In the books' own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. The later printing (1899) is folded below the first. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
From Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and bio (1887), The Biographical record of McLean County, Illinois (1899)
AMES SMITH. Engaged in farming on section 13, Money Creek Township, is an offspring of Sylvester and Catherine (Daily) _ Smith, who is a well-to-do farmer, and a most highly esteemed citizen. The parents of our subject, after their marriage, settled about thirty miles north of Toronto, Ont. There the father worked at his trade, that of a carpenter, and was thus employed until he was accidentally killed by the falling of brick upon him while he was assisting in the erection of a building. His wife also died in that vicinity. They had three children, and only one lived to attain the age of maturity.
James Smith was born about thirty miles north of Toronto, Ont., Nov. 10, 1837, and when about two and a half years old was orphaned by the death of his father. He was then taken by a family in that neighborhood with whom he lived until he was a lad of twelve or fourteen years. At that early age in life he began to do for himself by working at different occupations in the neighborhood, and continued thus to labor until twenty years of his life had passed. In the summer of 1858 he sailed on the lake, and during the latter part of that year came to this county. Locating in Money Creek Township, he worked out by the month and was thus occupied until the breaking out of the late Civil War.
In January, 1862, our subject enlisted in Co. K, 2Gth 111. Vol. Inf., and served his country faithfully and well for two years in that regiment. In
February, 1864, he re-enlisted in the same company and continued in the service of the Union until the close of the war, when he was mustered out and returned to Money Creek Township. At the battle of Bentonville, N. C., he received a wound in the left arm while bearing the colors of his regiment. He was promoted from private to Sergeant, and then Color Bearer of the regiment. The same bullet that wounded him, struck a small pass-book which he had in his pocket, and glancing off, left its bloody mark across his breast, but did no further damage than that referred to. Mr. Smith was a member of the 15th Army Corps, commanded by Gen. John A. Logan, and accompanied Sherman in his famous march from Atlanta to the sea.
The regiment in which Mr. Smith so valiantly served, as the history of the late civil strife will always show, saw much hard and dangerous service. We cannot in this brief sketch rehearse the daring deeds of its men, their loyal sacrifices and heroic achievements, but all the experiences of the war were their. Could they be told, they would speak of early reverses, sad disappointments, gloomy forbodings for the future, of sickness in camp and hospital, fearful suspense, of midnight marches, of deadly ambuscades, of labor in trenches, and dreary and enforced idleness in camp; of escapes, of wounds, of imprisonment in foul dens, on the dead line, and of death — of all the horrors of fratricidal war. But they would speak too, of privations willingly endured, dangers voluntarily" incurred, ceaseless labor gladly undergone, risks daringly assumed, and death most chivalrously encountered; of dashing assaults, of well contested fields, of the enemies' retreat, and of countless victories. They would speak of disaster, but also of success; of doubt, but yet of undying hope; of transient defeats, but still of final and enduring victory.
After Mr. Smith returned from the army, for a time he was unable to do manual labor, and engaged in buying and trading stock. He then rented land, and for two years farmer in this manner, at the expiration of which time he was enabled to buy a place in Blue Mound Township. He lived on this place for thirteen years, and then, in the fall of 1880, moved back to Money Creek
Township, where he has been continuously occupied in farming and stock-raising, and is the owner of 300 acres of valuable land, and is meeting with signal success in his enterprises.
Mr. Smith was married in Bloomington, Ill., Dec.
7, 1865, to Miss Martha E., daughter of Lemuel and Nancy (Mullen) Biggs. Her father was born in Philadelphia and her mother in Ohio. They were married in this county and subsequently settled in Money Creek Township, where he died May
8, 1860. She survives at an advanced age, and resides in Money Creek Township. Six sons and five daughters were born to them, and Mrs. Smith was the eighth in order of birth. She was born in Money Creek Township, Nov. 1, 1847, and has borne our subject three children — Sylvester, Josiah and Andrew. Sylvester died in infancy, and the Other children are living at home.
