BIOGRAPHIES
1879 HISTORY OF GREENE
COUNTY ILLINOIS
Its Past and Present
Chicago; Donnelley, Gassette & Loyd Publishers
Page 552
EATON, C. C., farmer and stock raiser, resides in Wilmington. Mr.Eaton was born in
Lincoln Co.,Tenn., July 6, I823, the third child of Jonathan and Mary Eaton. C. C. Eaton, better
known as Squire Eaton to the early settlers of Greene County, grew to manhood in Tennessee,
where he followed the occupation of a blacksmitb. When war was declared with Mexico, he
enlisted in Col. Campbell's regiment and served Uncle Sam one year, under the command of
Gens. Scott and Taylor. He became engaged in the famous battles of Monterey, Cerro Gordo,
and Vera Cruz; honorably discharged in the city of New Orleans. During the Spring of 1847,
he returned to Tennessee, working at his trade until 1849, when he moved to Illinois, locating
near Wilmington, Greene County. In 1850 he went to California; remaining but a short time,
he returned to Wilmington, where in connection with A. J. Whitesides he ran a saw mill two
years, when he turned his attention to farming. His first purchase of land was made in 1853,
and consisted of 80 acres. For four years Mr. Eaton held the position of justice of the peace. He is
one of those whose good judgment make the successful farmer; his sympathies are large, and his
impulses generous. In Tennessee he married Miss Martha McSain.
Page 570
EBBERT, WILLIAM, blacksmith and machinist. The above named gentleman was
born in Madison County, Ill., in 1852; his father,John Ebbert, was a native
of Germany, who married in Madison Co., Ill., Martha Springman, a native of
Germany. William is the oldest child of this family. Growing to manhood
in Madison County, he became apprenticed to the trade of a blacksmith
and machinist, and became a skilled workman in both branches. From Madison
County Mr. Ebbert came to Greene, where he first worked for Robert Stewart.
He then engaged in the machinery business, for himself; for a short time he
worked at Alton, and then
returned to Roodhouse, where he erected the building he now occupies, and
where he is prepared at all time to do first-class work at low prices. Mr.
E. is a married man; there are two children: Nettie and Mattie.
Page 514
EDMONDS, THOMAS W. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 23, P. O. Carrollton. Mr.
Edmonds is a native of Urbana, Champaign County, Ohio; born on the 12th of
April, 1811; he was not five years of age when his parents, Sanford and
Elizabeth Edmonds, moved to Kentucky, there remaining four years, when they
returned to Ohio, where Thomas became apprenticed to the trade of a cabinet
maker; serving his apprenticeship he became a skillful workman, and was
soon transacting a successful business as proprietor of an establishment of
his own. While a resident of Cleremont, Ohio, he united his fortunes to
Miss Sarah Wood, on the 17th of January, 1832. Shortlly after his marriage
Mr. Edmonds turned his attention to the buying and shipping of horses to
the city of New Orleans. On one occasion, having disposed of a drove at a
handsome profit, exchanging paper currency for silver, the steamer
McFarland, on board of which he was a passenger, was run into by the
Danube; the loss of life was great, and during the struggle for life the
money heretofore mentioned sunk beneath the waters of the Mississippi;
fortunately Mr. E. reached the shore in safety, during the dead hours of
night, the circumstances surrounding the accident for many years remaining
vividly impressed upon his memory. Moving to Indiana in 1840, Mr. E turned
his attention principally to his trade, that of cabinet making, although
the Father of Waters still had its allurements, and he afterwards made
other voyages to New Orleans. In 1862 Mr. Edmonds determined to make
Greene County his future home, and accordingly, accompanied by his family,
located in township 10, range 13, where a farm of 320 acres were purchased,
and here he transacted a successful agricultural business until his removal
to Carrollton, during the Spring of 1874. The total farm property of Mr.
E. comprises 400 acres, and he ranks among the most successful farmers of
Greene County. In 1842 he was deputy sheriff of Shelby County, Ind. The
marriage above referred to was blessed with five children: Orange W.,
Thomas E., Francis C., Joseph S. and Mary E., deceased. Note the
Ango-Saxon Edmunds is interpreted defender of property. Observing,
however, so great aptitude for mechanics in our family that even those
farms who have not learned a trade are accustomed to do much of their own
carpenter work, I deduce the name Edmunds from the latin "ed mundus", which
signifies master builder. Let every man so honorably entitled, build well
and surely.
