Dodds Township

Dodds Township

Hill, Marion County. The subject of this sketch was born in South Carolina September 17, 1824, to Joseph and Martha (Craven) Telford. He was a native of South Carolina, born in 1791; she of Virginia, born 1798. In June, 1831, the}- moved from South Carolina to Illinois, bringing a family of five children. They settled in Marion County, but the farm lay parti}- in Marion and partly in Jetferson County. At the time of his death, September 7, 1850, he had 326 acres of land. She died in 1877. They were the parents of nine sons and two daughters. Only two of the family dead; the remainder are living in this and Marion County. In politics, he was a Whig, then Republican, and in religion was connected with the Associate Reformed Church. Our subject was reared on the farm in Marion County, and attended the schools in Marion and Jefferson Counties. The first year after embarking in life for himself, he lived out as a farm hand. February 1, he began the improvement of his present homestead, then having 40 acres of land given to him by his fatlier. His farm now contains 286 acres, besides a farm owned by his wife. He has also deeded 40 acres to each of his three children. April 27, 1848, he was married to Miss Sarah M. Boggs, sister of William Boggs, whose sketch appears in this work.

This union has been blessed with the three following-named children: .Julia A., wife of William L. Boles; Joseph C. and Charles R. He and wife are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is associated with the Greenback party.

B. F. WIMBERLY, farmer, P. 0. Dix, was born in this county June 25, 1843; is the son of Elijah and Maria (HoUin) Wimberly. She was anativeof Virginia, he of Tennessee. The}' came to this county at an early date, and died here. They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom four sons and two daughters are still living. Our subject's early life was spent in tilling the soil, and with but little advantage for a school education. When reaching bis majority, he embarked in life for himself, and has through his own exertions been very successful. Most of his life he has been engaged in farming, but for eighteen months was in the mercantile business at Rome. He now, however, is actively engaged in making his present farm of 160 acres a complete success. In 1865, he was married to Miss Sally Walls. She was born in Marion County, 111., daughter of Henry Walls. Five children are the result of this union, viz.: Alonzo, Emma, Robert, Clarence and Cora. In politics, his views coincide with those of the Democrat party.

JOHN H. ARNOLD, farmer, P. 0. Mount Vernon, was born October 2, 1846, in Jefferson County, 111., to which his father, John Arnold, came in 1827, with his father, Steven Arnold, j who was a soldier in the war of 1812, his wife, I Elizabeth Arnold, coming from Tennessee. John Arnold died October 10, 1878, in this county. The mother of our subject, Elizabeth

W., born .January 28, 1812, in Tennessee, was a daughter of John W. and Mary McBrian, natives of Virginia, and the parents of eight chil- I dren, of whom four are now living, viz.: Steven ! W., John H., Martha T. and Elizabeth A. Prior L. and William J. died while in the United States Army in our late war. The former died January 29, 1863, and the latter died

Biographical

C. N. BAUGH, farmer, P. 0. Mount Vernon, was born November 19, 1840, in Jefferson County, 111., son of John Baugh, a native of Lookingglass Prairie, 111.; he died in Texas in 1881. His father, John, was a native of Virginia. The mother of our subject, Elizabeth Bruce, was born in Tennessee, but reared in this conuty. She is yet living in Texas and the mother of eight children now living Our subject served in the United States Army during our late war, in the Sixtieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company D ; he was a blacksmith a part of the time, but was also in many battles, being wounded twice, and receives a pension. His wife, Sarilda Houser, a native of Union County, 111., born* October 13, 1846, is the mother of six children, viz.: May B., Viola R., Luella R., Millard A., John E. and Scott I. He has a farm of 120 acres, and in politics is a Greenbacker.

