Clintonia Township (part 2 of 2)

Pr(imixi;xt among the early settlers of De Witt cinnity havealready ill this work been noticed the Weedmaus. Their contributions to the development of the county's latent forces have been a positive factor in the story of her progress. Amos Weedman, the present efficient sheriff of the county, was born in Perry 'county, Ohio, May 12th, 1826. His parents were John and Rachel Weedman. In 18.30 the family all came to McLean county, where some of them have continually resided since ; Amos obtained a fair common-school education amid the disadvantages attending early schools in this part of the country. His first teacher was Lieutenant Governor Jloore. He was married to Mary J. McCord, December 16th, 1S47. His wife, a most excellent lady, is of the pioneer family McCord. They have two children, llucker and Smith Y. both farmers. Amos Weedman by vocation is a farmer, but his talents have brought him to the front as an office-holder. In 1876 he was elected sheriff of the county, and so ably did he discharge the duties of the office that he has been twice re-elected since, and that too with iucreased majorities. He is a [jronounced Kepublicau in politics, and takes great interest in promoting the success of his party. He is a member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellows' orders. Of a popular family whose reputation he well sustaius ; of fine social qualities ; and ever prompted in his actions by pure motives he is held in high esteem. His peronal traits of character and long residence in the county have made him many warm personal and devoted friends.

William Hyde, the father of G. W. Hyde, was born in Derbyshire, England, November 26th, 1807. He early Ijegan hia seven years' apprenticeship at the joiners' and cabinet trade, which has always been his source of livelihood. In his early manhood he was a local preacher in the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and has since been an active member. He now lives ( 1882) at an advanced age in Birmingham, England. His uncle, Joseph Hyde, was a Wesleyan Methodist Minister, who was arrested and imprisoned in Whitefield's time for proclaiming the doctrine. He was imprisoned in the Derbyshire prison, and made his escape by scaling the walls surrounding the prison. So wonderful was the feat tliat the wall was ever after knowu as " Hyde's Leap."

About 1828 occurred the marriage of William Hyde and Susannah Walker. Five children were born to them : George Walker, Sarah Ann, married to Richard Woodfull, William and Alfred, all now of Birmingham except the first ; and Ellen, deceased, who at her death was Mrs. Swain. Mrs. Susannah Hyde died during the last week of 1860 ; she lies in St. George's churchyard, Birmingham. The writer directs the following lines to the principal subject of these notes, viz. Dr. Geo. W- Hyde : He was born in Packingtou, in the same house in which his mother had been born. When he was one year old his parents settled in Birmingham. The boyhood of George was spent in the private and national schools of his day till he became 14 years of age. Labor at that time being scarce he sought to aid his parents somewhat financially. He became a billing clerk in a large brass foundry, where he remained some three years. During part of this time he attended the Polytechnic Institute, a night institution of learning. Between the ages of 14 and 15 years he became connected with the Juvenile Temperauce Society and Rechabites. He continued in this cause, and when 16 years old was admitted to the adult society of the same name. Being someft'hat efficient as a speaker, it was jiroposed to enter him in the list of regular speakers for the Birmingham General Temperance Society. In order to carry this out, it was necessary he should make a trial speech. At a meetiug held at the Temperance Hall on Union Street, Lecturer Murphy presided, and the trial speech was made, which brought out warm encomiums from the chairman, and resulted iu his election as a speaker. His various appointments were duly met. Just previous to this period of his life, at the age of 19, exposure brought on a severe attack of typhus fever, which confined him for six months, and which so broke his constitution as to give rise to the frequently precarious condition of his health during subsequent years. At the age of 20, he began to learn the joiner's and caliinet trade with his father. This trade he followed more or leas as an actual means of support, but not coustantly, his ill health requiring changes iu employment, which probably would not otherwise have been made. On his 21st year, November 20th, 1850, he was uuited in marriage to Sarah Owen, who has ever been his efficient helpmate. She was born October 5th, 1828, between Liouell and Fleet streets, Birmingham, England. Her father, George Owen, was born iu 1785, on the border of Wales, near Bristol, and was of Welch ancestry. At 17 years of age he became a sailor, but live years after he became engaged in the Iron Plate Works in Birmingham, where he remained till bis death at the age of 58 years. His wife, Nellie (Warren) Owen, was born in Birmingham, in 1790, and survived him till March 4th, 1873.