Page 675
EDMONDSON, MANFORD, farmer, Sec. 15, P. O. Fayette, is a son of W. F. and
Harriet Edmondson; her maiden name was Hand. Mr. Edmondson is a native of
Kentucky, and emigrated to this State many years ago, and was among the
number who with stout hands and willing hearts, did their part in bringing
this country to the condition it now is. Upon his first arrival here, he
located near Carrollton, where he remained a few years, then moved and
settled upon the land now occupied by Manford, where he lived until the
year 1868, when he moved to Cass County, Missouri, where he has since
remained. Mrs. E., his wife, died May 1, 1877. The subject of this sketch
remained under the paternal roof up to the time of this father's removal to
Missouri, and accompanied him to his new home, assisted his father in the
duties pertaining to the farm, until May 14, 1875, when he returned to this
county, and was married to Alice Grove, a native of Virginia. Returning
with his wife to Missouri, remained about two years, and then returned to
Fayeete, in the county. His health being poor, he has since made this his
home, and rents his farm, the proceeds of the same being amply sufficient
to maintain him, and a margin besides. His wife's mother resides with
him. They have no issue.
Page 552
EDWARDS, ISHAM, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 10 P.O. Barrow. Isham Edwards
is among the first settlers of Greene County, and was born in Virginia Nov. 26, 1800. He was
seven years of age when his parents moved to Logan County, Ky., where he arrived at maturity
and married, April I0, 1823, Miss Sarah Day, by whom he had four children. Prior to his departure
for the West, in 1828, when after some weeks of westward travel, he located north of Apple Creek
prairie, near White Hall, Greene County, where he tented land some six years, from Vinas Hicks
and others, when he entered from the government and purchased some 600 acres of land. In 1859
he disposed of this property, and moved on to the farm he now owns, comprising 110 acres. After
many years of hardship and self-denial that we of today know little of, Mr. E. has retired from the
active duties pertaining to the farm. To such early pioneers we are indebted to our present prosperity
in no small degree. In 1862, Mrs. Edwards found a last resting place in Greene County. This
marriage was blessed with sixteen children, six only of whom are living; all married and residents
of this State. During the Autumn of 1862, Mr. Edwards married Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, a daughter
of Joseph Thomas, who during the Black Hawk War contributed liberally of his means toward its
prosecution. The present wife of Mr. Edwards was born in 1817.
Page 588
EDWARDS, P. G., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 19 P.O. Roodhouse. Mr. Edwards
was born on the old farm homestead of his father, Isham Edwards, in 1841; growing to manhood
on the farm. He received a common school education in the village of Wilmington, his first teacher
being Price Lovelace. Before attaining his majority the war coming on he enlisted in Co. E. 59th
Infantry at St. Louis, Mo.; engaged in numerous skirmishes; he was honorably discharged in 1862,
and returned to Greene County. In his twentythird year he was married to Miss Nancy Jones, a
daughter of William Jones, who settled in Scott County when his closest neighbor was a man by
the name of Bunch who lived near Allen's old mill in this county. Mr. Edwards from boyhood gave
evidence of no ordinary energy and rose rapidly in a vocation that had been his from boyhood, in
the purchase and sale of lands; he once owned over a thousand acres; he is now the possessor of
220 acres of rich farming land, and has succeeded by sheer force of will and honesty of purpose;
he is, although generous, a good financier. Manufactures his own brick for the purpose of building,
at some future day, a handsome farm residence. Of ten children born of the marriage five are living,
Sarah C., Thos. W., Daisy A., Lewis, and Mary E.