PHILLIP BRESACHER, farmer, P. 0. Mt. Vernon, was born July 13, 1833, in Alsace, France, but which now belongs to Germany. His father, John Bresacher, was a native of the same place ; he was a farmer also. He came to the United States when our subject was only four years old. The mother of our subject was of Germany also. She was the mother of seven boys. Of the boys only two are now living, viz., Henry Bresacher and our subject, who received his education in Centreville, St. Clair Co., 111., where he was also married March 12, 1856, to Miss Louisa Schramm, born April 9. 1834, in Saxony, Germany, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Hugch) Schramm, natives of Germany. This union was blessed with seven children, all of whom are living, viz.: August, born December 2, 1867 ; Clara, born August 12, 1869 ; Sophia, born April 17, 1871 ; Pena, born January 6, 1874 ; Louisa, born September 14, 1877 ; Phillip, born November 14, 1879, and Lawrence, born June 18, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Bresacher are members of the Evangelical Church. Our subject has a farm of 240 acres, and in politics he is a Republican. He and his wife lived amouG; the Indians for quite awhile, and were treated nicely all the time. He came to this county in February of 1879.

WILLIAM S. BUMPUS, Jr., farmer, P. 0. Mount Vernon, was born May 22, 1837, in Hanover County, Va. His father, William S. Bumpus, Sr., was a native of Virginia. He was also a farmer, and had also served an apprenticeship at the house-carpenter trade, in Old Virginia. He moved to Kentucky in 1838, and there our subject was reared and schooled. He came to this county about fourteen years ago, and is yet living. His father, Evan Bumpus, was a native of Virginia. The mother of our subject, Charlotte Buckner, was a native of Virginia, and the mother of six children. Our subject was joined in matrimony, in Butler County, Ky., to Miss Elizabeth Sharer, born December 24, 1837, in Butler County, Ky. She was a daughter of John and Rosa Ann Sharer, both natives of Kentucky. This union resulted in seven children, now living, viz.: Charles H., born October 27, 1858; Eugenia C, born July 31, 1860; William, born September 25, 1864: Theodore, born December 28, 1869; Millard, born November 9, 1871; Edgar, born December 26, 1874; Alpheus, born October 21, 1877. Mr. Bumpus is a member of the A., P. & A. M., Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 31; and 1. 0. 0. F., Williams Lodge, No. 242; also a member of the Encampment. He has a farm of 240 acres, and came to this count}- in 1856. He has been Justice of the Peace four years; was re-elected aud resigned. He then was Supervisor, being the first in the township; served three years; then was Collector three years, and is now Township Supervisor. In politics, he is identified with no particular party.

County, Tenn.. son of Adam Cowger, a native of Penus^'lvauia, a farmer and blacksmith; he died in Tennessee. The mother of our subject, Keziah Davis Cowger, was a native of Virginia, and died in Tennessee. She was a daughter of Isum Davis, a native of Virginia, and the parent of ten children, of whom onl}' Ann E. F. Walker, Jacob Cowger, of Texas, and Martha P. Watson are now living. Our subject received no education at all, in early life. He came to Jefferson County about 1856, and here he has now a farm of 1 20 acres of land. He is self-made, and in political affairs is connected wjth the Democratic part^-. His first wife, Martha C. McConnell, was the mother of Mary Luster, now living. His second wife, Elizabeth Hunt, is the mother of three children now living, viz.: Ida Luster, Benjamin E. Cowger, now in Texas, aud Electra Sursa. His present wife, Vermont Gorham, is a Kentuckian, born July 2, 1848. She is a daughter of Henry S. and Mary (Cooper) Gorham. She is the mother of six children, viz.: Rado, Walter J., Minnie M., Clara, living, and two deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Cowger are connected with the United Baptist Church.

ADAM CULLI, Jr., farmer, P.O. Mt. Vernon, was born October 17, 1856, in St. Clair County, 111., son of Adam Culli, Sr., a native of Alsace. France, a mason by occupation in the old country, but who follows farming in St. Clair County, 111. His father, Christian Culli, was also a native of France, a tailor b}- occupation, and now living in St. Clair Count}-, aged ninety-two years. The mother of our subject, Christine Baker, a native of France, is yet living, and the mother of five children, viz., Adam (our subject), Phillip, Christian, Leonhard, and Albert (deceased). Our subject was educated' in St. Clair County, where he was joined in matrimony, May 18, 1880. to Miss Eva Dintelman, born July 24, 1860, in St. Clair County. She is a daughter of John and Sophia (Miller) Dintelman. This union was blessed with one child, Adam E., born !March 18, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Culli are members of the Lutheran Church. He has a farm of 320 acres of good land, with good buildings. In politics, he is a Republican.