Shortly before marriage, the subject of these memoirs was induced by an associate to begin the study of medicine. It was about this time that the question of reform in medical practice began to be considerably agitated in England, chiefly through the instrumentality of American physicians. Dr. Wooster Beach, a student of Dr. Jacob Tidd, of New Jersey, founded, 1826, the "New York Reformed Medical College," and soon issued the Hefurined Medicul Juunuil. He also early compiled some medical works. His principles were early advocated in Europe, and a class was formed in Birmingham and taught by a Dr. Norris. Advantages were of course limited. Animals were used for anatomical demonstration and clinical experiment. Antiveiiesection and antimineralism were studied and promulgated. It was the privilege of George W. Hyde, dissatisfied as he was with the existing practice of medicine, to unite himself with this class. Every spare moment was spent in this cla-s work. Two years were thus improved. Although he did not give himself wholly to the practice yet it was his pride to undertake severe cases despaired of by other physicians. His own daughter was not the exception to this case, and no case that came under his care was lost. Strengthened in the practice by his success, he continued the study, taking the medical journal above mentioned, and such other reading as he could afford. The class had frequent correspondence with Dr. Wooster Beach of New York.

A change of climate becoming necessary to his health. Dr. Hyde determined to sail for America. Accordingly, leaving his family, a wife and three children, Mary A., Alfred W. and George Walter, in Birmingham, he set sail June 7th, 18.57, and immediately experienced a change for better health. He landed at Point Levi, opposite Quebec, after 9 days and liO hours sailing in the steamer Indiana.

He hastened by railway to Onarga, Iroquois County, IHinois, arriving July 1st, following. He was then on the frontier, as Iroquois County was new, and frontier life was made real by oxen, breaking plow and experiences generally incident to such occupation. His brothers-in-law, John and Abram Owen, were already in the haulnare trade. Soon a co-partnership was formed, the firm being known as Owen, Hyde & Owen. The Dr. was urged to begin practice, but fear of ill health caused him to desist. At the opening of the rebellion, being refused admission to the army, he removed to the country to care for the family of a AVilliam Frazee, while the latter served his country as a soldier. The family removing. Dr. Hyde purchased 40 acres of land on which he built a small dwelling, which he occupied till the close of the war. However, he farmed but little himself, his time being mostly occupied in his medical work made imperative by war's demands.

At the close of the war, he purchased property in Onarga and there lived till he located iu Clinton, moving his family November 5th, 1872. In 1876 he enjoyed a course of lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, receiving a diploma of the institution. He is a member of the State and National Eclectic Medical Societies. As regards his success as a physician in Clinton it is unnecessary to comment. Politically in England he was a Radical as opposed to Toryism. In America he espoused the Republican cause, casting his first vote for the immortal Lincoln, and since has voted successively and successfully for all Lincoln's patriot successors. In petty elections he is oblivious to party, but in National policy has found no party more in consonance with his own views, than the Republican. Religiously both he and wife have been members of the Baptist church since 1849, having been baptized by Dr. Charles Hill Roe, then pastor of Henage street church, Birmingham. He has occupied all official p(jsitions within the gift of the church. Both he and wife have been prominently identifieil with the temperance organization and progress since childhood.