Page 552
EDWARDS, T. G., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 1, P.O. Barrow. T. G. Edwards is the
oldest son now living of Isham and Sarah Edwards. He was born in Kentucky, on the
29th day of August, 1828. It was during this year that the family migrated to Greene County,
where the subject of this sketch arrived at maturity. Attending a log cabin school prior to manhood,
he perused the few simple studies then in use, on benches constituted of slabs, the other furniture
of the room being of a similar nature. In his twentieth year he was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth Smith, a daughter of David Smith. This marriage was blessed with ten children;
only three are now living: Henrietta, Octavia, and Emma. In 1869 Mrs. E. departed this life;
during this year Mr. E. was married to Miss Serena Ann Moore, of Manchester, Scott
County, by whom he has four children: Mary E., Fannie B., Minnie, and Gracie. Mr. E.
began life without a dollar, and all that he has is due to his pluck and energy, and prominent traits
of his character. He owns 248 acres of valuable land; always taking an interest in educational matters;
for eighteen years he has been school director.
Page 515
ELDRED, ELISHA, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 32, P.O. Carrollton. The above named
gentleman is a native of Greene County; born during the eventful year that ushered in the deep snow,
so vividly impressed upon the memory of the older inhabitants of Greene County. Passing by the early
years of Mr. Eldred, spent upon the home farm in Illinois, when the mining excitement transpired, being
of an exceedingly adventurous disposition, while yet a youth, he determined to seek his fortune on the
golden shores of the Pacific coast. Proceeding to New Orleans, the youthful explorer there shipped on
board a steamer, which was subsequently wrecked off the coast of Panama. After many vexatious delays
the youth reached California, where he turned his attention to mining. Remaining two years he returned to
Greene County, where he remained until 1860 following farming, when his restless disposition again took
him to California, this time the trip being made by wagon. Reaching the State in due time he turned his
attention to various occupations. Remaining five years, he again set his face toward his old home in Illinois,
settling down to the quiet life of a farmer, in Greene County. He married, in 1866, Miss Carrie Taylor, a
daughter of George Taylor by whom he has one child: Charles H.. Mr. Eldred is the owner
of 117 acres of valuable land, and no more live or energetic man dwells within the borders of Greene
County.
Page 515
ELDRED ELON, deceased, who took a leading position among the wealthy farmers of Greene County,
was born in Connecticut, in 1802. In an early day his parents moved to Herkimer County, New York,
where Elon grew to manhood. About the year 1820 glowing accounts of the West reached his ears, and
accordingly thither he directed his footsteps. Pleased at the prospect, he returned again to the East,
where he united his fortunes to Miss Jane Stuart, and shortly thereafter, he returned to Illinois,
and settled at Edwardsville, Madison County, and shortly after located in Greene County, on the farm
now owned by Frank M. Bridges, representative. When the family became fairly located in Greene
County, a cabin composed of hewn logs was erected; it was some eighteen feet square; this was the
main structure. In after years other buildings composed of logs but of smaller dimensions, were erected
for the accommodation of hands, Mr. E. becoming largely engaged in the manufacture of castor oil.
This cabin consisted of one room, for all intents and purposes; still, overhead was a garret, where the
narrator of this sketch, Charles H. Eldred, when the shade of night drew around, climbed to his
bunk
beneath the rafters, oft times lying awake listening to the melodious concerts of numerous packs of wolves.
After a long life of usefulness, while Elon Eldred, who had journeyed to a farm owned by him in
Montgomery County, was on his return trip and near Girard, in Macoupin County, he was taken
suddenly ill, and expired very suddenly. There thus passed away a man who was as remarkable in his
sphere of life as Washington or Lincoln were in theirs. The owner of over 5000 acres in the State of
Illinois, he had reaped the reward of the diligent. Of this marriage six children were born : William,
deceased; Louisa, who married L. F. Wheeler, present mayor of Carrollton; Lucius, who married
Miss Ellen Cavenaugh, of Jacksonville; Charles H., who married Adela Avery, in 1860 by whom he had
one child, Dudley. Mrs. Charles Eldred died in 1864. Julia, who married
Robert Pierson, the well known
banker of Carrollton; and Jane who resides with her brother Charles H. in his elegant mansion east of
Carrollton. It will be well to note the fact, in connection with this history, that Mrs. Elon Eldred was
among the pioneer school teachers of Greene County, who merited the respect of her pupils, many
of whom bear a prominent part in the annals of the State and county, among whom we mention
David Pierson, Esq.