Mr. Smith has held the office of School Director of his township, and in politics is a stanch Republican. Socially he belongs to the G. A. R., and holds fellowship with Lexington Post No. 240. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Accompanying this sketch is a portrait of Mr. Smith.
GREGORY. A splendid illustration of what may be accomplished in this country by an honest, hard-working, energetic and enterprising man is given in the record of the life of George Gregory. He is a prosperous and prominent farmer of Normal Township, and is pleasantly located on section 23. His farm comprises 400 acres of valuable land, which is embellished with fine improvements, the result of his own industry and enterprise. The family residence is a model of convenience and comfort. He has good barns and out-buildings, all the appliances for the shelter of stock and the storing of grass, valuable farm implements and the entire paraphernalia of a first-class country seat. Besides general agriculture Mr. Gregory is giving much attention to the raising of fine stock, in which department he has built up an enviable reputation. Besides his farm property he owns valuable real estate in the city of
Bloomington and in all respects is one of the representative citizens of the wealthy county of Mc- Lean.
George Gregory was born in Derby, England, Dec. 17, 1826. He was fairly educated in the common schools of his native country and served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade. At the age of twenty-one years he sailed for the United States, landing in New York City, whence he at once proceeded to the State of Illinois. He first located at LaSalle, stopping from June until October with a brother who preceded him to this country three years. This brother died at Bloomington in about
In the fall of 1848, the year of his arrival here, young Gregory proceeded South to Mobile, Ala., where he followed his trade and also steam boating between Mobile and New Orleans. Three years later he returned to Illinois and engaged in the blacksmith business at Pekin. After a short time however, he removed to Bloomington, where he became an employe of the Reaper Manufacturing Company. In 1852 he became a partner in the plow factory of Bunn <fe Ellsworth, the firm style becoming Bunn, Ellsworth <k Co., afterward Brokaw, Ellsworth <fe Co., and later, Brokaw & Gregory. He remained a partner until 1882, when he withdrew from the business. He has occupied his present homestead about fifteen years and while in the plow business went to town daily. He commenced life poor in pocket and did not accumulate much until he engaged in the manufacture of plows, which business proved remarkably successful.
Mr. Gregory was married in 1856, to Miss Frances A., the daughter of Zachariah and W. B. (Shannon) Lawrence, of Bloomington. Mrs. Gregory was born at McConnelsville, Ohio, and came with her parents to Illinois when but a babe. By her union with our subject she has become the mother of five sons: William E., a farmer of Normal; Edwin L., farming in Buffalo County, Neb., and Harry, Clyde and Richard, at home.
In politics Mr. Gregory is Republican, and although having an intelligent interest in all matters relative to the public welfare, takes no part in politics further than to attend the polls and cast his ballot. Mrs. Gregory was reared an Episcopalian, f but has been a member of the Christian Church for thirty-nine years and at the present time is connected with the church at Normal.
The portrait of Mr. Gregory, which is given in connection with this brief outline of his life, shows the features of a sturdy and fair-minded man and a most excellent citizen.
yiLLIAM FOWLER. The Fowler family came from Wales to this country previous to the Revolutionary War. They located in New Hampshire, where one of the first representatives— Lemuel — remained until he became engaged in assisting the Colonies in their struggle for liberty. He was by trade a blacksmith, and after his retirement from the army, located in Hillsboro County, N. H., where he spent the remainder of his days. He was married to an American lady and they became the parents of five children, of whom the father of our subject, Lemuel Fowler, Jr., was the eldest.
Lemuel Fowler, Jr., was born in Newbury, N. H., and remained under the parental roof until he became a young man. He followed the sea for several years and afterward engaged in farming pursuits. For the latter purpose he located in the interior of the Old Granite State and in that vicinity was married to Miss Sarah S. Swett, who was a native of the same State and of Irish descent. They reared a family of ten children, in the meantime removing to Ohio, where the youngest child was born. Of this family, William, our subject, was the fifth in order of birth. The family located in Marietta in 1819, having been preceded by the eldest son, Royal, one year before. They remained there, however, only a short time when they removed to Morgan County, and afterward to Noble County. Both counties were then very thinly settled and the facilities for market very poor. The father of our subject settled upon a tract of wild land which he succeeded in transforming into a fine farm. At one time he possessed a large amount of property, but lost it all on account of going security for his friends. He was a public-spirited man, a good citizen and valued member of the community. He established a comfortable home in Noble County, and there, with his wife, spent the remainder of his days.
