Coles County IL

Biographical Sketch of Charles E. Leitch

Charles E. Leitch, farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Charleston; owns 117 acres; was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, April 16, 1836; resided with his parents on the farm until 22 years of age. He was married to Mahalia Baker March 18, 1858; she was born in Highland Co., Va., Dec. 19, 1837. Mr. Leitch has seven children living and two dead; the names of the living are Lizzie, Grant, John, Charles E., Jacob, Samuel and Allen; the deceased were two infants. Mr. Leitch has held the office of School Director ten years; he now holds the offices of School Trustee and … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Joseph Cavins

Joseph Cavins, farmer; P. O. Mattoon; was born in Marion Co., Ohio, Jan. 24, 1838; moved to Coles Co., Paradise Tp., in 1840; was married Dec. 25, 1862; maiden name of wife Melissa E. Ferguson. Names of children: Elmer W., Joseph O., Elzy C., William F., Stanley T., Lester B. Owns 80 acres of land worth about six thousand dollars. Public offices held: Justice of the Peace, Town Clerk, School Trustee, Supervisor, and taught school nine terms in the same District; was also in the late war. His father and mother, Joseph and Nancy Cavins, were born in Loudoun Co., … Read more

Biographical Sketch of P. B. Linn

P. B. Linn, dealer in groceries, provisions and queensware, Mattoon. The subject of this sketch was born in Coles Co., Ill. Nov. 18, 1850; his father was one of the early pioneers of the county; his early life wad spent upon the farm; in addition to his common-school education, he attended Lee’s Academy two years; in 1871, he completed a business course in Bryant & Stratton’s Commercial College at Cincinnati; the same year, he entered the employ of J. B. Hill & Co., at Charleston, as clerk; in 1873, he began clerking for Frank Kern, in Effingham, and, in 1874, … Read more