Page 477 Carrollton City
ELDRED, L. S. merchant, firm of Eldred & Hardcastle, Sec. 21, P.O. Carrollton. Mr. Eldred
is the third child of Elon and Jane Eldred, of whom a full account is given elsewhere in the
historical portion of this volume. The subject of this sketch, who is well and favorably known in Greene
County, was born in April, 1834, on the old homestead of his parents, within the borders of Greene
County. Growing to manhood when times were very different to what they are at the present time, he
obtained a hardy vigor that led to a future success. In 1855 he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen
Cavanaugh, a daughter of Dr. T. H. Cavanaugh, who held the position of colonel in the
late war, by whom he had ten children Carrie R., Fannie J., Belle M., Edward, Louise, Julia, Elon,
Charles H,, David P., and Philo C. and Albert G., deceased. At the present writing, Mr. E.
resides in township 10 range 12. In 1874 Mr. Eldred served in the capacity of president of the agricultural
board. During Black Hawk's raid on the white settlers Elon Eldred took an active part; and also
witnessed many stirring events in his sojourn in California as a gold miner.
Page 477
ELDRED, SILAS In noting the life history of men and early times in Greene County, none are
more worthy of note than Silas Eldred, whose daring nature inured him to the stirring scenes of Western
life. He was a native of New York State. Of his parents but little can now be learned, save that they
moved to Greene County in an early day, probably about the year 1820. Amid pioneer associations
young Silas passed his boyhood, and grew to vigorous manhood. He proved
a sterling actor in the battle of life, and was destined to play no secondary part in the growth and
development of Greene County. When Black Hawk made war on the white settlers, in 1832, he joined
the forces that were organized to protect the frontier. Many anecdotes are told of Silas Eldred; one will be
worthy of especial notice here, to show the daring nature of the man; on one occasion a man by the name
of Roveley, a high tempered and somewhat quarrelsome man, drew a bead upon him with a shot gun, the
old veteran silently advanced and wrenched the gun from the hands of the bully, completely subduing him.
He became a farmer of prominence in Greene, and passed away in 1873, at the village of Roodhouse.
The survivors of the family are seven children: Elisha, who married Carrie Taylor; Mary, who married James Wood;
Jehosaphat, who married Carrie Eldred; Ward, who married Lottie Lane; Silas, jr., who married
Miss Augusta Trimble, a daughter of Harvey Trimble, one of the first settlers of Greene County; Lucy,
who married first Archie Anderson afterward Rice Trimble, and on his decease Presley Rice; William,
who married Margaret Kelley; Calvin and Rufus not living.
Page 478
ELDRED & HARDCASTLE, dealers in hardware, furniture, stoves and tinware, n.e. cor. Square, the only house carrying this line of goods, and one of the best and favorably known houses in Greene Co. The present members of the firm are Messrs. L. S. Eldred and O. B. Hardcastle. Of the former gentleman notice will be given elsewhere; of the latter it may be said, that he is a native of Carlinville, Macoupin Co., born in 1853, where he grew to manhood. Obtaining a liberal education at Chillicothe, Ohio, one year later. he embarked in the above business.
Page 516
ELDRED, WILLIAM, deceased, many years ago was one of the most prominent farmers within the
bounds of Greene County. He was born in Litchfield County, Connecticut, Nov. 18, 1791 He was in
his fifteenth year when he accompanied his parents to New York State where many years of his life were
spent. While here a resident, a farmer by occupation, he formed the acquaintance of and married Miss
Ruth Brace, May 2d, 1816, a daughter of Jeduthun Brace, who is well remembered by
the older residents of Greene County. During the year 1820, when but a few hardy spirits had made their
way to the fertile prairies of the boundless west, Mr. E., then in the flush of early manhood, and possessed
of energy and ambition far above the average, gathered together his personal property and accompanied
by his family and relatives, set out in a covered wagon across the native prairie grass, where a few short
years before the red man of the forest, made famous by Cooper, had woed his dusky mate or joined in
the exciting sport of bringing to bay the American bison or buffalo. Leaving the wagon they floated down
the Ohio River in a flatboat. The trip of the emigrants occupied some weeks. On the way cattle were
purchased among the small colony. A fanning mill owned by Jehoshaphat Eldred, a novelty in its way,
on its introduction among the first pioneers of Greene County, created considerable sensation. Neighbors,
in place of having their wheat threshed by means of horses tramping over it in their usual primitive fashion,
brought it to this wonderful mill, which met with unusual commendation and admiration. The cabin entered
by William Eldred was of the usual order with the single exception that it consisted of hewed logs. Here
the family lived for a period of twelve years, witnessing the growth of Carrollton from a trading point,
consisting of one store under the supervision of John Skidmore, who came from the east. This place
became quite a town during the term of years that are above mentioned. Those pioneer days were
fraught with no ordinary interest. The husband frequently went many miles to a horse mill to lay in a
supply of provisions for his large family. On one occasion, having raised an abundant crop of wheat,
the grain being unusually full, it was ground for family consumption. Through some malarial influence,
perhaps, it served as a strong emetic, none of the family being able to partake of it; nor could stock be
induced to touch it. This remarkable phenomenon has never been explained satisfactorily to old residents,
who well remember the circumstances. William Eldred was far above the average in ability, and became
a wealthy farme mainly through well-directed efforts. He passed to the world of spirits on the 28th of J
uly, 1855, and was laid at rest in the Carrollton cemetery, a worthy monument marking the spot. Mrs.
