Pleasant Grove Illinois

Biographical Sketch of George A. Whitney

George A. Whitney, farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. Mattoon; owns thirty-six acres; was born in the State of Wisconsin Sept. 4, 1854; lived with his parents on the farm until 20 years of age. Was then married to Emma D. Hill, May 10, 1874; she was born in Coles Co., Ill., June 7, 1852. Mr. Whitney’s parents are natives of York State, and Mrs. Whitney’s, natives of Virginia. Mr. Whitney’s father was one of the early settlers of this county, and one of the men who helped to change this country from a wilderness to its present condition of prosperity. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Carson Porter Reed Rodgers

Carson Porter Reed Rodgers, merchant, Farmington; P. O. Campbell; the subject of this sketch was born in Coles Co., Ill., Nov. 1, 1840, and lived with his parents until 26 years of age. He then married Catharine Winford Ridley Oct. 30, 1866, who was born in Gallatin Co., Ky., Oct. 30, 1847, and died April 14, 1869; he afterward married Martha Jane Veatch March 8, 1874, who was born in Washington Co., Ill., Oct. 26, 1837, and has had three children, two of whom are living, viz., Isaac Walter, Kate Winford; deceased–Martha H. Mr. Rodgers was Assessor one term, Township … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James C. Gray

James C. Gray, farmer, deceased, Larna; was born in Washington Co., Tenn., Nov. 18, 1818; lived with his parents on the farm until 30 years of age, engaging with his father in farming until he married Mary A. Mitchell Nov. 9, 1848; she was born in Marshall County, Tenn., May 30, 1828; they have had nine children – Robert M., David L., Mary, Alexander D., William N., John H., Lizzie J., Naomi R., and Charles. Mr. Gray held the office of Road Commissioner two terms, was Constable two years and Town Clerk one term. Mr. Robert Gray is County Attorney, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Joshua Johns

Joshua Johns, farmer; P. O. Charleston; was born in Pendleton Co., Va., June 6, 1821. When he was 18 years of age, he went to Bath Co., Virginia, working on the farm of William Friel, whose daughter Isabel he married, Sept. 15,, 1840, and after living there for three years moved to Pleasant Grove Tp. in this county, remaining there for twelve years when he came to Hutton Tp., and after settling on Sec. 33 remained there fourteen years, and in March, 1867, came to his present farm on Sec. 9; he owns 692 acres; has held the office of … Read more

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 George Diehl

George Diehl, farmer and stock-dealer, Sec. 7; P. O. Mattoon; owns 278 acres; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Oct. 12, 1811, and lived with his parents on the farm in that State until the year 1837, when he came to Coles Co. He was married Feb. 23, 1842, to Mary E. Jeffries, who was born in Grayson Co., Ky., Feb. 23, 1824; died Nov. 27, 1849. Mr. Diehl was then married April 20, 1854, to Catharine Fuller, who was born in Virginia about the year 1821; died July 16, 1871. Mr. Diehl was then married Dec. 12, 1873, to … Read more

Biography of George B. Balch

George B. Balch, farmer, Postmaster and agent G. & M. R. R.., Larna; born in Bedford Co., Tenn., Nov. 1, 1828; his father, Alfred M. Balch, was born in Logan Co., Ky., Jan. 23, 1798. He was married to Elizabeth Gammil July 1, 1819; she was born Jan. 1, 1800; they left Tennessee late in October, 1830, and settled in Pleasant Grove Tp.; their journey and settlement are fully noted in the history of that township; they remained here during their lives; Mrs. Balch died Dec. 29, 1855; Mr. Balch Dec. 2, 1856; the subject of this sketch, Geo. B., … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Cephas Miller

Cephas Miller, farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. Mattoon; was born in Coles Co., Ill., Nov. 6, 1852; engaged with his father in farming, until he married Alice Denman, Feb. 19, 1873; she was born in Jasper Co., Ill., Dec. 19, 1852; they have had three children, viz.: Santa Clara, she was born Jan. 7, 1874; Denman, was born July 16, 1875, died Nov. 20, 1877; Katie, born Dec. 3, 1877. Mrs. Miller’s father was in the late war; enlisted in the 97th I. V. C.; served three months. Mr. Miller’s father, J. W. Miller, is one of the largest landholders … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James Faris

James Faris, farmer and nurseryman, Sec. 1; P. O. Mattoon; was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., Feb. 22, 1808; engaged with his father in farming and nursery business until 30 years of age. He was then married to Rachel E. McGahan Aug. 17, 1843; she was born in Orange Co., Ind., Jan. 4, 1826; they have had ten children, four living and six dead; the names of the living are Thomas C., John D., Mary E. and Charles H.; the names of the dead are William E., Sarah I., William W., George W. and Martha A. and one infant. Mr. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James R. P. Cassaday

James R. P. Cassaday, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Campbell; was born in Edgar Co., Ill., Aug. 22, 1845; lived with his parents until 14 years of age, when they died, leaving him to shift for himself. He was married to Catharine Edmond Oct. 17, 1867; she was born in Virginia Feb. 8, 1844; died Aug. 13, 1877; they had six children – four dead, two living; the names of the living are Mary E., William H.; the names of the deceased are Jemima, Joanna, Sarah E. and one infant. Mr. C. was then married to Mary M. Neal July … Read more

