Randolph County ILGenWeb

EARLY SETTLERS of Randolph COUNTY, IL
page 4

REV. JAMES C. ELLIOTT BIOGRAPHY

The history of Perry and Randolph Counties would be incomplete without a sketch of the ELLIOTT family. They are the descendants of English and Scotch-Irish ancestry. Members of the family came to America prior to the Revolutionary War. William Preston ELLIOTT, the grandfather of James C. was a native of Virginia, and one of seven brothers. He married in Virginia, and a few years later moved to Georgia. In 1814 he came to Illinois and settled in the American Bottom, in the Goshen settlement. Ague and fever prevailed to a considerable extent then, and believing that the country was unhealthy, returned to Georgia. But the rich, fertile and productive lands of Illinois had left their impression, and the old pioneer longed for the “Flesh Pots” of Illinois. He accordingly returned in 1818, and settled in Randolph County, west of Sparta, on what is known as “Temple Hill,” and there built a house which was the first erected there. He remained there until the spring of 1821, when he removed to the south side of Grand Cote prairie about two and a half miles south of Coulterville, where he opened a farm, and there continued the peaceful avocation of a farmer until his death, which occurred in 1840. He married Margaret MURDOCK of Virginia. She survived her husband a few years and died in 1843.

By that union there were eleven children, who grew to maturity. One of her sons, the father of the subject of this sketch, was named Henry Hodge ELLIOTT. He was born in Virginia, February 18, 1801, and was but thirteen years of age when the family first settled in the American Bottom. He returned to Georgia with his father, and came back with the family to Illinois the second time, and here grew to manhood, followed farming and remained in the precinct until his death, which took place March 4t^h, 1872. He married Miss Margaret, daughter of James and Elizabeth (McBRIDE) COUCH. Her mother was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, born in the north of Ireland, and was but eight years of age when her parents landed in Charleston, South Carolina.

Margaret Couch ELLIOTT was born August 9^th, 1810, and departed this life August 7^th, 1847. By the union of Henry H. and Margaret ELLIOTT there were seven children, two sons and five daughters.

William P., one of the sons, was born July 31^st, 1836, and died in Andersonville prison in September 1864, in his twenty-ninth year. He enlisted in Co. “C” of the 30^th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was taken prisoner before Atlanta July 22d, 1864, sent to Andersonville prison, and there died as did thousands of others from exposure, neglect and lack of sufficient to eat.

Catharine was the eldest daughter. She was born July 24^th, 1847, and died in her sixteenth year. Jane was the wife of William GALLEGLY. She died April 24^th, 1873, in her fortieth year. She left five children. Frances Elizabeth was the wife of Joseph LIVELY. She died without issue April 10^th, 1870, in her thirty-first year. Mary W., wife of John W. LIVELY, died March 14^th, 1876, in her thirty-fifth year, leaving four children. Rachael C. died February 12^th, 1870, in her twenty-fifth year.

James Couch ELLIOTT, the subject of this sketch, is the eldest of the family and the only survivor. He was born in Randolph County, Illinois, near Sparta, January 6^th, 1830. He was reared on the farm, and acquired his primary education in the subscription schools of his neighborhood. From fifteen to twenty-one he hired out, and his wages went to the support of the family only retaining enough to clothe himself. He attended one term at the Academy in Sparta, and then taught school for several terms. At the age of twenty he entered the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, and graduated from that institution. He had resolved to enter the ministry of the United Presbyterian Church, and with that idea in view he spent three terms of seven months each in the Theological Seminary at Monmouth, Illinois. He was licensed to preach May 7^th, 1862, and regularly ordained a minister of the church Oct. 7^th, 1863. In the latter year he went to Wyoming in Iowa County, Wisconsin, and was the “Supply” for six months, after which he became the pastor of the Wyoming and Blue Mound United Presbyterian Congregations, and remained in charge until in February, 1868. In July of the same year he was called to the pastorate of the Bethel Congregation in Grand Cote, Perry County, and has remained in charge up to the present, a period of nearly fifteen years. On the 14^th of April, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia A. MORELAND of Randolph County, Illinois. She was the daughter of James and Margaret MORELAND. She died December 7^th, 1873, leaving one son, named William Zwingli ELLIOTT, now in attendance at the Academy in Coulterville, Illinois.