Eldred, from whom this sketch is obtained, is now upwards of eighty years of age, a true type of the
western woman who dared the dangers incident to a western life. The homestead property comprises
many hundreds of acres. Of the marriage twelve children were born, eight of whom are living:
Jeduthaun, Leonard E., Elon A., Elmina A., Fidelia A., Ruthalia A., Amelia S., H. Loomis. Mr.
Eldred was one of the jurors in the first trial of a criminal nature in Carrollton. Was buried by Masonic
orders.
Page 645
ELLINGWORTH, WILLIAM, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 31, P. O. Carrollton,
was born in England in 1828; married in 1848, to Mary Turner, and came to
America in 1857, to Bate County and lived there till 1878, then came to
Greene County; has followed the occupation of a farmer all his life; is now
a large renter from Charles Eldred, renting some 200 acres, is a hard
working and industrious man; has six children; Eliza, Emma E., Melia, Lena,
Hattie, and Frank.
Page 517
ELLISON, TIMOTHY, farmer, Sec. 4, P. O. Carrollton. Mr. E. was born in Yorkshire, England, May 17,
1818; came from England to America in 1840; settled in Greene County shortly after his arrival, near
Carrollton; owns 280 acres of land. Married Mary Dodgson, a daughter of William Dodgson,
by whom he has three children: William, Helen and John. An active church member; a
member of the Methoidst Church for a period of thirty-six years.
Page 478
ENGLISH, JAMES W., prominent among the attorneys of Greene County; was born in Mason County, Va., March 11, 1829. His father, Nathaniel English, was a prominent physician, who married Miss Hannah Worth, a daughter of John Worth, a scout during the war of 1812. James was but eight years old when his parents moved from West Virginia to St. Louis, from which point they made their way to Jacksonville; Morgan County, Ill., in 1836. In 1844 Mr. English entered upon a classical course of study at the Illinois College, graduating with honor in 1848. He now took up the study of law in the office of Richard Yates, afterward Governor of Illinois, and William Brown; in 1850 he was admitted to practice as an attorney in the State of Illinois; in 1860 the Federal Courts; and the Supreme Court of the United States in 1873. For five years the young but able attorney struggled for a foothold among such legal lights as Murray McConnell, and others. In 1856 he came to Carrollton, where his ability was soon recognized and the following year he was elected to fill the responsible position of State's attorney. He served in this capacity in an able manner until 1860 entering upon his law studies with renewed zeal. In 1871 he moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, remaining a number of years. On being apprised of the mortal illness of his old friend and colleague, Judge Woodson, of Carrollton, and at the solicitation of his many friends in this enterprising town, he decided to return here. He has practiced for a period of eighteen years, and his course has been marked by no ordinary ability. Mr. English married Miss Eliza Stryker, a daughter of Henry Stryker, formerly a merchant, of Jacksonville, Oct. 6, 1852. Mrs. English is also a sister of Henry Stryker, Jr., attorney at Jacksonville. There are six children: Julia, Clara L., Charlotte, Nathaniel and henry; Maria not living.
