History of Tazewell county, Illinois ; together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons and biographies of representative citizens. History of Illinois ... Digest of state laws online

ton. Thomas Ireland was born iji Ohio, May 17, 1832. He is the
eldest son of James Ireland, a native of Virginia, and who moved
to Ohio during its early settlement, and where he united his
fortunes to Miss Naiicy Coyle, by whom he had eight children.
James Ireland became an exceedingly prosperous farmer in Ohio,
where, in the year 1852, he was laid at rest. His estimable wife
still survives and resides in Indiana. Thomas left Ohio in his
twentieth year and made his way to Shelby Co., Ind., where he
turned his attention to farming. In 1 855 he united in marriage
with Miss Ann Coddington, daughter of Wm. Coddington of War-
ren Co., O. Of this marriage seven children were born, only three
of whom are living, whose names are — Allen, James and Cora.
Ten years ago Mr. I. disposed of 120 acres of land he had in
Indiana and set out for Illinois, and located in this township, where
he has since been identified with the farming interests. Mrs.
Ireland died in 1870, and was laid away in Orendorff cemeterv. In
1874 Mr. I. was united in marriage to Mrs. E. Pultz, of Ind., by
whom he had two children — Katie and Edgar.

Frederick A. Intzi, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 2 ; P. O., Hope-
dale. The above named gentleman, as is well known, keeps pace
with the present times, and is a progressive farmer of Boynton
township. He was born in Butler Co., Ohio, on the 26th of Dec.
1841, where he lived upon the farm homestead until attaining his
majority _, when he became employed as clerk in a general furnishing
store, and at Dayton, Ohio, he ran, so to speak, a Yankee notion
wagon. In 1868 he acee})ted a situation as traveling agent for farm
machinery. He remained with this firm but a short time, as the
game year found hini a resident of this township, where he was



HISTORY OF TAZEAVELL COUNTY. 407

united in marriage during the autumn to Miss Amelia Brenneman,
a daughter of Daniel Brenneman, whom we have mentioned, by
whom he had five children — Laura, William, Augusta, Edward
and Emma. Since his residence here INIr. Intzi has acquired a prop-
erty of 80 acres brought to a high state of cultivation through an
admirable system of under-drainage.

J. I. Judy, minister of the Gospel and farmer, sec. 25 ; P. O.,
Boynton. The courteous gentleman whose name heads this biogra-
phy is a native of ISIackinaw, Tazewell Co., where he was born on
the 16th of Sept., 1832. His father Daniel H. Judy, a well-remem-
bered and prominent citizen of this county, is worthy of more than
a passing notice, although owing to a limited space we cannot enter
into particulars of his eventful and energetic life. He was born in
Greene Co., Ohio, and made his way to Tazewell Co. prior to the
deep snow. Like all pioneers he suifered many inconveniences, but
made the best of his humble lot and lived an exemplary Christian
life. He was one of the original members of the Hittle Grove
Christian Church. At an advanced age, he resides on his farm near
Atlanta, Logan Co.

James I. Judy, whose sketch we here append, passed his boyhood
days amid pioneer associations, and at the early age of 16 w^as con-
vinced of the necessity of leading a Christian life, and since this
period has been proniinently identified with the Church and Sun-
day-school. In 1853, he crossed the plains for the gold fields of
California, and after a year of moderate success returned to his
old home in Illinois; during the autumn of 1854 moved to Atlanta,
and entered into the mercantile business. During this time he was
married to Mary E. Campbell, daughter of G. R. Campbell of Ky.
In 1855 Mr. J. settled on his present form, and here he has lived
and labored for the salvation of souls during all those years, and
no one meets with more universal respect than Elder Judy. In
order to show to some extent the estimation in which he is held, we
copy the following : ^'A visit to Haw Grove and a visit to the Sun-
day-schooL'' — After school the house began filling with people.
Elder Judy preached his last sermon for the old year. We never
heard a more beautiful address than he gave his attentive listeners.
At night he bade his congregation larewell, although we know it is
not final. He has won to himself a place in the hearts of the
people that cannot be filled by another. He is accomplishing much
good in the world. Surely his life would seem just begun, and
God in his infinite goodness and mercy seemed to be blessing him
in every way, and tlie sincere wishes of the people are for his future
success and return to Haw Grove."