On the 10^th of October 1876, he married Miss Maggie, daughter of Rev. James and Nancy (McCLANAHAN) HENDERSON, of Oakdale, Washington County, Illinois. MRS. ELLIOTT was born near Madison City, Indiana. Politically, MR. ELLIOTT votes the Republican ticket, but takes no further interest than exercising the right and duty of every American citizen by casting his ballot. He is very much in favor of prohibition, and regards the licensing of saloons, an offense against religion, good morals and the best interest of society.

REFERENCE: COMBINED HISTORY OF RANDOLPH, MONROE, AND PERRY COUNTIES ILLINOIS – Biographical Sketches of some of their Prominent Men and Pioneers, Published by J. L. McDonough & Co., Philadelphia 1883 Pgs. 430 & 431

Transcribed by Carolyn Whitaker Email: atsissie@aol.com

CAPTAIN William M. ADAIR

Was born in Randolph County, January 6, 1837. The family is of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His grandfather came to America from North Ireland, and settled in South Carolina, and there his son William was born in 1781. The latter grew to manhood, and was a soldier in the war of 1812, under GEN. JACKSON. Soon after that war he came north to Illinois, and settled in Perry County, on “Six Mile Prairie;” subsequently removed to Randolph County to a place eight miles east of Kaskaskia, on the Shawneetown road. He died in Perry County while back here looking after the improvement of land that he had entered, the date of which was in 1856. He was also a soldier in the war of 1831-32, with Black Hawk, and was major of the regiment. He was appointed Receiver of the Land office, a few years before his death, and was in that position when he died. Soon after he first came to Perry County, he married the daughter of James BROWN. She died, leaving two children, one of whom is yet living. He afterwards married Mrs.. Rebecca LACEY, widow of John LACEY. Her maiden name was TAGGART. She was of Irish parentage, and born in South Carolina. She died in 1877, aged eight-two years. By this marriage there were two children, twins, son and daughter.

The daughter is the wife of Frank MOORE, a resident of Randolph County.

William Miles ADAIR, the son, was reared upon the farm; received a fair English education, and remained at home until the breaking out of the late war, when he enlisted for three years in company “C,” of the 30^th regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. On the organization of the company he was elected Orderly Sergeant. The regiment was brigaded at Cairo, and formed a part of the 3d Brigade, 3d Division of the 17^th Army Corps, Gen. McPherson commanding. The regiment received its first baptism of fire at the battle of Belmont, and subsequently participated in the capture of Forts Donaldson and Henry, siege of Corinth; marched to Jackson; was in the battle of Britain’s Lane, in Tennessee, then to Memphis and to Vicksburg; took part in the siege and capture, and in the meantime was in the battle of Champion Hills.

While at Vicksburg the 30^th regiment veteranized, then came home on a furlough; returned and was in the Atlanta campaign, and in the fight before Atlanta, on the 22d of July, 1864. Mr. Adair was taken prisoner, and was held until the 1^st of September, of the same year, when under an arrangement between the Generals of the Union and Rebel armies, he and others that were captured were exchanged. He joined Sherman’s forces, and then went with him in his memorable march to the sea, up through the Carolinas and to Washington, where he participated in the Grand Review. The company was mustered out at Somerville, and finally discharged at Springfield, July 17, 1865, having been in the service a few days lacking four years. He enlisted August 20, 1861. He entered as a private; was elected Orderly Sergeant, commissioner 2d Lieutenant, January 28, 1862; 1st Lieutenant, May 16, 1863, and commissioned Captain of the Company, August 20, 1864. Captain Adair was in every battle and skirmish in which his company and regiment participated, except those occurring when he was a prisoner, which was only a few weeks.