The children have numbered seven. Three, Mary A., Alfred W., and George Walter, born in England, emigrated with their mother in 1859, in the steamship "North America," landing at Point Levi after a voyage of eleven days and eleven hours. William F F., was born in Onarga, and three babes have been buried. The only daughter, Mary A., was married August 15th, 1876 to Mr. S. P. Flemming, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Dr. J. A. EDMISTON Was born in Logan county, Ohio, February 6, 1839, where his grandfather, Robert Edmiston, had located in an early day, being one of the pioneers of the county. He in turn hailed from Kentucky. The Edmiston ancestors were originally of Scotch-Irish extraction. Robert Edmiston, the father of the subject of this biography, was a farmer by occupation. John A. received a common-school education, which was supplemented by a partial academic course of instruction at Bellefontaine, Ohio, and Paris, Edgar county, this state. At the age of seventeen years he struck out to make his own livelihood, and found it in teaching. The great west, as Illinois was then known, had its attractions for him, and thither he came ; remained awhile in Edgar county, and in 1857 came to De Witt, where he entered upon the study of medicine with Drs. Goodbrake and an uncle, T. K. Edmiston. During the years 1858-9 he attended a course of lectures in Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, and returned to Ohio, where upon the breaking out of the war he volunteered, in April, 1861, in the 13th Regiment Ohio Vols,, for three months' service. At the expiration of this time, he filled with enthusiasm in the cause of the Union, made his way to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where he joined the 20th Regiment Illlinois Volunteer Infantry, as a private. He soon after became hospital steward, under his old preceptor, Surgeon Goodbrake. Immediately after the battle of Fort Donelson he was appointed 1st lieutenant, Co. E ; went on duty in this capacity the morning of the Shiloh fight; in August was appointed captain, and remained so until the close of the war. After the war he returned to Clinton, and in 186.5-6 attended another course of lectures in Rush Medical College, from which institution he graduated February 24, 1866. Soon after he formed a partnership with his uncle in the practice of medicine, which continued until 1870. He then engaged in the drug business, which he followed for five years, and since which time he has practiced his profession. He is an active member of the De Witt Co. Medical Society, of which he has been several years president. Politically, he is an ardent, outspoken Republican; he is a member of the Masonic order; religiously, is a Presbyterian. He was united in marriage December 17, 1S67, to Miss Mary Haynie, a most accomplished lady. Mrs. Edmiston has been for fifteen years leader of the singing in the Presbyterian church, a position for which her talents have pre-eminently fitted her.

Who is one of the prominent retired farmers of De Witt County, was born in Muhlenberg county, Kentucky February 18th, 1812, and wa* the son of Peter and Christina Dick. Mr. Dick's father was a native of North Carolina, and of German and English descent. When he arrived at the age of maturity he went to Kentucky where he afterwards married his wife, Miss Christina Shut who was a native of Pennsylvania, and of clear German ancestry^ her forefathers having emigrated to America at a very early date. Peter Dick was a farmer, an avocation he followed for nearly a quarter of a century in Kentucky. He then, with a view to better his, condition in life emigrated to Illinois, and settled in Sangamon county, this being in 1S29. In the spring of 1831, he moved into what is now Cass County, where he lived until his death, March of 1st, 1849, aged 68 years. His wife survived him three years, and died December 7th, 18.52, aged ti4 years. They raised a family eight children, five Ijoys and three girls, who married and raised families. The subject of this sketch, being the third, was in his seventeenth year when he came to this state. His advantages for receiving an education were limited, but by a close application in after life, he has qualified himself sufficiently to transact most any ordinary business. He was united in marriage January 1st, 1843, to Jliss Sarah J. Combs, a native of Kentucky ; she died September 15th, 1862, leaving four children, viz. : Thomas J., John K., James A., and Ruth J. Mr. Dick was married the second time October l9th.

