NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - The Schuyler Citizen, June 15, 1859
We had the pleasure of visiting our former townsman, Mr. Eliphalet Munson, now of McDonough County - his farm, about 4 miles north of Doddsville has been drained by BLIND DITCHES.
FROM THE HISTORY OF TENNESSEE TOWNSHIP, McDONOUGH COUNTY, ILLINOIS
The Tennessee stoneware and tile works were erected in 1881, by Stoffer & Son, who conducted the business until October, 1883, when E. P. Munson purchased an interest in the concern, and the firm name was then changed to Stoffer & Company. In March, 1884, Mr. Munson purchased the interest of the Stoffers, since which time he has operated the institution alone. The workshop is about 20x60 feet in dimensions, with an L 40x40 feet, all of which is two stories high. Two 14 foot kilns are operated, which have a capacity of about 4,500 gallons each. They manufacture about two kilns per week, and when running at their full capacity, the works give employment to 12 or 14 men. In addition to the building already mentioned, there is a warehouse about 50x50 feet in ground area for the storage of the products of the works, which are operated principally for the manufacture of pottery. The clay is obtained at a bank owned by Mr. Munson, situated about two miles north of the village of Tennessee, which is of excellent quality. The products of this factory rank among the foremost of the country.
E. P. Munson, proprietor of the Tennessee stoneware and tile works, is a native of the state of Vermont, and was born on the 11th of June, 1817, his parents being Theodore and Lydia (Philbrook) Munson. He attended school in his native county, and when he had reached the age of 15 years, his parents removed to Schuyler county Illinois. There our subject made his home until March, 1853, when he came to McDonough county, and settled in Industry township, eight miles south of Macomb, and still owns 160 acres of the land on which he then settled. In 1883, Mr. Munson purchased an interest in the stoneware and tile works in Tennessee village, and in 1884 he became sole manager and proprietor of the same. He was married in Hancock county, Illinois, on the 16th day of January, 1840, to Catherine Sanders, a native of Beardstown, Cass county. They have had eight children: William T., who served three years in the Illinois cavalry. He was under Grant until the latter was called to the Potomac. He was hurt in the battle of Holly Springs, and was in numerous other battles; he now lives in Carroll county, Missouri. Daniel, now living in Sumner county, Kansas; Mary, living in Industry township; Lydia (Butcher) now in Carroll county, Missouri; Edith, now in Springfield, Illinois; Nora, living in Tennessee township; Louisa C., now married and lives in Chenoa, Illinois, and Iola, now living in Tennessee township.
OBITUARY
Eliphet P. Munson
. . . and most prominent person of this township died at 5:30 o'clock Thursday morning, May 9, of old age and complications at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. L. Kirkpatrick, living northwest of town. Funeral services were held at the Kirkpatrick residence Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock; interment in Camp Creek cemetery.
Eliphet P. Munson was born in the state of Vermont, June 11, 1817, his age being 89 years 10 months and 28 days. With his parents he removed to this state at the age of 15 years; locating in Schuyler county. There he lived until March, 1853, when he removed to this county, locating in this township, where he resided for many years. On Jan. 16, 1840 he married in Hancock county to Catherine Sanders, she having died a number of years ago.
For a number of years he followed farming but afterward engaged in the pottery business at Tennessee, taking possession of same in 1883 and conducting that business for some time. He was also engaged in the grocery business in Macomb at one time and also at Oregon, Ill. Of late years he was so feebled by advanced age and made his home with his different children. For some time he resided with his daughters in Houston, Texas, but his health becoming poor he returned to the home of his daughter in this township something over a ago where he remained until his death. Since May of last year he had been confined to his bed and his decline has been gradual. He bore the suffering of his last days with patience and fortitude, and with his death another old citizen passes to his reward.
He was the father of ten children of whom survive - Wm T., Tina, Mo.; Mrs. Mary Kirkpatrick, Industry township; Mrs. Lydia Ellis, Carroll county, Mo.; Mrs. Edith James, Beardstown; Mrs. Nora Clark and Mrs. Louise C. Franklin, both of Houston, Tex. Two children died in infancy and two - Daniel and Iola - since reaching their maturity.
GRAVE MARKER
LYDIA S. LYDIA
WIFE OF WIFE OF
Wm. SANDERS THEODORE MUNSON
BORN BORN
APRIL 4, 1796. APRIL 10, 1783.
DIED DIED
APRIL 14, 1866. MAY 14, 1866.
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E. P. Munson CATHARINE
BORN HIS WIFE
JUNE 11, 1817. BORN
DIED JAN. 22, 1821.
MAY 9, 1907. DIED
JAN. 28, 1866.
BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART
FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD
THEIR INFANT SON
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