years. He is a Democrat in politics.

JOSEPH LAUR, farmer, P. 0. Laur, was born in Lower Canada, in the town of Wolf River, March 14, 1814, a son of Charles and Lucy (Deuame) Laur, he of Vermont and she of Canada, of French descent. The parents had six children, our subject being the only one living from all that is known. The father had been twice married before marrying our subject's mother, and by his former wives had seventeen children. Our subject received but a limited education ; he could only speak French until he became eighteen years of age. In 1833, he emigrated to Lincoln, Mass., and after farming a few years, served an apprenticeship to the shoe maker's trade, but only worked at it a few years. In 1839, he went to boating on the river, selling general merchandise between Pittsburgh and New Orleans. He came to Jefferson County in 1840, but returned to the river, and three years later came back and settled on his farm, which he had previously come into possession of He was married in the spring of 1844 to Mary E. Philp, and the union has been blessed with seven children - Charles T., Benjamin M., Laura, Harriett, James W., Mary E. and Elizabeth. In 1850, Mr. Laur went to California overland, and returned in December, 1851, by way of Central America. October 19, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Forty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. Morrison. He was shortl}' afterward elected Captain of his company, and served as such through the war. He took part in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh. Corinth, was in the Red River expedition, and at Vicksburg, etc. His present farm consists of 240 acres. The post office at Wiiliamsliurg was named in his honor. He and wife are members of the Methodist Church. Politically, he is a Republican.

THOMAS H. MANNEN, farmer, P. 0. Laur, is a native of Bracken County, Kj'., born June 24, 1839, eldest child of Sidney S. and Eliza A. (Walton) Manneu, natives of the same State. The father was a tanner by trade, and was thus engaged in his native State and also in Illinois, removing in 1841 ; he dealt also largely in stock, and in early days followed the river^ dealing in horses, etc.; he also farmed in late years, and he died on election day, 1871. His wife is still living in this county. The parents had nine children, one of whom is deceased ; those living are T. H., Josiah H., John J., Leslie C, Robert W., Sidney S., Annie E. and ] Jerome. Mr. Mannen obtained but a limited i education in early years. He started out as a I farmer, but after some time thus engaged, he went into the mercantile business, and ran a I general store in Williamsburg for several years, since which he has given his attention to farming pursuits. He has about 400 acres of land, I and raises and deals in cattle and stock large- ! ly. He was first married to Isabel Norris, who died in 1870 ; she bore him five children, [ four living - Olive M., Annie E., Martha E. i and Thomas E. Mr. Mannen's present wife I was Margaret (Dodds) Norris, widow of A. J. Norris, and daughter of John Dodds. This union has given one child - Sunie 0. In poli- ! tics, Mr. Mannen is a Democrat.

GEORGE NEWELL, farmer, P. 0. Laur, was born in this count}' about one-half mile IVom where he at present resides, April 15, 1841, the eldest child of Asa B. and P]leanor (Shuttlesworth) Newell, he a native of Vermont, and she of Ohio. The parents had five children - ^George, Levi, Lucy, Oscar and Ichabod. The mother died when our subject was about twelve years old, and the father married Mariraret Hayes, who is still living. Of this marriage, there were three children, two of whom are living. Philip and Stephen D. Our subject obtained but a meager schooling, and he started out as a farmer. His present farm consists of 120 acres. He was maiTied to Sarah C. Gilbert, a daughter of Stephen Gilbert. This union has been blessed with seven children, of whom six are living - Asa, Laura, Mina, Rnfus N., Orla and Minnie. August 2, 1861 Mr. Newell enlisted in the Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He served out his time of enlistment and was discharged at Atlanta, Ga., in October, 1864. He lay sick for several months in the hospital, and fought afterward at Chattanooga, Chickamauga and Atlanta, and other severe engagements. Politically, he is a Republican.