The subject of this history received only the education furnished the sons of the early pioneers in a new country. He was poor in purse when married, as was also the maiden of his choice, but both had been trained to habits of industry and were willing to work and hope for the result. They were married in Noble County, Ohio, on the lath of December, 1826, the bride being Miss Mary Hutchins. She was born in Lincoln County, Me., in 1804, and remained in her native State until nine years of age. Her parents then came to Noble County, Ohio, it being then called Morgan. They settled in a timber tract and after years of hard labor succeeded in opening a good farm and establishing a comfortable home. Mrs. Fowler was trained to spin and leave and made the cloth for many a suit of clothes.
Upon the marriage of our subject and his wife, they resolved to " pull together." Mr. F. made boots and shoes during the winter evenings, and in the daytime worked at whatever he could find to do. In summer he manufactured salt from wells which contained water impregnated with this mineral. After boiling great quantities of the water he obtained a little of the commodity so necessary as an ingredient of food. After a few years of this incessant and laborious toil, during which he and his wife had saved every penny they could spare, he found himself possessed of sufficient means to purchase 100 acres of land. This proved the turning point in his life, as upon it he found an oil well which proved of great value and enabled him to sell his farm for the sum of $40,- 000. With this sum in his pocket he then started for the West and arrived in this vicinity in April, 1 865. He purchased 400 acres of land in Randolph Township, and for several years labored industriously and succeeded in bringing it to a high state of cultivation. Of this he now has but 240 acres, having given the balance to his children. Of late years he has given much attention to the raising of fine stock, in which he has been uniformly successful as in all his other undertakings.
There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fowler ten
McLEAN COUNTY.
children, two sons and eight daughters. Of these both the sons and three daughters are deceased. xThe parents celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of their wedding on the lath of December, 1886, at which there were present about 120 grand and great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church for the past forty years and have built up for themselves a record of good and useful lives, filled with kindly and generous deeds. Mr. Fowler, in politics, is a stanch Republican and uniformly cases his vote in support of the principles of this party.
As printed in Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and bio (1887). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
JAMES SMITH, who for many years represented Money Creek township as a member of the county board of supervisors, is the proprietor of a fine farm on section 23, Money Creek township, known as Maple Lane farm. He was born in Ontario, Canada, November 10, 1837, and is the son of Sylvester and Catherine Smith, both born in Canada. By trade Sylvester Smith was a carpenter, an occupation which he followed during his entire life. He met with his death, the result of an accident, when James was but two and a half years old. His good wife did not long survive him, and our subject was left an orphan at a very tender age. He was an only child, and their being no near relatives to care for him, he was taken and reared by strangers. In his youth he commenced to learn the shoemaker's trade, but not liking it, he abandoned it and spent two years at the carpenter's trade. He then accepted a position as a common seaman on the great lakes and spent one season. Realizing that the life was not such as was specially beneficial to a young man, he abandoned that occupation, and the summer of 1858 before he was twenty-one years old came to Mc- Lean county and sought employment as a farm hand. He was first employed in the hay field, and then assisted in threshing grain, for which he received fifty cents per day. Winter coming on he took a contract for cutting a lot of cord wood for Madison Young, of Money Creek township, and during the winter cut one hundred and ten cords, for which he received fifty cents per cord. The three years following, he spent as a farm hand, and in such employment as he could find.