I 1869, to Miss Harriet N. Scott, who was born in Sangamon County, I Illinois. They have one child, Emma. Mrs. Dick's parents were among the first settlers of that county, having emigrated there in 1S19 from Kentucky. The old homestead is a short distance east of where Pleasant Plains in that county now is. Mr. Dick ; was educated to farm pursuits, and in consequence has made that his life occupation. He started out in the battle of life unaided, and by hard work, good management and economy he has acquired sufficient of this world's goods to live the remainder of his life in comparative ease. He lived in Cass county until 1S65. February of that year, he came to AVaynesville township, and bought a farm, where he was actively engaged in his chosen vocation, farming and handling stock until quite recently. He gave each of his children a farm, thereby enabling them to start in life more full handed than was his lot. He reserved his homestead place near Waynesville, upwards of two hundred acres. In November 1881 he came to Clinton, where he now resides. In politics Mr. Dick has always been a Democrat. In 1877 and 78 he represented his township in the County Board of Supervisors be- I ing the Representative of his township when the Midland Rail- I road Company sued Waynesville township for 850,000, bonds given by the township, in which suit the company was defeated by failure on part of the company to fulfill their contract. Reli- I giously Mr. and Mrs. Dick are members of the Christian Church.

The present efficieut Treasurer of De Witt county, was born October 30th, 1839, a few miles north-east of Clinton. His father Edward was from Perry county, Ohio, his mother, IMartha Wilson, from East Tennessee ; both came in 1832 and located in De Witt county. The ancestors of Edward AVilsou were from Maryland, those of Mrs. Wilson, from Tennessee. Edward Wilson, a brave sturdy pioneer, who left his impression on the community in which he lived for good, died May 10th, 1863. He had followed farming all his life. James A. Wilson had only the meagre advantages extended the youth of this section of country in the days of log cabin school-houses. Harvey Blunt was his first teacher. He made the most, however, of the advantages offered, and good strong common sense has led him in all business operations he has engaged in. His chief pursuit has been farming and stock dealing. He has represented the fellow citizens of his native township as supervisor and school trustee, and in 1877 he was elected county Treasurer by a majority of seven hundred votes, although a democrat in what is generally a republican county. This can only be attributed to his personal popularity and universally recognized fitness for the position. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Cook, of Waynesville, September 7th, 1862, by whom he has had five children. Politically Mr. Wilson is a democrat, and in the advocacy of his belief is ardent and positive. He is a member of the Masonic order, his membership being with the Aniond Lodge No. 28-1 at De Witt, and with the Goodbrake chapter in Clinton, also the Knights of Pythias, Plantageuet Lodge. That measure of success which always follows in the wake of energy has been his portion, and now he is the owner of seven hundred acres of fine land, and is somewhat extensively engaged in the stock industry both at home and in company with others in Texas Industrious, reliable, of well established integrity of character, INIr. AVilson enjoys the good will and good wishes of host of friends.

From whose studio came many of the photographs of persons whose faces embellish these pages, was born in Redwood, Vermont, August 17, 18o"2. His parents were Rev. H. W. Pease, a Methodist Episcopal minister, and Louisa Pease, nee ]\Iacomber. The family originated in Wales. The genealogy of the Pease family is published in book form, and is traceable back to the year 511. His father, in common with most persons of his profession, was without a permanent home, so that school attendance irregular for the subject of this sketch. His best opportunities were enjoyed in Freeport, in this state, and Adrian College, Mich. Mr. Pease was married to Miss Allie Hankinson in September, 1877, by whom he has one child, a son, named Cecil Orme, born October, 1881. In his profession Mr. Pease excels. He commenced photography in July, 1867, and has by close applioatiou united with natural aptitude for the work in all its branches, become a tirst-class artist. He is a pronounced, outspoken Republican, in politics ; in religion, an earnest Swedenborgian ; and an active musician. He is an enthusiastic member of the order of Knights of Pythias. He owns the property occupied by his gallerj', and takes a deep interest in everything calculated to promote the welfare of his adopted home, and to build up a trade which shall be a credit to him as well as to the county.

