Macoupin County

Julius Behme, Jr. This gentleman who is the original of this sketch owns a good farm located on section 21, Nilwood Township. He is of German parentage and birth and now is in the meridian of life, having been born April 2, 1840, in Brunswick, Germany. The early years of his life were spent in his native place where he received the drill in technical as well as mental education that is an indispensable adjunct in German school life. When fifteen years of age he emigrated with his parents to America. His father was Julius Behme, and his mother Anna … Read more

Benjamin A. Beckner. Virginia has for years boasted of being the birthplace of some of our most prominent men and indeed it is no small honor to have given to the world such men as Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Clay and Lee. There is always a satisfaction in associating one’s self, even in a remote way with those who have accomplished so much in making our country one of the grandest that time has ever known. Our subject, Benjamin A. Beckner, who resides on section 14, North Otter Township, is a native of Virginia. His father, John Beckner, was also there … Read more

Charles Black. The resident on and owner of the farm located on section 17, of Shipman Township, is the gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch. His father was Robert Black who was probably born in Pennsylvania. His mother was Isabella (Skelton) Black. They came from Pennsylvania to Ohio and settled in the Hocking Valley where both died after a life of usefulness, the mother rearing a family of six children, imbuing their young minds with an early sense of honor and uprightness that has served them well in their relations both business and social throughout their … Read more

Joseph Bird. The annals of American biography are filled with records of heroic endeavors on the part of brave boys who at the same time that they were burdened by poverty, cherished a burning ambition to excel in some branch of human knowledge or skill. Many a noble boy has not only tenderly cared for the dear ones who have been left destitute by their father’s death but has also planned for the acquisition of a liberal education that he might become fitted for the work to which he looked forward. Such an experience has been his of whom we … Read more

Dr. John P. Binney, who is now living a retired life, resides on a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 36, Staunton Township. He is of English birth and a native of Sheffield, Yorkshire, where he was born on the 3d of July, 1819. His parents were also Yorkshire people. At the early age of fifteen years, he entered upon the study of medicine and surgery in Lancaster, England, under Dr. William Prescott, with whom he remained until his emigration to America in the year 1842. Hearing very favorable reports of this country and the advantages … Read more

Although not brought up as a farmer, having been a manufacturer and tradesman in his early life, Thomas Bielby carries on successfully the large farm of four hundred acres which he owns on section 32, Western Mound Township. He is of English birth and parentage, having been born in Yorkshire, England, August 14, 1818, where he remained until manhood. In his early youth he learned the trade of a boot and shoemaker, serving as an apprentice from the time he was thirteen years old until he became of age. This is why English goods are so superior to those made … Read more

William T. Beeby. It is pleasing to see a man who, having attained years that entitle him to the rest and enjoyment of a retrospective view of life, can retire from the active pursuits and enjoy the afternoon of his existence in the peace and serenity consequent upon a knowledge that he has made his struggle well and bravely, and that the results are the award of his present peaceful condition. The gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch, after a long life spent in agricultural pursuits, is now enjoying the fruits of his labor in his … Read more

Ferdinand Bernard, dealer in lumber and farming implements, of Brighton, established business in that place in May, 1884, as the successor of G. H. Aylworth. He carries all kinds of plain and dressed lumber and other building materials and also has a complete line of agricultural implements. He was born in Nassau, Germany, where his father, William Bernard, was also born and reared and spent his entire life as a teacher. He died in his native land when little past the prime of life. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Schmidt, was born and reared in Nassau, Germany, and … Read more

John Bennett, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 17, Brighton Township, where he owns one hundred and seventy-seven acres of highly improved land, has made his home upon that farm since 1853. He is therefore entitled to be classed among the honored early settlers of the community. The greater part of his land has been placed under cultivation by himself and all of the buildings and improvements seen thereon stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. As Mr. Bennett is well and favorably known we feel assured that his sketch will prove of interest to … Read more

Alexander H. Bell, of Carlinville, is known and honored as a lawyer who has risen to eminence among the members of the bar of this county through personal merit and devotion to his profession. He is a native born citizen of this State; Troy, Madison County, his birthplace, and October 29, 1853, the date of his birth. He is the son of Thomas H. Bell, who was born at Cambridge, Dorchester County, Md., where also his father is thought to have been born and passed his life. The latter, Robert Bell, was a merchant and planter, his plantation being worked … Read more