Paradise Illinois

Biographical Sketch of Col. Robert H. McFadden

Colonel Robert H. McFadden, born in 1833 in Zanesville, Ohio, began his career as a cabinet-maker before relocating to Illinois. He settled in Mattoon in 1855, where he constructed its first dwelling and was part of the community’s early governance, becoming the first Justice of the Peace. During the Civil War, he rose through the ranks to Colonel. Post-war, he returned to carpentry before entering public service as Mayor and later as Police Magistrate, a position he has maintained since 1873. He had four children with his wife, Sarah A. Norvell.

Biographical Sketch of Isaac N. McPheron

Isaac N. McPheron was born on November 20, 1825, in Alabama, to Alexander and Sarah McPheron. He relocated to Coles County, Illinois, on January 15, 1877, where he became a farmer and owned 89 acres of land valued at approximately $3,500. McPheron married Matilda Shook on February 11, 1846, and they had several children, both living and deceased. His father passed away in Mattoon in 1873, and his mother died in Indiana in 1847.

Biography of James T. Cunningham

James T. Cunningham, born in Grayson County, Kentucky, on July 11, 1802, became a significant early settler in Coles County, Illinois, moving west in 1830. A man of integrity, he achieved prosperity through honorable means, ultimately leaving an estate valued at $300,000 upon his death in 1863. Elected to the Illinois House of Representatives for eight consecutive years, he was a fervent advocate for state interests. He married twice, fathering seven children, and was noted for his industrious and sober lifestyle.

Biographical Sketch of John Turner

John Turner, a pioneering farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Virginia in 1812 and settled in Coles County, Illinois, in 1830. Initially, he settled in what became Paradise Township, which lacked a mail route at the time. In 1835, he moved to North Okaw, which was then an uncharted area. Turner, the oldest living settler in the township, has served in various local offices and has four children with Elsie J. Robison, following a previous marriage to the late Matilda F. Simms. His farm spans 92 acres.

Biographical Sketch of William W. Apperson

William W. Apperson, born on March 19, 1834, in Paradise Township, Coles County, Illinois, was a farmer and landowner with 240 acres valued at approximately $9,000 to $10,000. He held various public offices, including Supervisor for one year and Commissioner of Highways for three years. He was married to Barbara Ann Rhoads and had five sons and one daughter. Apperson was the son of Dr. John Apperson, a veteran of the War of 1812, who moved to Coles County in 1829 and passed away in 1877.

Biographical Sketch of Charles W. Bishop

Charles W. Bishop, a physician born on December 15, 1846, in Litchfield, Kentucky, graduated from Louisville Medical University in 1866. After practicing medicine in various locations, he settled in Coles County, Illinois, in 1869, where he continues his practice. He owns ninety acres of land valued at $2,400. Bishop is married to Emma E. Clark, and they have one son, Francis E. Bishop, born in 1876. His parents were H. S. Bishop and Harriet L. Bishop, with his mother passing away in 1863.

Biographical Sketch of George W. Benefiel

George W. Benefiel was born on July 18, 1817, in Lawrence County, Illinois, to Robert and Nancy Benefiel. He married Jane Ryker in 1838 and moved to Coles County in 1855. They had several children, but suffered losses, including the death of Jane in 1867 and their son John in the Civil War. Benefiel served as Wagonmaster and Battalion Sergeant during the war. He remarried Diantha F. Smith in 1868. An early settler of Lawrence County, he is notable for being its second white child.

Biographical Sketch of Patrick Bradley

Patrick Bradley, born January 17, 1830, in Morgan County, Indiana, was a farmer who relocated to Coles County, Illinois, in 1866. He owned 110 acres of land valued at approximately $3,000 and served as Commissioner of Highways and School Trustee. Married to Elizabeth Stroble in 1854, they had four children. His father, Benjamin, a long-time resident of Morgan County, passed away in 1865, while his mother, Elizabeth, died in 1862.

Biographical Sketch of John A. Moss

John A. Moss, born on July 25, 1837, in Fleming County, Kentucky, was a farmer who relocated to Coles County in 1878. He owned forty acres of land valued at $1,000. Moss married Mary Johnston in 1866, who passed away in 1872, along with their son Willard. He later wed Phebe Eaton in 1873, with whom he had a daughter, Bushna. His parents, James and Catharine Moss, both lived into their sixties, leaving a legacy marked by both loss and resilience.

Biographical Sketch of George W. Peters

George W. Peters was born on September 14, 1814, in Green County, Tennessee, to Reuben and Elizabeth Peters. A farmer by trade, he owned 163 acres of land valued at $6,500 and remained outside of public office. He married Harriet Rector on March 22, 1838, and they had six children, including Alexander S. and George W. Peters. Two sons, Reuben A. and George, served in the Civil War. The family remained primarily in Tennessee, with some members now residing in Oregon and Kansas.

