Page 729

SETH WICKHAM, a representative farmer of Gardner Township, residing on section 29, is a native of New Jersey, and on the maternal side is of Holland extraction. His parents, Hull and Phoebe (Evans) Wickham, were also natives of the same State, born in Sussex County. Their marriage was celebrated in New Jersey, where was born unto them five children. With a desire to benefit his financial condition, accompanied by his family, he emigrated westward, and in the early days of Ohio's history settled in Licking County. He purchased a farm on the bank of Licking Creek and built a log house in which they began life in the West in true pioneer style. There the family was increased by the birth of six children, but of the entire number only one is now living. The tract of land which Mr. Wickham located was covered with timber, and it was no easy task to transform it into a fertile farm, but by the aid of his sons the work was accomplished. He continued his residence in Licking County until his death which occurred in 1850. He had served his country in the War of 1812, and had ever faithfully discharged his duties of citizenship. In political sentiment he was a Whig, and was an adherent of the faith of the Methodist Church, in which he held membership some years. Mrs. Wickham continued to reside in Licking County for two years after the death of her husband, and then accompanied our subject to Illinois, where she spent her remaining days.

The eleven children born unto this worthy couple were Elenore, who died in Richland County, Ill.; Gideon, a resident of Licking County, Ohio; Thomas, who died in Ohio; William, who was located in Richland County, Ohio; Sarah, whose death occurred in Wayne County, Ill.; and Hannah, who died in Davis County, Mo. The next three - Seth, Elmos and Louisa, were triplets. The first is our subject; the second died of scarlet fever in Ohio at the age of ten years; and Louisa died in the twenty-second year of her age; Mary, the next younger, died in Richland County, Ill.; and the death of George, who completes the family, also occurred in the Buckeye State.

Seth Wickham was born on his father's farm in Licking County, Ohio, near Newark, on the 30th of October, 1824. A corner of that farm was cut off by the Ohio Canal. In the development of the land our subject bore an active part, as his older brothers had many of them left home, which threw the work upon his young shoulders. His educational advantages were necessarily limited, for had the opportunities been other than were afforded in the log school houses in that day, he had not the time to attend. He continued the cultivation of the old homestead in Ohio for two years after his father's death, when he decided to make a change in the scene of his labors. In the autumn of 1851, traveling in a two horse wagon, he visited Illinois, and determined to here make a location. Carrying out that resolution, on the 20th of March, 1852, with his mother and brother he started for Sangamon County. Their household effects were loaded in a two-horse wagon and a carriage completed the outfit. At length arriving at their destination, Mr. Wickham, with borrowed money, purchased two hundred and forty acres of land at $15 per acre. It rained almost incessently that summer and hardly enough was raised to keep the team, but he struggled on, made such improvements as he could, and in the fall of 1853 sold out at an advance of $6 on the acre. He then purchased eighty acres, paying $1,440, the improvements on which consisted of a log house. There is little resemblance between the farm of today and that of thirty-seven years ago. Its boundaries have been extended until it comprises one hundred acres, good barns have been built, a pleasant home has been erected and many other improvements, both useful and ornamental in character are there seen. A spring of living water is another of its attractions. In addition to the cultivation of his land, Mr. Wickham also engaged in stock raising, making a specialty of cattle and hogs. He is an good judge of horseflesh, and has seventeen head of horses, including one thoroughbred, Trixie, and some fine draft horses. In 1878 he purchased one hundred and thirty-five acres of land valued at $7,800, upon which he made a number of good improvements, afterward making a gift of it to his son. Altogether, Mr. Wickham's life has been a prosperous one. Through kindness of heart he was induced to go as security for supposed friends at different times, and thereby lost several thousands of dollars, but he overcame these adversities, and is now in comfortable circumstances.

A marriage ceremony performed in Gardner Township united the destinies of Mr. Wickham and Miss Margaret Ray, a native of Sangamon County, and a daughter of Thomas Ray, who coming to Illinois from Kentucky, became a well-to-do farmer of Gardner Township, where he died at the advanced age of eighty years, respected by all who knew him. He served in the Black Hawk War. The death of Mrs. Wickham occurred in 1867, and our subject was a second time married on the 31st of September, 1868, the lady of his choice being Cornelia (Frazee) Large, the daughter of Henry S. and Sarah (Van Patton) Frazee. Her father was born in Monmouth County, N.J., April 16, 1811, and on the 5th of November, 1836, in Somerset County, married Miss Van Patton. Her parents, Mindert and Hannah (Cooper) Van Patton, were natives of New York and Pennsylvania respectively, the former born in Schoharie County, January 20, 1793, and the latter March 13, 1796. In 1838 they came to Sangamon County, Ill., where he worked at his trade of carpentering and wagon making in connection with farming. His death occurred in Gardner Township, August 17, 1861, caused by being thrown from a horse. His wife died on the 9th of January of the same year. Mr. and Mrs. Frazee are still residents of this county, making their home with our subject. He is a carpenter by trade, and although he purchased a farm in Gardner Township, devoted his energies principally to his occupation. They are the parents of four children - Cornelia A.; Mrs. Hannah Large, of Kansas; Mrs. Elizabeth Whitatk, who died in Cass County, Ill.; and Mrs. Maggie Beach, who died in Gardner Township.

The children of Mr. Wickham are Thomas W., a resident farmer of Gardner Township, who is represented on another page of this work; and Minnie L. at home. The father manifests considerable interest in educational affairs, and has served as School Director for many years. He has also been Pathmaster, has served on the grand and petit juries, is a member of the Anti-Horse Thief Association, and in political sentiment is a Republican.