ADDISON W. McPHEETERS, the efficient and popular Postmaster of Sullivan, and one of the leading citizens of that place, where he has resided for eight years, is numbered among the early settlers of Moultrie County, of 1852. He has the honor of being a native-born citizen of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Morgan County, on the 1st of July, 1834. His parents, Addison and Julia (Pogue) McPheeters, were natives of Kentucky, and after their marriage emigrated to Morgan County, Ill., in 1833. Twelve years they spent in that county, and then returned to Fayette County, Ky., but in 1852 we again find them in Illinois, and the following year the father purchased a good farm in this locality, on which he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1879, at the age of eighty-five years. He was a Whig and Republican in politics, and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. His wife, who was born about 1801, died during the winter of 1844, in Fayette County, Ky. She was a Presbyterian in religious belief, and like her husband was highly esteemed. The family numbered four children, but two are now deceased. The twin brothers, Addison and Rankin, are yet living. The latter is married and engages in farming in Nelson Township.

Our subject returned with his parents to Kentucky, but was living in Moultrie County, Ill., when he attained to mature years. As before intimated, his residence here covers a period of almost forty years. After arriving at man's estate he led to the marriage altar Miss Margaret Lynn, a native of Jefferson County, Ky., born in 1848, and a daughter of James and Belinda (Welch) Lynn, who were natives of Kentucky, having lived in Jefferson County, that State, until 1855, when with their family they came to Illinois, where both Mr. and Mrs. Lynn died when past sixty years of age. They lived the life of farming people, and in religious belief were Presbyterians, while in political faith Mr. Lynn was a stanch Republican. In the family are three children, yet living — Mrs. McPheeters; George W., who is married and resides in Eureka Spring, Ark., where he is engaged in the real-estate business; and Martha, wife of John Williams, of Decatur, Ill.

Among the first to enlist in Moultrie County after the breaking out of the late war was our subject, who responded to the call for troops and became a member of the Twenty-first Illinois Infantry. The regiment was then commanded by Col. U. S. Grant, and the company by Capt. John Love. Joining the Army of the Cumberland, the troops fought at Frederickstown, Mo., Perry ville, Ky., Champion Hill, and in the battle of Stone River, under Gen. McCook. Then came the Atlanta campaign, and the Twenty-first Regiment remained with Sherman until after the battle at that city, when it was sent back to fight Hood at Nashville. After veteranizing and being assigned to the Fourth Army Corps, the troops were sent to Texas by way of New Orleans, camping for two weeks on the battle ground, near the Crescent City. At San Antonio, Tex., the regiment was mustered out December 16, 1865, and on the 18th of January of the new year arrived at Camp Cutler, where the brave boys in blue were honorably discharged. Mr. McPheeters had enlisted as private, but during the first year of his service was made Sergeant, and held that office until his discharge. He was never wounded or captured, but was always found at his post, faithfully discharged every duty.

On his return from the war, Mr. McPheeters again went to his farm in Nelson Township, and devoted his energies to its cultivation and improvement until 1880, when he was stricken with paralysis and lost the use of his lower limb. Shortly afterward he came to Sullivan, where he has since made his home and is now filling the position of Postmaster with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. He and his family hold a high position in social circles, and are widely known throughout this community. In politics Mr. McPheeters is a stalwart Republican and an earnest worker in the interests of the party. He holds membership with the Presbyterian Church, and his wife belongs to the Methodist Church. Their family numbers six interesting children — Nettie L., George R., Leroy, Addison P., Frank and Julia P. Miss Nettie, who is a graduate of the Sullivan High School, is now assisting her father in the office.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 643/644

Transcription copyright 2003/2007, Moultrie County ILGenWeb/USGenWeb