After the war he returned to Randolph County, and engaged in farming. In 1872 he came to Perry County, and he continued in same avocation up to 1880, when he came to the village of Swanwick, and engaged in mercantile business, in which he still continues. He married Miss Parthena, daughter of John and Florinda (UHLES) HARMON. She was born in Randolph County, September 11, 1844, and died March 10, 1882, leaving no children. Capt. Adair is a member of the United Presbyterian church.

REFERENCE: COMBINED HISTORY OF RANDOLPH, MONROE, AND PERRY COUNTIES ILLINOIS – Biographical Sketches of some of their Prominent Men and Pioneers, Published by J. L. McDonough & Co., Philadelphia 1883 Page 431 (NOTE: There is more on page 432, but I do not have that page)

Transcribed by Carolyn Whitaker Email: atsissie@aol.com

JOHN T. McBRIDE BIOGRAPHY

Quite a colony of enterprising citizens came to Randolph County early in the present century, 1804 from South Carolina whose ancestors were from the northern part of Ireland, and yet earlier from the mountain portions of Scotland, among them was the grandfather and father of the subject of this sketch

William McBride, the father, was a substantial farmer, who had, by his industry acquired a good competency, and was always considered as one of the leading men in his section, in everything pertaining to schools and the general interest of society, leaving to his children the valuable injunction---"Be useful and you will be happy." He filled various offices of trust and honor, among others, that of Capt. of a Company of Rangers in 1812; County School Superintendent; Member of County Board; and represented his district in the State Legislature. He died in 1856, in the seventy second year of his age, and was laid by the side of his wife, Eliza, daughter of William Nelson, who was also an early pioneer settler, in the Nelson Cemetery, four miles south of Red Bud.

John T. McBride, was born March 15, 1838, on his father's homestead in the western part of Randolph County. He was the ninth in order of birth of a family of ten children. His earlier years were passed upon the farm attending school during the winter months. In 1858 he taught school; about this time an accident befell him which caused him to use crutches much of the time for three years. A horse running with him fell backwards upon him crippling him in the ankle. Rheumatism set in with the above result.

During this time he taught school and in 1860, was elected Assessor and Treasurer of the county and re-elected without any opposition in 1862. In 1864 he was elected Sheriff, and again in 1868.

In 1873, his brief rest from public service was broken by his being elected County Clerk, during which time, at the urgent request of many friends he served a term as Mayor of the City of Chester, but could not be induced to agree to re-election. At the end of his term as Clerk, he refused being a candidate for re-election, preferring retiring in order to devote himself to his private business. But in 1878 at the strong solicitation of many friends, and against his own wishes at the time, he consented to accept the nomination of his party for Representative, and was elected a member of the State Legislature from this district.

In 1880 he received the nomination of his party, for State Senator, and was only defeated by a small majority, caused by too great a confidence of himself and friends at the election, and the general political Tidal Wave, of that year, which in many places swept away large majorities; in each of these various positions, he acquitted himself with market ability, being universally regarded as an efficient and faithful public officer.

He was married to Miss Mary A. WILSON, a daughter of one of the early settlers, April 21st, 1859; she died December 28th, 1861. By her, he had a daughter, Eliza G. who is now a highly respected teacher in the Red Bud schools.

His second marriage took place March 4th, 1873. Mary C. SMITH was the former name of his second wife; she was born and raised in Chester and was the daughter of Davis SMITH; a son by this union survives, William K. S. McBRIDE. She died Jan. 20th, 1876.

Mr. McBride was the third time married to Mrs. Mary E. GIVIN, March 1st, 1882. She was a BROWN, and like himself this is her third marriage. Her first husband, having been A. V. BURK and her second James GIVIN, both highly esteemed and early settlers of Randolph County.

Mr. McBride has been a steadfast Democrat in politics, and has always taken an active interest in public affairs. His honest and integrity of character together with a general disposition to make himself useful, by being a live active worker in everything to advance the interest, and promote the prosperity of his county and section, and his frank, jovial manner, with his friends form the basis of his popularity. He is a man who never betrayed a trust; he has been faithful to the interests of the county, to his party and every confidence reposed in him.

