Tazewell County IL

The Conner Family of Prairie du Rocher Illinois

Conner's General Merchandise Store, Prairie du Rocher

William S. Conner, born in 1815 in Randolph County, Illinois, is a descendant of the influential Conner family, originally of Irish descent. His father, Henry Conner, a prominent figure in local politics, served as sheriff for seven years and was active in public affairs. After experimenting with business in St. Louis and mining in Wisconsin, William returned to Randolph County in 1858, settling near his birthplace. He left a legacy through his six children, three of whom are still living.

Early Exploration and Native Americans

Ferdinand de Soto’s interactions with Native American tribes, specifically the Choctaws and Chickasaws, exemplify early European attempts to impose their ideologies of civilization and Christianity upon Indigenous populations. This approach set a precedent for further exploitation and oppression of Native Americans, as European settlers sought to acquire land and resources. Throughout history, tribes like the Chickasaws, known for their valor, remained steadfast allies rather than adversaries. This enduring alliance contrasts sharply with the overarching narrative of dispossession and extermination faced by Indigenous nations in North America.

Biography of Francis Xavier Paquet

Francis Xavier Paquet, born on January 15, 1811, in Quebec, was the sixteenth child of Joseph and Marie Madaline Paquet. Apprenticed in shipbuilding, he emigrated to the U.S. at seventeen, working for the American Fur Company. He later joined the lead mining industry and served in the Black Hawk War, earning commendation from General Scott. Married to Marie Louise Lannadier de Langdeau in 1836, the couple moved to Oregon in 1852, where they became prominent figures with a large family, contributing to their community’s development.

Biographical Sketch of Daniel White

Daniel White, born on February 26, 1831, in Madison County, Kentucky, worked in farming and a mill before enlisting in Company F, Seventh Kentucky Cavalry, during the Civil War. After the war, he moved to Illinois, where he farmed in Tazewell and Piatt Counties for a total of thirteen years, before relocating to Caldwell County, Missouri for two years. In 1880, he settled in Daviess County, where he continued farming. He married Mary S. Cruise in 1857, and they had six children.

Biography of Charles F. Little, M.D.

Charles F. Little, M.D., a distinguished figure in Kansas medicine, began his practice in Manhattan in 1866 after training prior to the Civil War and serving as an assistant surgeon. He contributed significantly to the community, engaging in politics and business. Little, descended from a notable New England family, was a pioneer in early medical practices and a founding member of local institutions, including the First National Bank of Manhattan. His legacy continues through his daughter, Dr. B. Belle Little, a prominent physician and founder of a local hospital.

Biography of Fred Warren Bailey, M. D.

Dr. Fred Warren Bailey, born on September 30, 1876, in Minier, Illinois, became a prominent surgeon in St. Louis. The son of noted physician Dr. G. O. Bailey, he graduated from St. Louis University Medical School in 1903 and served on the surgical staff at St. John’s Hospital. His military service included roles in the Spanish-American War and World War I, where he commanded a Mobile Operating Unit. Dr. Bailey was recognized for his contributions to medicine and is regarded as a leading surgeon in St. Louis. He married Gertrude M. Pursel and has one adopted daughter.

Biography of John P. Slaughter

John P. Slaughter, born August 31, 1865, in Illinois, significantly shaped Kansas’s financial landscape as president of the Farm Mortgage Company, a leading firm specializing in farm mortgages. His career began at sixteen in his uncle’s office, eventually leading him to various banking positions before establishing the Farm Mortgage Company in Topeka. A Republican and Methodist, Slaughter was deeply involved in his community and family life, marrying Cora E. Flowers and raising three children. His father’s legacy as an influential farmer and Civil War veteran also marked Slaughter’s upbringing.

Biography of Mahlon F. Stout

Mahlon F. Stout, a respected figure in Shawnee County, Kansas, exemplified the qualities of dedication and humility. Born in Ohio in 1850, he navigated a challenging youth, working on a farm to support his family. Stout was drawn to Kansas during his teen years, ultimately making it his home. He married Sabrina C. Vawter and raised five children, two of whom died young. Known for his integrity, strong moral character, and deep care for the community, Stout left a lasting legacy in the hearts of many.

Biographical Sketch of E. R. Hoag

E. R. Hoag, born December 26, 1844, in Peoria County, Illinois, was a farmer and stock-dealer in Jewell County, Kansas. He settled there in 1871, acquiring 320 acres and managing a herd of 200 cattle. Hoag served in the U.S. Army from July 1861 to October 1864 with the Illinois Second Light Artillery. He married Catherine Anderson on April 22, 1869, in Tazewell County, Illinois, and they had four children: Winter, Emita, Mary, and Clay B.

Biography of Jeptha D. Vawter

Jeptha D. Vawter, born July 18, 1809, in Kentucky, was a pivotal figure in early Shawnee County, Kansas. Moving to Illinois before settling in Kansas in 1868, he became a successful cattle dealer, accumulating significant land and influence. Vawter, known for his industriousness and optimism, raised thirteen children across two marriages. Active in community affairs and a devout Christian, he remained dedicated to his family and local responsibilities throughout his life. He passed away on October 13, 1894, leaving a lasting legacy in his community.

Biography of Luther E. Tomm

Luther E. Tomm, born on April 7, 1883, in Delavan, Illinois, was educated in Pekin and graduated from Lake Forest Academy in 1902. He moved to Muskogee in 1905, where he established a successful real estate agency, Culbertson Tomm, in 1908, specializing in property sales and speculative building. Tomm’s contributions significantly enhanced Muskogee’s real estate landscape. He married May Bryant in 1908, with whom he had one son. Tomm was actively involved in community activities and held memberships in various organizations, reflecting his commitment to civic engagement.

Biographical Sketch of L. F. Morse, M. D.

L. F. Morse, M. D., was born on February 5, 1839, in Canterbury, New York. Raised as a farmer’s son, he pursued medicine under Dr. L. T. Weeks and attended Burlington Medical College. Morse served as a Contract Surgeon during the Civil War and later joined the U.S. Navy as an Assistant Surgeon. After graduating from the Homeopathic College of New York, he practiced in Biddeford, Maine, before settling in Mattoon in 1868. He married Harriet F. Chamberlain and has three children. Morse is also active as a School Director.

Biography of John Tucker Scott

John Tucker Scott, born in Kentucky in 1809, epitomized the spirit of Western pioneering. His ancestry traced back to Scotland and early American settlers, facing numerous challenges, including the death of his mother to Indian violence. After relocating to Illinois and establishing a farm, he embarked on a westward journey in 1852, ultimately settling in Oregon. A devoted family man and community member, Scott significantly contributed to education and local life until his death in 1880. His legacy continued through his son, H.W. Scott, a prominent journalist in the Northwest.

Biography of John W. Waughop, M.D.

John W. Waughop, M.D., born on October 22, 1839, in Tazewell County, Illinois, grew up working on a Western farm and later attended Eureka College. Amidst the Civil War, he served as a soldier, participating in significant battles before transitioning to hospital service due to health issues. After completing his medical education at Ann Arbor and Long Island College Hospital, he practiced in Kansas before moving to Olympia, Washington. Since 1880, he has been superintendent of the Hospital for the Insane, where he has significantly improved the institution’s facilities.