Biographical Sketch of Abraham Bennett

Abraham Bennett, born on November 15, 1828, in Meade County, Kentucky, dedicated his life to the ministry of the United Brethren Church. After spending his youth flat-boating, he began his ministerial journey in 1852, traveling circuits mainly in Indiana and later engaging in missionary work in Kentucky. In 1864, he settled in Hutton Township, Coles County, where he contributed significantly to the establishment of local chapels. He married Martha Jane Chism in 1850 and fathered eight children, witnessing the loss of several.

Biographical Sketch of William H. Brandenburg

William H. Brandenburg, born in Clay County, Indiana, on October 19, 1824, moved to Hutton, Illinois, with his family at age four. After working on a farm in Wisconsin and hauling lead for nine years, he settled on his own 150-acre farm in Hutton Township. A veteran of the Civil War, he served in Company H, 10th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, until the war’s end. He married Elizabeth J. Tucker in 1849, and they had nine children, six of whom survived into adulthood.

Biographical Sketch of Solomon Brandenburg

Solomon Brandenburg, born on September 3, 1830, in Hutton Township, was the fifth son of an early county settler. At 19, he moved to Wisconsin to haul lead with his brothers. In 1858, he acquired a farm on Section 13. He married Sallie Smith on February 5, 1850, fathering seven children, five of whom survived, including Ford, Polly, Hester A., Ulysses G., and Rose. Ford later married Louisa A. Cooper, expanding the Brandenburg lineage.

Biographical Sketch of C. P. Brandenburg

C. P. Brandenburg, born on August 24, 1828, in Clay County, Indiana, was the son of early settlers Solomon O. and Alezan. He lived with his parents until 17, then worked in Wisconsin hauling lead, making seasonal returns home. In 1856, he established a farm on Sec. 14, which he developed from a log cabin. He married Mary Cox in 1850, with whom he had twelve children, seven surviving her death in 1875. He remarried Nancy J. Baker in 1877, fathering one more child.

Biographical Sketch of William Gossett

William Gossett, born June 3, 1850, in Hutton Township, worked on his family farm until the age of 24 while also teaching school for four winters. He married Martha Ingram on April 16, 1874, and they had two children: Elizabeth J., born August 11, 1875, and Jesse L., who sadly passed away shortly after his birth. Gossett is noted for owning 80 acres of land, reflecting his commitment to agriculture in the community.

Biographical Sketch of John Hutton

John Hutton, born January 20, 1801, in Montgomery County, Kentucky, was a pioneering farmer and one of the township’s founders. After his family’s relocation to Crawford County, Illinois, in 1816, they later settled in Coles County in 1834. Hutton served as the first Supervisor of the township and witnessed the early settlement of Charleston, then inhabited solely by Kickapoo Indians. He married the widow of Isaac Baker in 1843 and fathered nine children with her, continuing to live on the homestead until his later years.

Biographical Sketch of James Brandenburg

James Brandenburg was born on April 20, 1820, in Hardin County, Kentucky. His family relocated to Clay County, Indiana, before settling in his current county in 1829. After working locally until the age of 18, he spent two years in Wisconsin before establishing a farm southeast of Salisbury in 1844. He later moved to his current farm on Section 7. Married to Neety Cooper in 1843, they had seven children, of whom four survived into adulthood.

Biographical Sketch of J. S. Garner, M. D.

J. S. Garner, M. D. was born on October 14, 1831, in Russell County, Kentucky. At 18, he apprenticed with Dr. J. S. Pierce and later attended medical lectures in Louisville. He practiced in Wayne County until 1863 when he enlisted as First Lieutenant in the 48th Regiment, Kentucky Volunteers, serving eighteen months in the Civil War. After the war, he settled in Salisbury, Coles County, where he still practices medicine and serves as Postmaster. He married Minnie E. Roberts in 1854 and they have seven children.

Biographical Sketch of Ezekiel Gilbert

Ezekiel Gilbert, born on November 20, 1828, in Lawrence County, Indiana, was raised in a farming family that migrated from Kentucky to Illinois in the 1830s. After settling in Coles County, Ezekiel continued to live with his parents until their deaths. He married Nancy H. Stone in 1847, and they had thirteen children, nine of whom survived into adulthood. His life exemplifies the pioneering spirit of a family rooted deeply in the local agricultural community.

Biographical Sketch of Andrew Gossett

Andrew Gossett, born on August 8, 1836, in Coshocton County, Ohio, relocated with his family to Coles County at the age of four. He married Polly Kiser on November 1, 1860, and established a farm in Hutton Township, where he has made significant improvements. They had seven children, five of whom survived. Gossett served as School Director for five years and owns 190 acres of land. Both he and Polly are active members of the United Brethren Church.

