North Okaw Illinois

Biographical Sketch of Nelson W. Ames

Nelson W. Ames, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Mattoon; one of the most prominent settlers; was born in Wayne Co., Penn., Feb. 9, 1817; he is the son of Mr. Joseph Ames, now deceased, who was born in Connecticut, and was one of the early settlers of Pennsylvania, where he married Miss Gertrude Schenck, and where Mr. N. W. Ames, the subject of this sketch, was born. He was married Jan. 9, 1840, to Miss Nancy Hoalley, who was born in Pennsylvania May 6, 1818, and who died Oct. 3, 1847. Mr. Ames removed from his native State to New … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James P. White

James P. White, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Mattoon; was born in Tennessee, March 5, 1841; came to this State in 1856, and to Coles Co., and settled in North Okaw Tp. in 1858; his farm consists of forty-nine and a third acres, valued at $1,500. He was married Nov. 23, 1865, to Miss Mary J. Wade, who was born in Coles Co., Ill., June 4, 1847; they have had six children, five of whom are living, viz., Mary A., Nancy E., Effa N., Minnie and James E.; deceased, Jessie. Since Mr. White’s residence in the township, he has held … Read more

Biographical Sketch of John Turner

John Turner, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Fuller’s Point; one of the first settlers and pioneers, was born in Virginia Dec. 16, 1812; came to this State and settled in Coles Co. in 1830; his first settlement was in what is now the township of Paradise; he cannot tell now that the township at that time had a name, and through it there was no mail-route; in 1835, he removed to North Okaw; this section of country was at that time all called Okaw; it derives its name from the two streams running through it; Mr. Turner is now the … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Alexander Hitch

Alexander Hitch, farmer and stock-raiser P. O. Cook’s Mills one of the early settlers; was born in Louisville, Ky., Jan. 9, 1827; moved to Ohio with his parents when he was 1 year old; he was raised there, in Ross Co., and in 1850 he came from Ohio to this State and settled in Coles Co. He was married May 10, 1855, to Miss Permelia Ellis, who was born in Kentucky Oct. 13, 1833; they have had four children, three of whom are living, viz., Belle, Sarah L. and Melissa E.; deceased, Francis Marion. The farm of Mr. Hitch consists … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James M. Hunt

James M. Hunt, retired farmer; P. O. Cook’s Mills; was born in Indiana Jan. 16, 1840; his father, James Hunt, now deceased, was one of the early settlers of that State; they moved to Illinois and settled in Coles Co. in 1868; Mr. Hunt has followed the pursuits of a farmer and stock-raiser from boyhood; he enlisted in the 83d Ind. V. I.; served nearly three years, and was discharged at the close of the war; at the battle of Dallas he was wounded, the effects of which now compel him to retire from business. He was married to Miss … Read more

Biographical Sketch of John Wilson

John Wilson, farmer, and Constable for Coles Co; P. O. Cook’s Mills; was born in Germany, March 8, 1840; came to the United States in 1857, and to this State in 1865 and to Coles Co. in1871. He was married to Miss Sarah Ann Prince, who was born in Indiana Jan. 19, 1848; they have two children deceased, viz., Mary C. and Louisa. Mr. Wilson has served a term in the United States Regular Army; he enlisted from New York City in Co. D, in 1861; he served all through the late rebellion, and at its close was discharged with … Read more

Biographical Sketch of George Beatty

George Beatty, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Mattoon; was born in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England, April 6, 1810; came to the United States in 1830, to this State, and settled in Coles Co. in 1865. He was married April 13, 1834, to Miss Anne Clegg, now deceased; she was born in Derbyshire, England, October, 1812, and died Jan. 15, 1873; Elizabeth is the only child they have had. The farm of Mr. Beatty consists of eighty acres, valued at $3,000.

Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Ellen Hoots

Mrs. Ellen Hoots, farming and stock-raising; P. O. Cook’s Mills; one of the natives of Illinois; was born in Clark Co., July 4, 1845. She is the widow of the late Francis M. Hoots; they were married Nov. 21, 1861; they have had ten children, eight of whom are living, viz., Edwin, Wm. A., Linea Albia, Bertie N., Arthur A., Nora Eva, and Francis; deceased, Albert B. and Rosa. The farm of Mrs. Hoots is principally managed by herself and her children; it contains 316¼ acres, valued at $9,500.

Biographical Sketch of James Hamilton

James Hamilton, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Cook’s Mills; one of the early settlers; was born in Ohio, May 1, 1826: came to this State in 1852, and settled in Coles Co. in the same year. He was married Nov. 16, 1853, to Miss M. L. Hoskins, who was born in Illinois, July 12, 1831; they have seven children, viz., John R., William H., James L. (twins), David W., Albert G., Samuel L. and Margaret I. Their farm consists of 108 acres, valued at $3,500. Since Mr. Hamilton’s residence in the township he has held the office of Justice of … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Thomas Smith

Thomas Smith, farmer and stockraiser P. O. Mattoon was born in Coles Co , Ill., Oct. 19, 1853; he is the son of Mr. W. H. Smith, deceased, and Mary A. Smith, deceased, who was formerly Miss Mary A. Osborn. The estate being unsettled, he is one of seven heirs to the homestead; it contains 680 acres, valued at $20,400; the balance of the heirs, who are brothers and sisters of Mr. Smith, are Isabel, Martha, Delphine, Alice, Willis and Joseph.