Among the successful farmers of De Witt county must be placed M. B. Spicer, who after many years of toil and hardship, has retired to enjoy a merited quiet He was born in Clark county, Indiana, July 12, 1820; his parents were Upshur and Nancy Spicer. They came to Indiana from Delaware. I'pshur combined cabinet-making with farming. His father, in turn, was Lemuel Spicer, who came to Sangamon county, Illinois, in the spring of 183.3 ; his son Upshur and family followed in the fall of the same year, and located about ten miles south-east of Springfield. Minos obtained a common-school education in Indiana. He came to Be Witt county in 18.54. Whilst yet in Sangamon county he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane

Miller, February 13, 1851. By this marriage there have been ten children, four of whom are living. In 1874 Mr. Spicer retired from his farm in Tunbridge township, to Clinton, primarily to give his children, - three sons and a daughter, - a better opportunity for obtaining an education. Politically, he is a Democrat ; has never sought office, but has represented his fellow-men as supervisor, as road commissioner and as school director ; he is an active member of the Masonic Order. His wife is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Spicer enjoys the good will of all As a citizen, he is upright, and -although possessed of considerable means, unostentatious.

Was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, March 3d, 1827. His parents were Thomas and JIalinda Ford, whose maiden name was Hackett. His father followed brickmaking for many years ; came to Illinois, locating in Jacksonville, Morgan county, in 1829. The subject of this sketch had very meagre opportunities for acquiring an education. He labored in his father's brick yard - the first mauual labor he ever performed - then, on a farm and afterwards learned the saddle and harness business, which he followed for about nineteen years. He located in Clinton in 1854, where he pursued his business until the breaking out of the war for the Union. On the 27th of June,'l861, he enlisted as First Lieutenant, accepting the place of Regimental Quartermaster of the Twenty-fifth Illinois Vol. Infantry. Was promoted to a Lieutenant Colonelcy and subsequently to a Colonelcy during the term of his service. After the war he collected direct ta.Kes for the United States in Tennessee. Was appointed postmaster at Clinton in 1868, which position he held for four years. He was married to Miss Mary D. Bowren, of Clark county, Kentucky, February 22d, 1849. By this union there have been born five children, four of whom are living namely, William D., Richard Y., Edward E., Katie M.

Col. Ford is a staunch outspoken Republican of whig antecedents. Learned his ideas of politics of Henry Clay, who was his beau ideal of political manhood in youth. He is an excellent worker in the cause of Republicanism, one whose influence is often sought. In manners he is pleasing and affable ; in his friendships true and lasting. The C'olonel has many friends in the

John Bishop was boru at Exeter, England, and was the son of Nathaniel and Ann (Beardsley) Bishop, who had a family of nine children - five girls and four boys. In 1829 Nathaniel Bishop left England for New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and settled with his family on the James River. John, a mere youth, soon found employment in the lumber business so extensively carried on in that vicinity. In 1847, in conjunction with a brother, he ccrne to Illinois, and purchased a farm at Elgin, in which occupation he continued until 1853; when, with his brother, William, he launched out into the grain and stock business at Freeport; but in the summer of 1855 they came to Clinton, erected an elevator and engaged in the grain and lumber business, which they successfully operated in partnership together ; and no firm stood higher at home or abroad for honesty and liberality in business than that of John and William Bishop.

Miss Minerva Moore, the daughter of Isaac and Philena (Blish) Moore. Miss Moore came to Clinton about 1848, and resided with her brother, C. H. Moore, until the date of her marriage. In 1867 John Bishop sold out his interest in business to his lirother William, and retireil to the peace and quietness of private life. In an imposing building, which he had erected in the north part of the city, he and she spent their time and money in beautifying their house, taking care of their flowers, and entertaining their friends. None enjoyed the society of their friends and neiglibors more than Mr. and Mrs. Bishop ; their house was always open, and the closing of their doors by death was regard ed as a great calamity to all the social interests of the city ; generous to all, their charities were of that quiet kind which was concealed from all but the givers and receivers. Mrs. Bishop's death occurred in 1880, some time after that of their youthful daughter and only child. Mr. Bishop did not long survive his wife, but died on the 10th of August, 1881.