Biographical Sketch of John W. Miller

John W. Miller, farmer and stock-dealer, Sec. 1; P. O. Charleston; owns 800 acres, worth $40 per acre; he was born in Trimble Co., Ky., March 13, 1825; he lived in Kentucky until 12 years of age; then emigrated to Coles Co., Ill.. where he lived with his father on the farm; engaged in farming until he married Rebecca A. Tremble, June 26, 1851; she was born in Harrison Co., Ind., July 15, 1828; the fruit of this marriage was eight children, five living and three dead; the names of the living are Cephas, Horana, Armantha, John and James; the … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Henry Cecil

Henry Cecil, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Charleston; owns 215 acres worth $40 per acre; he was born in Mercer Co., Ky., Feb. 15, 1826; lived on the farm, engaged with his father in farming until 21 years of age. Was then married to Hannah E. Robinson Oct. 7, 1847; she was born in Shelby Co., Ky., July 23, 1827; they have had seven children – Keziah F., Margaret J., Henry H., Mary R. E., Adda, Daniel E., and John I., who is dead. Mr. Cecil held the office of School Director six years, and Constable three years; Mrs. Cecil’s … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Francis Popham

Francis Popham, farmer and stock-dealer, Sec. 10; P. O. Campbell; was born in Knox Co., Ohio, June 2,1838; lived with his parents on the farm; engaged in farming until married to Sarah E. Babbs, Dec. 11, 1862; she was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Dec. 8, 1844; the fruit of their marriage has been four children – William C., Fred D., Minnie A. and Clarence E. Mr. P. owns 100 acres of excellent river-bottom land, which he farms; he also deals largely in horses; he is a very liberal-hearted man, and respected by all who know him.

Biographical Sketch of John Jefferson Adams

John Jefferson Adams, farmer, deceased, Sec. 17; P. O. Campbell; owns 1,240 acres; Mr. Adams was one of the early pioneers of Coles Co.; he spent nearly half a century in Coles Co., Ill., and was one of the men who helped to change it from a wilderness waste to a land of fruitful fields, of bursting barns, bending orchards and happy homes, and, therefore, deserves more than a passing notice; he was born Sept. 30, 1806, in Williamson Co., Tenn. Was married to Martha Gammil in 1829. On the 26th of October, 1830, he, with his wife and firstborn … Read more

Biographical Sketch of William F. Horton

William F. Horton, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Mattoon; owns 231½ acres; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Jan. 31, 1824; moved to this county with his parents in 1837; went to Cumberland Co., in 1838, and returned to Coles Co. in November, 1861, where he has since resided. He was married to Emeline Dryden Feb. 1, 1849; she was born in Tennessee Sept. 15, 1821, and has had seven children, two of whom are living, viz., Mary E. and William D.; deceased are R. H., Alice, Amarintha and two infants not named. Mr. Horton has been School Director and … Read more

Biography of P. A. Kemper, M. D.

P. A. Kemper, M. D., physician and surgeon, Mattoon; was born in Culpeper Co., Va., Aug. 31, 1832; his early education was under the direct supervision of his mother, who was a well-qualified schoolmistress; his father was an artisan by profession, of whom he was bereft at the early age of 8 years; when about 16 years of age, he left home and came to Paris, Edgar Co., Ill.; in the fall of 1855, he began the study of his profession with Dr. D. O. McCord, remaining in his office two and a half years; during the winter of 1857 … Read more

Biographical Sketch of John Craig White

John Craig White, farmer and blacksmith, Sec. 15; P. O. Campbell; owns 120 acres; was born in Scott Co., Ky., Dec. 5, 1830, and lived with his parents on the farm until 19 years of age. He was married to Louisa Beckum Feb. 25, 1855; she was born in Coles Co., Ill., Feb. 25, 1836; died Aug. 10, 1859; he then married Sarah Elizabeth Kemper May 8, 1862; she was born in Fayette Co., Ky., Jan. 10, 1833, and has had eight children, viz., John I., Katie, Edward and Coleman; deceased-Ida F., Charles, George O., Sarah A. Mr. and Mrs. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Benjamin G. Glenn

Benjamin G. Glenn, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Mattoon; owns sixty acres; was born in Lawrence Co., Ill., June 10, 1832, and lived with his parents until 23 years of age. He was married to Elizabeth Jeffries March 22, 1855; she was born in Coles Co., Ill., in 1834; died Feb. 19, 1862. He was then married to Elizabeth Wheatstone March 19, 1869; she was born in Coles Co., Ill., and has had six children, viz., Margaret E., Ethel L., Joseph J.; three infants (deceased). Mr. Glenn was Justice of the Peace two years, Supervisor one term, and School Director … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James Gray Bovell

James Gray Bovell, farmer; P. O. Larna; owns 260 acres; was born in Washington Co., Tenn., June 1, 1825, and came to Edgar Co. with his parents when only 4 years old; he stayed there five years; then came to Coles Co., where he has since resided. He was married May 6, 1846, to Eliza Dryden, who was born in Bedford Co., Tenn., July 24, 1825, and has had four children, viz., Mary E. D., Nancy C., John W. and one infant; Mary E. D. is the only one living. Mr. and Mrs. Bovell’s parents were natives of Tennessee.

Biographical Sketch of David Beels Williams

David Beels Williams, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Johnstown; owns fifty-five acres; was born in Coles Co., Ill.. March 25, 1836, and lived with his parents on the farm until 21 years of age. He was married to Phoebe Landrus Nov. 13, 1856, who was born in Crawford Co., Ind., Feb. 14, 1837, who has had eight children, six of whom are living, viz., Lewis W., Christopher C., Flora E., Henry S., Emma F. and Edmond C.; deceased, L. W. and L. M. Mr. Williams was Overseer of the Road two terms, elected Constable two terms, Justice of the Peace … Read more