LAWRENCE CUNIO, farmer, P. 0. Mount Vernon, was born October 13, 1832, near Genoa, Italy. He is a son of Andrew Cunio, also a native of Italj-, where he was a mason bv occupation. The mother of our subject was Isabelle Cunio, also a native of Italy. She was the mother of eight children, of whom John B., Juana and Lawrence are now living. Our subject never went to school in his life, but while in the United States Army obtained the rudiments of an education. He came to this country in November, 1855, landing in Boston. He came to this county in 1859. In March, 1863, he enlisted in the Forty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, Company K, paying his own way to his regiment, which was stationed near Memphis. He served till the close of the war, participating in manj' thrilling scenes and famous battles, viz.. Pea Ridge, Fort Jerusha, La., on the Red River, Alexander, Pleasant Hill, and other engagements. After the war, he returned to Jefferson County, where he was married to Mrs. Parthenia Maneas, born January 19, 1843, on Wolf Prairie, Jefferson County, daughter of Barton and Dorothy (Carter) Wells, of Tennessee. This union was blessed with five children, viz., Ch.'irles A., born September 9, 1866 ; Laura B., December 15, 1868 ; Plummer E. and Etta May, twins, January 27, 1873 ; and Johnny, October 31, 1875. Mr. Cunio has a farm of 150 acres, and in politics he is identified with the Republican party.

JOHN DOWNER, farmer, P. O. Mount Vernon, was born March 27, 1834, in Jefferson County, 111., on Moore's Prairie. His father. John Downer, Sr., was born in New Hampshire in 1802. He is yet living in this county, to which he came in an early day. He was a farmer and teacher by occupation, being one of tlie first teachers, and also one of the first to organize a Sunday school. His father, Silas Downer, was a native of New Hampshire. The mother of our subject, Sarah Neal. was born in Vermont ; she died in this county. She was a daughter of Walter Neal, a native of Vermont, and was the j mother of nine children. Our subject went to \ the schools in this county before the free-school ' s3-stem. He has been a farmer all his life, owning now a farm of 130 acres. Our subject was married in this county to Sarah F. Bradley, born August 13, 1834, in Oiiio. daughter of Joseph and Mary (Van Cleve) Bradley, he a native of Delaware and she a native of New York. Mrs. Downer is the mother of nine children, viz. ; Mary and Martha, deceased ; Oscar M., who married Anna Maltby ; 0. O., Amy B., Lydia M., Willie B., John F. and Eunice. Mr. and Mrs. Downer are religiously connected with the M. E. Church. In politics he has been Democratic, but during the last few j'ears he has been rather independent. Mr. Downer has been the Collector for three years, and is now the School Treasurer.

JOHN W. ESTES, farmer, P. 0. Mount Vernon, was born January 4, 1837, son of James Estes, born 1809, in Tennessee, a farmer, who came to this county when a young man, and died here in 1872 ; his father, Absalom Estes, died here also. The mother of our subject. Temperance (McBrian) Estes, came from Middle Tennessee. She died in 1871. leaving three children, viz. ; John W., Mary C. Davenport, deceased, and James A. Our subject was educated in the common schools in this township, and here he married Miss Susannah B. Lynch, born November 17, 1838, in Jackson County, 111., daughter of Marmaduke B. and Sarah A. (Wolsey) Lynch, natives of Tennessee. Six children now living are the result of this happy union - Rosella F. Jones, born October

27, 1858 ; Anna E., born December 11, 1860; James M. W., born December 19, 1862 ; John E. L., born November 18. 1864 ; George E., born April 7, 1869 ; Charles R., born August 16, 1871. Our subject served in One Hundred and Thirty-second New York Regiment, and also the Fiftieth Illinois Regiment ; served till the close of the war. He has a farm here of eighty acres. He was the first Constable, was also Township Clerk and Assessor. In politics, he is an Anti-monopolist man.