Michael Judy, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 26 ; P. O., Boynton.
Mr. Judy ranks among the more liberal fiirmers of this township.
He was born on the old homestead of his parents, John and Chris-
tiana Judy, near Hittle Grove, April 22, 1837. John Judy, the
head of the family was a native of Ohio, and a farmer by occupa-



408 HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.

tion. While a young; man he wended his way to 111. and was
among the first to settle at Hittle Grove, this county. This period
of time, about 1826, marked an era in the settlement of this coun-
ty. Indians were then a numerous and powerful people and tliose
few adventuresome settlers suffered many inconveniences from their
depredations. In subsequent years, Mr, J. who is mentioned in our
township history became a prosperous and respected farmer. He
died in Aug. 1861, in the 65th year of his age and his ashes repose
amid the scenes of his early labors. Michael grew to manhood in
Hittle township, received a common school education, or in other
words a log-cabin education. In Livingston Co. Feb. 8, 1858, Mr.
Judy was united in marriage to Miss Elvira Steers, a daughter of
Hugh Steers, of Ky. They have five children — Charles, John,
Christian, Hartzel and Hattie. Eleven years ago Mr. J. moved
to Boynton where he purchased 250 acres of land.

S. A. Knott is the oldest son of Wm. Knott, one of the original
pioneers and wealthy men of the county. He was born in Randolph
Co., Ind., 1847. He was but five years of age when his parents
settled in Delavan township, this county, where they remained some
eight years, when they came to this township, where our subject
attained his majority. In February, 1862, he mas united in mar-
riage to Mrs. Sarah Jane Pence, daughter of Thomas Pence, of Ohio.
Of this marriage two children were born — Viola R. and Maggie
Cordelia. Mrs. Knott passed from earth on the 26th of Sept., 1865.
In 1869, on the 4th of March, Mr. K. united his fortunes with Miss
Clarissa Ellen Morley, daughter of 'Squire Morley, a well-known
resident of this county, and who has held numerous offices of trust
and respectability. Of this marriage four children have been born —
Elmer, Ernest, Troy E. and Elizabeth A. Mr. K. is engaged in
farming on sec. 13; P. O., Delavan.

Nicholas Martin, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 3 ; P. O., Hopedale.
The above named gentleman is worthy of more than a passing notice.
He was born in France on the 15th of March, 1834. Growing to
manhood upon the farm homestead he acquired a liberal education.
At the age of 20 he concluded to better his fortune in America, and
accordingly sailed for this country during the spring of 1854. Land-
in New York city he remained there but a short time, when he made
his way to Illinois, locating in the town of Pekin, this Co., and first
worked as a farm hand. In 1855 he was united in marriage to Miss
Catherine Lytwiler, by whom he has five children — Barbara, Joseph,
Mary M., Emma and Catherine.

Daniel B. Meeker, farmer, sec. 1 ; P. O., Delavan. Mr. M. is a
well-known resident and prominent farmer of Tazewell Co. He
was born in Essex Co., N. J., on the 19th of August, 1819. His
father, Benjamin Meeker, was a native of Ncav Jersey, as was also
Phoebe, his wife. In 1859 he first set foot in Tazewell Co. He has
passed the greater portion of his life in the AYest. He is well known
for liberality and kindly manners, and )\q,b been financially successful



HISTOEY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY. 409

In 1841, while in New Jersey, he was united in marriage to Miss
Eliza, daughter of John N. Baldwin, of N. J., and now a wealthy
citizen of Delavan township, and ujiwards of 80 years of age. Six
children blessed the union of Mr. Meeker and Miss Baldwin — Celia,
born Sept. 3, 1845; Anna K., born June 6, 1853; Charles B., Dec.
22, 1855; E. W., Nov. 25, 1859; Harvey C, Dec. 20, 1862, and
John E., Sept. 23, 1866.

