Coles County IL Genealogy – Page 2 of 26

Biographical Sketch of John Rutherford

John Rutherford, Cashier of the Oakland National Bank, Oakland; born in Oakland, Coles Co., Ill., June 21, 1844, where he engaged in farming and attending school until February, 1867, when he engaged in the dry goods trade with J. J. Pemberton, which business he followed until 1872; he was then employed as book-keeper for the banking firm of L. D. Carter & Co., which position he held until Aug. 1, 1874, at which time the National Bank of Oakland was formed and he was chosen Cashier, which position he has since held; he was made a member of the Oakland … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Thomas Hart

Thomas Hart, farmer; P. O. Paradise is the son of Miles H. and Catharine C. Hart, of Coles Co.; was born in Hardin Co., Ky., Sept. 5, 1824; moved to Coles Co. with his parents March 12, 1826; was Assessor, School Trustee, Overseer of the Poor and Road Overseer. Was married to Vianna Sexson, of Coles Co., March 2, 1851; names of children: Mary E., Hallie B.; deceased-Annie Hart. His father, Miles Hart, was born in North Carolina July 24, 1796; was married to Catharine C. Yocum, of Kentucky, and moved to Wayne Co., Ill., and then to Coles Co.; … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James C. Gray

James C. Gray, farmer, deceased, Larna; was born in Washington Co., Tenn., Nov. 18, 1818; lived with his parents on the farm until 30 years of age, engaging with his father in farming until he married Mary A. Mitchell Nov. 9, 1848; she was born in Marshall County, Tenn., May 30, 1828; they have had nine children – Robert M., David L., Mary, Alexander D., William N., John H., Lizzie J., Naomi R., and Charles. Mr. Gray held the office of Road Commissioner two terms, was Constable two years and Town Clerk one term. Mr. Robert Gray is County Attorney, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of George F. Hackett

George F. Hackett, farmer, S. 18; P. O. Oakland; born in Scott Co., Ky., Aug. 27, 1827; he emigrated with his parents, in the fall of 1834, to Illinois, and located in Coles Co., where he attended school during the winter, and assisted his father farming during the summer, until 18 years of age, when he worked by the month during the summer driving cattle from Coles Co. to Wisconsin, and attending school during the winter for four years; in 1850, he drove an ox-team, overland, to California, going via the old Oregon route, by Fort Hall, arriving in Wearville, … Read more

Biographical Sketches, Coles County, Illinois

The 484 biographical sketches presented here highlight many residents of Coles County, Illinois, at the turn of the 20th century. These sketches often include essential biographical details, offering valuable insights for genealogical research, such as birth locations, parental information, and details about their children. Biographies serve as prime research materials for bringing family history to life, as they frequently provide rich, narrative details that go beyond mere facts.

Biography of L. C. Thornton

L. C. Thornton, farm implements, Postmaster, Oakland; one of the pioneers of Edgar Co., Ill.; born in Washington Co., Ind., Dec. 15, 1825; he removed with his parents in 1829, being then 4 years of age, and located in Edgar Co., Ill., where he attended school, and engaged in farming until Sept. 10, 1861, when he enlisted as private in Co. E, 66th I. V. I; this regiment was composed of picked men from the various Northwestern States, selected for their skill and accuracy in handling the rifle; the 66th was known in the army as the Western Sharp-shooters, and … Read more

Biography of R. A. Traver

R. A. Traver, of the firm of Traver & Nixon, manufacturers of and dealers in brooms, brushes, etc., Charleston; was born in Schenectady Co., N. Y., Aug. 19, 1837; he was raised on a farm; in 1856, he removed with his parents to Brooklyn, N. Y., where, for two years, he was employed as a book-keeper for A. W. Hendrickson & Co., coal-dealers; in 1858, he went to Harrison Co., W. Va., where he was engaged in farming and carpentering till 1867; he then came to Clark Co., Ill., and engaged in the broom business, but soon afterward removed to … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Patrick Nicholson

Patrick Nicholson, farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Charleston; owns 380 acres was born in Jefferson Co., Tenn., Nov. 6, 1809; resided with parents on farm, helping his father until 21 years of age; came to this State in November, 1830, to what is now Douglas Co.; Mr. N. made several thousand rails for $1 per hundred; worked six months for $8 per month; had nothing but one saddle-share; sold mare and saddle and bridle for $8. Was married to Elizabeth Ashmore, May 17, 1832; she was born in Jefferson Co., Tenn., March 4, 1814; they are the parents of eleven … Read more

Biographical Sketch of John Moore

John Moore, farming and stock; P. O. Humbolt; the subject of this sketch was born in Adams Co., Ohio, Dec. 22, 1830. Be married Miss Eliza J. Grooms, July 11, 1852; she was born in Adams Co., Ohio, June 18, 1834. They had eleven children, eight living, viz., Alfred F., Almira F., Newton B., S. A. Douglas, Ella R., Ludora J., Ida I. and John E. He was born on his father’s farm, and lived there for twenty-seven years; he then came to Illinois and settled in Coles Co., on his present place; this was in 1857, and has lived … Read more

Biographical Sketch of J. M. Gibbs

J. M. Gibbs, livery and sale stable, Mattoon; was born near the South Kickapoo, in Coles Co., Ill., Jan. 28, 1841; his grandfather, Elijah Gibbs, was one of the early pioneers of this section, having come from Virginia, in an early day, to Ohio, and thence to Illinois; his father, Homer Gibbs, was here almost as early as the formation of the county; his father was a carpenter by trade; J. M. passed his early life on the farm, near Sullivan, Moultrie Co.; his education was obtained in the common schools; at the age of 20 years, he began life … Read more

