Charles T. Palmer
| CHARLES T. PAINTER, deceased, was born in Mercer County, Pa., near New Castle,
on the 18th of February, 1831, and is a son of Joseph and Jane (Graham) Painter. Upon a farm he was reared to manhood, and during the winter season he attended the district schools of the neighborhood, thus acquiring a fair English education. He became a resident of Illinois in 1836, at which time his parents emigrated westward with their family. The trip was made by water, and they located in Hancock County upon a farm in La Harpe Township.
Mr. Painter of this sketch there remained until 1850, when he came to Terre Haute Township, Henderson County, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 16, where his widow resides. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made on the place, but he at once began its development and cultivation. In 1849 Mr. Painter made a trip to California, attracted by the discovery of gold. The party with which he traveled crossed the river at Omaha, and, journeying by ox-teams, reached their destination after six months of travel, locating near Oroville. There Mr. Painter engaged in prospecting and mining for three years with fair success, and then returned to his home by way of the water route. Here he engaged in farming. In August, 1862, Mr. Painter was found among the defenders of his country, enlisting in the Union army as a member of Company G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Infantry. He was mustered in at Camp Butler, in Springfield, with the rank of Second Lieutenant, and went with Gen. Sherman to Vicksburg. He participated in the battles of Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Millikin's Bend, the siege of Vicksburg, and the engagements at Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge and Jackson. He also took part in many raids and smaller engagements. He was never wounded or taken prisoner, but was always found at his post of duty, faithfully defending the Old Flag and the cause it represented, and in recognition of his service he was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. In October, 1865, the war having ended, he was honorably discharged and returned to his home. On Christmas Day, 1867, Mr. Painter was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Evans, a native of Owen County, Ind., and to them were born five children, as follows: Eva, who died in infancy; Joseph E., who married Ada Kimball, and carries on farming in Henderson County; Frank E., who wedded Clara Apt, and is an agriculturist of this community ; and Ralph T. and Charles C, both at home. After his return from the war, Mr. Painter was continuously engaged in farming up to the time of his death. His life was ever a busy and useful one, and was filled with a number of interesting experiences. He traveled across the continent, took part in the greatest war that ever occurred on the Western Hemisphere, and was connected with the mining experiences of California. In his farming operations he was successful, and acquired eight hundred acres of valuable land in Henderson County. His sterling worth and strict integrity won him many friends, and his death was widely mourned. He passed away May 30, 1892. Mrs. Painter still survives her husband, and with her two sons is still living on the old home farm, which comprises six hundred and forty acres of valuable land. Here she has a good home, and the property left her supplies her with the comforts and conveniences of this life. From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894) |
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