Peter J. Nafziger was born in Germany Aug. 31, 1829, and is the
oldest son of Jacob N., a farmer in his native land. During the
infancy of Peter the elder Naifzigcr thought he could better his for-
tunes in America. He accordingly crossed the Atlantic, during the
spring of 1831. He landed with his flimily in New York city, and
from there moved to Ohio, where he resided six years. He then
moved to Woodford Co., 111., where he now lives, and is in the far
decline of life, being over four score years of age. Peter grew to
manhood in Woodford Co., where he acquired a common school
education. In 1854 he was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena
Naffzigcr, by whom he has eight cliildren — John W., Jacob A.,
Henry E., Samuel, Joseph, Daniel, Kate and Barbara. Eight years
ago Mr. N. disposed of his property in Woodford Co. and came to
Boynton, where, on sec. 1, he owns 80 acres of valuable land. P.
O., Boynton.

Andrew Peters, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 2 ; P. O., Hopedale.
Andrew Peters was born in Pa. on the 23d of April, 1826. During
his infancy his parents moved to Ohio, Guernsey Co., where young
Andrew passed his boyhood upon the farm homestead. In 1854 he
was united in marriage to Miss N. Egger, a daughter of Samuel
Egger. In 1858 Mr. Peters came to Illinois, settling in Tazewell
Co., Boynton township, where he bought 120 acres in Boynton and
adjoining township.

John E. Powell, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 15; P. O., Boynton.
He is a native of Logan Co., 111., where he was born May 19, 1838 ;
is the oldest son of Wm. Powell, a native of Green Co., O. He
acquired a liberal education, and while a young man made his way
to this county, where he taught school and secured employment as
clerk. While residing in this county he married Eliza, daughter of
Sanford Quisenbery, who was among the early settlers of Tazewell.
In 1850 he settled 'in Logan Co., where he held many responsible
local offices, and where he passed the remainder of his life. John
passed his boyhood in Logan Co.' Left an orphan at the age of
fourteen he came to Tazewell Co., where he has since lived, with the
exception of some years spent as a farm hand in Logan Co. In
1862 he purchased 160 acres of land in this township and is now the
owner of 375 acres.

Bryan Reardon, fiirmer and stock dealer, sec. 22 ; P. O., Boynton ;
is a native of Ireland. He was born July 14, 1836, and is the oldest
son of Daniel and Margaret (Keefe) Reardon. Daniel Reardon was
a farmer in Ireland, where he married Margaret Keefe, who bore



410 HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.

him nine children. In 1850 the family, inchuling Bryan, sailed for
America, and in due course of time landed in New York city, from
whence they proceeded to Providence, R. I., where they remained
until 1857, when they came to this township. One year previous,
however, our subject came. He was then unmarried, and secured
employment as a farm hand. In 1860, with other members of the
family, he purchased 360 acres of land. In 1867 he was united in
marriage to Miss Anna Fleming, daughter of Edward Fleming, a
native of Ireland. Thev have five children — Edward, Michael,
Daniel, Bryan and Wene. For several years Mr. R. held the posi-
tion of Town Clerk, and for ten years Justice of the Peace.

Capt John Reardon, sec. 14; P. O., Delavau. Capt. R., a well
and favorably known agriculturist of this county, is a native of
Thomastown, in the County Tipperary, Ireland, wliere he was born
in 1840. His father, Daniel Reardon, crossed the Atlantic in 1850,
and eventually settled in Rhode Island, where our subject passed
his boyhood days, and became employed in one of the numerous
cotton mills that dot the little State. In 1875, John, Bryan and
Thomas Reardon directed their footsteps to Illinois, and located at
Delavan. Here they became employed as farm hands, and in time
became farmers. In August, 1862, when the great civil war had
reached a fever heat, Mr. R., true to his adopted country, and the
stars and stripes, assisted in the organization of Co. H, 115th 111.
Inf. Although he enlisted as a private, he was appointed, at organ-
ization, second lieutenant. Proceeding to the front, he participated
in some the great battles of national renown. He was promoted to
first lieutenant, and soon to captain. After the war he returned to
this county, where he has since resided. Although of a retiring
disposition, he was once nominated for the office of sheriff of this
county, and was twice elected Supervisor. In 1870 he married Miss
Mary Murphy. They have three children, Nellie, Geniere and John.

