White County, Illinois

Biographies
I


From History of White County (IL), (ca. 1882 - 1884), p. 928 - 929

James E. Clifford, farmer; post office, Phillipstown. He was born in Rutland County, VT, Oct. 18, 1844 [sic., actually 1834], and is a son of Caleb and Hepsy (BARLOW) Clifford, natives of Vermont and New York, respectively. They came to Illinois in 1837 and died here. James E. was educated at Nashville, TN and Louisville, KY, receiving a military education. He located in Illinois in 1837 and now owns considerable land. His homestead is in Phillipstown, and upon his farm was laid out the village of Phillipstown. In 1858 he married Ann, daughter of Solomon and Ann (HIGDON) CHARLES, natives of North Carolina. They came to Illinois in 1816, and raised a family of nine children. Ann died here. By this union there are eight children, seven living - Oscar C., born Dec. 7, 1860 (deceased); Maud St. Clair, born Aug. 14, 1862, wife of Wallace MALONE, of Brown Station, IL; Edward O., born April 28, 1865;

Blondre Estella, born Oct. 1, 1867; Edna Beatrice, Sept. 21, 1869; Emil Otto, born July 6, 1872; Lola Camilla, June 1, 1874; Caius Castellar, born Aug. 19, 1876. Mrs. Clifford died March 12, 1877.

Mr. Clifford married Sept. 6, 1877, Esther, daughter of Richard and Mary A. (EARL) PECK, natives of England and Maryland, respectively. Mr. Peck came to the United States in 1829 and now lives in Indiana. Esther was born in Indiana, Jan. 28, 1844. There are two children by this union - Digby Cyrille, born Oct. 6, 1878, James Fred, born May 23, 1881. Mrs. Clifford is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Clifford is a member of the A. F. & A. M. fraternity. He has held most of the township offices and is Police Justice now; he has faithfully discharged his duty. He votes the Republican ticket.

Submitted by: Dev Clifford, dclifford@greenwich.com


John Cook, farmer and stock-raiser, section 6, Indian Creek Township, is a son of John L. Cook, and was born in Hamilton County, Ill., Sept. 5, 1824. He came to this county in the winter of 1845-'6. He was married in 1845 to Sallie C., daughter of William M. Bagley, of Norris City. They are the parents of eleven children, six living-John M., Lewis H., Frances I., Silas D., Marshall E. and Willis E. He owns a farm of 200 acres, seventy of which is in this county and the rest in Hamilton County. Mr. Cook was Supervisor one year, Road Commissioner three years, School Trustee about twenty years, and School Director a number of years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Ebenezer, near Norris City.

Source: History of White Co 1883
Submitted By: Misty Flannigan


John Cook, son of John and Sallie E. (Bagley) Cook, was born in Indian Creek Township, Aug. 1, 1854. He was educated in the common schools and the Enfield High School. He is a prominent teacher; has taught forty-five months in White County, six months in Hamilton County, and is now teaching in Union District, Indian Creek Township. He was married Aug. 27, 1878, to Laura, daughter of William Carlyle, of Gossett. They have had two children-May, deceased, and Earl. Mr. Cook was Township Assessor for 1882.

Source: History Of White Co 1883
Submitted By: Misty Flannigan



From History of White County (IL) Gallatin County – Bear Creek Township (ca 1882-1884), P.  962

Charles Cook, was born in White County, Ill., Feb. 1, 1830.  He was the son of Zachariah Cook, who died when Charles was but five years of age.  He then lived with his uncle, John Cook, till he was nineteen years old, when he started out in the world for himself with a capital of $40.  He worked at the Bailey Mills five years, at $5 a month.  He bought a fourth interest in the mills.  He, in company with Mr. Porter, built the flouring mils of Roland.  Mr. Cook sold his interest and went on to his farm, where he resided till the war of the Rebellion.  In 1862 he enlisted under Captain Brill and served three years.  He was in the battle of Holly Springs, Miss.; was one of Grant’s men who ran by the batteries at Vicksburg, and participated in the battle of Grand Gulf.  After the surrender of Vicksburg he was furloughed.  He then went to New Orleans and Mobile.  He was mustered out at New Orleans.  He returned home and remained on his farm five years, when he came to Omaha, and engaged in the dry-goods business with his son Silas.  He was also interested in a saw-mill.  Mr. Cook married Nancy J. Hedge.  They have a family of two sons and four daughters.  His educational advantages were limited, being only a few months in the early subscription school, yet by his energy and hard work he is at present worth $5,000.

Submitted by:  Linda Roberts
 



From History of White County (IL) Gallatin County – Bear Creek Township (ca 1882-1884), P.  970

Silas Cook, son of Charles and Nancy J. Cook, was born in White County, Ill., Feb. 20, 1854.  He was very industrious and persevering both at home and in school.  He graduated from the Evansville Commercial College at the age of eighteen, having attended only one term.  His father started him in business, and, being very successful, his father went in partnership with him, the firm being C. Cook & Son.  Mr. Cook was married in 1879 to Surrilda E., daughter of J. Kinsall.  They have two children – Lillie and Eula.  Mr. Cook was elected, almost without opposition, on the Democratic ticket, in 1882, County Clerk of Gallatin County.  He already owns considerable property, and has the prospect of a bright future.