Page 478
ENGLISH, WARREN, auctioneer, residence Locust Street, Carrollton. Warren English is a native of Greene County, born at the city of Carrollton, on the 7th of August, 1840. Tracing back the genealogy of this family we find that L. H. English, the father of our subject, was a native of Kentucky and early in life he followed farming, although subsequent years developed an aptitude for any pursuit he might follow. When a young man, prior to his majority, he wended his way to the southern portion of Illinois, and landed in Greene County, as near as can now be ascertained, in 1822. We can not, owing to limited space, follow his eventful life in Greene County, where he was destined to take a prominent part in the administration of its municipal affairs. He probably worked as a farm hand on his first entree into Illinois, and subsequently he developed both energy and skill as a trader and auctioneer. As a trader he was unsurpassed, and as a skillful auctioneer he is well remembered by the early inhabitants of Carrollton. The first office he ever held in Greene County was that of a district constable. When the Black Hawk war broke out he was serving in the capacity of a deputy sheriff; but with the patriotism born of frontier life he joined forces for the subjugation of the Indians. After the war he erected a substantial building in Carrollton and became the successful proprietor of the Greene County House. For the greater portion of his life he lived in Carrollton, although for some cause he once moved down on the Hurricane, where his property was washed away by floods. Returning to Carrollton, his restless, ambitious nature led him into many business speculations, although his chief ability lay in his skill as an auctioneer. His first wife Miss Arabel Turney, a daughter of General Turney, was born in Tennessee, and was united in marriage to Mr. English in 1828 at Carrollton. Mr. English subsequently married, on the decease of his first wife in 1870 to Mrs. Emily Brunk, with whom he now resides in affluent circumstances at Springfield, Ill. Eleven children were born of the first marriage: Turney, Wharton, Josephine, Warren, Marion, John B., Rush, Elisha, Belle and Lindsay, twins, and Sarah. One child of the second marriage, Thomas. Of Warren we have only space to say that he passed his boyhood in Greene County, received a liberal education and subsequently turned his attention to the life of a horseman. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Tempie J. Melton, a daughter of W. J. Melton, a native of Greene County, by whom he has four children: Arabel, Pape, Julia and Turney. Mr. English is the owner of 160 acres of valuable land, and is said to be the best auctioneer in Greene County.
Page 732
ENSLOW, JOHN B., justice of the peace. The above named gentleman is a
native of Ohio, born in 1829; he was but two years of age when his parents,
Abraham and Julia Enslow, emigrated westward to Greene County, locating on
farm property north of the village designated Old Kane; the head of the
family subsequently purchased farm property of John Henry. Mr. Enslow
became a prosperous farmer, owning 360 acres of valuable land at the time
of his decease, which occurred in 1872; he was well and favorably known to
many citizens of Greene, who were cognizant of his honorable business
career. Mrs. Enslow is still living, and resides at Kane. John, from whom
this sketch is obtained, grew to manhood in Greene County, and received a
liberal education; for the greater portion of his time, Mr. Enslow has
followed agricultural pursuits. In 1851, he became a resident of
Montgomery County and in 1865 moved to Old Kane, remaining but a short
time, he invested considerable means in the erection of the first store
house in New Kane, and for a number of years continued a successful
business until his retirement a short time ago. Nov, 1877, Mr. Enslow was
elected justice of the peace of this precinct. In 1853, Mr. Enslow was
united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Collins, a daughter of Enos Collins of
Scioto County, Ohio, by whom he had eight children, three only are living.
Page 517
ERISMAN, CHRISTOPHER, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 16, P. O.
Carrollton. The subject of this sketch was born in Adams County,
Pennsylvania, in 1828. In his tenth year his parents moved to Ohio, where
he grew to manhood, following agricultural pursuits. When the war came on
he enlisted in the 14th Illinois infantry for three years service or during
the war. Proceeding to the front he was engaged in the battles of Pittsburg
landing, Corinth, Vicksburgh, Champion Hill, Little Hatchie, etc.,
etc. When his term of service expired he re-enlisted, thereby becoming one
of the veterans of the 14th Illinois. Previous to the war, in 1852, he was
united in marriage to Miss Irene Elmore, a daughter of Robert Elmore. For
some years Mr. E. was a resident of Menard County, Illinois. During the
Autumn of 1865 he moved to Greene, settled at Carrollton, secured
employment in the woolen mill owned by Pierson & Hartley, and six years ago
entered the employ of David Wright. Of the marriage mentioned above six
children were born, five are living: Mina J., Richard V., John D.,
Catherine L., decease, Robert A. and Christopher H.
