Person:Matthias Barricklow (1)

The following two reports are part of the papers received from Alta Walls when she was asked about her family. Though she had written it longhand, the first is marked as: 'Copied from Illinois Historical and Douglas County Biographical, Illustrated 1910.' I believe the second to be taken from the Arcola newspaper--

Barricklow, Matthias

 Among those who have retired from active labor after long and useful lives spent in agricultural pursuits, and are now spending their declining years in the enjoyment of the fruits of their early labors, may be mentioned Matthias Barricklow, one of the prosperous citizens of Douglas County, Ill., who was born in 1839, in Ripley County, Ind., son of Edward Barricklow.
 When Matthias Barricklow was three years of age his mother died and he and a twin brother, Elias, were reared by Jeremy Pate and his wife, who accompanied Mr. Barricklow, his wife and two children and Elias to Coles County  , Coles County, Ill., in 1871.  Here the Barricklow brothers and Mr. Pate purchased 320 acres of rich prairie land, on which was situated a frame house of four rooms, a small barn and a smoke house.  About a year later the house had been completely repaired and four more rooms added to it, two on each side, and a large barn had also been built.  The partners remained there raising fine crops of corn and broom corn, until December 1904, when Mr. Barricklow removed to Douglas County.  In the meantime he had purchased three other farms, of 113, 194 and 80 acres, respectively, and now lives retired in his excellent residence of thirteen rooms, situated in Arcola.  With him lives Mrs. Pate, widow of his former partner, who was born January 7, 1812 and is therefore, more than ninety-eight years of age, and who is in full possession of all her faculties.  This dear old lady has lived in the same house with Mr. Barricklow in Coles County and Arcola for sixty-five years.
 On October 12, 1865, Matthias Barricklow was married by the Rev. Jeremiah Sparks, of the Methodist faith four miles from the town of Rising Sun, in Ohio County, Ind. to Margaret Ann Beaty, daughter of George and Rosannah Beaty, farming people of that county.  Six children have been born to this union, as follows: Sarah Ann born July 2, 1866, died April 22, 1884; Mary Drusilla, born January 31, 1868; George Pate, born February 21, 1873; Hiram Hart, born October 1876; Walter Raleigh, born January 16, 1883; and Harry Ross, born March 28, 1885.
 In political matters Mr. Barricklow is a Democrat.  He belongs to no religious denomination but his wife has been an active member of the Presbyterian Church for forty-five years.  Mr. Barricklow is a charter member of the Humboldt Bank, of Humboldt Station, and for twenty years has been a member of the Masonic Order.

M. Barricklow dies on Friday In this City --- Old Resident who came here from Indiana More than 40 years ago --- Jan. 22, 1915

 Matthias Barricklow, a resident of this section of the country for more than forty years, died Friday afternoon last week at his home on East Main Street.  For a year he had been in poor health, suffering from injuries received in a fall on an ice covered sidewalk in front of the home of Sam Cox last February.
 The fall caused an injury to the socket of one hip joint and possibly other injuries which never properly healed.  Complications arose which in the end caused his demise.  Through the summer months he was able to get around on the streets but for several weeks he had been confined to his home, constantly growing weaker.  Heart trouble was probably the direct cause of death.  Friday, shortly after dinner he was sitting up on the edge of the bed.  About three o'clock that afternoon the end came very unexpectedly and he passed away without a struggle.
 The funeral services were held Sunday morning at ten o'clock at his late home.  Rev. Henry E Neff, of the Presbyterian Church conducted the services at the house.  A large number of friends of the family were in attendance.  Members of the Masonic fraternity were present and escourted the remains to the Arcola cemetery.  There another service with Masonic rites were held at the door of the family mausoleum. 
 Matthias Barricklow was born in Ohio County, Indiana on May 14, 1839.  His mother died when he was between four and five years of age.  He and a twin brother were then adopted into the family of Jeremy Pate, the couple having no children of their own.  Mrs. Pate came on horseback for the two boys and placing one of them in front of her and the other behind her took them to her home.  Mrs. Pate died several months ago having attained the great age of 102 years.  Her death occurred at the Barricklow home, she and her adopted son having lived under the same roof for seventy years.
 Mr. Barricklow and Margaret Ann Beaty were married at Rising Sun, Indiana, October 12, 1865.  They had six children, five of whom with their mother survive.  They are Mrs. Isaac Younger, George and Hiram Barricklow of this city, Walter Barricklow of Belton, Montana, and Harry R. Barricklow of Moweaqua, Ill.  Mrs. James Brandenburg, another child, died a few years ago.
 The family came to Arcola from Indiana in March 1871 and resided on a farm two miles south of the city until December 15, 1904, when they moved to the East Main street residense.
 Mr Barricklow was a very successful farmer and at the time of his death owned about 600 acres of land in this vicinity, besides other property.  His wealth was acquired by good farming methods and judicious investments in land.  In all his business dealings Mr. Barricklow was the soul of honor and his word was accepted as a bond.  In politics he was a democrat--an old fasioned, uncompromising Democrat who stood for the principles of the party all the time.  There was nothing of hypocracy or sham about him, but a good rugged honesty which made him a great many friends who sincerely regret his death and who extend sympathy to the bereaved family.