ISAAC GARRISON, farmer, P. 0. Mount Vernon. This gentleman is one of that good old class of settlers who have made their way in the world amid privations and hardships that would discourage the most of our young people of the present day. He started with nothing, and is to-day classed among our well-to-do farmers. He was born January 16, 1814, in Smith County. Tenn.. His father, David Garrison, who is well known to the old pioneers as the owner of a horse mill east of Mount Vernon, was a native of North Carolina, and his father, Moses Garrison, was also a native of that State. The mother of our subject, Elizabeth (Newby) Garrison, was a native of Tennessee. She and her husband died in this county. She was the mother of twelve children, of whom four were twins. Of the children, only three are living, viz.: Rebecca Bridges, Mary Vaughn and our subject, who helped his father in his early life a great deal, and whose earl}' career is remarkable for his privations, perseverance and final success. He never went to school, but learned to read and write from his first wife, Margaret Elder, who was the mother of seven children, viz,: William C. James W., Elizabeth Ackerson ! and Rebecca Jones, living, and Dr. David Garrison, Nancy and Azariah, deceased. His sec- 1 ond wife was Mrs. Margaret Davis, daughter of James Murry. and the mother of Laura and Mary Jackson, both deceased. His third wife was Mrs. Elmyra Estes, daughter of Henry Goodridge, and the mother of Isaac Newton, deceased. Our subject's present wife was Mrs. Mar}' A. Beasley, daughter of Andrew and Mary (McFall) Clark, both natives of Virginia. Mrs. Garrison was born December 23, 1826, in Smith County, Tenn. Mr. and Mrs. Garrison are connected with the Baptist Church. He has now nearly 600 acres of good land, which, though he is almost seventy 3'ears old, he oversees. He is now a well-to-do man, and has helped all his children in life, who are all well to do. In politics, he has been a Democrat. He has split rails for 25 cents per hundred, and worked for $8 per month, being hired out by his father, whom he had helped a great deal in after life. He came here lirst in 1830, and after one year he went to Gallatin Count}', 111., where he first worked the farm of his uncle, and lived in the county twenty years, returning to this county in 1853. While in Gallatin County, he was Captain of the militia for seven years.

WILLIAM C. GARRISON, farmer, P. 0. Mount Vernon. This gentleman, who may properly be classed among our thriftiest and well-to-do farmers who are mainly self-made men, without whom no count}' can be properly developed, and who are the main stays in all moral, financial and religious matters, was born September 7, 1834, in Saline County, 111. His father, Isaac Garrison, was born January 16, 1 814, in Smith County, Tenn. He is yet a farmer in this county, to which he came in 1829; his father, David Garrison, was a native of North Carolina. Our subject was educated in Southern Illinois, but is principally self-educated. He came here with his father, and has been identified with the county ever since, fol lowing farming mainly. In 1862, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff by Sheriff J. B. Goodrich, serving two years. He filled the oflSces of Township Assessor and Supervisor twice, to the entire satisfaction of the people. He has a farm of 220 acres with good improvements and well watered. In politics, he was formerly connected with the Democratic party, but of late years he has been identified with the Greenback and Republican parties. Our subject was joined in matrimony, April 26, 1866, in this county, to Mrs. Mary J. Noel, born February 23, 1839, in Gallatin County, 111. She was a daughter of George and Hannah (Pollard) Mills, he a native of New York, she a native of Yorkshire, England, and yet living, the mother of seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Garrison have been blessed with four children, viz.: Jennie, born July 4, 1867; William E., born February 3, 1870; John C, born December 15, 1871; James E., born June 5, 1874 ; and she is also mother of Johnctte Noel, born April 11, 1858, daughter of her first husband, John Noel. Mrs. Garrison is a member of the Baptist Church.

J. W. GARRISON, ftirmer, P. 0. Mount Vernon, was born June 21, 1839, in Saline County, III, son of Isaac and Margaret Garrison, old settlers, who are mentioned elsewhere. Our subject went to school in our old-fashioned subscription schools in Southern Illinois. He came to this county with his parents, and has been a farmer all his life. He now owns 310 acres of land in this county. In 1862, he joined the army, enlisting in the One Hundred and Tenth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, Company G ; he served till the close of the war, and was mustered out at Washington, D. C. He participated in different engagements, and after the war again went to farming. He was married twice. His first wife, Nancy J. Vaughn, was born and died in this county ; his second wife, Lydia Hughes, was born August 8, 1850, in Athens County, Ohio. She is a daughter of Cyrus S. and Louisa E. (Dye) Hughes, and is the mother of four children, viz., Louisa May, born September 23, 187^; Ora E., July 17, 1878; Cyrus I., February 23, 1880 ; and Lee Ann, February 4, 1882. Our subject is identified with the Greenback party, favoring the anti-monopoly movement.