Page 751
ERISMAN, JACOB, proprietor of the United States Flouring Mills, originally
an old landmark on the banks of the Macoupin, but rebuilt in 1865. Jacob
Erisman was born in the year 1833; he had attained his fourth years when
his parents, Christopher and Catherine Erisman, emigrated to Ohio, where
young Erisman grew to maturity, and became apprenticed to the trade of a
miller, and subsequently became a journeyman workman, and in 1859, he was
united in marriage to Miss Rachel Cromwell. In 1865 he came to Greene
County, where he has principally resided, and where he has for the past ten
years assumed the proprietorship of the mills above mentioned, which are
fitted up with all modern machinery, and where he is fully prepared to do
custom work; owing to his superior brand of flour, Mr. Erisman receives
many orders in Greene and adjoining counties. Mr. E. is a shrewd business
man, and what is still better, a liberal whole-souled gentleman, whose
enterprise crops out on many occasions. Mr. E. has but one child, Katy A.,
now living. Mary F., the youngest child, died on the 22d of February,
1878. Note: The U. S. Mills are owned jointly by Mr. E., Mrs. Charlotte
King and heirs.
Page 479
EVANS, THOMAS E. Deputy Sheriff of Greene County, was born on the old farm homestead of his parents, William and Eliza E. Evans, near the city of Carrollton, in 1843. Growing to manhood upon the farm he followed agricultural pursuits until 1869, when he proceeded to Carrollton, where he entered the banking establishment of John Long & Co., where he remained a short time, when he resumed operations on the farm, until his departure for St. Louis, where he became bookkeeper in a sale and commission house. Dec. 1873, Mr. Evans was appointed Deputy Clerk under the Hon. L. R. Lakin, in the city of Carrollton. It is well known to the citizens here that no one perhaps in Greene County bears a better reputation than Mr. Evans, as a bookkeeper or expert in accounts, and accordingly, when Mr. Jones entered upon his official duties as Sheriff he appointed Mr. Evans his deputy, who has since officiated in this capacity to the satisfaction of all honest men. Further notice will be given in the historical portion of this volume.
Page 676
EWALD, JOHN, station agent C.B. & Q. R.R., Greenfield. One of the most
reliable and efficient agents in the employ of the C.B.&Q.R.R. is Mr.
Ewarld, who has been a railroad man over twenty-five years, and served in
various capacities, from a common laborer to some of the most responsible
positions connected with the road, and from his long experience and known
integrity has acquired a reputation among railroad officials that will
always secure him as good a situation as lies in their province to
grant. He was born in Prussia, Oct. 13, 1827; his parents, John and
Martha E., never came to this country, but in Aug. 1847, John, Jr. set sail for
America, and, after a voyage of nine weeks, landed in New York. First
went to Milwaukee, then to Detroit, where he first began work on the railroad,
where he remained three years; then went to New Buffalo, where he had
charge of a gang of men on the Michigan Central; laid track from Aurora
to Mendota; Dec. 11, 1854, went to Detroit, where he married Elizabeth
Werner, born Dec. 26, 1843, in Canada, opposite Detroit. After their marriage,
moved to Plano, where he obtained a situation as station agent. While
here his wife lost her health, and he returned to Detroit and went into
business with his father-in-law, who was a brewer, where he remained two
years. Then went to Bushnell, and resumed railroading again, where he
remained fifteen years; was at Astoria one year, and in April, 1872, came
to Greenfield, and has since remained in charge of the office and station
at this place. Two of his sons assist him in the office, Willie and
John; one is night and the other day operator, Mr. Ewald attending to the
office and express business. Mr. E. has six children living, four boys and two
girls: George, born Sept. 13, 1858; Willie, born Oct. 16, 1861; John,
born Nov. 13, 1863; Albert, born Dec. 16, 1865; Annie, born April 1, 1867, and
Minnie, born Sept. 14, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. E. are members of the M. E.
Church. Mr. E. is a member of Greenfield Lodge, A.F. and A.M., No. 129.
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