O. P. NORRIS, physician and surgeon, Williamsburg, was born in Bracken County, Ky., August 29, 1843, a son of Joseph and Rebecca R. West (Morris), the father a native of Kentucky, and the mother of Penn.syl vania. The father followed boating in early life, but later he engaged in farming. The parents were blessed with nine children, of whom there are five living - 0. P., William H., IMillard F, Joseph D. and Edward J. Our subject obtained a little schooling in his native'State, and after coming to this countj* with his parents, about 1851, he continued his studies here, attending in after years the school at Normal. 111. In September, 18G4, he was drafted into the war, and joined the Thirty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which belonged to the Seventeenth Army Corps, under Blair. The regiment joined Sherman at Atlanta, and fought under him at Savannah. Columbia, Bentonville, etc. Our subject returned at the close of the war, and attended the high school at Mount Vernon, 111. He had a desire for studying medicine, and he read under the instruction of Dr. J. C. Gray, of Mount Vernon. He afterward attended the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, and received a full course of lectures, and later the Cincinnati College of .Medicine and Surgery, from which institution he graduated, and returned to this county, where he has since enjoyed a liiieral patronage ; he has given a good deal of attention to diseases of the eye, but of late has given his time to the study of obstetrics, in which branches of the profession he is especially .successful. The Doctor has dealt largely in real estate, having at present several hundred acres of land in the county, and also a fine residence in Williamsburg, which he erected in 1873. He has been Postmaster for seven or eight years at this point ; has administered several estates, and was engaged in the drug and dry gootls Inisiness until his practice assumed such proportions as to demand all of his attention. He was united in marriage to Sarah M. Smith, and the union has given four children, three of whom are living - Myrtie E., Lena F. and Verner S. The Doctor is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and has also been an I. O. O. F. for many years. Me has filled many of the offices of the township, including that of Supervisor. Politically, he is a Democrat.

SIDNEY PLACE, farmer, P. 0. Laur, is one of the old and respected residents of Jefferson County. He was born in Chittenden County, Vt., April 21, 1807, youngest child of .John and Lydia (Garland) Place, both natives of New Hampshire. The father was a carpenter by trade, but in late years he engaged in farming. He voliintoered, and served six months in the Revolutionary war, and fought at the battle of Bennington ; he died April 22, 1828. The parents were blessed with ten chil- dren. only two of wbom are living - Hannah and Sidnej-. The father had been married twice, his first wife bearing him three children. Our subject got but a meager education in early life. At about ten years of age, his parents removed to New York, and then to Ohio, where the father died, and afterward to this county in 1839, where the mother died in August, 1845. Mr. Place worked at boat-building several years in Ohio, and after coming to this county engaged in farming ; he has a farm of 280 acres. He married Rhoda Dufur, a daughter of David Dufur, of Ohio. This union has been blessed with ten children, five of whom are living - Emily. Luther, Isaac, Rufus and Malissa. Mr. Place had five sons in the late war, one of whom, Stephen, died in Andersonville Prison. Politically, Mr. Place is a Republican. He has niue great-grandchildren living. ISAAC W. ROBINSON, merchant and Notar}- Public, Williamsburg, was born in Franklin County, this State, July 20, 1845, the eldest child of Isaac W. and Margaret (Knox) Robinson, he of South Carolina and she of Tennessee. The father was a farmer and stock-dealer during life, and was a strong Democrat in politics. The parents moved to Jefferson Countj' when our subject was about two years old. There were six children in the famil}', four of whom survive - Isaac W., William A., Mary J. and John A. Our subject obtained his early schooling first in an old log schoolhouse, and he afterward attended a select school for about eighteen months. During his life, he has dealt extensively in stock, and has also given some time to farming pursuits. Thinking that he would take up law as a profession, he studied during his leisure moments in this direction for man}' years. He, however, went into business in partnership with J. D. Norris, and being burnt out some time afterward, received a considerable set-back, but opened a general store himself in February, 1878, which he still runs, carrying a line of drugs, groceries and dry goods. He has been Assessor in this and McClellan Township, and has also been for several years Notary Public. He married Louvina J. (McConnaughey) Gilbert, widow of William H. Gilbert, and daughter of James McConnaughey, of this county, and this union has been blessed with two children - James W. and Martha J. In March, 1864, Mr. Robinson enlisted in the Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. Opdyke, which regiment was engaged in many heavy battles through the Southern campaign, and was finally sent to Texas, where they remained until mustered out at Springfield, this State; politically, Mr. Robinson is a Republican. ANDREW J. SHURTZ, farmer, P. 0. Ashley, is a native of Warren County, N. J., born February 3, 1834, the eldest child of Robert W. and Hannah (Cole) Shurtz, both of whom were born in Essex County of the same State. The grandfather was Andrew Shurtz, of German descent. Robert W. Shurtz was a blacksmith by trade, and worked at it during odd spells, but was mostly engaged in farming. He was a robust, hard-working man, but died early from the effects of over-working. He was a bass drummer for many years in the State militia. Our subject got but a little schooling in early years. He has been engaged at canalboating, saw-milling, etc., but has generally given his attention to farming pursuits. In the fall of 1835, he removed with his parents to Hamilton County, Ohio, and shortly afterward removed to Warren County, same State. In April, 1859, he came to this county, and located on what is called the Monroe farm, and after moving around several times, final!}- purchased part of his present place, before moving, in the spring of 1877. He has 120 acres in Blissville and 165 in Bald Hill Townships. His first marriage was with Catharine Wheeler, who died in 1859. He was married a second time, to Martha McConnaughey, who bore him seven children, of whom six are living - John, Annie, Georgie, William, David and Sarah.