The war for the union was now in progress, and calls were being issued for men to assist in restoring the government to its just rights. On the 26th of January, 1862, Mr. Smith enlisted in Company K, Twentysixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Ira J. Bloomfield, of Bloomington, the regiment being under command of Colonel John M. Loomis, of Chicago. With his regiment he participated in many battles and skirmishes during the, continuance of the war. The first engagement was at New Madrid, Missouri, from which place they went to Point Pleasant, where they were sent to guard artillery which was placed so as to prevent the Confederates from carrying supplies to Island No. lo, and here it was said, by General Pope, in his official report, was the first instance in history of infantry defeating gunboats. A detachment of ninety sharpshooters were selected to pick off the men on the gunboats, and they were so successful that the boats were forced to desist in the attempt to land provisions on Island No. lo.
The next important engagement in which the Twenty-sixth regiment participated was that of Corinth, where after a two days' fight the rebels were forced to evacuate. Following the battle of Corinth, on the 3rd and 4th of October, 1862, the regiment was in the battle of luka. The regiment was later sent to Vicksburg, but was landed up the Yazoo river, where it was set to watch the rebels under General Joe Johnston. After the fall of Vicksburg it was sent to Jackson, Mississippi, and formed a part of Sherman's corps, and again were brought face to face with General Johnston, and defeated him after an engagement which ended July 16, 1863. Sherman's corps was then moved into Tennessee, and later was engaged in the battle of Missionary Ridge, where his command took an important part on Tunnel hill, being in the field from early in the morning until late at night, being under fire of both artillery and infantry, and at close range, the brigade in which was the Twentysixth suffering great loss in killed and wounded.
The regiment was next sent with others to reinforce General Burnsides, who was confronted by General Longstreet at Knoxville, Tennessee. When within seven miles of that place they were met by the Seventh Ohio Cavalry, who reported that Longstreet had retreated. This entire march of about one hundred miles, and which occupied four days, was made without government rations, being compelled to forage on the way, thus living off the country. From Knoxville they returned to Chattanooga, again living off the country while en route. A little later the regiment went into camp at Scottsborough, Alabama, where it remained until January i, 1864. The regiment here reenlisted as veterans, but our subject not having served quite two years, was ineligible for re-enlistment as such, but he was given a furlough, and after spending thirty days at home, went to Springfield, Illinois, and on the 7th of February, 1864, was sworn into the service as a veteran for three years, or during the war.
Soon after returning to the old camp at Scottsburg the army was reorganized, and the Twenty-sixth regiment became a part of the Fifteenth army corps, under General John A. Logan, and participated later in the campaign against Atlanta. In this campaign the regiment took a very active part, being in many engagements and skirmishes, and at all times doing its duty faithfully and satisfactorily to those in command. It next went into camp south of Atlanta, where it remained until in October, 1864, when General Hood started north. With other regiments it followed Hood for five days, and was then ordered to return to Atlanta, at which place they were stationed when the country was voting for the election of a president to succeed President Lincoln. While the Illinois boys were not allowed to vote by ballot, as did regiments from some of the other states, they voted by means of coffee and beans. Those favoring the re-election of Lincoln voted with coffee, while those favoring McClellan voted with beans. It is needless to say that coffee had a large majority.
A few days later Sherman started on his celebrated march. to the sea, and with him was the Twenty-sixth Iliinois. At Savannah, Georgia, they spent Christmas Day, and from that place they were sent by water to Newbern, North Carolina, where they disembarked to engage in the campaign through North Carolina. Continuing on the march to Bentonville, North Carolina, they met Gen. Joe Johnston in force, and an engagement followed in which the Twenty-sixth participated. This was on the 2ist of March, 1865. That night Johnston retreated, and our army following the next day. At Mill creek the rebels made a stand and attempted to destroy the bridge across the creek to prevent Sherman's army from crossing. Here a heavy engagement took place. Our subject was the colorbearer of his regiment and, with a companion, kept well to the front. They crossed the bridge in safety, but on reaching the opposite side he was struck by a musket ball fired at him by one of the enemy's sharpshooters, the ball striking his forearm and carrying away two and a half inches of one of the bones. A small book carried in his breast pocket reflected the ball, which would otherwise have passed through his body. The book had every leaf in it torn.