Daniel Reardon, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 14 ; P. O., Delavan ;
was born in the county of Tipperary, Ireland. During his child-
hood his parents moved to America, as elsewhere given, and settled
in Rhode Island, eventually settling in Tazewell Co. Here young
Reardon grew to manhood, and received a good common school
education. In 1860, since the decease of his father, and the neces-
sary division of property, our subject received 240 acres, in the
township. In drawing this sketch to a close, we can say of the
Reardon boys, that few in Tazewell Co. have succeeded better in life.

Samuel Roles, although not among the earlier residents of Taze-
well Co., is worthy of more fhan a passing notice. He was born in
Luzerne Co., Pa., in 1818. Of his father, James Roles, but little
is known. He was an Englisman by birth, and on moving to this
country settled in Pennsylvania, where he married Miss- Esther
Miller, by whom he had 13 children, of whom the subject of this
sketch was the sixth child. Growing to manhood in Pennsylvania
Samuel early became apprenticed to learn the blacksmithing trade,



HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY. 411

and subsequently worked as a journeyman for many years. In
1841 he was married to Miss Surah, dauij;hter of George Davison,
of Pennsylvania. On moving to this county, which he did in 1854,
he farmed for one year, when he purchased a shop, and when his
skill as a workman became known he received a large patronage.
In 1859 he received the iirst jiremium at the Logan County Fair,
for skill disylayed as a nail worker and horse shoer. At the present
writing he resides on his farm, on sec. 23 ; P. O., Boynton.

Lewis Scarborough, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 15; P. O., Dela-
van; was born in New Jersey, in 1836, his father, Thomas Scar-
borough, was also a native of New Jersey. He was a farmer by
occupation, and married Miss Charity Burroughs, a daughter of
Andrew Burroughs, bv whom he had 9 children, 6 of whom are
living — Mary Ann, who married John Fish, and now resides in
Pennsylvania; Wilson T., who married Miss Sarah Hunt, and now
resides' in Trenton, Jersey Co. ; Howell, who married Miss Rebecca
Dallas, and now resides in Mercer Co., N. J. ; Comelia, who married
Francis Duffield, and now resides in Trenton ; Jacob, who married
Mary Servas, and resides in Pennsylvania ; Lewis grew to manhood
in Xew Jersey, where he followed farming, and where he was united
in marriage in the year 1860, to Miss Margaret Snedeker, a daugh-
ter of Jas. W. Snedeker. In 1871 Mr. S. moved to Pennsylvania,
where he resided until his removal to Boynton township, Tazewell
county, two years ago.

John Scoff, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 22 ; P. O., Boynton. He
was born at Delavan, Tazewell Co., 111., May 2, 1850; is the oldest
son of John and Mary Scott, natives of Scotland and Ohio, respec-
tively. George grew to manh<iod in this county ; received a good
common school education ; in 1874 was married to Miss Alice Paul,
daughter of John and Mary Paul. They have one child — Clara,
born in March, 1877.

Kennard Siailei/, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 28 ; P. O., Boyn-
ton ; was born in Adams Co., Ohio, on the 23d of October, 1834.
He is the oldest son of Nathaniel and Fliza (Shields) Smiley. His
father was born in Kentucky, and in an early day moved to Ohio,
where he married and there })assed the remainder of his days.
Kennard grew to manhood in Ohio, where he received a common
school education. While employed upon the farm homestead, the
war broke out and Mr. Smiley enlisted in Co. E, 179th Ohio Infant-
ry, for one year, proceeded to the front and participated in the
famous battle of Nashville; was honorably discharged when the
war closed ; returned to Ohio, where he remained but a short time,
as the same year of his return to his Ohio home found him a resi-
dent of Tazewell Co., 111. Here he was married, Oct. 3, 1872, to
Miss Catharine Sparts. Their children are William and Franklin.
During the autumn of 1870, Mr. S. purchased his present farm.