Submitted by:  Linda Roberts



(A Tribute published in the pages of Carmi Times, Carmi, Illinois, October
20, 1971)

Carmi Woman Dies Tuesday

{Entered Into Eternal Rest Tuesday, Oct. 19, 1971}

Mrs. Lena Cleveland Carr, 91, widow of J. Q. Carr, died Tuesday at 10 p.m.,
in Wilmar Restorium where she had made her home since January 29, 1970.  She
previously resided at 309 Oak Street in Carmi.

Born October 10, 1880, in Phillips Township, she was the daughter of George
W. and Belle Hon Cleveland.  She was married April 5, 1905 to J. Q. Carr,
who passed away October 22, 1939.

She was a member of the Little Wabash Primitive Baptist Church near
Crossville and belonged to the Home Culture Circle in Carmi.

She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Erma Cochran, Carmi, and Mrs. Homer
Lee, Harrisburg; a brother, Raymond Cleveland, Enid, Okla.; a sister, Mrs.
Amanda France, Evansville, Ind.; five grandchildren and 14
great-grandchildren.

Final rites will be held Friday at 3 p.m. in the chapel of the Donald
Campbell Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Jack L. Adams.  Burial will be
in Stokes Chapel Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. Thursday.

(Submitted by her great-granddaughter, Cindy Cochran Leyva
e-mail:  cleyva@thegrid.net)



Source:  History of White County, IL, Phillips Township (ca 1882-1884) p 927

Gillison Price Calvin, farmer; post office, Calvin Station; is a son of Alfred and Esther (Green) Calvin, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee respectively.  They came to Illinois about 1820 and raised a family of eight children.  His mother died in Wayne County.  His father married again, and had four children born to him.    Gillison P. was born in Illinois, Oct. 7, 1835, on the banks of the Wabash.  He was educated in his native State, and has followed farming, and now owns 1,400 acres of fine land, mostly in the rich Wabash bottoms.  Oct. 4, 1855, he married Nancy Jane, daughter of W.D. and Hannah (Hodkins) Driggers, natives of Tennessee.  Nancy Jane was born March 21, 1838.  By this union there are four children – Alfred Wasdon, born Aug. 3, 1857; Rosann March 3, 1860; Matilda, Dec. 21, 1862, wife of John C. Hon, of Phillips Township; Esther, born Feb. 28, 1865.  Mr. Calvin votes the Republican ticket.  He is a heavy stock-dealer and deals in find cattle, horses and hogs largely.

Submitted by:  Linda Roberts


Source:  History of White County, IL, Phillips Township (ca 1882-1884) p 927

Daniel Charles, farmer; post office, Phillipstown; was born in White County, Ill, Jan 28, 1840, son of Solomon and Ann S. (Higdon) Charles, natives of North Carolina and Illinois respectively.  They came to Illinois in 1816, and raised a large family, he marrying three times – cousins – having five children by his first marriage, and four by the last.  His wives are all dead.  he is a hearty old gentleman of seventy-two years.  Daniel was educated at the Indiana State University; which he attended two years.  He has followed farming, and now owns 150 acres of fine land on section 30.  In March, 1864, he married Maria A., daughter of George and Sarah Ann (Davis) Clark, natives of Vermont and Tennessee respectively.  They came to Illinois some years ago, and Mr. Clark died here.  By this union there are seven children, six living – Arthur Walter, born Feb. 14, 1865; Belle, born Feb. 10, 1869; Vane V., born May 22, 1872; Nellie, April 28, 1874; Kate, April 16, 1876; Alice, April 24 1879; Emor, born Nov. 28, 1868, is dead.  Mr. Charles has held several of the township offices, and has faithfully discharged his duty to the public.  He votes the Democratic ticket.

Submitted by:  Linda Roberts


Source:  History of White County, IL, Phillips Township (ca 1882-1884) p 928

John Charles, farmer; post office, Phillipstown; son of Solomon and Jane A. (Davenport) Charles, natives of North Carolina.  They came to Illinois, and Mrs. Charles died here.  John was born one half mile north of Phillipstown village, March 3, 1851.  He was educated in his native town, and has followed farming.  He now owns eighty acres of fine land on section 20, township 3, range 14 west of the principal meridian.  Mr. Charles is a member of the A.F. & A.M. fraternity.  He has held several of the township offices – Collector and School Trustee, etc.  He has faithfully performed his service.  He votes the democratic ticket.