After receiving his wound, Mr. Smith was sent to the hospital at Goldsborough, North Carolina, where he remained ten days, going from there to Newborn, in the same state, where he was put abroad the hospital ship. While at Newbern they heard of the surrender of Lee, and were greatly cheered by the same. On their arrival at New York on the i i;th day of April their joy was turned into sorrow by learning of the death of President Lincoln. He remained in the hospital in New York for about ten days, and was then sent to the hospital at Madison, Indiana, and there remained until July 28, when he went to Springfield, Illinois, and met his regiment, which had just been discharged. This was on Saturday, and he had to remain until Monday, when he was discharged alone.
Immediately on receiving his discharge Mr. Smith returned to his old home in Money Creek township, and on the 17th of December, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha E. Biggs, daughter of Lemuel and Nancy (Mullen) Biggs, the former a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio, both, however, being early settlers of McLean county. Until about seven years of age, Lemuel Biggs resided with his parents in Delaware. They then removed to Ohio, where he spent his youth. When she was a girl of twelve years of age the parents of Mrs. Biggs came to McLean county, Mr. Biggs following some five years later. They were married in this county and became the parents of ten children, of whom eight are yet living, as follows: Andrew E., a farmer and stock-raiser of Bates county, Missouri; Josiah, a farmer of Money Creek township; William, a farmer residing in Arkansas; Sarah, who married George Davis, but died in 1866; Nancy J., wife of J. J. Kemp, of Lexington; Elizabeth, widow of John Armstrong, of Bates county, Missouri; Louisa, wife of William Arbogast, of Johnson county, Missouri; Martha E., wife of our subject; Lemuel A., of Peoria, Illinois; and George F., who died August 26, 1888. The father of these children died May 7, 1860, at the age of fifty-five years, and his wife in 1893, when eighty-one years old. He was a substantial and successful farmer, and at the time of his death was the owner of eleven hundred and sixty acres of land.
After his marriage Mr. Smith engaged in farming on the farm where he now resides, and which was then owned by his brother-in-law, A. E. Biggs. He remained there one year, and the following year cultivated an adjoining farm. He then moved to Blue Mound township, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and made that his home for thirteen years. He then returned to Money Creek township and resided for five years on the old Biggs homestead, carrying on that farm, in the meantime purchasing seventy acres on the north, where he erected a dwelling house in 1886, into which he moved with his family. He made that his home for five years. Selling his Blue Mound farm, January 13, 1890, he purchased his present farm, to which he soon removed and which has since been his home. His present farm consists of three hundred and thirty-two acres, and is known as the Maple Lane farm. In addition to this farm, however, Mr. Smith is the owner of a section of land in Custer county, Nebraska, which is rented.
In his farming operations Mr. Smith has made something of a specialty of raising fine bred Percheron horses and Poland China hogs, a line in which he has met with some degree of success. He has always taken more or less interest in politics, and since the war has given his support to the Republican party. While residing in Blue Mound township he served three years as commissioner of highways, and since being a householder he has served as school director. In the spring of 1889, he was elected supervisor of Money Creek township, and by re-election served ten years in that responsible position. That he made a satisfactory official is certainly attested by his long service. Fraternally, he is a member of Lexington Post, No. 240, G. A. R., and is now past commander of the post. In religion he is a Methodist, holding membership with the Methodist Episcopal church of Lexington.
To Mr. and Mrs. Smith three children were born, the eldest dying in infancy. Joseph v., born May 19, 1869, was married February 12, 1894, to Miss Nellie Drury, of Lexington, Illinois. They now reside in Kansas City, Missouri, where he is employed in the secret service. Andrew J. yet remains at home, and is assisting in carrying on the home farm. The family are well known and highly respected, Mr. Smith being regarded as one of the substantial farmers of the county, and one who lives at peace with his fellowmen.
As printed in The Biographical record of McLean County, Illinois (1899). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Named in this biography: John A. Logan (b. 1824) Madison Young (b. 1812)
Their biographies name James Smith: Marshal J. Hagar Isaiah Coon (b. 1813)
The printed record stops around 1887. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.