John Lufcr, tlirmer and stock raiser, sec. 1 ; P. O., Hopedale ;
was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 27, 1825. He is the son of



41 2 ttlSTOEY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.

John Luter, who is now upwards of eighty years of age and a resi-
dent of this township. John grew to manhood in his native land and
where, owing to the excellent government of the German people, he
received a liberal education at such times as the duties of the farm
would permit. For a short time he served in the regular army of
Bavaria. On the 6th day of Nov. 1851, John Luter and parents
landed in the city of New York and from thence came direct to
Tazewell Co. where he has since resided, engaged in agricultural
pursuits in Boynton township. He own 240 acres of land the
greater portion of which is tile-drained. In 1837 Mr. L. was mar-
ried to Magdalena Gute by whom he has eight children — John,
Andrew, Crist, Jacob, Amos, Barbara, Lizzie and Susan.

William H. Woolf, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Boynton. He was
born in West Chester Co. N. Y. Oct. 25, 1837. He is the third
child of a family of four. His father, Andrew Woolf, was a native
of N. Y. and a farmer by occupation and married in that State to
Miss Mary Devoe. Wm. passed his boyhood in New York State
and on attaining his majority came to 111. and located in this town-
ship, where he has since resided. In 1867 he was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mary Reed, daughter of John and Rebecca Reed, by
whom he has two children — Letitia and James.

William Wooters, was born in Muskingum Co., O., July 24, 1828.
He is the second son of Nathan and Deborah Wooters. Nathan
Wooters was born in Maryland and moved to Ohio in an early day,
where he followed farming, and moved to Indiana about the year
1835, wUere our subject grew to manhood. In 1850 he made his
way to Illinois, and located in this county, where he has since resided,
following agricultural pursuits. In 1857 he was married to Miss
Isabel Rouse, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Rouse. Of this
marriage three children were born. Mrs. W. died Sept. 17, 1865.
In 1876 he was married to Miss Mary Lightwine. They have
two children — Nellie M. and Walter. Mr. W. is a farmer and
stock raiser, resides on sec. 29 ; P. O., Boynton.

George Zehr, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 2 ; P. O., Hopedale.
George was born in Germany in an early day, probably about 1813.
He crossed the Atlantic for the New World, and first located in New
York State. Afterwards he moved to Ohio, where he was united
in marriage to Miss Barbara Lytwiler, a daughter of Joseph Lyt-
wiler. In 1846 tie located in Green Valley, Tazewell Co., thence
removed to Hopedale township, where he rented farm property.
He is now the owner of over 300 acres, and takes a leading position
among the farmers of the county. Of the marriage above referred
to five children are living — Joseph, Christopher, Malinda, Barbara
and Peter. Christopher, who has passed the years of his life in this
county, was born in 1855; married in 1877, Miss Anna Kaufman, a
daughter of Christian Kaufman, of Germany.

James Zumwalt takes a leading position among the agriculturists
of this township. He resides upon sec. 30 ; P. O., Delavan. He



HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY. 413

was born in Fountain Co., Ind., on the 8th of October, 1847. His
father, Henry Zumwalt, deceased, was born in Harrison Co., Ky.,
in 1810. In an early day he moved to Indiana, where he was united
in marriage to Miss Nancy Davidson. Their children were —
Wm., John, Daniel, George, Levi, Edwin, Mary, Emma, Sarah,
Hattie, Alice and Susannah. In 1851 Mr. Z. moved to Tazewell
Co., where he purchased farm property. He died in May, 1875, and
was laid at rest in the Patterson cemetery. A handsome monument
marks the spot. It should be stated in this sketch that Mr. Z. was
united in marriage three times. His first marriage we have men-
tioned. His second wife was Miss Elizabetli Pearson; his third
wife Mary Dilly. James and John own the farm property, which
consists of some 500 acres. James entered the army at the last call
for troops. John enlisted for three years.