Taylor''

The genial proprietor of the Magill House, Clinton, Illinois, was born February lOtli, 1850, in Perry, Pike county, Illinois. His parents were Nathan and Eliza Razey, {nee Jones). His father was by trade a carpenter. He became likewise a wagon maker, and followed this, and operated a foundry in Pike county. In 1857 he came to De Witt county, where he engaged in farming. A. W. R.izey followed farming when a youth. When about seventeen years of age he attended the Normal University at Normal, McLean county, where he remained a year and a half. In 1868 he became clerk in the post-office at Normal, then as a clerk he came to Clinton and worked for Humphrey & Smith_ In 1870 he changed for a similar position with Magill Bros. After six mouth's time he thought to reap a harvest with patent lamps and operated a short time in Missouri. The reality was quite unlikehis cherished dreams,so he gave up the business and engaged his services as clerk in a dry goods house in Kirksville, Mo., where he remained until 1873. His health failing him, in company with others he took an extended buffalo hunt, and after three month's absence he returned to Clinton, where he engaged in handling produce. In a few months he went to Chicago in the same line of business, and in 1875 he again became a clerk for Magill Bros., this time as head salesman and book-keeper. Here he remained until 1881, when he took charge of the hotel he now occupies. He was married December 25th, 1876, to Miss Ettie Phares, at the time a highly esteemed and successful teacher in the public .schools of Clinton. By this union there has been born one child, a bright little girl named Edna. Mr. Eazey is an active member of the Masonic order including chapter. Odd Fellow, and Encampment and Knights of Pythias. In the order of Knights of Pythias he is District Deputy. He takes great in. terest in all manner of public improvements ; is treasurer of the tire company, secretary of the literary society and otherwise engaged in numerous like enterprises. In manners, aifable, and eminently social, he makes many friends, and is rapidly establishing a fine reputation for the honse of which he is proprietor.

Wiilliam Booth

The present efhcient Prosecuting Attorney for De Witt county, was born in Greene county, Ohio, on the 'liih of April, 1849. His father, John by name, was a farmer, who brought his family to this county in 1857, locating in Waynesville township. William Booth attended the common district school until 1864, when, foil of patriotic fervor - although both too young and too small to carry a musket, - he slipped away from home and became a drummer-boy with Co. I, 145th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. It is related that both himself and an associate got into the breeches he drew when he first became a " soger boy." He was with the command about five months. Upon his return home he applied himself to his books with renewed zeal, attending a select school in Waynesville, taught by Prof Turner, then the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, where he graduated in 1873. To him belonged the honor of being valedictorian in a class of nine. Returning home, he accepted the Principalship of the Waynesville Public Schools, in which position he continued for three years. He next entered the law office of Rowell & Hamilton, in Bloomington, as a student ; then went to Springfield, where he continued reading under the guidance of OrendorflTA Creighton. In January, 1879, he was admitted to practice at the bar, and at once located in Clinton, where he was elected Prosecuting Attorney. He was dependent upon his own exertions largely in securing an education. At college he refused to join other students in many pastimes engaged in from sheer necessity. At Springfield his last five dollar bill went for board just before his admittance to the bar. The firm with whom he studied loaned him money with which to pay for his license. Possessed of plenty of pluck and energy, he is acquiring a fine practice in his chosen profession, and is making many friends. In politics he is a straightforward and outspoken Republican, one who is proud of having cast his first ballot for Gen. U. S. Grant for President. He is a member of the Oi-der of the Knights of Pythias, in whose workings he takes a lively interest.

Hanger, William H. ( Ingham. Geor.,'e K. t Alice TeuneT f Kent, Emmett ( ElizabeOi I 'lappcrton J Killough, .lohn ( Delia Briggs I Kirk, .lames M. \ Emma J. Johnson f Lisenby, A. V. t Sarah A. McFarland J Lemon, R. A. \ Opha A. Kyle f Lewis, S. F. \E. B. Quigg