Submitted by:  Linda Roberts


Source:  History of White County, IL, Phillips Township (ca 1882-1884) p 928

William Thomas Cleaveland, farmer and stock raiser and dealer; post office, Crossville; is a son of Evans and Nancy (Jordan) Cleaveland, natives of Tennessee and Illinois respectively.  They married in Illinois and raised a family of eleven children; then moved to Indiana in 1830.  In 1855 they again moved to Illinois, and live here now.  William T. was born in Posey County, Ind., Jan. 6, 1841, where he was educated.  He has followed farming, and now owns 400 acres of fine land, 300 on section 36, and 100 acres on section 20.  He lives on section 36, and his farm here is probably the best one in the county for everything – stock, grain, etc.  In 1866 he married Sarepta, daughter of Frederick L. and Elizabeth (Graham) Rudolph, natives of Illinois, where they now live.  Sarepta was born in Illinois, March 26, 1846.  By this union there are six children, five living – Horatio, born April 24, 1868; Clara Belle, Feb. 14, 1870; Alvin Leroy, Nov. 14, 1871 (deceased); George Monroe, Oct 27, 1873; Lewis Orvil, Sept. 7, 1875; Frederick Evans, Dec. 28, 187.  Mrs. Cleaveland is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Mr. Cleaveland has held several of the township offices – Justice of the Peace, etc. and has faithfully discharged his duties to the public.  He votes the Greenback ticket.  In 1862 Mr. Cleaveland enlisted in the Eighty-seventh Illinois Infantry, Colonel Crebs, Company K, Captain Martin Vaught, and served nearly three years, and was engaged in many of the severe battles – the siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., and the Red River campaign, under General Banks, and many other skirmishes, and was honorably discharged at Springfield, Ill., July 3, 1865.  The last two years of the campaign his regiment was mounted.

Submitted by:  Linda Roberts


Source:  History of White County, IL, Phillips Township (ca 1882-1884) p 929

George H. Conner, shoemaker; post office, Phillipstown; son of William P. and Lucinda (Ellingsworth) Conner, natives of Indiana.  They came to Illinois at an early day and raised a large family and died here.  George H. was born in Richland County, Ill., Jan. 31, 1844.  He was educated in Illinois; he followed farming for several years then learned the trade of shoe-making in the shop he now owns.  He cut one leg while young and the injury therefrom led him to learn the trade he has since followed.  In 1871 he married Sitha Ann, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Chism) Graham, natives of Illinois.  Elizabeth died here.  By this union there are three children – Oscar, born July 29, 1872; David Owen, born Aug. 23, 1875, Chester Ellison, born Nov. 17, 1877.  Mr. Conner votes the Republican ticket.

Submitted by:  Linda Roberts


Source:  History of White County, IL, Phillips Township (ca 1882-1884) p 929-930

Theophilus Franklin Crawford, farmer; post office, Crossville; was born in Kentucky, Sept. 24, 1825, and is the son of Francis and Martha (Champion) Crawford, natives of North Carolina and South Carolina.  Mr. Crawford died in Kentucky.  T. F. was educated in Kentucky, and has followed farming, and now owns eighty acres on section 14, Phillips Township.  He moved to Illinois in January, 1853.  In January, 1850, he married Elizabeth Mary, daughter of Rev. James and Matilda (Koch) McCurdy, natives of Pennsylvania.  they came to Illinois in 1850.  Mr. McCurdy died here in 1858.  Elizabeth M. was born in Ohio, March 1, 1833.  By this union there are seven children – Martha Matilda, born Oct. 29, 1853, wife of John E. Robinson, of Edwards, County, Ill.; Howard Finley, Sept. 11, 1855, married to Emma, a daughter of James Weaver; Finia Wright, born March 21, 1858; Charles McLean, born Nov. 5, 1860; John Henry Parkhurst, born Aug. 21, 1864; Fidelia Franklin, born Feb. 10, 1867; Marilla Jane, born Oct. 25, 1869.  Mrs. Crawford died in July, 1878.  Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.  Mr. Crawford is a member of the A.F. & A.M. fraternity.  He has been Justice of the Peace, and faithfully performed his duty.  He votes the Democratic ticket.

Submitted by:  Linda Roberts


Source:  History of White County, IL, Phillips Township (ca 1882-1884) p 930

Thomas Cross, farmer; post office, Crossville; is the son of William and Prudence (Randolph) Cross, natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively.  They came to Illinois in 1812’13, and after fighting Indians and raising a large family, died here.  Thomas was born on the farm where he now lives, July 19, 1820.  He was educated here, and has followed farming.  He now owns this old homestead, and has added to it so that he has 30 acres of very find land, 400 acres under cultivation, on sections, 23, 24 and 13; also owns another trace of seventy acres on sections 26 and 27.  The town of Crossville lays mostly on his land.  In 1860 he married Martha E., daughter of Paul and Rachel (Davis) Clifford, natives of Vermont and Indiana respectively.  They came to Illinois and died here.  Martha E. was born in Illinois, April 28, 1843.  By this union there are eleven children, eight living – George, born Dec. 25, 1860, married (his wife died in six months after marriage); Thomas, July 14, 1862; Emma R., Aug. 8, 1864; Flora A, Oct. 9, 1866; Mattie A., July 5, 1871; Virgil L., Dec. 18, 1875; David E., Feb. 10, 1880, and Estella May, July 23, 1882, are living.  William P. P., Annie C. and an infant daughter are deceased.  Mrs. Cross is a member of the Presbyterian church.  Mr. Cross votes the Democratic ticket, and is highly respected by all.

Submitted by:  Linda Roberts



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