Vernon, was bora October 23, 1827, in the southeastern part of Ohio, son of James Gibson, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland. James was a farmer, and came to this county before the war, and died here. His father, Thomas Gibson, was also a native of Ireland. The mother of our subject, Mary (Gourley) Gibson, was a native of Ireland, and died in this county. She was the mother of eight children. Our subject received his education in the common schools of Ohio, but is mainly self-educated, especially in latter years. He learned the blacksmith trade in Zanesville, Ohio. In 1849, he came to this county, following his trade in Mount Vernon when it was a small village ; in 1854, he bought 160 acres of land, farmed on it several years, and then returned to Mount Vernon. In 1861, he again moved on to his farm, and the next year entered the armv as First Lieutenant in the One Hundred and Tenth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, Company G ; the following year he resigned on account of sickness. Since then he has farmed, and served the people in the capacity of Justice of the Peace for about twelve years, filling the office to the present day. He has also filled minor offices, and in politics is independent, voting for the best man. He has now 460 acres of land in this county, besides town property. He was married, November 30, 1851, in Mount Vernon, to Miss Angeline Newby, born July 10, 1835, in Illinois, daughter of Hezekiah B. and Nancy (Brown) Newby.old settlers, and highly respected people. This union resulted in ten children now living - Augustus, Mary I., John E., Oscar N., Thomas 0., Adela. William E., Samuel A.. Nancy E. and Walter. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is an Elder ; he is also a member of the I. 0. O. F., Marion Lodge, No. 13, Mount Vernon, 111. JOHN A. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Mount Vernon. This gentleman, who is one of our most energetic and enterprising farmers, is well deserving a place in the history of Jefferson County. He was born April 19, 1842, in Tennessee. He came to this county with his parents when he was quite young. He has been a tiller of the soil all his life, and now owns about 300 acres of land in this township. He was joined in matrimony to Miss Margaret C. Daniel, born November 16. 1846, in this county. She is a daughter of Jacob and Emeline (Scott) Daniel, natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Johnson is well worthy the esteem and confidence with which she is regarded everywhere. She is the mother of six children, viz.: Lillian Z., Vernadell, Laura B., A. Floyd, Gustavus and Virgil. Mr. Johnson is no aspirant for public office and in political matters he has been identified with the Republican party.

JAMES WILLIAM LINDSEY, engineer, Opdj'ke. This gentleman is a native of Ross County, Ohio, where he was born December 29, 1831, son of Abraham Lindsey. a native of Ohio. The mother of our subject, Nancy BannOn Lindsey, was a native of Delaware, and the mother of one son, our subject, who was educated in Ohio, where he also learned the engineering with his uncle. Sims Davenport. He was joined in matrimony in Columbus, Ohio, December 23, 1854 to Miss Catharine Freck, born November 8, 1833, in Wurtemberg, Germany, daughter of Tilman and Fannie (Harmon) Freck, both natives of Germany. This union was blessed with the following children: Mary I., wife of William Snider; Alice P., wife of Jeptha Jones; Emma L., wife of Owen M. Smith; Charles F.. born May 1, 1863; Nancy E., born May 20. 1866; Catharine U , born June 26, 1868; Frank B., born January 14, 1871; Albert R., January 8, 1875; John W., January 17, 1877. Mr. Lindsey came to this county in the fall of 1877. He owns 196 acres of land, but at times follows his trade as engineer. In politics, he is a Republican.