Biographical Sketch of John A. Wilson

John A. Wilson, born on March 16, 1842, in Coles County, is a farmer and landowner with ninety-two acres valued at $2,500. He married Elizabeth Jones on December 3, 1868, and they had six children, including William, George, John, James, Mary, and Effie. A veteran of the Civil War, he served in Company D of the 123rd Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His parents, John and Elizabeth Wilson, were among the first settlers of the township, both passing away in the early 1850s.

Biographical Sketch of Basil C. Wheat

Basil C. Wheat was born on March 27, 1853, in Jackson, Mississippi, and relocated to Coles County, Illinois, in 1863. He owns fifty-five acres of land, valued at $2,500. On September 25, 1870, he married Mary D. Alexander, with whom he had five children, including James O. and Nora J. His father, James O. Wheat, a former surgeon in the 21st Kentucky Regiment, is a practicing physician and former Kentucky legislator. Basil’s mother, Margaret, passed away in 1861.

Biographical Sketch of Henry E. Alexander

Henry E. Alexander, born on September 2, 1827, in Obion County, Tennessee, moved to Coles County with his family in 1828. He became a successful farmer, owning 210 acres valued at approximately $8,000, and served as a School Director for a few terms. Married to Mary B. Curry in 1852, they had several children. His father, Ebenezer Alexander, a prominent early settler and Justice of the Peace, passed away in 1857, followed by Henry’s mother in 1871.

Biographical Sketch of Thomas Hart

Thomas Hart, born September 5, 1824, in Hardin County, Kentucky, was the son of Miles H. and Catharine C. Hart. He moved with his family to Coles County in 1826. Hart held various local positions, including Assessor and School Trustee, and married Vianna Sexson in 1851, fathering two surviving children, Mary E. and Hallie B. His father, Miles, originally from North Carolina, settled in Coles County after residing in Wayne County, Illinois, and had several children, many of whom remained in the area.

Biographical Sketch of Benjamin D. Hamblen

Benjamin D. Hamblen was born on March 17, 1840, in Mt. Pleasant, Kentucky, to Francis and Martha B. Hamblen. He relocated with his family to Moultrie County in 1852 and later to Coles County in 1868, where he became a farmer owning 120 acres. Hamblen held various public roles, including Justice of the Peace and School Director. He married Sarah M. Newport, with whom he had three children, and served as a Duty Sergeant in the Civil War. His parents both passed away in the late 1800s.

Biographical Sketch of Ambrose Y. Hart, Jr.

Ambrose Y. Hart, Jr. was born on November 15, 1834, in Effingham County, Illinois. He moved to Coles County in 1836, where he became a prominent farmer and civic leader, holding various positions such as Justice of the Peace and Town Clerk. Hart served as a Corporal in the Civil War and was married to Nancy Sexson in 1857, with whom he had several children. His family has deep roots in the area, being among the first settlers in the township.

Biographical Sketch of James L. Hart

James L. Hart, born on June 18, 1846, in Grayson County, Kentucky, was the son of Oliver and Zorada Hart. The family moved to Coles County, Illinois, in 1848. Hart owned 76 acres of land valued at approximately $3,500 and served as Postmaster at Etna for a year. He wed Elizabeth Smith on September 24, 1866. His father, an early settler and builder in Etna, passed away in 1867, while his mother currently resides in Texas.

Biographical Sketch of Adam B. Green

Adam B. Green, born on April 17, 1827, in Green County, Tennessee, was the son of Ira and Mary Green. He moved to Paradise Township, Coles County, Illinois, in 1867. A farmer, he married Caroline E. Peters in 1866, and together they had six children, including James B., Dora D., and Laura (deceased). Green served as a Sergeant in the Civil War and owns 163 acres of land valued at $6,500. He experienced the loss of several children but continues to live with his niece, Florence A. Green.

Biographical Sketch of R. Gannaway

R. Gannaway, a farmer born on October 23, 1810, in Grayson County, Kentucky, later moved to Coles County, Illinois, in 1828. He owns 131 acres of land valued at around $7,000 and has held positions as School Director and Road Overseer. Gannaway married Elizabeth Gannaway in 1836 and they had several children, including Robert, Samuel, and Roda. His father, William Gannaway, a Captain in the War of 1812, passed away in 1814, while his mother resides in Des Moines, Iowa.

Biographical Sketch of Adam W. Hart

Adam W. Hart, born January 3, 1823, in White County, Illinois, was a prominent farmer and public servant in Coles County. He acquired 475 acres of land valued at $20,000 and was actively involved in local governance, holding various positions including Supervisor and School Trustee. Married to Nancy D. Gannaway in 1843, Adam fathered several children, with some tragically dying in infancy. His parents, Silas and Hannah Hart, were early settlers, with Silas passing in 1848 and Hannah in 1863.