Biographical Sketch of J. B. Flenner

J. B. Flenner, born on November 18, 1829, in Butler County, Ohio, became a prominent farmer and stock-raiser in Coles County after relocating westward in 1858. He settled on a well-improved 570-acre farm, known for its fine residence, and served multiple terms as School Director. Married to Ursula Moore in 1853, they had five children. Flenner notably contributed to the breeding of Poland-China hogs, averaging 250 annually. A lifelong member of the Methodist Church, he upheld strong family and community values.

Biography of Daniel Evinger

Daniel Evinger, born on September 10, 1820, in Hamilton County, Ohio, moved to Coles County with his family in 1831. As a farmer, carpenter, and millwright, he contributed to local infrastructure, including bridges for the D., O. M. Narrow-Gauge Railroad and the construction of Westfield College. Evinger was also active in the United Brethren Church, helping to establish its first class and Sunday school in Hutton Township. He married Mary Jones in 1841, with whom he had eleven children, five of whom survive.

Biographical Sketch of T. L. Endsley

T. L. Endsley, born on November 21, 1842, in Coshocton County, Ohio, was the son of Thomas and Matilda Endsley. He relocated to Hutton Township in 1866, initially teaching school before engaging in the merchandise business in Illinois. After marrying Mary J. Endsley in 1867, they settled in Salisbury. Following various roles, including a clerkship, he established a general store in Salisbury in 1875. Mary passed away in 1876, leaving him with two children who live with their grandparents.

Biographical Sketch of C. P. Davis

C. P. Davis, born on September 13, 1829, in Lawrence County, Indiana, was a pioneering farmer in Hutton Township, Coles County. His parents, John and Elizabeth Davis, moved to the area when he was an infant, enduring the challenges of frontier life. C. P. married Elizabeth Conley on December 28, 1850, and settled on his own farm in 1852. Together, they raised seven children amidst the hardships of early settlement, with C. P. being among the first settlers in a largely uninhabited region.

Biographical Sketch of J. W. Dallas

J. W. Dallas, born on January 16, 1849, in Hutton Township, Coles County, is the son of Ohio natives Hiram and Sarah Dallas, who settled in the area in 1839. After a brief move to Clark County, the family returned to Hutton Township, where they established a homestead on Section 35. J. W. still resides on this 120-acre farm with his mother. He married Elizabeth J. Bishop in 1867, and they had four children, with one son, William E., and a daughter, Rosella, still living.

Biographical Sketch of William R. Cox

William R. Cox, born on February 25, 1832, in Bedford County, Virginia, moved with his family to Ross County, Ohio, at age 16 before settling in Coles County in 1856. He married Hannah C. Thompson in 1853, and they had six children. After managing a flouring mill for twelve years, he acquired a 129-acre farm in Hutton Township in 1870. Cox served as Commissioner of Highways and Supervisor, contributing to local governance. His parents passed away in the 1870s, and Hannah was born in 1834.

Biographical Sketch of Adam Cox

Adam Cox, born July 26, 1840, in Hutton Township, was the son of early settler Anthony Cox from Virginia. After his father’s death, he was raised by his mother, who is still living. In 1861, Adam married Mary Garrison, and they settled on various farms, ultimately acquiring 294 acres. The couple had seven children, six surviving: Charles, Orval, Luella, Claudius, Azaro, and Ahnorinda, with one daughter, Barthena, having died in infancy. Adam continues to contribute to the agricultural landscape of Westfield.

Biographical Sketch of James A. Cox

James A. Cox, born on October 26, 1846, in Hutton Township, Clark County, is a farmer who has deep roots in the area, as his family were among the first settlers. He married Lucinda R. Morris on March 21, 1872, and has three children, two of whom survive. After living on various farms, he currently resides on 70 acres in Section 12. His family history includes his late brother Anthony, a Civil War soldier killed in battle, and his parents, who hailing from Kentucky and Alabama.

Biographical Sketch of F. E. Cottingham

F. E. Cottingham, born March 17, 1849, in Hutton Township, comes from a lineage of notable farmers and tradesmen. His father, John J. Cottingham, migrated from Kentucky, engaging in brickmaking before settling in the area. F. E. learned the trade alongside his farming duties. He married Enna H. Cox in 1873, fathering three children. Active in his community, Cottingham served as Town Clerk for four years and taught school for five terms. His family has a rich history of support and care for elder relatives.

Biographical Sketch of Jeremiah C. Cooper

Jeremiah C. Cooper was born on April 25, 1786, in Franklin County, North Carolina. He worked on local farms until he acquired his own in Randolph County, where he also served in various military ranks, eventually becoming Captain. In 1841, he moved to Coles County and purchased a farm, serving as Justice of the Peace for 15 years. Cooper was married three times, fathering a total of 15 children. His first wife, Miss McDelaney Wakehaster, died in 1846, and he remarried twice thereafter.