Charles M. Hull

Charles M. Hull, son of Harry and Sarah (Shaw) Hull, was born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., in 1836. His father, a native of Vermont, was born near the New Hampshire line in 1799, and his grandfather in New Hampshire in 1758. This latter man served through the Revolution soon after was married and settled in the village of Kane, Essex county, N. Y., where he was an agriculturalist until his death, in '41, his wife dying about '51. Of their nine children all lived over sixty years, and four are still living. He with five of his sons served in the War of '12. Harry Hull was married about '24, moved to St. Lawrence county about '26, and twenty years later to Wisconsin. In '47 he came to Peoria county ; in January, '50, settled in Stark, purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 30, Valley, and died here in '79. His first wife died here in '62. In '64 he married Mrs. Alice Surnberger, of Victoria, Ill., who survives him and resides on the homestead. To his first marriage twelve children were born, and to his last, two children. Of the first, six are living: Silas, Charles N., Nathan H, John D., Mrs. E. E. Dickenson, and Mrs. Sarah A. Boutan, of whom Charles N. resides in Valley with Euphrasia and Catherine, children of the second marriage. Charles Hull shared in the travels and fortunes of the family until '52, when he went to Princeville to learn the blacksmith's trade. In '60 he moved to Osceola and followed his trade there. In '61 he married Miss Calista E. Bales, of Orange county, O., then visiting her sister at Princeville. On September 20, '62, he enlisted in Company A, Second Illinois Light Artillery, and was in active service with the battery for thirty-four months without receiving a wound. On returning he worked at his trade until '70, when he removed to his Valley farm, which he had purchased prior to the war. In '76 he established a general store at Stark village, the first business there. In '82 Mr. Speers and he built the grain elevator there; in '84 he purchased his partner's interest therein, and since has carried on his large interests alone. In politics he has always been a Republican, avoiding office, and ever attentive to his own business and the development of his district. (Vide military and Valley histories.)