The subject of this brief slietch is one of Jeflfersoii County's most unassuming but worthy citizens. He has made farming his chief occupation and now owns GOO acres of hind near Mount Vernon. In tlie fall of 18G1, he enlisted in the Sixtieth Regiment Illinois "Volunteer Infantry, Company I. He served three years, participating in many thrilling scenes and famous battles, among others those of Missiou Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek, losing his right arm at Jonesboro, near Atlanta. After the war, he returned home and again turned his attention to farming. In politics, he has been identified witii the Republican party. CORNELIUS PEERY, farmer, P. O. Mount Vernon, was born June 0, 1808, in Tazewell County, Va. His father, James M. Peery, was a native of Virginia, and also a farmer ; he died in Perry County, 111. His father, Jolin Peery, came from Ireland. The mother of our subject, Phoebe Pickens, was a native of Virginia, and the mother of eleven children ; her parents, Thomas and Sarah (Brown) Pickens, were also natives of Virginia. Our subject was educated in Kentucky. He came to Washington County, 111., in 1833 ; he commenced farm ing there, and in 1867 he came to this county. He was married more than once. His first wife, llhoda B. Ayers, was born in St. Clair County ; she died in Washington County, 111. His second wife, Mrs. Polly Gore, is a daughtei of Richard Hull. She is the mother of seven children, viz., James M. Gore, Escalana Gore, George M. (deceased, aged one year and sixteen days), Jonathan A., Richard A. (a law student in Belleville, 111.), Mary M. (deceased) and Martha N. Gibson. Our subject began life with nothing to speak of, and is to-day classed among our well-to-do men in this county. In politics, he has been identified with the Democratic party.

native of Tennessee ; he came here in an early day, and died January 1, 187-1, his father, Abraham Rogers, being also a native of Tennessee. The mother of our subject, Amanda A. Pace, a native of Kentucky, was a daughter of John M. Pace, and is the mother of ten children. Our subject was educated here. He was joined in matrimony, January 11, 1883, in Brighton, Macoupin Co., 111., to Miss Mollie McKenny, born January 25, 1860, in Union County, Ky., daughter of John B. and Mary (Church) McKenny, natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Rogers is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Rogers is a Democrat. JOHN TIPTON, fapner, P. 0. Opdyke, was born January 9, 1838, in Knox County, East Tennessee, son of Isaac Tipton, a native of East Tennessee, where he yet resides. The mother of our subject, Dama Tipton, was a native of East Tennessee, where she died. Our subject has been a farmer all his life. He came

Source changes here: from Wall's History of Jefferson County, Illinois, by Wall, John A, published 1909; 338 words in this source stream.

Dodds Township

Next township south of Mount Vernon. Dodds is principally down in the timber, as there is very little prairie but lots of creek bottom in her territory, but no better or more productive land in the whole county. It is tradition that the township was named for James Dodds, who came to these native wilds in 1818, and perhaps built the first cabin in the township. Joseph Jordan settled the Isaac Garrison place at the parting of the Benton and McLeansboro roads. This place was transferred to the Frizzles and many will remember the sad event of nearly the whole family dying with cholera in 1847, and of their being buried at Old Union. And then the farm went into the hands of Isaac Garrison, then came Doctor Adams, who afterwards figured in county matters ; then Frank Hicks; he was the father of J. R. P. Hicks, who was chosen School Commissioner of Jefferson county. Then came Stephen Arnold, then Absalom Estes, from whence all the Esteses spring; then Joseph Pace, twin-brother of the County Clerk, Joel; then came the Rogerses, William Davis, David Shaffer; the latter put up a horse mill; also Frank Hicks did the same. Isaac Watson was one of the pioneers, of what was then Jackson precinct, now Dodds township. W. T. Sanders taught school in a log house built OR government land. Rev. Rhodam and George Allen (the latter father of John R. and Thomas Allen), held meeting in the cabins of Jackson precinct. A Methodist church was organized at an early day. Joel Pace, John Rogers, Will Edgington and James Bradford were members. The first voting place was the old Dodds house. John Baugh and H. Gorham were the first justices of the peace. R. D. Roane was the first Supervisor. Capt. Samuel Gibson, now retired, of Mount Vernon, was for many years a valued citizen of Doods township and improved his surroundings by importing and selling good stock. Politically, Dodds is almost a "stand-off," but generally gives a Republican majority.