He married his present wife, Maiy E., June 3, 1875 ; she is a daughter of D. H. and Nancy B. (Hargett) Thomas. This union has given four children - Ettie, Mary, Arthur and Carrie. In the fall of 1864, Mr. Shurtz joined Company G, Thirty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry-. The regiment joined Sherman at Atlanta, and went through the entire campaign with him. Mr. Shurtz came home from St. Louis in June, 1865. He and wife are members of the Free- Will Baptist Church. He has filled many of the offices in his township ; is a Republican.

HARRISON M. SMITH, farmer, P. 0. Ashley, was born in this count)- September 2, 1.838, to Drury and Rachel (Whitten) Smith, the father a native of South Carolina and the mother of Johnson County, 111. Drury Smith is a substantial farmer, and now resides in Sullivan County. Mo. He was married a second time, to Widow Howell, who has borne him five children, three of whom are living. Our subject's own parents were blessed with nine children, of whom six survive - Ambrose, Coleman. Harrison M., Nimrod, Meredith and Delilaii. Mr. Smith received but a limited education in early life. He has always given his attention to farming pursuits, and at present rents land and engages in mixed farming. He married Elizabeth Flannigan, a daughter of Robinson and Finice Flannigan. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of eight children, one of whom, Lj'dia, is deceased ; those living are Drury, William, Hulda, Belle, John, Riley and Louvina. Subject and wife are members of the Christian Chui'ch. Politically, he is a Democrat.

JOSIAH TUTTLE, farmer, P. 0. Ashley, is a native of Guernsey County, Ohio, born August 19, 1823, the eldest chikl of John A. and Mary A. (Douglas) Tuttle, natives of Maryland. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom are living - Josiah, Henry, John A., J. N. and JIary J., who married David Johnson. Mr. Tuttle's mother died when he was small, and he was raised by his step-mother, who was a Miss Annie Marsh. He was raised on a farm, and has always given his attention to farming pursuits. Since seventeen years of age, he has been a member of the Methodist Church and also of the Quarterly Conference, and for thirty years past he has been a licensed preacher in that church, and is also the local Elder. Mr. Tuttle was first married to Elizabeth Wells, who died in 1844, the mother of one child - Mary A., who died November 27, 1872. She had married John Dasher, by whom she had four children, of whom three survive - Annie, Elizabeth and Phoebe. Mr. Tuttle was married a second time to Phoibe Welch, a sister of Andrew Welch, of this county. This union has been blessed with five children, two of whom are living - Thomas H. and Ann E. Mr. Tuttle came to Jetferson County in 1853. His present property consists of 800 acres of land and some town property in Ashley, 111. He built afine residence on the home place in 1871, and is counted as one of Jefferson County's substantial fanners. He is a mem

Source changes here: from Wall's History of Jefferson County, Illinois, by Wall, John A, published 1909; 372 words in this source stream.

Blissville Township

is the next in order, lying south of Casner on the Washington line. We cannot give the history of these townships as we would like, but must confine our remarks largely to actual conditions, which is more important for their future welfare. Blissville township dates back to 1822-3, when Sherman Ross and Jesse Greene "squatted' there, another township of excellent land, part prairie and part timber, much the same as the foregoing townships. Knob Prairie lies in the south part and was so named from the high knob just north of Waltonville. The streams named at first, still follow us. Jesse A. Dees, an unique character, was among the first settlers. He could neither read nor write, but he could count, and became quite wealthy in his day. His life could only be told in a biography and we must pass it. The Hirons, the Gilberts, the Fairchilds, the Places, the Seiberts, the Johnsons, the Robinsons, the Mannens, the Norrises, the McConneheys, the Laurs, the Hicks, and many others came soon after and have helped make the township as desirable a place to live as any other township in the county. The township was named for Augustus Bliss, who died with cholera at an early day. Religious and school matters had an even start with the township, but as elsewhere, services were held in private homes, until Grand Ann church was built and the log school-houses raised. The first school-house was near Eli Gilbert's. Zion church is in the northern part and there is a Methodist church at old Williamsburg. This place was started before war times and until the building of the Chester & Wabash road, promised to become a booming town; then the business moved to the new town, Waltonville, and Williamsburg went into decline. For the most of the time, Wilson Robinson kept the post-office and moved it to Waltonville at the opening of the road. While at Williamsburg it was called Laur in honor of Capt. Joe Laur of the Forty-ninth Regiment. The early history of these townships were so similar that it is unneccessary for us to specialize. Suffice it to say that Blissville is one of our very best townships, with a grand future before it.