Biographical Sketch of J. A. Brotherton

J. A. Brotherton, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Mattoon; was born in Indiana Nov. 12, 1841; came to this State and settled in Coles Co. in 1860; his farm consists of eighty acres, valued at $2,400. He was married to Miss Catharine Earls, who was born in Illinois; they have seven children, viz., Sarah, Delia, William M., Lawrence, Lewis, Eva and Robert. Since Mr. B.’s residence in the township, he has held the office of School Director three years.

Biographical Sketch of John Johnson

John Johnson, farming and stock; P. O. Humbolt; the subject of this sketch was born in County Fermana, Ireland, 1838; he married Miss Martha E. Smith Jan. 22, 1868; she was born in North Okaw Tp., Coles Co., Ill., April 3, 1843; they have four children, viz., William, Allie, John and Walter. He lived in Ireland until 1850, when, with his parents, he earned to the United States and settled in Moultrie Co., Ill., where they engaged in farming; he lived there until 1868, though, with his brothers, he helped carry on a farm in North Okaw Tp. since 1856; … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Martin Price

Martin Price, farmer; P. O. Cook’s Mills; one of the early settlers; was born in Alabama March 4, 1827; came to this State in 1830, to Coles Co. in 1842, and settled in North Okaw. He was married Feb. 15, 1849 to Miss Mary J. Hoskins, who was born in Illinois Jan. 7, 1830; they have ten children, viz., Mary Ann, Margaret M., Martha J., Lucinda D., Joseph A., Nancy M., Lowery M., Ruth, Belle, William E. and James F. Since Mr. Price’s residence in the township he has held the office of Commissioner of Highways four years, School Director … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Dudley Hopper

Dudley Hopper, farmer; P. Q. Mattoon; one of the first settlers of Coles Co.; was born in Knox Co., Ky., Aug. 18, 1826; came to this State with his father’s family in 1837, when he was but a boy. He was married to Miss Jane Dixon, now deceased; they have had four children, viz., Felitha, George, Harvey and Matilda. Mr. Hopper was married the second time to Miss Margaret Easter. His farm consists of 330 acres, valued at $9,900; since his residence in the township, he has held the office of Commissioner three years. He was a participant in the … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Thomas Senteney

Thomas Senteney, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Cook’s Mills; one of the early settlers of the county, was born in Kentucky May 16, 1819; came to this State in 1842, Coles Co. in 1853, and settled in North Okaw Tp.; his farm consists of 104 acres, valued at $3.000, and since his residence in the township he has held the office of Assessor one term, School Trustee and Director twelve years. He was married to Miss Anne Flemming, who was born in Indiana; they have had seven children, viz., John T., Sarah, Mark, James L., Mary J., Samuel A. and … Read more

Biographical Sketch of John Henton

John Henton, farmer and stock-raiser; P. Coles Station; one of the most prominent settlers; was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Jan. 11, 1826; came to this State with his father’s family, and settled in Moultrie Co. in 1847, and in 1879, he removed to Coles Co., and settled in North Okaw Tp.; his farm consists of 410½ acres, valued at $8,000. He was married to Miss Pheba Staley, who was born in White Co., Ill.; they have six children, viz., Alvaretta, George W., Olly, Melvin, Emma and Pheba L. During Mr. Henton’s residence in Moultrie Co., he has held the … Read more

Biographical Sketch of A. J. Bigelow

A. J. Bigelow, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Fuller’s Point; one of the early settlers; was born in Massachusetts Oct. 10, 1829; came to this State in 1852, and settled in Edgar Co.; he removed to Coles Co. in 1852, where he has since resided; his farm consists of 254 acres, valued at $7,000. He was married to Miss Ada Green, who was born in Massachusetts; they have two children – Levi and Charley E. Since his residence in the township, he has held the office of Supervisor one year and School Director ten years. He was a participant in … Read more

Biographical Sketch of McCagha Phillips

McCagha Phillips, farmer; P. O. Fuller’s Point; one of the natives of Illinois; was born in Moultrie Co., Jan. 7, 1856; he is the son of Mr. Calvin Phillips, of Mattoon Tp., who is one of the early settlers of Coles Co.; his farm consists of 136 acres, valued at $4,500. He was married June 10, 1877, to Miss Mary A. Gilmer, who was born in Russell Co., Va., April 27, 1856; Leon is their only child.

Biographical Sketch of William Johnson

William Johnson, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Cook’s Mills; one of the early settlers; was born March 22, 1822; came to this State in 1850, and to this county and settled in North Okaw Tp. in 1857. He was married to Miss Mary J. Miller, who was born July 22, 1834; they have four children, viz., Robert M., Anna A., Sarah J. and Franklin. The farm of Mr. Johnson consists of 240 acres, valued at $7,000. Since his residence in the township he has held the office of School Trustee and Director several years.

Biographical Sketch of William Wrightsell

William Wrightsell, farmer; P. O. Turner’s Point; was born in Jefferson Co., Tenn., Oct. 9, 1811; came to this State and settled in Coles Co., in 1856. He was married to Miss Permelia White Oct. 31, 1844; she was born in Jefferson Co., Tenn., Nov. 15, 1825; they have four children, viz., Sarah J., James M., Louisa E., and Margaret Ann. The farm of Mr. Wrightsell consists of sixty acres valued at $1,800. He was a participant in the Black Hawk war, and is quite an early settler in the western part of Coles Co.