Edgar County IL

Biographical Sketch of Daniel Gosnell

Daniel Gosnell, born on March 20, 1816, in Pennsylvania, was raised in Ohio and pursued a lifelong career in agriculture. He settled in Edgar County, Illinois, at age 21, later moving to Jasper County in 1840, and finally to Missouri in 1855, where he became a successful stock-raiser on his 235-acre farm. He married twice, first to Rebecca Mathen in 1844, with whom he had three children, and then to Lucinda Poor in 1851, with whom he had ten children, eight of whom survived.

Biographical Sketch of George White

George White, born August 18, 1842, near Glasgow, Kentucky, became a prominent implement dealer and auctioneer in Newman, Illinois, starting his business around 1874. Over the years, he achieved significant success, with annual sales between $25,000 and $35,000. Married to Della Clark, they have two sons, Henry W. and Fred. White served in the Civil War and held various positions, including township supervisor. He is also active in several organizations, including the Knights of Pythias and the Grand Army of the Republic.

Biography of Stephen Redden

Stephen Redden, born on April 14, 1818, in Bracken County, Kentucky, migrated west with his family at age four. They settled in Indiana and later moved to Illinois, where he grew up working the land. Redden, who had no formal education, was married twice, first to Vashti Winkler, with whom he had no children, and later to Mary A. Tinkle. Known for his honesty, Redden died on April 17, 1897, at the age of seventy-nine, leaving a legacy of hard work and resilience.

Biography of Rev. William E. Means

Rev. William E. Means, born June 28, 1850, in Paris, Illinois, graduated from Northwestern University’s theological department in 1879. He served as a pastor in various churches across Minnesota and Kansas, contributing significantly to church building and revival efforts. In 1891, he became pastor in Sidney, Illinois, later taking on the Atwood charge. Due to health issues, he retired in 1893 but remained active in ministry. In 1895, he acquired the Atwood Herald, a politically independent newspaper. He was married to Ella M. Chesnut, and they had one son, Cyril.

Biographical Sketch of J. A. McGown

J. A. McGown, born on March 30, 1832, in Edgar County, Illinois, is a prominent farmer and businessman in Newman Township. He has cultivated 472 acres of land and built a notable residence after moving there around 1875. Married to Martha C. Todd, they have five children. McGown has actively participated in local governance, serving as road commissioner for nine years and school director for twenty-one years. He is also affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Order of Woodmen.

Biography of John Lindsey

John Lindsey, born on April 2, 1834, in Fairfield County, Ohio, to Irish immigrants Thomas and Mary Lindsey, grew up on a farm. After moving to Illinois in 1855, he engaged in farming, eventually acquiring land in Edgar County. He later spent time in Kansas before returning to Illinois. In 1853, Lindsey married Elizabeth Ebert, and together they had ten children. A member of the Methodist church, he established a successful farming career and now resides on his Evergreen farm, which spans 160 acres.

Biography of Oliver O. Hockett

Oliver O. Hockett, born March 2, 1866, in Paris, Illinois, is a prominent physician in Newman, Douglas County. After graduating high school in 1882, he studied medicine under Dr. M. P. Smith and graduated from Chicago Hahnemann College in 1889. In March 1890, he established a successful medical practice in Newman. Dr. Hockett is actively involved in the Hahnemann Medical Society and contributes to medical journals. He is married to Luella Gillespie and has one child, J. Maxwell.

Biography of James P. Heaton

James P. Heaton, born on August 16, 1845, in Greene County, Pennsylvania, became a notable citizen of Newman, Illinois, where he contributed significantly to community development and education. After moving to Illinois as a teenager, he became a successful stock raiser and influential community member, holding various local offices, including supervisor and board of education member. He was married to Lottie Harris and had five children. Heaton’s dedication to his community and numerous contributions left a lasting impact on Newman until his death on March 14, 1897.

Biography of Alexander C. Kissee

Alexander C. Kissee was born on November 2, 1834, in Edgar County, Illinois, to a Virginia family with deep roots in American pioneer life. He later moved to Christian County, Missouri, where he became an influential businessman, landowner, and public figure. A veteran of the Civil War, he served in the Union Army and was involved in local politics, aligning with the Republican Party. He founded Kissee Mills, established a newspaper, and held the postmaster position, contributing significantly to his community until his death.

Biography of William S. Norton

William S. Norton, born in 1844 in Illinois, exemplified resilience and resourcefulness throughout his life. A Union soldier in the Civil War, he faced numerous hardships, yet transitioned successfully to become a prominent businessman and financier in Cherokee County, Kansas. Norton’s ventures included farming, merchandising, and mining, culminating in his role as president of the Columbus State Bank. An active community leader, he served as a state senator and mayor of Columbus, demonstrating a commitment to public welfare and industry safety. His legacy reflects both personal achievement and community service.

Biography of Harry R. Harshbarger

Harry R. Harshbarger, born on May 28, 1868, in Illinois, is a prominent figure in oil production in Chautauqua County, Kansas. His father, John W. Harshbarger, was notable for his varied career, including service as a hospital steward during the Civil War and involvement in the meat business. Harry’s early work included running a meat market before transitioning to oil, where he oversees seventeen producing wells. A community leader and Democrat, he has served on the Sedan city council and is active in local fraternal organizations.

Biographical Sketch of Bush Bros.

The Bush brothers, David, John, and Nelson, have roots in Pennsylvania and Ohio before settling in Illinois. David, born in 1832, married Elinor Stiff in 1864 and raised four children after moving from Pennsylvania to Coles County. John, born in 1837, served in the 123rd Illinois Infantry and married Polly Ann Jarvis in 1874, having one child. Nelson, born in 1846, lived with his siblings and parents, Jonathan and Eliza Lee Bush, until their deaths in the mid-1800s.

McQueen, George Dallas – Obituary

George Dallas McQueen passed away on December 2, 1918, at the age of 74, following a battle with cancer. Born on May 4, 1844, he married Frances McQueen in 1872 and had five children, four of whom predeceased him. After his wife’s death over two decades prior, he lived with his daughter, Mrs. Cutsinger. His funeral was held at Wesley Chapel and he was buried in Albin Cemetery, leaving behind one daughter, three grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and many relatives and friends.

Cutsinger, Jennie House – Obituary

Mrs. L. D. Cutsinger, born March 12, 1872, in Newman, passed away on June 26, 1898, after a prolonged illness due to consumption. The youngest daughter of Thomas House, she graduated from Newman schools at sixteen and married L. D. Cutsinger in January 1898. A funeral service led by Rev. J. B. Pawson was held at her home, followed by interment at Newman Cemetery, where many friends gathered to pay their respects. Condolences were extended to her husband and family.

Biographical Sketch of John Jarvis

John Jarvis, born on December 25, 1809, in Madison County, Kentucky, led a life marked by multiple relocations and family ties. He married Polly Ray in 1830 and had eight children, two of whom survived. After several moves between Kentucky and Illinois, he settled in Coles County, where his first two wives passed away. In 1868, he married Mary Hedges, with whom he had three children. A hardworking farmer, Jarvis owned substantial land, valuing his private business over public office. He also spent three years in Nebraska before returning to his current estate.