The following gentlemen have served the township since its organ-
ization in the various official capacities named, with the year of hold-
ing the position :

SUPERVISORS.

Philo Baldwin 1854 .John N. Snedeker 1866

R. B. Marley 1855-56 William Slaughter 1867

Andrew KeVr. resigned. John Reardon 1868

Stephen K. Hatfield 1857 William Slaughter 1870-72

Ellis Dillon 1859 John F. Beezley 1873

Wm. Lafever 1860-61 Wm. Morehead 1874

Ellis Dillon 1863 .John F. Beezlev 1875-78

R. B. Marley 1864 Jacob Brenneman 1879

John Shurts 1865

TOWN-CLERKS.

Wells Graves 1854 Bryan Reardon 1873-74

Samuel Graves 1855-57 Wm. Coddington 1875

John W.Graves 1859-60 Bryan Reanlon 1876

J. D. Woolf 1863-68 Wrn. Coddington 1877

John F. Beezley i. 1870-71 Bryan Reardon 1878

John W. Graves 1872 Hiram Morehead 1879

ASSESSORS.

Andrew Kerr 1855-56 Jacob Brenneman 1870-71

Jesse Evans 1857 John F. Beezley. 1872

John Shurts 1859 Jacob Brenneman 1873

Wm. Morehead 186tV61 Thomas T. Heaton 1874-75

John Shurts 1863 .James Crawford 1876

Henry Carpenter 1864 Henry M. Shipton 1877

Joseph Brenneman 1865-66 Wm. Coddington 1879-79

Wm. Morehead, sr 1867-68

COLLECTORS.

Jacob Baker 1854-54 James Morehead 1871

Jacob Blake 1856 AVesley J. Martin 1872

T. T. Heaton 1857 John D. Woolf 1873

Wm. Slaughter 1859 Wm. Coddington 1874

E. T. Orendorff. 1860-61 Bryan Reardon 1875

Henry Carpenter 1863 Wm. Coddington 1876

R. Weller 1864-65 Edward Reardon. 1877

Joseph Ball 1866 M. Fredeker 1868

Reuben Wells 1867-68 Samuel Donley 1879

Kersey Cook 1870



414 HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.

CINCINNATI TOWNSHIP.

This township comprises a fine body of land. During the grow-
ing season of the year, when the various cereals of this latitude are
waving in summer's breezes, it is said that more grain can be seen
growing here than in any section of similar size in Illinois. There
are no swamps, no marshes, or anything to obstruct a free and easy
cultivation of the soil. The vast tract of prairie land in Spring
Lake, Sand Prairie and Cincinnati townships, were known in the
early day as the sand prairie. It includes all the territory from the
bluffs to the river bank. The soil is very sandy, hence the name,
sand prairie. About the year 1834, Commodore Morris, of the U.
S. Navy, came from the East and entered, on behalf of himself and
the officers of the Navy, a large portion of this prairie for speculat-
ing purposes. They expected a large influx of settlers and a sudden
rise in the price of the land of this section. That their bright hopes
were not fully realized the history of the following dozen years
clearly proves. There were at that time a few settlers here and there
over the township, but they wore scarce and far between. As the
officers of the navy owned a large portion of the remainder and held
it at such high figures, it could not be, and was not, purchased by
actual settlers. These gentlemen held this land and paid taxes upon
it until about 1845, when, seeing no marked increase in value and
no immediate prospect of any, they commenced selling, and by 1848
had disposed of about all of it. They paid the regular price, $1.25
per acre, for it, held it for over ten years, and commenced its sale
at $2 per acre. ,It soon advanced to $2.50, $2.75 and $3 per acre,
and ere they had disposed of it all it went up to $10 to $15 per acre.
During the following decade it advanced rapidly, and when the rail-
road found its way through its sandy prairie it tilled up rapidly with
a good and thrifty class of agriculturists, and to-day it will compare