Jacob Tindall
SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887
SURNAMES: FERGUSON, HOLMES, LEACH, MARTIN, TINDALL
JACOB TINDALL. This gentleman in 1876, after having been successfully engaged in various enterprises, in all of which he was remarkably successful, turned his attention to farming pursuits, and selected for his future operations a fine tract of land consisting of 191 acres on section 31, Homer Township. He had abundant faith in his venture, and time has proved that he was correct in regard to the capacities of the soil and his own judgment in presiding over its cultivation. The farm is finely laid off in pasture lands and grain fields, Mr. Tindall devoting his attention principally to the breeding of Short-horn cattle. It is said by those who are judges of stock, that his animals are scarcely to be equaled in any section of the State. He has been particularly fortunate in his selections, and they have been given the care and treatment necessary to the development of their finest points.
Our subject's birth took place in Morgan County, this State, on the 10th of April, 1840. His parents were Jacob T. and Isabella (FERGUSON) TINDALL; the former born in Delaware, in February, 1800, and the latter in the city of Baltimore, Nov. 30, 1805. The mother of our subject was the daughter of Robert FERGUSON, of Scotland. Jacob Tindall in early life learned the trade of carpenter in Philadelphia, Pa., and for many years was in the employ of the well known capitalist, Stephen Girard. Later he removed to Morgan County, Ill., and engaged in farming pursuits. He was a man of limited education, quiet in his habits, and was a keen but silent observer of what was going on around him, thus gaining a good fund of general information. He became a member of the Masonic fraternity during the early years of its organization, and was a man of deep religious convictions, being connected with the Christian Church, and was often was the host of Alexander Campbell, who put up at his house and shared his hospitality. The mother was a member of the same church, and is still living, making her home in Jacksonville, Ill.
Jacob TINDALL, Jr., remained a resident of his native county until reaching manhood, in the meantime receiving a common-school education and learning the trade of carpenter from his father. He was occupied by the latter until the breaking out of the Rebellion, and enlisted first with the 100-days men in the 145th Illinois Infantry. At the expiration of that time, determining to see the fight to the end, he re-enlisted in Co. E, 58th Ill. Vol. Inf., as a private, being mustered in at Camp Butler for the three years service. He was soon promoted First Sergeant. With his comrades he followed the fortunes of the regiment in its tedious marching through the South and its various encounters with the enemy, being present at the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and engaged in many other important battles of the war. At its close he received his honorable discharge and returned to his home in Morgan County, where he resumed his trade of carpenter.
In 1865 Mr. Tindall crossed the Mississippi and went over into Missouri, where, for eight months following, he was employed as clerk in a drugstore. Upon returning to Illinois he took up his abode in Ayers Township, this county, and for the first time in his life began to work on a farm, not as a labor, but as foreman of a tract which was called the Broad Lands, owned by John Alexander. Two years later he was promoted, and given larger liberties and more responsibilities. At the end of three years, during which time he had been economical and saved quite a little sum of money, he was enabled to purchase a quarter section of land in Vermilion County. This he sold a year later, and receiving a tempting offer to engage in the drug business, purchased stock and set up a store, which he conducted for three years. At the end of this time he sold out, and going to Danville engaged in the livery business. This also proved a fortunate venture, and at the end of two years he was enabled to purchase a valuable tract of 191 acres, which he still owns and occupies. In the spring of 1885 his house was destroyed by fire. He then moved a house from another part of the farm, and is now living in it.
The lady who for the last seventeen years has presided with dignity and excellent judgment over his household affairs, and has proved herself full worthy to have been the companion of her husband, was in her girlhood Miss Ella M. HOLMES, to whom he was married the 29th of December, 1870, the service being performed by Rev. Heath, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Tindall is a native of the same county as her husband, and was born Nov. 10, 1844. Her parents, Robert and Mary (LEACH) HOLMES, were natives of England, the father born in Scarborough and the mother in Gool. The mother had been previously married to a Mr. MARTIN. Her death took place in Morgan County, April 28, 1858. Robert Holmes died Sept.13, 1847. Mrs. Tindall was reared by her grandparents in Morgan County, Ill. The children of our subject and wife were born as follows; Robert E., born April 12, 1872, died the 6th of July following; Almah I., born March 3, 1874, died Aug. 17, 1875; Mary V., born Aug. 19, 1877; Ella J., Dec.10, 1879.
Mr. and Mrs. Tindall after their marriage, located in Vermilion County, where they lived until taking possession of their present farm. Politically, Mr. T. is a "true-blue" Republican, and has held various township offices, being Commissioner of Highways three years, a member of the Town Board for five years, and School Trustee. He is connected with the I. O. O. F., Lima Lodge No. 4, and Encampment No. 9, at Jacksonville. He also belongs to Homer Lodge No. 199, A. F. & A. M., the various offices of which he has filled with credit to himself, and satisfaction to the brethren. He takes a genuine interest in the educational and moral welfare of his community, and is a man whose opinions are generally respected.