And although generous to a fault, he has by his industry and perseverance, acquired a good competency, and is to-day one of the substantial citizen of the county, occupying a worthy place, among those in the front rank who are enjoying the highest marks of popular esteem.

Transcribed by Carolyn Whitaker Email: atsissie@aol.com

MATLOCK AND WASSELL

Are the publishers and editors of that recognized leader among Republican journals of southern Illinois, the Chester Tribune. They are both young, energetic, determined men.

J. B. MATLACK was born in the city of St. Louis, Mo., June 7, 1847. His parents were William I., and Harriet A. MATLACK, the one a native of New Jersey, the other of Maryland. When sixteen years of age Mr. Matlack entered the office of the “Star of the West,” at Sparta, to learn the printer’s art; thence to Chester, where he engaged on the “Picket Guard” as a typo; then to the “Clarion” office, where he worked off the first copy of that paper. Next to Belleville as assistant foreman in the “Advocate” office, when patent outsides were issued there from. The business management of the Nashville Journal was entrusted to him in 1870. This paper he bought in 1872; sold out to Wassell Brothers, and went into the State Auditor’s office, Springfield, Ill., in 1876. In 1881 he bought the “Tribune,” in connection with Wassell. He was married to Emily WASSELL of Chester, October 18, 1869; by her he has two children living, one dead.

James F. WASSELL is a native of Chester, where he was born May 10, 1856. Charles WASSELL, his father, is a merchant tailor of this city. James learned the printer’s trade in the home offices. In various capacities he has been connected with the Nashville Journal, (of which he became part proprietor in 1876), and a paper in Petersburg, Menard County, where he was foreman. In 1880 he returned to his home, and in 1881 became associated with Mr. Matlack in the management of the Tribune.

They are making a fine success of their paper, possessed as they are of thorough practical knowledge acquired by long experience in the work, and of a familiarity with the expectations of the reading public in a paper’s make-up. It is fast becoming a recognized power in behalf of Republicanism throughout southern Illinois.

Transcribed by Carolyn Whitaker, Email: atsissie@aol.com

WARREN N. WILSON

The ranks of the legal profession are largely recruited from among farmers’ ambitious sons. Such an one was Warren N. WILSON. He was born February 8, 1821, on the present site of the village of Baldwin. His parents were James and Jennie WILSON, (nee McBRIDE.) They were natives of this county. George WILSON, his grandfather was one of the pioneers, coming here as he did in 1806. The WILSON’s were study (sturdy) energetic men, possessed of that vim and push so necessary in reaping success from frontier life.

Warren N. WILSON obtained in the home schools a fair education, and having determined to leave the path his father before him had trodden, i.e. farm life, for professional labor, entered Shurtliff College, Upper Alton, Illinois, where he attended three years. He next commenced the study of law with HARTZEL and JOHNSON, and in 1877, after passing a highly creditable examination, was admitted to practice at the bar. Recognizing his eminent fitness for discharging the duties of the office, Judge WATTS appointed him Master in Chancery in 1880, a position he yet holds and the duties of which he discharges with fidelity and care. Early in life Mr. WILSON espoused the cause of Democracy and vigorously defended its principles. His first Presidential vote was cast for Horace Greeley. He entertains the faith of his fathers, being, as were they, a member of the Presbyterian Church. His wife’s maiden name was Helen CRITTENDEN, a daughter of Richard CRITTENDEN of old Kentucky. She adorns her station in life with the true grace of a daughter of Kentucky. By her Mr. WILSON has two bright children, John Thurman AND Edmond CRITTENDEN by name.

In the practice of his profession Mr. WILSON is earnest, pains-taking and is winning a fair share of practice; as a citizen he is a social, high-minded, and true to his friends.

Transcribed by Carolyn WHITAKER Email: atsissie@aol.com

Last Updated: July 30, 2000