Biography - Maria Salvin
MRS. MARIA (VEATCH) SALVIN, a life-long resident of Johnson County, was born in Vienna Township April 5, 1853, a daughter of Ishmael and Pamelia (Chapman) Veatcb. She was reared and educated in her native township, and at the age of twenty-one was married to Franklin Salvin, who was greatly indebted to her cheerful and able co-operation in making his life successful.
Mr. Salvin was a native of North Carolina, and his father was George Washington Salvin, who is supposed to have been born in the same State. He resided there until 1854, when he came with his family to Illinois, and located in Johnson County. Franklin Salvin was reared to agricultural pursuits, and became a thoroughly practical, wide-awake, enterprising farmer. He was engaged at his calling at the breaking out of the war, and in 1862 he laid aside his work to enlist in the service as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Twentieth Illinois Infantry. He continued in the army until the dreadful war was finally brought to a close, standing firmly by the Old Flag and always at his post of duty, although his health was shattered by the hardships and exposure that make a soldier's life so trying, and he never fully regained his old-time vigor after his return home with his regiment.
After marriage Mr. Salvin resided on his father-in-law's farm three years, and then located on the farm in Bloomfield Township which is now in possession of his family. At the time of his settlement on it a set of log buildings and a few acres cleared constituted the entire improvements. He went to work with characteristic energy to further develop his property, and besides clearing up under good cultivation, he erected a substantial set of frame buildings, planted fruit trees, and otherwise increased the value of the place. He also purchased another farm of eighty acres adjoining the homestead, the greater part of which is well improved.
Mr. Salvin was actively engaged in the management of his farm until death stayed his hand from his labors, December 22, 1889, and the county was thus deprived of one of its most useful and honorable citizens. He was a Christian gentleman, and the Baptist Church sustained a severe loss in his demise. The community mourned him as a loyal citizen who was true to every trust and as a kind and considerate neighbor; and his family miss the presence of a devoted husband and father.
To Mr. Salvin and his wife were born six children: Mary, Charlie, Jennie, Melissa, Minnie and Ettie. Jennie died at the age of two years and eight months. Charlie, the only son, who was a member of the Baptist Church, and gave promise of a noble manhood, died at the age of seventeen. Melissa is the wife of Clinton Chapman, and resides in Ennis, Ellis County, Tex. Mrs. Salvin possesses those womanly attributes that win confidence and esteem, and these are accorded to her by all who know her. She and her daughter are among the active working members of the Baptist Church, and are interested in all that concerns the moral and religious welfare of the community.
Extracted 24 Jul 2016 by Norma Hass from 1893 Biographical Review of Johnson, Massac, Pope, and Hardin Counties, Illinois, pages 269-270