Biography of Hon. Daniel A. McAlister

HON. DANIEL A. McALISTER. – Perhaps there is not another man living to-day in the Grande Ronde valley who is so popular with people and so great a favorite in Union and Wallowa counties as the subject of this sketch. And be it said to the credit of Mr. McAlister that in all his long public career he has nobly earned every encomium that has been given by an appreciative and discrimnating people. He is a man of large caliber, with vigor to sustain his untiring activity and integrity to maintain his position of uncompromising uprightness, while he is possessed … Read more

Biography of Joseph H. Landrus

A leading citizen of Wallowa County and numbered with the most progressive agriculturists of his vicinity, the subject of this sketch is eminently fitted to be granted representation in the annals of his county, since he has been faithful in its development and has also displayed commendable zeal in the advancement of its interests, while also in the days gone by when base strife was tearing the nation asunder he responded quickly to the call of freedom’s banner and fought with courage and valor on the fields of blood until the last enemy was put down. Joseph H. was born … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Isaac Taylor

Isaac Taylor, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Campbell; was born in Rutherford Co., Tenn., March 16, 1829, and lived with his father on the farm, engaged with his parents in farming until married to Eliza J. Erwin April 12, 1860; she was born in Coles Co., Ill., Oct. 5, 1841; they have eight children, viz., Marian W., Willie E., Oscar E., Margaret E., Perry S., Isaac V., Balas B. and Cary A. Mr. Taylor was School Director fifteen years and has held the office of Assessor one term. He is a Primitive Baptist. Mr. Taylor is liked by all who … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James Jeffris

James Jeffris, farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Mattoon; owns 240 acres; was born in Grayson Co., Ky., March 17, 1821; moved to this county with his parents when 10 years of age, and lived with them until married to Matilda Jane Johnston, Oct. 6, 1842; she was born in Russell Co., Va., Nov. 28, 1822, and has had eleven children, six of whom are living, viz., Mary E., Martha, Johnston, Stephen D., Joanna and Kitty C.; deceased-G. D., Leah, S. M. and two infants. Mr. Jeffris was Constable four years, School Director five years and School Trustee twenty years; his … Read more

Biography of Capt. James M. Ashmore

Capt. James M. Ashmore, Charleston; is a native of Coles Co.; he is a son of Hezekiah J. Ashmore, one of the pioneers of the county, who was born in Kentucky, Sept. 30, 1802, and came to Coles Co. with his family, consisting at that time of a wife and two children, in 1830, and settled in the northeast part of the county, in what is now Oakland Tp.; in 1836, he removed to the eastern part the county, and for him the town of Ashmore was named, as well as the village of that name, which he laid out … Read more

Biography of William S. Childress

William S. Childress, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Ashmore; was born in Knox Co., East Tenn., April 11, 1827; he is a son of Richard and Rebecca Childress. In 1831, his father removed to Edgar Co., and settled just on the line between Illinois and Indiana. In 1848, Mr. Childress came to Coles Co., being the first of the family to settle here, his father following in the spring of 1849; his father died about 1862; his mother still survives, and now resides in Farmington, in Coles Co., at the age of 75 years. Mr. C. was married April 30, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James W. Crume

James W. Crume, farmer, See. 9; P. O. Mattoon; owns eighty acres; was born in Marion Co., Ky., March 17, 1830, and lived with his parents on the farm until 21 years of age. He was married to Emily J. Maine, Dec. 29, 1856, who was born in Dubois Co., Ind., Aug. 25, 1834, and died Sept. 21, 1862. He then married Mary E. Reynolds Dec. 31, 1864, who was born in Coles Co., Ill., March 29, 1834, and has had eight children, four of whom are living, viz., William R., Benjamin R., James H. and Emily O.; the deceased … Read more

Biography of James Wheatley

James Wheatley, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Hinesboro; the subject of this sketch was born in Charleston, Clarke Co., Ind., Aug. 9, 1826; he married Miss Mary E. Work Jan. 10, 1850; she was born in Clarke Co., Ind., Dec. 20,1831; they had six children, five living, viz., Junius, Dessie, Carlos, Lucien and Ozeta; he lived in Indiana about eight years, when, with his father, he went to Kentucky and lived in Lexington and Harrodsburg until his 18th year, when he returned to his birthplace in Indiana and engaged in farming until he was married; after his marriage, he removed … Read more

Biography of Samuel Van Meter, M. D.

Samuel Van Meter, M. D., physician and surgeon, Charleston; was born in Grayson Co., Ky., Nov. 8, 1824; he is a son of John and Catharine (Keller) Van Meter, the former of whom died in 1827; his mother then removed with her family to Illinois, settling in Coles Co.; he received such education as the common schools in those pioneer days afforded; at the age of 15 years, he was apprenticed to the tanner’s trade, but before completing his apprenticeship he purchased his time of his employer, and was in turn bound to Dr. T. B. Trower, and entered upon … Read more

Biographical Sketch of F. M. Parker

F. M. Parker, farmer; P. O. Rardin; born in Edgar Co., Ill., March 18, 1849; he is the eldest son of Wm. M. Parker, who emigrated from Kentucky, and located in Edgar Co., Ill., in the year 1829; he died in Coles Co. Feb. 14, 1873; his mother was born in Co., and emigrated with her parents, and located in Coles Co. in 1828; the subject of this sketch remained with his parents, and assisted in farming, until 20 years of age, when he was employed as farm-laborer for about four years; he first commenced farming for himself in 1871, … Read more